On-demand synchronization signal block measurement mechanism

Abstract

A method of operating a wireless device, UE, (10), in a communications network to perform an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, measurement. The method includes receiving (1330) an indication that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell. The method further includes, responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, performing (1350) an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell. The method further including transmitting (1360) an indication of the on-demand SSB measurement to a network node.

Description

ON-DEMAND SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL BLOCK MEASUREMENT MECHANISMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is related to communication systems, entities, network node, and host for an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement mechanism.BACKGROUND

[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a new radio (NR) network (e.g., a 5th Generation (5G) network) including a 5G core (5GC) network 130, network nodes 120a-b (e.g., 5G base station (gNB)), multiple communication devices 110 (also referred to as user equipment (UE)).

[0003] In a typical wireless communication network, UEs, also known as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (STA) and / or wireless devices, communicate via a Radio Access Network (RAN) with one or more core networks (CN). The RAN covers a geographical area which is divided into service areas or cells, with each service area or cell being served by a radio network node such as an access node, e.g., a Wi-Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be called, for example, a NodeB, a gNodeB, or an eNodeB. The service area or cell is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio network node. The radio network node operates on radio frequencies to communicate over an air interface with the UEs within range of the radio network node. The radio network node communicates over a downlink (DL) to the UE and the UE communicates over an uplink (UL) to the radio network node.

[0004] A Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third generation (3G) telecommunication network, which evolved from the second generation (2G) Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) is essentially a RAN using wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) and / or High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) for communication with user equipment. In a forum known as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP), telecommunications suppliers propose and agree upon standards for present and future generation networks and investigate e.g. enhanced data rate and radio capacity. In some RANs, e.g. as in UMTS, several radio network nodes may be connected, e.g., by landlines or microwave, to a controller node, such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC), which supervises and coordinates various activities of the plural radio network nodes connected thereto. The RNCs are typically connected to one or more core networks.

[0005] Specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS) have been completed within the 3GPP and coming 3GPP releases, such as New Radio (NR), are worked on. The EPS comprises the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), also known as the Long- Term Evolution (LTE) radio access network, and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), also known as System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network. E-UTRAN / LTE is a 3 GPP radio access technology wherein the radio network nodes are directly connected to the EPC core network. As such, the Radio Access Network (RAN) of an EPS has an essentially “flat” architecture comprising radio network nodes connected directly to one or more core networks.

[0006] With the emerging 5G technologies such as NR, the use of very many transmit- and receive-antenna elements may be of great interest as it makes it possible to utilize beamforming, such as transmit-side and receive-side beamforming. Transmit-side beamforming means that the transmitter can amplify the transmitted signals in a selected direction or directions, while suppressing the transmitted signals in other directions. Similarly, on the receive-side, a receiver can amplify signals from a selected direction or directions, while suppressing unwanted signals from other directions. NR is connected to the 5G Core Network (5GC) which comprises a number of Network Functions (NF) such as Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Authentication Service Function (AUSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Unified Data Manager (UDM), Network Repository Function (NRF), and Network Exposure Function (NEF). In the 5GC, NFs can discover other NFs by using a discovery service provided by the Network Repository Function (NRF).SUMMARY

[0007] According to some embodiments, a method of operating a wireless device, UE, in a communications network is provided. The method includes receiving an indication that an on- demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell. The method further includes, responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, performing an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell. The method further includes transmitting a result of the on-demand SSB measurement to a network node.

[0008] According to other embodiments, a method of operating a network node in a communications network is provided. The method includes transmitting an indication to a wireless device, UE, that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell. The method further includes, receiving a result of the on-demand SSB measurement from the UE.

[0009] According to other embodiments, a network node, UE, computer program, computer program product, system, host, or non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided for performing one of the above methods.

[0010] Some embodiments herein may provide one or more technical advantages. In some embodiments, an on-demand SSB measurement mechanism in an SCell is provided. To achieve more power saving gain for network energy savings (NES) feature, embodiments herein introduce one or more on-demand SSB measurement relevant configurations targeting speeding up on-demand SSB measurement procedure. After UE finishes measuring the on-demand SSB measurement, the radio network node or network (NW) can go to deep sleep by turning off or lower down the transmission periodicity of on-demand SSB.

[0011] In some embodiments, the UE may prioritize the on-demand SSB measurement with respect to the proposed one or more rules and criteria in embodiments herein. In this way, the UE may shorten the latency caused by waiting for SSB for measurement for the on-demand SSB SCell operation. In some examples, a proposed procedure may speed up the on-demand SSB measurement, and then the NW can achieve more power saving gain due to reduce the on- demand SSB valid duration. In additional or alternative examples, the UE can also achieve the power saving by shorter measurement and SCell activation time.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts. In the drawings:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a 5thgeneration (“5G”) network;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a SCell activation / deactivation MAC CE;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating an example of a measurement period for intra-frequency measurements without gaps (FR1);

[0016] FIG. 4 is a table illustrating an example of measurement period for intra-frequency measurements without gaps (FR2);

[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a of SSB, SMTC window;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overview depicting a wireless communication network in accordance with some embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example of a scheme in accordance with some embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by a UE in accordance with some embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by a radio network node in accordance with some embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a table illustrating an example of different ondemanS SB sharing values in accordance with some embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a UE in accordance with some embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a radio network node in accordance with some embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by a UE in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0026] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by a network node in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art, in which examples of embodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of present inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present / used in another embodiment.

[0028] The SCell Activation / Deactivation MAC CE of one octet is identified by a MAC subheader with logical channel ID (LCID). It has a fixed size and consists of a single octet containing seven C-fields and one R-field (Reserve field). The SCell Activation / Deactivation MAC CE with one octet is defined as follows.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a SCell activation / deactivation MAC CE. If there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity with SCelllndex i, this field indicates the activation deactivation status of the SCell with SCelllndex i, else the MAC entity shall ignore the Ci field.The Ci field is set to 1 to indicate that the SCell with SCelllndex i shall be activated. The Ci field is set to 0 to indicate that the SCell with Scelllndex i shall be deactivated. R, a reserved bit, is set to 0.

[0030] There is another MAC CE of four octets that can support up-to 31 SCell. In this MAC CE signaling, network has to indicate clearly the wanted activation status for each configured SCell.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating an example of a measurement period for intra-frequency measurements without gaps (deactivated SCell) (FR1).

[0032] FIG. 4 is a table illustrating an example of a measurement period for intra-frequency measurements without gaps (deactivated SCell) (FR2).

[0033] The deactivated SCell measurement cycle is configured in MeasObjectNR as: measCycleSCell ENUMERATED {sfl60, sf256, sf320, sf512, sf640, sf!024, sf!280}

[0034] The measCycleSCell parameter is used only when an SCell is configured on the frequency indicated by the measObjectNR and is in deactivated state, see TS 38.133. gNB configures the parameter whenever an SCell is configured on the frequency indicated by the measObjectNR, but the field may also be signalled when an SCell is not configured. Value sf!60 corresponds to 160 sub-frames, value sf256 corresponds to 256 sub-frames and so on.

[0035] NR synchronization signal (SS) consists of primary SS (PSS) and secondary SS (SSS). NR physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carries the very basic system information. In NR PSS, PBCH and SSS are always transmitted together and the combination of PSS, SSS and PBCH is referred to as SSB in NR. Multiple SSBs are transmitted in a localized burst set. Within an SS burst set, multiple SSBs can be transmitted in different beams. The transmission of SSBs within a localized burst set is confined to a 5 ms window and the SSB and SSB burst set are repeated in a periodic manner. The SSB periodicity can be configured from the value set {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160} ms.

