Sending information that identifies one or more musim gap patterns

Abstract

In an example, a method in a User Equipment, UE, of sending information that identifies one or more MUSIM gap patterns is disclosed. The UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs, each USIM associated with a respective network of one or more networks. The method comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks based on one or more of: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with the one or more of the networks. The method also comprises sending, to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns.

Description

[0001] SENDING INFORMATION THAT IDENTIFIES ONE OR MORE MUSIM GAP PATTERNS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] Example embodiments of this disclosure relate to sending information that identifies one or more Multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Module (MUSIM) gap patterns, for example sending by a User Equipment (UE) equipped with a plurality of USIMs.

[0004] Multi-USIM (MUSIM) is a term used to describe a feature wherein multiple USIM(s), i.e., multiple subscriptions, are used at a single wireless communications device, such as a single UE or smartphone. The multi-USIM feature has been commercialized worldwide in various markets and has become a common feature supported by major device manufacturers. For example, the Apple® iPhone® 12 supports multi-USIM with 2 physical SIM cards in China, while in other regions it supports one physical SIM card and one eSIM.

[0005] The type of MUSIM supported in legacy UEs is the Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) type of operation, which means only one of the USIMs in a device can be actively connected in RRC_Connected mode in one PLMN to send and / or receive data. Other USIM(s) in the device can be in RRC_ldle / RRC_lnactive mode in another PLMN (i.e. on standby) in case there is a request to be actively connected to that PLMN. This is based on a device architecture including single or dual receivers (Single-Rx or Dual-Rx) together with a single transmitter (Single-Tx), which is regarded as a legacy UE architecture, supporting up to 3GPP Release 17 (Rel-17).

[0006] It is the Single-Tx that limits the device’s Multi-USIM operation to be actively in connected mode in only one PLMN, and in idle / inactive in the other PLMN(s), as there is no possibility for uplink (UL) feedback to the other PLMN(s) while the Single-Tx is occupied by uplink transmission in the first PLMN.

[0007] In Rel-17, the MUSIM work item (Wl) brings several improvements over the legacy MUSIM solutions, for example the opportunity for the UE to coordinate the multiple USIMs to avoid paging occasion collisions. The MUSIM Wl provides signaling solutions for the UE to inform the network on the UE’s preferred MUSIM gaps, and for the network to send the corresponding MUSIM gap configurations to the UE. By using MUSIM gaps, the UE can coordinate different activities towards the respective networks more efficiently, for example for monitoring paging. The MllSIM gaps configured in the first PLMN allows the UE to momentarily switch to another PLMN to perform certain activities, even while remaining in connected mode in the first network. This is referred to as MllSIM gap coordination as explained below. MllSIM gaps are defined in 3GPP TS 38.133 v17.10.0.

[0008] The Rel-17 RRC specification (3GPP TS 38.331 v17.5.0) on MllSIM gap coordination concerns mainly two parts: the UE Assistance Information (UAI) including the MUSIM assistance information; and the MUSIM gap configuration. The UAI is sent from the UE to the network and includes the UE’s preferred MUSIM gap information. The MUSIM gap configuration is part of the RRC Reconfiguration, which is sent from the network to the UE describing the MUSIM gap that the network has accepted, and that the UE may use. Both the UAI and the MUSIM configuration can use the same information elements, such as MUSIM-Gaplnfo-r17, which guarantees that the same form of information is used both at the UE side in the UAI and the network side as the actual MUSIM gap configuration. The UAI information including MUSIM-Assistance-r17 is defined in 3GPP TS 38.331 v17.5.0.

[0009] The existing solutions described above provide the signaling mechanism for the UE and the network to coordinate UE activities through MUSIM gap configuration, but not when and under what conditions the UE indicates to the network a certain preferred gap parameters over others.

[0010] Examples of this disclosure may have certain advantages. For example, embodiments of this disclosure may allow a UE to decide under what conditions to choose a preferred set of gap parameters that could result in optimized coordination among MUSIM activities, and provides possible conditions. This could for example help the UE indicate preferred MUSIM gap(s) that may be more optimized to support the UE’s needs, and may also provide the possibility to reduce signaling, and consequently the UE’s power consumption.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method in a User Equipment, UE, of sending information that identifies one or more Multi Universal Subscriber Identity Module, MUSIM, gap patterns. The UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs, each USIM associated with a respective network of one or more networks. The method comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks based on one or more of: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with the one or more of the networks. The method also comprises sending, to the first network, information identifying the one or more MllSIM gap patterns.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides apparatus in a User Equipment, UE, for sending information that identifies one or more Multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Module, MUSIM, gap patterns. The UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs. Each USIM is associated with a respective network of one or more networks. The apparatus comprises a processor and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processor such that the apparatus is operable to determine the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks based on one or more of: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks; and send, to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns.

[0013] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides apparatus in a User Equipment, UE, for sending information that identifies one or more Multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Module, MUSIM, gap patterns. The UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs. Each USIM is associated with a respective network of one or more networks. The apparatus is configured to determine the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks based on one or more of: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks; and send, to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns.

