Methods and systems for triggering an on-demand synchronization signal block transmission

Abstract

The present disclosure provides techniques for triggering an On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission by a network entity. The method (700) includes configuring (702), by the network entity, at least one of a Primary Cell (PCell) or a Secondary Cell (SCell) of the network to operate in at least one of an Always-On SSB (A-SSB) mode and an OD-SSB mode. The method (700) further includes transmitting (704), by the network entity, a plurality of configuration parameters for OD-SSB associated with the at least one of the PCell and the SCell based on the configured mode to enable a User Equipment (UE) to receive the OD-SSB.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRIGGERING AN ON-DEMAND SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL BLOCK TRANSMISSION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more particularly relates to systems and methods for triggering an On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission by a network entity.

[0002] 5G mobile communication technologies define broad frequency bands such that high transmission rates and new services are possible, and can be implemented not only in "Sub 6GHz" bands such as 3.5GHz, but also in "Above 6GHz" bands referred to as mmWave including 28GHz and 39GHz. In addition, it has been considered to implement 6G mobile communication technologies (referred to as Beyond 5G systems) in terahertz bands (for example, 95GHz to 3THz bands) in order to accomplish transmission rates fifty times faster than 5G mobile communication technologies and ultra-low latencies one-tenth of 5G mobile communication technologies.

[0003] At the beginning of the development of 5G mobile communication technologies, in order to support services and to satisfy performance requirements in connection with enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), there has been ongoing standardization regarding beamforming and massive MIMO for mitigating radio-wave path loss and increasing radio-wave transmission distances in mmWave, supporting numerologies (for example, operating multiple subcarrier spacings) for efficiently utilizing mmWave resources and dynamic operation of slot formats, initial access technologies for supporting multi-beam transmission and broadbands, definition and operation of BWP (BandWidth Part), new channel coding methods such as a LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code for large amount of data transmission and a polar code for highly reliable transmission of control information, L2 pre-processing, and network slicing for providing a dedicated network specialized to a specific service.

[0004] Currently, there are ongoing discussions regarding improvement and performance enhancement of initial 5G mobile communication technologies in view of services to be supported by 5G mobile communication technologies, and there has been physical layer standardization regarding technologies such as V2X (Vehicle-to-everything) for aiding driving determination by autonomous vehicles based on information regarding positions and states of vehicles transmitted by the vehicles and for enhancing user convenience, NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed) aimed at system operations conforming to various regulation-related requirements in unlicensed bands, NR UE Power Saving, Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) which is UE-satellite direct communication for providing coverage in an area in which communication with terrestrial networks is unavailable, and positioning.

[0005] Moreover, there has been ongoing standardization in air interface architecture / protocol regarding technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for supporting new services through interworking and convergence with other industries, IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) for providing a node for network service area expansion by supporting a wireless backhaul link and an access link in an integrated manner, mobility enhancement including conditional handover and DAPS (Dual Active Protocol Stack) handover, and two-step random access for simplifying random access procedures (2-step RACH for NR). There also has been ongoing standardization in system architecture / service regarding a 5G baseline architecture (for example, service based architecture or service based interface) for combining Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies, and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) for receiving services based on UE positions.

[0006] As 5G mobile communication systems are commercialized, connected devices that have been exponentially increasing will be connected to communication networks, and it is accordingly expected that enhanced functions and performances of 5G mobile communication systems and integrated operations of connected devices will be necessary. To this end, new research is scheduled in connection with eXtended Reality (XR) for efficiently supporting AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality) and the like, 5G performance improvement and complexity reduction by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), AI service support, metaverse service support, and drone communication.

[0007] Furthermore, such development of 5G mobile communication systems will serve as a basis for developing not only new waveforms for providing coverage in terahertz bands of 6G mobile communication technologies, multi-antenna transmission technologies such as Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas and large-scale antennas, metamaterial-based lenses and antennas for improving coverage of terahertz band signals, high-dimensional space multiplexing technology using OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum), and RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface), but also full-duplex technology for increasing frequency efficiency of 6G mobile communication technologies and improving system networks, AI-based communication technology for implementing system optimization by utilizing satellites and AI (Artificial Intelligence) from the design stage and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and next-generation distributed computing technology for implementing services at levels of complexity exceeding the limit of UE operation capability by utilizing ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources.

[0008] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide method and apparatus for supporting Network Energy Saving (NES).

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide method and apparatus for an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0010] The technical subjects pursued in the disclosure may not be limited to the above-mentioned technical subjects, and other technical subjects which are not mentioned may be clearly understood, through the following descriptions, by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

[0011] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a method for triggering an On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission by a network entity. The method includes configuring, by the network entity, at least one of a Primary Cell (PCell) or a Secondary Cell (SCell) of the network to operate in at least one of an Always-On SSB (A-SSB) mode and an OD-SSB mode. The method further includes transmitting, by the network entity, a plurality of configuration parameters for OD-SSB associated with the at least one of the PCell and the SCell based on the configured mode to enable a User Equipment (UE) to receive the OD-SSB.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a method for triggering an On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission by a network entity. The method includes configuring, by the network entity, one of a Primary Cell (PCell) or a Secondary Cell (SCell) of the network to operate in at least one of an Always-On SSB (A-SSB) mode and an OD-SSB mode. The method further includes transmitting, by the network entity, a plurality of configuration parameters associated with the at least one of the PCell or the SCell based on the configured mode to enable a User Equipment (UE) to receive the OD-SSB. The plurality of configuration parameters comprise at least one of a periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of OD-SSB, a burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of OD-SSB, and a number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of OD-SSB. The method further includes, in response to transmitting the plurality of configuration parameters, transmitting, to the UE, a Discovery Reference Signal (DRS) to enable the UE to achieve synchronization and to measure a channel condition required for triggering an uplink wake-up signal for requesting OD-SSB transmission from the network entity. The method furthermore includes receiving, from the UE, the uplink wake-up signal. The method further includes triggering the OD-SSB transmission in response to receiving the uplink wake-up signal requesting OD-SSB transmission.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a method for requesting an on-demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmission by a User Equipment (UE). The method includes receiving, by the UE, a plurality of configuration parameters associated with the one of a primary cell (PCell) or a secondary cell (SCell). The plurality of configuration parameters comprise at least one of a periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of the OD-SSB transmission, a burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission, and a number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission. The method further includes, in response to receiving the plurality of configuration parameters, receiving, by the UE, a Discovery Reference Signal (DRS). The DRS is utilized to achieve synchronization and to measure and determine a condition required to trigger the OD-SSB. The method furthermore includes determining, by the UE, the condition required to trigger the OD-SSB transmission. The method further includes transmitting, in response to the determination, a request for OD-SSB transmission using an uplink wake-up signal.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a system for triggering an On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission by a network entity. The system comprises a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to configure at least one of a primary cell (PCell) or a Secondary Cell (SCell) of the network to operate in at least one of an Always-On SSB (A-SSB) mode and an OD-SSB mode. The processor is further configured to transmit a plurality of configuration parameters for OD-SSB associated with the at least one of the PCell and the SCell based on the configured mode to enable a User Equipment (UE) to receive the OD-SSB.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a system for triggering an On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission by a network entity. The system comprises a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to configure one of a Primary Cell (PCell) or a Secondary Cell (SCell) of the network to operate in at least one of an Always-On SSB (A-SSB) mode and an OD-SSB mode. The processor is further configured to transmit a plurality of configuration parameters associated with the at least one of the PCell or the SCell based on the configured mode to enable a User Equipment (UE) to receive the OD-SSB. The plurality of configuration parameters comprise at least one of a periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of OD-SSB, a burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of OD-SSB, and a number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of OD-SSB. The processor is furthermore configured to, in response to transmitting the plurality of configuration parameters, transmit, to the UE, a Discovery Reference Signal (DRS) to enable the UE to achieve synchronization and to measure a channel condition required for triggering an uplink wake-up signal for requesting OD-SSB transmission from the network. The processor is configured to receive, from the UE, the uplink wake-up signal. The processor is further configured to trigger the OD-SSB transmission in response to receiving the uplink wake-up signal requesting OD-SSB transmission.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a system for requesting an on-demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmission by a User Equipment (UE). The system comprises a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a plurality of configuration parameters associated with the one of a primary cell (PCell) or a secondary cell (SCell). The plurality of configuration parameters comprise at least one of a periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of the OD-SSB, a burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of the OD-SSB, and a number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of the OD-SSB. The processor is further configured to, in response to receiving the plurality of configuration parameters, receive a Discovery Reference Signal (DRS), wherein the DRS is utilized to achieve synchronization and to measure and determine a condition required to trigger the OD-SSB. The processor is further configured to determine the condition required to trigger the OD-SSB transmission. The processor is further configured to transmit, in response to the determination, a request for OD-SSB transmission using an uplink wake-up signal.

[0018] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] An embodiment of the disclosure provides method and apparatus for supporting Network Energy Saving (NES).