[0036] SSB is primarily used for performing the Radio resource Management (RRM) measurements, beam measurements, synchronization measurements, etc., Since SSB periodicity can be as low as 5ms, UE do not need to perform RRM measurements or beam management measurements or synchronization measurements with the periodicity of SSB. To inform the UE about the SSB measurement periodicity, in NR SSB measurement time configuration (SMTC) is introduced. SMTC consists of SMTC periodicity and SMTC window length. In NR, since different beams can be configured to cover different spatial implementation, the UE does notneed to measure all the spatial directions. The beams to be measured can be controlled or configurable through SMTC window. SMTC window length indicates the location of the SSB to be measured within the SSB burst set. The signaling of SMTC window informs the UE of the timing and periodicity of SSBs that the UE can use for measurements. The SMTC window periodicity can be configured from the value set {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160} ms, matching the possible SSB periodicities. The SMTC window duration can be configured from the value set { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5} ms. The SMTC window duration may also be referred to as SMTC duration or SMTC length or SMTC occasion duration or SMTC occasion length etc. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a SSB, SMTC window.

[0037] As part of developing embodiments herein one or more problems have been identified.

[0038] Network energy saving (NES), being of great importance for environmental sustainability, to reduce environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions) and for operational cost savings, has been studied from Rel-18. Regarding those promising techniques which were raised but not specified, it is agreed that WI, RP -234065, in Rel-19 aims to study and specify them including on-demand SSB and on-demand system information block 1 (SIB1) transmissions, as well as adaptation of common signal / channel transmissions. Among them, on- demand SSB is considered to be an enhancement to SCell activation operation.

[0039] However, it is unclear how the on-demand SSB can be used for deactivated SCell measurement. Given that, it’s desirable to exploit the mechanism applying to on-demand SSB measurement. An object of embodiments herein is to handle communication in a wireless communication network in an efficient manner.

[0040] Embodiments herein relate to wireless communication networks in general. FIG. 6 is a schematic overview depicting a wireless communication network 1. The wireless communication network 1 comprises one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The wireless communication network 1 may use one or a number of different technologies. Embodiments herein relate to recent technology trends that are of particular interest in a New Radio (NR) context, however, embodiments are also applicable in further development of existing wireless communications systems such as e.g. LTE or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA).

[0041] In the wireless communication network 1, one or more UEs such as a user equipment (UE) 10 exemplified herein as a wireless device such as a mobile station, a non- access point (non-AP) station (STA), a STA and / or a wireless terminal, are comprised communicating via e.g. one or more Access Networks (AN), e.g. radio access network (RAN),to one or more core networks (CN). It should be understood by the skilled in the art that “UE” is a non-limiting term which means any terminal, wireless communications terminal, user equipment, narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) device, Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, Device to Device (D2D) terminal, or node e.g. smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablets or even a small base station capable of communicating using radio communication with a radio network node within an area served by the radio network node.

[0042] The wireless communication network 1 comprises a first radio network node 12, providing radio coverage over a geographical area, a first service area 11 or first cell, of a first radio access technology (RAT), such as NR, LTE, or similar. The first radio network node 12 may be a transmission and reception point such as an access node, an access controller, a base station, A NG-RAN node, e.g. a radio base station such as a gNodeB (gNB), an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a NodeB, a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an Access Point Base Station, a NG-RAN-CU-UP node, base station router, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point or any other network unit or node capable of communicating with a UE within the area served by the first radio network node depending e.g. on the first radio access technology and terminology used. The first radio network node may be referred to as a primary node, primary radio network node wherein the service area may be referred to as a primary serving cell, and the primary node communicates with the wireless device in form of DL transmissions to the wireless device and UL transmissions from the wireless device. It should be noted that a service area may be denoted as cell, beam, beam group or similar to define an area of radio coverage.

[0043] The wireless communication network 1 comprises a second radio network node 13, providing radio coverage over a geographical area, a second service area 14 or second cell, of a second radio access technology (RAT), such as NR, LTE, or similar. The second radio network node 13 may be a transmission and reception point such as an access node, an access controller, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a gNodeB (gNB), an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a NodeB, a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, a NG-RAN-CU-CP node, an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point or any other network unit or node capable of communicating with a wireless device within the area served by the second radio network node depending e.g. on the first radio access technology and terminology used. The second radio network node maybe referred to as a secondary or secondary serving radio network node, wherein the service area may be referred to as a secondary cell or secondary serving cell, and the second radio network node communicates with the UE in form of DL transmissions to the UE and UL transmissions from the UE. It should be noted that a service area may be denoted as cell, beam, beam group or similar to define an area of radio coverage.

[0044] The first RAT may be the same RAT as the second RAT or the first RAT may be a different RAT than the second RAT.

[0045] The wireless communication network 1 may further comprise a number of network nodes providing network functions (NF) or actually instantiations of NFs also referred to as NF instances, such as a first network node 15, for example, an AMF. The different NF instances may have different tasks. Other functions may be for LTE such as MME or similar.

[0046] The respective node may be a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or processing resources in a server farm or same node. Embodiments herein may be implemented as physical bare metal, virtual or cloud native such as Kubernetes environment in, e.g., hyper-cloud networks.

[0047] Embodiments herein relate to a UE for handling on-demand SSB measurement and configuration from a radio network node 12 such as the first radio network node 12 or the second radio network node 13.

[0048] Embodiments herein may speed up the on-demand SSB measurement, and then NW can achieve more power saving gain due to reduce the on-demand SSB valid duration.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, a UE can achieve the power saving by shorter measurement and SCell activation time.

[0050] In some embodiments herein, examples of network nodes include a NodeB, base station (BS), multi -standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, MeNB, SeNB, location measurement unit (LMU), integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), Central Unit (e.g. in a gNB), Distributed Unit (e.g. in a gNB), Baseband Unit, Centralized Baseband, C-RAN, access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, transmission reception point (TRP), RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. MSC, MME etc), O&M, OSS, SON, positioning node (e.g. E-SMLC),etc.

[0051] In some embodiments herein, the non-limiting term UE refers to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device to device (D2D) UE,vehicular to vehicular (V2V), machine type UE, MTC UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles etc.

[0052] In some embodiments herein, the term radio access technology, or RAT, may refer to any RAT e.g. UTRA, E-UTRA, narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT), WiFi, Bluetooth, next generation RAT, New Radio (NR), 4G, 5G, etc. Any of the equipment denoted by the term node, network node or radio network node may be capable of supporting a single or multiple RATs.