[0014] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] For a better understanding of examples of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how the examples may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a flow chart of an example of a method in a UE of sending information that identifies one or more MUSIM gap patterns;

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates an example of MUSIM gap lengths;

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates an example of starting points of MUSIM gaps; and Figure 4 is a schematic of an example of an apparatus 400 for sending information that identifies one or more MUSIM gap patterns. Detailed Description

[0019] The following sets forth specific details, such as particular embodiments or examples for purposes of explanation and not limitation. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other examples may be employed apart from these specific details. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, nodes, interfaces, circuits, and devices are omitted so as not obscure the description with unnecessary detail. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functions described may be implemented in one or more nodes using hardware circuitry (e.g. analog and / or discrete logic gates interconnected to perform a specialized function, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Arrays (PLAs), etc.) and / or using software programs and data in conjunction with one or more digital microprocessors or general purpose computers. Nodes that communicate using the air interface also have suitable radio communications circuitry. Moreover, where appropriate the technology can additionally be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of computer-readable memory, such as solid-state memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk containing an appropriate set of computer instructions that would cause a processor to carry out the techniques described herein.

[0020] Hardware implementation may include or encompass, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, a reduced instruction set processor, hardware (e.g. digital or analogue) circuitry including but not limited to application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC) and / or field programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)), and (where appropriate) state machines capable of performing such functions.

[0021] As indicated above, a signaling mechanism is provided for the UE and the network to coordinate UE activities through MUSIM gap configuration, but it is not currently defined when and / or under what condition(s) the UE indicates to the network a certain set of preferred gap parameter(s) over others. These conditions are left to UE implementation, i.e. they are not specified in 3GPP specifications. One of the reasons is that the UE typically has a centralized functionality (e.g. using one common baseband modem processor, one common transceiver etc.) to handle activities with each network the UE connects to, while the specifications are written from a point-to-point perspective, i.e. only considering the signaling between the UE and a PLMN.

[0022] Examples of this disclosure may provide methods in a User Equipment (UE) of sending information that identifies one or more Multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Module (MllSIM) gap patterns, wherein the UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (USIMs), and each USIM is associated with a respective network of one or more networks. That is, for example, the UE may connect to and perform operations on (e.g. measurements, receiving, transmitting etc.) each of the networks. Each USIM is associated with one network. The different USIMs may be associated with different networks in some examples. Alternatively, two or more of the different USIMs may be associated with the same network in some examples. For example, where a UE is equipped with N USIMs, these USIMs may be associated with M networks, where 1<M<N. For example, a UE may be equipped with at least a first USIM is associated with a first network and a second USIM is associated with a second network, where the second network is different to the first network. Alternatively, for example, the second network is the same as the first network. Each USIM may be for example one of a physical USIM inserted into the UE, or an embedded SIM (eSIM).

[0023] In some examples of this disclosure, a UE may transmit a message, such as for example a UE Assistance Information (UAI) message, to a first network (associated with a first USIM). The message may identify one or more MUSIM gap patterns that are the UE’s preference of the MUSIM gap patterns in the first network. That is, the UE identifies one or more MUSIM gap patterns to the first network, where the gap patterns identify gaps during which the UE may perform operations associated with a different USIM, such as for example connect to a different network associated with a second USIM and / or perform operations on the network associated with the second USIM.

[0024] In some examples, the UE may determine or choose one or more MUSIM gap patterns to send to the first network, e.g. as preferred MUSIM gap patterns, based on one or more of the following criteria:

[0025] Operating frequency and / or frequency bands of the network(s) associated with the multiple USIMs in the UE;

[0026] Paging occasion (PO) configuration(s) and / or measurement configuration(s) of the network(s) other than the first network;

[0027] The service type(s) of the first network;

[0028] Priority of signals in the first network;

[0029] Radio Access Technologies (RATs) of the network(s) associated with the multiple USIMs in the UE;

[0030] Operation mode (e.g. duplex mode) in the network(s) associated with the multiple USIMs in the UE; The number (quantity) of network(s) associated with the multiple USIMs in the UE, e.g. the number M referred to above.

[0031] Figure 1 is a flow chart of an example of a method 100 in a User Equipment (UE) of sending information that identifies one or more Multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Module (MUSIM) gap patterns. The UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs, and each USIM is associated with one respective network of one or more networks. The networks described herein may each be for example a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) or another type of network, such as for example a Non-Public Network (NPN), also known as a Private Network.

[0032] The method 100 comprises, in step 102, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks (e.g. selecting or choosing the one or more MUSIM gap patterns). The one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network are determined based on one or more of the following: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with the one or more of the networks. The MUSIM gap patterns may be for example one or more preferred MUSIM gap patterns, that is, for example, the UE’s preference for MUSIM gap pattern(s). The MUSIM gap patterns are MUSIM gaps in the first network, for example, gaps that may allow the UE to switch to another network other than the first network and perform operations on the other network.

