Synergizing on demand – system information block type-1 (OD-SIB1) transmission in network energy saving (NES) cell

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell. The NES Cell is configured to upon reception of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission at least based on network configuration. The NES Cell is then configured to in response to determination that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB1 transmission initiation transmit a random access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE. The wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB1 reception. Thus, the transmission of the wait information improves energy saving of NES cell and allows the UEs to be aware of the OD-SIB1 transmission.

Description

SYNERGIZING ON DEMAND - SYSTEM INFORMATION BLOCK TYPE-1 (OD-SIB1) TRANSMISSION IN NETWORK ENERGY SAVING (NES) CELLCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Indian Provisional Application No. 202441057783, filed on July 30, 2024, and Indian Non-Provisional Application No. 202441057783, filed on January 31, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to synergizing on demand system information block type-1 (OD-SIB1) transmission in a network energy saving (NES) Cell.BACKGROUND

[0003] Deployment of fifth generation (5G) networks presents significant challenges regarding energy efficiency. With networks becoming denser and requiring more antennas, wider bandwidths, and additional frequency bands to support advanced services, the demand for energy has escalated. Effectively managing this energy consumption is essential not only to mitigate environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also to optimize operational costs associated with running these networks efficiently. Finding innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency in this context is paramount for ensuring sustainable growth and minimizing the ecological footprint of 5G infrastructure.

[0004] The concept of Network Energy Saving (NES) introduced energy-saving (ES) mode for cells. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has specified multiple features to realize energy savings, of which demand SIB1 (OD-SIB1) transmission is one. Cells associated with the NES features are termed as NES cells, which may operate in ES mode where there is no on-demand SIB1 (OD-SIB1) transmission and may operate in non-ESmode where there is OD-SIBl transmission. The NES cell may stay in ES mode (dormant or sleep state) to save energy.

[0005] The NES cells stay in dormant state until a wake up signal (WUS) is received by the NES cell. Existing technologies provide for OD-SIB1 transmission by enabling NES cells to selectively broadcast SIB1 based on specific UE triggers via uplink WUS using existing channels. The NES cells transmit OD-SIB1 to the user equipment on receiving the wake up signal. Therefore, in existing methods OD-SIBl is specifically requested by UEs in idle / inactive mode on an individual basis.

[0006] The WUS configuration details for OD-SIB 1 transmission, such as frequency of OD- S1B1, S1B1 burst parameters, physical cell identifier (PCI), etc., are configuration details available in the WUS configuration procured by the UE. The WUS configuration may be obtained by the UE from either an anchor cell (Cell A) or the NES cell before sending a UL WUS (i.e., RACH Request) to the NES cell to request OD-SIBl transmission. A UE coming from cell A will acquire UL WUS configuration from cell A, while a UE already camped on NES cell will re-acquire UL WUS configuration from NES cell.

[0007] Since OD-SIBl transmission is based on UL WUS from individual UEs, there could be multiple UEs in the coverage area of an NES cell who are eligible to camp on the NES cell and are waiting for OD-SIBl transmission. OD-SIBl transmission per UE is sub- optimal from energy saving perspective and there is scope for optimization of energy saving.

[0008] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.SUMMARY

[0009] The current on-demand SIB1 (OD-SIB1) transmission by NES cells face several shortcomings. Firstly, the OD-SIB1 transmission is triggered individually by each UE’s uplink WUS and multiple UEs within the NES cell’s coverage area may trigger separate transmissions, leading to sub-optimal energy savings. Additionally, other eligible UEs in IDLE / INACTIVE mode are unaware of OD-SIB1 transmission, as they may not attempt cell re-selection simultaneously, potentially missing out on critical updates and optimizations. These issues highlight inefficiencies in current OD-SIB 1 delivery, impacting both energy efficiency and network responsiveness.