[0053] In some embodiments herein, the term signal or radio signal used herein can be any physical signal or physical channel. Examples of DL physical signals are reference signal (RS) such as PSS, SSS, CSI-RS, DMRS signals in SS / PBCH block (SSB), discovery reference signal (DRS), CRS, PRS etc. RS may be periodic e.g. RS occasion carrying one or more RSs may occur with certain periodicity e.g. 20 ms, 40 ms etc. The RS may also be aperiodic. Each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS and NR-PBCH in 4 successive symbols. One or multiple SSBs are transmit in one SSB burst which is repeated with certain periodicity e.g. 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms and 160 ms. The UE is configured with information about SSB on cells of certain carrier frequency by one or more SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration comprising parameters such as SMTC periodicity, SMTC occasion length in time or duration, SMTC time offset with regards to reference time (e.g. serving cell’s SFN) etc. Therefore, SMTC occasion may also occur with certain periodicity e.g. 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms and 160 ms. Examples of UL physical signals are reference signal such as SRS, DMRS etc. The term physical channel refers to any channel carrying higher layer information e.g. data, control etc. Examples of physical channels are PBCH, NPBCH, PDCCH, PDSCH, sPUCCH, sPDSCH, sPUCCH, sPUSCH, MPDCCH, NPDCCH, NPDSCH, E-PDCCH, PUSCH, PUCCH, NPUSCH etc.

[0054] In some embodiments herein, the term A-TRS Aperiodic-temporary reference symbol used herein is a Rel-17 application of the CSI-RS for the UE measurement to settle the AGC (automatic gain control) during the secondary cell activation timeline. A-TRS can be typical NZP CSI-RS which follow the configuration from higher layer.

[0055] In some embodiments herein, the term time resource used herein may correspond to any type of physical resource or radio resource expressed in terms of length of time. Examples of time resources are: symbol, time slot, subframe, radio frame, TTI, interleaving time, slot, subslot, mini-slot, system frame number (SFN) cycle, hyper-SFN (H-SFN) cycle etc.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example of an on-demand SSB measurement mechanism.

[0057] At operation 701, the radio network node 12, such as the second radio network node 13 or first radio network node 12, may transmit an indication indicating the UE 10, e.g., when and / or where, to receive an SSB on a SCell for performing a measurement on. The indication may comprise a configuration or similar. The radio network node 12 may thus configure the UE to perform on demand SSB measurements.

[0058] At operation 702, the UE 10 may then perform measurement on the SSB as configured. The UE 10 may prioritize the measurement (On-demand measurement) over other measurements.

[0059] At operation 703,. the UE 10 may then report an indication of a result of the On- demand measurement.

[0060] At operation 704, the radio network node 12 may then activate and / or deactivate SSB for the SCell and may achieve more power saving gain due to reduce the on-demand SSB valid duration.

[0061] The operations performed by the UE 10 for handling communication in the wireless communication network according to embodiments herein will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in FIG. 8. The operations do not have to be taken in the order stated below, but may be taken in any suitable order. Operations performed in some embodiments are marked with dashed boxes.

[0062] At operation 801, the UE 10 obtains the indication indicating the UE 10 to receive the SSB on the SCell for performing the measurement on, for example, when and / or where. The indication may comprise a configuration or similar. The UE 10 may thus be configured to perform on demand SSB measurements by the radio network node 12. The UE may receive from the radio network node 120 the indication.

[0063] At operation 802, the UE 10 may then perform measurement on the SSB as configured. The UE 10 may prioritize the measurement (On-demand measurement) over other measurements.

[0064] At operation 803, the UE 10 may then report an indication of a result of the On- demand measurement.

[0065] Embodiments introduce one or more on-demand SSB measurement relevant configurations targeting speeding up SSB measurement shortening SCell measurement delay.

[0066] Some embodiments herein describe a method of operating a UE for SCell measurement. The UE can receive the on-demand SSB according to the configuration and perform receiver operations using these SSBs to perform measurement.

[0067] Embodiments associated with deactivated SCell measurement (including during SCell activation operation) before SCell activation completion are described below.

[0068] In additional or alternative embodiments, a UE uses the on-demand SSB to perform deactivated SCell measurement.

[0069] In additional or alternative embodiments, a UE mutes / suspends the deactivated SCell measurement until NW indicates to activate the on-demand SSB transmission in this deactivated SCell. In some examples, the NW indicates whether to mute the deactivated SCell measurement when NW indicates SCell addition by radio resource control (RRC). In additional or alternative examples, the NW indicates whether to mute the deactivated SCell measurement by a new information element (IE) measCycleOndemandSCell in MeasObjectNR.

[0070] In additional or alternative embodiments, a UE prioritizes the on-demand SSB in deactivated SCell measurement. In some examples, the NW indicates (or by pre-defined rules / requirements), the UE to prioritize a target on-demand deactivated SCell and suspend other measurements (such as intra-frequency measurement without gap, inter-frequency measurement without gap) except the PCell. In additional or alternative examples, the UE may always prioritize on-demand SSB measurement. In additional or alternative examples, the UE prioritize the first N samples on-demand SSB measurement. In additional or alternative examples, the UE prioritize on-demand SSB measurements until at the least one SSB fulfills a pre-defined threshold. In additional or alternative examples, the UE prioritize on-demand SSB measurement in a pre-defined time period.

[0071] In additional or alternative examples, the NW indicates or by pre-defined rules / requirements, UE applies a scaling factor on on-demand SSB measurement.

[0072] In additional or alternative examples, the NW indicates the measurement cycle for on-demand SSB in deactivated SCell by a new IE, measCycleOndemandSCell, in MeasObjectNR.. The measurement cycle contains a set with shorter measurement period, such as 20ms, 40ms etc.

[0073] In additional or alternative examples, a new IE measPeriodOndemandSCell in MeasObjectNR. contains an absolute time instant, e.g., a UTC timestamp, or any suitable combination of one or more of H-SFN, SFN, subframe number, slot number and symbol number (of the serving cell) - all optionally combined with a time reference. For instance: H-SFN + SFN, H-SFN + SFN + subframe number, H-SFN + SFN + slot number, SFN + subframe number, SFN + slot number.

[0074] Embodiments associated with Multiple SCell measurements, all SCells are in deactivated state, are described below.

[0075] In some embodiments, a NW indicates the prioritized set of SCells, such as multiple added SCells with on-demand SSB, further uses the above corresponding embodiments to prioritize on-demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells.

[0076] In additional or alternative embodiments, a UE determines the priority order of SCells, further uses the above corresponding embodiments to prioritize on-demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells. In some examples, the UE determines the priority order of SCells with respect to speed up the measurements on the SCells. In additional or alternative examples, the UE determines the priority order of SCells with respect to historical performance / service of SCells, e.g., the SCell has served UE, the SCell has QCLed with PCell, and so on. In additional or alternative examples, the time order of UE receiving SCell operation indicated by NW, e.g., SCell addition, SCell activation. In additional or alternative examples, once one SCell leaves deactivated state, the SCell is deprioritized.

[0077] In additional or alternative embodiments, the UE determines the time order of SCell on-demand SSB measurement and activation. In some examples, the UE measures all SCells, then activates a sub-set of the SCells based on the measurement reports. In additional or alternative examples, the UE measures one or pre-defined set of SCells, activate a sub-set of the SCells within the set. Then, in turn and repetition, measure other one or pre-defined set of SCells, activate a sub-set of SCells, until activate all SCells.

[0078] Embodiments associated with multiple SCell measurements, at the least one is deactivated SCell and at the least one is activated SCell, are described below.

[0079] In some embodiments, a NW indicates the prioritized SCells, further uses the above corresponding embodiments to prioritize on-demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells.

[0080] In additional or alternative embodiments, a UE determines the priority order of SCells, further uses the above corresponding embodiments to prioritize on-demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells. In some examples, the UE prioritize deactivated SCell. In additional or alternative examples, once one SCell leaves deactivated state, the SCell is deprioritized.