[0033] Determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns may comprise for example determining, for each of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns, one or more of the following: a gap length; a number of gap repetitions; a starting frame number, SFN; and / or an indication that no MUSIM gaps are required. Each of these may be referred to as a parameter in below examples. In this disclosure, the number of gap repetitions may be for example the number of gap repetitions in a certain time period or the number of gaps in a certain time period, where the certain time period may be for example a repetition period of periodic gaps. Alternatively, in some examples, the number of gap repetitions may be the gap repetition period. For example, the gap repetition period may be the gap repetition period in ms as specified in 3GPP TS 38.133, clause 9.1.10, in the musim-GapRepetitionAndOffset field in the MUSIM-Gaplnfo information element (IE), which indicates the gap repetition period in ms and gap offset in number of subframes for the periodic MUSIM gap.

[0034] Step 104 of the method 100 comprises sending, to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns. In some examples, the information may be a list of one or more entries in a table, such as for example Table 9.1.10-1 : MllSIM Gap Pattern Configurations in 3GPP TS 38.133 v17.10.0. In some examples, the information may be sent to the first network in a message, such as a UE Assistance Information (UAI) message.

[0035] There may be up to the same number of networks as the number of USIMs. That is, for example, where there are N USIMs, where N is a positive integer greater than 1, the USIMs may collectively be associated with between 1 and N networks. Therefore, in some examples, two or more of the USIMs may be associated with the same network (e.g. one or more of the networks is the same network as at least one other network of the one or more networks).

[0036] In some examples, the one or more MUSIM gap patterns determined in step 102 of the method 100 may be determined based on a frequency, operating band and / or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network, and / or one or more of the one or more networks. For example, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network and / or the one or more of the one or more networks may for example comprise determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network is the same as the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the one or more of the one or more networks. Similarly, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network and / or the one or more of the one or more networks may for example comprise determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network is different to the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the one or more of the one or more networks. The second value may be different to the first value.

[0037] In some examples, one of the one or more parameters comprises a gap length, and the second value of the gap length is larger than the first value of the gap length. In other words, for example, a larger (or longer) gap length may be preferred by the UE (and hence sent to the first network in step 104 of the method 100) if the network(s) other than the first network use a different frequency, operating band or frequency range for communication with the UE than the first network, as compared to the case where the frequency, operating band or frequency range is the same, in which case a shorter gap length may be determined. This may allow for a longer switching time, for example, where the different networks use different frequency, operating band or frequency range.

[0038] In some examples, the method 100 may comprise determining a larger value for the second value (e.g. a longer gap) when there is a larger difference between the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network and the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the one or more of the one or more networks. In other words, for example, the larger the difference between the frequency, operating band or frequency range of the first network and that of the other network(s), the larger the second value (e.g. gap length) will be.

[0039] In some examples, the one of the one or more parameters comprises a starting frame number, SFN, and the second value of the SFN identifies a frame that is earlier than a frame identified by the first value of the SFN. This may also for example allow for a longer switching time between networks that use different frequency, operating band or frequency range, by indicating to the first network a preference to start the MUSIM gap in the first network earlier.

[0040] In step 104, sending, to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns may in some examples comprise, if the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network is the same as the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the one or more of the one or more networks, sending, to the first network, information indicating that no MUSIM gap is preferred for the 2nd network, e.g. that the UE does not need a MUSIM gap in the first network. For example, the UE in the second network may be handed over to a frequency in Frequency Range 2 (FR2). Thus, for example, the UE may not need MUSIM gaps in the first network if it is also in FR2 in the first network. In such examples, it may be that there is another mechanism for the UE to perform operations in the second network. For example, there may be measurement gaps configured in the first network, and these measurement gaps may be used to perform operations on the second network (e.g. measurements or other operations).

[0041] In some examples, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks in step 102 of the method 100 may comprise determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a configuration of paging occasions for the one or more of the one or more networks. For example, a larger number of gap repetitions and / or longer gaps may be determined or chosen (for sending to the first network in step 104) when there is a larger number of paging occasions configured for the one or more of the one or more networks.

[0042] Determining the one or more MllSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks in step 102 of the method 100 may in some examples comprise determining the one or more MllSIM gap patterns based on a number of operations to be performed on the one or more of the one or more networks. The operations may comprise one or more of the following non-exhaustive examples:

[0043] • one or more transmission operations on the one or more of the one or more networks;

[0044] • one or more reception operations on the one or more of the one or more networks;

[0045] • obtaining one or more measurements on the one or more of the one or more networks;

[0046] • acquiring one or more system information blocks, SIBs, on the one or more of the one or more networks.

[0047] For example, where there are more operations to perform on network(s) other than the first network, a longer and / or more frequent MllSIM gap in the first network may be determined or chosen (for sending to the first network in step 104) when there are more operations to be performed on the other network(s).

[0048] In some examples, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a number of frequency layers in a measurement configuration for the one or more of the one or more networks. For example, a longer gap may be determined or chosen for a larger number of layers in the measurement configuration for the one or more of the one or more networks.

[0049] In some examples, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks may comprise determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on one or more service types of communications by the UE on the first network. For example, this may comprise determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the one or more service types includes a first service type, and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MllSIM gap patterns if the one or more service types includes a second service type different to the first service type. The second value is different to the first value.

