Paging adaptation for network energy saving

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a UE, a network entity, a processor for wireless communication, methods, and a computer-readable medium for paging adaptation for network energy saving. A UE reports support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs and determines a PO from the first set of POs for receiving paging. A network entity determines a first set of POs for a plurality of UEs and disables a PO in the first set of POs based on a determination that none of the plurality of UEs will be paged to a PO. In this way, network energy saving for paging transmission is made possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more specifically to user equipment (UE), network entities, processors for wireless communication, methods, and computer-readable media for paging adaptation for network energy saving. Background Technology

[0002] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices, such as base stations, which may be otherwise known by eNodeBs (eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), or other suitable terms. Each network communication device, such as a base station, may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices, such as user equipment (UEs) or other suitable terms. A wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, etc.)) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers). Additionally, a wireless communication system may support wireless communication through various wireless access technologies, including third-generation (3G) wireless access technology, fourth-generation (4G) wireless access technology, and fifth-generation (5G) wireless access technology, and other suitable wireless access technologies beyond 5G, particularly sixth-generation (6G) wireless access technology.

[0003] In NR (new radio), paging enables the network to reach UEs in the RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE state via paging messages and to notify UEs of system information updates and ETWS (earthquake and tsunami warning system) / CMAS (commercial mobile alert system) indications via paging short messages. UEs can use Discontinuous Receive (DRX) in the RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE state to reduce power consumption. UEs monitor only one Paging Opportunity (PO) of one Paging Frame (PF) per DRX cycle (i.e., paging cycle). Meanwhile, to save energy in the network, the application of adaptations to POs, including limiting POs in the time domain, has been discussed. Implementations of PO adaptations need to be further studied and investigated.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a user equipment (UE), a network entity, a processor for wireless communication, methods, and a computer-readable medium for paging adaptation for network energy saving (NES). Solutions enabling network energy saving for paging transmission are proposed.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a UE is provided. The UE comprises a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor reports support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs through the transceiver; and is configured to determine a PO from the first set of POs for receiving paging.

[0006] In a second embodiment, a network entity is provided, comprising a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor determines a first set of paging opportunities (POs) for a plurality of UEs; and is configured to disable a PO in the first set of POs based on determining that none of the plurality of UEs will be paged to a PO.

[0007] In a third embodiment, a processor for wireless communication is provided. The processor includes at least one memory; and a controller coupled to at least one memory, and the processor is configured to allow the controller to report support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs; and to determine a PO from the first set of POs for receiving paging.

[0008] In a fourth embodiment, a method performed by a user device (UE) is provided, the method comprising: a step of reporting support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs; and a step of determining a PO from the first set of POs for receiving paging.

[0009] In a fifth embodiment, a method performed by a network entity is provided, the method comprising: determining a first set of paging opportunities (POs) for a plurality of UEs; and deactivating a PO in the first set of POs based on determining that none of the plurality of UEs will be paged to a PO.

[0010] In a sixth embodiment, a computer-readable medium storing instructions is provided, and when the instructions are executed by a processor of the device, the device enables the device to perform a method according to a fourth or fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, a UE may report to an access and mobility management function (AMF) that it supports receiving paging from a first set of POs, and the AMF may indicate to a network entity that multiple UEs support receiving paging from a first set of POs.

[0012] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, each of the plurality of UEs supports paging adaptation for network energy saving (NES), and a first set of POs for the plurality of UEs is different from a second set of POs configured in system information.

[0013] In some implementations of the methods, UE, and network entity described herein, the UE may receive a configuration from the network entity, and a first set of POs is determined based on the configuration.

[0014] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the configuration may be a PCCH-Config information element and may represent at least one parameter dedicated to a plurality of UEs.

[0015] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, at least one parameter may include a first parameter for deriving the number of paging frames (PFs) in a paging cycle; a second parameter for deriving a first monitoring opportunity for paging each PO of a PF; or at least one of a third parameter representing the number of POs per PF.

[0016] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the first parameter may be determined such that PFs for a first set of POs are assigned next to PFs for a second set of POs.

[0017] In the methods described herein, in some implementations of the UE and network entities, the second parameter, the third parameter, or both may be determined to have a first set of POs occupy time-consecutive slots or frames with a second set of POs.

[0018] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the configuration may be a PCCH-Config information element dedicated to a plurality of UEs.

[0019] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the configuration may represent a first set of POs as a subset of a second set of POs.

[0020] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the configuration may include a bitmap, and bits of the bitmap may indicate whether one of a second set of POs belongs to a first set of POs.

[0021] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the configuration represents the number K, and the first or last K POs of a second set of POs may belong to a first set of POs.

[0022] In some implementations of the methods, UE, and network entity described herein, the UE may detect, before receiving paging, a paging early indication (PEI) or a set of simplified synchronization signals / PBCH blocks (SSB) indicating whether a paging message should be sent to the UE subgroup to which the UE belongs; and upon detection of the set of simplified SSBs or the PEI, the UE may send a feedback signal to the network entity.

[0023] In the methods described herein, and in some implementations of the UE and network entity, a set of simplified SSBs or PEIs may be broadcast in a trace area comprising a plurality of cells.

[0024] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, each simplified SSB of a set of simplified SSBs may include only a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or only a PSS and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS).

[0025] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, a UE subgroup may be configured based on support for receiving paging from a first set of POs.

[0026] In the methods described herein, and in some implementations of the UE and network entities, the feedback signal may be transmitted using a set of detected simplified SSBs or the same beam as the PEI.

[0027] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the network entity may receive from an access and mobility management function (AMF) an indication representing a plurality of UEs that support receiving paging from a first set of POs.

[0028] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the network entity determines a first set of POs based on a configuration; and can transmit the configuration to a plurality of UEs.