[0010] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell. The NES Cell is configured to upon reception of an uplink wake-up signal (UL- WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determine whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission in the cell, at least based on network configuration. The NES Cell is then configured to transmit a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE, in response to determination that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB 1 transmission initiation. The wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB 1 reception.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is disclosed. The method comprises upon receiving of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determining whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission, at least based on network configuration. The method then comprises in response to determining that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD- SIB 1 transmission initiation, transmitting a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB 1 reception.

[0012] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions that when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform operations of upon receiving of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determining whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIBl) transmission, at least based on network configuration. The computer- readable instructions when executed by the apparatus further causes the apparatus to perform in response to determining that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIBl transmission initiation, transmitting a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIBl reception.

[0013] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) is disclosed. The UE is configured to receive a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell. The wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIBl reception. The UE is then configured to refrain to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIBl) transmission.

[0014] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell. The wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIBl reception. The method then comprises refraining to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of an immediate on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIBl) transmission.

[0015] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions that when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform operations of receiving a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell. The wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIBl reception. The computer-readable instructions when executed by the apparatus further causes the apparatus to perform refraining to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of immediate on- demand system information block 1 (OD-SIBl) transmission.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Further embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Reference numerals have been used to refer to identical or functionally similar elements. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present disclosure wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary environment for OD SIB1 transmission by a network energy saving cell (NES) cell, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates a NES Cell and Anchor cell topography with partial overlap, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2B illustrates a NES Cell and Anchor cell topography with full overlap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates the data structure of medium access control (MAC) physical data unit (PDU) that carries Random Access Response (RAR), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG 4 illustrates a signaling diagram for synergizing OD SIB1 transmission in NES cell, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for synergizing OD SIB 1 transmission in NES cell, performed at NES cell, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for synergizing OD SIB 1 transmission in NES cell, performed at a user equipment (UE), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of example components of NES cell for synergizing OD SIB1 transmission, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Further, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or one or more features of another embodiment). Additionally, the flowchart and description of operations provided below relate to one of the various embodiments. It should be noted that it is possible to make other embodiments that do not exactly match the flowchart and itsdescription. It is understood that in other embodiments one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, one or more operations may be performed simultaneously (at least in part).

[0026] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods, described herein, may be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code. It is understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0027] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0028] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, expressions such as “at least one of [A] and [B],” “[A] and / or [B],” or “at least one of [A] or [B]” are to be understood as including only A, only B, or both A and B

[0029] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0030] It shall be noted that, for convenience of explanation, the disclosure uses terms and names defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Radio Access Network (3GPP RAN) standards. More specifically, the terminology on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1), Random Access Channel (RACH) Request, RRC Connected UEs, Idle / Inactive UEs, random access response (RAR) message, Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) order, Medium Access Control (MAC) Physical Data Unit (PDU) data, Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), are to be interpreted as specified by the 3GPP RAN standards.

[0031] The terminology “wake up signal configuration”, “WUS configuration data” and “WUS config” have same meaning and are alternatively used throughout the specification. The terminology “wake up signal”, “WUS”, “RACH Request” have same meaning and are alternatively used throughout the specification. The terminology “anchor cell” and “Cell A” have same meaning and are alternatively used throughout the specification.

[0032] OD-SZB1 transmission is based on UE WUS from individual UEs, there could be multiple UEs in the coverage area of an NES cell who are eligible to camp on the NES cell and are waiting for OD-SIB1 transmission. However, OD-SIB1 transmission per UE is sub- optimal from energy savings perspective and other eligible UEs in idle / inactive mode are not aware of OD-SIB1 transmission, as they may not try to perform cell re-selection at the same time. Thus, there is a scope to further optimize energy saving by synergizing OD-SIB1 transmission in the NES cell.