[0050] The first service type may comprise for example a time sensitive service type, uninterruptable service type and / or Ultra reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC). Similarly, the second service type may comprise a time sensitive service type, uninterruptable service type and / or URLLC.

[0051] One of the one or more parameters may comprise a gap length for example, and the second value of the gap length may be larger than the first value of the gap length. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more parameters may comprise a number of gap repetitions (e.g. per repetition period, per unit of time, etc.), and the first value of the number of gap repetitions is larger than the second value of the number of gap repetitions. In a particular example, where there is a time sensitive service type, uninterruptable service type and / or URLLC service on the first network, shorter gaps and / or fewer gaps may be chosen than if the service type was a different service type, so as to have less of an impact on the service on the first network. In some examples, sending, to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns comprises, if the service type comprises one or more of a time sensitive service type, uninterruptable service type and Ultra reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), sending, to the first network, information indicating that no MUSIM gap is preferred for the first network. That is, in some examples, the preference of the UE of no MUSIM gaps on the first network is indicated to the first network so as to have less impact or no impact on the service in the first network.

[0052] In some examples, determining, in step 102 of the method 100, the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a priority of communications by the UE on the first network. For example, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on the priority of communications by the UE on the first network may comprise determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the priority is a high priority, and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the priority is a low priority, wherein the second value is different to the first value. In a particular example, the one or more parameters may comprise a gap length, and the second value of the gap length is larger than the first value of the gap length. Therefore, for example, a longer MUSIM gap length may be determined or chosen where communications on the first network are of a low priority, and a shorter MllSIM gap length are of a high priority, so as to have less impact on the higher priority communications in the first network.

[0053] Determining the one or more MllSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks in step 102 may in some examples comprise determining the one or more MllSIM gap patterns based on a Radio Access Technology (RAT) of the first network and the one or more of the one or more networks. For example, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a RAT of the first network and the one or more of the one or more networks may comprise determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the RAT of the first network is the same as the RAT of the one or more of the one or more networks, and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the RAT of the first network is different to the RAT of the one or more of the one or more networks, wherein the second value is different to the first value. In a particular example, the one or more parameters comprises a gap length, and the second value of the gap length is larger than the first value of the gap length. Therefore, for example, a longer MUSIM gap length may be determined or chosen where the RATs are different than if the RATs are the same, to allow for a longer switching time between networks than if the RATs are the same.

[0054] In some examples, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks in step 102 of the method 100 may comprise determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a duplex mode of communication by the UE on the first network and the one or more of the one or more networks. For example, determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a duplex mode of communication by the UE on the first network and the one or more of the one or more networks comprises determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the duplex mode of communication by the UE on the first network is the same as the duplex mode of communication by the UE on the one or more of the one or more networks, and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the duplex mode of communication by the UE on the first network is different to the duplex mode of communication by the UE on the one or more of the one or more networks. The second value is different to the first value. In a particular example, the duplex mode comprises Time Division Duplex (TDD) or Frequency Division Duplex (FDD). Below are provided further details on specific implementations of features and embodiments of this disclosure for illustrative purposes.

[0055] In some particular examples of this disclosure, the UE may be capable of Dual-RX, which means there are at least two independent receiver (Rx) chains supported by the UE for downlink (DL) data receptions. The UE may for example be capable of New Radio (NR) Standalone (SA) (with or without carrier Aggregation, CA) or NR Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) on at least one of the networks associated with at least one of the USIMs. In some examples, the UE is a 6G UE associated to one or more 6G Radio Access Network nodes (e.g. 6G RAN node), associated to multiple mobile operator(s) e.g. PLMN(s). In other examples, other Radio Access Technologies may be used, e.g. 5G (NR), 4G (LTE) etc.

[0056] In a particular specific example of this disclosure, a UE capable of Multi-SIM (MUSIM) may have at least a first USIM associated with a first network and a second USIM is associated with a second network. The UE may transmit (e.g. in a particular example implementation of step 104 of the method 100 above) a UAI message to the first network including the UE’s preferred MUSIM gap parameter(s) for the second network, i.e. the UE’s preference for gaps in the first network in order to perform one or more operations on the second network. The one or more preferred MUSIM gap parameters may comprise, for example, one or more of the following:

[0057] - Starting SFN and subframe

[0058] - Gap Length

[0059] - Gap repetition and offset

[0060] - An indication of no need for MUSIM gap

[0061] - Other UE preference MUSIM gap parameters

[0062] The one or more preferred MUSIM gap parameters are based for example on one or more of the following gap preference criteria:

[0063] A) Operating bands of the PLMNs

[0064] B) PO configuration and / or measurement configuration of the 2nd PLMN

[0065] C) The service type(s) of the first PLMN

[0066] D) Priority of uplink signal for 1st PLMN

[0067] E) Radio access technologies

[0068] F) Operation mode (duplex mode) in the first PLMN and / or operation mode in the second PLMN

[0069] G) Numbers of PLMNs In some examples referred to above, the one or more MllSIM gap patterns (e.g. preferred pattern(s)) may be determined based on an operating frequency and / or frequency bands of the networks. For example, the UE may indicate a gap length depending on the operating band(s) and / or the frequency bands of the PLMNs the UE is associated to. In an example, the UE may indicate in UAI transmitted to the first PLMN that it prefers a first gap length in the first network (e.g. for operations on the second network) when the frequency band of the second network is different than the frequency band of the first network, and a second gap length when the frequency band of the second network is the same as the frequency band of the first network, wherein the first gap length is longer than the_second gap length. One benefit for the UE to request larger gap lengths when the frequency bands of the networks are different, as suggested above, is that the UE would have more time to switch between the first and second networks.