[0029] In some implementations of the methods, UEs, and network entities described herein, the network entity transmits a paging early indication (PEI) or a set of simplified synchronization signals / PBCH blocks (SSBs) indicating whether a paging message should be transmitted to a UE subgroup before a paging transmission in a first set of POs; receives a feedback signal from a UE among a plurality of UEs that responds to the simplified SSBs or PEI; and, based on the reception of the feedback signal, can perform a paging transmission to a UE.

[0030] In the methods described herein, in some implementations of the UE and network entity, paging transmission can be performed using the same beam as the detected feedback signal. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process flow that reduces network power consumption for paging transmission according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates examples of POs configured in a DRX cycle according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a illustrates an example of UE feedback to dedicated reference signals (RS) for paging transmission according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4b illustrates an example of UE feedback to PEI for paging transmission according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a device suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a processor suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by user equipment according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a network entity according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, identical or similar reference numbers represent identical or similar elements. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure, but are intended to help a person skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure. The disclosures described herein may be implemented in various ways other than those described below. In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as generally understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0033] References to “one embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc. in this disclosure indicate that while the described embodiment(s) may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, not all embodiments are required to include specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s). In addition, when specific features, structures, or characteristics are described in relation to one embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art to have an effect on such features, structures, or characteristics in relation to other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0034] It should be understood that while terms such as "first" and "second" may be used in this specification to describe various elements, these elements are not to be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments, the first element may also be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element. As used in this specification, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms. In some examples, values, procedures, or devices are referred to as "best," "lowest," "highest," "minimum," "maximum," etc. It will be understood that these descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection may be made among many functional alternatives used, and that such selection does not need to be better, smaller, higher, or otherwise more desirable than other selections.

[0035] The terms used herein are intended only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments. As used herein, singular forms (“a,” “an,” and “the”) are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the mentioned features, elements, components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the term “comprising” and variations thereof should be read as open terms meaning “comprising, but not limited thereto.” The term “based on” should be read as “at least partially based.” The terms “one embodiment” and “one embodiment” should be read as “at least one embodiment.” The term "other embodiments" should be read as "at least one other embodiment." The use of expressions such as "A and / or B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0036] As mentioned, in 5G NR, paging enables the network to reach UEs in the RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE state via paging messages and to notify UEs of system information modifications and ETWS / CMAS indications via paging short messages. UEs can use Discontinuous Receive (DRX) in the RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE state to reduce power consumption. UEs monitor only one paging opportunity (PO) of one paging frame (PF) per DRX cycle (i.e., paging cycle).

[0037] A PF is a single radio frame and may include one or more PO(s) or the start point of a PO. A PO is a set of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring opportunities and may consist of multiple time slots for transmitting Paging Downlink Control Information (DCI). Paging DCI is transmitted per beam, and the beams for paging transmission are the same as the beams for Synchronization / PBCH Signal Block (SSB) transmission. The PF / PO for UE monitoring is determined by the UE ID.

[0038] For RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE UEs, paging configurations are broadcast via the information element PCCH-Config within System Information Block 1 (SIB1), which includes paging cycles, the number of PFs per paging cycle, the number of POs per PF, etc. Table 1 shows some of the relevant fields and descriptions for each configuration field.

[0039]

[0040] Table 1: Relevant fields in Paging Configuration PCCH-Config

[0041] From the design, it can be observed that POs are evenly distributed in each DRX cycle. This is a good approach to maximizing paging capacity, but it also causes high power consumption of the gNB during paging transmission, because the gNB may need to wake up frequently to transmit paging messages.

[0042] For robust paging reception, the UE needs to wake up and perform Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and time-frequency tracing before monitoring paging at the target PO. AGC and time-frequency tracing are obtained by measuring the SSBs transmitted prior to the PO. The number of SSBs measured by the UE typically depends on the UE's channel condition. The better the channel condition, the fewer SSBs may need to be measured. Furthermore, to reduce signaling exchanges between the gNB and UEs for idle / inactive UEs, the NR supports paging in trace areas. A trace area contains one or more cells, and when a UE is paged, all cells within the trace area must broadcast the paging message regardless of whether the UE is within their coverage. It can be observed that this scheme can cause high gNB power consumption during paging transmission, as the gNB may need to wake up to transmit paging even if the paged UEs are not under cell coverage.

[0043] To reduce UE power consumption for paging monitoring, NR Rel. 17 introduced Paging Early Indication (PEI). A PEI is associated with one or more PFs (and correspondingly one or more POs). It is transmitted per beam prior to the associated POs and indicates whether paging will be transmitted for each specific UE subgroup. From the perspective of the UE, the UE will monitor paging if the PEI indicates that a paging message will be transmitted for the UE subgroup to which the UE belongs. Otherwise, the UE will not monitor paging at the target PO.

[0044] UE subgroups are determined based on configuration from the core network (CN), that is, during UE registration with the network, or implicitly based on the UE ID. Furthermore, subgroups are determined for UEs monitoring the same PO. In particular, for CN-controlled UE subgrouping, the UE needs to report to the CN regarding support for the CN-controlled subgrouping, and the CN will then indicate the assigned subgroup ID to the UE. The CN also indicates the assigned subgroup IDs for the UEs to the gNB. When a paging message for a UE is received from the CN or generated by the gNB, the gNB determines the PO and associated PEI for the UE. The gNB transmits the associated PEI and indicates the corresponding CN-controlled subgroup of the UE to be paged from the PEI.

