Indication of availability and reporting idle / inactive state measurements

Abstract

A method implemented at a user equipment includes performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state. The measurements produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and / or a second type of measurement results, where the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type. The method includes determining an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results. The method includes providing an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, with the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available. A method is also provided in which a selection is made regarding the corresponding measurement results to report, and reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results are reported based on the selection.

Description

INDICATION OF AVAILABILITY AND REPORTING IDLE / INACTIVE STATE MEASUREMENTSTECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications and, in particular, to reporting idle / inactive state measurements of user equipment.BACKGROUND

[0002] A telecommunications system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A telecommunications system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and / or content data and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

[0003] In a wireless telecommunications system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] A user can access the telecommunications system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and / or receive communications on the carrier.

[0005] The telecommunications system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a telecommunications system is the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Other examples of telecommunications systems are Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced and the so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP).BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Example implementations of the present disclosure are directed to telecommunications and, in particular, to reporting idle / inactive state measurements of user equipment. The present disclosure thus includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0007] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: perform measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; determine an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and provide an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0008] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: means for performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement resultsor a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for determining an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and means for providing an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0009] Some example implementations provide a method implemented at a user equipment, the method comprising: performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; determining an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and providing an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0010] Some example implementations provide a computer-readable storage medium implemented at a user equipment, the computer-readable storage medium being non- transitory and having instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: perform measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; determine an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and provide an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0011] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least onememory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: perform measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; make a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and report at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

[0012] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: means for performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for making a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and means for reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

[0013] Some example implementations provide a method implemented at a user equipment, the method comprising: performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; making a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

[0014] Some example implementations provide a computer-readable storage medium implemented at a user equipment, the computer-readable storage medium being non- transitory and having instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: perform measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to producecorresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; make a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and report at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

[0015] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacy type with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available; receive a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and configure carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0016] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at an user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacy type with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available; means for receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and means for configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0017] Some example implementations provide a method implemented at a network, the method comprising: receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacy type with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available; receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0018] Some example implementations provide a computer-readable storage medium implemented at a network, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and having instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: receive an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacy type with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available; receive a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and configure carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0019] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at an user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurementresults from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and means for configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0020] Some example implementations provide an apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; receive a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and configure carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0021] Some example implementations provide a method implemented at a network, the method comprising: receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0022] Some example implementations provide a computer-readable storage medium implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at an user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, thecorresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and means for configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0023] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific example implementation described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example implementations are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described example implementations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE(S)

[0025] Having thus described example implementations of the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a telecommunications system that includes one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) coupled to one or more external data networks, according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a deployment of a PLMN, according to some example implementations;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an overview of a portion of the 5G radio protocol stack architecture, according to some example implementations;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates current early measurement reporting (EMR) behavior of a user equipment (UE) in 5G NR Release 16;

[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate current enhanced EMR (eEMR) behavior of a UE in 5G NR Release 18, according to some example implementations;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a signaling chart of radio resource control (RRC) procedures for UE- triggered transition from an RRC IDLE state to an RRC CONNECTED state, according to some example implementations;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a signaling chart of RRC procedures for UE -triggered transition from an RRC INACTIVE state to the RRC CONNECTED state, according to some example implementations;

[0033] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method implemented at a UE, according to various example implementations;

[0034] FIGS. 10 A, 10B, 10C and 10D are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method implemented at a UE, according to various example implementations;

[0035] FIGS. 11 A, 11B, 11C and 11D are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method implemented at a network, according to various example implementations;

[0036] FIGS. 12 A, 12B and 12C are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method implemented at a network, according to various example implementations; and

[0037] FIG. 13 illustrates an apparatus according to some example implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of thedisclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0039] Unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature else may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like.

[0040] As used herein, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, the “or” of a set of operands is the “inclusive or” and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the “exclusive or” which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, “[A] or [B]” is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more,” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, the terms “data,” “content,” “digital content,” “information,” and similar terms may be at times used interchangeably. The term “network” may refer to a group of interconnected computers including clients and servers; and within a network, these computers may be interconnected directly or indirectly by various means including via one or more switches, routers, gateways, access points or the like.

[0041] Reference may be made herein to terms specific to a particular system, architecture or the like, but it should be understood that example implementations of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to any of a number of systems, architectures and the like. For example, reference may be made to 3 GPP technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, 5GNR, 5GAdvanced and 6G; however, it should be understood that example implementations of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to non-3GPP technologies such as IEEE 802, Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0042] Further, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with 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); or (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0043] The above 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 also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a telecommunications system 100 according to various example implementations of the present disclosure. The telecommunications system generally includes one or more telecommunications networks. As shown, for example, the system includes one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) 102 coupled to one or more other external data networks 104 - notably including a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Each of the PLMNs includes a core network(CN) 106 backbone such as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) of LTE, the 5G core network (5GC) or the like; and each of the core networks and the Internet are coupled to one or more radio access networks (RANs) 108, air interfaces or the like that implement one or more radio access technologies (RATs). As used herein, a “network device” refers to anysuitable device at a network side of a telecommunications network. Examples of suitable network devices are described in greater detail below.

[0045] In addition, the system includes one or more radio units that may be varyingly known as user equipment (UE) 110, terminal device, terminal equipment, mobile station or the like. The UE is generally a device configured to communicate with a network device or a further UE in a telecommunications network. The UE may be a portable computer (e.g., laptop, notebook, tablet computer), mobile phone (e.g., cell phone, smartphone), wearable computer (e.g., smartwatch), or the like. In other examples, the UE may be an Internet of things (loT) device, an industrial loT (IIoT device), a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technology, or the like. In some examples, as referenced by 3 GPP, the UE may be a narrowband loT (NB-IoT) device, an enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) device, a reduced capability (RedCap) device, an ambient loT device, or the like.

[0046] In operation, these UEs 110 may be configured to connect to one or more of the RANs 108 according to their particular radio access technologies to thereby access a particular CN 106 of a PLMN 102, or to access one or more of the external data networks 104 (e.g., the Internet). The external data network may be configured to provide Internet access, operator services, 3rd party services, etc. For example, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has classified 5G mobile network services into three categories: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra- reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type communications (mMTC) or massive internet of things (MIoT).

[0047] Examples of radio access technologies include 3 GPP radio access technologies such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, 5GNR, 5G Advanced, and 6G. Other examples of radio access technologies include IEEE 802 technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.15 (including 802.15.1 (WPAN / Bluetooth), 802.15.4 (Zigbee) and 802.15.6 (WBAN)), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ultra wideband (UWB), and the like. Generally, a radio access technology may refer to any 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G or higher generation mobile communication technology and their different versions, as well as to any other wireless radio access technology that may bearranged to interwork with such a mobile communication technology to provide access to the CN 106 of a mobile network operator (MNO).

[0048] In various examples, a RAN 108 may be configured as one or more macrocells, microcells, picocells, femtocells or the like. The RAN may generally include one or more radio access nodes that are configured to interact with UEs 110. In various examples, a radio access node may be referred to as a base station (BS), access point (AP), base transceiver station (BTS), Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), macro BS, NB (MNB) or eNB (MeNB), home BS, NB (HNB) or eNB (HeNB), next generation NB (gNB), enhanced gNB (en-gNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), or the like. The RAN may include some type of network controlling / governing entity responsible for control of the radio access nodes. The network controlling / governing entity and radio access node may be separate or integrated into a single apparatus. The network controlling / governing entity may include processing circuity configured to carry out various management functions, etc. The processing circuity may be associated with a memory, computer- readable storage medium or database for maintaining information required in the management functions.

