Electronic device for performing searching and method for operating thereof

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments may include at least one communication processor that supports at least one network communication, and the at least one communication processor may be configured to enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell, enter a deactivated state based on detecting an RRC release message, confirm that service provision is not possible in the deactivated state, perform a search until a timer started based on the reception of the RRC release message expires, and maintain the deactivated state based on camp-on to a selected cell according to the search result. Various other embodiments are possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for performing a search and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent advancement of mobile communication technology leading to the widespread use of mobile terminals with various functions, efforts are being made to develop 5G communication systems to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic. To achieve high data transmission rates and provide faster data transmission speeds, 5G communication systems are also being considered for implementation in ultra-high frequency bands in addition to the high frequency bands used in 3G and LTE.

[0003] As methods for implementing 5G communication, SA (stand alone) and NSA (non-stand alone) methods are being considered. Among these, the NSA method may include EN-DC (LTE NR - Dual Connectivity) which utilizes the NR (new radio) system together with the existing LTE system. In the NSA method, the user terminal can use the gNB of the NR system as well as the eNB of the LTE system.

[0004] In 5G NR standards (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.331), an inactive state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE state) is defined. User equipment (UE) can operate at low power in the inactive state, just as it does in the idle state (e.g., RRC_IDLE state). Additionally, when a user device transitions from the inactive state back to the connected state (e.g., RRC_Connected state), the transition may be possible via resume messages only, without delay and / or signaling. In the idle state (e.g., RRC_IDLE state) defined in LTE standards, only core network (CN) paging can be monitored. In the newly defined 5G inactive state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE state), the movement of user devices can be managed at the radio access network (RAN) level, and in the inactive state, both RAN paging and CN paging can be monitored. In addition, when disabled, the user device can maintain the access stratum (AS) context, allowing for easy subsequent connection formation. The problem to be solved

[0005] In 5G NR standards (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.331), the operation in the NR RRC_INACTIVE state is described. However, 5G NR standards do not disclose the actions that a user device must perform when it detects that it is out of service. As described above, in the inactive state, the user device can monitor both RAN paging and CN paging and maintain the AS context, so it may be more advantageous for the user device to maintain the inactive state for as long as possible.

[0006] An electronic device and a method of operation according to various embodiments can perform a search while maintaining a deactivated state when it is confirmed that service provision by a serving PLMN (public land mobile network) is impossible in a deactivated state. means of solving the problem

[0007] An electronic device according to various embodiments may include at least one communication processor that supports at least one network communication, and the at least one communication processor may be configured to enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell, enter a deactivated state based on detecting an RRC release message, confirm that service provision is not possible in the deactivated state, perform a search until a timer started based on the reception of the RRC release message expires, and maintain the deactivated state based on camp-on to a selected cell according to the search result.

[0008] A method of operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments may include: an operation of entering a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell, and then entering a deactivated state based on detecting an RRC release message; an operation of confirming that service provision is not possible in the deactivated state; an operation of performing a search until a timer started based on the reception of the RRC release message expires; and an operation of maintaining a deactivated state based on camp-on to a selected cell according to the search result. Effects of the invention

[0009] According to various embodiments, an electronic device and a method of operation thereof may be provided, which can perform a search while maintaining a deactivated state when it is confirmed that service provision by a serving PLMN (public land mobile network) is impossible in a deactivated state. By camping on to a selected cell based on the search results, the electronic device may maintain a deactivated state for as long as possible. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. FIG. 2a is a block diagram of an electronic device for supporting network communication and 5G network communication according to various embodiments. FIG. 2b is a block diagram of an electronic device for supporting network communication and 5G network communication according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating wireless communication systems providing a network of legacy communication and / or 5G communication according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram for explaining a bearer in a UE according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the switching of states of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 6a illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device and a base station according to a comparative example for comparison with various embodiments. Figure 6b illustrates a flowchart for explaining the locations of base stations and electronic devices. FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 9a illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 9b illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate flowcharts for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of NAS and AS according to various embodiments. FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of NAS and AS according to various embodiments. FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of NAS and AS according to various embodiments. FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of NAS and AS according to various embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input device (150), sound output device (155), display device (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., display device (160) or camera module (180)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, a sensor module (176) (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, or light sensor) can be implemented embedded in a display device (160) (e.g., display).

[0012] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can load commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) into volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) and an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can be operated independently or together with it. Additionally or generally, the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0013] The auxiliary processor (123) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display device (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)).

[0014] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0015] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0016] The input device (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input device (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0017] The sound output device (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output device (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0018] The display device (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display device (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display device (160) may include a touch circuitry configured to detect a touch, or a sensor circuitry configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch (e.g., a pressure sensor).

[0019] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through an input device (150) or output sound through an audio output device (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) that is directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0020] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0021] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0022] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0023] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0024] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0025] The power management module (188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (388) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0026] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0027] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a cellular network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify and authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0028] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module may include a single antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., an RFIC) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0029] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0030] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the electronic devices (102, 104) may be the same or different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0031] FIG. 2a is a block diagram (200) of an electronic device (101) for supporting network communication and 5G network communication according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2a, the electronic device (101) may include a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (222), a second RFIC (224), a third RFIC (226), a fourth RFIC (228), a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) (232), a second RFFE (234), a first antenna module (242), a second antenna module (244), and an antenna (248). The electronic device (101) may further include a processor (120) and a memory (130). The network (199) may include a first network (292) and a second network (294). According to another embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include at least one of the components described in FIG. 1, and the network (199) may further include at least one other network. According to one embodiment, a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), a first RFIC (222), a second RFIC (224), a fourth RFIC (228), a first RFFE (232), and a second RFFE (234) may form at least a part of the wireless communication module (192). According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC (228) may be omitted or included as part of the third RFIC (226).

[0032] The first communication processor (212) can establish a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with the first network (292), and support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first network may be a legacy network including a second generation (2G), 3G, 4G, or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor (214) can establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) among the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network (294), and support 5G network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second network (294) may be a 5G network as defined by 3GPP. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the first communication processor (212) or the second communication processor (214) may support the establishment of a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) among the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network (294), and 5G network communication through the established communication channel.

[0033] The first communication processor (212) can transmit and receive data with the second communication processor (214). For example, data classified to be transmitted through the second cellular network (294) may be changed to be transmitted through the first cellular network (292). In this case, the first communication processor (212) can receive transmission data from the second communication processor (214).

[0034] For example, the first communication processor (212) can transmit and receive data to and from the second communication processor (214) through the inter-processor interface (213). The inter-processor interface (213) may be implemented, for example, as a UART (universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter) interface (e.g., HS-UART (high speed-UART) or PCIe (peripheral component interconnect bus express), but there is no limitation on the type thereof. Alternatively, the first communication processor (212) and the second communication processor (214) can exchange control information and packet data information, for example, using shared memory. The first communication processor (212) can transmit and receive various information, such as sensing information, information on output strength, and RB (resource block) allocation information, to and from the second communication processor (214).

[0035] Depending on the implementation, the first communication processor (212) may not be directly connected to the second communication processor (214). In this case, the first communication processor (212) may transmit and receive data to and from the second communication processor (214) through a processor (120) (e.g., an application processor). For example, the first communication processor (212) and the second communication processor (214) may transmit and receive data to and from the processor (120) (e.g., an application processor) through an HS-UART interface or a PCIe interface, but there is no limitation on the type of interface. Alternatively, the first communication processor (212) and the second communication processor (214) may exchange control information and packet data information with the processor (120) (e.g., an application processor) using shared memory.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first communication processor (212) and the second communication processor (214) may be implemented within a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor (212) or the second communication processor (214) may be formed within a single chip or a single package with the processor (120), the auxiliary processor (123), or the communication module (190). For example, as shown in FIG. 2b, the integrated communication processor (260) may support functions for communication with both the first cellular network and the second cellular network.

[0037] The first RFIC (222) can convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor (212) during transmission into a radio frequency (RF) signal of about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz used in the first network (292) (e.g., legacy network). During reception, the RF signal is acquired from the first network (292) (e.g., legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., first antenna module (242)) and can be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., first RFFE (232)). The first RFIC (222) can convert the preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the first communication processor (212).

