Methods for validity testing of user equipment cell strength measurements

Abstract

Described are test cases for idle / inactive mode measurement reporting for user equipment (UE) considering the UE validity check for the reported measurements. To meet the validity conditions, signal level thresholds during different measurement periods can be established. This way the test equipment can verify if the UE (also called the device under testing during measurement validity testing) reports accurate idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurements that are performed within the last X seconds before msg1 of RRC connection setup, defined during the test setup as a certain measurement period.

Description

METHODS FOR VALIDITY TESTING OF USER EQUIPMENT CELLSTRENGTH MEASUREMENTSTechnical Field

[0001] This application relates generally to communications networks and user equipment configured for communication therein, and more specifically to methods for validity testing of user equipment cell strength measurements.Background

[0002] The statements in this section provide a description of related art and are not admissions of prior art. Under the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards for mobile network operations, user equipment (UE) compliance with the 3GPP standards is checked using validity testing. For example, UEs in idle or inactive mode, when connecting or reconnecting with the mobile network, are required to report an average signal strength of cells available to the UE in the mobile network. The 3GPP standards provide test cases and protocols for ensuring the validity of average signal strength measurements.

[0003] For increased confidence in the reports of average signal strength of cells available to the UE in the mobile network, improved techniques for performing and reporting the results of validity testing are desired. In this regard, by improving upon the techniques for performing and reporting upon validity testing, the likelihood that the reports of average signal strength of cells available to the UE are valid is enhanced such that corresponding operation of the UE within the mobile network is improved.

[0004] Additional aspects will be set forth, in part, in the detailed description, figures and any claims which follow, and in part will be derived from the detailed description. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description is exemplary and explanatory only, and the claims are not restricted to the embodiments disclosed.Summary

[0005] The following presents a summary of the disclosed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the disclosed subject matter. It is not intended to identifykey or critical elements of the disclosed subject matter or to delineate the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later.

[0006] According to a first embodiment, a method can be carried out that comprises: disposing a device under testing into an emulation chamber of a testing device, the testing device configured to emulate radio signals associated with a plurality of cells of an emulated mobile network; receiving, at the device under testing, during a first measurement period, from the testing device, first radio signals associated with an emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in an idle mode during the first measurement period; receiving, at the device under testing, during a second measurement period, from the testing device, second radio signals associated with the emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in a connected mode during the second measurement period; measuring, using the device under testing, a first average signal strength of the first radio signals; measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of the second radio signals; determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement; and in an instance in which the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, reporting, using the device under testing, to the testing device, the valid measurement.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is not equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement; and, in an instance in which the second signal strength is an invalid measurement, refraining from reporting, using the device under testing, to the testing device, the invalid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is above a second predetermined average signal strength threshold, the second predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or above the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining the second averagesignal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is below the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0008] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of a signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the device under testing during the second measurement period. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is within the predetermined range of the signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the device under testing during the second measurement period, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside the predetermined range of the signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the device under testing during the second measurement period, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0009] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement comprises: comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is within a predetermined acceptable deviation range of the first average signal strength, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside the predetermined acceptable deviation range of the first average signal strength, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second average signal strength is different from the first average signal strength. In some embodiments, a duration of the second measurement period is dictated by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is preconfigured such that a duration of the second measurement period is equal to a predetermined duration established by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

[0011] According to other embodiments, an apparatus can be provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: measuring a first average signal strength of radio signals received by the apparatus from a testing device during a first measurement period, the apparatus being in an idle mode during the first measurement period; measuring a second average signal strength of radio signals received by the apparatus from the testing device during a second measurement period, the apparatus being in a connected mode during the second measurement period; determining whether the second average signal strength of the radio signals received by the apparatus from the testing device during the second measurement period is equal to or greater than a predetermined signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement; and reporting, to the testing device, the valid measurement.

[0012] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined not to be equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement; and determining to not report, to the testing device, the invalid measurement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement by causing the apparatus to perform at least: determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of a signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the apparatus during the second measurement period.

[0014] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is above a second predetermined average signal strength threshold, the second predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or above the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second averagesignal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength of the radio signals is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is below the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0015] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of a signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the apparatus during the second measurement period. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is within the predetermined range of the signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the apparatus during the second measurement period, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside the predetermined range of the signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the apparatus during the second measurement period, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0016] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is within a predetermined acceptable deviation range of the first average signal strength, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside a predetermined acceptable deviation range of the first average signal strength, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second average signal strength is different from the first average signal strength. In some embodiments, a duration of the second measurement period is dictated by the testing device. In some embodiments, the apparatus is preconfigured such that a duration of the second measurement period is equal to a predetermined durationestablished by the testing device. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

[0018] According to other embodiments, an apparatus can be provided that comprises means for carrying out one of the methods described above. The means may be embodied by at least one processor; at least one memory storing instructions thereon and / or a communication interface. For example, the apparatus of one embodiment may include means for disposing a device under testing into an emulation chamber of a testing device, the testing device configured to emulate radio signals associated with a plurality of cells of an emulated mobile network; means for receiving, at the device under testing, during a first measurement period, from the testing device, first radio signals associated with an emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in an idle mode during the first measurement period; means for receiving, at the device under testing, during a second measurement period, from the testing device, second radio signals associated with the emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in a connected mode during the second measurement period; measuring, means for using the device under testing, a first average signal strength of the first radio signals; measuring, means for using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of the second radio signals; means for determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, means for determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement; and in an instance in which the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, means for reporting, using the device under testing, to the testing device, the valid measurement. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

[0019] According to other embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that stores instructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause an apparatus to carry out a method according to any one of those described above.

[0020] According to another embodiment, a method can be carried out that comprises: measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a secondmeasurement period; determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the second radio signals received at the device under testing during the second measurement period; and in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is less than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength.

[0022] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals received at the device under testing during the second measurement period further comprises: comparing the second average signal strength to the actual signal strength, the method further comprising: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, wherein said determining to report further comprises: determining to report the second average signal strength to the testing device in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be a valid measurement.

[0023] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is above a second predetermined average signal strength threshold, the second predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or abovethe second predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is below the second predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0024] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is above a third predetermined average signal strength threshold, the third predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the second predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or above the third predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is below the third predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second average signal strength is different from the first average signal strength. In some embodiments, a start time of the first measurement period emulates a time of receipt by the device under testing of a radio resource control (RRC) connection release message. In some embodiments, a start time of the second measurement period emulates a time at which a user equipment commences measuring a signal strength of one or more cells in a mobile network prior to sending a message towards the mobile network to initiate an RRC Connection Setup procedure or an RRC Connection Re-Establishment procedure.

[0026] In some embodiments, a duration of the second measurement period is dictated by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is preconfigured such that a duration of the second measurement period is equal to a predetermined duration established by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network, in some embodiments, the device under testing is configured to receive radio signals associated with a plurality of emulated cells from the testing device.

[0027] According to other embodiments, an apparatus can be provided that comprises means for carrying out one of the methods described above, such as at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to carry out a method according to one of the methods described above. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period; determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the second radio signals received at the device under testing during the second measurement period; and in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength.

[0028] In other embodiment, the apparatus may include means for measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; means for measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period; means for determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, means for determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the second radio signals received at the device under testing during the second measurement period; and in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, means for determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength. In someembodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

[0029] According to other embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that stores instructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause an apparatus to carry out a method according to any one of those described above.

[0030] According to another embodiment, a method can be carried out that comprises: measuring, using a device under testing, respective first average signal strengths of each of a plurality of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; measuring, using the device under testing, respective second average signal strengths of each of a plurality of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period subsequent to the first measurement period; determining, for each of the plurality of second radio signals, whether the respective second average signal strengths are equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which a respective second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the respective second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals; and, in an instance in which a respective second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is less than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is outside the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength.

[0032] In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signal from among the plurality of second radio signals received atthe device under testing during the second measurement period further comprises: comparing the respective second average signal strength to the actual signal strength, the method further comprising: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signal from among the plurality of second radio signals, determining that the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement, wherein said determining to report further comprises: determining to report the respective second average signal strength to the testing device in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is determined to be a valid measurement.