[0045] NR Rel. 19 discusses solutions for Network Energy Saving (NES), one of which is to introduce adaptation of paging opportunities, including limiting paging opportunities in the time domain. The present disclosure proposes solutions for reducing paging transmissions for NES purposes. This also addresses or at least mitigates the following two problems that cause high gNB power consumption for paging transmissions as mentioned.

[0046] The first problem is that distributed POs in the DRX cycle cause high gNB power consumption for paging transmissions. The second problem is unnecessary paging transmissions from cells in the tracking area when the paged UEs are within the coverage of other cells in the same tracking area.

[0047] In consideration of this, to reduce base station (e.g., gNB) power consumption for paging transmission, it is proposed that when registering with the network, a UE may indicate to the network its support for paging adaptation to NES. From this information, the network can determine a set of dedicated POs for such UEs. If such UEs are not paged, the POs are disabled. The base station may remain in sleep mode or inactive mode during time slots with disabled POs, or may switch to sleep mode or inactive mode, thereby enabling network energy savings.

[0048] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communication system. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system (100) in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The wireless communication system (100) may include one or more network entities (102) (also referred to as network equipment (NE)), one or more UEs (104), a core network (106), and a packet data network (108). The wireless communication system (100) may support various wireless access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communication system (100) may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communication system (100) may be a 5G network, such as an NR network. In other implementations, the wireless communication system (100) may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable wireless access technology including IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20. The wireless communication system (100) may support wireless access technologies beyond 5G. Additionally, the wireless communication system (100) may support technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

[0049] One or more network entities (102) may be distributed across a geographical area to form a wireless communication system (100). One or more of the network entities (102) described herein may be network nodes, base stations, network elements, wireless access networks (RAN), base transceiver stations, access points, NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other appropriate terms, or may include or be referred to as such. Network entities (102) and UEs (104) may communicate through a communication link (110) which may be wireless or wired connection. For example, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) through a Uu interface. In a 3GPP non-terrestrial network (NTN), a network entity (102) in the form of a satellite can communicate directly with a UE (104) using an NR / LTE Uu interface. The satellite can be a transparent satellite or a regenerative satellite. In the case of an NTN with a transparent satellite, a base station on Earth can communicate with the UE via the satellite. In the case of an NTN with a regenerative satellite, the base station can be on board and can communicate directly with the UE.

[0050] A network entity (102) may provide a geographic coverage area (112) in which the network entity (102) can support services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) for one or more UEs (104) within the geographic coverage area (112). For example, the network entity (102) and the UE (104) may support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or more wireless access technologies. In some implementations, the network entity (102) may be mobile and may be, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network. In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas (112) associated with the same or different wireless access technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas (112) may be associated with different network entities (102). The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of the various different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0051] One or more UEs (104) may be distributed across the entire geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system (100). The UE (104) may include or be referred to as a mobile device, wireless device, remote device, remote unit, handheld device, or subscriber device, or some other suitable term. In some implementations, the UE (104) may be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, among other examples. Additionally or alternatively, the UE (104) may be referred to as an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device, Internet-of-Everything (IoE) device, or Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device, among other examples. In some implementations, the UE (104) may be stationary within the wireless communication system (100). In some other implementations, the UE (104) may move within the wireless communication system (100).

[0052] One or more UEs (104) may be devices having different forms or different capabilities. Some examples of UEs (104) are illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the UE (104) may communicate with various types of devices, such as network entities (102), other UEs (104), or network equipment (e.g., a core network (106), a packet data network (108), a relay device, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or other network equipment). Additionally, or alternatively, the UE (104) may support communication with other network entities (102) or UEs (104) that can act as relays in the wireless communication system (100).

[0053] The UE (104) may also support direct wireless communication with other UEs (104) via a communication link (114). For example, the UE (104) may support direct wireless communication with other UEs (104) via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link (114) may be referred to as a side link. For example, the UE (104) may support direct wireless communication with other UEs (104) via a PC5 interface.

[0054] A network entity (102) may support communication with a core network (106), other network entities (102), or both. For example, a network entity (102) may interface with the core network (106) through one or more backhaul links (116) (e.g., through S1, N2, N2 or other network interfaces). Network entities (102) may communicate with each other through backhaul links (116) (e.g., through X2, Xn or other network interfaces). In some implementations, network entities (102) may communicate directly with each other (e.g., between network entities (102)). In some other implementations, network entities (102) may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., through the core network (106)). In some implementations, one or more network entities (102) may include subcomponents such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). The ANC may communicate with one or more UEs (104) through one or more other access network transmitting entities, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit-receive points (TRPs).

[0055] In some implementations, the network entity (102) may be configured as a non-aggregated architecture that can be configured to utilize protocol stacks physically or logically distributed between two or more network entities (102), such as an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) network, an Open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a Virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., Cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, the network entity (102) may include one or more of a Central Unit (CU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Radio Unit (RU), a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) (e.g., Near-RT RIC, Non-RT RIC), a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) system, or any combination thereof.

[0056] The RU may also be referred to as a radio head, smart radio head, remote radio head (RRH), remote radio unit (RRU), or transmit receiving point (TRP). One or more components of network entities (102) within a non-aggregated RAN architecture may be juxtaposed, or one or more components of network entities (102) may be located at distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some implementations, one or more network entities (102) of a non-aggregated RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0057] The partitioning of functions between the CU, DU, and RU can be flexible and may support different functions depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, radio frequency functions, and any combination thereof) are performed in the CU, DU, or RU. For example, a partitioning of functions of the protocol stack may be used between the CU and the DU so that the CU can support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the DU can support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some implementations, the CU may host higher protocol layer functions (e.g., Layer 3 (L3), Layer 2 (L2)) and signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), Data Adaptation Protocol for Services (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)). A CU may be connected to one or more DUs or RUs, and one or more DUs or RUs may host lower protocol layers such as Layer 1 (L1) (e.g., Physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., Wireless Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer) functionality and signaling, and each may be controlled at least partially by the CU (160).