[0038] The second RFIC (224) can convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor (212) or the second communication processor (214) into an RF signal of the Sub6 band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) used in the second network (294) (e.g., 5G network) (hereinafter, 5G Sub6 RF signal). When receiving, the 5G Sub6 RF signal is acquired from the second network (294) (e.g., 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module (244)) and can be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE (234)). The second RFIC (224) can convert the preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the corresponding communication processor among the first communication processor (212) or the second communication processor (214).

[0039] The third RFIC (226) can convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor (214) into an RF signal of the 5G Above6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to approximately 60 GHz) to be used in the second network (294) (e.g., 5G network) (hereinafter, 5G Above6 RF signal). Upon reception, the 5G Above6 RF signal may be acquired from the second network (294) (e.g., 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., antenna (248)) and preprocessed through the third RFFE (236). The third RFIC (226) can convert the preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the second communication processor (214). According to one embodiment, the third RFFE (236) may be formed as part of the third RFIC (226).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a fourth RFIC (228) separately from or at least as part of the third RFIC (226). In this case, the fourth RFIC (228) may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor (214) into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as an IF signal) in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) and then transmit the IF signal to the third RFIC (226). The third RFIC (226) may convert the IF signal into a 5G Above6 RF signal. Upon reception, the 5G Above6 RF signal may be received from the second network (294) (e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., antenna (248)) and converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC (226). The fourth RFIC (228) can convert the IF signal into a baseband signal so that the second communication processor (214) can process it.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first RFIC (222) and the second RFIC (224) may be implemented as at least part of a single chip or a single package. According to one embodiment, the first RFFE (232) and the second RFFE (234) may be implemented as at least part of a single chip or a single package. According to one embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module (242) or the second antenna module (244) may be omitted or combined with another antenna module to process RF signals of a plurality of corresponding bands.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the third RFIC (226) and the antenna (248) may be placed on the same substrate to form a third antenna module (246). For example, a wireless communication module (192) or a processor (120) may be placed on a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC (226) may be placed on a portion of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) separate from the first substrate (e.g., a bottom surface), and the antenna (248) may be placed on another portion of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) to form a third antenna module (246). By placing the third RFIC (226) and the antenna (248) on the same substrate, it is possible to reduce the length of the transmission line between them. This can reduce the loss (e.g., attenuation) of signals in the high-frequency band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) used for 5G network communication by the transmission line. As a result, the electronic device (101) can improve the quality or speed of communication with the second network (294) (e.g., 5G network).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the antenna (248) may be formed as an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements that can be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC (226) may include a plurality of phase shifters (238) corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements, for example, as part of the third RFFE (236). During transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters (238) can change the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a base station of a 5G network) through the corresponding antenna element. During reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters (238) can change the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside through the corresponding antenna element to the same or substantially the same phase. This enables transmission or reception through beamforming between the electronic device (101) and the outside.

[0044] The second network (294) (e.g., 5G network) may be operated independently of the first network (292) (e.g., legacy network) (e.g., Stand-Alone (SA)) or connected to it (e.g., Non-Stand Alone (NSA)). For example, the 5G network may only have an access network (e.g., 5G radio access network (RAN) or next generation RAN (NG RAN)) and no core network (e.g., next generation core (NGC)). In this case, the electronic device (101) can access the access network of the 5G network and then access an external network (e.g., the Internet) under the control of the core network of the legacy network (e.g., evolved packed core (EPC)). Protocol information for communication with a legacy network (e.g., LTE protocol information) or protocol information for communication with a 5G network (e.g., New Radio (NR) protocol information) is stored in memory (230) and can be accessed by other parts (e.g., processor (120), first communication processor (212), or second communication processor (214)).

[0045] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings illustrating wireless communication systems providing a network of legacy communication and / or 5G communication according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 3, a network environment (300a) may include at least one of a legacy network and a 5G network. The legacy network may include, for example, a 4G or LTE base station (340) of 3GPP standard supporting wireless access with an electronic device (101) (e.g., eNB(eNodeB)) and an evolved packet core (EPC) managing 4G communication. The 5G network may include, for example, a New Radio (NR) base station (e.g., gNB(gNodeB)) supporting wireless access with an electronic device (101) and a 5th generation core (5GC) managing 5G communication of the electronic device (101).

[0046] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may transmit and receive control messages and user data via legacy communication and / or 5G communication. The control message may include, for example, a message related to at least one of security control, bearer setup, authentication, registration, or mobility management of the electronic device (101). The user data may refer to user data excluding control messages transmitted and received between the electronic device (101) and the core network (330) (e.g., EPC or 5GC).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can transmit and receive at least one of control messages or user data with at least a part of a 5G network (e.g., NR base station, 5GC) using at least a part of a legacy network (e.g., LTE base station, EPC).

[0048] According to various embodiments, the network environment (300a) may include a network environment that provides dual connectivity (DC) for wireless communication to LTE base stations and NR base stations, and transmits and receives control messages to and from an electronic device (101) through a core network (230) of either EPC or 5GC.

[0049] According to various embodiments, in a DC environment, one of the LTE base stations or NR base stations may operate as a master node (MN) (310) and the other as a secondary node (SN) (320). The MN (310) may be connected to a core network (230) to transmit and receive control messages. The MN (310) and the SN (320) may be connected via a network interface to transmit and receive messages related to the management of wireless resources (e.g., communication channels) to each other.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the MN (310) may be composed of an LTE base station (340), the SN (320) of an NR base station, and the core network (330) of an EPC. For example, control messages may be transmitted and received through the LTE base station and the EPC, and user data may be transmitted and received through at least one of the LTE base station or the NR base station.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the MN (310) may be an NR base station, the SN (320) may be an LTE base station, and the core network (330) may be a 5GC. For example, control messages may be transmitted and received through the NR base station and the 5GC, and user data may be transmitted and received through at least one of the LTE base station or the NR base station.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) can be registered with at least one of the EPC or 5GC to send and receive control messages.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the EPC or 5GC may interwork to manage the communication of the electronic device (101). For example, movement information of the electronic device (101) may be transmitted and received through an interface between the EPC and 5GC.

[0054] As described above, dual connectivity through LTE base stations and NR base stations may be referred to as EN-DC (E-UTRA new radio dual connectivity). Meanwhile, MR DC may be applied in various ways other than EN-DC. For example, the first network and the second network by MR DC may both relate to LTE communication, and the second network may be a network corresponding to a small cell of a specific frequency. For example, the first network and the second network by MR DC may both relate to 5G, and the first network may correspond to a frequency band below 6 GHz (e.g., below 6), and the second network may correspond to a frequency band above 6 GHz (e.g., over 6). In addition to the examples described above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that any network structure capable of applying dual connectivity can be applied to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, according to various embodiments, a 5G network may be composed of an NR base station (350) and a 5GC (352) and may transmit and receive control messages and user data independently of the electronic device (101). As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may also perform 5G communication in SA (standalone) mode.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the transition of the state of an electronic device (e.g., RRC state) according to various embodiments.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the state of the electronic device (101) may be at least one of the various states (e.g., RRC state) of FIG. 5. If the state of the electronic device (101) is any state, it may be expressed that the electronic device (101) is in any state. Additionally, if the state of the electronic device (101) changes from a first state to a second state, it may be expressed that the state of the electronic device (101) has transitioned or changed, or that the electronic device (101) has transitioned or changed its state.