[0081] The operations performed by the radio network node 12 for handling communication in the wireless communication network according to embodiments herein will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in FIG. 9. The operations do not have to be taken in theorder stated below, but may be taken in any suitable order. Operations performed in some embodiments are marked with dashed boxes.

[0082] At block 901, the radio network node 12, such as the second radio network node 13 or the first radio network node 12, may transmit an indication indicating the UE 10 to receive an SSB on a SCell for performing a measurement on. The indication may comprise a configuration or similar. The radio network node 12 may thus configure the UE to perform on demand SSB measurements.

[0083] At block 902, the radio network node 12 may receive the report comprising the indication of the result of the On-demand measurement.

[0084] At block 903, the radio network node 12 may then activate and / or deactivate SSB for the SCell and may achieve more power saving gain due to reduce the on-demand SSB valid duration.

[0085] In a NES-based SCell, the NW configures a UE with SSB configuration with a low- rate SSB periodicity when Scell is deactivated. In a typical case, a low-rate SSB periodicity can be a periodicity as 160ms, or any value configured by NW. In another typical case, low-rate SSB periodicity can be believed as SSB OFF.

[0086] To facilitate Scell activation operation, the NW, a radio network node, may indicate the SSB configuration e.g., SSB periodicity with a high-rate, prior to, along with or after SCell activation command, e.g. XI ms before SCell activation. In a typical case, high-rate SSB periodicity can be a periodicity as 20ms, or any value configured by NW.

[0087] On-demand SSB adaption can be believed as a SSB periodicity adaption from low- rate SSB to high-rate SSB, such as low-rate SSB transmission during deactivated SCell and high-rate SSB transmission during or prior to or after SCell activation. In a specific case, On- demand SSB adaption can be believed as SSB transmission OFF during the deactivated Scell, and SSB transmission ON during or prior to or after Scell activation.

[0088] On-demand SSB also is herein referred to as SSB with higher-rate, compared to / changed from SSB with lower-rate, or referred to as SSB ON compared to / changed from SSB OFF.

[0089] Legacy or static SSB is referred as SSB with lower-rate compared to On-demand SSB or SSB OFF. Typically, the UE is configured to measure legacy or static SSB if configured before receiving indication to receive On-demand SSB.

[0090] Although the following description may focus on SSB ON / OFF scenarios, the innovations can be applied to the case of SSB periodicity switching between sparse / dense.

[0091] After being configured with SCell addition but before SCell activation, a SCell can be called as a deactivated SCell to a UE. The radio network node 12 can configure the RRC configuration about measurement objects (MO) MeasObjectNR to the UE 10 for monitoring the deactivated SCell’ s quality by measuring SSB with respect to a measurement cycle measCycleSCell . The measCycleSCell wherein defines the measurement density from at least 160 sub-frames to 1280 sub-frames per SSB measurement.

[0092] To achieve better NW power saving, NW can mute the SSB during the deactivated SCell and activate the SSB transmission timely before the SCell activation on an as needed basis.

[0093] In an example, after SCell addition and NW configures the MOs with the deactivation SCell, NW can further indicate the UE to skip the measurement for this cell.

[0094] In one example, the indication is provided to the UE through updating RRC configuration MeasObjectNR.

[0095] In another example, the indication is provided to the UE 10 through adding IE such as measCycleOndemandSCell within MeasObjectNR by extension. For example, measCycleOndemandSCell with sf which means NW will mute the SSB transmission during deactivated Scell status before activating on-demand SSB transmission. In another example, the SSB transmission will be in a low-rate by default until NW indicates a high-rate SSB transmission later.

[0096] Embodiments associated with indicating the measurement for deactivated SCell are described below.

[0097] When NW plans to activate one of the candidate deactivated SCells, NW indicates the UE to enable performing on-demand SSB measurement on the deactivated SCell immediately before it or XI ms before it, or after it. Wherein, XI may accommodate measurement time with respect to below embodiments.

[0098] In one embodiment, indication from NW to UE 10 for activating / deactivating an SCell also indicates to the UE to start performing on-demand SSB measurements. In an alternate embodiment, separate indication is used for activating the SCell (e.g., legacy SCell activation MAC CE) and for performing SCell measurements. For example, when NW is transmitting on- demand SSB in an SCell (e.g., for activating other UE(s) in the same SCell) it may request on- demand SSB measurement for UE (e.g., for L1 / L3 measurements).

[0099] The UE 10 may prioritize the deactivated SCell measurement once the UE 10 receives indication by NW, meanwhile optionally, the UE 10 in turn suspends other measurements (intra-frequency measurement, or inter-frequency measurement) except the PCell.prioritizing the deactivated SCell measurement from now on is referred as the UE only measures on-demand SSB for SSB activation purpose when the SSB of the target SCell collides with SSBs for other measurements (intra-frequency measurement, or inter-frequency measurement).

[0100] In one example, the radio network node 12 can further indicate the purpose of the indicator, in same indicator or in other signaling, as ‘measurement for SCell activation’, upon receiving the purpose information, the UE can prioritize the deactivated SCell measurement even if the SSB of the target SCell colliding with other SSBs.

[0101] In another example, the UE 10 may prioritize the deactivated SCell measurement provided the UE receives indication by NW. Once the UE completes the first N samples on- demand SSB measurement, the UE can resum e / initiate a legacy measurement cycle or deprioritize the on-demand SSB measurement, e.g., stop / skip the on-demand SSB measurement. Wherein, N is an integer larger than 0, N may be the samples of SSB for the UE completing a L3 intra-frequency measurement, or a pre-defined number, etc.

[0102] In another example, the UE 10 may prioritize the deactivated SCell measurement provided the UE receives indication by NW. The UE 10 may continue on-demand SSB measurement until the measured result fulfills certain criteria, e.g., measured signal strength, such as reference signal received power (RSRP), or quality such as reference signal received quality (RSRQ) on one or more than on SSB index is higher than a pre-defined threshold. After that, the UE can revert back to a legacy measurement cycle or deprioritize the on-demand SSB measurement.

[0103] In another example, the UE 10 may prioritize the deactivated SCell measurement and start a timer provided the UE 10 receives indication by NW. The UE 10 may conduct on- demand SSB measurement when the timer is running. If the UE successfully measures on- demand SSB measurement and reports the measurement result before the timer expires, the UE stops the timer and the UE may back to legacy measurement cycle or deprioritize the on-demand SSB measurement. On other hand, if the UE can’t measure on-demand SSB measurement and report the measurement result until the timer expires, the UE can resume / initiate a legacy measurement cycle or deprioritize the on-demand SSB measurement.

[0104] In another example, the UE 10 may conduct the deactivated SCell measurement based on new configurations provided by NW, such as measCycleOndemandSCell . The new element can be based on SSB periodicity with the sub-frames as {sfO, sf20, sf40, sf80, sfl60}. measCycleOndemandSCell ENUMERATED {sfO, sf20, sf40, sf80, sfl60}.

[0105] Alternatively, the element can be based on absolute time unit ‘ms’ as{ms0, ms20, ms40, ms80, ms!60}.measCycleOndemandSCell ENUMERATED {msO, ms20, ms40, ms80, ms 160}.