[0033] In an embodiment, the NES cell upon reception of an uplink wake-up signal (UL- WUS) from a user equipment (UE), may determine whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, at least based on network configuration. In response to determination that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB 1 transmission initiation, the NES cell may transmit a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE. The wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB1 reception. The wait information at least comprises a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration. Alternatively, the wait information could also be included along with the UL WUS configuration using which the UE will implicitly determine whether it has to wait. Thus, the transmission of the wait information improves energy saving of NES cell and allows the UEs to be aware of the OD-SIB1 transmission and the UE does not attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until expiry of the wait time duration. The UE may not bar the cell during the wait time either. The NES cell synergizing OD SIB1 transmission is explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-6.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary environment 100 for OD SIB1 transmission by a network energy saving cell (NES) cell, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the environment 100 may comprise an anchor cell or cell A 110, a NES cell 103, and a user equipment (UE) 101. The example fig. 1 refers to the “UE”. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that general terms such as “user device,” “terminal,” “terminal device,” “communication device,” and “communication terminal” can be used interchangeably with the term “UE.”

[0036] For example, the UE 101 may include a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a smart speaker, a server, etc.), a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone, a radiotelephone, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a pair of smart glasses or a smart watch), or a similar device.

[0037] As shown in fig. 1, the UE 101 may be initially in an idle or inactive mode. The UE 10 may measure Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) of the NES cell 103. If the RSRP and / or the RSRQ meets therespective threshold criteria, then the UE 101 may trigger the transmission of on-demand (OD) System Information Block Type 1 (SIB 1) by sending an uplink wake up signal (WUS).

[0038] In one non-limiting embodiment, the UE 101 may access a minimum information block (MIB) indicating whether a NES cell is accessible to a UE or barred. If the MIB indicates that the NES cell 103 is not accessible to the UE 101, then UE 101 does not transmit the uplink WUS to the NES cell. In such scenario, the UE 101 is coupled with the Cell A 110. The MIB also indicates whether a cell is transmitting periodic SIB1. Based on this and the cell barring information, the UE may procure the UL WUS configuration and send a UL WUS signal to request OD-SIB1 transmission.

[0039] The S1B1 contains essential information that the UE 101 needs to initially access the network, such as cell identity, network access parameters, and initial configuration details, etc. Further, this signal utilizes existing channels or signals of the network infrastructure. However, the SIB1 is not restricted to above parameters and may comprise any other parameter required for network, which is known to a person skilled in the art.

[0040] In an embodiment, the configuration details for the uplink WUS of the NES cell 103 may be provided to the UE 101 by the NES cell 103 or by Cell A. This ensures that UE 101 receives and understands how to initiate the uplink WUS for the NES cell 103. Further, when Cell A belongs to another gNB than the gNB of the NES cell and when there are multiple cells like Cell A that are overlapping with one NES cell but belong to different gNBs, the gNBs may exchange information regarding the configuration of WUS for deployment. This ensures consistency and reliability across different network areas where the OD SIB1 transmission is taking place. The OD SIB1 transmission by the NES cell 103 is discussed in further detail in below embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates a NES Cell and cell A topography with partial overlap and FIG. 2B illustrates a NES Cell and cell A topography with full overlap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict anchor cell i.e., Cell A that is defined by a significant coverage area within the cellular network. This anchor cell serves as a primary reference point for managing mobility and ensuring continuous service for connected UE. Within the coverage area of the anchor cell, there may be a number of Network Energy Saving (NES) cells (NES cell 1 and NES cell 2).

[0043] In a network scenario, where there is partial overlap between NES cells and the anchor cell as shown in fig. 2A, the UE in idle or inactive mode within the NES cell 2 coverage can request SIB1 transmission by sending an uplink wake up signal to the NES cell 2. In such a scenario, the UEs may receive the SIB1 broadcast from the NES cell 2, depending on the location of the UE and signal strength received by the UE.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates the data structure of medium access control (MAC) physical data unit (PDU) that carries Random Access Response (RAR), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] When a UE initiates a connection or sends an uplink message after performing the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) procedure, the UE awaits a response from the network. The network responds with a Random Access Response (RAR), which contains a Timing Advance value specific to that UE. The UE extracts this Timing Advance value from the RAR message and adjusts its timing for subsequent uplink transmissions with the cell where RACH was performed, accordingly.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3, the Backoff Indicator (BI) is a field that indicates the number of transmission the UE should wait before attempting to transmit an uplink message. This is particularly relevant in contention-based access procedures like Random Access (RA), where multiple UEs may contend for the same radio resources (e.g., uplink resources). The values of the backoff parameter are shown in below Table 3.1.Table 3.1