[0057] According to various embodiments, when an RRC connection has been established, the electronic device (101) may be in either an RRC_CONNECTED state or an RRC_INACTIVE state. The RRC_CONNECTED state may be, for example, the RRC_CONNECTED state defined in 3GPP TS 38.331, and may be referred to as a connected state in various embodiments of the present disclosure. The connected state may include, for example, an EUTRA RRC_CONNECTED state (501) and / or an NR RRC_CONNECTED state (511). The RRC_INACTIVE state may be, for example, the RRC_INACTIVE state defined in 3GPP TS 38.331, and may be referred to as a disabled state in various embodiments of the present disclosure. The disabled state may include, for example, an EUTRA RRC_INACTIVE state (502) and / or an NR RRC_INACTIVE state (512). If an RRC connection has not been established, the electronic device (101) may be in an RRC_IDLE state. The RRC_IDLE state may be, for example, the RRC_IDLE state defined in 3GPP TS 38.331, and may be referred to as an idle state in various embodiments of the present disclosure. The idle state may include, for example, an EUTRA RRC_IDLE state (503) and / or an NR RRC_IDLE state (513).

[0058] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) can monitor a short message transmitted along with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI) via a downlink control indicator (DCI) while in an idle state. While in an idle state, the electronic device (101) can monitor a paging channel for CN paging using 5G-S-TSMI (temporary mobile subscriber identity). While in an idle state, the electronic device (101) can perform neighboring cell measurements and cell selection (or cell re-selection). While in an idle state, the electronic device (101) can acquire system information (SI) and, if configured, transmit a system information request (SI request).

[0059] According to various embodiments, in a deactivated state, the electronic device (101) can monitor short messages transmitted with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI) via a downlink control indicator (DCI). In a deactivated state, the electronic device (101) can monitor paging channels for RAN (radio access network) paging using full I-RNTI and CN paging using 5G-S-TSMI (temporary mobile subscriber identity). In a deactivated state, the electronic device (101) can perform neighboring cell measurements and cell selection (or cell re-selection). In a deactivated state, the electronic device (101) can perform a RAN-based notification area update periodically and when moving outside a configured RAN-based notification area.

[0060] According to various embodiments, in a connected state, the electronic device (101) may store an AS context. In a connected state, the electronic device (101) may monitor short messages transmitted along with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI) via a downlink control indicator (DCI). In a connected state, the electronic device (101) may monitor a control channel associated with a shared data channel to determine whether data is scheduled for the electronic device (101). In a connected state, the electronic device (101) may provide channel quality and feedback information. In a connected state, the electronic device (101) may perform neighboring cell measurements and measurement reports. In a connected state, the electronic device (101) may obtain system information.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may transition to the EUTRA RRC_CONNECTED state (501) by establishing an RRC connection in the EUTRA RRC_IDLE state (503), and may transition to the NR RRC_CONNECTED state (511) by establishing an RRC connection in the NR RRC_IDLE state (513). The electronic device (101) may transition to the EUTRA RRC_IDLE state (503) by releasing the RRC connection in the EUTRA RRC_CONNECTED state (501), and may transition to the NR RRC_IDLE state (513) by releasing the RRC connection in the NR RRC_CONNECTED state (511). For example, the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state based on receiving an RRC release message. The electronic device (101) can switch from the EUTRA RRC_IDLE state (503) to the NR RRC_IDLE state (513) depending on cell reselection, or switch to the reverse process.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may transition to the NR RRC_INACTIVE state (512) by releasing with suspending the RRC connection from the NR RRC_CONNECTED state (511). For example, the electronic device (101) may enter the NR RRC_INACTIVE state (512) based on receiving an RRC Release message containing a suspension setting (e.g., suspendConfig in 3GPP TS 38.331). The electronic device (101) may indicate the suspension of the RRC connection to upper layers based on receiving an RRC Release message containing a suspension setting, for example, and may start a timer (e.g., T380 timer in 3GPP TS 38.331) with a timer value set according to t380 of the RRC release message. The timer will be described later. The electronic device (101) can transition from the NR RRC_INACTIVE state (512) to the NR RRC_CONNECTED state (511), which may be referred to as the resumption of a suspended RRC connection. For example, the electronic device (101) may request the resumption of the RRC connection, and the network may resume the suspended RRC connection and transmit to the electronic device (101) in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The electronic device (101) can transition from the NR RRC_INACTIVE state (512) to the NR RRC_IDLE state (513). For example, as described above, if a request to resume the RRC connection is made, the network may reject it, release the RRC connection, switch the electronic device (101) to the RRC_IDLE state, destroy the stored context, and instruct to initiate NAS level recovery.Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may attempt to switch from the NR RRC_INACTIVE state (512) to the NR RRC_IDLE state (513) on its own. Meanwhile, the electronic device (101) may switch from the EUTRA RRC_CONNECTED state (501) to the EUTRA RRC_INACTIVE state (502), or switch in the reverse direction. The electronic device (101) may switch from the EUTRA RRC_INACTIVE state (502) to the EUTRA RRC_IDLE state (503).

[0063] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may switch from the EUTRA RRC_CONNECTED state (501) to the NR RRC_CONNECTED state (511) or switch in the reverse direction through a handover. The electronic device (101) may switch from the NR RRC_INACTIVE state (512) to the EUTRA RRC_IDLE state (503) or switch from the EUTRA RRC_INACTIVE state (502) to the NR RRC_IDLE state (513) according to cell reselection.

[0064] FIG. 6a illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device and a base station according to a comparative example for comparison with various embodiments. The comparative example of FIG. 6a is to be explained with reference to FIG. 6b. FIG. 6b illustrates a flowchart for explaining the location of the base station and the electronic device. Those skilled in the art will understand that at least one operation of the comparative example can be performed by an electronic device (101) according to various embodiments.

[0065] According to a comparative example, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may form an RRC connection with a base station (600) in operation 601. The base station (600) may be, for example, a base station corresponding to a serving PLMN, and the electronic device (101) may form an RRC connection with the base station (600) based on performing an RRC connection procedure. The base station (600) may be a base station that supports first network communication (e.g., NR communication) and may be, for example, named a serving cell. After forming the RRC connection, the electronic device (101) may enter a connection state (e.g., NR RRC_CONNECTED state).

[0066] According to a comparative example, the electronic device (101) may receive an RRC Release message from the base station (600) in operation 603. The RRC Release message may include a suspend setting (e.g., suspendConfig in 3GPP TS 38.331). Based on the reception of the RRC Release message containing the suspend setting, the electronic device (101) may switch the state of the electronic device (101) from a connected state to an inactive state (e.g., NR RRC_INACTIVE state) in operation 605. The electronic device (101) may start a timer (e.g., T380 timer in 3GPP TS 38.331) with a timer value set according to t380 of the RRC Release message. The electronic device (101) may be configured to perform a RAN (RAN-based notification area) update when the T380 timer expires. t380 can be set to, for example, min5, min10, etc., which can mean 5 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively.

[0067] According to a comparative example, the electronic device (101) can identify an out-of-service status in operation 607. For example, the electronic device (101) can identify an out-of-service status corresponding to a serving PLMN. As shown in FIG. 6b, the electronic device (101) can move (640) to an out-of-service area (631) within the coverage (630) of the base station (600). Alternatively, the electronic device (101) can move (640) outside the coverage (630) of the base station (600). Within the out-of-service area (631) or outside the coverage (630), the electronic device (101) can identify that a signal from the serving cell (e.g., base station (600)) corresponds to an out-of-service status. If an out-of-service status is not identified, the electronic device (101) can perform an RNA update, for example, in operation 609. The base station (600) (or the network corresponding to the base station (600)) may manage the electronic device (101) to remain in a deactivated state until an RNA update is received. The electronic device (101) remains in a deactivated state until an RNA update is performed, and additionally, an action to maintain the deactivated state may be requested. The electronic device (101) according to various embodiments may perform a search to maintain the deactivated state before performing an RNA update, for example, before the T380 timer expires, and this is described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0069] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell in operation 701, and then enter a deactivated state based on detecting an RRC release message. The electronic device (101) may form an RRC connection with a first cell (e.g., a cell corresponding to an NR communication network). It may enter a connected state (e.g., an NR RRC_CONNECTED state) based on the RRC connection between the electronic device (101) and the first cell. The electronic device (101) may receive an RRC release message from the first cell to release the RRC connection. The RRC release message may include a suspend config, and the electronic device (101) may enter an inactive state (e.g., NR RRC_INACTIVE state) upon checking the suspend config. The electronic device (101) may camp-on to a cell (e.g., a first cell or another cell) while in the inactive state.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may determine that service is unavailable in a 703 operation while in a deactivated state. The electronic device (101) may determine that service is unavailable by, for example, by confirming the provision of a no service indication from an access stratum (AS) to a non-access stratum (NAS). The conditions indicating no service availability are merely exemplary and are not limited.