[0033] In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the respective second average signal strength is above a second predetermined average signal strength threshold, the second predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or above the second predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is below the second predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the respective second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0034] In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the respective second average signal strength is above a third predetermined average signal strength threshold, the third predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the second predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or above the third predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in whichthe respective second average signal strength is below the third predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the respective second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0035] In some embodiments, the respective second average signal strength is different from the respective first average signal strength associated with a same emulated cell. In some embodiments, a start time of the first measurement period emulates a time of receipt by the device under testing of a radio resource control (RRC) connection release message. In some embodiments, a start time of the second measurement period emulates a time at which the device under testing commences measuring a signal strength of one or more emulated cells in an emulated mobile network prior to sending a message towards the emulated mobile network to initiate an RRC Connection Setup procedure or an RRC Connection Re-Establishment procedure. In some embodiments, a duration of the second measurement period is dictated by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is preconfigured such that a duration of the second measurement period is equal to a predetermined duration established by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network. In some embodiments, the device under testing is configured to receive radio signals associated with a plurality of emulated cells from the testing device.

[0036] According to other embodiments, an apparatus can be provided that comprises means for carrying out one of the methods described above, such as at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to carry out a method according to one of the methods described above. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: measuring, using a device under testing, respective first average signal strengths of each of a plurality of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; measuring, using the device under testing, respective second average signal strengths of each of a plurality of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period subsequent to the first measurement period; determining, for each of the plurality of second radio signals, whether the respective second average signal strengths are equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which a respective second average signal strength isequal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the respective second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals; and, in an instance in which a respective second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength.

[0037] In another embodiment, the apparatus may include means for measuring, using a device under testing, respective first average signal strengths of each of a plurality of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; means for measuring, using the device under testing, respective second average signal strengths of each of a plurality of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period subsequent to the first measurement period; means for determining, for each of the plurality of second radio signals, whether the respective second average signal strengths are equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which a respective second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, means for determining whether the respective second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals; and, in an instance in which a respective second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals, means for determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

[0038] According to other embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that stores instructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause an apparatus to carry out a method according to any one of those described above.

[0039] According to another embodiment, a method can be carried out that comprises: measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radiosignals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period; determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength; and based at least upon said comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength, determining whether to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength.

[0040] In some embodiments, said determining whether to report the second average signal strength comprises: determining that the second average signal strength is greater than the first average signal strength. In some embodiments, said determining whether to report the second average signal strength comprises: determining that the second average signal strength is less than the first average signal strength. In some embodiments, said determining whether to report the second average signal strength comprises: determining that the second average signal strength is equal to the first average signal strength.

[0041] In some embodiments, said determining whether to report the second average signal strength comprises: determining that the second average signal strength is within a predetermined magnitude difference range of the first average signal strength. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the second radio signals received at the device under testing during the second measurement period; and, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is less than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength.

[0043] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals received at the device under testing during the second measurement period further comprises: comparing the second average signal strength to the actual signal strength, the method further comprising: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, wherein said determining to report further comprises: determining to report the second average signal strength to the testing device in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be a valid measurement.

[0044] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is above a second predetermined average signal strength threshold, the second predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or above the second predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement.

[0045] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is below the second predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0046] In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is above a third predetermined average signal strength threshold, the third predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the second predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or above the third predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is below the thirdpredetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0047] In some embodiments, a start time of the first measurement period emulates a time of receipt by the device under testing of a radio resource control (RRC) connection release message. In some embodiments, a start time of the second measurement period emulates a time at which a user equipment commences measuring a signal strength of one or more cells in a mobile network prior to sending a message towards the mobile network to initiate an RRC Connection Setup procedure or an RRC Connection Re-Establishment procedure. In some embodiments, a duration of the second measurement period is dictated by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is preconfigured such that a duration of the second measurement period is equal to a predetermined duration established by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network. In some embodiments, the device under testing is configured to receive radio signals associated with a plurality of emulated cells from the testing device.

[0048] According to other embodiments, an apparatus can be provided that comprises means for carrying out one of the methods described above, such as at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to carry out a method according to one of the methods described above. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period; determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength; and based at least upon said comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength, determining whether to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength.

[0049] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes means for measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period; means for measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period; means for determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, means for comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength; and based at least upon said comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength, means for determining whether to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

[0050] According to other embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that stores instructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause an apparatus to carry out a method according to any one of those described above.

[0051] According to another embodiment, a method can be carried out that comprises: measuring, using a device under testing, a respective first average signal strength of respective first radio signals of a plurality of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period, wherein respective first radio signals of the plurality of first radio signals are associated with respective emulated cells of an emulated communications network; measuring, using the device under testing, a respective second average signal strength of respective second radio signals of a plurality of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period, wherein respective second radio signals of the plurality of second radio signals are associated with respective emulated cells of the emulated communications network; determining whether the respective second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, comparing the respective second average signal strength to the respective first average signal strength for each respective emulated cell of the emulated communications network; and based at least upon said comparing the respective second average signal strength to the respective first average signal strength,determining whether to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength for one or more of the plurality of second radio signals.

[0052] In some embodiments, said determining whether to report the respective second average signal strength comprises: determining that the respective second average signal strength is greater than the respective first average signal strength. In some embodiments, said determining whether to report the respective second average signal strength comprises: determining that the respective second average signal strength is less than the respective first average signal strength. In some embodiments, said determining whether to report the respective second average signal strength comprises: determining that the respective second average signal strength is equal to the respective first average signal strength.

[0053] In some embodiments, said determining whether to report the respective second average signal strength comprises: determining that the respective second average signal strength is within a predetermined magnitude difference range of the respective first average signal strength. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the respective second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals of the plurality of second radio signals; and, in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals of the plurality of second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is less than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is outside the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals of the plurality of second radio signals, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength.

[0054] In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals periodfurther comprises: comparing the respective second average signal strength to the actual signal strength, the method further comprising: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals, determining that the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement, wherein said determining to report further comprises: determining to report the respective second average signal strength to the testing device in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is determined to be a valid measurement.

[0055] In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the respective second average signal strength is above a second predetermined average signal strength threshold, the second predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or above the second predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is below the second predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the respective second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0056] In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the respective second average signal strength is above a third predetermined average signal strength threshold, the third predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the second predetermined average signal strength threshold. In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or above the third predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement. In some embodiments, said determining whether the respective second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is below the third predetermined average signalstrength threshold, determining that the respective second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

[0057] In some embodiments, a start time of the first measurement period emulates a time of receipt by the device under testing of a radio resource control (RRC) connection release message, in some embodiments, a start time of the second measurement period emulates a time at which a user equipment commences measuring a signal strength of one or more cells in a mobile network prior to sending a message towards the mobile network to initiate an RRC Connection Setup procedure or an RRC Connection Re-Establishment procedure. In some embodiments, a duration of the second measurement period is dictated by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is preconfigured such that a duration of the second measurement period is equal to a predetermined duration established by the testing device. In some embodiments, the device under testing is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network. In some embodiments, the device under testing is configured to receive radio signals associated with a plurality of emulated cells from the testing device.

[0058] According to other embodiments, an apparatus can be provided that comprises means for carrying out one of the methods described above, such as at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to carry out a method according to one of the methods described above. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: measuring, using a device under testing, a respective first average signal strength of respective first radio signals of a plurality of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period, wherein respective first radio signals of the plurality of first radio signals are associated with respective emulated cells of an emulated communications network; measuring, using the device under testing, a respective second average signal strength of respective second radio signals of a plurality of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period, wherein respective second radio signals of the plurality of second radio signals are associated with respective emulated cells of the emulated communications network; determining whether the respective second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predeterminedaverage signal strength threshold, comparing the respective second average signal strength to the respective first average signal strength for each respective emulated cell of the emulated communications network; and based at least upon said comparing the respective second average signal strength to the respective first average signal strength, determining whether to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength for one or more of the plurality of second radio signals.