[0049] A RAN 108 may be centralized or distributed. In various examples, components of a RAN may be interconnected by Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), optical fiber, dark fiber, passive wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), WDM passive optical network (WDM-PON), optical transport network (OTN), time sensitive networking (TSN) and / or any other data link layer network, possibly including radio links. The RAN may be connected to a CN 106 through one or more gateways, network functions or the like.

[0050] As will be appreciated, a PLMN 102 may be deployed in a number of different manners. In a 4GLTE deployment, the EPC is the CN 106, and the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) is the RAN 108; and the E-UTRAN includes one or more eNBs (radio access nodes) configured to connect UEs 110 to the E- UTRAN to thereby access the EPC. FIG. 2 illustrates a deployment 200, such as a 5G or 6G deployment. As shown, the 5GC 202 is the CN, and the next generation (NG) radio access network (NG-RAN) 204 is the RAN; and the NG-RAN includes one or moregNBs 206 (radio access nodes) configured to connect UEs to the NG-RAN to thereby access the 5GC. The term ‘gNB’ in 5G may correspond to the eNB in 4G LTE.

[0051] Some 4G LTE and 5G deployments are considered standalone (SA) deployments. Other deployments combine 4G LTE and 5G technologies, and are referred to as non-standalone (NSA) deployments. In some deployments, the E-UTRAN includes one or more ng-eNBs that are configured to communicate with the 5GC, and that may also be configured to communicate with one or more gNBs. Similarly, in another deployment, the NG-RAN may include one or more en-gNBs that are configured to communicate with the EPC, and that may also be configured to communicate with one or more eNBs. In various instances, a single UE 110, a dual-mode or multimode UE, may support multiple (two or more) RANs — thereby being configured to connect to multiple RANs, such as 4G LTE and 5G.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates an overview of a portion of the 5G radio protocol stack 300 architecture, between a UE 110 and gNB 302 (radio access node), according to some example implementations. As shown, the 5G radio protocol stack has two different stacks depending on the type of data that is processed by the stack. User data goes through a user plane (UP) stack 302, signaling messages go through a control plane (CP) stack 304. Both UP and CP stacks are made up of a common structure including a Layer 1 (LI) with a physical layer (PHY) 306, and a layer 2 (L2) with sublayers including medium access control (MAC) 308, radio link control (RLC) 310, and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) 312. A layer 3 (L3) sits on top of PHY / MAC / RLC / PDCP, and includes sublayers that are different between the CP and UP. In the UP, L3 includes a sublayer referred to as service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) 314 that is connected to the user plane function (UPF) in the 5GC. In the CP, L3 includes two sublayers referred to as radio resource control (RRC) 316 and non-access stratum (NAS) 318, and the NAS layer connects to an access and mobility function (AMF) in the 5GC.

[0053] Generally, each layer of the 5G radio protocol stack 300 performs a specific data communications task, a service to and for the layer that precedes it. For example, the RLC 310 provides its services to the PDCP 312. Similarly, the PDCP provides its services to the SDAP 314 (in the UP 302) or the RRC 316 (in the CP 304). The main services or functions of the PDCP include for example: header compression and decompression,transfer of user data, ciphering and deciphering, and timer-based service data unit (SDU) discard.

[0054] The RRC 316 in particular is responsible for various control functions such as synchronization, connection establishment and its management, facilitating security and reliable messaging, radio resource management, signaling handling, dedicated and broadcast network configuration management, mobility procedures paging notification.

[0055] The operation of the RRC 316 is guided by a state machine which defines certain specific states that a UE 110 may be present in. The different states in the RRC state machine have different amounts of radio resources associated with them and these are the resources that the UE may use when the UE is present in each state. Since different amounts of resources are available at different states, the quality of the service that the user experiences and the energy consumption of the UE are influenced by this state machine. Relative to previous generations, 5G NR supplemented RRC IDLE and RRC CONNECTED states by an RRC INACTIVE state, which offers light connectivity with major power saving methods integrated into the state.

[0056] In some deployments, such as deployment 200, operations of the gNB 206 or other radio access node may be carried out, at least partly, in a central / centralized unit (CU), such as a server, host or node, operationally coupled to a distributed unit (DU), such as a radio head / node. It is also possible that node operations may be distributed among a plurality of servers, hosts or nodes. It should also be understood that the distribution of work between 5GC 202 (or other CN) operations and gNB (or other radio access node) operations may vary depending on implementation.

[0057] A 5G network architecture may be based on a so-called CU-DU split. One gNB-CU (central node) may control one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU may control a plurality of spatially separated gNB-DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some example implementations, however, the gNB-DUs (also called DU) may include, for example, the RLC, the MAC layer and the PHY layer, whereas the gNB-CU (also called a CU) may include the layers above the RLC, such as the PDCP layer, the RRC, and an internet protocol (IP) layer. Other functional splits are also possible. It is considered that a skilled person is familiar with the open systems interconnection (OSI) model and the functionalities within each layer.

[0058] In some example implementations, the server or CU may generate a virtual network through which the server communicates with the radio node. In general, virtual networking may involve a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Such virtual network may provide flexible distribution of operations between the server and the radio head / node. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may be selected according to implementation.

[0059] In various instances, a single UE 110, a dual-mode or multimode UE, may support carrier aggregation (CA), dual-connectivity (DC) or multi-connectivity (MC). In this regard, CA allows the UE to simultaneously connect to cells on multiple carriers, enabling the UE to reach higher throughputs, as well as fast-time-scale load-balancing across multiple carriers. AUE will generally have a primary cell, known as a PCell, which is typically the cell through which the UE first connects to the NG-RAN 204 or other RAN 108 (e.g., E-UTRAN). The RAN (typically via the PCell) may provide the UE additional configuration information to enable it to simultaneously connect to additional cells on carriers other than the PCell, which are known as the UE’s secondary cells or SCells.

[0060] The gNB 206 or other radio access node may decide which cells (e.g., carriers) should be configured as SCells for a given UE 110. In CA, the UE’s data stream across the PCell and different SCells may be aggregated at the RLC 310. An SCell may be hosted at the same radio access node as the PCell (intra-site CA), or a different radio access node (inter-site CA). Either PCell or SCell may flexibly use radio access technologies, such as LTE, LTE Advanced, 5GNR, 5G Advanced or 6G. In DC (or MC) as well, a UE can simultaneously connect to multiple cells, typically hosted at different radio access nodes. That is, a given UE’s SCells in DC or MC may be hosted at different radio access nodes than the radio access node hosting the UE’s PCell. The PCell radio access node can interact with the radio access node hosting the secondary cell over an interface such as X2 or Xn. In this context, the PCell radio access node may be referred to as a master node (MN), and the SCell radio access node may be referred to as a secondary node (SN). Relatedly, a secondary cell group (SCG) refers to a group ofserving cells associated with the SN, and the SCG includes a primary cell referred to as the primary secondary cell (PSCell).