[0071] For example, the electronic device (101) may measure a signal from a camp-on cell. In the present disclosure, the measurement of the signal may mean, for example, measuring the reception characteristics of the signal (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, and / or RSSI). The electronic device (101) may determine that the measurement result of the signal from the camp-on serving cell fails to satisfy a condition. For example, the electronic device (101) may move to a service-unavailable area (631) as in FIG. 6b while in an inactive state, or move outside the coverage (630) of the serving cell (e.g., base station (600)). In this case, the electronic device (101) may determine that the measurement result of the signal from the serving cell fails to satisfy a specified condition. For example, the electronic device (101) can determine that the RSRP and RSRQ of the signals from the camp-on serving cell fail the cell selection criteria (e.g., cell selection criteria S of 3GPP TS 38.304 or 3GPP TS 38.133).

[0072] For example, the electronic device (101) can search for a new suitable cell during a specified search period (e.g., 10 seconds). The electronic device (101) can perform the search using, for example, intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT information specified within system information. For example, the search may include at least one of measurement, evaluation, or detection. If the search for a suitable cell fails during the search period, the electronic device (101) can confirm that service provision is not possible for the corresponding PLMN. Based on the failure of the search for a new suitable cell, an indicator of service provision not possible from the AS to the NAS may be provided, and the electronic device (101) can confirm that service provision is not possible. The above-described operation is merely exemplary, and the electronic device (101) may immediately determine that service cannot be provided based on, for example, that a signal from a serving cell fails to satisfy a specified condition (e.g., cell selection condition).

[0073] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a search until the timer, which was initiated based on the reception of an RRC release message in a 705 operation, expires. As described above, the electronic device (101) may initiate a T380 timer with a timer value set according to t380 included in the RRC release message. The T380 timer may be initiated, for example, based on the reception of t380 within the RRC release message. The T380 timer may be stopped based on the reception of, for example, an RRC Resume message, an RRC Setup message, or an RRC release message. When the T380 timer expires, the electronic device (101) may perform an operation based on 5.3.13 of 3GPP TS 38.311 (e.g., RNA update). In various embodiments, the RRC release message may include ran-Notificationareainfo. In operation 707, the electronic device (101) may remain in a deactivated state based on camp-on to a selected cell according to the search results. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform a search for the same RAT as the cell camped on before it is confirmed that service is unavailable. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform a search for multiple RATs. For example, the electronic device (101) may first perform a search for the same RAT as the cell camped on before it is confirmed that service is unavailable, and then perform a search for multiple RATs. When a cell is selected according to the search results, the electronic device (101) may camp on to the selected cell and remain in a deactivated state. The electronic device (101) may send an RRC resume request to synchronize with the network. The cause of the RRC resume request may be set to an RNA update.

[0074] According to various embodiments, if it is confirmed that the electronic device (101) is not in a deactivated state, it may remain in a deactivated state without considering a timer (e.g., T380 timer) and without transmitting a message to the network. In addition, as the electronic device (101) is not in a service state, an RRC state mismatch between the network and the electronic device (101) may be prevented.

[0075] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments. The previously described operation of FIG. 8 will be briefly mentioned.

[0076] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may, in an 801 operation, enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell, and then enter a disabled state based on detecting an RRC release message. The RRC release message may include a suspended configuration (e.g., a suspended config), and the electronic device (101) may enter a disabled state based on the suspended configuration. In the disabled state, the electronic device (101) may camp-on to the first cell or another cell. In an 803 operation, the electronic device (101) may confirm that service is unavailable. For example, the electronic device (101) may confirm a no service indicator from the AS. In operation 805, the electronic device (101) can perform a search until a timer (e.g., T380 timer) started based on the reception of an RRC release message expires.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may, in an 807 operation, check whether a cell to camp on has been detected based on the search results. The electronic device (101) may, for example, check whether a suitable cell and / or an acceptable cell has been detected. The electronic device (101) may, for example, perform a search for a RAT identical to the RAT of the cell that camped on in a deactivated state. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may perform a search for a plurality of RATs including the RAT of the cell that camped on in a deactivated state. If a cell to camp on has been detected (807-Yes), the electronic device (101) may camp on the detected cell in an 809 operation and maintain the deactivated state. In various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may transmit an RRC resume request for synchronization with the network, in which case the cause may be set to RNA-update.

[0078] According to various embodiments, if no cell to camp on is detected (807-No), the electronic device (101) may check in operation 811 whether a specified timer (e.g., T380 timer) has expired. If the specified timer has not expired (811-No), the electronic device (101) may perform a search until the timer (e.g., T380 timer) started based on the receipt of the RRC release message expires. If the specified timer has expired (811-Yes), the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state in operation 813. In various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a limited search in the idle state. Here, a limited search may mean searching for an acceptable cell that does not satisfy the conditions of a suitable cell, so that it can camp on. During the limited search process, the AS may transition the RRC state from an RRC inactive state to an RRC idle state. For example, the AS can notify the NAS of the expiration of the T380 timer, and the NAS can check for limited service. The NAS can notify the AS of a limited search, and the AS can perform a limited search. The electronic device (101) can, for example, search for an acceptable cell based on the results of the limited search and camp on to the acceptable cell. As described above, the disabled state can be maintained until the T380 timer expires.

[0079] FIG. 9a illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments. The previously described operation of FIG. 9a will be briefly mentioned.

[0080] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may, in operation 901, enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell and then enter a disabled state based on detecting an RRC release message. The RRC release message may include a suspended config (e.g., a suspended config), and the electronic device (101) may enter a disabled state based on the suspended config. In the disabled state, the electronic device (101) may camp on to the first cell or another cell. The camped-on cell may be named a serving cell.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a measurement on the serving cell in operation 903. In operation 905, the electronic device (101) may determine that the measurement result for the serving cell does not satisfy specified conditions. For example, the electronic device (101) may measure the RSRP and RSRQ of the signal from the serving cell. The electronic device (101) may determine that the RSRP and RSRQ of the signal fail the cell selection criteria (e.g., cell selection criteria S of 3GPP TS 38.304 or 3GPP TS 38.133). For example, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the cell selection RX level value (hereinafter Srxlev) based on the measured RSRP is greater than 0 and the cell selection quality value (hereinafter Squal) based on the measured RSRQ is greater than 0. If the communication status by the serving cell is relatively good, the electronic device (101) can confirm that the measurement result of the signal from the serving cell satisfies, for example, the cell selection condition. If the electronic device (101) moves to a service-unavailable area (e.g., service-unavailable area (531) in FIG. 5b), the electronic device (101) can confirm that the measurement result of the signal from the serving cell does not satisfy, for example, the cell selection condition. Meanwhile, the cell selection condition is merely exemplary, and the specified condition is not limited to any condition indicating that the electronic device (101) misses the serving PLMN. If it is confirmed that the measurement result for the serving cell does not satisfy the specified condition, the electronic device (101) can confirm service-unavailable in the 907 operation. As described above, after confirming service-unavailable, the electronic device (101) can search for a cell to camp on until a timer (e.g., T380 timer) started based on receiving an RRC release message expires.If a cell to camp on is found before the timer expires, the electronic device (101) can perform the camp-on and remain in a deactivated state. If the camp-on is not performed before the timer expires, the electronic device (101) can transition to an idle state. In various embodiments, the electronic device (101) can perform a limited search in the idle state. The electronic device (101) can, for example, search for an acceptable cell based on the results of the limited search and camp on the acceptable cell.

[0082] FIG. 9b illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Since each of operations 911, 913, and 915 of FIG. 9b may be substantially the same as operations 901, 903, and 905 of FIG. 9a, the description herein is omitted or briefly mentioned.