[0106] The new IE measPeriodOndemandSCell in MeasObjectNR may contain an absolute time instant to indicate the time of on-demand SSB to be measured, e.g., a UTC timestamp, or any suitable combination of one or more of H-SFN, SFN, subframe number, slot number and symbol number (of the serving cell) - all optionally combined with a time reference. For instance: H-SFN + SFN, H-SFN + SFN + subframe number, H-SFN + SFN + slot number, SFN + subframe number, SFN + slot number.

[0107] In another example, the UE 10 may perform the on-demand SCell measurements for a time window that is, e.g., RRC, configured by the NW. The UE 10 may perform on-demand SSB measurement from a start time, e.g., based on when UE received the indication to start performing on-demand SSB measurements. In one embodiment, the time window (e.g., from preconfigured list of candidate time windows) is included in indication to the UE 10 to perform the on-demand SCell measurements. The time window may be specified in a number of slots, subframes, frames, etc.

[0108] In another example, the UE 10 may be configured with SSB-MTC (SMTC) for On- demand SSB (e.g., via new IE smtcOnDemand in MeasObjectNR) which is different with legacy SMTC, for configuring timing occasions at which the UE measures SSBs. SMTC for On- demand SSB configures one or more of periodicity and offset of the measurement window, and duration of the measurement window. In one embodiment SMTC for On-demand SSB also configures the number of measurement windows over which the UE 10 can perform on-demand SSB measurements.

[0109] In some embodiments, the radio network node 12 may signal the UE 10 with configuration carrying a scaling weight to target on-demand deactivated SCells’ measurement to speed up the measurement. For example, a new weight for on-demand SSB Scell measurement can be introduced, ondemandSSB sharing.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a table illustrating an example of different values of ondemandSSBsharing.

[0111] Such scaling factor can be applied directly for deactivated Scell(s) intra-frequency measurement. The calculation of carrier specific scaling factor can be updated based on on- demand SSB intra-frequency measurement and other intra-frequency layers.

[0112] When network signals “01”, “10” or “11” with parameter ondemandSSBsharing and the value of X is defined as in Table, and■ KondemandSSB—1 / X * 100,- Kothers = 1 / (100 - X) * 100,

[0113] Alternatively, the scaling factor may be pre-defined as a solid value such as Vi. It means on-demand SSB Scell measurement can occupy 50% of a single searcher in UE for on- demand SSB Scell measurement to reduce the measurement period, e.g., the UE can use 1 SSB occasion for on-demand SSB measurement within 2 consecutive SSB occasions.

[0114] In above embodiments, on-demand SSB measurement may be various and at the least comprise one of below.

[0115] In one option, the on-demand SSB measurement is defined as L3 measurement. The UE 10 may report L3-RSRP with SSB indexes. The radio network node 12 may then in turn send transmission configuration indicator (TCI) indication command to the UE 10, the TCI state herein is selected based on one of the latest reported SSB indexes. Alternatively, the UE may only report L3-RSRP with one SSB index which has the highest RSRP, the UE may wait for the TCI indication command to indicate the SSB index or the UE may autonomously indicate the SSB index. Yet alternatively again, the UE may only determine and report L3-RSRP with one SSB index whose RSRP is higher than a threshold, the UE may wait for the TCI indication command to indicate the SSB index or the UE may autonomously indicate the SSB index. In another option, the on-demand SSB measurement is defined as LI measurement. The UE can report Ll-RSRP with SSB indexes. The NW then in turn send TCI indication command to the UE, the TCI state herein is selected based on one of the latest reported SSB indexes.Alternatively, the UE may only report Ll-RSRP with one SSB index which has the highest RSRP, the UE may wait for the TCI indication command to indicate the SSB index or the UE may autonomously indicate the SSB index. Yet alternatively again, the UE may only determine and report Ll-RSRP with one SSB index whose RSRP is higher than a threshold, the UE may wait for the TCI indication command to indicate the SSB index or the UE may autonomously indicate the SSB index.

[0116] Multiple SCell measurements, all SCells are in deactivated state.

[0117] The UE 10 may be configured by NW of more than one SCell by SCell addition operation and such SCells are in deactivated state.

[0118] In one example, the radio network node 12 may indicate a set of on-demand SCell(s) which has(have) high priority compared to other measurement objects, such as all SCells added without activation. The UE 10 may use the above corresponding embodiments to prioritize on- demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells. The indication prioritizing SCells may be a high layer signaling, e.g., RRC signaling relevant to SCell addition configuration, or a low layer signaling, e.g., DCI or MAC-CE. In a typical example, NW can indicate to prioritize all on- demand SSB deactivated SCells measurement.

[0119] In another example, the radio network node 12 may indicate on-demand SSB measurement for a set of on-demand SSB SCells added. The UE 10 may further use the above manner to prioritize on-demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells. When the radio network node 12 receives the measurement report, the radio network node 12 may further decide to activate a sub-set of the on-demand SSB SCells within the set for on-demand SSB deactivated SCell measurement. Then, in turn and repetition, measure other one or pre-defined set of SCells, activate a sub-set of SCells, until activate all SCells.

[0120] In another example, the UE 10 may determine the priority order of SCells, and may further use the above corresponding embodiments to prioritize on-demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells. The priority order may be determined by the UE 10 with respect to at the least one of below.

[0121] The UE 10 may firstly run a quick measurement on the SCells, e.g. one shot SSB measurement, based on measurement results, further determines the priority order of SCells.

[0122] The UE 10 may determine the priority order of SCells with respect to historical performance / service of SCells, e.g., the SCell has served UE, the SCell is QCLed with PCell, and so on.

[0123] The UE 10 may determine the priority order of SCells with respect to the time order of UE receiving SCell operation indicated by NW, e.g., SCell addition, SCell activation.

[0124] Once the UE 10 completes the prioritized SCell measurement, the UE 10 may immediately report the measurements to NW. Once the UE 10 starts SCell activation regarding the prioritized SCell, i.e., the prioritized SCell leaves deactivated state, the UE 10 may deprioritize the SCell.

[0125] In one option, the UE 10 may measure all SCells in the priority order of SCells, then report the activated SCells.

[0126] In another option, the UE 10 may measure one or a pre-defined number of SCell(s) with high priority and activate the SCell(s). Then, in turn the UE 10 may repeat to measure other one or pre-defined number of SCell(s) and activate the SCell(s), until all or a predefined number of SCells are activated.

[0127] In another option, the UE 10 may measure all SCell and activate the SCells which signal strength / signal quality are higher than a pre-defined threshold. Then, in turn the UE 10 may repeat to measure other SCell and activate the SCells if the SCells strength / signal qualities, until activate all SCells or fail to activate some SCells in a pre-defined time period.

[0128] Multiple SCell measurements, at the least one is deactivated SCell and at the least one is activated SCell.

[0129] The UE 10 may be configured by NW of more than one SCell and at the least one is deactivated SCell and at the least one is activated SCell.

[0130] In one example, NW indicates the SCell(s) which has(have) high priority, the UE further uses the above corresponding embodiments to prioritize on-demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells. The indication prioritizing SCell may be a high layer signaling, e.g., RRC signaling relevant to SCell addition configuration, or a low layer signaling, e.g., DCI or MAC-CE.

[0131] In another example, the UE 10 may determine the priority order of SCells, and further use the above corresponding embodiments to prioritize on-demand SSB SCell measurement on such SCells. The priority order may be determined by the UE 10 with respect to at the least one of prioritize deactivated SCell or once one SCell leaves deactivated state, the SCell is deprioritized.