[0061] In some examples, DC or MC may be used together with CA, such as when a UE 110 connects to a given SN by DC, and then enters CA with multiple SCells hosted at that SN. Either MN or SN may flexibly use radio access technologies, such as LTE, LTE Advanced, 5GNR, 5 G Advanced or 6G. It should be understood that although some example implementations of the present disclosure may refer to CA or CA / DC, the term “carrier aggregation” (or “CA”) broadly encompasses carrier aggregation, dual connectivity (DC) and multi-connectivity (MC), individually or in combined usage. The term “PCell” may be used broadly to also encompass an MN, and the terms “SCell” or “PSCell” may be used broadly to also encompass an SN or SCG.

[0062] To improve the user throughput as well as data transmission latency (e.g., reducing packet queuing / buffering delay), and reliability, it may be important to reduce secondary link establishment / resume delay(s) for SCell / PSCell setup in CA / DC operation scenarios. This reduction may be particularly useful for a UE 110 connecting from idle / inactive states where network information is limited related to available UE measurement status.

[0063] One solution to reduce CA / DC setup time for a UE 110 entering a connected state (or mode) from an idle / inactive state (or mode) includes early reporting of measurements of cells performed in idle state. These measurements may at times be referred to as idle state measurements, inactive state measurements, or idle / inactive state measurements. In 3 GPP, early measurement reporting (EMR) has been introduced in 5G NR Release 16 (Rel-16) to reduce inter-frequency measurement delay in the RRC- connected state. Based on this concept, a UE supporting EMR (e.g., idlelnactiveNR- MeasReport-rl6) may perform an idle / inactive state measurement on certain interfrequency CA and DC candidate frequencies / cells indicated by higher layers. The network may then use the measurements to configure SCells / PSCells earlier than otherwise possible.

[0064] A UE 110 may perform EMR measurements while a corresponding timer is running (the corresponding timer at times referred to as an EMR measurement timer or a T331 timer). In this regard, the UE may initiate EMR measurement and thecorresponding timer from the time UE switches (or transitions) to an idle / inactive state until the corresponding timer expires. The UE may therefore support idle / inactive state measurement and reporting (when resuming to the RRC-connected state) provided the corresponding timer has not expired, and the serving cell is in a validity area and supports idle / inactive state measurement reporting. After expiration of the corresponding timer, it is up to the UE implementation to continue the measurement.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates current EMR behavior of a UE in Rel-16. As shown, a UE 110 in a connected state may be connected to a cell (PCell) on a first carrier (carrier 1). The connection may at some point be released, at which point the UE may switch from the connected state to an idle / inactive state. The UE at this time may also start a corresponding timer (T331), and perform early idle / inactive state measurements (Rel-16 EMR measurements) for DC / CA setup assistance on other carrier(s) (carrier 2) of other cell(s) that may be candidate SCell(s) / PSCell(s). The UE may perform early idle / inactive state measurements until the corresponding timer expires or the UE reconnects or resumes its connection, which may be marked by a preconfigured random access channel (RACH) preamble (msgl). The UE may switch back to the connected state; and in some cases, report its early idle / inactive state measurements to the network (e.g., NG-RAN 204), which may use the early idle / inactive state measurements to configure DC / CA for the UE (on carrier 1 and carrier 2).

[0066] In some cases, however, the UE 110 may not be able to provide any early idle / inactive state measurements for DC / CA setup assistance when switching from idle / inactive to connected state, such as when corresponding timer has expired and the UE does not continue the measurement (to save power). As shown in FIG. 4, the EMR behavior of the UE after expiration of the corresponding (e.g., T331) timer is undefined, and there may be a gap in time between when the UE performs DC / CA- related measurements (e.g., EMR or during the connected state before switching to the idle / inactive state), and when the UE is switched back to the connected state.

[0067] To address the above, 5 G Advanced in Release 18 (Rel-18) introduces enhanced EMR (eEMR) with a time-based validation. In this regard, the UE in the idle / inactive state may perform a time-based validity check of idle / inactive state measurements before reporting the measurements to the network. During connectionsetup / resume, the UE may verify idle / inactive state measurements that the UE has available. If the validity check is passed, the UE may report the idle / inactive state measurements to the network. If the validity check is not passed, the UE may omit from the report such idle / inactive state measurements that did not pass the validity check. The validity check may be time-based such that if measurements are performed within a time period X from msgl of RRC connection setup, independent of T331 timer, the measurements may be considered to be valid. Otherwise, they may be considered invalid. Other time-based criteria can alternatively be applied, stricter or looser. A purpose of the time-based validity check may be to ensure that the validity of the measurements has not expired. If the X is not configured. UE is not mandated to perform validity check, and may report measurement results according to Rel-18 configuration as long as the measurement results fulfill set accuracy requirements. In Rel-18, idle / inactive state measurements may include Rel-16 EMR measurements. Additionally or alternatively, the idle / inactive state measurements may include regular measurements, such as cell reselection measurements based at least on a cell reselection configuration. Additionally or alternatively, validity check may include connected state measurement before UE transitioning to idle or inactive state or a combination of EMR measurements, cell reselection measurement, and connected state measurement before UE transitioning to idle or inactive state.

[0068] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate current eEMR behavior of a UE 110 in Rel-18. As shown, the UE looks for its available idle / inactive state measurements. As shown, Rel-18 eEMR measurements are performed within the last time period of X (e.g., X seconds) before the UE reconnects or resumes its connection, which again, may be marked by a RACH preamble (msgl). These Rel-18 eEMR measurements may include at least part of the Rel-16 EMR measurements. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the Rel-18 eEMR measurements may partially or completely overlap the Rel-16 measurements, depending on when the corresponding timer for the Rel-16 measurements expires relative to when the UE reconnects or resumes its connection. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, Rel-18 eEMR measurements may include regular measurements, such as any cell reselection measurements.

[0069] It is currently agreed that Rel- 18 eEMR and Rel- 16 EMR should be able to work independently. In this regard, a UE 110 may be configured to perform measurements to produce corresponding Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results and / or Rel- 16 EMR measurement results. Some example implementations of the present disclosure provide enhancements in providing an indication of the availability regarding corresponding measurement results of one or more types of measurement results (Rel- 19 eEMR and / or Rel-16 EMR). Likewise, some example implementations provide enhancements in reporting the corresponding measurement results.

[0070] Example implementations of the present disclosure provide a UE 110 and a gNB 206 or other radio access node of a NG-RAN 204 or other RAN 108 or network. In some examples, the gNB may configure the UE to send an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed while the UE is in an idle or inactive state or measurement before UE switches to idle or inactive states. The UE may perform the measurements in the idle / inactive state, and produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results, and / or a second type of measurement results that may be a legacy type with respect to the first type. As described below without limitation, in various examples, the first type of measurement results are Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results, and the second type of measurement results are Rel-16 EMR measurement results. As described above, the the first type of measurement results of measurement results may be subjected to the validity check while the validity check is not mandatory or is not applied to the second type of measurement results before the reporting.

[0071] The UE 110 may be configured to determine the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results, such as the availability of either or both of the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results or the Rel-16 EMR measurement results, and provide an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the UE. According to some example implementations, the indication of the availability of the corresponding measurement results provided by the UE 110 also identifies which one or more of the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results or the Rel-16 EMR measurement resultsare available. In some examples, the indication of the availability includes multiplebits that identify at least which one or more of the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results or the Rel-16 EMR measurement results are available.

