Uplink wakeup signal in a communication network

Abstract

A communication device (12) is configured for use in a communication network (10) The communication device (12) transmits an uplink wake-up signal, WUS (20). The communication device (12) also transmits information (22) that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) the uplink WUS (20) is to wake up out of a sleep mode.

Description

[0001] UPLINK WAKEUP SIGNAL IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates generally to a communication network, and relates more particularly to an uplink wakeup signal in such a network.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A radio network node in a communication network conventionally transmits various signals on a periodic or otherwise regular basis. These ‘always on’ signals may for example convey System Information needed for accessing the network, synchronization signal(s) based on which communication devices can determine transmission timing, discovery signal(s) for discovery, etc. The radio network node may also regularly monitor for reception of signals from communication devices, e.g., as part of a random access procedure or other procedure for connecting to the network. Such transmission and / or reception, however, consumes network power.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to reduce power consumption by the network. One way to reduce network power consumption would be to opportunistically operate a radio network node in a sleep mode. In the sleep mode, the radio network node would consume less power than when operating normally. As such, the sleep mode may also be referred to as a low-power mode. While in the sleep mode, the radio network node would power down at least some of its transmission circuitry or components, and suppress, or reduce the rate of, transmission of at least some types of signal(s), e.g., conveying System Information, reference signal(s), and / or synchronization signal(s), that would have otherwise been transmitted. The radio network node may for instance transition to the sleep mode during times when these signal(s) are not actually needed, e.g., when no communication devices are within the radio network node’s coverage area. Alternatively or additionally in the sleep mode, the radio network node may power down at least some of its receiver circuitry or components, and suppress, or reduce the rate of, monitoring for at least some types of signal(s), e.g., conveying radio access preambles.

[0007] In this context where radio network nodes may operate in a sleep mode, a communication device that desires to communicate with the communication network could transmit a so-called uplink (UL) wake-up signal (WUS). Challenges exist, however, with how to design such an uplink WUS.

[0008] In one particular example, e.g., US Patent Application Publication No. 20230077869 A1 , a radio network node provides the communication device with random access channel (RACH) configurations indicating RACH occasions which correspond to the wake-up occasion of the radio network node. Then the communication device determines the associated RACH occasions (Ros) and sends an UL WUS signal to the radio network node in one of the determined ROs. At the end, the radio network node wakes up upon detecting the UL WUS signal from the communication device.

[0009] Problematically, though, this approach cannot account for a sleep mode during which the radio network node doesn’t transmit some type(s) of signals or doesn’t provide RACH configurations. The approach would therefore limit the effect of network energy saving. Another drawback is that the communication device could only wake up the radio network node having provided the RACH configurations. The communication device could not wake up any other radio network node. This increases the risk that a radio network node would fail to wake up if a radio network node cannot be reached for some reason.

[0010] Furthermore, in reality, a communication device may be in the overlapping or partially overlapping coverage of more than one cell and / or more than one radio network node that is operating in the sleep mode. Existing approaches in this situation would not be able to wake up the best cell and / or best radio network node. Moreover, taking mobility into account, a communication device may leave the cell coverage of the radio network node having configured a RACH configuration for wake up and enter the cell coverage of another radio network node. The existing approach would also fail in this case, since the new radio network node would not have the RACH configuration for wake up.

[0011] On the other hand, if the UL WUS from the communication device were to wake up all radio network nodes which detect the UL WUS, the UL WUS would cause unnecessary wake-up of unintended radio network nodes and consequently unnecessary transmission of synchronization signal(s) and System Information in cells on which the communication device will not camp on or access. The UL WUS would therefore degrade network energy saving performance. This problem would become more severe if multiple communication devices transmit UL WUSs simultaneously or in a short time period.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] According to some embodiments herein, a communication device transmits information that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which radio network node(s) or cell(s) an uplink WUS is to wake up out of a sleep mode. The information may for example be included in or indicated by the uplink WUS. The information in some embodiments for instance indicates one or more radio network node identities, one or more cell identities, one or more frequency bands, and / or one or more registration areas that are associated with the radio network node(s) or cell(s) that are to wake up out of the sleep mode. Based on such information, a radio network node may make a determination of whether or not the radio network node or the cell is to wake up out of the sleep mode, and then selectively wake up or not wake up according to that determination. Some embodiments thereby advantageously enable radio network nodes or cells to conserve power in a sleep mode, while also enabling a communication device to selectively wake up only certain radio network node(s) or cell(s), e.g., only those to which the communication device may actually target for access. By avoiding waking up unintended radio network node(s) or cell(s), some embodiments maximize or increase the power savings realizable via use of the sleep mode, especially deeper sleep modes in which a radio network node or cell suppresses or reduces the rate of transmissions.

[0014] More particularly, embodiments herein include a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network. The method comprises transmitting an uplink wake-up signal, WUS. The method also comprises transmitting information that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes or cells the uplink WUS is to wake up out of a sleep mode. In some embodiments, the information is included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS.

[0015] In some embodiments, the information includes one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes that are to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0016] In some embodiments, the information includes one or more identities of one or more cells. In some embodiments, each of the one or more cells, or each of one or more radio network nodes that provides any of the one or more cells, is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information includes one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells. In some embodiments, each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes that provides a cell in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0017] In some embodiments, the information indicates one or more frequency bands. In some embodiments, any cell or radio network node configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information indicates one or more frequency carriers or layers. In some embodiments, any cell or radio network node configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0018] Other embodiments herein include a method performed by a radio network node configured for use in a communication network. The method comprises receiving an uplink wake-up signal, WUS, from a communication device. The method also comprises receiving information that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes or cells the uplink WUS is to wake up out of a sleep mode. In some embodiments, the information is included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS. In some embodiments, the information includes one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes that are to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information includes one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0019] In some embodiments, the information includes one or more identities of one or more cells. In some embodiments, each of the one or more cells, or each of one or more radio network nodes that provides any of the one or more cells, is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information includes one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells. In some embodiments, each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes that provides a cell in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0020] In some embodiments, the information indicates one or more frequency bands, wherein any cell or radio network node configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information indicates one or more frequency carriers or layers. In some embodiments, any cell or radio network node configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises making a determination, based on and / or according to the received information, whether or not the radio network node is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In some embodiments, the method further comprises waking up or not waking up out of the sleep mode according to the determination.

[0022] Embodiments herein also include corresponding apparatus, computer programs, and carriers of those computer programs.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a block diagram of communication network according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 2 is a logic flow diagram of gNB(s) detecting an UL WUS signal from a UE according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 3 is a logic flow diagram of a UE determining the target gNB(s) according to other embodiments.

[0027] Figure 4 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network in accordance with particular embodiments.

[0028] Figure 5 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network in accordance with other particular embodiments. Figure 6 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a radio network node configured for use in a communication network in accordance with other particular embodiments.

[0029] Figure 7 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a radio network node configured to provide a cell in a communication network in accordance with other particular embodiments.

[0030] Figure 8 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a radio network node configured for use in a communication network in accordance with other particular embodiments.

[0031] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a radio network node according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a communication network according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a UE according to some embodiments.

[0035] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a network node according to other embodiments.

[0036] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment according to other embodiments.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 shows a communication network 10 according to some embodiments. The communication network 10 provides communication service to one or more communication devices, one of which is shown as communication device 12. The communication network 10 in this regard includes radio network nodes 14 that provide radio access to the communication network 10.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1 , for example, radio network nodes 14-1 , 14-2, and 14-3 provide radio access for or on respective cells 16-1 , 16-2, and 16-3. In some embodiments, a cell 16 provided by a radio network node 14 corresponds to a coverage area covered by the cell 16 and / or a carrier frequency on which the cell 16 is provided. In this example, the coverage area of cells 16-1 , 16-2, and 16-3 at least partially overlap with one another.

[0040] Each radio network node 14-1 , 14-2, and 14-3 includes respective transmit circuitry 14-1 T, 14-2T, and 14-3T. The transmit circuitry of a radio network node 14 may for instance include one or more transmitters. Via this transmit circuitry, each radio network node 14-1 , 14-2, and 14-3 is configured to transmit one or more signals 18-1 , 18-2, and 18-3, respectively. The signal(s) 18 transmittable by a radio network node 14 may include signal(s) of a cell 16 provided by that radio network node 14. In embodiments herein, though, a radio network node 14 is configurable to operate in a sleep mode SLP. In the sleep mode, the radio network node 14 consumes less power than when not in sleep mode. The sleep mode SLP may therefore alternatively be referred to as a low power mode. Regardless, in some embodiments to achieve lower power in the sleep mode, a radio network node 14 powers off at least some of its transmitter circuitry and / or operates at least some its transmitter circuitry in a low power state. This may involve for instance powering off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof, and / or operating one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state.

[0041] In these and other embodiments, then, a radio network node 14 in the sleep mode may suppress, or reduce the rate of, transmission of all or some of the signal(s) 18 that it is configurable to transmit. A radio network node 14 in the sleep mode may for example suppress, or reduce the rate of, transmission of signal(s) 18 of one or more certain types and / orfor one or more certain cells 16 provided by the radio network node 14, e.g., as compared to an awake mode in which the radio network node 14 transmits the signal(s) 18 or transmits the signal(s) at an increased rate. In one such example, the certain type(s) of signal(s) 18 may include one or more synchronization signals, one or more signals of a synchronization signal block (SSB), a paging signal, a signal dedicated towards the communication device 12, one or more signals that convey System Information, and / or one or more discovery signals.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, a radio network node 14 in the sleep mode may power off at least some of its receiver circuitry (not shown), and / or operate at least some of its receiver circuitry in a low power state. Such may involve powering off one or more receivers or one or more components thereof, or operating one or more receivers, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state.

[0043] No matter the particular nature of the sleep mode, while in the sleep mode a radio network node 14 may monitor for a so-called uplink (UL) wake-up signal (WUS) 20 from a communication device 12., e.g., by discontinuously monitoring forthe UL WUS 20 during WUWS monitoring occasions The UL WUS 20 may for instance be a signal dedicated for triggering a radio network node 14 to wake up out of the sleep mode, e.g., into an awake mode. In some embodiments, the UL WUS 20 is receivable by a wake-up receiver (WUR) at a radio network node 14.

[0044] Any number of triggers may trigger the communication device 12 to transmit the UL WUS 20. For example, the communication device 12 may transmit the UL WUS 20 based on a need to perform a mobility measurement. For example, the communication device 12 may transmit the UL WUS 20 based on receiving a signal from at least one radio network node or cell with a signal strength lower than a threshold and / or based on not having received a signal from any radio network node or cell for at least a threshold duration. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device 12 may transmit the UL WUS 20 based on failing to camp on any cell or perform cell (re)selection successfully for at least a threshold duration, based on experiencing radio link failure in at least one serving cell, and / or being in a radio resource control, RRC, idle mode or an RRC inactive mode.

[0045] In this context, some embodiments herein account for the possibility that the communication device 12 may be within the coverage area of multiple radio network nodes 14 and / or cells 16, in which case any UL WUS 20 transmitted by the communication device 12 may be received by multiple radio network nodes 14 or multiple cells. As such, the communication device 12 according to some embodiments notably transmits information 22 that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of the sleep mode. For example, this information 22 may be included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS 20.

[0046] In some embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes 14 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes 14 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0047] In some embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more cells 16. In some embodiments, each of the one or more cells 16, or each of one or more radio network nodes 14 that provides any of the one or more cells 16, is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells 16. In some embodiments, each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes 14 that provides a cell 16 in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0048] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more frequency bands. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more frequency carriers or layers. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0049] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more registration areas. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that belongs to any of the one or more registration areas is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In some embodiments, the one or more registration areas are one or more radio access network, RAN, notification areas. In other embodiments, the one or more registration areas are one or more core network registration areas. In some embodiments, the one or more core network registration areas are one or more tracking areas. In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates the one or more registration areas with one or more identifiers or codes associated with the one or more registration areas. In some embodiments, the one or more registration areas indicated by the information 22 includes a registration area to which a serving radio network node 14 belongs. In some embodiments, the serving radio network node 14 serves the communication device 12.