[0020] An embodiment of the disclosure provides method and apparatus for an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0021] Advantageous effects obtainable from the disclosure may not be limited to the above - mentioned effects, and other effects which are not mentioned may be clearly understood from the following descriptions by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

[0022] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communications system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system for triggering an On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission by a network entity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGs. 3-6 illustrate signal flow diagrams for triggering the OD-SSB transmission, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGs. 7-8 illustrate flow diagrams depicting methods for triggering the OD-SSB transmission by the network entity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a system for triggering the OD-SSB transmission by a User Equipment (UE), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method for triggering the OD-SSB transmission by the UE, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate several such configurations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram depicting access to the wireless communications system and initiation of wake-up or sleep transitions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that those elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0032] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0033] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0034] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as "one or more features" or "one or more elements" or "at least one feature" or "at least one element." Furthermore, the use of the terms "one or more" or "at least one" feature or element does not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, "there needs to be one or more ..." or "one or more elements is required."

[0035] Reference is made herein to some "embodiments." It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and / or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and / or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfill the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0036] Use of the phrases and / or terms including, but not limited to, "a first embodiment," "a further embodiment," "an alternate embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "multiple embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "further embodiment", "furthermore embodiment", "additional embodiment" or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and / or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and / or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and / or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and / or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0037] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0038] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0039] The term "couple" and the derivatives thereof refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with each other. The terms "transmit", "receive", and "communicate" as well as the derivatives thereof encompass both direct and indirect communication. The term "or" is an inclusive term meaning "and / or". The phrase "associated with," as well as derivatives thereof, refer to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term "controller" refers to any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C, and any variations thereof. As an additional example, the expression "at least one of a, b, or c" may indicate only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. Similarly, the term "set" means one or more. Accordingly, the set of items may be a single item or a collection of two or more items.

[0040] Moreover, multiple functions described below may be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A "non-transitory" computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes media where data may be permanently stored and media where data may be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit "1" are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit "2" are shown at least in Figure 2. Further, similar reference numerals have been used to represent similar components in the Figures.

[0043] It should be noted that the terms "network" and "network entity" have been used interchangeably throughout the description and drawings.

[0044] The evolution of wireless communications systems has been a key enabler of modern digital society, supporting everything from mobile broadband to the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous systems, and smart infrastructure. With each generation of wireless technology, ranging from Second Generation (2G) to Fifth Generation (5G), networks have advanced significantly in terms of data throughput, latency, device connectivity, and service diversity. As the industry prepares for the 5G Advanced and the next generation wireless communication systems, commonly referred to as Sixth Generation (6G), expectations are growing for even higher capacity, ubiquitous coverage, ultra-low latency, and more sustainable operations.

[0045] One of the critical challenges in the advancement of wireless systems is the growing energy demand. As wireless traffic increases exponentially due to the proliferation of connected devices and data-intensive applications, network infrastructure and User Equipment (UE) are consuming energy at unprecedented rates. This trend raises concerns not only about operating costs but also about the environmental impact and the feasibility of supporting large-scale, battery-powered devices.

[0046] In this context, Radio Access Network (RAN), which provides the wireless connection between user devices and the core network, emerges as a significant contributor to energy consumption. Studies have shown that RAN accounts for up to 73% of the total energy usage in wireless networks. At the same time, the UE, such as smartphones, tablets, and IoT sensors, continues to struggle with limited battery life, especially in scenarios requiring persistent connectivity or background operations.

[0047] To address these challenges, research and development efforts are increasingly focused on energy-efficient communication techniques. While 5G has introduced methods such as Discontinuous Reception (DRX) and reduced transmission schemes to conserve power, these methods often lead to trade-offs in service quality, latency, and support for advanced features. Moreover, energy-saving strategies in 5G are complicated by the need to serve a wide variety of UEs simultaneously, each in different Radio Resource Control (RRC) states and performing different operations.

[0048] Another area of concern is the energy impact of Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) transmissions. SSBs are fundamental signals periodically broadcast by the network to facilitate time and frequency synchronization, enable automatic gain control, and support Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements. These transmissions are necessary for all types of UEs, whether in RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, or RRC_CONNECTED states. However, the current practice of frequent and periodic SSB transmission contributes significantly to energy consumption for both RAN nodes and the UEs.

[0049] Accordingly, there is a need for improved techniques to optimize or reduce SSB transmissions without compromising network performance or UE functionality.

[0050]

[0051] On. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides techniques for On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission in a wireless communications system. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides techniques for configuring the OD-SSB transmission to a User Equipment (UE). Furthermore, the present disclosure provides techniques for scheduling the OD-SSB transmission with or without periodic SSB transmission in the wireless communications system.

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 may include a base station 105 (also referred to as a network entity 105), a UE 101, and a core network 103. In some examples, the wireless communications system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, a 5G New Radio (NR) network, a 5G Advanced network or a 6G network. In some examples, the wireless communications system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0053] The wireless communications system 100 may have devices or UEs in different forms or having different capabilities. The base station 105 and the UE 101 may wirelessly communicate via one or more communication links 107. The base station 105 may provide a coverage area 109 over which the UE 101 and the base station 105 may establish one or more communication links 107. The coverage area 109 may be an example of a geographic area over which the base station 105 and the UE 101 may support the communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies. As shown, the coverage area 109 may be provided through multiple cells 105A-105C. Accordingly, the base station 105 may include at least one of a Primary Cell (PCell) 105A, a Secondary Cell (SCell) 105B, and an anchor cell 105C. The PCell 105A may correspond to a serving cell for the UE 101, responsible for handling control signaling and data transfer. The SCell 105B may refer to a cell that is used alongside the PCell 105A to boost data throughput by providing additional bandwidth but does not carry control-plane signaling. The SCell 105B may serve the same UE, i.e., UE 101 connected to the PCell 105A. The anchor cell 105C may serve as a mobility anchor for the UE 101. The anchor cell 105C may coincide with the PCell 105A in some embodiments, and may be used to maintain a stable point of reference during mobility events such as handovers. The wireless communications system 100 may also comprise a neighbor cell 111. The neighbor cell 111 may be connected to the core network 103 via the one or more communication links 107. The neighbor cell 111 may refer to a cell that is geographically adjacent to or overlapping with the serving cells, such as the PCell 105A. The UE 101 may monitor the neighbor cell 111 to support mobility procedures, such as measurement reporting and cell reselection. Further, the UE 101 may be configured to connect simultaneously to one or more cells (e.g., the PCell 105A and the SCell 105B), and to monitor other cells (e.g., the neighbor cell 111) for potential mobility events.

[0054] The UE 101 may be located at any point in the coverage area of the wireless communications system 100 at a time. The UE 101 may be stationary, mobile, or both at different times. The UE 101 may be devices in different forms or having different capabilities.

[0055] The base station 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by a person having ordinary skill in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB, or a gNodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, 6G NB or other suitable terminology.

[0056] The UE 101 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. The UE 101 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a television, a connected car, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, the UE 101 may include or be referred to as a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a Machine-Type Communications (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances, or vehicles, meters, among other examples.

[0057] The UE 101 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs that may sometimes act as relays as well as the base station 105 and the network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, 6G NBs or relay base stations, among other examples, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0058] Further, it should be noted that although only one UE 101 and one base station 105 are depicted in FIG. 1 for illustration purposes, the wireless communications system 100 may include additional UEs and base stations not shown in FIG. 1. Further, it should be noted that although only one SCell 105B is depicted in FIG. 1 for illustration purposes, the base station 105 may include additional SCells not shown in FIG. 1.

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system 200 for triggering an On-Demand Synchronization Signal Block (OD-SSB) transmission by the network entity 105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system 200 may correspond to the network entity 105. In another embodiment, the system 200 may be coupled to the network entity 105 and may be placed in the wireless communications system 100. FIG. 2 has been explained in conjunction with FIG. 1 for the sake of brevity of the disclosure.

[0060] The system 200 may include one or more processors 202 (hereinafter referred to as the processor 202), a memory 204, modules 206, and an interface 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more processors 202 may be operatively coupled to the memory 204, the modules 206, and the interface 208.

[0061] In one embodiment, the processor 202 may include at least one data processor for executing processes in a Virtual Storage Area Network. The processor 202 may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. In one embodiment, the processor 202 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), or both. The processor 202 may be one or more general processors, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now-known or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data. The processor 202 may execute a software program, such as code generated manually (i.e., programmed) to perform the desired operation. The processor 202 may implement various techniques, such as, but not limited to, image processing, data extraction, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and so forth, to achieve the desired objective.

[0062] In one embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to perform the functions of the system 200 or the network entity 105.

[0063] The processor 202 may be disposed in communication with one or more Input / Output (I / O) devices via the interface 208. The interface 208 may employ communication Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, 6G or the like, etc.

[0064] In an embodiment, the processor 202 may be disposed in communication with a communication network via a network interface. In an embodiment, the network interface may be the interface 208. The network interface may connect to the communication network to enable connection of the system 200 with the outside environment and / or device / system. The network interface may employ connection protocols, including, without limitation, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11 / b / g / n / x, etc. The communication network may include, without limitation, a direct interconnection, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)), the Internet, etc. Using the network interface and the communication network, the system 200 may communicate with other devices. The network interface may employ connection protocols including, but not limited to, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), TCP / IP, token ring, IEEE 802.11 / b / g / n / x, etc.

[0065] The memory 204 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 202. The memory 204 may be configured to store data and instructions executable by the processor 202. In one embodiment, the memory 204 may communicate via a bus within the system 200. The memory 204 may include, but is not limited to, a non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media including, but not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. In one example, the memory 204 may include a cache or random-access memory for the processor 202. In alternative examples, the memory 204 is separate from the processor 202, such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or other memory. The memory 204 may be an external storage device or database for storing data. The memory 204 may be operable to store instructions executable by the processor 202. The functions, acts, or tasks illustrated in the figures or described may be performed by the programmed processor 202 for executing the instructions stored in the memory 204. The functions, acts, or tasks are independent of the particular type of instruction set, storage media, processor, or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, micro-code, and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing, and the like. The memory 204 may further include a database to store the data. Further, the memory 204 may include an operating system for performing one or more tasks of the system 200, as performed by a generic operating system in the communications domain.