[0072] More particularly, for example, the indication may include two bits in which “00” indicates no corresponding measurement results are available, “01” indicates Rel-16 EMR measurement results are available, “10” indicates Rel-18 eEMR measurement results are available, and “11” indicates both Rel-16 EMR and Rel-18 eEMR measurement results are available. In another example, the indication may include two bits in which “00” indicates the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results include Rel-16 EMR measurements, “01” indicates the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results include idle / inactive cell reselection measurements, “10” indicates the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results include both Rel-16 EMR measurements and idle / inactive cell reselection measurements, and “11” indicates the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results include idle / inactive measurements (Rel-16 EMR or cell reselection measurements) and connected mode measurements. In yet another example, a bitmap may be defined to map multiple bits to which one or more of the types of measurement results are available. In this regard, a bitmap “111” may be defined where each bit indicates whether Rel-16 EMR, Rel-18 eEMR, or both Rel-16 EMR and Rel-18 eEMR measurement results are available. The bitmap may also be extended with other measurement types. For example, eight bits may be used with a bitmask that nulls the bits after a logical operation is applied, where depending on the measurement, the bitmask can be updated to pull more measurements.

[0073] In some examples, the indication of the availability provided to the network also indicates whether or not the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results and the Rel-16 EMR measurement results overlap, partially (e.g., as in FIG. 5) or entirely (e.g., as in FIG. 6). In this regard, the UE 110 may indicate whether or not (at least part of) the Rel-16 EMR measurement results are the same as or similar to the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results. This may help the network to provide sufficient resources for reporting, and / or allow the UE to provide a supported report depending on EMR support of the network (or network cell).

[0074] In some examples, the UE 110 may determine the availability of one of the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results or the Rel-16 EMR measurement results based on adetermination regarding whether or not the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results and the Rel-16 EMR measurement results overlap. In some of these examples in which the measurement results overlap (or are otherwise the same), the UE may be configured to only indicate the availability of one of the types of measurement results (e.g., based on network configuration support and without indicating the measurement results overlap). For example, if the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results and the Rel-16 EMR measurement results overlap, the UE may be configured to only indicate the availability of the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results, when the network supports both Rel-18 eEMR and Rel-16 EMR.

[0075] In other examples in which the measurement results do not overlap (or are otherwise the different), the UE 110 may be configured to only indicate the availability of one of the types of measurement results (without indicating the measurement results are different). For example, if the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results and the Rel-16 EMR measurement results are different, the UE may be configured to only indicate the availability of the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results, when the network supports both Rel- 18 eEMR and Rel- 16 EMR. In examples in which the network only supports one type of measurement results, the UE may be configured to discard the type of measurement results not supported by the network.

[0076] In some examples in which the Rel- 16 EMR measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer (e.g., T331 timer) is running, the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results may be determined based on a status of the timer. In some of these examples, if the timer is running, the UE 110 may be configured to only indicate availability of the Rel-16 EMR measurement results, and only indicate availability of the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results if those measurement results include non-overlapping measurements (e.g., cell reselection measurement or measurement from the connected mode). In other of these examples, the UE may be configured to include all measurement results and indicate only for Rel-18 eEMR or vice versa. For instance, if the timer has expired but UE has continued to perform Rel-16 EMR measurements, the UE may use the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results to provide the Rel-16 EMR measurements. In some examples, a flag may be provided in the reportof the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results to indicate that the measurements are actually Rel-16 EMR measurements.

[0077] Regardless of the particular indication of availability provided to the network, the UE 110 may be configured to report at least part of the corresponding measurement results to the network based on the availability indicated to the network, such as using an uplink resource assignment provided by the gNB 206. In some examples, the gNB may send a request for the report, and the request may indicate which one or more of the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results or the Rel- 16 EMR measurement results to report. In other examples, the network may provide the UE with a configuration that indicates which of the measurement results to report. In some of these examples, the network may further indicate which measurements of Rel-16 eEMR measurement results to report, such as Rel-16 EMR measurements, cell reselection measurements, and / or connected mode measurements.

[0078] In some examples, the UE 110 may make a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report, and report at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, such as when the network does not indicate (e.g., by request or configuration) which corresponding mesaurement results to report. In particular, in some examples, the selection is made to report either or both of the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results or the Rel-16 EMR measurement results, which may also be based on network support. For example, when both Rel-16 EMR and Rel-18 eEMR measurement results are available, the UE may be onfigured to report only the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results; and when the UE receives an indication of successful delivery of the report (e.g., HARQ ack), the UE may discard both Rel-16 EMR and Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results.

[0079] In some examples, the UE 110 may be configured to report one of the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results or the Rel-16 EMR measurement results, and provide an indication of further availability of the other of the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results or the Rel-16 EMR measurement results. For exmaple, when both Rel-16 EMR and Rel-18 eEMR measurement results are available, the UE may first report the Rel-18 eEMR measurement results, and provide an indication of further availability of the Rel-16 EMRmeasurement results. This indication of further availability may also include a request for further uplink resources to report the Rel-16 EMR measurement results.

[0080] In some examples, the UE 110 may be configured to provide an indication of an overlap between the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results and the Rel- 16 EMR measurement results. The indication of overlap may be provided in a number of different manners, such as by a one-bit flag. The indication of overlap may be sent for the entire measurement report or for at least some of the parts of the measurement results that overlap. The indication of overlap may also be applied in examples in which one of but not both the Rel-16 EMR and Rel- 18 eEMR measurement reports are reported. For example, a report that only includes the Rel-16 EMR measurement results may include an indication that part of the measurements are also validated by Rel- 18 eEMR, or vice versa.

[0081] In some examples of overlap between the mesurement results, the Rel-16 EMR measurement results may include an overlapping part that overlaps the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results, and a non- overlapping part that does not overlap the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results. In some of these examples, the UE 110 configured to report the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results and the non-overlapping part of the Rel- 16 EMR measurement results, and exclude the overlapping part of the Rel-16 EMR measurement results. The UE may therefore include all of the overlapping measurement results in the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results, and only the non-overapping part of the Rel- 16 EMR measurement results that are not otherwise also in the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results.

[0082] In some examples in which the Rel- 16 EMR measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer (e.g., T331 timer) is running, the selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report may be made based on a status of the timer. For example, if the timer has not expired (before UE 110 reconnects or resumes its connection), the UE may report the Rel-16 EMR measurement results, and only report non-overlapping measurements (e.g., cell reselection measurement) of the Rel- 18 eEMR measurement results that are not otherwise included in the Rel- 16 EMR measurement results.

[0083] As indicated above, the network may use the corresponding measurement results to configure carrier aggregation for the UE 110. In some examples, then, the gNB206 may receive the report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results, and configure carrier aggregation for the UE based on the report.

[0084] To further illustrate various example implementations of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a signaling chart 700 of RRC procedures for UE-triggered transition from an RRC IDLE state to an RRC CONNECTED state. As shown at step 701, a UE 110 is in an RRC IDLE state (with respect to gNB 206, and a connection management (CM)-IDLE state with respect to an AMF 722, which may be located in the 5GC 202. In the RRC IDLE state, the UE performs EMR measurements of CA carrier(s).

[0085] The UE in the RRC IDLE state may initiate a connection setup with a (serving) gNB 206 or other radio access node. An RRC connection setup procedure follows in which, at step 702, the UE sends a preconfigured RACH preamble (msgl) to the gNB via a random access channel initiate a connection with the NG-RAN 204 or other RAN. Then at step 703, the gNB sends a random access response (RAR) (msg2) to the UE. The RAR may indicate an uplink resource assignment for the UE to send subsequent messages.