[0050] In some embodiments, the information 22 includes information 22 acquired by the communication device 12 from one or more downlink signals received by the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that transmitted a downlink signal conveying the information 22 is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In an example, indices of DL reference signals that the UE has measured (e.g., above a give threshold) including e.g., SSB or CSI-RSs, radio signal strength that the UE has measured (e.g., RSRP), IDs of cells, gNBs that the UE have received DL signals, area codes that the UE has received DL signals, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that includes the identity of the communication device 12 in a list of one or more communication device 12 identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of a group of one or more communication devices 12 to which the communication device 12 belongs. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that includes the identity of the communication device 12 in a list of one or more communication device group identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0052] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates a geographical position of the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 within a certain range of the geographical position of the communication device 12 is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0053] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations that the communication device 12 requests or requires of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that has any of the one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time that the communication device 12 requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time is to wake up out of the sleep model. In yet other embodiments, the information 22 indicates a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time that the communication device 12 requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0054] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates a maximum number of radio network nodes 14 that is to wake up out of the sleep mode in response to the uplink WUS 20.

[0055] In some embodiments, the communication device 12 receives at least some of the information 22 from a network node in the communication network 10, e.g., one or more of the radio network nodes 14.

[0056] Note then that, in some embodiments, the information 22 explicitly indicates which one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of the sleep mode. The information 22 may for instance be conveyed by an information field that is dedicated for indicating and / or that explicitly indicates which one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the information 22 may be characterized as assisting a radio network node 14 or cell 16 in determining whether or not to wake up from the sleep mode. As such, the information 22 may be referred to as assistance information.

[0058] Note, too, that the information 22 may indicate which one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of the sleep mode by indicating which one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 the uplink WUS 20 is not to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0059] In any event, in reception of the UL WUS 20, a radio network node 14 may make a determination based on and / or according to the information 22, whether or not the radio network node or a cell it provides is to wake up out of the sleep mode. For example, the radio network node 14 may determine to wake up the radio network node 14 or a cell it provides if the information 22 indicates that the radio network node 14 or that cell is to wake up. The radio network node wakes up, or does not wake up, the radio network node 14 or a cell that the radio network provides out of the sleep mode according to that determination.

[0060] In some embodiments, a radio network node 14 that receives the UL WUS 20 transmits a signal (not shown) indicating that the radio network node 14 or a cell that it provides received the UL WUS 20. Such a signal thereby operates as feedback to the communication device 12 about which radio network node(s) 14 or cell(s) 16 in fact received the UL WUS 20. In these and other embodiments, the signal may explicitly indicate that the radio network node 14 or a cell 16 that it provides received the uplink WUS 20, e.g., the signal may include an information field which is dedicated to indicating, and / or which explicitly indicates, that the radio network node 14 or the cell 16 received the uplink WUS 20.

[0061] Although each radio network node 14 is shown in Figure 1 as providing a single cell 16 for ease of illustration, any given radio network node 14 may actually include one or more cells 16. In some embodiments where the information 22 indicates which cell(s) 16 are to awaken from the sleep mode, then, a radio network node 14 that provides multiple cells and that receives the information 22 may selectively wake up only the cell(s) 16 that the information 22 indicates are to wake up. For example, if the radio network node 14 employs different transmit circuitry for different cells, the radio network node 14 may selectively awaken only the transmit circuitry for the cell(s) 16 which are to wake up from the sleep mode.

[0062] Consider now other embodiments herein that illustrate alternative variations of the above embodiments. In some of the above embodiments, the communication device 12 decides which radio network node(s) 14 or cell(s) 16 the UL WUS 20 is to trigger to wake up and includes information 22 indicating that decision in the UL WUS 20 itself. As such, the communication device’s decision is made before transmission of the UL WUS 20. In other embodiments, by contrast, the communication device 12 transmits the UL WUS 20 and decides which radio network node(s) 14 or cell(s) 16 are to wake up based on feedback received from the radio network node(s) 14 or cell(s) 16 that received the UL WUS 20. In these embodiments, then, the communication device 12 may or may not still transmit the information 22 described above, at least not before or with the UL WUS 20.

[0063] More particularly, in some embodiments, the communication device 12 transmits the uplink WUS 20, with or without the information 22 described above. Each radio network node 14 or cell 16 that receives the uplink WUS 20 transmits in response a signal indicating that the radio network node 14 or cell 16 received the uplink WUS 20. The signal may for instance be or amount to an acknowledgement signal. The communication device 12 determines, from among one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that received the uplink WUS 20 as indicated by one or more acknowledgment signals received in response to the uplink WUS 20, one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode. The communication device 12 then at that points transmits signaling indicating that the one or more determined radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 are to wake up out of the sleep mode. This signaling may take the form of the information 22 described above, or may take a different form, e.g., as a request for the radio network node 14 or cell 16 to wake up.

[0064] In yet other embodiments, rather than the communication device 12 having sole discretion about which radio network node(s) 14 or cell(s) 16 are to wake up from the UL WUS 20, radio network node(s) 14 or cell(s) 16 that receive the UL WUS 20 may cooperate or collaborate with one another about which of them is to wake up from the sleep mode. This may involve the radio network node(14) or cell(s) 16 exchanging inter-node signaling,

[0065] For example, in some embodiments, each of the radio network node(s) 14 or cell(s) 16 transmits, to the other cooperating radio network node(s) 14 or cell(s) 16, inter-node signaling that indicates a value of a signal measurement that the radio network node or cell performed on the uplink WUS 20.

[0066] In some embodiments, a radio network node may determine to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the inter-node signaling that it receives. And, by extension, a radio network node may determine not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is not greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the inter-node signaling that it receives. Such rules for determination may be appropriate for instance where the signal measurement is a signal strength measurement or a signal quality measurement.

[0067] In other embodiments, a radio network node may determine to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a less than each of the one or more values indicated by the inter-node signaling it receives. And a radio network node may determine not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a not less than each of the one or more values indicated by the inter-node signaling it receives. Such rules for determination may be appropriate for instance where the signal measurement is a propagation delay measurement.

[0068] Note that although embodiments above were exemplified with respect to a single sleep mode, embodiments may be applied to any, some, or all of one or more sleep modes in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 operates. For example, the above embodiments may be selectively applicable to a deep sleep mode in which the radio network node 14 or cell 16 suppresses, or reduce the rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18. In this case, the embodiments may or may not be applicable to one or more other sleep modes, e.g., a light sleep mode, in which the radio network node 14 or cell 16 does not suppress, or reduce the rate of, transmission of the one or more signals 18.

[0069] Consider now some embodiments herein as applicable in the following context, where the communication network 10 is exemplified as a 5G or 6G network, the communication device 12 is exemplified as a user equipment (UE), and a radio network node 14 is exemplified as a gNB.

[0070] WUS

[0071] In network energy saving technologies, it is desirable for a gNB to be awoken triggered by UE (UL WUS). UE can send a UL WUS signal to request transitioning of a gNB inactive / sleep mode to a normal / work / active mode for transmitting or receiving a channel / signal. The technique can be applicable to UEs in one or more RRC states.

[0072] With the support of WUS, the gNB might go to a sleep mode (where it does not transmit nor receive signal / channel or where it only transmits and receives limited signals) outside of the WUS monitoring occasions. A gNB in sleep mode can transit to a normal mode for transmitting or receiving a channel / signal upon reception of an uplink signal from the UE.

[0073] In the targeting use case, for a UE which is capable of transmitting an UL WUS and which has enabled the UL WUS signal, the only functional part of the gNB would be the low power WUS receiver. For a gNB recalled by WUS, the New Radio (NR) radio block needs to recover from sleep mode and transmitting SSB, paging and SI is enabled after detecting UL WUS.

[0074] The term ‘UL WUS’ may alternatively be called ‘gNB wake up signal’ or ‘gNB WUS’ interchangeably and future in-depth investigations may update the phrase but maintain the common understanding.

[0075] A gNB in sleep mode indicates the gNB doesn’t transmit one or more signals including Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), paging or System Information (SI) or other discovery signals. On the contrary, a gNB in normal / normal / active mode indicates the gNB keeps transmitting the full set of signals including SSB, paging and SI and other discovery signals.

[0076] There currently exist certain challenge(s). A scenario may comprise a UE in a cell operated by a gNB in sleep mode. The UE herein is capable of an UL WUS feature and is able to transmit a UL WUS signal to wake up the gNB. It is desirable that the UL WUS signal from the UE only wakes up one particular gNB with respect to various associations between UE and the gNB.

[0077] In one particular example, e.g., US Patent Application Publication No. 20230077869 A1 , the gNB provides the UE with Random Access Channel (RACH) configurations indicating RACH occasions which correspond to the wake-up occasion of the gNB. Then the UE determines the associated RACH occasions (ROs) and sends a UL WUS signal (preamble like) to the gNB in one of the determined ROs. At the end, the gNB wakes up upon detecting the WUS signal from the UE.

[0078] However, such proposal can’t deal with a total / deep sleep mode gNB which doesn’t transmit reference signals and provide RACH configurations; it limits the effect of network energy saving. Another drawback is that the UE can only wake up the gNB having provided RACH configurations but cannot wake up any other gNB, such that the risk increases of failing to wake up the gNB provided the gNB cannot be reached due to any reason.

[0079] In reality, the UE may be in the overlapping or partial overlapping coverage of more than one cell operated by the gNBs in sleep mode; it is expected that the UE can wake up and camp on the best cell. Moreover, taking mobility into account, the UE may leave the cell coverage of the gNB having configured RACH configuration for wake up and enters the cell coverage of another gNB.

[0080] By contrast, if the UL WUS signal from the UE wakes up all gNBs which can detect the WUS signal from the UE, it unavoidably results in unnecessary wake-up and consequent SSB / SI transmission on the cells which aren’t the cell UE finally camps on (i.e., the cells which are not intended to access by the UE). The issue degrades network energy saving performance and it becomes severe if more than one UE is transmitting UL WUS signal simultaneously or in a short time period.

[0081] Some embodiments herein address these issues and develop the waking up mechanism including UL WUS signal signaling and UE’s behavioral procedure. In particular, some embodiments provide a mechanism for a UE served by a cell, which in turn is served or managed or operated by a first network, e.g. gNB, node, transmitting UL WUS signal to wake up one or more gNB(s). The wake up gNB(s) and / or non-wake up gNB(s) are determined by explicit or implicit assistance information provided by the UE. Such assistance information exemplifies the information 22 in Figure 1. In other embodiments, the wake up gNB(s) and / or non-wake up gNB(s) are determined based on rules presented.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the UE sends an UL WUS signal to wake up dedicated gNB(s) with support of the assistance information of the dedicated gNB(s) contained in the UL WUS signal. Given that the target gNB(s) detects and identifies that assistance information matches the gNB(s) or the gNB(s) fulfills criteria in assistance information, the target gNB(s) recovers from sleep mode and starts transmitting SSB, paging, and SI. Otherwise, if the gNB(s) detects and identifies that assistance information doesn’t match the gNB(s), the gNB(s) stays in sleep mode.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the gNB sends a message to indicate to the UE to transmit an UL WUS signal and the message contains assistance information of dedicated gNB(s) for the UL WUS signal.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the method comprises determining the target gNB(s) to be woken up, i.e., those gNB(s) operating the cell(s) a UE decides to camp on or be served by. In one example, the target gNB(s) is determined by coordination among the gNBs detecting the UL WUS signal through an inter-gNB interface. In another example, the UE indicates the target gNB(s) through sending an indication message to the gNB(s).

[0085] Accordingly, some embodiments enable determining the gNB(s) to be woken up with respect to the UL WUS signal transmitted by a UE. Some embodiments thereby solve issues in the use case of an UL WUS signal.

[0086] Embodiments on assistance information in UL WUS signal: In the first embodiment, the UL WUS signal may contain assistance information to be identified by the gNBs indicating wake up. On the contrary, no assistance information in an UL WUS signal may indicate that all gNBs receiving and detecting the UL WUS signal shall be woken up or no gNB shall be woken up. The information bits contained by the UL WUS signal may convey one or more of the below information:

[0087] • Cell or cell group ID information, which belongs to the cell to be woken up.

[0088] • UE or UE group ID information or other information distinguishing one UE from other UEs.

[0089] • Frequency band or frequency layer information of cell or cell group.

[0090] • Tracking Area Identity or Tracking Area Code.

[0091] • Radio Access Network (RAN) Area Code.

[0092] • UE’s geographical position.