[0059] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that comprises means for measuring, using a device under testing, a respective first average signal strength of respective first radio signals of a plurality of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period, wherein respective first radio signals of the plurality of first radio signals are associated with respective emulated cells of an emulated communications network; means for measuring, using the device under testing, a respective second average signal strength of respective second radio signals of a plurality of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period, wherein respective second radio signals of the plurality of second radio signals are associated with respective emulated cells of the emulated communications network; means for determining whether the respective second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, means for comparing the respective second average signal strength to the respective first average signal strength for each respective emulated cell of the emulated communications network; and based at least upon said comparing the respective second average signal strength to the respective first average signal strength, means for determining whether to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength for one or more of the plurality of second radio signals. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

[0060] According to other embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be provided that stores instructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause an apparatus to carry out a method according to any one of those described above.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0061] Some embodiments of apparatus and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] FIG. 1 is a signaling diagram illustrating RRC Connection Release and Reestablishment procedures with IDLE mode measurements being required;

[0063] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example testing setup, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates an example test case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates an example test case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates an example test case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates an example test case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates an example test case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates an example test case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 9 illustrates an example test case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device under testing, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an example testing device, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates an example method for validity testing of measurements, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 13 illustrates an example method for validity testing of measurements, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 14 illustrates an example method for validity testing of measurements, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG. 15 illustrates an example method for validity testing of measurements, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 16 illustrates an example method for validity testing of measurements, in accordance with certainembodiments of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG. 17 illustrates an example method for validity testing of measurements, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG. 18 illustrates an example method for validity testing of measurements, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0080] FIG. 19 illustrates an example method for validity testing of measurements, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.Abbreviations

[0081] Some of the abbreviations that are described herein are expanded below for convenience:

[0082] TE Test Equipment

[0083] UE User Equipment

[0084] eEMR enhanced EMR

[0085] EMR Early Measurement Reporting

[0086] SCell Secondary Cell

[0087] PCell Primary Cell

[0088] CA Carrier Aggregation

[0089] DC Dual Connectivity

[0090] SS-RSRP Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Power

[0091] SS-RSRQ Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received QualityDetailed Description

[0092] The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of various embodiments. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles herein and in the claims and fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of certain embodiments and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are to beconstrued as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and example embodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0093] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The term “or” is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms “illustrative” and “exemplary” are used to be examples with no indication of quality level. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0094] As used herein, the terms “instructions,” “file,” “designs,” “data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably, according to some example embodiments of the present invention, to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received, operated on, displayed, and / or stored. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Further, where a computing device is described herein to receive data from another computing device, it will be appreciated that the data may be received directly from the other computing device or may be received indirectly via one or more computing devices, such as, for example, one or more servers, relays, routers, network access points, base stations, and / or the like.

[0095] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium configured to participate in providing information to a processor, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to a non- transitory computer-readable storage medium (for example, non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Transmission media include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical, and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization, or other physical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other non-transitory magnetic medium, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disc compact disc-rewritable (CD-RW), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-Ray, any other non-transitory optical medium, punch cards, paper tape,optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a random access memory (RAM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other non-transitory medium from which a computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except transmission media. However, it will be appreciated that where certain embodiments are described to use a computer-readable storage medium, other types of computer-readable mediums may be substituted for or used in addition to the computer-readable storage medium in alternative embodiments.

[0096] As used herein, the term “circuitry” refers to all of the following: (a) hardware- only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) to combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software (and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s) / software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions described herein); and (c) to circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, and / or other computing device.

[0097] As used herein, the term “computing device” refers to a specialized, centralized device, network, or system, comprising at least a processor and a memory device including computer program code, and configured to provide guidance or direction related to validity testing of CA / DC measurements by LTE in IDLE / INACTIVE mode.

[0098] As used herein, the terms “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” generally mean plus or minus 10% of the value stated, e.g., about 250 pm would include 225 pm to 275 pm, about 1,000 pm would include 900 pm to 1,100 pm. Any provided value, whether or not it is modified by terms such as “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately,”all refer to and hereby disclose associated values or ranges of values thereabout, as described above.

[0099] Before the present materials, articles and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the aspects described below are not limited to specific compounds, synthetic methods, or uses, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0100] In the specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings:

[0101] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a solvent” includes mixtures of two or more solvents and the like.

[0102] “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0103] Throughout this specification, unless the context dictates otherwise, the word “comprise,” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps.

[0104] As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given numerical value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint without affecting the desired result. For purposes of the present disclosure, “about” refers to a range extending from 10% below the numerical value to 10% above the numerical value. For example, if the numerical value is 10, “about 10” means between 9 and 11 inclusive of the endpoints 9 and 11.

[0105] In next generation mobile networks, such as fifth-generation systems (5GS), fifth-generation core networks (5GCN), or sixth-generation systems (6GS), user equipment (UE) will be configured to communicate with the networks using carrier aggregation (CA) and / or in dual connectivity (DC) mode. CA allows a UE to be simultaneously connected with multiple cells of a serving base station, which allows for simultaneous communication at various different frequencies. DC mode allows a UE to be simultaneously connected to more than one serving base station. When initially establishing a connection with a network, or when re-connecting with a network, a UE is required to report the cell performance / signalquality for at least one cell, multiple different cells, all available cells, or otherwise, depending on network requirements.

[0106] When a UE is not actively communicating with a network, the UE can move from a CONNECTED mode to an IDLE mode or an INACTIVE mode to reduce signaling and energy consumption by the UE during such dormant periods. When the UE needs to communicate with / signal the network, or if the UE receives a wake-up signal (WUS) from the network, the UE can switch back from IDLE / INACTIVE mode to CONNECTED mode in order to send / receive signaling with the network.

[0107] A UE in IDLE / INACTIVE mode typically performs measurements regarding radio conditions for available candidate cells only during cell reselection. The UE can remain camped on a single cell on the most suitable frequency and RAT. During connection setup (e.g., RRC Connection Establishment procedure) or resumption (RRC Connection Reestablishment procedure) with the cell on which the UE is camping, the current radio conditions of that cell and other possible candidate cells for CA / DC operation are not known by the UE or by the network.

[0108] In some instances, the network may require the UE to move back to CONNECTED mode with only a single serving cell at a single base station initially, after which the network requests CA / DC measurement results from other candidate cells at the same and / or different base stations. In other instances, the network may allow the UE to move back to CONNECTED mode with several serving cells at one or more base stations but require that the UE provide CA / DC measurement results from these and / or other cells at the same and / or different base stations during or after moving back to CONNECTED mode and during / after an RRC connection establishment / re-establishment procedure is performed.

[0109] However, it is often not possible for a UE to perform accurate CA / DC measurement of all candidate cells. Other times, such as because of mobility of the UE during testing, cell performance, signaling / data traffic at a cell, bandwidth availability issues, or otherwise, CA / DC measurements for one or more of the candidate cells may not be valid. The UE should only report valid CA / DC measurements. As such, the UE needs a way to indicate to the network that a measurement is valid.

[0110] For a UE in idle / inactive mode, CA / DC measurement and reporting requirements must be reported to a network before, during, or after a connection establishment or reestablishment procedure. The UE can perform a validity check of the CA / DC measurements before reporting idle / inactive mode measurements to the network. Such measurement reporting is further described in 3GPP Technical Standards 38.133 and 38.331, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.[OHl] FIG. 1 illustrates a signaling sequence 100 for Early Measurement Reporting (EMR). For example, the network may provide an indication or request to UE that the UE is to provide available measurement results using a UEInformationRequest message, RRCResume message, or the like. The network may request the UE measurement results using one of these two messages by including the ‘idleModeMeasurementReq’ IE in either ‘UEInformationRequest’ or ‘RRCResume’. This field (idleModeMeasurementReq) indicates that the UE shall report the idle / inactive measurement results, if available at the UE, to the network either in the RRCResumeComplete message or UEInformationResponse.

[0112] The UE can indicate, during the connection establishment, that it has idle mode measurements available for reporting, for example using idleMeasAvailable for RRCSetupComplete and idleMeasAvailable for RRCResumeComplete, where the ‘idleMeasAvailable’ indicates that the UE has idle / inactive measurement report available.

[0113] The actual measurement results can be included in the RRCResumeComplete message for example using ‘measResultldleNR’, e.g., in the RRCResumeComplete message. If the UE on the other hand indicated ‘idleMeasAvailable’ in the RRCSetupComplete message, the network will request the results using the UEInformationRequest message if the network want to retrieve the measurement results. If the network requests the measurements from the UE in the RRCResume message using ‘idleModeMeasurementReq’ IE and UE has no measurement results to report, the UE replies in the RRCResumeComplete message with ‘idleMeasAvailable’, but with no measurement results.

[0114] Described are test cases for idle / inactive mode measurement reporting for user equipment (UE) considering the UE validity check for the reported measurements. To meet the validity conditions, signal level thresholds during different measurement periods can be established. This way the test equipment can verify if the UE (also called the device under testing during measurement validity testing) reports accurate idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurements that are performed within the last X seconds before msgl of RRC connection setup, defined during the test setup as a certain measurement period.

[0115] In some embodiments, a test case is defined for enhanced measurement solution. This enhanced measurement solution allows the UE / device under testing to perform additional measurements after paging reception for RRC setup / resume or after first RACH preamble transmission for RRC setup / resume.

[0116] In some embodiments, the enhanced measurement solution can be used in circumstances in which measurements results are considered as valid if both of the following conditions are satisfied: if accuracy requirements are met, the reported IDLE / INACTIVE mode measurements are performed within the last A seconds before msgl transmission for RRC resume / setup request, and X value is network configured. If the network does not provide a configuration of A7, then the UE is not required to perform validity check. In some embodiments, the value of X can be 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 50 seconds, 100 seconds, or any other suitable value, including any and all ranges and values therebetween.