[0058] Additionally, or alternatively, a functional partition of the protocol stack may be utilized between the DU and the RU so that the DU can support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the RU can support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DU may support one or more different cells (e.g., through one or more RUs). In some implementations, the functional partition between the CU and the DU, or between the DU and the RU, may exist within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer may be performed by one of the CU, DU, or RU, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by a different of the CU, DU, or RU).

[0059] The CU can be functionally further subdivided into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. The CU can be connected to one or more DUs via midhaul communication links (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and the DUs can be connected to one or more RUs via fronthaul communication links (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interfaces). In some implementations, the midhaul communication links or fronthaul communication links may be implemented according to an interface (e.g., a channel) between layers of the protocol stack supported by each network entity (102) communicating through these communication links.

[0060] The core network (106) may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network (106) may be an advanced packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC) that may include a server (117) for performing location management functions (LMF), control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., mobility management entities (MME), access and mobility management functions (AMF)), and user plane entities that route packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., serving gateway (S-GW), packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or user plane functions (UPF)). In some implementations, a control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc.), for one or more UEs (104) served by one or more network entities (102) associated with a core network (106). An LMF may be defined in the core network (106) and / or network entity (102) to provide positioning functionality by means of determining the geographic location of the UE (104) based on downlink and uplink positioning radio signals. The packet data network (108) may include an application server (118).

[0061] The core network (106) may communicate with the packet data network (108) through one or more backhaul links (116) (e.g., through S1, N2, N2 or other network interfaces). The packet data network (108) may include an application server (118). In some implementations, one or more UEs (104) may communicate with the application server (118). The UE (104) may establish a session (e.g., a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session) with the core network (106) through a network entity (102). The core network (106) may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, etc.) between the UE (104) and the application server (118) using the established session (e.g., an established PDU session). A PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE (104) and the core network (106) (e.g., one or more network functions of the core network (106)).

[0062] In a wireless communication system (100), network entities (102) and UEs (104) can perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication) using the resources of the wireless communication system (100) (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)). In some implementations, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may support different resource structures. For example, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may support different frame structures. In some implementations, for example in 4G, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, for example in 5G and among other suitable wireless access technologies, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). Network entities (102) and UEs (104) can support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

[0063] One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communication system (100), and the numerologies may include a subcarrier interval and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., μ=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with the first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., μ=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier interval (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., μ=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier interval (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. The fourth numerology (e.g., μ = 3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier interval (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. The fifth numerology (e.g., μ = 4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier interval (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0064] Time intervals of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) can be organized according to frames (also referred to as wireless frames). Each frame may have a duration, for example, 10 milliseconds (ms). In some implementations, each frame may contain multiple subframes. For example, each frame may contain 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, for example, 1ms. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, time intervals of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may contain a number of (e.g., quantity) slots. The number of slots within each subframe may also depend on one or more numerologies supported by the wireless communication system (100). For example, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., μ=0, μ=1, μ=2, μ=3, μ=4) associated with each subcarrier interval of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may each utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and sixteen slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may contain a number of (e.g., quantity) symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number of slots (e.g., quantity) for a subframe may depend on the numerology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a slot may contain 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable to a 60 kHz subcarrier interval), a slot may contain 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for the normal cyclic prefix and the extended cyclic prefix may depend on the numerology. It should be understood that a reference to a first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with a first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[0066] In a wireless communication system (100), the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be divided into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system (100) may support one or more operating frequency bands such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 500 GHz). In some implementations, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may perform wireless communication through one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by network entities (102) and UEs (104), in particular among other equipment or devices, for cellular communication traffic (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by network entities (102) and UEs (104), in particular among other equipment or devices, for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0067] FR1 may be associated with one or more numerologies (e.g., at least three numerologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology including a 15 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=0); a second numerology including a 30 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=1); and a third numerology including a 60 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=2). FR2 may be associated with one or more numerologies (e.g., at least two numerologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology including a 60 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=2); and a fourth numerology including a 120 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=3).

[0068] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process flow that reduces network power consumption for paging transmission according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The process flow (200) may involve a UE (201), a network entity (e.g., a base station such as a gNB) (202), and an AMF (203). The process flow (200) may be applied to a wireless communication system (100) with reference to FIG. 1, for example, the UE (201) may be any of the UEs (104), the network entity (202) may be any of the network entities (102), and the AMF (203) may be a server (117) within the core network (106). It will be known that the process flow (200) may be applied to other communication scenarios.

[0069] In 210, the UE (210) may report data (215) indicating support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs). The first set of POs is configured for a plurality of UEs (hereinafter, support UEs), each of which supports such paging reception. In this disclosure, the first set of POs may also be referred to as dedicated POs, because only UEs capable of supporting paging adaptation for Network Energy Saving (NES) can receive paging messages from such POs. The support UE can support paging adaptation for NES. In some embodiments, the first set of POs for the support UEs is different from the second set of POs configured in the system information. In some embodiments, the reported data (215) may indicate only UE support for paging adaptation or UE support for NES.

[0070] In some embodiments, the UE (201) may transmit report data (215) to an AMF (203) in the core network via non-access stratum (NAS) signaling. Thus, in 220, the AMF (203) may receive the report data (215). The UE (201) may report this data (215) to the AMF (203) when it receives from the SIB that paging adaptation is supported by the cell and serving network entity (202).