[0047] Further, the Uplink (UL) Grant as shown in fig. 3 is a control message sent by the gNB (base station) to the UE specifying permission for the UE to transmit data on the uplink (from UE to gNB). The below Table 3.2 and Table 3.3 shows the values of the RAR grant fields for the UL grant and TCP command values, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a gNB of NES cell may refrain from OD-SIB transmission to improve the energy saving of the NES cell. In such scenario, the gNB of NES cell may update utilize the RAR grant field or a reserved bit or another existing parameter to indicate the wait information to the UE. The UE may decode the RAR messageto gain access to a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration. The UE may not monitor a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for the wait time duration, thereby reducing the energy consumption necessary for monitoring the PDCCH for OD-SIB 1 reception.Table 3.2Table 3.3

[0049] FIG 4 illustrates a signaling diagram 400 for synergizing OD SIB1 transmission in NES cell, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the signaling diagram 400 includes a plurality of UEs 410a, 410b, and 410c, a NES cell 420, and a Cell A 430. The plurality of UEs may be camped to the Cell A 430. In an embodiment, the NES cell 420 and the Cell A 430 may be serviced by same gNB. In another embodiment, the NES cell 420 and the Cell A 430 are serviced through different gNBs.

[0051] Initially, the plurality of UEs 410a, 410b, and 410c may acquire wake up signal (WUS) configuration of NES Cell 420 from the Cell A 430 (as shown in step SI). In one non-limiting embodiment, all the WUS configurations of all NES cells in the coverage of Cell A 430 are made available in the SIB1 to the UEs 410a, 410b, and 410c.

[0052] The UEs 410a, 410b, and 410c may monitor Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) of the NES cell 420. In case the measured RSRP and / or measured RSRQ satisfies a threshold criteria set to perform cell reselection of the UE 410c, the UE 410c may decide to initiate cell re-selection and transmit Random Access Channel (RACH) Request to the NES cell 420 (as shown in step S2). The RACH request includes the uplink WUS OD-SIB1 request.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the NES cell 420 may determine any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria including a predetermined number of UE requesting OD-SIB1 transmission and determine whether a predetermined time interval after receiving the request for OD-SIB1 transmission is lapsed. If the number of UE does not meet predetermined threshold criteria and / or time interval after receiving the request for OD-S1B1 transmission is not lapsed, then the NES cell 420 may refrain from performing the OD-SIB1 transmission immediately. Hence, the NES cell 420 refraining from OD-SIB1 transmission may transmit random access response (RAR) message including wait information to the UE 410c (as shown in step S3). In one non-limiting, the wait time duration may be conveyed through the reserved bits of the RAR message. Alternatively, the wait information could also be included along with the UL WUS configuration using which the UE will implicitly determine the wait time.

[0054] The wait information at least comprises a reference timestamp for start of the wait time i.e reference to start the wait time and a wait time duration. Thus, the transmission of the wait information improves energy saving of NES cell and allows the UEs to be aware of the precise timing of the OD-SIB1 transmission and the UE does not attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until expiry of the wait time duration.

[0055] In an embodiment, the above step S2 and S3 may be repeated for other UEs till the NES cell 420 refraining from OD-SIB1 transmission.

[0056] Then, UE 410a may transmit a RACH request including WUS OD-SIB1 request to the NES cell 420 (as shown in step S4). The NES cell 420 determine whether OD-SIB1 transmission criteria is satisfied (as shown in step S5). The OD-SIB1 transmission criteria may comprise predetermined number of UE requesting OD-SIB1 transmission is greater than the predetermined threshold and / or the time interval after receiving the request for OD- SIB1 transmission is lapsed.