[0132] FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting the UE 10 for handling communication in the wireless communication network 1 according to embodiments herein. In this example, the UE 10 includes processing unit 1101 (also referred to herein as processing circuitry), which can include one or more processors, configured to perform the methods herein.

[0133] In some embodiment, the UE 10 and / or the processing circuitry 1101 can be configured to obtain the indication indicating the UE 10 to receive the SSB on the SCell for performing the measurement on. The indication may comprise a configuration or similar. The UE 10 may thus be configured to perform on demand SSB measurements by the radio network node 12. The UE 10 and / or the processing circuitry 1101 may be configured to receive, from the radio network node 12, the indication.

[0134] In additional or alternative embodiments, the UE 10 and / or the processing circuitry 1101 may be configured to perform measurement on the SSB as configured. The UE 10 and / or the processing circuitry 1101 may be configured to prioritize the measurement (On-demand measurement) over other measurements. The UE 10 and / or the processing circuitry 1101 may be configured to report an indication of a result of the On-demand measurement.

[0135] In the example of FIG. 11, the UE 10 includes a memory 1105. The memory 1105 can include one or more units to be used to store data on, such as data packets, indications, SCell information, reference signal information, assistance information, application information, messages, measurement, events and applications to perform the methods disclosed herein when being executed, and similar. Furthermore, the UE 10 may comprise a communication interface 1106 such as comprising a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver and / or one or more antennas.

[0136] Some of the methods according to the embodiments described herein for the UE 10 are respectively implemented by means of e.g. a computer program product 1107 or a computer program, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the UE 10. The computer program product 807 may be stored on a computer- readable storage medium 1108, e.g., a disc, a universal serial bus (USB) stick or similar. The computer-readable storage medium 1108, having stored thereon the computer program product, may comprise the instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the UE 10. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a transitory or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Thus, embodiments herein may disclose the UE for handling communication in a wireless communication network, wherein UE comprises processing circuitry and a memory, said memory comprising instructions executable by said processing circuitry whereby said UE is operative to perform any of the methods herein.

[0137] FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting the radio network node 12 for handling communication in the wireless communication network 1 according to embodiments herein. In this example, the radio network node 12 includes processing unit 1201 (also referred to as processing circuitry), which can include one or more processors, configured to perform the methods herein.

[0138] In some embodiments, the radio network node 12 and / or the processing circuitry 1201 is configured to transmit the indication indicating the UE 10 to receive the SSB on the SCell for performing the measurement on. The indication may comprise a configuration or similar. The radio network node 12 may thus configure the UE to perform on demand SSB measurements. The radio network node 12 and / or the processing circuitry 1201 may be configured to receive the report comprising the indication of the result of the On-demand measurement.

[0139] In additional or alternative embodiments, the radio network node 12 and / or the processing circuitry 1201 may be configured to activate and / or deactivate SSB for the SCell, for example, based on the indication of the result, and may achieve more power saving gain due to reduce the on-demand SSB valid duration.

[0140] In the example of FIG. 12, the radio network node 12 includes a memory 1205. The memory 1205 comprises one or more units to be used to store data on, such as data packets, indications, SCell information, reference signal information, assistance information, application information, messages, measurement, events and applications to perform the methods disclosedherein when being executed, and similar. Furthermore, the radio network node 12 may comprise a communication interface 1206 such as comprising a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver and / or one or more antennas.

[0141] Some of the methods according to the embodiments described herein for the radio network node 12 are respectively implemented by means of e.g. a computer program product 1207 or a computer program, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the radio network node 12. The computer program product 1207 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 1208, e.g., a disc, a universal serial bus (USB) stick or similar. The computer-readable storage medium 1208, having stored thereon the computer program product, may comprise the instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the radio network node 12. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a transitory or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Thus, embodiments herein may disclose the radio network node for handling communication in a wireless communication network, wherein radio network node comprises processing circuitry and a memory, said memory comprising instructions executable by said processing circuitry whereby said radio network node is operative to perform any of the methods herein.

[0142] In some embodiments a more general term “network node” or “radio network node” is used and it can correspond to any type of radio-network node or any network node, which communicates with a UE and / or with another network node.

[0143] In some embodiments the non-limiting term wireless device or user equipment (UE) is used and it refers to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another wireless device in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device to device (D2D) UE, proximity capable UE (aka ProSe UE), loT capable device, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles etc.

[0144] Embodiments are applicable to any RAT or multi-RAT systems, where the wireless device receives and / or transmit signals (e.g. data) e.g. NR, Wi-Fi, LTE, LTE-Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile communications / enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSMZEDGE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), just to mention a few possible implementations.

[0145] As will be readily understood by those familiar with communications design, that functions, means, or circuits may be implemented using digital logic and / or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other digital hardware. In some embodiments, several or all of the various functions may be implemented together, such as in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or in two or more separate devices with appropriate hardware and / or software interfaces between them. Several of the functions may be implemented on a processor shared with other functional components of a wireless device or network node, for example.

[0146] Alternatively, several of the functional elements of the processing means discussed may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware, while others are provided with hardware for executing software, in association with the appropriate software or firmware. Thus, the term “processor” or “controller” as used herein does not exclusively refer to hardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware and / or program or application data. Other hardware, conventional and / or custom, may also be included. Designers of communications devices will appreciate the cost, performance, and maintenance trade-offs inherent in these design choices.

[0147] Any appropriate steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed through one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual apparatuses. Each virtual apparatus may comprise a number of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the respective functional unit to perform corresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0148] Operations of the UE 10 (implemented using the structure of FIG. 11) will now be discussed with reference to the flow charts of FIG. 13 according to some embodiments of inventive concepts. For example, modules may be stored in memory 1105 of FIG. 11, and these modules may provide instructions so that when the instructions of a module are executed by respective UE processing unit 1101, UE 10 performs respective operations of the flow chart.

[0149] At block 1310, processing unit 1101 receives, via communication interface 1106, a request from a network node for an indication of whether the UE is capable of measuring an on- demand SSB.

[0150] At block 1320, processing unit 1101 transmits, via communication interface QQ1106, an indication to the network node indicating that the UE is capable of measuring the on-demand SSB.

[0151] At block 1330, processing unit 1101 determines that an on-demand SSB is active for a SCell. In some embodiments, determining the on-demand SSB is active includes receiving an indication that the on-demand SSB is active. In some examples, receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active includes receiving an indication from the network node to enable on- demand SSB measurement. In additional or alternative examples, the SCell is a deactivated SCell, and receiving the indication from the network node to enable the on-demand SSB measurement includes receiving an indication that the SCell is a target SCell or a candidate SCell. In additional or altenrative examples, receiving the indication from the network node to enable the on-demand SSB measurement includes receiving a radio resource control, RRC, configuration including the indication to enable the on-demand SSB measurement.

[0152] At block 1340, processing unit 1101 starts a timer.

[0153] At block 1350, processing unit 1101 performs an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell. In some embodiments, performing the on-demand SSB measurement includes prioritizing measurement of the SCell with an on-demand SSB over measurement of another cell.

[0154] In additional or alternative embodiments, prioritizing the on-demand SSB measurement includes suspending another measurement including at least one of: an intrafrequency measurement; and an inter-frequency measurement.

[0155] In additional or alternative embodiments, performing the on-demand SSB measurement includes performing the on-demand SSB measurement while the timer is running.