[0066] For the sake of brevity, the architecture and standard operations of the processor 202 and the memory 204 are not discussed in detail. In one embodiment, the memory 204 may be configured to store the information as required by the processor 202 to perform the techniques described herein.

[0067] The modules 206, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules 206 may also be implemented as signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuits, and / or any other device or component that manipulates signals based on operational instructions. The modules 206 may be configured to one or more operations of the system 200 and / or the processor 202.

[0068] Further, the modules 206 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer, the processor 202, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable device capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor that executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks, or the processing unit can be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the modules 206 may be machine-readable instructions (software) that, when executed by a processor / processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities. Furthermore, the data serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules. The modules 206 may include a configuring module 210, a transceiver module 212, a determining module 214, a triggering module 216, and a performing module 218.

[0069] In an embodiment, there may be following different configuration modes employed for SSB transmission on at least one of the Scells, such as the SCell 105B.

[0070] SSB Mode 0: No configuration and transmission for periodic SSB transmission and on-demand SSB transmission is employed on the SCell 105B.

[0071] SSB Mode 1: A stand-alone configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission is employed on the at least one SCell 105B. In the SSB Mode 1, there is no periodic SSB transmission supported / applied for the SCell 105B (e.g., while on-demand SSB transmission is applied). The configuration parameters of the on-demand SSB transmission (e.g., timing information including duration or pattern or repetition) may be configured to the UE 101 through at least one of a broadcast signaling (e.g., System Information Broadcast, SIB) and a dedicated signaling. (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration or reconfiguration). The signaling may be performed via one of the PCell 105A or the anchor cell 105C or the SCell 105B. The SSB Mode 1 may also be referred to as an OD-SSB mode.

[0072] SSB Mode 2: A periodic configuration of the SSB transmission is employed on at the least one SCell 105B. In the SSB Mode 2, there is no on-demand SSB transmission supported / applied for the SCell 105B (e.g., while periodic SSB transmission is applied). The periodicity of the SSB transmission may be configured to the UE 101 through at least one of a broadcast signaling (e.g., SIB) and a dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC configuration or reconfiguration). The signaling may be performed via one of the PCell 105A or the anchor cell 105C or the SCell 105B. The SSB Mode 1 may also be referred to as an Always-On SSB (A-SSB) mode.

[0073] SSB Mode 3: Both a periodic configuration of the SSB transmission and an on-demand configuration are employed on at least one of the SCell 105B. The configuration parameters of the on-demand SSB transmission (e.g., timing information including duration or pattern or repetition) and the periodicity of the periodic SSB transmission may be configured to the UE 101 through at least one of a broadcast signaling (e.g., System Information Block (SIB)) and a dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC configuration or reconfiguration). The signaling may be performed via one of the PCell 105A or the anchor cell 105C or the SCell 105B.

[0074] In an embodiment, SSB Mode 3 (i.e. both a periodic configuration of the SSB transmission and an on-demand configuration on at least one of the SCell) may be provided with configuring and scheduling the transmission of the on-demand SSB in between the transmission of periodic SSB burst / window. In an alternate embodiment, the transmission of on-demand SSB may be skipped when the transmission of on-demand SSB is occurring at same time (and / or very close-by) as the periodic SSB transmission occurrence.

[0075] In an embodiment, the UE 101 may be connected to the PCell 105A and the SCell 105B. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the configuring module 210 may configure at least one of the PCell 105A or the SCell 105B to operate in at least one of the Always-On SSB (A-SSB) mode and the OD-SSB mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the A-SSB mode may refer to a mode where a periodic configuration of the SSB transmission may be employed on at least one of the PCell 105A or the SCell 105B. In the A-SSB mode, the OD-SSB transmission is not supported for the SCell 105B when periodic SSB transmission is configured. On the other hand, the OD-SSB mode may refer to a mode where the OD-SSB transmission is employed on at least one of the PCell 105A or the SCell 105B. In the OD-SSB mode, the periodic SSB transmission is not supported for the SCell 105B when OD-SSB transmission is configured. In an embodiment, a combination of A-SSB mode and OD-SSB mode may be supported for the SCell 105B.

[0076] Further, the transceiver module 212 may be configured to transmit a plurality of configuration parameters (also referred to as configuration index) for OD-SSB associated with the at least one of the PCell 105A and the SCell 105B based on the configured mode. The plurality of configuration parameters may enable the UE 101 to receive the OD-SSB. In an embodiment, the plurality of configuration parameters may include, but is not limited to, a periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of the OD-SSB transmission, a burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission, a number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission, a duration of the OD-SSB transmission, a pattern of the OD-SSB transmission, an SSB mode, a number of repetitions of SSB transmission, an SSB format type, a monitoring window, a semi-persistent transmission schedule, an one-shot transmission schedule, a start parameter, an offset parameter, an association with Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) preamble, one or more Quasi-CoLocation (QCL) attributes, a transmission power, a timing reference, an SSB Monitoring Timing Configuration (SMTC), a prohibit timer, a number of times request for the OD-SSB allowed, one or more triggering conditions for requesting OD-SSB, or a PRACH preamble identity for requesting OD-SSB.

[0077] In an embodiment, the periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) may refer to a time interval at which the OD-SSB is transmitted. The burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) may identify the specific location or index of the OD-SSB within a group or burst of SSBs. The number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) may denote how many such bursts are transmitted within a given period. The duration of the OD-SSB transmission may indicate the total length of time over which the OD-SSB is transmitted. The pattern of the OD-SSB transmission may define the structural or temporal arrangement of OD-SSBs, such as cyclic, random, or fixed positions across time-frequency resources. The SSB mode may specify an operating mode of SSB transmission, such as the A-SSB mode and the OD-SSB mode.

[0078] Further, the number of repetitions of SSB transmission may refer to how many times a particular OD-SSB is repeated. The SSB format type may designate the specific frame or slot structure used for the OD-SSB transmission. The monitoring window may define the time interval during which the UE is configured to monitor for the presence of an OD-SSB. The semi-persistent transmission schedule may enable the OD-SSB to be transmitted at periodic intervals without the need for dynamic signaling. The one-shot transmission schedule may indicate allowance for a single, non-repeating transmission of the OD-SSB. The start parameter and the offset parameter may provide additional timing control for the OD-SSB transmission, defining when the transmission begins and how far it is offset from a reference time, respectively. The association with PRACH preamble may indicate that the OD-SSB transmission may be linked to a specific PRACH preamble used for initial access procedures. The QCL attributes may describe relationships between the OD-SSB and other signals in terms of timing, beam direction, or Doppler characteristics. The transmission power may specify the power level at which the OD-SSB is transmitted, which may be dynamically or semi-statically adjusted to meet coverage or interference requirements. The timing reference may be defined to ensure that OD-SSB transmissions are synchronized with other system-level timing sources. The SMTC may define when and how the UE should monitor for OD-SSBs, including periodicity, offset, and duration of the monitoring window. The prohibit timer may be employed to limit how frequently a UE is allowed to request or respond to OD-SSB transmissions, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling. The number of times a request for OD-SSB may be used to throttle or manage UE-initiated synchronization attempts. The one or more triggering conditions may define conditions for requesting OD-SSB, such as link degradation, handover events, or beam failure. Further, the PRACH preamble identity for requesting OD-SSB may be used to uniquely identify the UE's intention to initiate an OD-SSB-related procedure through the PRACH mechanism.

[0079] In a further embodiment, the plurality of configuration parameters may comprise an initial activation status or an initial deactivation status of the OD-SSB.

[0080] In an embodiment, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the plurality of configuration parameters using at least one of a broadcast signaling and a dedicated signaling. In an embodiment, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the plurality of configuration parameters via at least one of the PCell 105A, the SCell 105B, the anchor cell 105C, and the neighbor cell 111. Further, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the broadcast signaling using a System Information Block (SIB)-1 message. Further, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the dedicated signaling using a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0081] Further, the determining module 214 may be configured to determine a need to trigger the OD-SSB transmission. In an embodiment, the determining module 214 may determine the need to trigger the OD-SSB based on at least one of a need for higher data rate by the UE 101, an availability or an unavailability of the A-SSB on the SCell 105B, an existing periodicity of an available SSB on the SCell 105B, or a paging occasions misalignment of the UE 101 with the SSB transmission. In an embodiment, the determining module 214 may be configured to determine the need to trigger on-demand SSB transmission before the activation of the SCell 105B.

[0082] Thereafter, the triggering module 216 may be configured to trigger the OD-SSB transmission in response to the determination of the need to trigger the OD-SSB transmission.

[0083] In a further embodiment, the performing module 218 may be configured to perform one of an activation or a deactivation of the OD-SSB transmission for the SCell 105B using a Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE). Accordingly, the SCell 105B may enable or disable the OD-SSB transmission. In an exemplary embodiment, the MAC-CE may include a fixed sized bitmap to indicate whether OD-SSB is activated in the SCell 105B. The bitmap may include an A / D bit. If the A / D bit is "1", then the OD-SSB is activated. However, if the A / D bit is "0", then the OD-SSB is deactivated. Further, for explicit activation / deactivation, the OD-SSB MAC-CE may support two formats. A first format may indicate up to 7 SCells, whereas a second format may indicate up to 31 SCells. The OD-SSB MAC-CE may also include the configuration index for each SCell activating OD-SSB.