[0083] According to various embodiments, in operation 915, the electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of the processor (120), the first communication processor (212), the second communication processor (214), or the integrated communication processor (260)) may determine that the measurement results for the serving cell do not satisfy the specified conditions. For example, the electronic device (101) may determine that the RSRP and RSRQ from the serving cell do not satisfy the cell selection conditions, but there are no limitations on the specified conditions. If it is determined that the specified conditions are not satisfied, the electronic device (101) may fail to detect the suitable cell for a specified period (e.g., 10 seconds) in operation 917. The electronic device (101) may perform a search using, for example, the specified intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT information within the system information. If the search for a suitable cell fails during the search period, the electronic device (101) may confirm that service is unavailable in the 919 operation. Based on the failure to search for a new suitable cell, a service unavailable indicator may be provided from the AS to the NAS, and the electronic device (101) may confirm that service is unavailable. As described above, after confirming that service is unavailable, the electronic device (101) may search for a cell to camp on until a timer (e.g., T380 timer) started based on receiving an RRC release message expires. If a cell to camp on is found before the timer expires, the electronic device (101) may perform camp-on and remain in a deactivated state. If camp-on is not performed before the timer expires, the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state. In various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a limited search in the idle state.The electronic device (101) can search for an acceptable cell based on, for example, limited search results and can camp on to the acceptable cell.

[0084] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments. The previously described operation of FIG. 10 will be briefly mentioned.

[0085] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may, in operation 1001, enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell and then enter a disabled state based on detecting an RRC release message. The RRC release message may include a suspended config (e.g., a suspended config), and the electronic device (101) may enter a disabled state based on the suspended config. In the disabled state, the electronic device (101) may camp on to the first cell or another cell. The camped-on cell may be named the serving cell. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may check for service unavailability in operation 1003. For example, the electronic device (101) may check for service unavailability based on the provision of a service unavailability indicator from the AS to the NAS.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to the first RAT in operation 1005. For example, the RAT of the cell that the electronic device (101) camped on in an inactive state may be the first RAT. The electronic device (101) may perform a search for the same RAT as the RAT of the cell that it camped on in an inactive state. For example, if the electronic device (101) camped on a cell of NR network communication and confirmed that service provision is not possible, the electronic device (101) may search for a cell of the serving PLMN of the NR network communication. The electronic device (101) may search for a cell of the serving PLMN, for example. In operation 1007, the electronic device (101) may check whether a suitable cell has been detected. A suitable cell is defined, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.304, and the cell may be considered a suitable cell if it is a part of a selected PLMN, a registered PLMN, or a PLMN in an equivalent PLMN list, and a tracking area code is provided for the corresponding PLMN. If the RSRP and RSRQ of the signal from the cell satisfy the cell selection criteria (e.g., cell selection criteria S of 3GPP TS 38.304 or 3GPP TS 38.133), the cell may be considered a suitable cell. For example, the electronic device (101) may confirm that it has detected a suitable cell if it confirms that the cell selection RX level (hereinafter Srxlev) based on the measured RSRP is greater than 0 and the cell selection quality value (hereinafter Squal) based on the measured RSRQ is greater than 0.

[0087] If it is confirmed that a suitable cell has been detected (1007-Yes), depending on various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may camp on to the suitable cell in operation 1009 and remain in a deactivated state. The electronic device (101) may also send an RRC resume request with the cause set to RNA update to synchronize with the network. If the detection of a suitable cell fails (1007-No), the electronic device (101) may check in operation 1011 whether a specified timer (e.g., T380 timer) has expired. Before the specified timer expires (1011-No), the electronic device (101) may continue to perform the search. If it is confirmed that the specified timer has expired, the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state in operation 1013. In various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a limited search in the idle state. The electronic device (101) may search for an acceptable cell based, for example, on a limited search result and may camp on to an acceptable cell. An acceptable cell may mean a cell that can be camped on to obtain limited services, for example, making emergency calls, and receiving emergency alerts (e.g., ETWS (earthquake and tsunami warning system) and CMAS (commercial mobile alert system) alerts). A cell may be considered an acceptable cell if it is not barred and satisfies cell selection conditions.

[0088] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments. The previously described operation of FIG. 11 will be briefly mentioned.

[0089] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may, in operation 1101, enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell and then enter a disabled state based on detecting an RRC release message. The RRC release message may include a suspended config (e.g., a suspended config), and the electronic device (101) may enter a disabled state based on the suspended config. In the disabled state, the electronic device (101) may camp on to the first cell or another cell. The camped-on cell may be named the serving cell. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may check for service unavailability in operation 1103. For example, the electronic device (101) may check for service unavailability based on the provision of a service unavailability indicator from the AS to the NAS.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to a plurality of RATs in operation 1105. The electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to a plurality of RATs, including the RAT of a cell that was camped on in a deactivated state. For example, the electronic device (101) may camp on to a cell corresponding to NR network communication in a deactivated state and then confirm that service provision is not possible. The electronic device (101) may search for a cell of a serving PLMN corresponding not only to NR network communication but also to 4G network communication, 3G network communication, or 2G network communication. In operation 1107, the electronic device (101) may check whether a suitable cell has been detected.

[0091] When it is confirmed that a suitable cell has been detected (1107-Yes), depending on various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the RAT of the suitable cell detected in operation 1109 is the same as the RAT of the serving cell. As described above, since the electronic device (101) has performed a search on a plurality of RATs including the RAT of the serving cell that was camped on, it may detect a suitable cell with a RAT identical to the RAT of the serving cell. When it is confirmed that the RAT of the detected suitable cell is the same as the RAT of the serving cell (1109-Yes), the electronic device (101) may remain in a deactivated state in operation 1111. The electronic device (101) may camp on the suitable cell and remain in a deactivated state. The electronic device (101) may transmit an RRC resume request with the cause set to RNA update for synchronization with the network. If it is determined that the RAT of the detected suitable cell is not the same as the RAT of the serving cell (1109-No), the electronic device (101) may switch to an idle state corresponding to the RAT of the suitable cell in operation 1113. The electronic device (101) may perform cell reselection for the suitable cell and, accordingly, switch to an idle state. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is not possible to switch directly from the disabled state of the first RAT (e.g., NR network communication) (e.g., NR RRC_INACTIVE state) to the disabled state of the second RAT (e.g., EUTRA RRC_INACTIVE state). From the disabled state of the first RAT, it is possible to switch to the idle state of the second RAT, and accordingly, the electronic device (101) may switch to an idle state corresponding to the RAT of the suitable cell.For example, the electronic device (101) may be in the NR RRC_INACTIVE state and then confirm that service provision is not possible. The electronic device (101) may detect a suitable cell of EUTRA's RAT based on the search results. The electronic device (101) may switch to the EUTRA RRC_IDLE state and camp on to the detected suitable cell.

[0092] If the detection of a suitable cell fails (1107-No), depending on the various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may check whether the timer specified in the 1115 operation (e.g., T380 timer) has expired. Before the timer expires (1115-No), the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to a plurality of RATs. The electronic device (101) may perform a search for each of the plurality of RATs sequentially, for example, before the timer expires. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform a search for the RAT of the serving cell that camped on before it was confirmed that service provision was unavailable, and fail to search for a suitable cell. Afterward, the electronic device (101) may perform a search for another RAT. The electronic device (101) may perform a search by sequentially changing the plurality of RATs until a suitable cell is found.

[0093] According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the timer has expired (1115-yes), the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state in operation 1117. In various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a limited search in the idle state. The electronic device (101) may, for example, search for an acceptable cell based on the results of the limited search and camp-on to the acceptable cell.

[0094] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments. The previously described operation of FIG. 12 will be briefly mentioned.

[0095] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may, in operation 1201, enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell and then enter a disabled state based on detecting an RRC release message. The RRC release message may include a suspended config (e.g., a suspended config), and the electronic device (101) may enter a disabled state based on the suspended config. In the disabled state, the electronic device (101) may camp on to the first cell or another cell. The camped-on cell may be named the serving cell. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may, in operation 1203, confirm that service provision is not possible. For example, the electronic device (101) may confirm that service provision is not possible based on the provision of a service provision unavailable indicator from the AS to the NAS.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to a plurality of RATs in operation 1205. The electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to a plurality of RATs, including a RAT of a cell that camped on in a deactivated state. In operation 1207, the electronic device (101) may check whether a suitable cell has been detected.