[0156] In additional or alternative embodiments, receiving the indication that the on- demand SSB is active includes receiving an indication that a plurality of on-demand SSBs are active, each on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSBs being associated with a different SCell. Performing the on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell includes performing one or more on-demand SSB measurements of the plurality of on-demand SSB measurements. In some examples, receiving the indication that the plurality of on-demand SSB are active includes receiving an indication of a first on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSB to prioritize over a second on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSB.

[0157] At block 1360, processing unit 1101 transmits, via communication interface 1106, an indication of the on-demand SSB measurement to the network node. In some embodiments, the indication of the on-demand SSB measurement is a result of the on-demand SSB measurement. For example, a value of a measurement measured on the on-demand SSB.

[0158] At block 1370, processing unit 1101 stops the timer. In some embodiments, the UE stops the timer subsequent to (and / or in response to) transmitting the indication of the on- demand SSB measurement.

[0159] At block 1380, processing unit 1101 deactivates the on-demand SSB. In some embodiments, the UE deactivates the on-demand SSB subsequent to (and / or in response to) transmitting the indication of the on-demand SSB measurement. In additional or alternative embodiments, the UE deactivates the on-demand SSB subsequent to (and / or in response to) expiration of the timer.

[0160] At block 1390, processing unit 1101 deprioritizes a subsequent measurement of the SCell. In some embodiments, the UE deprioritizes the subsequent to (and / or in response to) transmitting the indication of the on-demand SSB measurement. In additional or alternative embodiments, the UE deprioritizes the on-demand SSB subsequent to (and / or in response to) expiration of the timer.

[0161] At block 1395, processing unit 1101 avoids a subsequent measurement of the SCell. In some embodiments, the UE avoids the subsequent measurement of the SCell subsequent to (and / or in response to) transmitting the indication of the on-demand SSB measurement. In additional or alternative embodiments, the UE avoids the on-demand SSB subsequent to (and / or in response to) expiration of the timer.

[0162] Various operations from the flow chart of FIG. 13 may be optional with respect to some embodiments of communication devices and related methods.

[0163] Operations of the network node 12 (implemented using the structure of FIG. 12) will now be discussed with reference to the flow charts of FIG. 14 according to some embodiments of inventive concepts. For example, modules may be stored in memory 1205 of FIG. 12, and these modules may provide instructions so that when the instructions of a module are executed by respective network node processing unit 1201, network node 12 performs respective operations of the flow chart.

[0164] At block 1410, processing unit 1201 transmits, via communication interface 1206, a request to the UE for an indication of whether the UE is capable of measuring an on-demand SSB.

[0165] At block 1420, processing unit 1201 receives, via communication interface 1206, an indication from the UE indicating that the UE is capable of measuring the on-demand SSB.

[0166] At block 1430, processing unit 1201 transmits, via communication interface 1206, an indication to the UE that an on-demand SSB is active for a SCell. In some embodiments, transmitting the indication to the UE that the on-demand SSB is active includes transmitting an indication to prioritize measurement of the SCell over measurement of another cell. In some examples, transmitting the indication to prioritize measurement of the SCell includes transmitting an indication to suspend another measurement including at least one of: an intrafrequency measurement; and an inter-frequency measurement.

[0167] In additional or alternative embodiments, transmitting the indication to the UE that the on-demand SSB is active includes transmitting an indication to the UE that the on-demand SSB is active until at least one of: the UE transmits an indication of the on-demand SSB measurement; an amount of time elapses; and a time window closes.

[0168] In additional or alternative embodiments, transmitting the indication that the on- demand SSB is active includes transmitting an indication that the SCell is a target SCell or a candidate SCell.

[0169] In additional or alternative embodiments, transmitting the indication that the on- demand SSB is active includes transmitting a radio resource control, RRC, configuration including the indication that the on-demand SSB is active.

[0170] In additional or alternative embodiments, transmitting the indication that the on- demand SSB is active includes transmitting an indication that a plurality of on-demand SSBs are active, each on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSBs being associated with a different SCell.

[0171] In additional or alternative embodiments, transmitting the indication that the plurality of on-demand SSBs are active includes transmitting an indication of a first on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSB to prioritize over a second on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSB.

[0172] At block 1440, processing unit 1201 receives, via communication interface 1206, an indication of an on-demand SSB measurement from the UE. In some embodiments, the indication of the on-demand SSB measurement is a result of the on-demand SSB measurement. For example, a value of a measurement measured on the on-demand SSB.

[0173] Various operations from the flow chart of FIG. 14 may be optional with respect to some embodiments of network nodes and related methods.

[0174] Example Embodiments are described below.

[0175] Embodiment 1. A method comprising: transmitting to a UE, an indication indicating the UE to receive an S SB on a SCell for performing a measurement on.

[0176] Embodiment 2. The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the indication comprises a configuration from a radio network node (120).

[0177] Embodiment 3. The method according to any of the Embodiments 1-2, comprising: performing a measurement on the SSB on the SCell as configured.

[0178] Embodiment 4. The method according to Embodiment 3, wherein the UE prioritizes the measurement (On-demand measurement) over other measurements.

[0179] Embodiment 5. The method according to any of the Embodiments 1-2, comprising: reporting an indication of a result of the measurement.

[0180] Embodiment 6. A method performed by a UE for handling communication in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: transmitting to a UE, an indication indicating the UE to receive an SSB on a SCell for performing a measurement on.

[0181] Embodiment 7. The method according to Embodiment 6, wherein the indication comprises a configuration from a radio network node (120).

[0182] Embodiment 8. The method according to any of Embodiments 6-7, comprising: receiving a report from the UE, wherein the report comprises an indication of a result of an on-demand measurement.

[0183] Embodiment 9. The method according to any of Embodiments 6-8, comprising: deactivating SSB for the SCell to achieve more power saving gain due to reduce an on- demand SSB valid duration.

[0184] Embodiment 10. A UE for handling communication in a wireless communication network, wherein the UE is configured to: obtain an indication indicating the UE (10) to receive an SSB on a SCell for performing a measurement on

[0185] Embodiment 11. The UE according to Embodiment 10, wherein the UE is configured to perform the method according to any of the embodiments 2-5.

[0186] Embodiment 12. A radio network node (12) for handling communication in a wireless communication network, wherein the radio network node is configured to: transmit to a UE, an indication indicating the UE to receive an SSB on a SCell for performing a measurement on.

[0187] Embodiment 13. The radio network node according to Embodiment 12, wherein the radio network node is configured to perform the method according to any of the Embodiments 7-9.

[0188] Embodiment 14. A computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the method according to any of the Embodiments 1-9, as performed by the UE and the radio network node, respectively.

[0189] Embodiment 15. A computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the method according to any of the Embodiments 1-9, as performed by, as performed by the UE and the radio network node, respectively.

[0190] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes, hosts) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0191] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of operating a wireless device, UE, (1600), in a communications network, the method comprising: receiving (1330) an indication that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, performing (1350) an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell; and transmitting (1360) a result of the on-demand SSB measurement to a network node.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein performing the on-demand SSB measurement comprises prioritizing measurement of the SCell with an on-demand SSB over measurement of another cell.

3. The method of Claim 2, wherein prioritizing the on-demand SSB measurement comprises suspending another measurement including at least one of: an intra-frequency measurement; and an inter-frequency measurement.