[0070] Figure 2 illustrates an example of MUSIM gap lengths including (a) a longer gap length (shaded area) in the first network indicated by the UE as a preferred MUSIM gap pattern in the first network when first and second networks are in different frequency bands, and (b) a shorted gap length when the networks are in the same frequency band.

[0071] In another example, as suggested above, the UE indicates an empty message or preference list in the UAI transmitted to the first network, indicating that has no preferred MUSIM gap patterns in the first network (e.g. the UE prefers to MUSIM gaps in the first network) when the frequency band of the second network is the same as the frequency band of the first network. One benefit may be for example is if the UE initially indicated preferred gap pattern(s) for gaps when the second network was in Frequency Range 1 (FR1). Subsequently, the UE in the second network may be handed over to a frequency in Frequency Range 2 (FR2). Thus, for example, the UE may not need MUSIM gaps in the first network if it is also in FR2 in the first network. In this example, inter-frequency mobility in the second network triggered the transmission of the empty message. The FR1 and FR2 frequency ranges and FR1 operating bands are for example those defined in 3GPP TS 38.101-1 , V17.11.0.

[0072] In a further example, suggested above, depending on the separation (e.g. in kHz) of the frequency of the operating bands of the first and second networks, the UE may indicate in the UAI message that it prefers a longer gap length in the first network (e.g. for operations on the second network) when the frequency separation is larger, and the UE may indicate in another UAI message that it prefers a shorter gap if the first and second networks are closer in terms of frequency separation. In other words, the preferred gap may for example be proportional to the distance between the frequency bands (e.g. the center frequency of each frequency band) of the two networks. In some examples, a linear or non-linear function may be used that maps the separation distance between the frequency bands of the two networks to the preferred MllSIM gap length, so that for larger separation in frequency, the UE would indicate that it prefers larger gap length(s) in the UAI message to the first network. One benefit for the UE to request larger gap lengths when the frequency bands of the PLMNs are further apart leaves the UE with more time left to switch from the second PLMN to the first PLMN in a band further apart, when the UE uses the gap period to perform actions in the second PLMN (e.g. for performing measurements in the second PLMN).

[0073] For example, the UE may indicate in the UAI transmitted to the first network that it prefers a first gap length in the first network (e.g. for operations in the second network) when the frequency band of the second network is X1 kHz from the frequency band of the first network, a the second gap length when the frequency band of the second network is X2 kHz from the frequency band of the first network, wherein the first gap length is longer than the second gap length when X1 is larger than X2. In other words, the gap length gets longer when the frequency bands are further apart. In a particular example, depending on the frequency range such as FR1 or FR2, the UE may indicate in the UAI that it prefers a longer gap length (e.g. specifies a longer gap length in the UAI) when the first network is in FR1 (e.g. the cell the UE is connected to in the first network and / or is camping on has a Synchronization Signal Block, SSB frequency in FR1) and the second network is in FR2 (e.g. the cell that the UE is connected to in the second network and / or is camping on has an SSB frequency in FR2), or vice versa. The UE may also alternatively indicate in the UAI that it prefers a shorter gap length (e.g. specifies a shorter gap length in the UAI) if the first and second networks are both in FR1 or both in FR2.

[0074] In other words, in some examples, the UE indicates in the UAI transmitted to the first PLMN that it prefers a first gap length for MUSIM gaps in the first network when the frequency range (FR) in which the UE is operating in the second network is different than the FR in which the UE is operating in the first network, and a the second gap length when the FR in which the UE is operating in the second network is the same as the FR in which the UE is operating in the first network, wherein the first gap length is longer than the second gap length.

[0075] Depending on the frequency groups (e.g. a low band group refers to lower than 1GHz, the mid band group refers to higher than 1GHz and 2~3GHz bands) within FR1 , the UE may for example indicate to the first network that it prefers a longer gap length (e.g. specifies a longer gap length) if the first network is in the low band group and the second network is in the mid band group, and vice versa. Similarly, the UE may for example indicate that it prefers a shorter gap length (e.g. specifies a shorter gap length) if the first and second networks are both in the same frequency groups in FR1. If there are more than two networks with one IISIM associated to each network, for example, depending on the frequency range such as FR1 or FR2 and the frequency groups within FR1, the UE may indicate a longer preferred gap length in the first network (for operations in the second network) if the first network is in FR1 and the second network is in FR2, and the UE may also indicate a shorter preferred gap length (e.g. for operations in a third network) compared to the gap indicated for operations in the second network even if the first network is in the different band groups such as low band group and the 3rdPLMN is in the mid band group.