[0086] The UE 110 at step 704 sends an RRC setup request (or RRC connection setup request) message (msg3) to the gNB 206 via the assigned uplink resource. The gNB then at step 705 sends to the UE an RRC setup (RRC connection setup) response message (msg4), which may include a configuration for setup of radio bearers, such as signal radio bearers (SRB) used for transmission of RRC 316 and NAS 318 messages. The UE at step 706 transitions from the RRC IDLE state to the RRC CONNECTED state. The UE then at step 707 sends an RRC setup complete (or RRC connection setup complete) message to the gNB to confirm establishment of an RRC connection corresponding the transition of the UE. The RRC setup complete message may include an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of idle / inactive measurements (e.g., Rel-16 EMR and / or Rel-18 eEMR measurements), as described above.

[0087] The UE 110 may piggyback a first NAS message in the RRC setup complete message, which the gNB 206 at step 708 sends to the AMF 722 to initiate a CP 304 signaling connection between the UE and the AMF. The UE at step 709 transitions from the CM-IDLE state to the CM-CONNECTED state. In some examples, the UE and AMF exchange additional downlink and uplink NAS messages to establish the CP signalingconnection between the UE and the AMF, as shown at steps 710, 711, 712 and 713. The AMF at step 714 prepares UE context data (e.g., packet data unit (PDU) session context, the security key, UE radio capability, and UE security capabilities), and an initial context setup request message including the UE context data to the gNB 206.

[0088] The gNB 206 may next activate access stratum (AS) security with the UE 110. In this regard, the gNB at step 715 sends a security mode command to the UE 110; and the UE at step 716 sends a security mode complete message back to the gNB.

[0089] After an initial RRC connection is established between the UE 110 and the gNB 206, an RRC reconfiguration procedure may be performed to setup an RRC configuration of the UE for the RRC connection. As shown at step 717, the gNB sends an RRC Reconfiguration (or RRC Connection Reconfiguration) message, which may include a configuration of radio bearers, such as SRBs (e.g., SRB2) and / or data radio bearers (DRBs). The RRC Reconfiguration message may also include lower layer configurations (e.g., PHY 306, MAC 308, RLC 310, PDCP 312 configuration parameters) and any RRC specific configuration for a given feature (with a list of related parameters). The UE at step 718 sends an RRC Reconfiguration Complete (orRRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete) message to the gNB. And the gNB at step sends an initial context setup response message to the AMF to indicate the initial context setup is complete.

[0090] The procedures shown in FIG. 7 also include a UE information procedure, which may be used by the network to request the UE 110 to report information. This procedure may include the gNB 206 sending a UE information request message to the UE to request information, as shown at step 720. In response, the UE may send a UE information response message including the requested information back to the gNB, as shown at step 721. In various examples, the information requested by the network and reported by the UE may include corresponding measurement results of the idle / inactive measurements (e.g., Rel-16 EMR and / or Rel-18 eEMR measurements), as described above.

[0091] In the RRC CONNECTED + CM-CONNECTED state, the UE 110 receiving an RRC Release message may “suspend” some selected configurations to re-activate them during following an RRC resume procedure. In the RRC release message, the(serving) gNB may allocate an inactive radio network temporary identifier (I-RNTI) to the UE, which may be later used by the UE to resume its connection with the gNB or another gNB.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a signaling chart 800 of RRC procedures for UE-triggered transition from back from the RRC INACTIVE state to an RRC CONNECTED state, according to some example implementations. As shown at step 801, the UE 110 is in an RRC INACTIVE + CM-CONNECTED state. Similar to the RRC IDLE state, in the RRC INACTIVE state, the UE performs EMR measurements of CA carrier(s).

[0093] The UE in the RRC INACTIVE state may initiate resuming a connection with its last serving gNB 206, or another gNB 206B or other radio access node. An RRC connection resume procedure follows in which, at step 802, the UE sends a preconfigured RACH preamble (msgl) to the gNB 206B via a random access channel initiate a connection with the NG-RAN 204 or other RAN. Then at step 803, the gNB sends a RAR (msg2) to the UE. Again, the RAR may indicate an uplink resource assignment for the UE to send subsequent messages.

[0094] The UE 110 at step 804 sends an RRC resume request message to the gNB 206B via the assigned uplink resource. In the RRC resume request message, the UE may include the I-RNTI allocated by the UE’s last serving gNB 206. The I-RNU may be used by the gNB to identify both the UE and the last serving gNB which hosts the UE context data. If the gNB is able to resolve the identity of the last serving gNB contained in the I- RNH, the gNB at step 805 sends a retrieve UE context request message to the last serving gNB to request the UE context data, which the last serving gNB at step 806 sends to the gNB in a retrieve UE context response.

[0095] The gNB 206B then at step 807 sends to the UE an RRC resume response message, which may include a request for corresponding measurement results of idle / inactive measurements (e.g., Rel-16 EMR and / or Rel-18 eEMR measurements). The UE at step 808 transitions from the RRC INACTIVE state to the RRC CONNECTED state, while remaining in the CM-CONNECTED state. The UE then at step 809 sends an RRC resume complete message to the gNB to confirm resumption of the RRC connection corresponding the transition of the UE. The RRC resume complete messagemay include a report of the corresponding measurement results of the idle / inactive measurements.

[0096] In some examples, the gNB 206B may send an Xn-U address indication to the last serving gNB 206 to enable forwarding of downlink user data buffered at the last serving gNB. As also shown, in some examples, the gNB and AMF 522 at steps 811 and 812 exchange path switch request and response messages to establish a UE-associated signaling connection to the AMF; and if applicable, request the switch of the downlink termination point towards the gNB. In some examples, the UE and AMF may exchange additional downlink and uplink NAS messages. The gNB then at step 813 sends a UE context release message to the last serving gNB to release UE resources at the last serving gNB.

[0097] FIGS. 9A - 9D are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method 900 implemented at a UE, according to various example implementations. The method includes performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type, as shown at block 902 of FIG. 9A. The method includes determining an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results, as shown at block 904. And the method includes providing an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available, as shown at block 906.

[0098] In some examples, the indication of the availability provided to the network at block 906 includes multiple bits that identify at least which one or more of the first type of measurement results of the second type of measurement results are available.

[0099] In some examples, determining the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results at block 904 includes determining the availability of either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results, as shown at block 908 of FIG. 9B.

[0100] In some examples, the indication of the availability provided to the network at block 906 also indicates whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0101] In some examples, determining the availability at block 908 includes determining the availabil ity of one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results based on a determination regarding whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap, as shown at block 910 of FIG. 9C.

[0102] In some examples, the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results is determined at block 908 based on a status of the timer.

[0103] In some examples, the method 900 further includes reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results to the network based on the availability indicated to the network, as shown at block 912 of FIG. 9D.

[0104] FIGS. 10A - 10D are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method 1000 implemented at a UE, according to various example implementations. The method includes performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type, as shown at block 1002 of FIG. 10A. The method includes making a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report, as shown at block 1004. And the method includes reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, as shown at block 1006.

[0105] In some examples, the selection is made at block 1004 to report either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0106] In some examples, reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results at block 1006 includes reporting one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results, as shown at block 1008of FIG. 10B. And the reporting includes providing an indication of further availability of the other of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results, as shown at block 1010.