[0071] The AMF (203) can collect such report data (215) from a communication network from multiple UEs (i.e., support UEs) that support paging from dedicated POs. Then, the AMF (203) can indicate to the network entity (202) which UE supports paging from dedicated POs. As illustrated in FIG. 2, at 230, the AMF (203) can transmit a message (235) that displays a list of UE IDs of the support UEs. Thus, at 240, the network entity (202) can receive the message (235) that displays the UE IDs of the support UEs.

[0072] At 250, the network entity (202) may determine the arrival or generation of paging messages for the UE (201). At 260, the network entity (202) may disable a PO in a first set of POs based on the determination that none of the supporting UEs will be paged to the PO. On the UE side, at 270, the UE (201) may determine a PO from the first set of POs. The UE (201) may monitor the determined PO for paging messages. At 280, if there is a paging message for the UE (201), the network entity (202) may send a paging message (285) in a PO from the first set of POs to the UE (201). Thus, at 290, the UE (201) may receive a paging message (285) in such a PO.

[0073] Regarding the determination of the first set of POs as dedicated POs, one solution is that the dedicated POs can be determined based on the configuration transmitted from the network entity to the UE (201). In this way, the dedicated POs can be aligned between the network entity (202) and the supporting UE (201). In some embodiments, the configuration may be a PCCH-Config information element, which is applicable to non-supported UEs (i.e., these UEs cannot use dedicated POs), but has dedicated parameter(s) for supporting UEs. The calculation of POs based on the dedicated parameter(s) results in dedicated POs (i.e., the first set of POs) that are different from those configured in the system information for non-supported UEs (i.e., the second set of POs).

[0074] For example, a configuration in the form of a PCCH-Config information element may include at least one of {nAndPagingFrameOffset, firstPdcch-MonitoringOccasionOfPO, ns} dedicated to supporting UEs for paging configuration. The parameter nAndPagingFrameOffset is used to derive the number of paging frames (PFs) in a paging cycle. The parameter firstPdcch-MonitoringOccasionOfPO is used to derive the first monitoring opportunity for paging of each PO in a PF. The parameter ns represents the number of POs per PF.

[0075] Additionally, since the first set of POs is dedicated to and explicitly configured for the supporting UEs, they can be flexibly allocated in the time domain. In some embodiments, the dedicated POs may be allocated in time-consecutive slots or frames with the second set of POs configured in the system information. Placing the dedicated POs consecutively with the POs configured in the system information is beneficial for network energy saving because it achieves more concise PO allocation in the time domain. This reduces the on-duration of the network entity (202) and thus achieves power saving. Such allocation can be achieved by carefully configuring the dedicated POs.

[0076] In some embodiments, the PF offset through the parameter nAndPagingFrameOffset for dedicated POs can be appropriately configured so that the PFs for dedicated POs are assigned next to the PFs for POs configured in the system information. Additionally or alternatively, the PFs for dedicated POs may be identical to the PFs configured in the system information, and the dedicated POs of supporting UEs are determined to be assigned next to the POs configured in the system information within the same PF. That is, the dedicated POs occupy slots or frames that are time-consecutive with the second set of POs. This can be achieved by appropriately configuring one or more of the parameters firstPdcch-MonitoringOccasionOfPO and ns for dedicated POs.

[0077] In some embodiments, the configuration may be a PCCH-Config information element dedicated to the supporting UEs. That is, the number of PFs and / or POs for the supporting UEs may be configured separately through parameter(s).

[0078] FIG. 3 illustrates examples of POs configured in a DRX cycle according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, there are two POs configured in a DRX cycle. In Example 1 as a legacy, the two POs are distributed in the time domain, PO#0 is used for UE set {#A, #B} to receive paging, and PO#1 is used for UE set {#C, #D} to receive paging. UE set {#A, #C} consists of support UEs, and UE set {#B, #D} consists of support UEs. In Example 2 as proposed, there are still two POs, but PO#0 is configured for non-support UEs, and PO#1 is a dedicated PO for support UEs. If neither of support UEs #B and #D is paged, PO#1 will be deactivated. In addition, PO#1 is assigned close to PO#0, so that network entities (202) have more opportunities to remain in deep sleep mode when paging signals are not transmitted.

[0079] Regarding the determination of dedicated POs, another solution is to determine that the dedicated POs for supporting UEs are a subset of the POs configured in the system information. The configuration may include an indication representing a subset of the POs configured in the system information. For example, a subset of PFs configured in the system information or a subset of POs configured in the system information per PF may be indicated for supporting UEs for paging purposes.

[0080] The indication can be made via broadcast signaling such as SIB, or dynamically indicated via DCI. In some embodiments, the indication may be in the form of a bitmap, where one bit indicates whether a PO configured in the system information is dedicated and can be used for supporting UEs. Alternatively, the indication may display a specific number K, where the first or last K POs of the PF are dedicated and can be used for supporting UEs. From this behavior, one subset of POs configured in the system information may be associated with more UEs (including both non-supported and supporting UEs), and another subset of POs may be associated with fewer UEs (legacy UEs, i.e., only dedicated POs). Compared to distributing UEs evenly among the POs, this solution enables a higher probability of disabling a subset of POs with fewer UEs, which is beneficial for network energy saving.

[0081] Additionally, in the case of a scenario where the tracking area includes multiple cells, it is beneficial for the network entity (202) (hereinafter, e.g., gNB) to know whether paged UEs are within its coverage. If no paged UEs are within its coverage, the network entity (202) will not transmit paging signals and thus can maintain a longer sleep mode. To achieve this goal, the UE (204) may be configured to provide feedback when receiving or detecting reference signals for signals / channels for receiving paging, such as AGC / tracking or PEI. Based on the UE feedback, the network entity (202) can know whether the UE is within its coverage.