[0117] The reported measurement results must also satisfy measurement accuracy at the measurement instance. One way in which this can be done is that the network can establish one or more signal strength thresholds and the UE can report only CA / DC measurements that have a signal strength equal to or above the threshold(s). The network can also indicate that only CA / DC measurements within a certain time preceding signaling of msgl are sent to the network during setup / resume procedures. This duration can be indicated as X to the UE by the network, or can be stored as a preconfigured duration stored at the UE. The UE then checks whether measurement results from idle / inactive mode are performed within time duration A before msgl of RRC connection setup / resume.

[0118] However, the test case / signaling sequence in FIG. 1 only allows for verification of accuracy of reported measurements. There is currently no test case or mechanism for indicating whether a measurement is fresh or stale, with regard to the recency of a measurement. If a UE reports a measurement from a cell that is not recent enough, it may be reporting a stale measurement of radio conditions that have since changed such that the measurement being reported is inaccurate. Selecting a best, or even acceptable, cell from among candidate cells is not aided by stale measurements that are reporting radio conditions that have since changed.

[0119] As described herein, test cases can be implemented to recognize IDLE / INACTIVE measurements as being valid if they are done within the last X seconds before msgl transmission for RRC resume / setup request.

[0120] In some embodiments, two or more measurement periods can be delineated during the time before msgl transmission for RRC resume / setup request. By using different signal levels during different measurement periods, a measurement can be quickly determined to be from one of the different measurement periods based on a magnitude of signal level reported in the measurement report. The UE can verify the validity of a measurement by determining whether the signal is above a threshold. The UE or thenetwork / testing equipment can further determine the validity of the measurements by comparing the measured signal strength to an actual signal strength of the radio signals as transmitted to the UE / device under testing during the measurement period. The UE or the network / testing equipment can further determine the validity of the measurements by comparing the measured signal strength during one measurement period to the measured signal strength during one or more other measurement periods.

[0121] Although this disclosure refers to UE and network functions / nodes, the test cases described are intended for validity testing of UE as devices under testing (DUT) by testing equipment (TE) that emulates one or more base stations comprising one or more cells.

[0122] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a testing setup 200 for validating idle / inactive mode measurements (CA / DC measurements) by a device under testing 202 (DUT 202). The testing setup 200 further includes an emulation chamber 204 into which the DUT 202 is disposed during testing. The emulation chamber 204 may be isolated from outside radio frequencies and signals. The emulation chamber 204 can be reverberant or deadening to internal radio frequencies and signals. The testing setup 200 can further comprise one or more transceivers 206 configured to transmit the radio signals towards the DUT 202 in the emulation chamber 204 during testing of the DUT 202. The testing setup 200 can further comprise a controller 208 configured to control generation / transmission of the radio signals towards the DUT 202 in the emulation chamber 204 during testing of the DUT 202.

[0123] The controller 208 can be configured to emulate one or more base stations having one or more cells each. For CA measurements, the controller 208 can be configured to emulate a base station and emulate two or more cells at the emulated base station. For DC measurements, the controller 208 can be configured to emulate two or more base stations and emulate a cell at each of the two or more base stations. For CA / DC measurements, the controller 208 can be configured to emulate two or more base stations and emulate two or more cells at each of the emulated two or more base stations.

[0124] In some embodiments, the DUT 202 in idle / inactive mode can be configured to measure a cell during a first measurement period and a second measurement period, subsequent to the first measurement period. The DUT 202 can be configured to report only measurements that pass a validity check. The validity check can be based on the signal levels measured during a last measurement period of two or more measurement periods. For example, the controller 208 can designate two measurement periods: a first measurement period (Tl) following RRC connection release and a second measurement period (T2)immediately subsequent to T1 and lasting until RRC connection setup. The DUT 202 can be configured to measure one or more emulated cells during T1 and T2, determine whether the measurements taken during T2 are above a signal strength threshold, and if so, then report the measurements taken during T2 to the testing device 204.

[0125] Idle / inactive mode CA / DC provides for early measurement reporting at SCell connection setup by enabling broader opportunities for the UE to report idle / inactive mode measurements at RRC connection setup compared to EMR. Idle / inactive mode CA / DC early measurement reporting under EMR means that the UE is configured to perform measurements in idle / inactive mode to enable faster carrier aggregation or dual connectivity SCell / PSCell setup once the RRC connection is restored. The measurement time is restricted by timer T331 that starts once the UE enters idle / inactive mode, and the measurement requirements for the UE apply only during timer T331.

[0126] Enhancement allows for even more recent measurements by allowing for measurements to be made during an RRC connection establishment / resume procedure. EMR can be described as either ‘existing measurement solution’ or ‘enhanced measurement solution’ depending on UE capability to support additional measurements. One of the differences between ‘existing measurement solution’ and ‘enhanced measurement solution’ is in the assumption of whether UE supports performing measurements starting from, and during an RRC Setup / Resume procedure.

[0127] Under the ‘existing measurement solution’ capability, it is assumed of the reported measurements that the UE does not perform new measurements starting from, and during RRC Setup / Resume procedure and while in CONNECTED mode. Instead, timebased validation criteria can be used. Under the ‘enhanced measurement solution’ capability, it is assumed of the reported measurements that the UE is capable, and may perform additional measurements starting from, and during RRCSetup / Resume procedure and while in CONNECTED mode.

[0128] In some embodiments, the two capabilities may be configured independently or together in a UE / DUT.

[0129] In some embodiments, the ‘enhanced measurement solution’ and the ‘existing measurement solution’ allow the UE to also report EMR measurements after timer T331 expiry and to also report cell re-selection measurements. This is done by introducing a validity check of the existing measurements before reporting the existing measurements, meaning the measurements UE performed in idle / inactive mode. The validity check means that at RRC connection setup, the UE verifies that the idle / inactive mode measurements ithas available are performed within time period Xfrom msgl of RRC connection setup. The measurements must fulfil accuracy requirements at the time of measurement. is a network- configurable value.

[0130] A UE supporting the ‘existing measurement solution’ may report the idle mode measurement results on the inter-frequency CAand DC candidate frequencies / cells indicated by higher layers. The UE may perform idle mode measurements provided that the serving cell support early measurement and is within the validity area. The idle mode measurement requirements apply to a configured carrier frequency and the serving cell are among the supported band combination of the UE. A UE which supports idlelnactiveNR-MeasReport- rl6 or idle!nactiveEUTRA-MeasReport-rl6 also supports the idle mode C A measurements on the serving cell, and carriers configured for idle mode CA / DC measurement and meets corresponding measurement requirements.

[0131] A UE supporting the ‘existing measurement solution’ but not idlelnactiveNR- MeasReport-rl6 or idle!nactiveEUTRA-MeasReport-rl6 may support the idle mode CA measurements on the serving cell, and carriers configured for idle mode CA / DC measurement, and meet corresponding measurement requirements. The UE physical layer shall be capable of reporting SS-RSRP and SS-RSRQ measurements of the carriers configured to higher layers, with measurement accuracy.

[0132] For a UE which supports the ‘existing measurement solution’, the UE may be able to report valid measurement results upon RRC setup complete or after RRC setup complete, such as when coming from the idle mode the reporting during setup complete is not available before security establishment. The measurement results are considered valid if the following conditions are met: the measurements are performed within the last X seconds before msgl transmission for RRC resume / setup request, and the measurement results satisfy measurement accuracy requirement at the measurement instance.

[0133] Otherwise, the measurement results are considered invalid. The UE shall not report invalid measurement results. If network does not provide configuration of X, UE is not required to perform validity check but the measurement results must satisfy the measurement accuracy requirement at the measurement instance.

[0134] A UE supporting the ‘enhanced measurement solution’ may perform additional measurement starting from RRC connection setup / resume procedure. Measurement configuration for fast CA / DC setup can be provided for the carrier by higher layers. The UE may perform additional measurement after paging reception for RRC setup / resume or after first RACH preamble transmission for RRC setup / resume. The UE may perform additionalmeasurement after paging reception for RRC setup / resume or after first RACH preamble transmission for RRC setup / resume.

[0135] Test cases are provided in order to verify that the UE performs the required measurements on the serving cell and the configured inter-frequency carrier for idle mode measurement reporting after the UE has entered Idle mode. The tests partly verify the Idle mode CA / DC measurements requirements.