[0107] In some examples, reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results at block 1006 includes providing an indication of an overlap between the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results, as shown at block 1012 of FIG. 10C.

[0108] In some examples, the second type of measurement results include an overlapping part that overlaps the first type of measurement results, and a nonoverlapping part that does not overlap the first type of measurement results. In some of these examples, reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results at block 1006 includes reporting the first type of measurement results and the nonoverlapping part of the second type of measurement results, and excludes the overlapping part of the second type of measurement results, as shown at block 1014 of FIG. 10D.

[0109] In some examples, the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report is made at block 1004 based on a status of the timer.

[0110] FIGS. 11 A - 1 ID are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method 1100 implemented at a network, according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, as shown at block 1102 of FIG. 11A. The corresponding measurement results are of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, and the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type. Also, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0111] The method 1100 includes receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, as shown at block 1104.And the method includes configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based onthe report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results, as shown at block 1106.

[0112] In some examples, the method 1100 further includes configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results, as shown at block 1108 of FIG. 1 IB.

[0113] In some examples, the method 1100 further includes providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report, as shown at block 1110 of FIG. 11C.

[0114] In some examples, the method 1100 further includes sending a request for the report to the user equipment, and the request indicates which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results to report, as shown at block 1112 of FIG. 11D.

[0115] FIGS. 12A - 12C are flowcharts illustrating various steps in a method 1200 implemented at a network, according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, as shown at block 1202 of FIG. 12. The corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type. The method includes receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report, as shown at block 1204. And the method includes configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results, as shown at block 1206

[0116] In some examples, the method 1200 further includes configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results, as shown at block 1208 of FIG. 12B.

[0117] In some examples, the method 1200 further includes providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report, and the selection at theuser equipment is made based on the uplink resource assignment, as shown at block 1210 of FIG. 12C.

[0118] According to example implementations of the present disclosure, a telecommunications system 100 or PLMN 102, and its components such as a UE 110, CN 106, RAN 108, 5GC 202, NG-RAN 204, gNB 206, 206B, and / or AMF 722, may be implemented by various means. Means for implementing the system and its components may include hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In some examples, one or more apparatuses may be configured to function as or otherwise implement the system and its components shown and described herein. In examples involving more than one apparatus, the respective apparatuses may be connected to or otherwise in communication with one another in a number of different manners, such as directly or indirectly via a wired or wireless network or the like.

[0119] According to some example implementations, at least some of the method 900 described with respect to FIGS. 9A-9D may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. Similarly, at least some of the method 1000 described with respect to FIGS. 10A-10D may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. At least some of the method 1100 described with respect to FIGS. 11 A-l ID may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method; and at least some of the method 1200 described with respect to FIGS. 12A-12C may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. Examples of a suitable apparatus may include a user equipment, user device, user terminal or the like. Other examples of a suitable apparatus may include a gNB (e.g., gNB-DU, gNB-CU), ng-eNB or any suitable apparatus, such as a server, host or node

[0120] FIG. 13 illustrates an apparatus 1300 in which means for performing various functions includes hardware, alone or under direction of one or more computer programs from a computer-readable storage medium or other memory, such as computer memory, according to some example implementations of the present disclosure. Generally, an apparatus of example implementations of the present disclosure may comprise, include or be embodied in one or more fixed or portable electronic devices. Examples of suitableelectronic devices include a wearable computer, mobile phone, portable computer, desktop computer, workstation computer, server (server computer) or the like. The apparatus may include one or more of each of a number of components such as, for example, processing circuitry 1302 connected to computer-readable storage medium or other memory 1304.

[0121] The processing circuitry 1302 may be composed of one or more processors alone or in combination with one or more computer-readable storage media. The processing circuitry is generally any piece of computer hardware that is capable of processing information such as, for example, data, computer programs and / or other suitable electronic information. The processing circuitry is composed of a collection of electronic circuits some of which may be packaged as an integrated circuit or multiple interconnected integrated circuits (an integrated circuit at times more commonly referred to as a “chip”). The processing circuitry may be configured to execute computer programs, which may be stored onboard the processing circuitry or otherwise stored in the memory 1304 (of the same or another apparatus).

[0122] The processing circuitry 1302 may be a number of processors, a multi-core processor or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation. Further, the processing circuitry may be implemented using a number of heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with one or more secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, the processing circuitry may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type. In yet another example, the processing circuitry may be embodied as or otherwise include one or more ASICs, FPGAs or the like. Thus, although the processing circuitry may be capable of executing a computer program to perform one or more functions, the processing circuitry of various examples may be capable of performing one or more functions without the aid of a computer program. In either instance, the processing circuitry may be appropriately programmed to perform functions or operations according to example implementations of the present disclosure.

[0123] The memory 1304 is generally any piece of computer hardware that is capable of storing information such as, for example, data, computer programs, instructions 1306 (e.g., computer-readable program code) and / or other suitable information either on atemporary basis and / or a permanent basis. The memory may include volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, and may be fixed or removable. Examples of suitable memory include recording media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard drive, a flash memory, a thumb drive, a removable computer diskette, an optical disk or some combination thereof.

[0124] The memory 1304 is a non-transitory device capable of storing information. One example of a suitable memory is a computer-readable storage medium, which is distinguishable from a computer-readable transmission medium capable of carrying information from one location to another. Examples of suitable computer-readable transmission media comprise electronic carrier signals, telecommunications signals, software distribution packages, or some combination thereof. As used herein, the term “non-transitory” is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM versus ROM). A computer-readable medium as described herein generally refers to a computer-readable storage medium or computer-readable transmission medium. A computer-readable medium is any entity or device capable in which information, such as one or more computer programs or portions thereof, may be stored and carried.

[0125] In addition to the memory 1304 (e.g., computer-readable storage medium), the processing circuitry 1302 may also be connected to one or more interfaces for displaying, transmitting and / or receiving information. The interfaces may include a communications interface 1308 and / or one or more user interfaces. The communications interface may be configured to transmit and / or receive information, such as to and / or from other apparatus(es), network(s) or the like. The communications interface may be configured to transmit and / or receive information by physical (wired) and / or wireless communications links. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include a network interface controller (NIC), wireless NIC (WNIC) or the like.

[0126] The user interfaces may include a display 1310 and / or one or more user input interfaces 1312. The display may be configured to present or otherwise display information to a user, suitable examples of which include a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) display, organic LED (OLED) display, active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) or the like. The user input interfaces may be wired or wireless, and may beconfigured to receive information from a user into the apparatus, such as for processing, storage and / or display. Suitable examples of user input interfaces include a microphone, image or video capture device, keyboard or keypad, joystick, touch-sensitive surface (separate from or integrated into a touchscreen), biometric sensor or the like. The user interfaces may further include one or more interfaces for communicating with peripherals such as printers, scanners or the like.

[0127] Execution of the instructions 1306 by the processing circuitry 1302, or storage of the instructions in the memory 1304, supports combinations of operations for implementing example implementations of the present disclosure. In this manner, an apparatus 1300 may comprise at least one processing circuitry and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processing circuitry, where the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute instructions stored in the at least one memory. It will also be understood that one or more functions, and combinations of functions, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems and / or processing circuitry which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and program code instructions.