[0084] In an embodiment, the triggering module 216 may be configured to trigger the OD-SSB transmission before the activation of the SCell 105B. Accordingly, the transceiver module 212 may inform the UE 101 about activation / enabling of the OD-SSB transmission. The activation / enabling of the OD-SSB may be signaled to the UE 101 through the broadcast signaling or the dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC signaling or MAC CE) via one of the PCell 105A or the SCell 105B, or the anchor cell 105C.

[0085] In a further embodiment, the OD-SSB transmission may be terminated after the deactivation of the SCell 105B. In particular, the UE 101 may start Layer 3 (L3) measurement towards the activated OD-SSB based on a configured servingCellMO after reception of the activation. Then, the UE 101 may stop L3 measurements after the UE 101 determines the OD-SSB is deactivated implicitly or explicitly.

[0086] In a further embodiment, at least one of the plurality of configuration parameters (e.g., periodicity) may be dynamically changed and may be informed to the UE 101 through the broadcast signaling and / or the dedicated signaling. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the change of at least one of the plurality of configuration parameters may occur at specific events, including at least one of SCell configuration, OD-SSB transmission activation / enabling, SCell activation, and SCell deactivation.

[0087] Further, in an embodiment, the OD-SSB transmission on the SCell 105 may switch or change or activate / deactivate from one SSB mode to another SSB mode. The switch or change of the SSB Mode may be signaled through one of the broadcast signaling (e.g., SIB) or the dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC signaling message). In an alternate embodiment, the switch or change or activate / deactivate of SSB mode may happen implicitly, for example, when OD-SSB transmission is completed (e.g., duration of the on-demand SSB is over), OD-SSB transmission is implicitly followed by the periodic SSB transmission.

[0088] In an embodiment, the structure and / configuration of the SSB may be provided through the OD-SSB transmission. The structure and / configuration of the SSB may correspond to at least one of SSB Type 1 (or light SSB) or SSB Type 2 (or regular SSB). The SSB Type 1 may be different from the SSB Type 2 in terms of at least one parameter of format, number of bursts, position in burst, periodicity, offset, sub-carrier spacing, bandwidth, frequency, sub-carrier-offset, number of Resource Blocks (RBs), transmission power, Quasi-Collocated (QCL) status, and the SMTC.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure and / configuration of the SSB that is provided through OD-SSB transmission may be different than the SSB that is provided through the periodic SSB transmission.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure and / configuration of the SSB that is provided through OD-SSB transmission may be same as the SSB that is provided through the periodic SSB transmission.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission is provided to the UE through at least one of broadcast signaling (e.g. SIB) and dedicated signaling (e.g. RRC configuration or reconfiguration), via one of PCell or anchor cell or SCell.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission may be provided to the UE 101 through SIB1 on the SCell 105B.

[0093] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support of the OD-SSB transmission and / or different modes of SSB transmission (e.g. at least one of the SSB Mode 0, SSB Mode 1, SSB Mode 2 and SSB Mode 3) on the at least one SCell 105B or on at least one Frequency Range (FR) may be signaled by the network entity 105 to the UE 101 through at least one of the broadcast signaling (e.g., SIB) and the dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC configuration or reconfiguration). The broadcast signaling and / or the dedicated signaling may be transmitted via one of the PCell 105A or the anchor cell 105C or the SCell 105B.

[0094] In a further embodiment, the configuring module 210 may configure one of the PCell 105A or the SCell 105B to operate in at least one of the A-SSB mode and the OD-SSB mode, as discussed earlier.

[0095] Further, the transceiver module 212 may be configured to transmit the plurality of configuration parameters associated with the at least one of the PCell 105A and the SCell 105B based on the configured mode, as discussed earlier. The plurality of configuration parameters may enable the UE 101 to receive the OD-SSB. In an embodiment, the transceiver module 212 may transmit at least one of the periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of the OD-SSB transmission, the burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission, and the number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission as the plurality of configuration parameters.

[0096] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UE triggers and sends an uplink wake-up signal to the network (e.g. to the at least one of PCell or anchor cell or SCell) to request for on-demand SSB transmission on the at least one SCell. The wake-up signal may be a MSG1 or PRACH preamble transmission (e.g. one or more PRACH preamble maybe reserved for the purpose of wake-up signaling to request on-demand SSB transmission). In alternate embodiment, MSG3 is utilized to request for on-demand SSB transmission on at least one SCell.

[0097] In a further embodiment, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the duration of the OD-SSB transmission, the pattern of the OD-SSB transmission, the SSB mode, the number of repetitions of SSB transmission, the SSB format type, the monitoring window, the semi-persistent transmission schedule, the one-shot transmission schedule, the start parameter, the offset parameter, the association with PRACH preamble, the one or more QCL attributes, the transmission power, the timing reference, the SMTC, the prohibit timer, the number of times request for the OD-SSB allowed, the one or more triggering conditions for requesting OD-SSB, and the PRACH preamble identity for requesting the OD-SSB, as the plurality of configuration parameters.

[0098] In an embodiment, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the plurality of configuration parameters using at least one of the broadcast signaling and the dedicated signaling, as discussed earlier.

[0099] Then, the transceiver module 212 may transmit a Discovery Reference Signal (DRS) to the UE 101. The DRS may enable the UE 101 to achieve synchronization and measure a channel condition. The channel condition may be required for triggering an uplink wake-up signal for requesting OD-SSB transmission from the network entity 105. In an embodiment, the DRS may include, but is not limited to, a Secondary Synchronization Signal (SS), a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH)-Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), and a Low Power Synchronization Signal (LP-SS).

[0100] In response, the transceiver module 212 may receive the uplink wake-up signal from the UE 101. In an embodiment, the uplink wake-up signal may be one of a MSG1, or a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) Preamble. One or more PRACH preambles may be reserved for the purpose of wake-up signaling to request on-demand SSB transmission. In alternate embodiment, MSG3 is utilized to request for on-demand SSB transmission on at least one SCell.

[0101] In an embodiment, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the plurality of configuration parameters using at least one of a broadcast signaling and a dedicated signaling. In an embodiment, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the plurality of configuration parameters via at least one of the PCell 105A, the SCell 105B, the anchor cell 105C, and the neighbor cell 111. Further, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the broadcast signaling using a System Information Block (SIB)-1 message. Further, the transceiver module 212 may transmit the dedicated signaling using an RRC reconfiguration message. Further, the plurality of configuration parameters may include a plurality of configurations of the uplink wake-up signal. The plurality of configurations of the uplink wake-up signal may include, but is not limited to, a PRACH preamble identity, MSG1 repetition allowed, no MSG1 repetition allowed, a number of repetitions, a configuration of RACH occasions for requesting the OD-SSB transmission, a PRACH root sequence index, a sub-carrier spacing for MSG1, a repetition time offset for RACH occasion group for MSG1, a Random Access (RA) association period index, an RA preamble start index, an RA SSB occasion mask index, or an SSB request period. The plurality of configurations of the uplink wake-up signal may further include, but is not limited to, a configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on normal uplink carrier for requesting OD-SSB transmission, a configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on supplementary uplink carrier for requesting OD-SSB transmission, and a configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on initial uplink Reduced Capacity (RedCap) bandwidth for RedCap UE for requesting OD-SSB transmission.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the PRACH preamble identity may refer to a specific preamble sequence transmitted by the UE 101 to initiate a random access request for OD-SSB transmission, allowing the network to uniquely identify the UE's request. The parameter MSG1 repetition allowed and no MSG1 repetition allowed, respectively, indicate whether the initial random access message can be transmitted multiple times across configured resources to improve reliability, or if repetition is disallowed for reduced resource usage or latency. The number of repetitions may define how many times MSG1 may be repeated by the UE 101 under the "repetition allowed" configuration. The configuration of RACH occasions for requesting the OD-SSB transmission may outline the timing and frequency resources designated for UEs to send MSG1 specifically for requesting OD-SSB. The PRACH root sequence index may define the base sequence used to generate PRACH preambles. The sub-carrier spacing for MSG1 may define the spacing between sub-carriers used in transmitting MSG1, which may vary based on cell type, frequency band, or UE capability. The repetition time offset for RACH occasion group for MSG1 may specify the time offset between repeated transmissions of MSG1 within a configured RACH group. The RA association period index may define a periodicity and alignment reference used to associate RA procedures with corresponding SSB or OD-SSB configurations. The RA preamble start index may indicate the starting index of available preambles within the assigned preamble space for RA attempts. The RA SSB occasion mask index may be used to map or restrict the RACH procedure to certain SSB occasions, enhancing control and scheduling efficiency. The SSB request period may define how frequently the UE 101 is permitted or expected to request an OD-SSB transmission, controlling request behavior and resource usage.

[0103] Further, to support various types of UEs and carrier configurations, the network entity 105 may define additional MSG1 resource configurations. The configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on a normal uplink carrier may specify the physical resources on the primary uplink carrier used for transmitting repeated MSG1 messages for OD-SSB requests. The configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on a supplementary uplink carrier may enable such repetitions on secondary or carrier-aggregated uplink channels, enhancing uplink coverage. Additionally, for reduced capability (RedCap) UEs, the configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on initial uplink RedCap bandwidth may be provided, ensuring efficient OD-SSB requests even with limited uplink resources.