[0136] In an example test case, two cells can be emulated: NR cell 1 as PCell in FR1 on NR RF channel 1 and NR cell 2 as neighbour cell in FR1 on NR RF channel 2. The test case may consist of 3 successive time periods, with time duration of Tl, T2, and T3 respectively. During Tl, the UE is connected to cell 1 only and shall not have any timing information of cell 2. In some embodiments, the UE is configured with early measurement reporting with channel 2. In some embodiments, beam level reporting for early measurements is not configured. The connection is released at the end of Tl. T2 starts when the connection is released. During the time periods T2 UE is in Idle mode. At T3 the UE is paged for connection setup and requested by the network to send idle mode measurements.

[0137] In some embodiments, during the time period T2, the UE is in Idle mode and the signal level of cell 2 is changed. The UE may not perform reselection. The UE shall perform Idle Mode CA measurement. At the start of T3 the UE is paged for connection setup. During the connection setup the UE is requested to transmit early measurement report for cell 2. The UE shall send early measurement report to the PCell. After receiving the requested early measurement report, the test equipment verifies the accuracy of measurement reported for Cell 2 meets certain requirements for SS-RSRP and for SS-RSRQ and test ends. In some embodiments, the rate of correct events observed during repeated tests should be at least 90%.

[0138] In some embodiments, for idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurement and reporting, before reporting, the UE may need to perform a validity check for the measurements it performed in idle / inactive mode. In some embodiments, the validity check may mean that the UE checks whether the accurate measurement results that it has available from idle / inactive mode are performed within time duration Jf from msgl of RRC connection setup / resume. Other or additional requirements or parameters may be considered for the validity check.

[0139] For the ‘enhanced measurement solution’, the validity check may mean that the UE is configured to perform measurements at RRC connection setup (during and / or after) to validate / confirm the validity of the measurements performed during idle / inactive mode.

[0140] Described herein are methods and processes for test cases for validity testing of measurements received from UE in IDLE / INACTIVE mode when connecting / reconnecting with an emulated base station of a network (e.g., 5G network, 6G network, etc.).

[0141] Example test cases include UE validity check for reported measurements when changing the signal level during the test between different time periods so that the TE can clearly tell that the UE reports only valid measurement results based on the validity definition to be tested.

[0142] In some embodiments, TE verifies that the UE only reports accurate idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurements that are performed within time X before msgl of RRC connection setup. The verification can be done by defining two time periods in idle / inactive mode, of which one is before X and one during X and setting the signal level of the cell to two distinct and different levels between these time periods. The UE is configured to measure the cell during these time periods, and at RRC connection setup the UE is configured to report the results. The UE shall only report valid measurement results that correspond to the signal level during X, or not report if valid measurements are not available.

[0143] Under the ‘enhanced measurement solution’, TE verifies that the UE only reports idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurements if the measurements performed in idle / inactive mode are valid based on enhanced / validation measurements that the UE is configured to perform at RRC connection setup. The verification can be done by defining two measurement periods, one being during idle / inactive mode and one being after RRC connection setup message. During the first time period, signal level is set to a relatively high magnitude and the UE is configured to perform idle / inactive mode measurements. During the second time period, the UE is configured to perform enhanced measurements to validate the idle / inactive mode measurements, and to report the results. The signal level during the second time period is varied between different test runs so that the signal level is sometimes the same as during the first measurement period (measurements valid and UE should report) and sometimes significantly lower than during the first measurement period (measurements invalid and UE should not report). In other embodiments, the signal level in the second measurement period can be significantly higher than in the first measurement period.

[0144] In one embodiment, idle / inactive measurements on only one cell are considered in the test. In another embodiment, more than one cells are configured to be measured in idle / inactive mode, and the TE also verifies that the UE reports idle / inactive mode measurements for the correct cell(s). Such test cases can be used to ensure that the UE onlyreports measurements that pass the validity check, where the measurements shall be reported if the signal level based on validity check corresponds to signal level during measurements.

[0145] In one embodiment, a validity check is based on existing measurements and configured " value. If the signal level during measurement period 1 is Level 1 and the signal level during measurement period 2 is Level 2, where measurement period 2 is within X, then the UE may report measurement results corresponding to Level 2, or not report measurement results if Level 2 is too low for measuring or below a signal level threshold. If the signal level during measurement period 1 is Level 2 and the signal level during measurement period 2 is Level 1, where measurement period 2 is within X, the UE may report measurement results corresponding to Level 1. If the signal level during measurement period 1 is Level 1 or Level 2 and the signal level during measurement period 2 is Level 3, where measurement period 2 is within X, the UE may determine not to report measurement results. If Level 1 is a high signal level, Level 2 is a lower signal level and Level 3 is signal level too low to measure or no signal, the UE may determine that the test signal is turned off.

[0146] In some embodiments, a validity check is based on enhanced measurements at RRC connection setup. If a signal level during a measurement period is Level 1 and the signal level during validity check is Level 1, then the UE may determine the measurements are valid based on the validity check. If the signal level during the measurement period is Level 1 and the signal level during the validity check is Level 2, the UE may determine that the measurements are invalid based on the validity check. If Level 1 is a high signal level and Level 2 is a low signal level or no signal, the UE may determine that there is no test signal or that the test signal is too low such that the cell is not detectable, or that measurements performed are not valid.

[0147] If the number of cells to be measured is more than one and UE performs a validity check for each cell according to above cases, the UE may select one or more cells for reporting based on network configuration and each validity check.

[0148] In some embodiments, a test setup can comprise four time periods: Tl, T2, T3, and T4 and two cells are involved in the test: cell 1 and cell 2. Three different signal levels may be used in the test for cell 2, including Threshold 1 at which the signal level is high enough for the UE to perform accurate measurements, Threshold 2 at which the signal level is significantly (measurably) lower than Threshold 1, but high enough for the UE to perform accurate measurements, and Threshold 3 at which the signal level that is too low for the UE to perform accurate measurements, or the cell is not detectable, or that measurements performed are not valid.

[0149] X is the time related to validity check of the performed measurements. The measurements the UE is reporting shall not be older than X seconds measured from the time of msgl of RRC connection setup. TE may provide the value of X during the test or the UE / DUT can be preconfigured with the value of X before or during the test. Xin the present disclosure refers to the reporting period in which all the measured samples from a UE in idle mode are reported to the TD. However, X may also be defined so that only the last sample of the reported measurement has to be within Xor otherwise. The test can be applied for FR1 or FR2. The test can be applied for UE configured to carry out idle mode CA / DC measurements but may also or alternatively be applied for UE configured to carry out idle mode cell re-selection measurements and / or the like.

[0150] FIGs. 3-9 illustrate various test setups for emulated time periods before and during a period of IDLE / INACTIVE mode by a UE, and during and after initiating an RRC connection setup / re-establishment request procedure.

[0151] FIGs. 3-5 illustrate test setups 300, 400, 500 in which four measurement periods (Tl, T2, T3, and T4) are defined.

[0152] At the beginning of the test (Tl), the UE is connected to cell 1 (PCell, not shown).UE does not have timing information for Cell 2. At the end of Tl, connection is released (e.g., RRCRelease message) and the UE falls to idle mode. The UE is configured with idle mode CA / DC measurements for cell 2.

[0153] The TE configures X. The configuration may either be provided via RRCReconfiguration, RRCRelease, or the cell 2 may broadcast the measurement configuration for UE in SIB message (e.g., SIB 11).

[0154] At the beginning of T2, the TE selects the signal level to be either above Threshold 1 or below Threshold 2. The signal level is kept at this level for a time period that is long enough for the UE to perform at least one measurement period on cell 2, potentially also including time for cell identification (according to TS 38.133 requirements on measurement period and cell identification requirements). The measurement period may depend on whether the UE is configured to perform idle / inactive mode CA / DC measurements or cell-reselection measurements.

[0155] During T3, the signal level of cell 2 is switched from Threshold 1 to Threshold 2 (test case 300 in FIG. 3) or from Threshold 2 to Threshold 1 (test case 400 in FIG. 4) depending on signal level during T2. In the test case 500 in FIG. 5, the signal level is dropped below Threshold 3. The duration of T3 is > X.

[0156] At the beginning of T4, the TE sends RRC connection setup message, and the UE shall do the validity check (e.g., check whether the measurements it has performed in idle mode are performed within X).

[0157] To pass the test run, at the end of T4 the UE shall:

[0158] In test case 300, report accurate measurement results for cell 2 corresponding to Threshold 1;

[0159] In test case 400, report accurate measurement results for cell 2 corresponding to Threshold 2; and

[0160] In test case 500, not report.

[0161] The described test run is repeated for a number of times, and the UE shall pass a predefined percentage (e.g., 90 %) of the test runs to pass the test.

[0162] The difference between thresholds can also be indicated as a delta parameter describing the signal level difference instead of absolute threshold.