[0093] • Information acquired from one or more than one downlink signal, e.g., SSB, which is being received by the UE or has been received by the UE.

[0094] • The maximum number of the gNBs can be woken up.

[0095] • Required cell Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) I Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, which may have different formats. In one example, the required configuration is a, or is a list of, particular cell DTX / DRX configuration(s). In another example, the required configuration is minimal / maximum on / off duration or ratio of on / off duration of cell DTX / DRX configuration.

[0096] Embodiments on UE triggering / enabling UL WUS signal:

[0097] In the second embodiment, the UE starts UL WUS signal transmission if one or more than one of the below criteria is fulfilled.

[0098] In one example, the UE starts UL WUS signal transmission provided the UE receives one or more than one signal from one or more than one cell (e.g., serving cell) and the received signal strength(s) is lower than a threshold.

[0099] In another example, the UE starts UL WUS signal transmission provided the UE receives no signal from any cell (e.g., serving cell) for a predefined time duration from its last reception of signal.

[0100] In one example, the UE starts UL WUS signal transmission provided the UE fails to camp on any cell, e.g., fails to conduct cell selection or cell reselection successfully.

[0101] In one example, the UE in RRCJDLE or RRCJNACTIVE is triggered to perform cell selection or reselection (e.g., the measured radio channel quality of the current camped cell is below a threshold).

[0102] In one example, the UE in RRC_CONNECTED has detected radio link failure in one serving cell.

[0103] In one example, the UE in RRC_CONNECTED is triggered to perform handover measurement. In this case, the UE needs to measure a neighbor cell, which is in sleep mode.

[0104] In one example, the UE in RRC_CONNECTED receives signals from the serving cell lower than a threshold.

[0105] In one variant, the UE starts the UL WUS signal transmission upon receiving an indication by a gNB. The gNB herein may be the gNB currently serving UE or a neighbor gNB. The gNB indicates or enables or allows the UE to transmit the UL WUS signal. If the UE receives the indication, the UE may assume there are available gNB(s) in sleep mode and could be awaken with respect to the information contained by the indication. In one option, the UE starts the UL WUS signal transmission upon receiving an indication by a gNB and fulfilling aforementioned criteria. Furthermore, the gNB may also provide and / or indicate the assistance information to the UE as described in the first embodiment.

[0106] The UL WUS signal transmission may be periodic or aperiodic (e.g., N1 occasions of the UL WUS signal). Alternatively, the UE can keep transmitting the UL WUS towards one or multiple cells until the UE receives signals, e.g., SSB, from a gNB in the corresponding / concerned cell (i.e., the cell that the UE intends to wake up). It is worth noting that the UE may not have any targeted cell before sending UL WUS signals. It is sufficient for the UE to wake up any cell / gNB in proximity in order to be accessed by that cell. In one variant, if the UE cannot wake up any gNB / cell, i.e., doesn’t receive any signal, e.g., SSB, from any gNB / cell for a predefined time duration (DeltaTI) after the UE transmits the UL WUS signal or the first UL WUS signal occasion, the UE may suspend the UL WUS signal transmission for a predefined time duration (DeltaT2) before resuming the UL WUS signal transmission. In another variant, if the UE cannot wake up any gNB / gNB, i.e., doesn’t receive any signal, e.g., SSB, from any gNB for a predefined time duration (DeltaTI) after the UE transmits the UL WUS signal or the first UL WUS signal occasion, the UE may initiate UL WUS signal periodic transmission, wherein the periodicity is pre-defined or configurable.

[0107] Embodiments on operations in gNB and UE after receiving / transmitting UL WUS signal:

[0108] In the third embodiment, if the UE sends the UL WUS signal containing assistance information, then only the target gNB(s) detecting the UL WUS signal and fulfilling conditions in assistance information wakes up and starts to transmit signals, e.g. SSB, paging, and SI or a dedicated signal towards the UE. Consequently, the UE stops the UL WUS signal transmission upon receiving signals from the target gNB(s) or after N2 occasions of the UL WUS signal. The no-target gNB(s) shall not wake up even if they detect the UL WUS signal.

[0109] In one example, the gNB in sleep mode shall perform corresponding operations with respect to reception of (assistance) information in an UL WUS signal.

[0110] In one example, the gNB in sleep mode receives and detects the assistance information in UL WUS signal and identifies if a Cell ID or band or frequency layer in the signal matches the gNB’s configuration. If matching, the gNB shall wake up from sleep mode and enter normal mode, e.g., start transmitting SSB, paging, and SI. Otherwise, the gNB remains in sleep mode.

[0111] In another example, the gNB in sleep mode receives, maintains, and updates information of a UE ID list which allows the UEs in the list to wake up the gNB. There may be several options for the gNB to obtain the UE list (containing IDs of the UEs which are allowed to wake up the gNB).

[0112] Option 1 : the UE list is provisioned to the gNB by Operations and Maintenance (OAM)

[0113] Option 2: the UE list is configured / signaled to the gNB by the core network (CN) entities (e.g., AMF, SMF or MME, corresponding to the Access and Mobility Function, the Session Management Function, or the Mobility Management Entity)

[0114] Option 3: the UE list is configured / signaled to the gNB by a central unit (CU) of a gNB that has a split architecture

[0115] Option 4: the UE list is configured / signaled to the gNB by another gNB via inter-gNB interface

[0116] If the gNB receives and detects the assistance information in an UL WUS signal and identifies that UE ID information contained in the UL WUS signal matches the UE ID list, then the gNB shall be woken up and start transmitting SSB, paging, and SI. Otherwise, the gNB remains in sleep mode.

[0117] In another example, the UL WUS signal only wakes up the gNB(s) which acknowledge the UE’s information, e.g. ID of the UE or maintains the context of the UE, e.g. has served the UE or is requested by other gNB(s) through inter-gNB connection. In another example, the UL WUS signal only wakes up the gNB(s) configured with the same or at least one common registration area (RA) as the source gNB having served the UE, e.g. the RA which UE is in. A RA is designated by an identifier or a code, e.g. an integer such as 1 , 2, 3, etc. Therefore, the RA information is comprised of an RA identifier or a code. Examples of the RA are RAN notification area (RNA) and core network (CN) registration area (CRA), which is also called tracking area (TA). RNA and CRA or TA are designated or identified by RAN area code / identifier and CRA or TA code / identifier, respectively. Cells in the RNA are assigned with the same RAN area code or identifier. Cells in the same TA are assigned with the same TA code or identifier.

[0118] In another example, the gNB in sleep mode detects an UL WUS signal and identifies if the requested cell DRX / DTX operation matches the gNB’s configuration. If matching, the gNB shall recover from sleep mode and enter normal mode, e.g. start transmitting SSB, paging, and SI. Otherwise, the gNB(s) remains in sleep mode. Additionally, if the gNB in sleep mode identifies the requested cell DRX / DTX operation doesn’t match the gNB’s configuration, the gNB then updates cell DRX / DTX operation to meet UE’s request and then wakes up eventually.

[0119] There are quite a few different cases apart from the above statements that might occur, in which not all gNBs detecting the UL WUS signal shall be woken up together, provided more than one gNB can detect the UL WUS signal by the UE.

[0120] In one case, the UE sends the UL WUS signal without targeting any dedicated gNB, e.g. no assistance information of the dedicated gNB(s) contained in the UL WUS signal, and one or more than one gNB detects the UL WUS signal.

[0121] In another case, the assistance information of the targeted gNB(s) contained in the UL WUS signal doesn’t match any gNB which detects the UL WUS signal. The UE sends the UL WUS signal containing assistance information but cannot wake up the target gNB(s) in a predefined time duration (DeltaT3) after the UE transmits the UL WUS signal or the first UL WUS signal occasion. On the other hand, there may be non-target gNB(s) detecting the UL WUS signal from receiving the first UL WUS signal. However, these non-target gNBs will not wake up.

[0122] In another case, the assistance information of the dedicated gNB(s) contained in the UL WUS signal matches more than one gNB which detects the UL WUS signal, but not all gNBs shall be woken up.

[0123] In yet another case, the number of gNBs that can be woken up by the UE is limited by a pre-defined or configurable number which is indicated by the bits in the WUS signal or the UE capability.

[0124] To determine which gNB(s) shall be woken up in the above cases, the below embodiments define the operations in the UE and the gNB(s).

[0125] In the fourth embodiment, the gNB(s) detecting the UL WUS signal shall initiate inter- gNB operations / signaling, as demonstrated in Figure 2. The inter-gNB operations shall determine the target gNB(s) being woken up among all gNBs detecting the UL WUS signal; otherwise the other gNB(s) continue in sleep mode. The determination rule of the target gNB(s) can be up to gNB implementation or based on one or more than one below rules.

[0126] In one example, the gNB(s) obtaining the strongest signal strength of the UL WUS signal or the signal strength of the UL WUS signal higher than a threshold shall be woken up. Consequently, the target gNB(s) wakes up and starts to transmit signals, e.g. SSB, paging, and SI or a dedicated signal notifying UE of waking up.

[0127] In another example, the gNB(s) first receiving the UL WUS signal, e.g., obtaining the shortest propagation delay of the UL WUS signal or the propagation delay of the UL WUS signal shorter than a threshold, shall be woken up. Consequently, the target gNB(s) wakes up and starts to transmit signals, e.g., SSB, paging, and SI or a dedicated signal notifying UE of waking up.

[0128] In the fifth embodiment, the UE determines the target gNB(s) being woke up among all gNBs detecting the UL WUS signal. The below steps describe the detailed procedure for this purpose. Figure 3 depicts the procedure in the fifth embodiment, where gNB_1 is referred to as the target gNB.

[0129] Step 1 : The UL WUS signal transmitted by the UE wakes up one or more than one gNB to transmit signals, e.g. SSB in a wake-up delay window respectively. The start instant of wake-up delay window is determined by the time instant when the gNB receives the UL WUS signal. The length of wake-up delay window is pre-defined or configurable, at the least the window shall be longer than certain SSB periodicities plus necessary processing time delay.

[0130] Step 2: After ending of wake-up delay window, the target gNB(s) which shall continue normal mode shall be determined by the UE.

[0131] In one variant, the UE determines the target gNB(s) with respect to signal strength or quality received by the UE. In one example, the UE determines the target gNB is the gNB that the UE receives the strongest signals from. In another example, the UE determines the target gNB(s) is the gNB(s) that the UE receives the signal strength(s) higher than a threshold from.

[0132] In one variant, the UE determines the target gNB(s) within predefined or configurable time duration from first or last transmission of UL WUS signal. The predefined or configurable time duration may be longer than wake-up delay window.

[0133] In another variant, the UE determines the target gNB(s) with respect to the propagation delay from the gNB(s) to the UE. In one example, the UE determines the target gNB(s) is the gNB(s) that the UE first receives signals from, i.e., the shortest propagation delay from the gNB(s) to the UE. In one example, the UE determines the target gNB(s) is the gNB(s) that the propagation delay from the gNB(s) to the UE is shorter than a threshold.

[0134] In yet another variant, the UE is configured with information on cells / gNBs which the UE shall wake up. The information (e.g., cell / gNB ID) indicates / identifies cells / gNBs which the UE shall wake up. Upon reception / detection of downlink (DL) signals from a cell / gNB after transmitting UL WUS signals, the UE identifies the information (e.g., ID) associated with the cell / gNB. If the information (e.g., ID) associated with the cell / gNB matches the UE’s configuration, the cell / gNB is the target.

[0135] Step 3: After the UE determines the target gNB(s), the UE shall notify / signal the target gNB(s) via various methods. For example, the notification message sent by the UE comprises at least the UE ID and / or list of ID information of the target gNB(s). Alternatively, the UE doesn’t need to inform the gNBs which are woken up, since the WUS signaling already carries the UE ID.

[0136] Step 4: Subsequently, each gNB in the above steps receives and identifies if it is in the list of the target gNB(s). Only the gNB(s) receiving the notification message and matching the list will continue normal mode, e.g. transmitting SSB, paging and SI contiguously. Meanwhile, the other gNB(s) falls back to sleep mode after the end of wake-up delay window.

[0137] An alternative of Step 2 is that, if the UE receives SSBs from one or more than one gNB after wake-up delay window, the UE shall assume that all the cell(s) operated by gNB(s) to be camped on by the UE or serve the UE.