[0104] Then, the triggering module 216 may trigger the OD-SSB transmission in response to receiving the uplink wake-up signal requesting OD-SSB transmission.

[0105] FIG. 3 illustrates a signal flow diagram 300 for triggering the OD-SSB transmission, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, at operation 301, the PCell 105A may transmit the OD-SSB pre-configuration, i.e., the plurality of configuration parameters, to the UE 101. In an embodiment, the anchor cell 105C may also transmit the OD-SSB pre-configuration to the UE 101. At operation 303, the SCell 105B may transmit an OD-SSB transmission enable signal to the UE 101. The OD-SSB transmission enable signal may indicate that the SSB transmission is enabled at the SCell 105B. The OD-SSB transmission enable signal may be transmitted via the MAC-CE message. At operation 305, the UE 101 may perform the synchronization operation to receive the SSB transmission. At operation 407, the SCell 105B may transmit an SCell activation message to the UE 101. The SCell activation message may indicate that the SCell 105B has been activated for the SSB transmission. The SCell activation message may be transmitted via the MAC-CE message.

[0106] FIG. 4 illustrates a signal flow diagram 400 for triggering the OD-SSB transmission, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, at operation 401, the SCell 105B may transmit the OD-SSB pre-configuration, i.e., the plurality of configuration parameters, to the UE 101. At operation 403, the SCell 105B may transmit the OD-SSB transmission enable signal to the UE 101. The OD-SSB transmission enable signal may indicate that the SSB transmission is enabled at the SCell 105B. The OD-SSB transmission enable signal may be transmitted via the MAC-CE message. At operation 405, the UE 101 may perform the synchronization operation to receive the SSB transmission. At operation 407, the SCell 105B may transmit the SCell activation message to the UE 101. The SCell activation message may indicate that the SCell 105B has been activated for the SSB transmission. The SCell activation message may be transmitted via the MAC-CE message.

[0107] FIG. 5 illustrates a signal flow diagram 500 for triggering the OD-SSB transmission, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, at operation 501, the PCell 105A may transmit the OD-SSB pre-configuration, i.e., the plurality of configuration parameters, to the UE 101. In an embodiment, the anchor cell 105C may also transmit the OD-SSB pre-configuration to the UE 101. At operation 503, the SCell 105B may transmit the DRS to the UE 101. At operation 505, the UE 101 may perform the synchronization operation to receive the SSB transmission. At operation 507, the SCell may receive the wake-up signal from the UE 101. The wake-up signal may be received in MSG1 / MSG3. At operation 509, the SCell 105B may transmit OD-SSB to the UE 101.

[0108] FIG. 6 illustrates a signal flow diagram 600 for triggering the OD-SSB transmission, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, at operation 601, the SCell 105B may transmit the OD-SSB pre-configuration, i.e., the plurality of configuration parameters, to the UE 101. At operation 603, the SCell 105B may transmit the DRS to the UE 101. At operation 605, the UE 101 may perform the synchronization operation to receive the SSB transmission. At operation 607, the SCell 105B may receive the wake-up signal from the UE 101. The wake-up signal may be received in MSG1 / MSG3. At operation 609, the SCell 105B may transmit OD-SSB to the UE 101.

[0109] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method 700 for triggering the OD-SSB transmission by the network entity 105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, at operation 702, the method 700 may include configuring at least one of the PCell 105A or the SCell 105B to operate in at least one of the A-SSB mode and the OD-SSB mode. At operation 704, the method 700 may include transmitting the plurality of configuration parameters for OD-SSB associated with the at least one of the PCell 105A and the SCell 105B based on the configured mode to enable the UE 101 to receive the OD-SSB.

[0110] While the above-discussed steps in FIG. 7 are shown and described in a particular sequence, the steps may occur in variations to the sequence in accordance with various embodiments. Further, a detailed description related to the various steps of FIG. 7 is already covered in the description related to FIGs. 1-6 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0111] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method 800 for triggering the OD-SSB transmission by the network entity 105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, at operation 802, the method 800 may include configuring at least one of the PCell 105A or the SCell 105B to operate in at least one of the A-SSB mode and the OD-SSB mode. At operation 804, the method 800 may include transmitting the plurality of configuration parameters for OD-SSB associated with the at least one of the PCell 105A and the SCell 105B based on the configured mode to enable the UE 101 to receive the OD-SSB. The plurality of configuration parameters may include, but is not limited to, the periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of the OD-SSB transmission, the burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission, and the number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission. At operation 806, the method 800 may include, in response to transmitting the plurality of configuration parameters, transmitting, to the UE 101, the DRS to enable the UE 101 to achieve synchronization and to measure the channel condition required for triggering the uplink wake-up signal for requesting OD-SSB transmission from the network entity 105. At operation 808, the method 800 may include receiving, from the UE 101, the uplink wake-up signal. At operation 810, the method 800 may include triggering the OD-SSB transmission in response to receiving the uplink wake-up signal requesting OD-SSB transmission.

[0112] While the above-discussed steps in FIG. 8 are shown and described in a particular sequence, the steps may occur in variations to the sequence in accordance with various embodiments. Further, a detailed description related to the various steps of FIG. 8 is already covered in the description related to FIGs. 1-6 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0113] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a system 900 for triggering the OD-SSB transmission by the UE 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system 900 may correspond to the UE 101. In another embodiment, the system 900 may be coupled to the UE 101 and may be placed in the wireless communications system 100. FIG. 9 has been explained in conjunction with FIG. 1 for the sake of brevity of the disclosure.

[0114] The system 900 may include one or more processors 902 (hereinafter referred to as the processor 902), a memory 904, modules 906, and an interface 908. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more processors 902 may be operatively coupled to the memory 904, the modules 906, and the interface 908.

[0115] In one embodiment, the processor 902 may include at least one data processor for executing processes in a Virtual Storage Area Network. The processor 902 may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. In one embodiment, the processor 902 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), or both. The processor 902 may be one or more general processors, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now-known or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data. The processor 902 may execute a software program, such as code generated manually (i.e., programmed) to perform the desired operation. The processor 902 may implement various techniques, such as, but not limited to, image processing, data extraction, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and so forth, to achieve the desired objective.

[0116] In one embodiment, the processor 902 may be configured to perform the functions of the system 900 or the UE 101.

[0117] The processor 902 may be disposed in communication with one or more Input / Output (I / O) devices via the interface 908. The interface 908 may employ communication Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax, Wi-Fi, or the like, etc.

[0118] In an embodiment, the processor 902 may be disposed in communication with a communication network via a network interface. In an embodiment, the network interface may be the interface 908. The network interface may connect to the communication network to enable connection of the system 900 with the outside environment and / or device / system. The network interface may employ connection protocols, including, without limitation, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11 / b / g / n / x, etc. The communication network may include, without limitation, a direct interconnection, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)), the Internet, etc. Using the network interface and the communication network, the system 900 may communicate with other devices. The network interface may employ connection protocols including, but not limited to, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), TCP / IP, token ring, IEEE 802.11 / b / g / n / x, etc.

[0119] The memory 904 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 902. The memory 904 may be configured to store data and instructions executable by the processor 902. In one embodiment, the memory 904 may communicate via a bus within the system 900. The memory 904 may include, but is not limited to, a non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media including, but not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. In one example, the memory 904 may include a cache or random-access memory for the processor 902. In alternative examples, the memory 904 is separate from the processor 902, such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or other memory. The memory 904 may be an external storage device or database for storing data. The memory 904 may be operable to store instructions executable by the processor 902. The functions, acts, or tasks illustrated in the figures or described may be performed by the programmed processor 902 for executing the instructions stored in the memory 904. The functions, acts, or tasks are independent of the particular type of instruction set, storage media, processor, or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, micro-code, and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing, and the like. The memory 904 may further include a database to store the data. Further, the memory 904 may include an operating system for performing one or more tasks of the system 900, as performed by a generic operating system in the communications domain.

[0120] For the sake of brevity, the architecture and standard operations of the processor 902 and the memory 904 are not discussed in detail. In one embodiment, the memory 904 may be configured to store the information as required by the processor 902 to perform the techniques described herein.

[0121] The modules 906, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules 906 may also be implemented as signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuits, and / or any other device or component that manipulates signals based on operational instructions. The modules 906 may be configured to one or more operations of the system 900 and / or the processor 902.

[0122] Further, the modules 906 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer, the processor 902, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable device capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor that executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks, or the processing unit can be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the modules 906 may be machine-readable instructions (software) that, when executed by a processor / processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities. Furthermore, the data serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules. The modules 906 may include a transceiver module 910 and a determining module 912.

[0123] The transceiver module 910 may receive the plurality of configuration parameters associated with the at least one of the PCell 105A and the SCell105B. The plurality of configuration parameters may include, but are not limited to, the periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of the OD-SSB transmission, the burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission, and the number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission. The plurality of configuration parameters may further include, but are not limited to, the duration of the OD-SSB transmission, the pattern of the OD-SSB transmission, the SSB mode, the number of repetitions of SSB transmission, the SSB format type, the monitoring window, the semi-persistent transmission schedule, the one-shot transmission schedule, the start parameter, the offset parameter, the association with PRACH preamble, the one or more QCL attributes, the transmission power, the timing reference, the SMTC, the prohibit timer, the number of times request for the OD-SSB allowed, the one or more triggering conditions for requesting OD-SSB, and the PRACH preamble identity for requesting OD-SSB, as the plurality of configuration parameters. It should be noted that the plurality of configuration parameters may correspond to the plurality of configuration parameters as discussed in reference to FIG. 2. Hence, the same are not discussed in detail for the sake of brevity of disclosure.