[0128] Some example implementations of the present disclosure may also be carried out in the form of a computer process defined by one or more computer programs or portions thereof. Example implementations of the present disclosure may be carried out by executing at least one portion of a computer program comprising instructions. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form. The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable medium that is readable by a computer, processing circuitry or other suitable apparatus. As indicated above, for example, the computer program may be stored in a memory, such as a computer-readable storage medium. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable transmission medium. The coding of software for carrying out example implementations of the present disclosure is well within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0129] As will be appreciated, any suitable instructions may be loaded onto a computer, a processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus from a memory or a computer-readable medium (e.g., computer-readable storage medium, computer-readabletransmission medium) to produce a particular machine, such that the particular machine becomes a means for implementing the functions specified herein. The instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, a processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner to thereby generate a particular machine or particular article of manufacture. In some examples, the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium may produce an article of manufacture, where the article of manufacture becomes a means for implementing functions described herein. The instructions may be retrieved from a computer-readable medium and loaded into a computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to configure the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to execute operations to be performed on or by the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus.

[0130] Retrieval, loading and execution of instructions comprising program code instructions may be performed sequentially such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded and executed at a time. In some example implementations, retrieval, loading and / or execution may be performed in parallel such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and / or executed together. Execution of the program code instructions may produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed by the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing functions described herein.

[0131] As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0132] Clause 1. An apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: perform measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; determine an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and provide an indication of the availability to a network forconfiguration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0133] Clause 2. The apparatus of clause 1 , wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network includes multiple bits that identify at least which one or more of the first type of measurement results of the second type of measurement results are available.

[0134] Clause 3. The apparatus of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the apparatus caused to determine the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results includes the apparatus caused to determine the availability of either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0135] Clause 4. The apparatus of clause 3, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network also indicates whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0136] Clause 5. The apparatus of clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the apparatus caused to determine the availability includes the apparatus caused to determine the availability of one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results based on a determination regarding whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0137] Clause 6. The apparatus of any of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results is determined based on a status of the timer.

[0138] Clause 7. The apparatus of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further report at least part of the corresponding measurement results to the network based on the availability indicated to the network.

[0139] Clause 8. An apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: means for performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type ofmeasurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for determining an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and means for providing an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0140] Clause 9. The apparatus of clause 8, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network includes multiple bits that identify at least which one or more of the first type of measurement results of the second type of measurement results are available.

[0141] Clause 10. The apparatus of clause 8 or clause 9, wherein the means for determining the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results includes means for determining the availability of either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0142] Clause 11. The apparatus of clause 10, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network also indicates whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0143] Clause 12. The apparatus of clause 10 or clause 11, wherein the means for determining the availability includes means for determining the availability of one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results based on a determination regarding whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0144] Clause 13. The apparatus of any of clauses 10 to 12, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results is determined based on a status of the timer.

[0145] Clause 14. The apparatus of any of clauses 8 to 13, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results to the network based on the availability indicated to the network.

[0146] Clause 15. A method implemented at a user equipment, the method comprising: performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactivestate, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; determining an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and providing an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0147] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network includes multiple bits that identify at least which one or more of the first type of measurement results of the second type of measurement results are available.

[0148] Clause 17. The method of clause 15 or clause 16, wherein determining the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results includes determining the availabil ity of either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0149] Clause 18. The method of clause 17, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network also indicates whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0150] Clause 19. The method of clause 17 or clause 18, wherein determining the availability includes determining the availability of one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results based on a determination regarding whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0151] Clause 20. The method of any of clauses 17 to 19, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results is determined based on a status of the timer.

[0152] Clause 21. The method of any of clauses 15 to 20, wherein the method further comprises reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results to the network based on the availability indicated to the network.

[0153] Clause 22. A computer-readable storage medium implemented at a user equipment, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and having instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: perform measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; determine an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and provide an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

[0154] Clause 23. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 22, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network includes multiple bits that identify at least which one or more of the first type of measurement results of the second type of measurement results are available.

[0155] Clause 24. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 22 or clause 23, wherein the apparatus caused to determine the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results includes the apparatus caused to determine the availability of either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0156] Clause 25. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 24, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network also indicates whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0157] Clause 26. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 24 or clause 25, wherein the apparatus caused to determine the availability includes the apparatus caused to determine the availability of one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results based on a determination regarding whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

[0158] Clause 27. The computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 24 to 26, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while atimer is running, and the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results is determined based on a status of the timer.

[0159] Clause 28. The computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 22 to 27, wherein the computer-readable storage medium has further instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by the at least one processing circuitry, causes the apparatus to further report at least part of the corresponding measurement results to the network based on the availability indicated to the network.

[0160] Clause 29. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 15 to 21.

[0161] Clause 30. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 15 to 21.

[0162] Clause 31. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 15 to 21.

[0163] Clause 32. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 15 to 21.

[0164] Clause 33. An apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: perform measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; make a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and report at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

[0165] Clause 34. The apparatus of clause 33, wherein the selection is made to report either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0166] Clause 35. The apparatus of clause 34, wherein the apparatus caused to report the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes the apparatus caused to: report one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results; and provide an indication of further availability of the other of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0167] Clause 36. The apparatus of clause 34 or clause 35, wherein the apparatus caused to report the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes the apparatus caused to provide an indication of an overlap between the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results.

[0168] Clause 37. The apparatus of any of clauses 34 to 36, wherein the second type of measurement results include an overlapping part that overlaps the first type of measurement results, and a non-overlapping part that does not overlap the first type of measurement results, and wherein the apparatus caused to report the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes the apparatus caused to report the first type of measurement results and the non-overlapping part of the second type of measurement results, and excludes the overlapping part of the second type of measurement results.

[0169] Clause 38. The apparatus of any of clauses 34 to 37, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report is made based on a status of the timer.

[0170] Clause 39. An apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: means for performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for making a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and means for reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection,the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

[0171] Clause 40. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the selection is made to report either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0172] Clause 41. The apparatus of clause 40, wherein the means for reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes: means for reporting one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results; and means for providing an indication of further availability of the other of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0173] Clause 42. The apparatus of clause 40 or clause 41, wherein the means for reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes means for providing an indication of an overlap between the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results.

[0174] Clause 43. The apparatus of any of clauses 40 to 42, wherein the second type of measurement results include an overlapping part that overlaps the first type of measurement results, and a non-overlapping part that does not overlap the first type of measurement results, and wherein the means for reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes means for reporting the first type of measurement results and the non-overlapping part of the second type of measurement results, and excludes the overlapping part of the second type of measurement results.

[0175] Clause 44. The apparatus of any of clauses 40 to 43, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report is made based on a status of the timer.

[0176] Clause 45. A method implemented at a user equipment, the method comprising: performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; making a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and reporting at least part of thecorresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

[0177] Clause 46. The method of clause 45, wherein the selection is made to report either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0178] Clause 47. The method of clause 46, wherein reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes: reporting one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results; and providing an indication of further availability of the other of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0179] Clause 48. The method of clause 46 or clause 47, wherein reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes providing an indication of an overlap between the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results.

[0180] Clause 49. The method of any of clauses 46 to 48, wherein the second type of measurement results include an overlapping part that overlaps the first type of measurement results, and a non-overlapping part that does not overlap the first type of measurement results, and wherein reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes reporting the first type of measurement results and the nonoverlapping part of the second type of measurement results, and excludes the overlapping part of the second type of measurement results.