[0138] In view of the modifications and variations herein, Figure 4 depicts a method performed by a communication device 12 configured for use in a communication network 10 in accordance with particular embodiments. The method includes transmitting an uplink wake-up signal, WUS 20 (Block 400). The method also comprises transmitting information 22 that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of a sleep mode (Block 410).

[0139] In some embodiments, the information 22 is included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS 20.

[0140] In some embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes 14 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes 14 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0141] In some embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more cells 16. In some embodiments, each of the one or more cells 16, or each of one or more radio network nodes 14 that provides any of the one or more cells 16, is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells 16. In some embodiments, each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes 14 that provides a cell 16 in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0142] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more frequency bands. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more frequency carriers or layers. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0143] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more registration areas. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that belongs to any of the one or more registration areas is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In some embodiments, the one or more registration areas are one or more radio access network, RAN, notification areas. In other embodiments, the one or more registration areas are one or more core network registration areas. In some embodiments, the one or more core network registration areas are one or more tracking areas. In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates the one or more registration areas with one or more identifiers or codes associated with the one or more registration areas. In some embodiments, the one or more registration areas indicated by the information 22 includes a registration area to which a serving radio network node 14 belongs. In some embodiments, the serving radio network node 14 serves the communication device 12.

[0144] In some embodiments, the information 22 includes information 22 acquired by the communication device 12 from one or more downlink signals received by the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that transmitted a downlink signal conveying the information 22 is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0145] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that includes the identity of the communication device 12 in a list of one or more communication device 12 identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of a group of one or more communication devices 12 to which the communication device 12 belongs. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that includes the identity of the communication device 12 in a list of one or more communication device group identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0146] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates a geographical position of the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 within a certain range of the geographical position of the communication device 12 is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0147] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations that the communication device 12 requests or requires of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that has any of the one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time that the communication device 12 requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time is to wake up out of the sleep model. In yet other embodiments, the information 22 indicates a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time that the communication device 12 requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0148] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates a maximum number of radio network nodes 14 that is to wake up out of the sleep mode in response to the uplink WUS 20.

[0149] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving at least some of the information 22 from a network node in the communication network 10 (Block 420).

[0150] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of one or more certain types. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 of a synchronization signal block, SSB. In other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a paging signal. In yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a signal dedicated towards the communication device 12. In still yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 that convey System Information. In still yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more discovery signals. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of a certain cell 16.

[0151] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18 by the radio network node 14 for one or more cells 16 provided by the radio network node 14.

[0152] In some embodiments, a radio network node 14 or cell 16 woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS 20 is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node 14 or cell 16 transmits the one or more signals 18 or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals 18 as compared to the sleep mode.

[0153] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof. In other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state. In yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally powers off at least some transmitter circuitry. In still yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state. In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 monitors for the uplink WUS 20 with a wake-up receiver.

[0154] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 discontinuously monitors for the uplink WUS 20 during a WUS monitoring occasion.

[0155] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 powers off one or more receivers or one or more components thereof. In other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates one or more receivers, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state. In yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally powers off at least some receiver circuitry. In still yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates at least some receiver circuitry in a low power state.

[0156] In some embodiments, the method also includes, after transmitting the uplink WUS 20, performing one or more transmissions to the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of the sleep mode (Block 430).

[0157] Figure 5 depicts a method performed by a communication device 12 configured for use in a communication network 10 in accordance with other particular embodiments. The method includes transmitting an uplink wake-up signal, WUS 20 (Block 500). The method also comprises receiving one or more signals indicating one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that received the uplink WUS 20 (Block 510). The method also comprises determining, from among the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that received the uplink WUS 20 as indicated by the one or more received signals 18, one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that are to wake up out of a sleep mode (Block 520). The method also comprises transmitting signaling indicating that the one or more determined radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 are to wake up out of the sleep mode (Block 530).

[0158] In some embodiments, receiving the one or more signals comprises receiving, from each of the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that received the uplink WUS 20, a signal 18 that indicates the radio network node 14 or cell 16 received the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments, said determining comprises selecting, from among the one or more received signals 18, one or more signals that meet a selection criterion. In some embodiments, said determining comprises determining the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode as comprising one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 from which the one or more selected signals 18 were received. In some embodiments, a signal 18 meets the selection criterion if a signal measurement value of the signal 18 is a maximum or minimum from among one or more signal measurement values of the one or more received signals 18. In some embodiments, a signal 18 meets the selection criterion if the signal 18 has a signal measurement value that exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, the signal measurement value is a value of a signal strength measurement or a signal quality measurement. In some embodiments, the signal measurement value is a value of a signal propagation delay measurement.

[0159] In some embodiments, said determining comprises selecting, from among the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that received the uplink WUS 20 as indicated by the one or more received signals 18, one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that are identified in a list of one or more target radio network nodes 14 or cells 16.

[0160] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, during a wake-up delay window, monitoring for the one or more signals indicating one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that received the uplink WUS 20 (Block 540). In some embodiments, the wake-up delay window starts when the communication device 12 transmits the uplink WUS 20 and / or ends after a duration of time that is at least as long as a transmission periodicity of the signaling indicating the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that received the uplink WUS 20.

[0161] In some embodiments, the transmitted signaling identifies the communication device 12.

[0162] In some embodiments, the transmitted signaling includes a list of one or more identifiers of the one or more determined radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0163] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of one or more certain types. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 of a synchronization signal block, SSB. In other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a paging signal. In yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a signal dedicated towards the communication device 12. In still yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 that convey System Information. In still yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more discovery signals. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of a certain cell 16.

[0164] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18 by the radio network node 14 for one or more cells 16 provided by the radio network node 14.

[0165] In some embodiments, a radio network node 14 or cell 16 woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS 20 is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node 14 or cell 16 transmits the one or more signals 18 or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals 18 as compared to the sleep mode.

[0166] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof. In other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state. In yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally powers off at least some transmitter circuitry. In still yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

[0167] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 monitors for the uplink WUS 20 with a wake-up receiver.

[0168] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises transmitting the uplink WUS 20 based on the communication device 12 receiving a signal 18 from at least one radio network node 14 or cell 16 with a signal strength lowerthan a threshold.

[0169] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises transmitting the uplink WUS 20 based on the communication device 12 not having received a signal 18 from any radio network node 14 or cell 16 for at least a threshold duration.

[0170] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises transmitting the uplink WUS 20 based on the communication device 12 failing to camp on any cell 16 or perform cell (re)selection successfully for at least a threshold duration.

[0171] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises transmitting the uplink WUS 20 based on the communication device 12 being in a radio resource control, RRC, idle mode or an RRC inactive mode.

[0172] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises transmitting the uplink WUS 20 based on the communication device 12 experiencing radio link failure in at least one serving cell 16.

[0173] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises transmitting the uplink WUS 20 based on the communication device 12 being triggered to perform a mobility measurement.

[0174] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises transmitting the uplink WUS 20 based on the communication device 12 receiving an indication from the communication network 10 to transmit the uplink WUS 20.

[0175] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises transmitting the uplink WUS 20 based on the communication device 12 receiving an indication from a serving radio network node 14 or cell 16, or a neighbor radio network node 14 or cell 16. In some embodiments, the indication indicates that the communication device 12 is to transmit the uplink WUS 20.

[0176] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises periodically transmitting the uplink WUS 20.

[0177] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises periodically transmitting the uplink WUS 20, until the communication device 12 receives a signal 18 from a radio network node 14 or cell 16 that is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0178] In some embodiments, transmitting the uplink WUS 20 comprises periodically transmitting the uplink WUS 20, until the communication device 12 receives a signal 18 from a radio network node 14 or cell 16 that is to wake up out of the sleep mode or until a maximum transmission duration has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

[0179] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after transmitting the uplink WUS 20, performing one or more transmissions to the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0180] In some embodiments, the one or more transmissions include one or more transmissions of a random access procedure.

[0181] In some embodiments, the method also includes, after transmitting the uplink WUS 20, performing one or more transmissions to the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of the sleep mode (Block 550).

[0182] Figure 6 depicts a method performed by a radio network node 14 configured for use in a communication network 10 in accordance with other particular embodiments. The method includes receiving an uplink wake-up signal, WUS, 20 from a communication device 12 (Block 600). The method also comprises receiving information 22 that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 the uplink WUS 20 is to wake up out of a sleep mode (Block 610).

[0183] In some embodiments, the information 22 is included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS 20.

[0184] In some embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes 14 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes 14 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0185] In some embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more cells 16. In some embodiments, each of the one or more cells 16, or each of one or more radio network nodes 14 that provides any of the one or more cells 16, is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 includes one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells 16. In some embodiments, each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes 14 that provides a cell 16 in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0186] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more frequency bands, wherein any cell 16 or radio network node 14 configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more frequency carriers or layers. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0187] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more registration areas. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that belongs to any of the one or more registration areas is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In some embodiments, the one or more registration areas are one or more radio access network, RAN, notification areas. In other embodiments, the one or more registration areas are one or more core network registration areas. In some embodiments, the one or more core network registration areas are one or more tracking areas. In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates the one or more registration areas with one or more identifiers or codes associated with the one or more registration areas. In some embodiments, the one or more registration areas indicated by the information 22 includes a registration area to which a serving radio network node 14 belongs. In some embodiments, the serving radio network node 14 serves the communication device 12.

[0188] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting one or more downlink signals to the communication device 12 that conveys at least some of the information 22 to the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that transmitted a downlink signal conveying the information 22 is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0189] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that includes the identity of the communication device 12 in a list of one or more communication device 12 identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of a group of one or more communication devices to which the communication device 12 belongs. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that includes the identity of the communication device 12 in a list of one or more communication device group identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0190] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of the communication device 12. A cell 16 or radio network node 14 is to wake up out of the sleep mode if the identity of the communication device 12 is included in a list of one or more communication device identities maintained for the cell 16 or radio network node 14 identifying one or more communication devices that are allowed to wake up the cell 16 or radio network node 14. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of a group of one or more communication devices 12 to which the communication device 12 belongs. A cell 16 or radio network node 14 is to wake up out of the sleep mode if the identity of the group is included in a list of one or more communication device group identities maintained for the cell 16 or radio network node 14 identifying one or more groups of communication devices 12 that are allowed to wake up the cell 16 or radio network node 14.

[0191] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates a geographical position of the communication device 12. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 within a certain range of the geographical position of the communication device 12 is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0192] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations that the communication device 12 requests or requires of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 that has any of the one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In other embodiments, the information 22 indicates a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time that the communication device 12 requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode. In yet other embodiments, the information 22 indicates a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time that the communication device 12 requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell 16 or radio network node 14. In some embodiments, any cell 16 or radio network node 14 having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0193] In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates a maximum number of radio network nodes 14 that is to wake up out of the sleep mode in response to the uplink WUS 20.

[0194] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting at least some of the information 22 to the communication device 12 (Block 620).

[0195] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of one or more certain types. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 of a synchronization signal block, SSB. In other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a paging signal. In yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a signal dedicated towards the communication device 12. In still yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 that convey System Information. In still yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more discovery signals. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of a certain cell 16.

[0196] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18 by the radio network node 14 for one or more cells 16 provided by the radio network node 14.

[0197] In some embodiments, a radio network node 14 or cell 16 woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS 20 is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node 14 or cell 16 transmits the one or more signals 18 or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals 18 as compared to the sleep mode.

[0198] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof. In other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state. In yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally powers off at least some transmitter circuitry. In still yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

[0199] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 monitors for the uplink WUS 20 with a wake-up receiver.

[0200] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 discontinuously monitors for the uplink WUS 20 during a WUS monitoring occasion.

[0201] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 powers off one or more receivers or one or more components thereof. In other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates one or more receivers, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state. In yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally powers off at least some receiver circuitry. In still yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates at least some receiver circuitry in a low power state.