[0124] The plurality of configuration parameters may also include the plurality of configurations of the uplink wake-up signal. It should be noted that the plurality of configurations of the uplink wake-up signal may correspond to the plurality of configurations of the uplink wake-up signal as discussed in reference to FIG. 2. Hence, the same are not discussed in detail for the sake of brevity of disclosure.

[0125] In an embodiment, the transceiver module 910 may receive the plurality of configuration parameters using at least one of the broadcast signaling and the dedicated signaling, as discussed in reference to FIG. 2.

[0126] Further, in response to receiving the plurality of configuration parameters, the transceiver module 910 may receive the DRS from the network entity 105. In an embodiment, the DRS may be utilized to achieve synchronization and to measure and determine a condition required to trigger the OD-SSB. In an embodiment, the DRS may include, but is not limited to, the SS, the PBCH-DMRS, and the LP-SS.

[0127] Further, the determining module 912 may determine the condition required to trigger the OD-SSB transmission. In an embodiment, the UE 101 may be pre-configured or pre-specified with one or more parameters (e.g. thresholds and / or conditions) by the network that determine the triggering of the uplink wake-up signal for requesting on-demand SSB transmission from at least one SCell. The one or more parameters may include, but is not limited to, a channel condition, an availability or unavailability of A-SSB on the secondar cell, an existing periodicity of available SSB on the SCell, a paging occasion of UE misalignment with the SSB transmission, a need for higher data rate (e.g. high Buffer Status Reporting (BSR)), and a change in paging UE identity. In an alternate embodiment, the determining module 912 may determine the conditions or scenario in order to trigger the uplink wake-up signal for requesting OD-SSB transmission from the SCell 105B. In a further embodiment, the UE 101 may be configured with an OD-SSB preference configuration. Accordingly, the UE 101 may request the OD-SSB transmission. The UE 101 may also request preferences for the OD-SSB transmission parameters or configurations. In a further embodiment, the UE 101 may perform measurement of the channel conditions (e.g. signal strength and / or signal quality in terms of Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or Signal to Interference Plus Noise Ratio (SINR)) before triggering the uplink wake-up signal. The UE 101 may also perform time / frequency synchronization before triggering the uplink wake-up signal.

[0128] In response to the determination, the transceiver module 912 may transmit a request for the OD-SSB transmission using the uplink wake-up signal. In an embodiment, the uplink wake-up signal may be one of the MSG1, the PRACH Preamble, or the MSG3. In an embodiment, one or more PRACH preambles may be configured or reserved, or specified for the uplink wake-up signal to request the OD-SSB transmission. Further, the one or more PRACH preambles may be mapped to different configurations of the OD-SSB transmission. Hence, the UE 101 may use a specific PRACH preamble to request for a specific configuration of the OD-SSB transmission.

[0129] In an embodiment, the UE 101 may be configured with a timer or configured / specified with a maximum number of attempts allowed to control excessive triggering for the uplink wake-up signal for requesting the OD-SSB transmission. In an embodiment, the configuration of the wake-up signal for requesting the OD-SSB transmission may be provided to the UE 101 through SIB1 on the SCell 105B.

[0130] In an embodiment, the UE 101 may use MSG3 to request for the OD-SSB transmission on the SCell 105B. Further, the UE 101 may include one or more parameters or configurations or a pre-configured index for the requested OD-SSB transmission.

[0131] In an embodiment, the UE 101 may start a timer when the UE 101 transmits the uplink wake-up signal for requesting the OD-SSB transmission. The UE 101 may stop the timer when the UE 101 successfully receives the OD-SSB transmission. However, upon expiry of the timer, if the UE 101 does not successfully receive the OD-SSB transmission, the UE 101 may retransmit the uplink wake-up signal. In an alternate embodiment, upon expiry of the timer, if the UE 101 does not successfully receive the OD-SSB transmission, the UE 101 does not retransmit the uplink wake-up signal.

[0132] In an embodiment, an initial state of the OD-SSB transmission may be set as activated along with the configuration of the OD-SSB. Accordingly, when the OD-SSB is configured, the UE 101 needs to assume the OD-SSB transmission is enabled.

[0133] In an embodiment, the initial state of the OD-SSB transmission may be set as deactivated along with the configuration of the OD-SSB. Accordingly, when the OD-SSB is configured, the UE 101 needs to assume the OD-SSB transmission is not yet enabled and needs to be explicitly enabled / activated by further signaling.

[0134] In an embodiment, the UE may request the PCell 105A, the anchor cell 105C, or the neighbor cell 111 in order to avail the OD-SSB transmission from the SCell 105B. Accordingly, at least one of the PCell 105A, the anchor cell 105C, or the neighbor cell 111 may coordinate or inform the SCell 105B to provide the OD-SSB transmission.

[0135] In a further embodiment, the UE 101 may signal the capability to support OD-SSB on the at least one SCell 105B or at least one FR to the network entity 105 in a UE capability message and / or a UE assistance information message.

[0136] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the OD-SSB transmission may be initiated before the SCell activation so that the UE 101 can measure the channel conditions (e.g., signal strength and / or signal quality) and / or the UE 101 can perform time / frequency synchronization.

[0137] Further, during the cell activation state, the UE 101 may request implicitly or explicitly for the OD-SSB transmission and / or modification of the OD-SSB transmission through a dedicated signaling, such as a MAC CE, a Scheduling Request (SR), and BSR. The modification of the OD-SSB transmission may refer to an increase or decrease in the periodicity of the OD-SSB transmission.

[0138] In an embodiment, the UE 101 may store the OD-SSB preference configuration as UE Inactive AS Context when the UE 101 enters an RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0139] In a further embodiment, the UE 101 may not store the OD-SSB preference configuration as UE Inactive AS Context when the UE 101 enters the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0140] In an embodiment, the UE 101 may release OD-SSB preference configuration when the UE 101 receives an RRC connection re-establishment request. The UE 101 may also release the OD-SSB preference configuration when the UE 101 receives an RRC Resume message from the network entity 105.

[0141] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method 1000 for triggering the OD-SSB transmission by the UE 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, at operation 1002, the method 1000 may include receiving the plurality of configuration parameters associated with one of the PCell 105A or the SCell 105B. The plurality of configuration parameters may include, but are not limited to, the periodicity (od-ssb-periodicity) of the OD-SSB transmission, the burst position (od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission, and the number of bursts (od-ssb-nrofBurst) of the OD-SSB transmission. At operation 1004, the method 1000 may include, in response to receiving the plurality of configuration parameters, receiving the DRS. The DRS is utilized to achieve synchronization and to measure and determine the condition required to trigger the OD-SSB. At operation 1006, the method 1000 may include determining the condition required to trigger the OD-SSB transmission. At operation 1010, the method 1000 may include transmitting, in response to the determination, the request for OD-SSB transmission using the uplink wake-up signal.

[0142] While the above-discussed steps in FIG. 10 are shown and described in a particular sequence, the steps may occur in variations to the sequence in accordance with various embodiments. Further, a detailed description related to the various steps of FIG. 10 is already covered in the description related to FIGs. 1 and 9 are omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0143] In a further embodiment, a wireless communications system, such as the wireless communications system 100, may employ multiple architectural configurations or options. Each of the architectural configurations may define how cells are allocated and managed in relation to the UE's operational state. FIGs. 11A-11C illustrate several such configurations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that similar reference numerals are used to denote corresponding components across the FIGs.

[0144] In one embodiment, the wireless communications system 100 may comprise a set of network entities (e.g. 5G / 6G transceivers or base stations), such as the network entity 105 and associated coverage areas, (e.g. radio cells or Transmission Reception Points (TRPs)). The network architecture for the wireless communications system 100 may deploy or operate under one of several possible configurations or types or options to optimize energy consumption.

[0145] FIG. 11A illustrates a first configuration / option of the wireless communications system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a UE 1103 may be served solely by a PCell 1101A. The UE 1103 may reside in any of the RRC states, such as RRC_IDLE state, RRC_INACTIVE state, or RRC_CONNECTED state. The PCell 1101A may be in an ON mode or an OFF mode at a time. The ON state may represent at least one of transmission, reception and transmission & reception operation for the PCell. The OFF mode may represent at least one of no transmission, no reception and no transmission & no reception operation for the PCell.

[0146] FIG. 11B illustrates a second configuration / option of the wireless communications system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the wireless communications system 100 utilizes a combination of the PCell 1101A and one or more SCells, such as SCell 1101B, to serve the UE 1103. Each of the SCells may independently operate in either ON mode or OFF mode at a time, with corresponding definitions similar to the PCell 1101A.

[0147] FIG. 11C illustrates a third configuration / option of the wireless communications system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the UE 1103 may be served by a Sync Cell 1101C along with one or more Data Cells 1101D-1101F. In this architecture, the Sync Cell 1101C primarily handles control plane operations and synchronization, while the Data Cells 1101D-1101F are responsible for user-plane traffic. Data Cells 1101D-1101F may be activated or deactivated (ON or OFF mode) depending on traffic demand and other conditions. The ON mode may represent at least one of transmission, reception and transmission & reception operation for the Data cell. The OFF mode may represent at least one of no transmission, no reception and no transmission & no reception operation for the Data cell. A Sync Cell may typically be active continuously to ensure reliable network synchronization and control signaling.