[0082] To reduce UE power consumption for the transmission of feedback signals, such a scheme is primarily used when dedicated signals for supporting UEs are received before paging. Below, two embodiments of UE feedback are proposed to explain how network and UE power are saved during paging transmission and reception.

[0083] FIG. 4a illustrates an example of UE feedback for dedicated reference signals (RS) for paging transmission according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In a first embodiment, when long periodic SSBs are transmitted by a network entity, supporting UEs may be configured to monitor short periodic SSBs or a set of simplified SSBs (e.g., including only the primary synchronization signal (PSS) or only the PSS and secondary synchronization signal (SSS)), or other types of reference signals prior to PO to achieve AGC and time-frequency tracking. These types of reference signals are dedicated to UEs supporting dedicated POs. The behavior of the UE and gNB is as follows.

[0084] From the perspective of the UE, if no dedicated reference signal is received prior to paging, the UE assumes that no paging signal will be transmitted from the next PO and does not provide feedback (this also implies that the UE will provide a feedback signal only when at least one UE supporting the dedicated POs is paging). When a dedicated reference signal is received, the UE will transmit a feedback signal to the gNB to allow the gNB to identify whether there are UEs being paged within its coverage. From the perspective of the gNB, if no feedback signal is received after transmitting the dedicated reference signals, the gNB will not transmit paging from the next dedicated POs for supporting UEs. Otherwise, the paging signal will be transmitted.

[0085] Additionally, there may be beam correspondence between the reference signal and the feedback signal; that is, the feedback signal is transmitted using the same beam as the detected reference signal. From the gNB's perspective, if the feedback signal is received from a specific beam, the gNB can transmit paging only from the corresponding beam. The gNB will not transmit paging for other beams (in dedicated POs). This further reduces power consumption for paging transmission.

[0086] FIG. 4b illustrates an example of UE feedback for a PEI for paging transmission according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As a second embodiment, when a PEI is transmitted for paging, the supporting UEs may be organized into dedicated UE subgroups. This organization may be indicated by the core network (e.g., AMF) when the core network receives a UE report that paging adaptation for dedicated POs or NES is supported. The core network may organize dedicated UE subgroups based on the fact that the UEs support paging adaptation for dedicated POs or NES. The core network may also indicate this information to the gNB. The behavior of the UE and gNB is as follows.

[0087] From the perspective of the UE (e.g., UE (204)), if the PEI is not received, or if the PEI is received but indicates that paging will not be transmitted in the PO for the subgroup of UEs to which the UE belongs, the supporting UE will not transmit a feedback signal. If the PEI indicates that the paging message will be transmitted for the UE subgroup to which the UE belongs (the dedicated UE subgroup for supporting UEs), the supporting UE will transmit a feedback signal after receiving the PEI. From the perspective of the gNB, if the feedback signal is not received from the UE subgroup for supporting UEs, the gNB will not transmit paging in the next dedicated POs for the UE subgroup.

[0088] Similar to the first embodiment, beam correspondence may exist between the PEI and the feedback signal, that is, the feedback signal is transmitted using the same beam as the detected PEI. From the perspective of the gNB, if the feedback signal is received from a specific beam, the gNB will transmit paging only from the corresponding beam. The gNB will not transmit paging for other beams (in dedicated POs). This further reduces power consumption for paging transmission.

[0089] Regarding feedback signals from the UE, one option is to use a dedicated Random Access Channel (RACH) preamble for reporting. This RACH preamble can be configured in the SIB. The UE may transmit the RACH preamble at a RACH opportunity after a predefined / configured time offset based on the detected reference signal(s) or PEI. Another option is to use a dedicated signal for reporting, in which case the dedicated signal is transmitted at a time opportunity after a predefined / configured time offset based on the detected reference signal(s) or PEI.

[0090] According to some embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 through 4b, solutions for reducing paging transmissions for NES purposes are proposed. In some embodiments, dedicated POs are introduced to avoid high network power consumption for paging transmissions via distributed POs in a DRX cycle. In some embodiments, if paged UEs are within the coverage of other cells in the same trace area, unnecessary paging transmissions from cells within the trace area are avoided.

[0091] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a device suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. The device (500) may be an example of a UE (104) or a network entity (102) as described herein. The device (500) may support wireless communication with one or more network entities (102), UEs (104), or any combination thereof. The device (500) may include components for bidirectional communication, such as a processor (502), memory (504), a transceiver (506), and optionally an I / O controller (508), for transmitting and receiving communication. These components may communicate electronically through one or more interfaces (e.g., a bus) or may be combined in other ways (e.g., operablely, communically, functionally, electronically, electrically).

[0092] A processor (502), memory (504), transceiver (506), or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for carrying out various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. For example, a processor (502), memory (504), transceiver (506), or various combinations thereof or components thereof may support a method for carrying out one or more of the operations described herein.

[0093] In some implementations, the processor (502), memory (504), transceiver (506), or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., as a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, individual gate or transistor logic, individual hardware components, or any combination thereof, configured as a means to perform or otherwise support the functions described in this disclosure. In some implementations, the processor (502) and the memory (504) coupled with the processor (502) may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing instructions stored in the memory (504) by the processor (502).

[0094] For example, the processor (502) may support wireless communication in the device (500) according to examples as disclosed herein. The device (500) may be an example of a UE (104). In this case, the processor (502) may be configured to be operable to support means for reporting support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs; and means for determining a PO from the first set of POs for receiving paging.

[0095] The device (500) may be a network entity (102), for example, an example of a network entity. In this case, the processor (502) may be configured to be operable to support means for determining a first set of paging opportunities (POs) for a plurality of UEs; and means for deactivating a PO in the first set of POs based on determining that none of the plurality of UEs will be paged to a PO.