[0097] When it is confirmed that a suitable cell has been detected (1207-Yes), depending on various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the RAT of the suitable cell detected in operation 1209 is the same as the RAT of the serving cell. As described above, since the electronic device (101) has performed a search on a plurality of RATs including the RAT of the serving cell that was camped on, it may detect a suitable cell with a RAT identical to the RAT of the serving cell. When it is confirmed that the RAT of the detected suitable cell is the same as the RAT of the serving cell (1209-Yes), the electronic device (101) may remain in a deactivated state in operation 1211. The electronic device (101) may camp on the suitable cell and remain in a deactivated state. The electronic device (101) may transmit an RRC resume request with the cause set to RNA update for synchronization with the network. If it is determined that the RAT of the detected suitable cell is not the same as the RAT of the serving cell (1209-No), the electronic device (101) may switch to an idle state corresponding to the RAT of the suitable cell in operation 1213. The electronic device (101) may switch to an idle state depending on cell reselection for the suitable cell.

[0098] If the detection of a suitable cell fails (1207-No), depending on the various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may check in operation 1215 whether an acceptable cell has been detected. If it is confirmed that an acceptable cell has been detected (1215-Yes), the electronic device (101) may check in operation 1217 whether the detected cell is a cell that can be registered to another PLMN. For example, it may be determined that it is a cell that can be registered to another PLMN if it is not a forbidden PLMN. If it is confirmed that the detected cell is a cell that can be registered to another PLMN (1217-Yes), the electronic device (101) may switch to an idle state in operation 1219. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform cell reselection and thereby switch to an idle state. The electronic device (101) may perform a location registration operation. If the detected cell is not identified as a cell that can be registered in a location in another PLMN (1217-No), the electronic device (101) may remain in a disabled state in operation 1221. While remaining in a disabled state, the electronic device (101) may check whether a specified timer (e.g., T380 timer) has expired in operation 1223. Before the timer expires (1223-No), the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to multiple RATs. The electronic device (101) may perform a search for each of the multiple RATs sequentially, for example, before the timer expires. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform a search for the RAT of the serving cell that camped on before it was confirmed that service provision was unavailable, and fail to search for a suitable cell. Afterward, the electronic device (101) may perform a search for other RATs. The electronic device (101) can perform a search by sequentially changing multiple RATs until a suitable cell is found.In NAS, it is possible to determine whether camp-on is enabled and / or whether to maintain or switch the state of the electronic device based on information about available cells and / or information about suitable cells.

[0099] According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the timer has expired (1223-yes), the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state in operation 1225. In various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a limited search in the idle state. The electronic device (101) may, for example, search for an acceptable cell based on the results of the limited search and camp-on to the acceptable cell.

[0100] FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate flowcharts for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments. The previously described operation of FIGS. 13a and 13b will be briefly mentioned.

[0101] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may, in operation 1301, enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell and then enter a disabled state based on detecting an RRC release message. The RRC release message may include a suspended config (e.g., a suspended config), and the electronic device (101) may enter a disabled state based on the suspended config. In the disabled state, the electronic device (101) may camp on to the first cell or another cell. The camped-on cell may be named the serving cell. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may check for service unavailability in operation 1303. For example, the electronic device (101) may check for service unavailability based on the provision of a service unavailability indicator from the AS to the NAS.

[0102] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to the first RAT in operation 1305. For example, the RAT of the cell that the electronic device (101) camped on in an inactive state may be the first RAT. The electronic device (101) may perform a search for the same RAT as the RAT of the cell that camped on in an inactive state. In operation 1307, the electronic device (101) may check whether a suitable cell has been detected. If it is confirmed that a suitable cell has been detected (1307-Yes), according to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may check in operation 1309 whether the RAT of the suitable cell is the same as the RAT of the serving cell. Since the electronic device (101) performed a search for the same RAT as the serving cell in operation 1305, the result of the judgment in operation 1309 may be confirmed that the RAT of the suitable cell is the same as the RAT of the serving cell. In operation 1311, the electronic device (101) can camp on a suitable cell and remain in a deactivated state.

[0103] According to various embodiments, if the detection of a suitable cell fails (1307-No), the electronic device (101) may check whether an event has occurred that causes a search corresponding to a plurality of RATs to be performed in operation 1315. According to various embodiments, the event may be, for example, the exceeding of a specified period. According to various embodiments, the event may be, for example, the execution of a specified number of searches. If the event is not confirmed (1315-No), the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to the first RAT. If a suitable cell is not detected before the event is confirmed, the electronic device (101) may repeat the search corresponding to the first RAT. During the repeated execution of the search corresponding to the first RAT, the specified period may be exceeded or the number of repetitions may exceed the specified number. The electronic device (101) may confirm the event accordingly, but the above-described event is merely illustrative, and there is no limit to the event set to stop the search corresponding to the first RAT.

[0104] According to various embodiments, when an event is confirmed (1315-e), the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to a plurality of RATs including a first RAT in operation 1317. For example, the electronic device (101) may camp on to a cell corresponding to NR network communication in an inactive state and then confirm that service provision is not possible. The electronic device (101) may search for a cell of a serving PLMN corresponding to NR network communication, as well as 4G network communication, 3G network communication, or 2G network communication. In operation 1319, the electronic device (101) may check whether a suitable cell has been detected.

[0105] If it is confirmed that a suitable cell has been detected (1319-Yes), depending on various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the RAT of the suitable cell detected in operation 1309 is the same as the RAT of the serving cell. If it is confirmed that the RAT of the detected suitable cell is the same as the RAT of the serving cell (1309-Yes), the electronic device (101) may remain in a deactivated state in operation 1311. The electronic device (101) may camp on to the suitable cell and remain in a deactivated state. The electronic device (101) may also send an RRC resume request with the cause set to RNA update for synchronization with the network. If it is confirmed that the RAT of the detected suitable cell is not the same as the RAT of the serving cell (1309-No), the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state corresponding to the RAT of the suitable cell in operation 1313.

[0106] If the detection of a suitable cell fails (1319-No), depending on the various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may check in operation 1321 whether an acceptable cell has been detected. If it is confirmed that an acceptable cell has been detected (1321-Yes), the electronic device (101) may check in operation 1323 whether the detected cell is a cell that can be registered to a location in another PLMN. If it is confirmed that the detected cell is a cell that can be registered to a location in another PLMN (1323-Yes), the electronic device (101) may switch to an idle state in operation 1325. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform cell reselection and thereby switch to an idle state. The electronic device (101) may perform a location registration operation. If the detected cell is not confirmed to be a cell that can be registered to a location in another PLMN (1323-No), the electronic device (101) may remain in a deactivated state in operation 1327. For example, the electronic device (101) may maintain a deactivated state while maintaining a camp-on state for the currently camp-on cell. While maintaining the deactivated state, the electronic device (101) may check whether the timer specified in the 1329 operation (e.g., T380 timer) has expired. Before the timer expires (1329-No), the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to multiple RATs.

[0107] According to various embodiments, when it is determined that the timer has expired (1329-e), the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state in operation 1331. In various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a limited search in the idle state. The electronic device (101) may, for example, search for an acceptable cell based on the results of the limited search and camp-on to the acceptable cell.

[0108] FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of NAS and AS according to various embodiments. At least one operation performed by NAS and / or AS may be understood as being performed by at least one of, for example, a processor (120) of an electronic device (101), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260).

[0109] In various embodiments, AS (1402) may enter a disabled state in operation 1401. For example, AS (1402) may enter a disabled state based on acknowledging an RRC release message containing a suspend config. In the disabled state, for example, AS (1402) may camp on to a cell corresponding to a 5G RAT. A timer (e.g., T380 timer) may be started based on acknowledging the RRC release message. AS (1402) may check for no service in operation 1403. For example, AS (1402) may fail to search for a suitable cell for a specified time (e.g., 10 seconds). In operation 1405, AS (1402) may provide a no service indicator to NAS (1401).