[0148] The wireless communications system 100 communicates the at least one configuration / option (e.g., first, second or third configuration as described earlier) to the UE 1103. In an embodiment herein, the configuration (option) may be communicated in system information. In an embodiment herein, the configuration (option) may be communicated via a dedicated signaling (such as, but not limited to, RRCSetup, RRCResume, RRCReconfiguration, RRCReestablishment, and so on).

[0149] In the case of the second configuration, the PCell 1101A may support the UE 1103 in any RRC state but does not carry user-plane traffic (data traffic). That is, no Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) are configured or no DRBs are scheduled in the PCell 1101A while the UE 1103 is RRC_CONNECTED. Nevertheless, the PCell 1101A continues to provide Signaling Radio Bearers (SRBs) for control signaling. When there is control-plane signaling (e.g., downlink RRC signaling) destined for the UE 1103, the SCell 1101B may notify the UE 1103, prompting the UE 1103 to decode downlink physical channels associated with the PCell 1101A, such as the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). The PCell 1101A may not be required to release the UE 1103 due to inactivity when no DRBs are configured or no DRBs are scheduled. The UE 1103, in such scenarios, does not operate a data inactivity timer, nor does the UE 1103 transition to RRC_IDLE state. Furthermore, the PCell 1101A may assist the UE 1103 with the relevant information (e.g. system information, OD-SSB configuration, OD-SIB1 configuration, Wake-up signal configuration, discovery reference signal configuration information or other pre-configurations) for one or more Scells 1101B. In an embodiment, the purpose of PCell 1110A with only SRBs is to keep tracking UE mobility in all operation states, while UEs may be served by Scells 1101C or data cells 1101D-1101F..

[0150] In another embodiment, the Sync Cell 1101C may correspond to a macro cell with relatively large coverage, whereas the associated Data Cells 1101D-1101F are smaller and serve more localized regions. The Sync Cell 1101C may operate in a lower frequency band to enhance coverage, while the Data Cells 1101D-1101F may use higher frequency bands to enable high-throughput data transmission. Typically, the Sync Cell 1101C supports the UE 1103 in the RRC_IDLE or the RRC_INACTIVE states, whereas the Data Cells 1101D-1101F provide connectivity in the RRC_CONNECTED state. In another embodiment, the sync cell can also allow the UE 1103 to enter to RRC_CONNECTED state with the sync cell 1101C, however, can be configured with only SRBs for signaling purpose. In an embodiment, the purpose of Sync cell 1101C with only SRBs is to keep tracking UE mobility in all operation states, while UEs may be served by data cells 1101D-1101F. In an embodiment herein, if there is no coverage in the Sync cell 1101C, the UE 1103 may camp on the data cell 1101D-1101F.

[0151] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram 1200 depicting access to the wireless communications system 100 and initiation of wake-up or sleep transitions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At operation 1201, the SCell 1101B may transmit one of the DRS, LP-SS, and SSB to the UE 1103. In response, at operation 1203, the UE 1103 may perform synchronization and channel measurements using one or more reference signals (DRS, LP-SS, or SSB). In an embodiment herein, before the UE 1103 transmits an uplink wake-up signal to the cell, the UE 1103 performs at least one of time or frequency synchronization and channel measurements on the cell (e.g. PCell 1101A, SCell(s) 1101B or Data Cell(s) 1101D-1101F). The UE 1103 utilizes at least one of discovery reference signal (DRS) or low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS) or SSB transmitted by the cell to perform the afore-mentioned operations. The DRS or LP-SS or SSB may be transmitted at least one of (a) during OFF state of the cell, or (b) during a specific time within OFF state so as to enable the UE 1103 to detect and measure cell and / or (c) during ON time of the cell. The configuration parameters for the at least one of DRS, LP-SS and SSB is pre-configuredto the UE through a broadcasted SIB or via RRC signaling provided over an anchor cell (e.g., PCell 1101A) or a neighbor cell or a sSync cell 1101C. The configuration parameters may include at least one of periodicity (e.g., a periodicity value of one of 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms, and 320ms may be utilized), signal duration, frequency, timing reference, start, offset, cell(s) to measure, allowed cell(s), excluded cell(s), SMTC, DMTC, measurement gaps, QCL status, and thresholds for RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or SINR. The UE 1103 may also perform synchronization, e.g., Automatic Gain Control (AGC) tuning, Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) operations based on at least one of DRS, LP-SS, and SSB reference signals. Further, the UE 1103 may perform reference signal measurements (e.g., at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, and SINR) over at least one of DRS, LP-SS, and SSB to ascertain the channel conditions.

[0152] At operation 1205, the UE 1103 may transmit an uplink wake-up signal to wake-up the PCell 1101A, the SCell 1101B, or a Data Cell, such as data cells 1101D-1101F. The wake-up signal may be pre-specified or pre-configured. The wake-up signal may take the form of a defined signal pattern or a specific random access preamble. In response, the target cell, such as the SCell 1101B, may initiate operations such as SSB transmission, SIB1 broadcasting, scheduling, or uplink channel monitoring (e.g., Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), or Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)), through operations 1207-1211.

[0153] In an embodiment herein, in the OFF mode, there may still be some reception or monitoring for specific signals or channels, for example, a secondary radio may be employed by the network node to monitor the uplink wake-up signal or the random access channel by the PCell (first configuration / option), at least one SCell (second configuration / option) and at least one Data cell (third configuration / option). In an embodiment herein, in the OFF mode, there may still be some transmission for specific signals or channels; for e.g., a low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS) or a discovery reference signal (DRS) may be transmitted.

[0154] In an embodiment herein, the UE sends an uplink wake-up signal to trigger on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) transmission from the cell (e.g., PCell 1101A, SCell(s) 1101B or Data Cell(s) 1101D-1101F). The uplink wake-up signal that is used to trigger OD-SSB transmission from the cell is pre-configured or pre-specified and is associated with a specific signal pattern or a specific random access preamble. Upon receiving the wake-up signal, the cell (e.g., PCell 1101A, SCell(s) 1101B or Data Cell(s) 1101D-1101F) may initiate the transmission of the SSB as per the pre-configured or pre-determined OD-SSB pattern (e.g., periodicity, duration). In an embodiment, the UE 1103 may start a timer t_ulWakeupForSSBRetx upon transmitting the uplink wake-up signal. The timer t_ulWakeupForSSBRetx may be configured by the network. The UE 1103 may stop the timer t_ulWakeupForSSBRetx upon successful reception of the OD-SSB from the cell (e.g., PCell, SCell(s) or Data Cell(s)). In an embodiment herein, upon expiry of the timer t_ulWakeupForSSBRetx, the UE 1101B may retransmit the uplink wake-up signal for the OD-SSB.

[0155] In an embodiment, the UE 1103 may transmit an uplink wake-up signal to trigger OD-SIB1 transmission from the cell (e.g., PCell, SCell(s), or Data Cell(s)). The uplink wake-up signal may be pre-configured or pre-specified and is associated with a specific signal pattern or a specific random access preamble. Upon receiving the wake-up signal, the cell (e.g., PCell, SCell(s), or Data Cell(s)) may initiate the transmission of the SIB1 as per the pre-configured or pre-determined OD-SIB1 pattern (e.g., periodicity, duration), through operations 1207-1211. In an embodiment, the UE 1103 may start a timer t_ulWakeupForSIB1Retx upon transmitting the uplink wake-up signal. The timer t_ulWakeupForSIB1Retx may be configured by the network. The UE 1103 may stop the timer t_ ulWakeupForSIB1Retx upon successful reception of the SIB1 from the cell (e.g., PCell, SCell(s), or Data Cell(s)). In an embodiment, upon expiry of the timer t_ulWakeupForSIB1Retx, the UE 1103 may retransmit the uplink wake-up signal for the OD-SIB1.

[0156] In an embodiment, a common uplink wake-up signal may be configured to serve multiple purposes, such as cell wake-up, OD-SSB, and OD-SIB1 requests.

[0157] In an embodiment, the uplink wake-up signal configuration may include at least one parameter of PRACH preamble identity, MSG1 repetition allowed, no MSG1 repetition allowed, number of repetitions, configuration of RACH occasions, PRACH root sequence index, sub-carrier spacing for MSG1, Repetition time offset for RACH Occasion group for MSG1, RA Association period index, RA preamble start index, RA SSB occasion mask index, wake-up request period, and so on.

[0158] In an embodiment, the configuration of the uplink wake-up signal may include at least one of configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on a Normal uplink carrier for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on supplementary uplink carrier for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on initial uplink RedCap bandwidth for RedCap UEs for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, and so on.

[0159] In an embodiment, the UE 1103 may evaluate the criteria or conditions to trigger the uplink wake-up signal for at least one cell (e.g., PCell, SCell(s), or Data Cell(s)). On meeting the criteria or conditions, the UE 1103 may trigger the transmission of an uplink wake-up signal to at least one cell, such as the PCell 1101A, the SCell 1101B, and the Data Cells 1101D-1101F. The criteria or conditions to trigger an uplink wake-up signal may include, but are not limited to, the channel measurement (e.g. RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, SINR) to be meeting a pre-configured or pre-specified threshold X1 (e.g. channel measurement of the cell is above a threshold X1), arrival of uplink data for the UE 1103 or UE's uplink data rate increasing above a threshold Y1 (e.g. UE's uplink data rate presently served by PCell is increased and it is required to serve the UE 1103 by one or more SCell(s)).