[0076] The UE may in some examples indicate in the UAI transmitted to the first network a first preferred starting subframe number (SFN) and / or subframe value(s) for the MUSIM gap configuration in the first network when the frequency band of the second network is different to the frequency band of the first network, and a second preferred starting SFN and / or subframe value(s) for the gap configuration in the first network when the frequency band of the second network is the same as the frequency band of the first network, wherein the first starting SFN and / or subframe value(s) differs from the second starting SFN and / or subframe value(s). One benefit may be for example that by indicating an earlier SFN when the frequency bands are different, the UE may have more time to switch to the second network from the first network in a MUSIM gap when the gap has already started, without compromising the actions that needs to be timely performed in the second network, e.g. measurements, acquisition of system information, etc. Figure 3 illustrates an example of starting points of MUSIM gaps, in which the earlier starting point of the gap indicated by the UE as preferred to the first PLMN when first and second PLMNs are in different frequency bands, leaving additional time for the UE to perform the switching from the first to the second PLMN, necessary when the PLMNs are in different frequency bands.

[0077] In some examples, of this disclosure, as suggested above, the UE may indicate to the first network (e.g. in a UAI message) one or more MUSIM gap patterns, such as preferred MUSIM gap patterns based on a paging occasion configuration and / or measurement configuration of the second network. Examples of these parameters in this particular case are the gap length and / or number of gap repetitions (e.g. in a certain time period). For example, the UE may indicate (e.g. in the UAI) a longer preferred gap length and / or fewer repetition(s) when the UE is in RRC_CONNECTED state in a first network and needs to perform multiple activities within short time in a second network. The multiple activities could be for example measurements and / or monitoring of paging occasions (POs). Instead of having multiple periodic gaps, the UE may indicate the preference of a single and longer gap to cover such multiple activities within one gap. This may for example limit the number of network switching actions of the UE and hence reduce power consumption.

[0078] The UE may in some examples indicate to the first network a first preferred number of gap repetitions (e.g. in a particular time period) in the first network when the UE is configured with a first PO configuration in the second network that needs to be monitored, and the UE may indicate a second preferred number of gap repetitions to the first network when the UE is configured with a second PO configuration in the second network. The first number of gap repetitions may for example be larger than the second number of gap repetitions when the first PO configuration has more occasions (e.g. within a time period) than the second PO configuration.

[0079] In some examples, the UE may indicate to the first network a first gap length for MUSIMs in the first network when it is configured with a first number of frequency layers (e.g. measurement object(s)) in a measurement configuration in the second network which need to be measured, and the UE indicates a second gap length to when it is configured with a second number of frequency layers (e.g. measurement object(s)) in a measurement configuration in the second network which need to be measured. The first gap length may for example be larger than the second gap length when the first number of frequency layers is larger than the second number of frequency layers. The UE may also in some examples prefer to have a longer gap (and thus indicate to the first network a longer gap) when the UE has more POs to monitor in the second network and the UE is in RRC_Connected state in the first network, and conversely a shorter gap when the UE has fewer POs to monitor in the second network and the UE is in RRC_Connected state in the first network.

[0080] In some examples, as suggested above, the UE may determine gap pattern(s) based on service type(s) of service(s) in the first network. For example, the UE could prefer a shorter gap and / or more repetitions (e.g. shorter but more frequent gaps instead of fewer but longer gaps) if there is a time sensitive service ongoing in the first network, e.g. URLLC. This may be because if a time sensitive service is ongoing in the first network, it is preferable for the UE to spread out MUSIM gaps with shorter gap length and / or more repetitions, as this may have a smaller or no impact on the time sensitive service. Otherwise, if the UE “merges” the gaps to a single, longer gap, this increases the risk for packet loss and larger jitter to the time sensitive service. For example, the UE and first network would have to buffer VoIP packets for the first network while the UE is connected to the second network in a first network MUSIM gap. Longer gaps result in longer buffering time, both for uplink and downlink. If the buffering time becomes too long, e.g. over 40-60ms, then there is a risk that the sender will start dropping packets if the delay exceeds the Packet Delay Budget defined for the service.

[0081] Similarly, for example, the UE could prefer a longer gap and / or fewer repetitions if there is less time sensitive service or non-time sensitive service ongoing in the first network, e.g. web browsing or file transfer. If a voice call is ongoing in the first network, for example, shorter gaps, e.g. less than 20-40ms, could be handled by the jitter buffer in the receiver and should then have only a small or possibly no impact on the speech quality. However, VoIP clients usually have only a small jitter buffer to keep the end-to-end (mouth-to-ear) delay short, which means that the jitter buffer cannot handle longer gaps. Other services, such as live streaming and on-demand streaming, typically use longer buffers in the receiver since they have relaxed end-to-end requirements, which means that such services should be able to handle longer gaps.

[0082] In some particular examples, the UE may indicate to the first network no preferred MUSIM gap patterns, e.g. that it prefers no MUSIM gaps in the first network, when there is time critical service ongoing in the first network. In other examples, the UE may indicate to the first network no preferred MUSIM gap patterns, e.g. that it prefers no MUSIM gaps in the first network, when there is service that can’t be interrupted, e.g. a software, operating system or firmware update ongoing in the first network.