[0110] In various embodiments, NAS (1401) may request a search for a serving PLMN. For example, in operation 1407, it may request AS (1402) to search for a 5G RAT. Based on the request from NAS (1401), AS (1402) may perform a search for available PLMNs and report this to NAS (1401). AS (1402) may transmit the search results for the 5G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1409. For example, AS (1402) may transmit to NAS (1401) information that the PLMN identifier is (450 05) and information indicating that the RAT is NG-RAN as a result of the search. Among the examples of PLMN identifiers, 450 may be a mobile country code (MCC) and 05 may be a mobile network code (MNC). NAS (1401) can determine whether a suitable cell has been detected based on the search results. If a suitable cell has not been detected, NAS (1401) may request AS (1402) to search for, for example, a 5G RAT in operation 1411. AS (1402) may forward the search results for the 5G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1413. NAS (1401) may repeat the search requests until a suitable cell is detected. When a timer (e.g., T380 timer) expires, NAS (1401) may request AS (1402) to perform a limited search in operation 1415.

[0111] FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of NAS and AS according to various embodiments.

[0112] In various embodiments, AS (1402) may enter a disabled state in operation 1501. For example, AS (1402) may enter a disabled state based on acknowledging an RRC release message containing a suspend config. In the disabled state, for example, AS (1402) may camp on to a cell corresponding to a 5G RAT. A timer (e.g., T380 timer) may be started based on acknowledging the RRC release message. In operation 1503, AS (1402) may check for no service availability. For example, AS (1402) may fail to search for a suitable cell for a specified time (e.g., 10 seconds). In operation 1515, AS (1402) may provide a no service indicator to NAS (1401).

[0113] In various embodiments, NAS (1401) may request a search for a serving PLMN and, for example, request a search for a 5G RAT from AS (1402) in operation 1507. AS (1402) may forward the search results for the 5G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1509. NAS (1401) may determine whether a suitable cell is detected based on the search results. If a suitable cell is not detected, NAS (1401) may request a search for a 4G RAT from AS (1402) in operation 1511. AS (1402) may forward the search results for the 4G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1513. If a suitable cell is not detected, NAS (1401) may request a search for a 3G RAT from AS (1402) in operation 1515. AS (1402) can transmit the search results for 3G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1517. If no suitable cell is detected, NAS (1401) can request AS (1402) to search for, for example, 2G RAT in operation 1519. AS (1402) can transmit the search results for 2G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1521. Subsequently, if no suitable cell is detected, NAS (1401) can request AS (1402) to search for, for example, 5G RAT in operation 1523. AS (1402) can transmit the search results for 5G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1525. NAS (1401) can repeat the search requests until a suitable cell is detected. Those skilled in the art will understand that the search order and / or combination of different RATs is merely exemplary and not limited. When the timer (e.g., T380 timer) expires, in operation 1527, the NAS (1401) may request the AS (1402) to perform a limited search.If a suitable cell for the same RAT (e.g., 5G RAT) as the RAT of the cell that was camped on is detected, the electronic device (101) can camp on to the suitable cell and maintain an inactive state. If a suitable cell for a different RAT than the RAT of the cell that was camped on (e.g., 5G RAT) is detected, the electronic device (101) can switch to an idle state corresponding to the RAT.

[0114] FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of NAS and AS according to various embodiments.

[0115] In various embodiments, AS (1402) may enter a disabled state in operation 1601. For example, AS (1402) may enter a disabled state based on acknowledging an RRC release message containing a suspend config. In the disabled state, for example, AS (1402) may camp on to a cell corresponding to a 5G RAT. A timer (e.g., T380 timer) may be started based on acknowledging the RRC release message. AS (1402) may check for no service in operation 1603. For example, AS (1402) may fail to search for a suitable cell for a specified time (e.g., 10 seconds). In operation 1605, AS (1402) may provide a no service indicator to NAS (1401).

[0116] In various embodiments, NAS (1401) may request a search for a serving PLMN and, for example, request a search for a 5G RAT from AS (1402) in operation 1607. AS (1402) may forward the search results for the 5G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1609. NAS (1401) may determine whether a suitable cell has been detected based on the search results. If a suitable cell has not been detected, NAS (1401) may request a search for a 5G RAT from AS (1402) in operation 1611. AS (1402) may forward the search results for the 5G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1613. NAS (1401) may repeat the search requests until a suitable cell is detected. If it is confirmed that a specified period (Δt1) has been exceeded, the electronic device (101) may stop searching for 5G RATs only. As described above, the electronic device (101) may stop searching for 5G RATs only based on the number of searches being greater than a specified number, rather than the number of searches being exceeded.

[0117] In various embodiments, NAS (1401) may request a search for a serving PLMN and, for example, request a search for a 5G RAT from AS (1402) in operation 1615. AS (1402) may forward the search results for the 5G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1617. NAS (1401) may determine whether a suitable cell is detected based on the search results. If a suitable cell is not detected, NAS (1401) may request a search for a 4G RAT from AS (1402) in operation 1619. AS (1402) may forward the search results for the 4G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1621. If a suitable cell is not detected, NAS (1401) may request a search for a 3G RAT from AS (1402) in operation 1623. AS (1402) can transmit the search results for 3G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1625. If no suitable cell is detected, NAS (1401) can request AS (1402) to search for, for example, 2G RAT in operation 1627. AS (1402) can transmit the search results for 2G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1629. Subsequently, if no suitable cell is detected, NAS (1401) can request AS (1402) to search for, for example, 5G RAT in operation 1631. AS (1402) can transmit the search results for 5G RAT to NAS (1401) in operation 1633. NAS (1401) can repeat the search requests until a suitable cell is detected. When the timer (e.g., T380 timer) expires, in operation 1635, the NAS (1401) may request the AS (1402) to perform a limited search. Those skilled in the art will understand that the search order and / or combination of the different RATs in FIG. 16 are merely exemplary and are not limited.

[0118] As described above, if the electronic device (101) decides to stop searching for only 5G RATs based on, for example, exceeding a specified period (Δt1), it may perform searching for multiple RATs (5G RAT, 4G RAT, 3G RAT, 2G RAT) as in FIG. 16. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, if it decides to stop searching for only 5G RATs, the electronic device (101) may be configured to perform searching for multiple RATs (4G RAT, 3G RAT, 2G RAT) excluding 5G RATs.

[0119] FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation of NAS and AS according to various embodiments.

[0120] In various embodiments, NAS (1401) may request Serving PLMN search from AS (1402) in a disabled state during operation 1701. AS (1402) may provide the search result to NAS (1401) during operation 1703. During operation 1705, NAS (1401) may request Serving PLMN search from AS (1402). AS (1402) may provide the search result to NAS (1401) during operation 1707. During operation 1709, NAS (1401) may request Serving PLMN search from AS (1402). AS (1402) may provide the search result to NAS (1401) during operation 1711. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, NAS (1401) may fail to detect suitable cells and detect acceptable cells. NAS (1401) can camp on an acceptable cell and keep it in a deactivated state. In operation 1713, NAS (1401) can pass an HPLMN (higher PLMN) search mode to AS (1402) so that AS (1402) performs a PLMN search function in the background. For example, NAS (1401) can request background PLMN search from AS (1402), and AS (1402) can search for a serving PLMN in the background based on the request. In operation 1715, AS (1402) can detect an HPLMN. In operation 1717, AS (1402) can pass the search result to NAS (1401). For example, if a suitable cell is detected before a timer (e.g., T380 timer) expires, the electronic device (101) can keep it in a deactivated state.For example, if the electronic device (101) re-enters the service area of ​​a suitable cell or if limited service cannot be maintained (e.g., if any acceptable cell in any PLMN cannot be searched), RRC disabled mode operation can be resumed, such as not camping on any cell within the service-unavailable area.