[0202] In some embodiments, the method further comprises making a determination, based on and / or according to the received information 22, whether or not the radio network node 14 is to wake up out of the sleep mode (Block 630). In some embodiments, the method further comprises waking up or not waking up out of the sleep mode according to the determination (Block 640). In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining a list of one or more identities of one or more communication devices 12 or communication device groups that are allowed to wake up the radio network node 14 out of the sleep mode. In some embodiments, the information 22 indicates an identity of the communication device 12 or an identity of a group of one or more communication devices to which the communication device 12 belongs, and wherein the determination is based on whether or not the identity indicated by the information 22 is included in the obtained list. In some embodiments, obtaining the list comprises receiving the list from an operations and maintenance, OAM, node, from a core network node, from a central unit of a radio network node 14, or from another radio network node 14. In some embodiments, the determination is made also based on inter-node signaling exchanged with one or more other radio network nodes 14. In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing a signal measurement on the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments, the inter-node signaling is received from each of one or more other radio network nodes 14 indicating a value of the signal measurement that the other radio network node 14 performed on the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments, the determination is that the radio network node 14 is to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. In some embodiments, the determination is that the radio network node 14 is not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a not greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. In some embodiments, the signal measurement is a signal strength measurement or a signal quality measurement. In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing a signal measurement on the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments the inter-node signaling is received from each of one or more other radio network nodes 14 indicating a value of the signal measurement that the other radio network node 14 performed on the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments the determination is that the radio network node 14 is to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a less than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. In some embodiments the determination is that the radio network node 14 is not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a not less than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. In some embodiments, the signal measurement is a propagation delay measurement. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after receiving the uplink WUS 20 and waking up out of the sleep mode, receiving one or more transmissions from the communication device 12 (Block 650). In some embodiments, the one or more transmissions include one or more transmissions of a random access procedure.

[0203] Figure 7 depicts a method performed by a radio network node 14 configured to provide a cell 16 in a communication network 10 in accordance with other particular embodiments. The method includes receiving an uplink wake-up signal, WUS 20 (Block 700). The method also comprises transmitting a signal 18 indicating that the radio network node 14 orthe cell 16 received the uplink WUS 20 (Block 710).

[0204] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after or responsive to transmitting the signal 18, receiving signaling indicating that the radio network node 14 orthe cell 16 is to wake up out of a sleep mode (Block 720). In some embodiments, the received signaling identifies a communication device 12 that transmitted the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments, the received signaling includes a list of one or more identifiers of the one or more radio network nodes 14 or cells 16 that are to wake up out of the sleep mode. In some embodiments, inclusion of an identifier of the radio network node 14 or the cell 16 in the list indicates that the radio network node 14 or the cell 16 is to wake up out of a sleep mode. In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of one or more certain types. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 of a synchronization signal block, SSB. In other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a paging signal. In yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a signal dedicated towards the communication device 12. In still yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 that convey System Information. In still yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more discovery signals. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of a certain cell 16. In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18 by the radio network node 14 for one or more cells 16 provided by the radio network node 14. In some embodiments, a radio network node 14 or cell 16 woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS 20 is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node 14 or cell 16 transmits the one or more signals 18 or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals 18 as compared to the sleep mode. In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof. In other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state. In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 monitors for the uplink WUS 20 with a wake-up receiver.

[0205] In some embodiments, the signalling explicitly indicates that the radio network node 14 or the cell 16 received the uplink WUS 20.

[0206] In some embodiments, the signalling includes an information field which is dedicated to indicating, and / or which explicitly indicates, that the radio network node 14 orthe cell 16 received the uplink WUS 20.

[0207] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after receiving the uplink WUS 20 and waking up from the sleep mode, receiving one or more transmissions from the communication device 12 (Block 730). In some embodiments, the one or more transmissions include one or more transmissions of a random access procedure.

[0208] Figure 8 depicts a method performed by a radio network node configured for use in a communication network 10 in accordance with other particular embodiments. The method includes receiving an uplink wake-up signal, WUS, 20 from a communication device 12 (Block 800). The method also comprises cooperating with one or more other radio network nodes 14 to determine whether or not the radio network node 14 is to wake up out of a sleep mode responsive to the uplink WUS 20 (Block 810).

[0209] In some embodiments, said cooperating comprises exchanging inter-node signaling with the one or more other radio network nodes 14.

[0210] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of one or more certain types. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 of a synchronization signal block, SSB. In other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a paging signal. In yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least a signal dedicated towards the communication device 12. In yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more signals 18 that convey System Information. In yet other embodiments, the one or more signals 18 include at least one or more discovery signals. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 18 are one or more signals 18 of a certain cell 16.

[0211] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals 18 by the radio network node 14 for one or more cells 16 provided by the radio network node 14.

[0212] In some embodiments, a radio network node 14 or cell 16 woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS 20 is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node 14 or cell 16 transmits the one or more signals 18 or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals 18 as compared to the sleep mode.

[0213] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof. In other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state. In yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally powers off at least some transmitter circuitry. In still yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

[0214] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 monitors for the uplink WUS 20 with a wake-up receiver.

[0215] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 or cell 16 discontinuously monitors for the uplink WUS 20 during a WUS monitoring occasion.

[0216] In some embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 powers off one or more receivers or one or more components thereof. In other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates one or more receivers, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state. In yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally powers off at least some receiver circuitry. In still yet other embodiments, the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node 14 alternatively or additionally operates at least some receiver circuitry in a low power state.

[0217] In some embodiments, the method further comprises making a determination, based on and / or according to the cooperation with the one or more other radio network nodes 14, whether or not the radio network node 14 is to wake up out of the sleep mode (Block 820). In some embodiments, the method further comprises waking up or not waking up out of the sleep mode according to the determination (Block 830). In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing a signal measurement on the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments, the inter-node signaling is received from each of one or more other radio network nodes 14 indicating a value of the signal measurement that the other radio network node 14 performed on the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments, the determination is that the radio network node 14 is to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. In some embodiments, the determination is that the radio network node 14 is not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a not greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. In some embodiments, the signal measurement is a signal strength measurement or a signal quality measurement. In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing a signal measurement on the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments, the inter-node signaling is received from each of one or more other radio network nodes 14 indicating a value of the signal measurement that the other radio network node 14 performed on the uplink WUS 20. In some embodiments, the determination is that the radio network node 14 is to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a less than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. In some embodiments, the determination is that the radio network node 14 is not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node 14 is a not less than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. In some embodiments, the signal measurement is a propagation delay measurement.

[0218] Embodiments herein also include corresponding apparatuses. Embodiments herein for instance include a communication device 12 configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12.

[0219] Embodiments also include a communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry and power supply circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12. The power supply circuitry is configured to supply power to the communication device 12.

[0220] Embodiments further include a communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12. In some embodiments, the communication device 12 further comprises communication circuitry.

[0221] Embodiments further include a communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the communication device 12 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12.

[0222] Embodiments moreover include a user equipment (UE). The UE comprises an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals. The UE also comprises radio frontend circuitry connected to the antenna and to processing circuitry, and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12. In some embodiments, the UE also comprises an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow input of information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry. The UE may comprise an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry. The UE may also comprise a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0223] Embodiments herein also include a radio network node 14 configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node 14.

[0224] Embodiments also include a radio network node 14 comprising processing circuitry and power supply circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node 14. The power supply circuitry is configured to supply power to the radio network node 14.

[0225] Embodiments further include a radio network node 14 comprising processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node 14. In some embodiments, the radio network node 14 further comprises communication circuitry.

[0226] Embodiments further include a radio network node 14 comprising processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the radio network node 14 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node 14.

[0227] More particularly, the apparatuses described above may perform the methods herein and any other processing by implementing any functional means, modules, units, or circuitry. In one embodiment, for example, the apparatuses comprise respective circuits or circuitry configured to perform the steps shown in the method figures. The circuits or circuitry in this regard may comprise circuits dedicated to performing certain functional processing and / or one or more microprocessors in conjunction with memory. For instance, the circuitry may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In embodiments that employ memory, the memory stores program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, carries out the techniques described herein.

[0228] Figure 9 for example illustrates a communication device 12 as implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the communication device 12 includes processing circuitry 910 and communication circuitry 920. The communication circuitry 920 (e.g., radio circuitry) is configured to transmit and / or receive information to and / or from one or more other nodes, e.g., via any communication technology. Such communication may occur via one or more antennas that are either internal or external to the communication device 900. The processing circuitry 910 is configured to perform processing described above, e.g., in Figure 4 and / or Figure 5, such as by executing instructions stored in memory 930. The processing circuitry 910 in this regard may implement certain functional means, units, or modules.

[0229] Figure 10 illustrates a radio network node 14 as implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the radio network node 14 includes processing circuitry 1010 and communication circuitry 1020. The communication circuitry 1020 is configured to transmit and / or receive information to and / or from one or more other nodes, e.g., via any communication technology. The processing circuitry 1010 is configured to perform processing described above, e.g., in Figure 6, Figure 7, and / or Figure 8, such as by executing instructions stored in memory 1030. The processing circuitry 1010 in this regard may implement certain functional means, units, or modules.

[0230] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that embodiments herein further include corresponding computer programs.

[0231] A computer program comprises instructions which, when executed on at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out any of the respective processing described above. A computer program in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

[0232] Embodiments further include a carrier containing such a computer program. This carrier may comprise one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0233] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable (storage or recording) medium and comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform as described above.

[0234] Embodiments further include a computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the steps of any of the embodiments herein when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. This computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[0235] Figure 11 shows an example of a communication system 1100 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0236] In the example, the communication system 1100 includes a telecommunication network 1102 that includes an access network 1104, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 1106, which includes one or more core network nodes 1108. The access network 1104 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 1110a and 1110b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 1110), or any other similar 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) access nodes or non-3GPP access points. Moreover, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a network node is not necessarily limited to an implementation in which a radio portion and a baseband portion are supplied and integrated by a single vendor. Thus, it will be understood that network nodes include disaggregated implementations or portions thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the telecommunication network 1102 includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a node in the telecommunication network 1102 that supports an ORAN specification (e.g., a specification published by the O-RAN Alliance, or any similar organization) and may operate alone or together with other nodes to implement one or more functionalities of any node in the telecommunication network 1102, including one or more network nodes 1110 and / or core network nodes 1108.

[0237] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (O-RU), an open distributed unit (O-DU), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O- CU-CP) or an O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP), a RAN intelligent controller (near-real time or non-real time) hosting software or software plug-ins, such as a near-real time control application (e.g., xApp) or a non-real time control application (e.g., rApp), or any combination thereof (the adjective “open” designating support of an ORAN specification). The network node may support a specification by, for example, supporting an interface defined by the ORAN specification, such as an A1 , F1 , W1 , E1 , E2, X2, Xn interface, an open fronthaul user plane interface, or an open fronthaul management plane interface. Moreover, an ORAN access node may be a logical node in a physical node. Furthermore, an ORAN network node may be implemented in a virtualization environment (described further below) in which one or more network functions are virtualized. For example, the virtualization environment may include an O-Cloud computing platform orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an 0-2 interface defined by the O-RAN Alliance or comparable technologies. The network nodes 1110 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 1112a, 1112b, 1112c, and 1112d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 1112) to the core network 1106 over one or more wireless connections.

[0238] Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 1100 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 1100 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0239] The UEs 1112 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 1110 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 1110 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 1112 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 1102 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 1102.

[0240] In the depicted example, the core network 1106 connects the network nodes 1110 to one or more host computing systems, such as host 1116. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 1106 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 1108) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 1108. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0241] The host 1116 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 1104 and / or the telecommunication network 1102. The host 1116 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

[0242] As a whole, the communication system 1100 of Figure 11 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and / or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0243] In some examples, the telecommunication network 1102 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 1102 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 1102. For example, the telecommunications network 1102 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC)ZMassive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0244] In some examples, the UEs 1112 are configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 1104 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 1104. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi-RAT or multi-standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E- UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0245] In the example, the hub 1114 communicates with the access network 1104 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 1112c and / or 1112d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 1110b). In some examples, the hub 1114 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 1114 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 1106 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 1114 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 1110, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 1114. As another example, the hub 1114 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 1114 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR device, display, loudspeaker, or other media delivery device, the hub 1114 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 1114 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 1114 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0246] The hub 1114 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 1110b. The hub 1114 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 1114 and UEs (e.g., UE 1112c and / or 1112d), and between the hub 1114 and the core network 1106. In other examples, the hub 1114 is connected to the core network 1106 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 1114 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 1104 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 1110 while still connected via the hub 1114 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 1114 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from the UEs from / to the network node 1110b. In other embodiments, the hub 1114 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 1110b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0247] Figure 12 shows a UE 1200 in accordance with some embodiments. The UE 1200 presents additional details of some embodiments of the UE 1112 of Figure 1. As used herein, a UE refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other UEs. Examples of a UE include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music sto rag e / p lay back device, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), an Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle, vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB- loT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0248] A UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle- to-everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0249] The UE 1200 includes processing circuitry 1202 that is operatively coupled via a bus 1204 to an input / output interface 1206, a power source 1208, a memory 1210, a communication interface 1212, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 12. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0250] The processing circuitry 1202 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 1210. The processing circuitry 1202 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 1202 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0251] In the example, the input / output interface 1206 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into the UE 1200. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device. In some embodiments, the power source 1208 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 1208 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 1208 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE 1200 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source 1208. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source 1208 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE 1200 to which power is supplied.