[0096] The processor (502) may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, an individual gate or transistor logic component, an individual hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor (502) may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor (502). The processor (502) may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory (504)) to enable the device (500) to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0097] Memory (504) may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory (504) may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that enable the device (500) to perform various functions described herein when executed by the processor (502). The code may be stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium, such as system memory or other types of memory. In some implementations, the code may not be directly executable by the processor (502), but may enable the computer to perform the functions described herein (e.g., when compiled and executed). In some implementations, memory (504) may include a basic I / O system (BIOS) capable of controlling basic hardware or software operations, such as interactions with peripheral components or devices.

[0098] The I / O controller (508) can manage input and output signals for the device (500). The I / O controller (508) can also manage peripherals that are not integrated into the device (500). In some implementations, the I / O controller (508) may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some implementations, the I / O controller (508) may use an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or other known operating systems. In some implementations, the I / O controller (508) may be implemented as part of a processor such as a processor (502). In some implementations, a user may interact with the device (500) through the I / O controller (508) or through hardware components controlled by the I / O controller (508).

[0099] In some implementations, the device (500) may include a single antenna (510). However, in some other implementations, the device (500) may have two or more antennas (510) (i.e., multiple antennas) comprising multiple antenna panels or antenna arrays capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver (506) may communicate bidirectionally through one or more antennas (510), wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver (506) may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver (506) may also include a modem that modulates packets, provides the modulated packets to one or more antennas (510) for transmission, and demodulates packets received from one or more antennas (510). The transceiver (506) may include one or more transmission chains, one or more reception chains, or a combination thereof.

[0100] A transmission chain may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmission chain may include at least one modulator for modulating data over a carrier signal and preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmission chain may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. The transmission chain may also include one or more antennas (510) for transmitting the amplified signal into air or a wireless medium.

[0101] A receiving chain may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) through a wireless medium. For example, a receiving chain may include one or more antennas (510) for receiving signals through air or a wireless medium. A receiving chain may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. A receiving chain may include at least one demodulator configured to obtain transmitted data by demodulating the received signal and inverting the modulation technique applied during the transmission of the signal. A receiving chain may include at least one decoder for decoding the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0102] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a processor (600) suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor (600) may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations according to examples as described herein. The processor (600) may include a controller (602) configured to perform various operations according to examples as described herein. The processor (600) may optionally include at least one memory (604). Additionally or alternatively, the processor (600) may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) (606). One or more of these components may be electronically communicated through one or more interfaces (e.g., buses) or otherwise coupled (e.g., operablely, communically, functionally, electronically, electrically).

[0103] The processor (600) may be a processor chipset and may include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, acquiring, searching, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) according to examples described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., processor (600)) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), etc.).

[0104] The controller (602) may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations of the processor (600) (e.g., signaling, receiving, acquiring, searching, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) so that the processor (600) supports various operations according to examples described herein. For example, the controller (602) may operate as a control unit of the processor (600) and generate control signals that manage the operations of various components of the processor (600). These control signals include enabling or disabling function units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating the timing of operations.

[0105] The controller (602) may be configured to fetch instructions from memory (604) (e.g., acquire, retrieve, receive) and to determine subsequent instruction(s) to be executed in order to enable the processor (600) to support various operations according to examples described herein. The controller (602) may be configured to track the memory addresses of instructions associated with memory (604). The controller (602) may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operations to be performed and the accompanying operands. For example, the controller (602) may be configured to interpret instructions and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor (600) so that the processor (600) can support various operations according to examples described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the controller (602) may be configured to manage the flow of data within the processor (600). The controller (602) may be configured to control the transfer of data between the registers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), and other functional units of the processor (600).

[0106] Memory (604) may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or contained in the processor (600)), or other memory such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some implementations, memory (604) may be located within or on the processor chipset (e.g., local to the processor (600)). In some other implementations, memory (604) may be located outside the processor chipset (e.g., remote to the processor (600)).

[0107] Memory (604) may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by the processor (600), cause the processor (600) to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium, such as system memory or other types of memory. The controller (602) and / or the processor (600) may be configured to execute the computer-readable instructions stored in the memory (604) to cause the processor (600) to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support transmission power prioritization). For example, the processor (600) and / or the controller (602) may be coupled with or connected to the memory (604), and the processor (600), the controller (602), and the memory (604) may be configured to perform the various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor (600) may include multiple processors, and the memory (604) may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be combined with one or more of the multiple memories, and they may be configured to perform various functions of this specification individually or collectively.

[0108] One or more ALUs (606) may be configured to support various operations according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, one or more ALUs (606) may be located within or on a processor chipset (e.g., processor (600)). In some other implementations, one or more ALUs (606) may be located outside the processor chipset (e.g., processor (600)). One or more ALUs (606) may perform one or more operations on data, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, one or more ALUs (606) may receive input operands and an operation code that determines the operation to be executed. One or more ALUs (606) are composed of various logic and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, for processing and manipulating data according to the operation. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more ALUs (606) may support logical operations such as AND, OR, XOR (exclusive-OR), NOR (not-OR), and NAND (not-AND), thereby enabling one or more ALUs (606) to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0109] The processor (600) may support wireless communication according to examples as disclosed in this specification. The processor (600) may be implemented in the UE (104). In this case, the processor (600) may be configured to be operable to support means for reporting support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs; and means for determining a PO from the first set of POs for receiving paging.

[0110] The processor (600) may be implemented in a network entity (102), for example, a base station. In this case, the processor (600) may be configured to be operable to support means for determining a first set of paging opportunities (POs) for a plurality of UEs; and means for deactivating a PO in the first set of POs based on determining that none of the plurality of UEs will be paged to a PO.