[0083] In some examples, the UE may determine preferred MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the priority of a signal in the first network, e.g. an uplink or downlink signal. For example, the UE could indicate a shorter preferred gap in the first network for performing activities in the second network when the signal is of high priority, so as to have less impact on the high priority signals, e.g. in a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH).

[0084] The UE may in some examples determine the gap pattern(s) based on the Radio Access Technologies (RATs) of the first and second networks. For example, the UE may indicate to the first network a first preferred gap length for MUSIM gaps in the first network when the RAT of the second network is different than the RAT of the first network, and a second preferred gap length when the RAT of the second network is the same as the RAT of the first network, wherein the first gap length is longer than the second gap length.

[0085] In some examples, the UE may indicate to the network one or more MllSIM gap patterns based on operation mode (duplex mode) in the first network and / or operation mode in the second network. For example, the UE may indicate the first network a first preferred gap length when the UE mode of operation in the second network is different than the mode of operation in the first network (e.g. FDD and TDD respectively, or TDD and FDD respectively), and a second, shorter, preferred gap length when the mode of operation in the second network is the same as the mode of operation in the first network (e.g. both TDD, or both FDD).

[0086] In some examples, the UE may indicate to the first network one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a number of networks associated with the USIMs in the UE. For example, the UE may indicate to the first network that it prefers a first gap length for performing operations in other networks when there are more than two different networks, and a second, shorter gap length when there are only two different networks. Similarly, for example, the UE may indicate to the first network a first gap offset when there are more than two networks and a second gap offset when there are only two networks, wherein the first gap offset results in an earlier starting MUSIM gap than the second gap offset.

[0087] Figure 4 is a schematic of an example of an apparatus 400 for sending information that identifies one or more Multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Module, MUSIM, gap patterns, wherein the UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs, each USIM associated with a respective network of one or more networks. The apparatus 400 comprises processing circuitry 402 (e.g. one or more processors) and a memory 404 in communication with the processing circuitry 402. The memory 404 contains instructions, such as computer program code 410, executable by the processing circuitry 402. The apparatus 400 also comprises an interface 406 in communication with the processing circuitry 402. Although the interface 406, processing circuitry 402 and memory 404 are shown connected in series, these may alternatively be interconnected in any other way, for example via a bus.

[0088] In one embodiment, the memory 404 contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry 402 such that the apparatus 400 is operable / configured to determine the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks based on one or more of: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks; and send, to the first network, information identifying the one or more MllSIM gap patterns. In some examples, the apparatus 400 is operable / configured to carry out the method 100 described above with reference to Figure 1.

[0089] It should be noted that the above-mentioned examples illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative examples without departing from the scope of the appended statements. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the statements below. Where the terms, “first”, “second” etc. are used they are to be understood merely as labels for the convenient identification of a particular feature. In particular, they are not to be interpreted as describing the first or the second feature of a plurality of such features (i.e., the first or second of such features to occur in time or space) unless explicitly stated otherwise. Steps in the methods disclosed herein may be carried out in any order unless expressly otherwise stated. Any reference signs in the statements shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

Claims

Claims1. A method (100) in a User Equipment, UE, of sending information that identifies one or more MUSIM gap patterns, wherein the UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs, each USIM associated with a respective network of one or more networks, the method comprising: determining (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks based on one or more of: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with the one or more of the networks; and sending (104), to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a frequency, operating band and / or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network, and / or one or more of the one or more networks.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network and / or the one or more of the one or more networks comprises: determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network is the same as the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the one or more of the one or more networks; and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or moreMUSIM gap patterns if the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network is different to the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the one or more of the one or more networks; wherein the second value is different to the first value.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein one of the one or more parameters comprises a gap length, and the second value of the gap length is larger than the first value of the gap length.

5. The method of claim 4, comprising determining a larger value for the second value when there is a larger difference between the frequency, operating band or frequency rangeof communication by the UE in the first network and the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the one or more of the one or more networks.

6. The method of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein one of the one or more parameters comprises a starting frame number, SFN, and the second value of the SFN identifies a frame that is earlier than a frame identified by the first value of the SFN.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein sending (104), to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns comprises, if the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the first network is the same as the frequency, operating band or frequency range of communication by the UE in the one or more of the one or more networks, sending, to the first network, information indicating that no MUSIM gap is preferred for asecond network.

8. The method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein determining (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a configuration of paging occasions for the one or more of the one or more networks.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a configuration of paging occasions for the one or more of the one or more networks comprises determining a larger number of gap repetitions and / or longer gaps when there is a larger number of paging occasions configured for the one or more of the one or more networks.

10. The method of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein determining (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a number of operations to be performed on the one or more of the one or more networks.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the operations comprise one or more of: one or more transmission operations on the one or more of the one or more networks; one or more reception operations on the one or more of the one or more networks;obtaining one or more measurements on the one or more of the one or more networks; and acquiring one or more system information blocks, SIBs, on the one or more of the one or more networks.