[0057] Once the OD-SIB1 transmission criteria is satisfied in step S5, the NES cell 420 may transmit RAR message without wait information to the UE 410a (as shown in step S6) or with zero wait time.

[0058] Thereafter, the NES cell 420 may initiate the OD-SIB transmission to the UE 410a (as shown in step S7). The UE 410a may use the OD-SIB 1 transmission to perform cell reselection and UE 410a may camp on to the NES cell 420.

[0059] Once the OD-SIB 1 transmission is initiated by the NES cell 420, the NES cell 420 may ask the cell A gNB to notify or inform the other UEs about OD-SIB 1 transmission (as shown in step S8). The NES cell 420 may transmit NG RAN configuration update to the Cell A 430, via an Xn interface (as shown in step S9). The step S9 is only applicable whenthe NES cell 420 and the Cell A 430 are serviced by the two different gNB. Hence, the gNB of NES cell 430 may transmit the NG RAN configuration update to the gNB of Cell A 430 through the Xn interface.

[0060] Thereafter, the Cell A 430 may initiate the SystemlnfoModification paging procedure (as shown ins step S10). The paging message may comprise the OD-SIB1 initiation information along with NES Cell physical cell identifier (PCI). The paging procedure is carried out by the Cell A 430 to inform the other UEs about the OD-SIB l transmission. The other UEs 410b, and 410c may receive the OD-SIBl transmission (as shown in step Si la and SI lb).

[0061] Thus, all the UEs may be camped on the NES cell 420 after performing cell reselection based on the OD-SIB 1 transmission. This facilitates improvement in energy saving gain of the NES cell as the OD-SIBl transmissions is reduced based on OD SIB-criteria. Further, the UE’s energy consumption is improved as the UE does not monitor PDCCH during the wait duration.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 5, which illustrates a flowchart of a method for synergizing OD SIB1 transmission in NES cell. The method 500 is merely provided for exemplary purposes, and embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover network energy saving (NES). In one non-limiting embodiment, the method 500 may be performed by NES cell. In another non-limiting embodiment, the method 500 may be performed by the gNB or a NG-RAN node of the NES cell.

[0063] The method 500 may include performing a plurality of prerequisite steps. These steps may include receiving, in Random Access Channel (RACH) Request preamble, an uplink wake up signal for OD-SIBl transmission from the at least one user equipment (UE). The wake up signal for OD-SIBl transmission is received from the UEs for which Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) satisfies the respective threshold criteria to perform cell reselection. Then, the method 500 maycomprise determining the additional RRM criteria including a predetermined number of UE requesting OD-SIB1 transmission from the NES Cell and determining whether a predetermined time interval after receiving the request for OD-SIB1 transmission is lapsed. Thereafter, the method 500 may comprise selectively initiating or refraining from initiating the OD-SIB1 transmission based on at least the number of UEs requesting the OD-SIB1, the predetermined time interval is lapsed, and the network configuration. The network configuration may define OD-SZB1 transmission criteria including the predetermined number of UEs requests for the OD-SIB1 required for initiating OD-SIB transmissions and the predetermined time interval after which OD-SIB transmissions may be initiated.

[0064] The method 500 may comprise, at block 501, determining whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission, at least based on network configuration. The determining is based upon reception of an uplink wake-up signal (UL- WUS) from a user equipment (UE). The RRM criteria may be based on the network configuration definition and the RRM criteria may include a predetermined number of UE requesting OD-SIB 1 transmission, and a predetermined time interval after receiving the request for OD-SIB 1 transmission is lapsed.

[0065] The method 500 may comprise, at block 503, in response to determination that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB 1 transmission initiation, transmitting transmit a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE. The wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB 1 reception.