[0181] Clause 50. The method of any of clauses 46 to 49, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report is made based on a status of the timer.

[0182] Clause 51. A computer-readable storage medium implemented at a user equipment, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and having instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: perform measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce correspondingmeasurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; make a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and report at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

[0183] Clause 52. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 51, wherein the selection is made to report either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0184] Clause 53. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 52, wherein the apparatus caused to report the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes the apparatus caused to: report one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results; and provide an indication of further availability of the other of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

[0185] Clause 54. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 52 or clause 53, wherein the apparatus caused to report the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes the apparatus caused to provide an indication of an overlap between the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results.

[0186] Clause 55. The computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 52 to 54, wherein the second type of measurement results include an overlapping part that overlaps the first type of measurement results, and a non-overlapping part that does not overlap the first type of measurement results, and wherein the apparatus caused to report the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes the apparatus caused to report the first type of measurement results and the non-overlapping part of the second type of measurement results, and excludes the overlapping part of the second type of measurement results.

[0187] Clause 56. The computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 52 to 55, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report is made based on a status of the timer.

[0188] Clause 57. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 45 to 50.

[0189] Clause 58. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 45 to 50.

[0190] Clause 59. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 45 to 50.

[0191] Clause 60. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 45 to 50.

[0192] Clause 61. An apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacy type with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available; receive a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and configure carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0193] Clause 62. The apparatus of clause 61, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further configure the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

[0194] Clause 63. The apparatus of clause 61 or clause 62, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further provide an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report.

[0195] Clause 64. The apparatus of any of clauses 61 to 63, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further send a request for the report to the user equipment, and the request indicates which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results to report.

[0196] Clause 65. An apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at an user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacy type with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available; means for receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and means for configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0197] Clause 66. The apparatus of clause 65, wherein the apparatus further comprises second configuring means for configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

[0198] Clause 67. The apparatus of clause 65 or clause 66, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report.

[0199] Clause 68. The apparatus of any of clauses 65 to 67, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for sending a request for the report to the user equipment, and the request indicates which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results to report.

[0200] Clause 69. A method implemented at a network, the method comprising: receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacytype with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available; receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0201] Clause 70. The method of clause 69, wherein the method further comprises configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

[0202] Clause 71. The method of clause 69 or clause 70, wherein the method further comprises providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report.

[0203] Clause 72. The method of any of clauses 69 to 71, wherein the method further comprises sending a request for the report to the user equipment, and the request indicates which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results to report.

[0204] Clause 73. A computer-readable storage medium implemented at a network, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and having instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to at least: receive an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacy type with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available; receive a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and configure carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0205] Clause 74. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 73, wherein the computer-readable storage medium has further instructions stored therein that, inresponse to execution by the at least one processing circuitry, causes the apparatus to further configure the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

[0206] Clause 75. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 73 or clause 74, wherein the computer-readable storage medium has further instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by the at least one processing circuitry, causes the apparatus to further provide an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report.

[0207] Clause 76. The computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 73 to 75, wherein the computer-readable storage medium has further instructions stored therein that, in response to execution by the at least one processing circuitry, causes the apparatus to further send a request for the report to the user equipment, and the request indicates which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results to report.

[0208] Clause 77. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 69 to 72.

[0209] Clause 78. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 69 to 72.

[0210] Clause 79. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 69 to 72.

[0211] Clause 80. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 69 to 72.

[0212] Clause 81. An apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at an user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for receiving a report of at least partof the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and means for configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0213] Clause 82. The apparatus of clause 81, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

[0214] Clause 83. The apparatus of clause 81 or clause 82, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report, and the selection at the user equipment is made based on the uplink resource assignment.

[0215] Clause 84. An apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; receive a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and configure carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0216] Clause 85. The apparatus of clause 84, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further configure the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

[0217] Clause 86. The apparatus of clause 84 or clause 85, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further provide an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report, and the selection at the user equipment is made based on the uplink resource assignment.

[0218] Clause 87. A method implemented at a network, the method comprising: receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at a user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0219] Clause 88. The method of clause 87, wherein the method further comprises configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

[0220] Clause 89. The method of clause 87 or clause 88, wherein the method further comprises providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report, and the selection at the user equipment is made based on the uplink resource assignment.

[0221] Clause 90. A computer-readable storage medium implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at an user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and means for configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

[0222] Clause 91. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 90, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

[0223] Clause 92. The computer-readable storage medium of clause 90 or clause 91, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report, and the selection at the user equipment is made based on the uplink resource assignment.

[0224] Clause 93. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 87 to 89.

[0225] Clause 94. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 87 to 89.

[0226] Clause 95. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 87 to 89.

[0227] Clause 96. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 87 to 89.

[0228] Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated figures describe example implementations in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: means for performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for determining an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and means for providing an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network includes multiple bits that identify at least which one or more of the first type of measurement results of the second type of measurement results are available.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for determining the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results includes means for determining the availability of either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the indication of the availability provided to the network also indicates whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the means for determining the availability includes means for determining the availability of one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results based on a determinationregarding whether or not the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results overlap.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results is determined based on a status of the timer.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results to the network based on the availability indicated to the network.

8. An apparatus implemented by a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: means for performing measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for making a selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and means for reporting at least part of the corresponding measurement results based on the selection, the at least part of the corresponding measurement results reported to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the selection is made to report either or both of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes: means for reporting one of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results; andmeans for providing an indication of further availability of the other of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the means for reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes means for providing an indication of an overlap between the first type of measurement results and the second type of measurement results.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second type of measurement results include an overlapping part that overlaps the first type of measurement results, and a non-overlapping part that does not overlap the first type of measurement results, and wherein the means for reporting the at least part of the corresponding measurement results includes means for reporting the first type of measurement results and the non-overlapping part of the second type of measurement results, and excludes the overlapping part of the second type of measurement results.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second type of measurement results are of measurements performed while a timer is running, and the selection regarding the corresponding measurement results to report is made based on a status of the timer.

14. An apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at an user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, the second type a legacy type with respect to the first type, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available;means for receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment; and means for configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus further comprises second configuring means for configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for sending a request for the report to the user equipment, and the request indicates which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results to report.

18. An apparatus implemented at a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of availability regarding corresponding measurement results of measurements performed at an user equipment while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the corresponding measurement results of a first type of measurement results and a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; means for receiving a report of at least part of the corresponding measurement results from the user equipment, based on a selection at the user equipment regarding the corresponding measurement results to report; and means for configuring carrier aggregation for the user equipment based on the report of the at least part of the corresponding measurement results.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for configuring the user equipment to send the indication of the availability regarding the corresponding measurement results.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for providing an uplink resource assignment for the user equipment to send the report, and the selection at the user equipment is made based on the uplink resource assignment.

21. A method comprising: performing, by user equipment, measurements while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive state, the measurements performed to produce corresponding measurement results of at least one of a first type of measurement results or a second type of measurement results, wherein the second type is a legacy type with respect to the first type; determining, by the user equipment, an availability regarding the corresponding measurement results; and providing, by the user equipment, an indication of the availability to a network for configuration of carrier aggregation for the user equipment, the indication of the availability also identifying which one or more of the first type of measurement results or the second type of measurement results are available.

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