12. The method of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein determining (102) the one or more MllSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MllSIM gap patterns based on a number of frequency layers in a measurement configuration for the one or more of the one or more networks.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the one or more MllSIM gap patterns based on the number of frequency layers in a measurement configuration for the one or more of the one or more networks comprises determining a longer gap for a larger number of layers in the measurement configuration for the one or more of the one or more networks.

14. The method of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein determining (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on one or more service types of communications by the UE on the first network.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on one or more service types of communications by the UE on the first network comprises: determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the one or more service types includes a first service type; and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the one or more service types includes a second service type different to the first service type; wherein the second value is different to the first value.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the first service type comprises one or more of a time sensitive service type, uninterruptable service type and Ultra reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), and / or the second service type comprises one or more of a time sensitive service type, uninterruptable service type and / or URLLC.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein one of the one or more parameters comprises a gap length, and the second value of the gap length is larger than the first value of the gap length.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the one or more parameters comprises a number of gap repetitions, and the first value of the number of gap repetitions is larger than the second value of the number of gap repetitions.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein sending (104), to the first network, information identifying the one or more MllSIM gap patterns comprises, if the one or more service type comprises one or more of a time sensitive service type, uninterruptable service type and Ultra reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), sending, to the first network, information indicating that no MUSIM gap is preferred for the first network.

20. The method of any of claims 1 to 19, wherein determining (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a priority of communications by the UE on the first network.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on the priority of communications by the UE on the first network comprises: determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the priority is a high priority; and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the priority is a low priority; wherein the second value is different to the first value.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more parameters comprises a gap length, and the second value of the gap length is larger than the first value of the gap length.

23. The method of any of claims 1 to 22, wherein determining (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a Radio Access Technology (RAT) of the first network and the one or more of the one or more networks.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein determining the one or more MllSIM gap patterns based on a RAT of the first network and the one or more of the one or more networks comprises: determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MllSIM gap patterns if the RAT of the first network is the same as the RAT of the one or more of the one or more networks; and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MllSIM gap patterns if the RAT of the first network is different to the RAT of the one or more of the one or more networks; wherein the second value is different to the first value.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more parameters comprises a gap length, and the second value of the gap length is larger than the first value of the gap length.

26. The method of any of claims 1 to 25, wherein determining (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in the first network based on the one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks comprises determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a duplex mode of communication by the UE on the first network and the one or more of the one or more networks.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein determining the one or more MUSIM gap patterns based on a duplex mode of communication by the UE on the first network and the one or more of the one or more networks comprises: determining a first value for each of one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the duplex mode of communication by the UE on the first network is the same as the duplex mode of communication by the UE on the one or more of the one or more networks; and determining a second value for the one or more parameters of the one or more MUSIM gap patterns if the duplex mode of communication by the UE on the first network is different to the duplex mode of communication by the UE on the one or more of the one or more networks; wherein the second value is different to the first value.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein the duplex mode comprises Time Division Duplex (TDD) or Frequency Division Duplex (FDD).

29. The method of any of claims 1 to 28, wherein each of the networks is the same network as at least one other network of the one or more networks.

30. The method of any of claims 1 to 29, wherein the one or more networks comprises a plurality of networks, and at least one of the networks is different to all of the other networks of the plurality of networks.

31. The method of any of claims 1 to 30, wherein each of the one or more of the one or more networks comprises a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).

32. The method of any of claims 1 to 31, wherein determining (102) the one or more MllSIM gap patterns comprises determining, for each of the one or more MllSIM gap patterns, one or more of: a gap length; a number of gap repetitions; a starting frame number, SFN; an indication that no MllSIM gaps are required.

33. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out a method (100) according to any of claims 1 to 32.

34. A carrier containing a computer program according to claim 33, wherein the carrier comprises one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal or computer readable storage medium.

35. A computer program product comprising non transitory computer readable media having stored thereon a computer program according to claim 33.

36. Apparatus (400) in a User Equipment, UE, for sending information that identifies one or more MUSIM gap patterns, wherein the UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs, each USIM associated with a respective network of one or more networks, the apparatus comprising a processor (402) and a memory (404), the memory containing instructions executable by the processor such that the apparatus is operable to:determine (102) the one or more MllSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks based on one or more of: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks; and send (104), to the first network, information identifying the one or more MllSIM gap patterns.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the memory (404) contains instructions executable by the processor (402) such that the apparatus (400) is operable to perform the method (100) of any of claims 2 to 32.

38. Apparatus in a User Equipment, UE, for sending information that identifies one or more MUSIM gap patterns, wherein the UE is equipped with a plurality of Universal Subscriber Identity Modules, USIMs, each USIM associated with a respective network of one or more networks, the apparatus configured to: determine (102) the one or more MUSIM gap patterns in a first network of the one or more networks based on one or more of: a number of the one or more networks; a number of the USIMs; and one or more properties of communication by the UE with one or more of the networks; and send (104), to the first network, information identifying the one or more MUSIM gap patterns.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform the method (100) of any of claims 2 to 32.

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