[0160] In an embodiment, the UE 1103 may perform measurement on the Sync Cell 1101C to trigger the uplink wake-up signal to one of the data cells. In an embodiment, the UE 1103 may be configured with condition / threshold values per data cell to trigger the uplink wake-up signal to the corresponding Data Cell. In an embodiment, the UE 1103 may select one or more Data Cells among the Data Cells 1101D-1101F to perform the uplink wake-up signal transmission based on UE location, service requirement / type of the UL traffic, etc.

[0161] Further, at operation 1213A, the UE 1103 may detect inactivity at the UE 1103. Inactivity for the uplink traffic may be determined based on at least one BSR reporting (e.g., low BSR or zero BSR reporting by the UE 1103 for N consecutive number of times, where N>1) or explicit request by the UE 1103 for low activity or no activity. Simultaneously, at operation 1213B, the SCell 1101B may detect inactivity at the SCell 1101B. Inactivity for the downlink traffic may be based on at least one of the determined and / or predicted low data buffer status or zero data buffer status for the UE 1103.

[0162] Then, at operation 1215, the UE 1103 may transmit an uplink Go-To-Sleep (GTS) signal to the PCell 1101A (first configuration / option), the SCell 1101B (second configuration / option) and any one of the Data Cells 1101D-1101F (third configuration / option) to make the cell go to sleep or OFF mode or shutdown. In an embodiment, the network entity / node may determine for the corresponding cell to go to sleep or OFF mode, or shutdown. The network may make such a determination based on the inputs or GTS signal received from the UE 1103. The network may also make such a determination based on the status at the network node or cell, e.g., downlink data buffered for the one or more UEs. In an embodiment, the network may receive the GTS signal from one or more connected UEs, agnostic to their operation mode. The network could make a decision to shut down or not based on the threshold for a number of UEs and re-direction possibilities, considering each of the UEs has voted for sleep, or UEs could be re-directed to another cell, for the targeted PCell or SCell, or data cell to go to sleep.

[0163] In an embodiment, GTS signaling may be provided by at least one of uplink MAC CE and a PRACH preamble transmission.

[0164] In an embodiment, the uplink MAC CE for GTS signaling may be addressed by a specific Logical Channel Identity (LCID) XXX or Extended LCID (E-LCID) YYY.

[0165] In an embodiment, the configuration of the GTS signal using PRACH preamble transmission may include, but is not limited to, the PRACH preamble identity, the MSG1 repetition allowed, no MSG1 repetition allowed, the number of repetitions, the configuration of RACH occasions, the PRACH root sequence index, the sub-carrier spacing for MSG1, the repetition time offset for RACH occasion group for MSG1, the RA association period index, the RA preamble start index, the RA SSB occasion mask index, the GTS request period, and so on.

[0166] In an embodiment, the configuration of the GTS signal using PRACH preamble transmission, may include, but is not limited to, the configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on Normal uplink carrier for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on supplementary uplink carrier for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the configuration of MSG1 repetition resources on initial uplink RedCap bandwidth for RedCap UEs for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, and so on.

[0167] In an embodiment, the UE 1103 may evaluate the criteria or conditions to trigger the GTS signal for at least one cell (e.g., PCell, SCell(s), or Data Cell(s)). On meeting the criteria or conditions, the UE 1103 may trigger the transmission of the GTS signal to the corresponding cell. The criteria or conditions to trigger the GTS signal may include, but are not limited to, the channel measurement (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, SINR) to meet a pre-configured or pre-specified threshold X2 (e.g., channel measurement falls below a threshold X2) and arrival of uplink data for the UE or UE's uplink data rate meeting a threshold Y2 (e.g., the UE's uplink data rate is declined below a threshold Y2).

[0168] In an embodiment, the network entity may determine the criteria or conditions for shutting down or turning off the corresponding cell. The criteria or conditions may include, but are not limited to, determining inactivity for the downlink traffic and / or uplink traffic for the UE, or measured channel conditions by the network or reported by the UE, are below a threshold Y3. Inactivity for the uplink traffic may be based on at least one BSR reporting (e.g., low BSR or zero BSR reporting by the UE 1103 for N consecutive number of times, where N>1) or explicit request by the UE 1103 for low activity or no activity. Inactivity for the downlink traffic may be based on at least one of determined and / or predicted low data buffer status or zero data buffer status for the UE 1103.

[0169] Then, at operation 1217, the corresponding cell, such as the SCell 1101B, may be shut down. In an embodiment, the network may deactivate and / or de-configure the SCell 1101B when the SCell 1101B is being shut down or OFF. In another embodiment, the network may release the UE 1103 and / or redirect and / or handover the UE 1101 to a different frequency or cell. In another embodiment, the network may configure and / or activate another SCell to the UE 1103.

[0170] In an embodiment, the techniques as described in reference to FIGs. 11A-12 may be performed by the wireless communications system 100. In particular, the techniques as described in reference to FIGs. 11A-12 may be performed by the network entity 105 and / or the UE 101. In an embodiment, the techniques as described in reference to FIGs. 11A-12 may be performed by the processor 202 and / or the processor 902.

[0171] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides various advantages. For example, the present disclosure provides techniques to conserve energy in the wireless communications system.

[0172] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural, and the use of "or" means "and / or." Furthermore, the use of the terms "including" or "having" is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.

[0173] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist.

Claims

1.A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:receiving, from a base station, a message comprising configuration information on a transmission of an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB);identifying whether the transmission of the on-demand SSB is activated; andin case that the transmission of the on-demand SSB transmission is activated, performing a measurement of the on-demand SSB based on the configuration information.2.The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying comprises:in case that the message comprises information indicating that activating or deactivating the transmission of the on-demand SSB and the information indicates that the activating the transmission of the on-demand SSB, identifying that the transmission of the on-demand SSB is activated, orreceiving, from the base station, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) comprising information indicating that activating or deactivating the transmission of the on-demand SSB, and in case that the information indicates that the activating the transmission of the on-demand SSB, identifying that the transmission of the on-demand SSB is activated.3.The method of claim 1,wherein the configuration information on the transmission of the on-demand SSB comprises at least one of information on a periodicity of the on-demand SSB, information on a position of the on-demand SSB in a burst, or information on a number of bursts associated with the on-demand SSB.4.The method of claim 1, further comprising:in case that the transmission of the on-demand SSB transmission is deactivated, stopping the measurement of the on-demand SSB.5.A method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:transmitting, to a terminal, a message comprising configuration information on a transmission of an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB); andin case that the transmission of the on-demand SSB transmission is activated, transmitting, to the terminal, the on-demand SSB based on the configuration information for a measurement.6.The method of claim 5,wherein the message further comprises information indicating that activating or deactivating the transmission of the on-demand SSB, orwherein the method further comprises: transmitting, to the terminal, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) comprising information indicating that activating or deactivating the transmission of the on-demand SSB.7.The method of claim 5,wherein the configuration information on the transmission of the on-demand SSB comprises at least one of information on a periodicity of the on-demand SSB, information on a position of the on-demand SSB in a burst, or information on a number of bursts associated with the on-demand SSB.8.The method of claim 5,wherein, in case that the transmission of the on-demand SSB transmission is deactivated, the measurement of the on-demand SSB is stopped.9.A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:a transceiver; anda controller configured to:receive, from a base station via the transceiver, a message comprising configuration information on a transmission of an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB),identify whether the transmission of the on-demand SSB is activated; andin case that the transmission of the on-demand SSB transmission is activated, perform a measurement of the on-demand SSB based on the configuration information.10.The terminal of claim 9,wherein the controller is further configured to: in case that the message comprises information indicating that activating or deactivating the transmission of the on-demand SSB and the information indicates that the activating the transmission of the on-demand SSB, identify that the transmission of the on-demand SSB is activated, orwherein the controller is further configured to: receive, from the base station via the transceiver, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) comprising information indicating that activating or deactivating the transmission of the on-demand SSB, and in case that the information indicates that the activating the transmission of the on-demand SSB, identify that the transmission of the on-demand SSB is activated.11.The terminal of claim 9,wherein the configuration information on the transmission of the on-demand SSB comprises at least one of information on a periodicity of the on-demand SSB, information on a position of the on-demand SSB in a burst, or information on a number of bursts associated with the on-demand SSB.12.The terminal of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to:in case that the transmission of the on-demand SSB transmission is deactivated, stop the measurement of the on-demand SSB.13.A base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising:a transceiver; anda controller configured to:transmit, to a terminal via the transceiver, a message comprising configuration information on a transmission of an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB), andin case that the transmission of the on-demand SSB transmission is activated, transmit, to the terminal via the transceiver, the on-demand SSB based on the configuration information for a measurement.14.The base station of claim 13,wherein the message further comprises information indicating that activating or deactivating the transmission of the on-demand SSB, orwherein the controller is further configured to: transmit, to the terminal via the transceiver, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) comprising information indicating that activating or deactivating the transmission of the on-demand SSB.15.The base station of claim 13,wherein the configuration information on the transmission of the on-demand SSB comprises at least one of information on a periodicity of the on-demand SSB, information on a position of the on-demand SSB in a burst, or information on a number of bursts associated with the on-demand SSB.

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