[0163] In some embodiments, a test case can include one or more of the test cases 300, 400, 500. The test case may also comprise more or less signal levels and time periods than shown in this example. The main idea is to set the signal levels between different time periods so that the TE can clearly see from the reported results whether they were performed within X or not.

[0164] More than one cell to be measured can be included in the test case that was described for single cell. In some embodiments, the UE has to perform validity check for all the measured cells and report correctly.

[0165] To introduce the aspect of correct reporting, test cases 300, 400, and / or 500 can be varied between the cells to be measured in different test runs. Depending on how the network configures the reporting, the UE shall report the results for the correct cell(s), for example:

[0166] Network (TE) configures the UE to report only the cell(s) with the best signal quality;

[0167] Network (TE) configures the UE to report all the cells for which the measurements pass the validity check; and / or

[0168] Network (TE) requests the UE to report all or some of the measured cells at RRC connection setup.

[0169] In any of these or any further cases, the UE shall report the results correctly and not report results that do not pass the validity check.

[0170] An example with two cells to be measured in idle mode is shown in the test case 600 in FIG. 6.

[0171] In the test case 600, a UE is configured to measure cell 2 and cell 3 during idle mode. In this example, the UE shall report accurate measurement results according to Threshold 1 for cell 3, and not report results for cell 2 as the signal level during X is not sufficient for accurate measurements.

[0172] Referring now to FIG. 7, a test case 700 is illustrated in which time periods Tl, T2, and T3 are defined, two cells are involved in the test: cell 1 and cell 2, and two signal level thresholds are used in the test for cell 2. The two signal level thresholds can be:

[0173] Threshold 1, in which the signal level that is high enough for the UE to perform accurate measurements, and

[0174] Threshold 2 in which the signal level is significantly lower than in Threshold 1.

[0175] In the test case 700, Threshold 2 can be selected to either be so low that the UE is not able to measure, or just different enough from Threshold 1 to clearly show the difference in measurement results. Alternatively, in T2 and / or T3, the cell may be turned off completely. The test can be applied for FR1 or FR2. The UE may be configured to carry out idle mode CA / DC measurements and the test case 700 illustrated is based on those. However, the UE may also or alternatively be configured to carry out idle mode cell re-selection measurements.

[0176] Referring now to FIG. 8, enhanced measurement test case 800 is illustrated for ‘enhanced measurement approaches’. For the enhanced measurement test cases 700 and 800, the UE is configured to perform enhanced measurements to check the validity of idle / inactive mode measurements at RRC connection setup.

[0177] An example test flow of one test run is as follows:

[0178] At the beginning of the test (Tl), the UE is connected to cell 1 (PCell). UE has no timing information for cell 2.

[0179] At the end of Tl, the connection is released for the UE and the UE falls to idle mode. The UE is configured with idle mode CA / DC measurements on cell 2. Enhanced measurements are configured to the UE for RRC setup purposes for cell 2.

[0180] At the beginning of T2, the TE sets the signal level of cell 2 above Threshold 1. The signal level is kept above Threshold 1 for a time period that is long enough for the UE to perform at least one idle / inactive mode measurement period on cell 2, potentially also including time for cell identification.

[0181] At the beginning of T3, the TE sends RRC connection setup message, and the UE shall start performing enhanced measurements for cell 2 to check the validity of measurements performed within T2.

[0182] The signal level of cell 2 during T3 is varied in the different test case runs (700, 800) between:

[0183] In test case 700, the signal level is above Threshold 1, and the same as during T2. To pass the test, the UE shall conclude based on enhanced measurements that the idle / inactive mode measurements for cell 2 are still valid and report valid measurement results for cell 2 to the network.

[0184] In test case 800, the signal level is dropped below Threshold 2 in measurement period T3. To pass the test, the UE shall conclude that the idle / inactive mode measurements are no longer valid for cell 2, and the UE shall not report the results for cell 2.

[0185] The described test run is repeated for a number of times, and the UE shall pass a predefined percentage (e.g., 90 %) of the test runs to pass the test. These test cases (700, 800) may also comprise more signal levels and time periods than shown in FIGs. 7 and 8 as needed to set the signal level between idle mode measurement period and enhanced measurement period so that based on enhanced measurements it is clear whether idle mode measurements are still valid or are no longer valid.

[0186] Referring now to FIG. 9, a test case 900 with multiple cells to be measured is illustrated. Similar to existing measurement test cases, also for enhanced measurement solution the test case 900 can be implemented with more than one cell to be measured in idle mode. In this test case 900, the UE has to perform validity check for all the cells that are configured for enhanced measurement based validity check, and report correctly.

[0187] Similar to existing measurement test case, in this test case 900, to introduce the aspect of correct reporting, the signal level between the cells to be measured can be varied between the cells so that measurements for some of the cells shall pass the validity check and measurements for some cells shall fail the validity check, similar as described for the single cell case. Depending on how the network configures the reporting, the UE shall report the results for the correct cell(s), for example:

[0188] Network (TE) configures the UE to report only the cell(s) with the best signal quality.

[0189] Network (TE) configures the UE to report all the cells for which the measurements pass the validity check.

[0190] Network (TE) requests the UE to report all or some of the measured cells at RRC connection setup.

[0191] In any of these or any further cases, the UE shall report the results correctly and not report results that do not pass the validity check.

[0192] An example with two cells to be measured in idle mode is shown in FIG. 9. In the test case 900, UE is configured to measure cell 2 and cell 3 during idle mode. Once the UE receives RRC connection setup message at the beginning of T3, the UE shall start performing enhanced measurements to check the validity of the measurements it performed during T2. Signal level of cell 2 is dropped at T3, so the results for cell 2 are no longer valid based on enhanced measurements, and the UE shall not report results for cell 2. Signal level of cell 3 remains constant, and based on the validity check by enhanced measurements, the UE is expected to report valid measurement results for cell 3 at the end of T4. In any of the test cases described, further time periods may be added in the test case to add more variation in the signal level.

[0193] The test cases can be carried out for any suitable device under testing (DUT), using an suitable testing equipment (TE) or testing device (TD), such as described below.

[0194] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device under testing 200 (DUT 200). The DUT 200 may include a smart phone, smart tablet, laptop, smart watch, PC, TV or other device operable to communicate over a mobile communications network. Additional or alternative components and functions may be included within the DUT 200. In addition, one or more of the functions and components shown herein may not be present or combined with other components or functions.

[0195] The DUT 200 includes a processing device 1000 and memory device 1002 that are configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein with respect to the DUT 200. The memory device 1002 may store applications and operational instructions that controls the processing device 1000 to perform various functions described herein. The memory device 1002 may be or comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0196] The DUT 200 may further include a mobile RF transceiver 1014. The DUT 200 may, optionally, further include a Bluetooth transceiver 1010, a WLAN (e.g., IEEE 802.1 lx compliant) transceiver 1012, and / or a GPS 1016. The WLAN transceiver 1012 may operate as an access interface to a WLAN network. The DUT 200 may, optionally, further include user interfaces 1018, a AC adapter 1020, a battery module 1022, a USB transceiver 1024, and / or an Ethernet Port 1028.

[0197] The DUT 200 may, optionally, further include a digital camera 1030, a touch screen controller 1032, a speaker 1034, and / or a microphone 1036. The DUT 200 may, optionally, also include a power management unit 1038. One or more internal communication buses (not shown) may communicatively couple one or more of the components of the DUT 200.

[0198] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an example testing device 202. The testing device 202 can be configured to emulate a node or nodes with the functionality of an eNB, gNB, AMF, N3IWF, and / or the like. The testing device 202 may be integrated with other nodes in a mobile network, such as a core network / 5GCN. Additional or alternative components and functions may be included within the testing device 202. In addition, one or more of the functions and components shown herein may not be present or combined with other components or functions or nodes. The testing device 202 includes a processing device 1100 and a memory device 1102 that are configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein with respect to the testing device 202. The testing device 202 may include a communications interface 1104, which may include ports, antennas, transceivers, and / or the like, for interfacing to other devices and elements.

[0199] A processing device (e.g., 1000, 1100) as described herein includes at least one processing device, such as a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or any device that manipulates signals (analog and / or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and / or operational instructions. A memory device (e.g., 1002, 1102) is a non-transitory memory device and may be an internal memory or an external memory, and the memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. The memory device may be a readonly memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and / or any non-transitory memory device that stores digital information. The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of the example embodiments of elements herein. A module includes one or more processing devices and / or one or more non-transitory memory devices operable to perform one or more functions as may be described herein. A module may operate independently and / or in conjunction with other modules and may utilize the processing device and / or memory of other modules and / or operational instructions of other modules. As also usedherein, a module may contain one or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

[0200] FIGs. 12-19 illustrate block flow diagrams of example methods associated with example test cases described herein.