[0111] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method (700) performed by a UE according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Operations of the method (700) may be implemented by a device or its components as described herein. For example, operations of the method (700) may be performed by a UE (104) as described herein. In some implementations, the device may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device may use special-purpose hardware to perform embodiments of the described functions.

[0112] In 710, the method may include the step of reporting support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs. The operations of 710 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 710 may be performed by the UE (104) as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0113] In 720, the method may include the step of determining a PO from a first set of POs for paging reception. The operations of 720 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 720 may be performed by the UE (104) as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0114] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method (800) performed by a network entity according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Operations of the method (800) may be implemented by a device or its components as described herein. For example, operations of the method (800) may be performed by a network entity (102) as described herein. In some implementations, the device may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device may use special-purpose hardware to perform embodiments of the described functions.

[0115] In 810, the method may include the step of determining a first set of paging opportunities (POs) for a plurality of UEs. The operations of 810 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 810 may be performed by a network entity (102) as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0116] In 820, the method may include the step of deactivating a PO in a first set of POs based on determining that none of the plurality of UEs will be paged to the PO. The operations of 820 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation (820) may be performed by a network entity (102) as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0117] It should be noted that the methods described in this specification describe possible implementations, and that operations and steps may be rearranged or modified in other ways, and that other implementations are possible. Additionally, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0118] The various exemplary blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure of this specification may be implemented or performed by a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, FPGA or other programmable logic device, individual gate or transistor logic, individual hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described in this specification. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0119] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of the software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions may also be physically located at various locations, including distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0120] Computer-readable media include both non-transient computer storage media and communication media, comprising any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transient storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, non-transient computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM), flash memory, CD (compact disk) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transient medium that can be used to carry or store a desired means of program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

[0121] As used herein, including in the claims, the article "a" preceding an element is understood to refer to "at least one" of such elements or "one or more" of such elements without limitation. The terms "one," "at least one," "one or more," and "at least one of one or more" may be interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, the word "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items preceded by phrases such as "at least one of," "one or more of," or "one or both of") indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A, B, and C). Additionally, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as “based on Condition A” may be based on both Condition A and Condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. That is, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should be interpreted in the same way as the phrase “based at least partially on”. Additionally, as used herein, including in claims, “set” may include one or more elements.

[0122] The description in this specification is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles defined in this specification may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described in this specification, but should be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed in this specification.

Claims

Claim 1 A user device (UE) comprising: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor reports, through the transceiver, support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs; and a UE configured to determine a PO from the first set of POs for receiving paging. Claim 2 In claim 1, the processor is configured to report support for receiving paging from a first set of POs to a plurality of UEs by reporting support for receiving paging from a first set of POs to an access and mobility management function (AMF), and the AMF indicates to a network entity that the plurality of UEs support receiving paging from a first set of POs. Claim 3 In claim 1, each of the plurality of UEs supports paging adaptation for network energy saving (NES), and the first set of POs for the plurality of UEs is different from the second set of POs configured in the system information. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the processor is further configured to receive a configuration from the network entity, and the first set of POs are determined based on the configuration, UE. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the above configuration is a PCCH-Config information element, and the UE displays at least one parameter dedicated to the plurality of UEs. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the above at least one parameter comprises: a first parameter for deriving the number of paging frames (PF) in a paging cycle; a second parameter for deriving a first monitoring opportunity for paging of each PO of the PF; or at least one of a third parameter representing the number of POs per PF, wherein the UE. Claim 7 In paragraph 6, the first parameter is determined such that the PFs for the first set of POs are assigned next to the PFs for the second set of POs, UE. Claim 8 In paragraph 6, the second parameter, the third parameter, or both are determined such that the first set of POs occupies time-consecutive slots or frames with the second set of POs, in a UE. Claim 9 In paragraph 4, the above configuration is a UE, which is a PCCH-Config information element dedicated to the plurality of UEs. Claim 10 In paragraph 3, the above configuration represents a first set of POs as a subset of a second set of POs, UE. Claim 11 In paragraph 10, the above configuration includes a bitmap, and the bits of the bitmap indicate whether one of the second set of POs belongs to the first set of POs, UE. Claim 12 In paragraph 10, the above configuration represents the number K, and the first or last K POs of the second set of POs belong to the first set of POs, UE. Claim 13 In claim 1, the processor detects, before receiving paging, a set of paging early indications (PEI) or simplified synchronization signals / PBCH blocks (SSB) indicating whether a paging message should be transmitted to a UE subgroup to which the UE belongs; and the UE is further configured to transmit a feedback signal to the network entity upon detection of the set of simplified SSBs or the PEI. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the set of simplified SSBs or the PEI is broadcast in a tracking area comprising a plurality of cells, UE. Claim 15 In paragraph 13, each simplified SSB of the set of simplified SSBs comprises only the primary synchronization signal (PSS), or only the PSS and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), UE. Claim 16 In paragraph 13, the above-mentioned UE subgroup is configured based on support for receiving paging from a first set of above-mentioned POs, a UE. Claim 17 In paragraph 13, the feedback signal is transmitted using the same beam as the set of detected simplified SSBs or PEI, in a UE. Claim 18 A network entity comprising: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to said processor, wherein the processor determines a first set of paging opportunities (POs) for a plurality of UEs; and is configured to disable a PO in the first set of said POs based on determining that none of said plurality of UEs will be paged to said PO. Claim 19 A processor for wireless communication comprising: at least one memory; and a controller coupled to said at least one memory, wherein the controller is configured to report support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs; and to determine a PO from the first set of said POs for receiving paging. Claim 20 A method performed by a user device (UE), comprising: reporting support for receiving paging from a first set of paging opportunities (POs) configured for a plurality of UEs; and determining a PO from the first set of POs for receiving paging.

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