4. The method of any of Claims 2-3, further comprising: subsequent to transmitting the result of the on-demand SSB measurement, performing at least one of: deactivating (1380) the on-demand SSB; deprioritizing (1390) a subsequent measurement of the SCell; and avoiding (1395) the subsequent measurement of the SCell.

5. The method of any of Claims 1-4, further comprising: responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, starting (1340) a timer, wherein performing the on-demand SSB measurement comprises performing the on- demand SSB measurement while the timer is running.

6. The method of Claim 5, further comprising: responsive to transmitting the result of the on-demand SSB measurement, performing at least one of: stopping (1370) the timer; deactivating (1380) the on-demand SSB; deprioritizing (1390) a subsequent measurement of the SCell; deprioritizing (1390) a subsequent measurement of the SCell; and avoiding (1395) the subsequent measurement of the SCell.

7. The method of Claim 5, further comprising: responsive to expiration of the timer, performing at least one of: deactivating (1380) the on-demand SSB; avoiding (1395) the subsequent measurement of the SCell; and deprioritizing (1390) a subsequent measurement of the SCell.

8. The method of any of Claims 1-7, wherein receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active comprises receiving an indication from the network node to enable on-demand SSB measurement.

9. The method of Claim 8, wherein the SCell is a deactivated SCell, and wherein receiving the indication from the network node to enable the on-demand SSB measurement comprises receiving an indication that the SCell is a target SCell or a candidate SCell.

10. The method of any of Claims 8-9, wherein receiving the indication from the network node to enable the on-demand SSB measurement comprises receiving a radio resource control, RRC, configuration including the indication to enable the on-demand SSB measurement.

11. The method of any of Claims 1-10, wherein receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active comprises receiving an indication that a plurality of on-demand SSBs are active, each on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSBs being associated with a different SCell, and wherein performing the on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell comprises performing one or more on-demand SSB measurements of the plurality of on-demand SSB measurements.

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein receiving the indication that the plurality of on-demand SSB are active comprises receiving an indication of a first on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSB to prioritize over a second on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSB.

13. The method of any of Claim 1-12, further comprising: receiving (1310) a request from the network node for an indication of whether the UE is capable of measuring an on-demand SSB; and responsive to receiving the request, transmitting (1320) an indication to the network node indicating that the UE is capable of measuring the on-demand SSB.

14. A method of operating a network node (1700), in a communications network, the method comprising: transmitting (1430) an indication to a wireless device, UE, that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and receiving (1440) a result of an on-demand SSB measurement from the UE.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein transmitting the indication to the UE that the on-demand SSB is active comprises transmitting an indication to prioritize measurement of the SCell over measurement of another cell.

16. The method of Claim 15, wherein transmitting the indication to prioritize measurement of the SCell comprises transmitting an indication to suspend another measurement including at least one of: an intra-frequency measurement; and an inter-frequency measurement.

17. The method of any of Claims 15-16, wherein transmitting the indication to the UE that the on-demand SSB is active comprises transmitting an indication to the UE that the on-demand SSB is active until at least one of: the UE transmits an indication of the on-demand SSB measurement; an amount of time elapses; and a time window closes.

18. The method of any of Claims 14-17, wherein transmitting the indication that the on- demand SSB is active comprises transmitting an indication that the SCell is a target SCell or a candidate SCell.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein transmitting the indication that the on-demand SSB is active comprises transmitting a radio resource control, RRC, configuration including the indication that the on-demand SSB is active.

20. The method of any of Claims 14-19, wherein transmitting the indication that the on- demand SSB is active comprises transmitting an indication that a plurality of on-demand SSBs are active, each on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSBs being associated with a different SCell.

21. The method of Claim 20, wherein transmitting the indication that the plurality of on- demand SSBs are active comprises transmitting an indication of a first on-demand SSB of the plurality of on-demand SSB to prioritize over a second on-demand SSB of the plurality of on- demand SSB.

22. The method of any of Claim 14-21, further comprising: transmitting (1410) a request to the UE for an indication of whether the UE is capable of measuring an on-demand SSB; and responsive to transmitting the request, receiving (1420) an indication from the UE indicating that the UE is capable of measuring the on-demand SSB.

23. A wireless device, UE, (10), configured to perform operations comprising: receiving (1330) an indication that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, performing (1350) an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell; and transmitting (1360) a result of the on-demand SSB measurement to a network node.

24. The UE of Claim 23, where the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 2-13.

25. A computer program comprising program code to be executed by processing unit (1101) of a wireless device, UE, (10), whereby execution of the program code causes the UE to perform operations comprising: receiving (1330) an indication that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, performing (1350) an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell; and transmitting (1360) a result of the on-demand SSB measurement to a network node.

26. The computer program of Claim 25, wherein the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 2-13.

27. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium (1105) including program code to be executed by processing unit (1101) of a wireless device, UE, (10), whereby execution of the program code causes the UE to perform operations comprising: receiving (1330) an indication that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, performing (1350) an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell; and transmitting (1360) a result of the on-demand SSB measurement to a network node.

28. The computer program product of Claim 27, wherein the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 2-13.

29. A wireless device, UE, (10), the communication device comprising: processing unit (1101); and memory (1105) coupled to the processing circuitry and having instructions stored therein that are executable by the processing circuitry to cause the UE to perform operations comprising: receiving (1330) an indication that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, performing (1350) an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell; and transmitting (1360) a result of the on-demand SSB measurement to a network node.

30. The UE of Claim 29, wherein the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 2-13.

31. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein that are executable by processing unit (1101) of a wireless device, UE, (10) to cause the IE to perform operations comprising: receiving (1330) an indication that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and responsive to receiving the indication that the on-demand SSB is active, performing (1350) an on-demand SSB measurement on the SCell; and transmitting (1360) a result of the on-demand SSB measurement to a network node.

32. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Claim 31, wherein the operations furter comprise any of the operations of Claims 2-13.

33. A network node (12) configured to perform operations comprising: transmitting (1430) an indication to a wireless device, UE, that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and receiving (1440) a result of an on-demand SSB measurement from the UE.

34. The network node of Claim 33, wherein the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 15-22.

35. A computer program comprising program code to be executed by processing unit (1201) of a network node (12), whereby execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations comprising: transmitting (1430) an indication to a wireless device, UE, that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and receiving (1440) a result of an on-demand SSB measurement from the UE.

36. The computer program of Claim 35, wherein the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 15-22.

37. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium (1205) including program code to be executed by processing unit (1201) of a network node (12), whereby execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations comprising: transmitting (1430) an indication to a wireless device, UE, that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and receiving (1440) a result of an on-demand SSB measurement from the UE.

38. The computer program product of Claim 37, wherein the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 15-22.

39. A network node (12), the network node comprising: processing unit (1201); and memory (1205) coupled to the processing circuitry and having instructions stored therein that are executable by the processing circuitry to cause the network node to perform operations comprising: transmitting (1430) an indication to a wireless device, UE, that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and receiving (1440) a result of an on-demand SSB measurement from the UE.

40. The network node of Claim 39, wherein the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 15-22.

41. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein that are executable by processing unit (1201) of a network node (12) to cause the network node to perform operations comprising: transmitting (1430) an indication to a wireless device, UE, that an on-demand synchronization signal block, SSB, is active for a secondary cell, SCell; and receiving (1440) a result of an on-demand SSB measurement from the UE.

42. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Claim 41, wherein the operations further comprise any of the operations of Claims 15-22.

Images