[0066] In one non-limiting embodiment, the wait information comprises a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration. Thus, the transmission of the wait information improves energy saving of NES cell and allows the UEs to be aware of the OD-SIB 1 transmission and the UE does not attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until expiry of the wait time duration.

[0067] The method 500 may further comprise determining whether the wait time is lapsed or determining that the predetermined number of UEs requests for the OD-SIB1 required for initiating OD-SIB transmissions is received, and initiating the OD-SIB1 transmission, if one of the above mentioned criteria is satisfied.

[0068] While initiating the OD-SIB 1 transmission, the method 500 may comprise transmitting, via a gNodeB (gNB) of a cell A, a SystemlnfoModification Paging message to UEs of the cell A, if the wait time is lapsed. The SystemlnfoModification Paging message indicates an ongoing OD-SIB 1 transmission from NES cell. In an aspect, at least one eligible UE of cell A acquires OD-SIB 1 of NES Cell, at least based on the indication of OD-SIB 1 transmission. The at least one eligible UE here means the UE which are under the coverage of NES cell and satisfy the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold criteria to camp on NES cell.

[0069] The gNB of the anchor cell may be configured to initiate SystemlnfoModification paging procedure, wherein a SystemlnfoModification paging message is transmitted by the anchor cell to the UEs camped to the anchor cell. The SystemlnfoModification paging message may comprise the OD-SIB 1 initiation information along with NES Cell physical cell identifier (PCI).

[0070] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the gNB of the anchor cell may be different from the gNB of the NES cell. In such scenario, the method 500 may comprise transmitting, via an Xn interface, an indication of OD-SIB 1 transmission from the gNB of the NES cell to the gNB of the anchor cell.

[0071] In one non-limiting embodiment, the NES cell may indicate over the backhaul to the anchor cell to initiate a Paging (SystemlnfoModification) to all UEs camped on the anchor cell. The SystemlnfoModification Paging message may also indicate the NES Cell Identifier(PCI) to the UEs of anchor cell. The eligible UEs on anchor cell, who already have the WUS configuration of the given NES cell, may acquire OD-SIB1 of NES cell and perform cell reselection to NES cell. The eligible UEs on anchor cell, who don’t have the WUS configuration of the given NES cell, may acquire it from the SIB1 of anchor cell and then acquire OD-SIB1 of NES cell and perform cell re-selection to NES cell.

[0072] Thus, the method 500 facilitates improvement in energy saving gain of the NES cell as the OD-SIB l transmissions is reduced based on OD SIB-criteria. Further, the UE’s energy consumption is improved as the UE does not monitor PDCCH during the wait duration.

[0073] In one non-limiting embodiment, the method 500 may comprise further steps performed by the anchor cell. The anchor cell may be configured to provide all the wake up signal (WUS) configurations of all NES cells in the coverage of anchor cell to the UEs camped to the anchor cell through the SIB1 of the anchor cell. The UEs may read the SIB1 of anchor cell and may store the WUS configurations corresponding to the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). Subsequently, whenever a UE discovers an NES cell having a good radio condition, the UE is not needed to read the SIB 1 to acquire WUS configuration at that time.

[0074] Referring now to FIG. 6, which illustrates a flowchart of a method for synergizing OD SIB1 transmission in NES cell. The method 600 is merely provided for exemplary purposes, and embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover network energy saving (NES). In one non-limiting embodiment, the method 600 may be performed by a user equipment (UE). In another non-limiting embodiment, the method 500 may be performed by the gNB or a NG-RAN node of the NES cell.

[0075] The method 600 may comprise, at block 601, receiving a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell. The wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIBl reception.

[0076] The method 600 may comprise, at block 603, refraining to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of immediate on- demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission. The wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration, and the predetermined timer is determined based on the wait information.

[0077] Thus, the refraining to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until the expiry of the predetermined timer improves energy saving of NES cell and allows the UEs to be aware of the OD-SIB1 transmission. The UE does not attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until expiry of the wait time duration and saving energy consumption at UE.