[0201] FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200 implemented by an apparatus, such as device 202, and comprising: means, such as a processor 1000, 1100, a communications interface 1104 or the like, for receiving, at a user equipment (UE), during a first measurement period, from a testing device, first radio signals associated with an emulated cell of an emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in an idle mode during the first measurement period, at 1201. The apparatus can further comprise means, such as a processor 1000, 1100, a communications interface 1104 or the like, for receiving, at the UE, during a second measurement period, from the testing device, second radio signals associated with the emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in a connected mode during the second measurement period, at 1202. The apparatus can further comprise means, such as a processor 1000, 1100 or the like, for measuring, using the device under testing, a first average signal strength of the first radio signals, at 1203. The apparatus can further comprise means, such as a processor 1000, 1100 or the like, for measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of the second radio signals, at 1204. The apparatus can further comprise means, such as a processor 1000, 1100 or the like, for determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined signal strength threshold, at 1205. The apparatus 1200 can further comprise in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, means, such as a processor 1000, 1100 or the like for determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, at 1206. The apparatus can further comprise in an instance in which the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, means, such as a processor 1000, 1100, a communications interface 1104 or the like, for reporting, using the device under testing, to the testing device, the valid measurement, at 1207.

[0202] Some or all of the elements of the method 1200 can be carried out by or controlled by a computing device, such as 1000 or 1100. For example, a processing element of a computing device can, based upon instructions / program code stored in a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, cause and control operation of another component or element of a system / device, such as a transceiver, signal generator, filter, oscillator, and / or the like. By causing and controlling operation of another component or element, the computingdevice can cause one or more elements of the method 1200 to be carried out in part or in full. In some embodiments, the computing device can comprise the other component or element for which the processing element is causing and controlling operation thereof. In other embodiments, the computing device can be configured to communicate with another apparatus, device, system, or the like, to cause control of the other component or element in accordance with one or more elements of the method 1200, whether in part or in full.

[0203] FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 comprising: disposing a device under testing into an emulation chamber of a testing device, the testing device configured to emulate radio signals associated with a plurality of cells of an emulated mobile network, at 1301. The method 1300 can further comprise receiving, at the device under testing, during a first measurement period, from the testing device, first radio signals associated with an emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in an idle mode during the first measurement period, at 1302. The method 1300 can further comprise receiving, at the device under testing, during a second measurement period, from the testing device, second radio signals associated with the emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in a connected mode during the second measurement period, at 1303. The method 1300 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, a first average signal strength of the first radio signals, at 1304. The method 1300 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of the second radio signals, at 1305. The method 1300 can further comprise determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined signal strength threshold, at 1306. The method 1300 can further comprise in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, at 1307. The method 1300 can further comprise in an instance in which the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, reporting, using the device under testing, to the testing device, the valid measurement, at 1308.

[0204] Some or all of the elements of the method 1300 can be carried out by or controlled by a computing device, such as 1000 or 1100 and, as such the computing device may include means, such as the processor 1002, 1102, the memory device 1002, 1102, the communication interface 1104, for performing the respective functions of Figure 13. For example, a processing element of a computing device can, based upon instructions / program code stored in a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, cause and control operation of another component or element of a system / device, such as a transceiver, signal generator, filter,oscillator, and / or the like. By causing and controlling operation of another component or element, the computing device can cause one or more elements of the method 1300 to be carried out in part or in full. In some embodiments, the computing device can comprise the other component or element for which the processing element is causing and controlling operation thereof. In other embodiments, the computing device can be configured to communicate with another apparatus, device, system, or the like, to cause control of the other component or element in accordance with one or more elements of the method 1300, whether in part or in full.

[0205] FIG. 14 illustrates a method 1400 comprising: measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period, at 1401. The method 1400 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period, at 1402. The method 1400 can further comprise determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold, at 1403. The method 1400 can further comprise, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the second radio signals received at the device under testing during the second measurement period, at 1404. The method 1400 can further comprise, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength, at 1405.

[0206] Some or all of the elements of the method 1400 can be carried out by or controlled by a computing device, such as 1000 or 1100 and, as such the computing device may include means, such as the processor 1002, 1102, the memory device 1002, 1102, the communication interface 1104, for performing the respective functions of Figure 14. For example, a processing element of a computing device can, based upon instructions / program code stored in a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, cause and control operation of another component or element of a system / device, such as a transceiver, signal generator, filter, oscillator, and / or the like. By causing and controlling operation of another component or element, the computing device can cause one or more elements of the method 1400 to be carried out in part or in full. In some embodiments, the computing device can comprise theother component or element for which the processing element is causing and controlling operation thereof. In other embodiments, the computing device can be configured to communicate with another apparatus, device, system, or the like, to cause control of the other component or element in accordance with one or more elements of the method 1400, whether in part or in full.

[0207] FIG. 15 illustrates a method 1500 comprising: measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period, at 1501. The method 1500 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period, at 1502. The method 1500 can further comprise determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold, at 1503. The method 1500 can further comprise, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the second radio signals received at the device under testing during the second measurement period, at 1504. The method 1500 can further comprise, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength, at 1505. The method 1500 can further comprise, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is less than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining to refrain from reporting, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength, at 1506.

[0208] Some or all of the elements of the method 1500 can be carried out by or controlled by a computing device, such as 1000 or 1100 and, as such the computing device may include means, such as the processor 1002, 1102, the memory device 1002, 1102, the communication interface 1104, for performing the respective functions of Figure 15. For example, a processing element of a computing device can, based upon instructions / program code stored in a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, cause and control operation of another component or element of a system / device, such as a transceiver, signal generator, filter, oscillator, and / or the like. By causing and controlling operation of another component or element, the computing device can cause one or more elements of the method 1500 to be carried out in part or in full. In some embodiments, the computing device can comprise theother component or element for which the processing element is causing and controlling operation thereof. In other embodiments, the computing device can be configured to communicate with another apparatus, device, system, or the like, to cause control of the other component or element in accordance with one or more elements of the method 1500, whether in part or in full.

[0209] FIG. 16 illustrates a method 1600 comprising: disposing a device under testing into an emulation chamber of a testing device, the testing device configured to emulate radio signals associated with a plurality of cells of an emulated mobile network, at 1601. The method 1600 can further comprise receiving, at the UE, during a first measurement period, from the testing device, first radio signals associated with an emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in an idle mode during the first measurement period, at 1602. The method 1600 can further comprise receiving, at the UE, during a second measurement period, from the testing device, second radio signals associated with the emulated cell of the emulated mobile network, the device under testing being in a connected mode during the second measurement period, at 1603. The method 1600 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, a first average signal strength of the first radio signals, at 1604. The method 1600 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of the second radio signals, at 1605. The method 1600 can further comprise determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined signal strength threshold, at 1606. The method 1600 can further comprise, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, at 1607. The method 1600 can further comprise, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is a valid measurement, reporting, using the device under testing, to the testing device, the valid measurement, at 1608.

[0210] Some or all of the elements of the method 1600 can be carried out by or controlled by a computing device, such as 1000 or 1100 and, as such the computing device may include means, such as the processor 1002, 1102, the memory device 1002, 1102, the communication interface 1104, for performing the respective functions of Figure 16. For example, a processing element of a computing device can, based upon instructions / program code stored in a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, cause and control operation of another component or element of a system / device, such as a transceiver, signal generator, filter, oscillator, and / or the like. By causing and controlling operation of another component orelement, the computing device can cause one or more elements of the method 1600 to be carried out in part or in full. In some embodiments, the computing device can comprise the other component or element for which the processing element is causing and controlling operation thereof. In other embodiments, the computing device can be configured to communicate with another apparatus, device, system, or the like, to cause control of the other component or element in accordance with one or more elements of the method 1600, whether in part or in full.

[0211] FIG. 17 illustrates a method 1700 comprising: measuring, using a device under testing, respective first average signal strengths of each of a plurality of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period, at 1701. The method 1700 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, respective second average signal strengths of each of a plurality of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period subsequent to the first measurement period, at 1702. The method 1700 can further comprise determining, for each of the plurality of second radio signals, whether the respective second average signal strengths are equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold, at 1703. The method 1700 can further comprise, in an instance in which a respective second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining whether the respective second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of an actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals, at 1704. The method 1700 can further comprise, in an instance in which a respective second average signal strength is determined to be within the predetermined range of the actual signal strength of the respective second radio signals from among the plurality of second radio signals, determining to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength, at 1705.