[0252] The memory 1210 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 1210 includes one or more application programs 1214, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 1216. The memory 1210 may store, for use by the UE 1200, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0253] The memory 1210 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and / or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUlCC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 1210 may allow the UE 1200 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 1210, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0254] The processing circuitry 1202 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 1212. The communication interface 1212 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 1222. The communication interface 1212 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1218 and / or a receiver 1220 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 1218 and receiver 1220 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 1222) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0255] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 1212 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11 , Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0256] Regardless of the type of sensor, a UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface 1212, via a wireless connection to a network node. Data captured by sensors of a UE can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another UE. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0257] As another example, a UE comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, the UE may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input.

[0258] A UE, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, city wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such an loT device are a device which is or which is embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door / window sensor, a flood / moisture sensor, an electrical door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system like a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smart watch, a fitness tracker, a wearable for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal- or item-tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and any kind of medical device, like a heart rate monitor or a remote controlled surgical robot. A UE in the form of an loT device comprises circuitry and / or software in dependence of the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the UE 1200 shown in Figure 12.

[0259] As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, a UE may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another UE and / or a network node. The UE may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the UE may implement the 3GPP NB-loT standard. In other scenarios, a UE may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0260] In practice, any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second UE that is a remote controller operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first UE may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and / or the second UE can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a UE might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0261] Figure 13 shows a network node 1300 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or with other network nodes or equipment, in a telecommunication network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NR NodeBs (gNBs)), O-RAN nodes or components of an O-RAN node (e.g., O-RU, O-DU, O-CU). Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units, distributed units (e.g., in an O- RAN access node) and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0262] Other examples of network nodes include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and / or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

[0263] The network node 1300 includes a processing circuitry 1302, a memory 1304, a communication interface 1306, and a power source 1308. The network node 1300 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 1300 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 1300 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 1304 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 1310 may be shared by different RATs). The network node 1300 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 1300, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z- wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 1300. The processing circuitry 1302 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 1300 components, such as the memory 1304, to provide network node 1300 functionality.

[0264] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1302 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1302 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1312 and baseband processing circuitry 1314. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1312 and the baseband processing circuitry 1314 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1312 and baseband processing circuitry 1314 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0265] The memory 1304 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer- readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1302. The memory 1304 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 1302 and utilized by the network node 1300. The memory 1304 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 1302 and / or any data received via the communication interface 1306. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1302 and memory 1304 is integrated.

[0266] The communication interface 1306 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between a network node, access network, and / or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 1306 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) 1316 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 1306 also includes radio front-end circuitry 1318 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 1310. Radio front-end circuitry 1318 comprises filters 1320 and amplifiers 1322. The radio front-end circuitry 1318 may be connected to an antenna 1310 and processing circuitry 1302. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 1310 and processing circuitry 1302. The radio front-end circuitry 1318 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuitry 1318 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1320 and / or amplifiers 1322. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1310. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1310 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 1318. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 1302. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0267] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 1300 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 1318, instead, the processing circuitry 1302 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 1310. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 1312 is part of the communication interface 1306. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 1306 includes one or more ports or terminals 1316, the radio front-end circuitry 1318, and the RF transceiver circuitry 1312, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 1306 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 1314, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0268] The antenna 1310 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 1310 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 1318 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 1310 is separate from the network node 1300 and connectable to the network node 1300 through an interface or port.

[0269] The antenna 1310, communication interface 1306, and / or the processing circuitry 1302 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be received from a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 1310, the communication interface 1306, and / or the processing circuitry 1302 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0270] The power source 1308 provides power to the various components of network node 1300 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 1308 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 1300 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 1300 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 1308. As a further example, the power source 1308 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0271] Embodiments of the network node 1300 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 13 for providing certain aspects of the network node’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1300 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 1300 and to allow output of information from the network node 1300. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 1300. In some embodiments providing a core network node, such as core network node 108 of FIG. 11 , some components, such as the radio front-end circuitry 1318 and the RF transceiver circuitry 1312 may be omitted.

[0272] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1400 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 1400 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized. In some embodiments, the virtualization environment 1400 includes components defined by the O-RAN Alliance, such as an O-Cloud environment orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an 0-2 interface. Virtualization may facilitate distributed implementations of a network node, UE, core network node, or host.

[0273] Applications 1402 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment Q400 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. Hardware 1404 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 1406 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 1408a and 1408b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 1408), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 1406 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 1408.

[0274] The VMs 1408 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1406. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 1402 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 1408, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0275] In the context of NFV, a VM 1408 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 1408, and that part of hardware 1404 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 1408 on top of the hardware 1404 and corresponds to the application 1402.

[0276] Hardware 1404 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 1404 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1404 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 1410, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 1402. In some embodiments, hardware 1404 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 1412 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units. Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0277] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.

[0278] Some embodiments herein may generally include those enumerated as follows.

[0279] Group A Embodiments

[0280] A1 . A method performed by a communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: transmitting an uplink wake-up signal, WUS (20); and transmitting information (22) that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) the uplink WUS (20) is to wake up out of a sleep mode.

[0281] A2. The method of embodiment A1 , wherein the information is included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS.

[0282] A3. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A2, wherein the information includes: one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes that are to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0283] A4. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A3, wherein the information includes: one or more identities of one or more cells, wherein each of the one or more cells, or each of one or more radio network nodes that provides any of the one or more cells, is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells, wherein each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes that provides a cell in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0284] A5. The method of any of embodiments A1-A4, wherein the information indicates: one or more frequency bands, wherein any cell or radio network node configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more frequency carriers or layers, wherein any cell or radio network node configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0285] A6. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A5, wherein the information indicates one or more registration areas, wherein any cell or radio network node that belongs to any of the one or more registration areas is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0286] A7. The method of embodiment A6, wherein the one or more registration areas are: one or more radio access network, RAN, notification areas; or one or more core network registration areas. A8. The method of embodiment A7, wherein the one or more core network registration areas are one or more tracking areas.

[0287] A9. The method of any of embodiments A6-A8, wherein the information indicates the one or more registration areas with one or more identifiers or codes associated with the one or more registration areas.

[0288] A10. The method of any of embodiments A6-A9, wherein the one or more registration areas indicated by the information includes a registration area to which a serving radio network node belongs, wherein the serving radio network node serves the communication device.

[0289] A11. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A10, wherein the information includes information acquired by the communication device from one or more downlink signals received by the communication device, wherein any cell or radio network node that transmitted a downlink signal conveying the information is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0290] A12. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A11 , wherein the information indicates: an identity of the communication device, wherein any cell or radio network node that includes the identity of the communication device in a list of one or more communication device identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or an identity of a group of one or more communication devices to which the communication device belongs, wherein any cell or radio network node that includes the identity of the communication device in a list of one or more communication device group identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0291] A13. The method of any of embodiments A1-A12, wherein the information indicates a geographical position of the communication device, wherein any cell or radio network node within a certain range of the geographical position of the communication device is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0292] A14. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A13, wherein the information indicates: one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations that the communication device requests or requires of a cell or radio network node, wherein any cell or radio network node that has any of the one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations is to wake up out of the sleep mode; a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time that the communication device requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell or radio network node, wherein any cell or radio network node having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time that the communication device requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell or radio network node, wherein any cell or radio network node having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0293] A15. The method of any of embodiments A1-A14, wherein the information indicates a maximum number of radio network nodes that is to wake up out of the sleep mode in response to the uplink WUS.

[0294] A16. The method of any of embodiments A1-A14, further comprising receiving at least some of the information from a network node in the communication network.

[0295] A17. The method of any of embodiments A1-A16, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node or cell suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals.

[0296] A18. The method of embodiment A17, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of one or more certain types.

[0297] A19. The method of any of embodiments A17-A18, wherein the one or more signals include one or more of: one or more signals of a synchronization signal block, SSB; a paging signal; a signal dedicated towards the communication device; one or more signals that convey System Information; or one or more discovery signals.

[0298] A20. The method of any of embodiments A17-A19, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of a certain cell. A21 . The method of any of embodiments A1 -A20, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals by the radio network node for one or more cells provided by the radio network node.

[0299] A22. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A21 , wherein a radio network node or cell woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node or cell transmits the one or more signals or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals as compared to the sleep mode.

[0300] A23. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A22, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node: powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some transmitter circuitry; and / or operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

[0301] A24. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A23, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node monitors for the uplink WUS with a wake-up receiver.

[0302] A25. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A24, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node or cell discontinuously monitors for the uplink WUS during a WUS monitoring occasion.

[0303] A26. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A25, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node: powers off one or more receivers or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more receivers, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some receiver circuitry; and / or operates at least some receiver circuitry in a low power state.

[0304] AA1 . A method performed by a communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: transmitting an uplink wake-up signal, WUS (20); receiving one or more signals indicating one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) that received the uplink WUS (20); determining, from among the one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) that received the uplink WUS (20) as indicated by the one or more received signals, one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) that are to wake up out of a sleep mode; and transmitting signaling indicating that the one or more determined radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0305] AA2. The method of embodiment AA1 , wherein receiving the one or more signals comprises receiving, from each of the one or more radio network nodes or cells that received the uplink WUS, a signal that indicates the radio network node or cell received the uplink WUS.

[0306] AA3. The method of embodiment AA2, wherein said determining comprises: selecting, from among the one or more received signals, one or more signals that meet a selection criterion; and determining the one or more radio network nodes or cells that are to wake up out of the sleep mode as comprising one or more radio network nodes or cells from which the one or more selected signals were received.

[0307] AA4. The method of embodiment AA3, wherein a signal meets the selection criterion if a signal measurement value of the signal is a maximum or minimum from among one or more signal measurement values of the one or more received signals.

[0308] AA5. The method of embodiment AA3, wherein a signal meets the selection criterion if the signal has a signal measurement value that exceeds a threshold.

[0309] AA6. The method of any of embodiments AA4-AA5, wherein the signal measurement value is a value of a signal strength measurement or a signal quality measurement.

[0310] AA7. The method of any of embodiments AA4-AA5, wherein the signal measurement value is a value of a signal propagation delay measurement.

[0311] AA8. The method of any of embodiments AA1-AA7, wherein said determining comprises selecting, from among the one or more radio network nodes or cells that received the uplink WUS as indicated by the one or more received signals, one or more radio network nodes or cells that are identified in a list of one or more target radio network nodes or cells. AA9. The method of any of embodiments AA1 -AA8, further comprising, during a wake-up delay window, monitoring for the one or more signals indicating one or more radio network nodes or cells that received the uplink WUS.

[0312] AA10. The method of embodiment AA9, wherein the wake-up delay window starts when the communication device transmits the uplink WUS and / or ends after a duration of time that is at least as long as a transmission periodicity of the signaling indicating the one or more radio network nodes or cells that received the uplink WUS.

[0313] AA11 . The method of any of embodiments AA1 -AA10, wherein the transmitted signaling identifies the communication device.

[0314] AA12. The method of any of embodiments AA1 -AA10, wherein the transmitted signaling includes a list of one or more identifiers of the one or more determined radio network nodes or cells that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0315] AA13. The method of any of embodiments AA1-AA12, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node or cell suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals.

[0316] AA14. The method of embodiment A13, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of one or more certain types.

[0317] AA15. The method of any of embodiments AA13-AA14, wherein the one or more signals include one or more of: one or more signals of a synchronization signal block, SSB; a paging signal; a signal dedicated towards the communication device; one or more signals that convey System Information; or one or more discovery signals.

[0318] AA16. The method of any of embodiments AA13-AA15, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of a certain cell.