[0121] FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0122] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of a processor (120), a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), or an integrated communication processor (260)) may enter a disabled state based on detecting an RRC release message after entering a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell in operation 1801. In operation 1802, the electronic device (101) may confirm that service provision is not possible after entering a disabled state. In operation 1803, the electronic device (101) may check whether an emergency call has occurred. If it is confirmed that no emergency call has occurred (1803-No), the electronic device (101) may maintain the disabled state in operation 1805. For example, the electronic device (101) may maintain the camp-on state for a camp-on cell while maintaining the disabled state. If it is confirmed that an emergency call has occurred (1803-Yes), the electronic device (101) may transition to an idle state while providing limited service in operation 1807. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform a limited search and perform a camp-on to an acceptable cell. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may transition from an inactive state to an idle state based on, in addition to the occurrence of an emergency call, movement to another RAT, or the transmission of a signaling message for another PLMN location registration.

[0123] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one communication processor that supports at least one network communication, and the at least one communication processor may be configured to enter a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell, enter a deactivated state based on detecting an RRC release message, confirm that service provision is not possible in the deactivated state, perform a search until a timer started based on the reception of the RRC release message expires, and maintain the deactivated state based on camp-on to a selected cell according to the search result.

[0124] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be further configured to transmit an RRC resume request for synchronization with the network based on camp-on to the selected cell.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be configured to search for a suitable cell and to camp on the searched suitable cell as at least part of an operation of maintaining an inactive state based on camp-on to a cell selected according to the search result.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be further configured to switch the state of the electronic device from the inactive state to the idle state based on the failure of the search for the suitable cell until the timer expires.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be further configured to perform a limited search, detect an acceptable cell during the limited search, and camp-on the acceptable cell to transition to the idle state.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be configured to perform at least one search for the RAT of the cell on which the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state before the timer expires, as at least part of the operation of performing a search before the timer, which was started based on the reception of the RRC release message, expires.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be configured to detect a suitable cell during at least one search for the RAT of the cell on which the electronic device camped on, and to camp on the detected suitable cell and maintain the deactivated state as at least part of an operation of maintaining the deactivated state based on camping on a cell selected according to the search result.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be configured to perform at least one search for at least some of a plurality of RATs, including the RAT of the cell on which the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state, before the timer expires, as at least part of the operation of performing a search initiated based on the reception of the RRC release message.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be configured to detect a suitable cell corresponding to the same RAT as the cell on which the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state, as at least part of an operation to maintain the deactivated state based on camp-on to a cell selected according to the search result, camp on to the suitable cell corresponding to the same RAT as the cell on which the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state, and maintain the deactivated state.

[0132] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be further configured to detect a suitable cell corresponding to a RAT different from the RAT of the cell on which the electronic device camped in the deactivated state, camp on to the suitable cell corresponding to the RAT different from the RAT of the cell on which the electronic device camped in the deactivated state, and to transition the state of the electronic device to an idle state corresponding to the RAT different from the RAT of the cell on which the electronic device camped in the deactivated state.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be further configured to detect an acceptable cell in the deactivated state, switch the state of the electronic device to an idle state based on the detection of the acceptable cell as a cell capable of location registration with another PLMN, and maintain the state of the electronic device in the deactivated state based on the detection of the acceptable cell as a cell not capable of location registration with another PLMN.

[0134] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be configured to search for a serving PLMN in the background as at least part of the operation of maintaining the disabled state, and to maintain the disabled state when a suitable cell is detected as a result of the search of the serving PLMN in the background.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be configured to perform at least one first search for the RAT of the cell that the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state before the timer expires, as at least part of the operation of performing a search before the timer expires, and, when the specified event is detected, to perform at least one second search for at least some of the plurality of RATs including the RAT of the cell that the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state before the timer expires.

[0136] According to various embodiments, the specified event may be the exceedance of a specified period or the confirmation of the number of times the first search is performed more than a specified number of times.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be configured to confirm the inability to provide service based on at least one of the following: dissatisfaction of a specified condition of a signal from a cell that the electronic device camped on in the inability to provide service

[0138] According to various embodiments, the at least one communication processor may be further configured to detect an emergency call while maintaining the inactive state, and based on the detection of the emergency call, to switch the state of the electronic device from the inactive state to an idle state and provide limited services.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the method of operation of an electronic device may include: entering a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell, and then entering a deactivated state based on detecting an RRC release message; confirming that service provision is not possible in the deactivated state; performing a search until a timer started based on receiving the RRC release message expires; and maintaining a deactivated state based on camp-on to a selected cell according to the search result.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the method of operation of the electronic device may further include the operation of transmitting an RRC resume request for synchronization with a network based on camp-on to the selected cell.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the operation of performing a search until the timer initiated based on the reception of the RRC release message expires may perform at least one search for the RAT of the cell that the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state before the timer expires.

[0142] According to various embodiments, the operation of performing a search until the timer initiated based on the reception of the RRC release message expires may perform at least one search for at least some of a plurality of RATs, including the RAT of the cell that the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state, until the timer expires.

[0143] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a computer device, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0144] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0145] As used in this document, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component formed as a whole, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0146] Various embodiments of this document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., a master device or a task execution device). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., a master device or a task execution device) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0148] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the components of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device comprising at least one communication processor configured to support at least one network communication, wherein the at least one communication processor enters a connected state by forming an RRC connection with a first cell, enters a deactivated state based on detecting a radio release control (RRC) release message, confirms that service cannot be provided, searches for a suitable cell until a timer started based on the reception of the RRC release message expires—the timer is associated with a preset value included in the RRC release message—when the suitable cell is found, checks whether the radio access technology (RAT) of the suitable cell is the same as the RAT of the serving cell, transmits an RRC resume request for synchronization with the network based on confirming that the radio access technology (RAT) of the suitable cell is the same as the RAT of the serving cell, and maintains the deactivated state until the timer expires without the suitable cell being found, or until it is confirmed that the RAT of the suitable cell is not the same as the RAT of the serving cell. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 In claim 1, the at least one communication processor is further configured to switch the state of the electronic device from the inactive state to the idle state based on the failure of searching for the suitable cell until the timer expires. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication processor is configured to perform at least one search for the RAT of the cell that the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state before the timer expires, as at least part of the operation of searching for the suitable cell before the timer starts based on the reception of the RRC release message. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication processor is configured to perform at least one search for at least some of a plurality of RATs, including the RAT of the cell on which the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state, as at least part of the operation of searching for the suitable cell before the timer, which started based on the reception of the RRC release message, expires, before the timer expires. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 An electronic device configured such that, in at least one communication processor, as at least part of an operation of searching for the suitable cell before the timer expires, it performs at least one first search for the RAT of the cell that the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state before a specified event is detected, and, based on the detection of the specified event, performs at least one second search for at least some of a plurality of RATs including the RAT of the cell that the electronic device camped on in the deactivated state before the timer expires. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication processor is configured to confirm the inability to provide service based on at least one of the following: dissatisfaction of a specified condition of a signal from a cell that the electronic device camped on in the inactive state, or failure to detect a suitable cell for a specified period, as at least part of an operation to confirm the inability to provide service in the inactive state. Claim 16 In claim 1, the at least one communication processor is further configured to detect an emergency call while maintaining the inactive state, and, based on the detection of the emergency call, to switch the state of the electronic device from the inactive state to an idle state and provide limited services. Claim 17 A method of operation of an electronic device comprising: an operation of entering a connected state by forming a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a first cell by the electronic device, and then entering a deactivated state based on detecting a radio release control (RRC) release message by the electronic device; an operation of confirming that service provision is not possible in the deactivated state; an operation of searching for a suitable cell until a timer started based on the reception of the RRC release message expires—the timer is associated with a preset value included in the RRC release message—when the suitable cell is searched, an operation of checking whether the radio access technology (RAT) of the suitable cell and the RAT of the serving cell are the same, an operation of transmitting an RRC resume request for synchronization with a network based on confirming that the radio access technology (RAT) of the suitable cell and the RAT of the serving cell are the same, and an operation of maintaining the deactivated state until the timer expires without the suitable cell being searched or until it is confirmed that the RAT of the suitable cell and the RAT of the serving cell are not the same. Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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