[0212] Some or all of the elements of the method 1700 can be carried out by or controlled by a computing device, such as 1000 or 1100 and, as such the computing device may include means, such as the processor 1002, 1102, the memory device 1002, 1102, the communication interface 1104, for performing the respective functions of Figure 17. For example, a processing element of a computing device can, based upon instructions / program code stored in a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, cause and control operation of another component or element of a system / device, such as a transceiver, signal generator, filter, oscillator, and / or the like. By causing and controlling operation of another component orelement, the computing device can cause one or more elements of the method 1700 to be carried out in part or in full. In some embodiments, the computing device can comprise the other component or element for which the processing element is causing and controlling operation thereof. In other embodiments, the computing device can be configured to communicate with another apparatus, device, system, or the like, to cause control of the other component or element in accordance with one or more elements of the method 1700, whether in part or in full.

[0213] FIG. 18 illustrates a method 1800 comprising: measuring, using a device under testing, a first average signal strength of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period, at 1801. The method 1800 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period, at 1802. The method 1800 can further comprise determining whether the second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold, at 1803. The method 1800 can further comprise, in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength, at 1804. The method 1800 can further comprise, based at least upon said comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength, determining whether to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the second average signal strength, at 1805.

[0214] Some or all of the elements of the method 1800 can be carried out by or controlled by a computing device, such as 1000 or 1100 and, as such the computing device may include means, such as the processor 1002, 1102, the memory device 1002, 1102, the communication interface 1104, for performing the respective functions of Figure 18. For example, a processing element of a computing device can, based upon instructions / program code stored in a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, cause and control operation of another component or element of a system / device, such as a transceiver, signal generator, filter, oscillator, and / or the like. By causing and controlling operation of another component or element, the computing device can cause one or more elements of the method 1800 to be carried out in part or in full. In some embodiments, the computing device can comprise the other component or element for which the processing element is causing and controlling operation thereof. In other embodiments, the computing device can be configured to communicate with another apparatus, device, system, or the like, to cause control of the othercomponent or element in accordance with one or more elements of the method 1800, whether in part or in full.

[0215] FIG. 19 illustrates a method 1900 comprising: measuring, using a device under testing, a respective first average signal strength of respective first radio signals of a plurality of first radio signals received at the device under testing, from a testing device, during a first measurement period, wherein respective first radio signals of the plurality of first radio signals are associated with respective emulated cells of an emulated communications network, at 1901. The method 1900 can further comprise measuring, using the device under testing, a respective second average signal strength of respective second radio signals of a plurality of second radio signals received at the device under testing, from the testing device, during a second measurement period, wherein respective second radio signals of the plurality of second radio signals are associated with respective emulated cells of the emulated communications network, at 1902. The method 1900 can further comprise determining whether the respective second average signal strength is equal to or above a predetermined average signal strength threshold, at 1603. The method 1900 can further comprise, in an instance in which the respective second average signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined average signal strength threshold, comparing the respective second average signal strength to the respective first average signal strength for each respective emulated cell of the emulated communications network, at 1904. The method 1900 can further comprise, based at least upon said comparing the respective second average signal strength to the respective first average signal strength, determining whether to report, from the device under testing, to the testing device, the respective second average signal strength for one or more of the plurality of second radio signals, at 1905.

[0216] Some or all of the elements of the method 1900 can be carried out by or controlled by a computing device, such as 1000 or 1100 and, as such the computing device may include means, such as the processor 1002, 1102, the memory device 1002, 1102, the communication interface 1104, for performing the respective functions of Figure 19. For example, a processing element of a computing device can, based upon instructions / program code stored in a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory, cause and control operation of another component or element of a system / device, such as a transceiver, signal generator, filter, oscillator, and / or the like. By causing and controlling operation of another component or element, the computing device can cause one or more elements of the method 1900 to be carried out in part or in full. In some embodiments, the computing device can comprise the other component or element for which the processing element is causing and controllingoperation thereof. In other embodiments, the computing device can be configured to communicate with another apparatus, device, system, or the like, to cause control of the other component or element in accordance with one or more elements of the method 1900, whether in part or in full.

[0217] As may be used herein, the term “operable to” or “configurable to” indicates that an element includes one or more of circuits, instructions, modules, data, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform one or more of the described or necessary corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items to perform the described or necessary corresponding functions. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “coupled”, “coupled to”, “connected to” and / or “connecting” or “interconnecting” includes direct connection or link between nodes / devices and / or indirect connection between nodes / devices via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, a module, a node, device, network element, etc.). As may further be used herein, inferred connections (e.g., where one element is connected to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect connection between two items in the same manner as “connected to”.

[0218] Note that the aspects of the present disclosure may be described herein as a process that is depicted as a schematic, a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0219] The various features of the disclosure described herein can be implemented in different systems and devices without departing from the disclosure. It should be noted that the foregoing aspects of the disclosure are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. The description of the aspects of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. As such, the present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0220] In the foregoing specification, certain representative aspects of the disclosure have been described with reference to specific examples. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as setforth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. For example, the components and / or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

[0221] Furthermore, certain benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular example embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

[0222] As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “includes” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, or apparatus. Other combinations and / or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present disclosure, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

[0223] Moreover, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) as a “means-plus-function” type element, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

Claims

Claims1. A method comprising: measuring, using a device under testing in an emulation chamber of a testing device, a first average signal strength of radio signals received by the device under testing from the testing device during a first measurement period, the device under testing being in an idle mode during the first measurement period; measuring, using the device under testing, a second average signal strength of radio signals received from the testing device during a second measurement period, the device under testing being in a connected mode during the second measurement period; determining whether the second average signal strength of the radio signals received from the testing device during the second measurement period is equal to or greater than a predetermined signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement; and reporting, using the device under testing, to the testing device, the valid measurement.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined not to be equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement; and determining to not report, to the testing device, the invalid measurement.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said determining the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is above a second predetermined average signal strength threshold, the second predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the predetermined average signal strength threshold.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said determining the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises:in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or above the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said determining the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is below the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of a signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the device under testing during the second measurement period.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is within the predetermined range of the signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the device under testing during the second measurement period, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside the predetermined range of the signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the device under testing during the second measurement period, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement comprises: comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength.

10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is within a predetermined acceptable deviation range of the first average signal strength, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement.

11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside the predetermined acceptable deviation range of the first average signal strength, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the second average signal strength is different from the first average signal strength.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein a duration of the second measurement period is dictated by the testing device.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein the device under testing is preconfigured such that a duration of the second measurement period is equal to a predetermined duration established by the testing device.

15. A method according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the device under testing is a user equipment (UE) and the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

16. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: measuring a first average signal strength of radio signals received by the apparatus from a testing device during a first measurement period, the apparatus being in an idle mode during the first measurement period; measuring a second average signal strength of radio signals received by the apparatus from the testing device during a second measurement period, the apparatus being in a connected mode during the second measurement period;determining whether the second average signal strength of the radio signals received by the apparatus from the testing device during the second measurement period is equal to or greater than a predetermined signal strength threshold; in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement; and reporting, to the testing device, the valid measurement.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to perform at least: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is determined not to be equal to or greater than the predetermined signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement; and determining to not report, to the testing device, the invalid measurement.

18. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the instructions stored on the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement by causing the apparatus to perform at least: determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of a signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the apparatus during the second measurement period.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is above a second predetermined average signal strength threshold, the second predetermined average signal strength threshold having a signal strength magnitude greater than that of the predetermined average signal strength threshold.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises:in an instance in which the second average signal strength is equal to or above the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement.

21. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength of the radio signals is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is below the predetermined average signal strength threshold, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

22. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: determining whether the second average signal strength is within a predetermined range of a signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the apparatus during the second measurement period.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is within the predetermined range of the signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the apparatus during the second measurement period, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside the predetermined range of the signal strength of the radio signals transmitted from the testing device towards the apparatus during the second measurement period, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

25. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: comparing the second average signal strength to the first average signal strength.

26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is within a predetermined acceptable deviation range of the first average signal strength, determining that the second average signal strength is a valid measurement.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said determining whether the second average signal strength is a valid measurement further comprises: in an instance in which the second average signal strength is outside a predetermined acceptable deviation range of the first average signal strength, determining that the second average signal strength is an invalid measurement.

28. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second average signal strength is different from the first average signal strength.

29. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a duration of the second measurement period is dictated by the testing device.

30. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus is preconfigured such that a duration of the second measurement period is equal to a predetermined duration established by the testing device.

31. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 30, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment (UE), and wherein the testing device is configured to emulate a network entity of a mobile communication network.

32. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause an apparatus to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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