[0319] AA17. The method of any of embodiments AA1-AA16, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals by the radio network node for one or more cells provided by the radio network node.

[0320] AA18. The method of any of embodiments AA1 -AA17, wherein a radio network node or cell woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node or cell transmits the one or more signals or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals as compared to the sleep mode.

[0321] AA19. The method of any of embodiments AA1 -AA18, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node: powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some transmitter circuitry; and / or operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

[0322] AA20. The method of any of embodiments AA1 -AA19, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node monitors for the uplink WUS with a wake-up receiver.

[0323] AAA1. The method of any of embodiments A1-A26 and AA1-AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises transmitting the uplink WUS based on the communication device receiving a signal from at least one radio network node or cell with a signal strength lower than a threshold.

[0324] AAA2. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises transmitting the uplink WUS based on the communication device not having received a signal from any radio network node or cell for at least a threshold duration.

[0325] AAA3. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises transmitting the uplink WUS based on the communication device failing to camp on any cell or perform cell (re)selection successfully for at least a threshold duration.

[0326] AAA4. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises transmitting the uplink WUS based on the communication device being in a radio resource control, RRC, idle mode or an RRC inactive mode. AAA5. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises transmitting the uplink WUS based on the communication device experiencing radio link failure in at least one serving cell.

[0327] AAA6. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises transmitting the uplink WUS based on the communication device being triggered to perform a mobility measurement.

[0328] AAA7. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises transmitting the uplink WUS based on the communication device receiving an indication from the communication network to transmit the uplink WUS.

[0329] AAA8. The method of any of embodiments A1-A26 and AA1-AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises transmitting the uplink WUS based on the communication device receiving an indication from a serving radio network node or cell, or a neigbor radio network node or cell, wherein the indication indicates that the communication device is to transmit the uplink WUS.

[0330] AAA9. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises periodically transmitting the uplink WUS.

[0331] AAA10. The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises periodically transmitting the uplink WUS, until the communication device receives a signal from a radio network node or cell that is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0332] AAA11 . The method of any of embodiments A1 -A26 and AA1 -AA20, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS comprises periodically transmitting the uplink WUS, until the communication device receives a signal from a radio network node or cell that is to wake up out of the sleep mode or until a maximum transmission duration has elapsed, whichever occurs first

[0333] AAA12. The method of any of embodiments A1-A26 and AA1-AA20, further comprising, after transmitting the uplink WUS, performing one or more transmissions to the one or more radio network nodes or cells that the uplink WUS is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0334] AAA13. The method of embodiment AAA12, wherein the one or more transmissions include one or more transmissions of a random access procedure.

[0335] Group B Embodiments

[0336] B1 . A method performed by a radio network node (14) configured to provide a cell in a communication network (10), the method comprising: receiving an uplink wake-up signal, WUS, (20) from a communication device (12); and receiving information (22) that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) the uplink WUS (20) is to wake up out of a sleep mode.

[0337] B2. The method of embodiment B1 , wherein the information is included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS.

[0338] B3. The method of any of embodiments B1-B2, wherein the information includes: one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes that are to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0339] B4. The method of any of embodiments B1-B3, wherein the information includes: one or more identities of one or more cells, wherein each of the one or more cells, or each of one or more radio network nodes that provides any of the one or more cells, is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells, wherein each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes that provides a cell in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0340] B5. The method of any of embodiments B1-B4, wherein the information indicates: one or more frequency bands, wherein any cell or radio network node configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more frequency carriers or layers, wherein any cell or radio network node configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode. B6. The method of any of embodiments B1-B5, wherein the information indicates one or more registration areas, wherein any cell or radio network node that belongs to any of the one or more registration areas is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0341] B7. The method of embodiment B6, wherein the one or more registration areas are: one or more radio access network, RAN, notification areas; or one or more core network registration areas.

[0342] B8. The method of embodiment B7, wherein the one or more core network registration areas are one or more tracking areas.

[0343] B9. The method of any of embodiments B6-B8, wherein the information indicates the one or more registration areas with one or more identifiers or codes associated with the one or more registration areas.

[0344] B10. The method of any of embodiments B6-B9, wherein the one or more registration areas indicated by the information includes a registration area to which a serving radio network node belongs, wherein the serving radio network node serves the communication device.

[0345] B11 . The method of any of embodiments B1 -B10, further comprising transmitting one or more downlink signals to the communication device that conveys at least some of the information to the communication device, wherein any cell or radio network node that transmitted a downlink signal conveying the information is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0346] B12. The method of any of embodiments B1 -B11 , wherein the information indicates: an identity of the communication device, wherein any cell or radio network node that includes the identity of the communication device in a list of one or more communication device identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or an identity of a group of one or more communication devices to which the communication device belongs, wherein any cell or radio network node that includes the identity of the communication device in a list of one or more communication device group identities is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0347] B13. The method of any of embodiments B1-B12, wherein the information indicates a geographical position of the communication device, wherein any cell or radio network node within a certain range of the geographical position of the communication device is to wake up out of the sleep mode. B14. The method of any of embodiments B1 -B13, wherein the information indicates: one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations that the communication device requests or requires of a cell or radio network node, wherein any cell or radio network node that has any of the one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations is to wake up out of the sleep mode; a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time that the communication device requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell or radio network node, wherein any cell or radio network node having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time that the communication device requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell or radio network node, wherein any cell or radio network node having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

[0348] B15. The method of any of embodiments B1-B14, wherein the information indicates a maximum number of radio network nodes that is to wake up out of the sleep mode in response to the uplink WUS.

[0349] B16. The method of any of embodiments B1-B14, further comprising transmitting at least some of the information to the communication device.

[0350] B17. The method of any of embodiments B1-B16, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node or cell suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals.

[0351] B18. The method of embodiment B17, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of one or more certain types.

[0352] B19. The method of any of embodiments B17-B18, wherein the one or more signals include one or more of: one or more signals of a synchronization signal block, SSB; a paging signal; a signal dedicated towards the communication device; one or more signals that convey System Information; or one or more discovery signals.

[0353] B20. The method of any of embodiments B17-B19, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of a certain cell.

[0354] B21. The method of any of embodiments B1-B20, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals by the radio network node for one or more cells provided by the radio network node.

[0355] B22. The method of any of embodiments B1-B21 , wherein a radio network node or cell woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node or cell transmits the one or more signals or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals as compared to the sleep mode.

[0356] B23. The method of any of embodiments B1-B22, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node: powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some transmitter circuitry; and / or operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

[0357] B24. The method of any of embodiments B1-B23, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node monitors for the uplink WUS with a wake-up receiver.

[0358] B25. The method of any of embodiments B1-B24, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node or cell discontinuously monitors for the uplink WUS during a WUS monitoring occasion.

[0359] B26. The method of any of embodiments B1-B25, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node: powers off one or more receivers or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more receivers, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some receiver circuitry; and / or operates at least some receiver circuitry in a low power state.

[0360] B27. The method of any of embodiments B1-B26, further comprising: making a determination, based on and / or according to the received information, whether or not the radio network node or the cell is to wake up out of the sleep mode; and waking up, or not waking up, the radio network node or the cell out of the sleep mode according to the determination.

[0361] B28. The method of embodiment B27, further comprising obtaining a list of one or more identities of one or more communication devices or communication device groups that are allowed to wake up the radio network node out of the sleep mode, wherein the information indicates an identity of the communication device or an identity of a group of one or more communication devices to which the communication device belongs, and wherein the determination is based on whether or not the identity indicated by the information is included in the obtained list.

[0362] B29. The method of embodiment B28, wherein obtaining the list comprises receiving the list from an operations and maintenance, OAM, node, from a core network node, from a central unit of a radio network node, or from another radio network node.

[0363] B30. The method of embodiment B27, wherein the determination is made also based on inter-node signaling exchanged with one or more other radio network nodes.

[0364] B31. The method of embodiment B30, further comprising performing a signal measurement on the uplink WUS, wherein the inter-node signaling is received from each of one or more other radio network nodes indicating a value of the signal measurement that the other radio network node performed on the uplink WUS, and wherein the determination is that: the radio network node is to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling; and the radio network node is not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a not greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling. B32. The method of embodiment B31 , wherein the signal measurement is a signal strength measurement or a signal quality measurement.

[0365] B33. The method of embodiment B30, further comprising performing a signal measurement on the uplink WUS, wherein the inter-node signaling is received from each of one or more other radio network nodes indicating a value of the signal measurement that the other radio network node performed on the uplink WUS, and wherein the determination is that: the radio network node is to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a less than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling; and the radio network node is not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a not less than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling.

[0366] B34. The method of embodiment B33, wherein the signal measurement is a propagation delay measurement.

[0367] B35. The method of any of embodiments B1 -B34, further comprising, after receiving the uplink WUS and waking up out of the sleep mode, receiving one or more transmissions from the communication device.

[0368] B36. The method of embodiment B35, wherein the one or more transmissions include one or more transmissions of a random access procedure.

[0369] BB1 . A method performed by a radio network node (14) configured to provide a cell (16) in a communication network (10), the method comprising: receiving an uplink wake-up signal, WUS (20); and transmitting a signal indicating that the radio network node (14) or the cell (16) received the uplink WUS (20).

[0370] BB2. The method of embodiment BB1 , further comprising, after or responsive to transmitting the signal, receiving signaling indicating that the radio network node or the cell is to wake up out of a sleep mode.

[0371] BB3. The method of embodiment BB2, wherein the received signaling identifies a communication device that transmitted the uplink WUS. BB4. The method of any of embodiments BB2-BB3, wherein the received signaling includes a list of one or more identifiers of the one or more radio network nodes or cells that are to wake up out of the sleep mode, wherein inclusion of an identifier of the radio network node or the cell in the list indicates that the radio network node or the cell is to wake up out of a sleep mode.

[0372] BB5. The method of any of embodiments BB2-BB4, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node or cell suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals.

[0373] BB6. The method of embodiment BB5, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of one or more certain types.

[0374] BB7. The method of any of embodiments BB5-BB6, wherein the one or more signals include one or more of: one or more signals of a synchronization signal block, SSB; a paging signal; a signal dedicated towards the communication device; one or more signals that convey System Information; or one or more discovery signals.

[0375] BB8. The method of any of embodiments BB5-BB7, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of a certain cell.

[0376] BB9. The method of any of embodiments BB2-BB8, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals by the radio network node for one or more cells provided by the radio network node.

[0377] BB10. The method of any of embodiments BB2-BB9, wherein a radio network node or cell woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node or cell transmits the one or more signals or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals as compared to the sleep mode.

[0378] BB11 . The method of any of embodiments BB2-BB10, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node: powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state.

[0379] BB12. The method of any of embodiments BB2-BB11 , wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node monitors for the uplink WUS with a wake-up receiver.

[0380] BB13. The method of any of embodiments BB1-BB12, wherein the signalling explicitly indicates that the radio network node (14) or the cell (16) received the uplink WUS (20).

[0381] BB14. The method of any of embodiments BB1-BB12, wherein the signalling includes an information field which is dedicated to indicating, and / or which explicitly indicates, that the radio network node (14) or the cell (16) received the uplink WUS (20).

[0382] BB15. The method of any of embodiments BB1-BB14, further comprising, after receiving the uplink WUS and waking up from the sleep mode, receiving one or more transmissions from the communication device.

[0383] BB16. The method of embodiment BB15, wherein the one or more transmissions include one or more transmissions of a random access procedure.

[0384] BBB1 . A method performed by a radio network node (14) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: receiving an uplink wake-up signal, WUS, (20) from a communication device (12); and cooperating with one or more other radio network nodes (14) to determine whether or not the radio network node (14) is to wake up out of a sleep mode responsive to the uplink WUS (20).

[0385] BBB2. The method of embodiment BBB1 , wherein said cooperating comprises exchanging inter-node signaling with the one or more other radio network nodes.

[0386] BBB3. The method of any of embodiments BBB1-BBB2, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node or cell suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals.

[0387] BBB4. The method of embodiment BBB3, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of one or more certain types. BBB5. The method of any of embodiments BBB3-BBB4, wherein the one or more signals include one or more of: one or more signals of a synchronization signal block, SSB; a paging signal; a signal dedicated towards the communication device; one or more signals that convey System Information; or one or more discovery signals.

[0388] BBB6. The method of any of embodiments BBB3-BBB5, wherein the one or more signals are one or more signals of a certain cell.

[0389] BBB7. The method of any of embodiments BBB1-BBB6, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals by the radio network node for one or more cells provided by the radio network node.

[0390] BBB8. The method of any of embodiments BBB1-BBB7, wherein a radio network node or cell woken up out of the sleep mode by the uplink WUS is to operate in an awake mode in which the radio network node or cell transmits the one or more signals or increases a rate of transmission of the one or more signals as compared to the sleep mode.

[0391] BBB9. The method of any of embodiments BBB1-BBB8, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node: powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some transmitter circuitry; and / or operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

[0392] BBB10. The method of any of embodiments BBB1-BBB9, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node monitors for the uplink WUS with a wake-up receiver.

[0393] BBB11. The method of any of embodiments BBB1 -BBB11 , wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node or cell discontinuously monitors for the uplink WUS during a WUS monitoring occasion.

[0394] BBB12. The method of any of embodiments BBB1-BBB11 , wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node: powers off one or more receivers or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more receivers, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some receciver circuitry; and / or operates at least some receiver circuitry in a low power state.

[0395] BBB13. The method of any of embodiments BBB1-BBB12, further comprising: making a determination, based on and / or according to the cooperation with the one or more other radio network nodes, whether or not the radio network node is to wake up out of the sleep mode; and waking up or not waking up out of the sleep mode according to the determination.

[0396] BBB14. The method of embodiment BBB13, further comprising performing a signal measurement on the uplink WUS, wherein the inter-node signaling is received from each of one or more other radio network nodes indicating a value of the signal measurement that the other radio network node performed on the uplink WUS, and wherein the determination is that: the radio network node is to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling; and the radio network node is not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a not greater than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling.

[0397] BBB15. The method of embodiment BBB14, wherein the signal measurement is a signal strength measurement or a signal quality measurement.

[0398] BBB16. The method of embodiment BBB13, further comprising performing a signal measurement on the uplink WUS, wherein the inter-node signaling is received from each of one or more other radio network nodes indicating a value of the signal measurement that the other radio network node performed on the uplink WUS, and wherein the determination is that: the radio network node is to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a less than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling; and the radio network node is not to wake up out of the sleep mode if a value of the signal measurement performed by the radio network node is a not less than each of the one or more values indicated by the received inter-node signaling.

[0399] BBB17. The method of embodiment BBB16, wherein the signal measurement is a propagation delay measurement.

[0400] BBB18. The method of any of embodiments BB1-BB14, further comprising, after waking up out of the sleep mode, receiving one or more transmissions from the communication device.

[0401] BBB19. The method of embodiment BBB18, wherein the one or more transmissions include one or more transmissions of a random access procedure.

[0402] Group C Embodiments

[0403] C1 . A communication device configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0404] C2. A communication device comprising processing circuitry configured to any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0405] C3. A communication device comprising: communication circuitry; and processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0406] C4. A communication device comprising: processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; and power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the communication device.

[0407] 05. A communication device comprising: processing circuitry and memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the communication device is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0408] C6. The communication device of any of embodiments C1-C5, wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device.

[0409] C7. A user equipment (UE) comprising: an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; radio front-end circuitry connected to the antenna and to processing circuitry, and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuitry; the processing circuitry being configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow input of information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry; an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry; and a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0410] C8. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

[0411] C9. A carrier containing the computer program of embodiment 07, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0412] C10. A network node configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

[0413] C11 . A network node comprising processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

[0414] C12. A network node comprising: communication circuitry; and processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

[0415] C13. A network node comprising: processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments; power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the network node.

[0416] C14. A network node comprising: processing circuitry and memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the network node is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

[0417] C15. The network node of any of embodiments C10-C14, wherein the network node is a base station.

[0418] C16. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node, causes the network node to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

[0419] C17. The computer program of embodiment C16, wherein the network node is a base station.

[0420] C18. A carrier containing the computer program of any of embodiments C16-C17, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A method performed by a communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: transmitting (400) an uplink wake-up signal, WUS (20); and transmitting (410) information (22) that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) the uplink WUS (20) is to wake up out of a sleep mode.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information (22) is included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS (20).

3. The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein the information (22) includes: one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes (14) that are to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes (14) that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

4. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the information (22) includes: one or more identities of one or more cells (16), wherein each of the one or more cells (16), or each of one or more radio network nodes (14) that provides any of the one or more cells (16), is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells (16), wherein each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes (14) that provides a cell (16) in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

5. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the information (22) indicates: one or more frequency bands, wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more frequency carriers or layers, wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, wherein the information (22) includes information(22) acquired by the communication device (12) from one or more downlink signals received by the communication device (12), wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) that transmitted a downlink signal conveying the information (22) is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

7. The method of any of claims 1-6, wherein the information (22) indicates: an identity of the communication device (12), wherein a cell (16) or radio network node (14) is to wake up out of the sleep mode if the identity of the communication device (12) is included in a list of one or more communication device identities maintained for the cell (16) or radio network node (14) identifying one or more communication devices that are allowed to wake up the cell (16) or radio network node (14); or an identity of a group of one or more communication devices (12) to which the communication device (12) belongs, wherein a cell (16) or radio network node (14) is to wake up out of the sleep mode if the identity of the group is included in a list of one or more communication device group identities maintained for the cell (16) or radio network node (14) identifying one or more groups of communication devices (12) that are allowed to wake up the cell (16) or radio network node (14).

8. The method of any of claims 1-7, wherein the information (22) indicates: one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations that the communication device (12) requests or requires of a cell (16) or radio network node (14), wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) that has any of the one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations is to wake up out of the sleep mode; a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time that the communication device (12) requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell (16) or radio network node (14), wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time that the communication device (12) requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell (16) or radio network node (14), wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum durationor ratio of active mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

9. The method of any of claims 1-8, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node (14) or cell (16) suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals, wherein the one or more signals include one or more of: one or more signals of a synchronization signal block, SSB; a paging signal; a signal dedicated towards the communication device (12); one or more signals that convey System Information; or one or more discovery signals.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising, after transmitting the uplink WUS (20), monitoring for the one or more signals from the one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.11 . The method of any of claims 9-10, wherein the one or more signals include one or more signals that convey System Information.

12. The method of any of claims 1-11 , wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node (14): powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some transmitter circuitry; and / or operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

13. The method of any of claims 1-12, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node (14) or cell (16) suppresses, or reduces the rate of, monitoring for one or more types of uplink signals.

14. The method of any of claims 1-13, wherein transmitting the uplink WUS (20) comprises transmitting the uplink WUS (20) based on: the communication device (12) receiving a signal from at least one radio network node (14) or cell (16) with a signal strength lower than a threshold; the communication device (12) not having received a signal from any radio network node (14) or cell (16) for at least a threshold duration; the communication device (12) failing to camp on any cell (16) or perform cell(re)selection successfully for at least a threshold duration; the communication device (12) being in a radio resource control, RRC, idle mode or an RRC inactive mode; or on the communication device (12) being triggered to perform a mobility measurement.

15. A method performed by a radio network node (14) configured to provide a cell (16) in a communication network (10), the method comprising: receiving (600) an uplink wake-up signal, WUS, (20) from a communication device (12); and receiving (610) information (22) that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) the uplink WUS (20) is to wake up out of a sleep mode.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the information (22) is included in, or indicated by, the uplink WUS (20).

17. The method of any of claims 15-16, wherein the information (22) includes: one or more identities of one or more radio network nodes (14) that are to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more radio network nodes (14) that are to wake up out of the sleep mode.

18. The method of any of claims 15-17, wherein the information (22) includes: one or more identities of one or more cells (16), wherein each of the one or more cells (16), or each of one or more radio network nodes (14) that provides any of the one or more cells (16), is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more identities of one or more groups of one or more cells (16), wherein each of the one or more groups, or each of one or more radio network nodes (14) that provides a cell (16) in any of the one or more groups, is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

19. The method of any of claims 15-18, wherein the information (22) indicates: one or more frequency bands, wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency bands is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or one or more frequency carriers or layers, wherein any cell (16) or radio network node(14) configured to transmit on any of the one or more frequency carriers or layers is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

20. The method of any of claims 15-19, further comprising transmitting one or more downlink signals to the communication device (12) that conveys at least some of the information (22) to the communication device (12), wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) that transmitted a downlink signal conveying the information (22) is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

21. The method of any of claims 15-20, wherein the information (22) indicates: an identity of the communication device (12), wherein a cell (16) or radio network node (14) is to wake up out of the sleep mode if the identity of the communication device (12) is included in a list of one or more communication device identities maintained for the cell (16) or radio network node (14) identifying one or more communication devices that are allowed to wake up the cell (16) or radio network node (14); or an identity of a group of one or more communication devices (12) to which the communication device (12) belongs, wherein a cell (16) or radio network node (14) is to wake up out of the sleep mode if the identity of the group is included in a list of one or more communication device group identities maintained for the cell (16) or radio network node (14) identifying one or more groups of communication devices (12) that are allowed to wake up the cell (16) or radio network node (14).

22. The method of any of claims 15-21 , wherein the information (22) indicates: one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations that the communication device (12) requests or requires of a cell (16) or radio network node (14), wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) that has any of the one or more discontinuous transmission and / or reception configurations is to wake up out of the sleep mode; a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time that the communication device (12) requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell (16) or radio network node (14), wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of sleep mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode; or a minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time that the communicationdevice (12) requests or requires for a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration of a cell (16) or radio network node (14), wherein any cell (16) or radio network node (14) having a discontinuous transmission and / or reception configuration that meets the minimum or maximum duration or ratio of active mode time is to wake up out of the sleep mode.

23. The method of any of claims 15-22, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node (14) or cell (16) suppresses, or reduces a rate of, transmission of one or more signals, wherein the one or more signals include one or more of: one or more signals of a synchronization signal block, SSB; a paging signal; a signal dedicated towards the communication device (12); one or more signals that convey System Information; or one or more discovery signals.

24. The method of any of claim 23, further comprising, after receiving the uplink WUS (20) and waking up out of the sleep mode, starting, or increasing a rate of, transmission of the one or more signals.

25. The method of any of claims 23-24, wherein the one or more signals include one or more signals that convey System Information.26 The method of any of claims 15-25, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node (14): powers off one or more transmitters or one or more components thereof; and / or operates one or more transmitters, or one or more components thereof, in a low power state; and / or powers off at least some transmitter circuitry; and / or operates at least some transmitter circuitry in a low power state.

27. The method of any of claims 15-26, wherein the sleep mode is a mode in which a radio network node (14) or cell (16) suppresses, or reduces the rate of, monitoring for one or more types of uplink signals.

28. The method of any of claims 15-27, further comprising: making a determination, based on and / or according to the received information (22), whether or not the radio network node (14) or the cell (16) is to wake up out ofthe sleep mode; and waking up, or not waking up, the radio network node (14) or the cell (16) out of the sleep mode according to the determination.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising obtaining a list of one or more identities of one or more communication devices (12) or communication device groups that are allowed to wake up the radio network node (14) out of the sleep mode, wherein the information (22) indicates an identity of the communication device (12) or an identity of a group of one or more communication devices (12) to which the communication device (12) belongs, and wherein the determination is based on whether or not the identity indicated by the information (22) is included in the obtained list.

30. A communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the communication device (12) configured to: transmit an uplink wake-up signal, WUS (20); and transmit information (22) that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) the uplink WUS (20) is to wake up out of a sleep mode.31 . The communication device (12) of claim 28, configured to perform the method of any of claims 2-14.

32. A radio network node (14) configured to provide a cell (16) in a communication network (10), the radio network node (14) configured to: receive an uplink wake-up signal, WUS, (20) from a communication device (12); and receive information (22) that indicates, or that assists with a determination of, which one or more radio network nodes (14) or cells (16) the uplink WUS (20) is to wake up out of a sleep mode.

33. The radio network node (14) of claim 32, configured to perform the method of any of claims 16-29.

34. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device (12), causes the communication device (12) to perform the method of any of claims 1-14.

35. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least oneprocessor of a radio network node (14), causes the radio network node (14) to perform the method of any of claims 15-29.

36. A carrier containing the computer program of any of claims 34-35, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

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