[0078] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a NES cell 700 or a gNB of a NES cell 700. As shown in FIG. 7, the NES cell 700 comprises a processor 710, a memory 720, a storage component 730, an input component 740, an output component 750, a communication interface 760, and a bus 770. In one non-limiting embodiment, a user equipment (UE) may comprise similar set of components for performing the above mentioned functionality.

[0079] The processor 710, as used herein, means any type of computational circuit that may comprise hardware elements and software elements. The processor 710 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and / or one or more single core processors, a distributed processing system, or the like. The processor 710 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.

[0080] The memory 720 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium. Memory 720 includes a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and / oran optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 710. The memory 720 comprises machine-readable instructions which are executable by the processor 710. These machine-readable instructions when executed by the processor 710 cause the processor 710 to perform one or more method steps of an embodiment described above.

[0081] The storage component 730 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the NES cell 700. For example, the storage component 730 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and / or a solid-state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0082] The input component 740 is configured to receive information, such as user input. For example, the input component 740 may include, but not be limited to, a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and / or a microphone. Additionally, or alternatively, the input component 640 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator).

[0083] The output component 750 is configured to provide output information from the NES cell 700. For example, the output component 750 may be, but not limited to, a display, a speaker, instructions to an external device, and / or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0084] The communication interface 760 is an interface that provides a communication connection to other devices, such as external devices and internal devices. The connection by the communication interface 760 can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, and can be a direct connection or an indirectconnection via a communication network that exists between the NES cell 700 and other devices. In other words, the standard of the communication interface 760 is not limited.

[0085] The bus 770 acts as an interconnect between the processor 710, the memory 720, the storage component 730, the input component 740, the output component 750, and the communication interface 760 of the NES cell 700. The bus 770 may include a wired interconnection or a wireless interconnection.

[0086] The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 7 are provided as an example. In practice, the NES cell 700 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 7. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the NES cell 700 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the NES cell 700. Further, one or more method steps described in any of the embodiments may be performed utilizing a plurality of NES cells 700 in communication with one another.

[0087] The present disclosure may further include the below embodiments:Embodiment 1. A Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell configured to: upon reception of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determine whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, at least based on network configuration; and in response to determination that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB1 transmission initiation, transmit a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB1 reception.Embodiment 2. The NES Cell of embodiment 1, wherein the wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration.Embodiment s. The NES Cell of embodiment 1, wherein the wait information is included along with the UL WUS configuration, and wherein the at least one UE determines whether to wait based on the wait information included in the WUS configuration.Embodiment 4. The NES Cell of embodiment 1, further configured to: receive, in Random Access Channel (RACH) Request preamble, an uplink wake up signal for OD- SIB 1 transmission from the at least one UE; determine the additional RRM criteria including a predetermined number of UEs requesting OD-SIB1 transmission from the NES Cell; determine whether a predetermined time interval after receiving the request for OD-SIBl transmission is lapsed; and selectively initiate or refrain from initiating the OD-SIBl transmission based on at least the predetermined number of UEs requesting the OD-SIBl, the predetermined time interval is lapsed, and the network configuration.Embodiment s. The NES Cell of embodiment 1, further configured to: determine whether the wait time is lapsed; and initiate the OD-SIBl transmission, if the wait time is lapsed.Embodiment 6. The NES Cell of embodiment 5, further configured to: transmit, via a gNodeB (gNB) of a cell A, a SystemlnfoModification message to UEs of the cell A, if the wait time is lapsed, wherein the SystemlnfoModification message indicates OD-SIBl transmission from NES cell, and wherein at least one eligible UE of cell A acquires OD- SIBl of NES Cell, at least based on the indication of OD-SIBl transmission.Embodiment 7. The NES Cell of embodiment 5, further configured to: transmit, via an Xn interface, an indication of OD-SIBl transmission to a gNodeB (gNB) of an anchor cell.Embodiment 8. A method performed by a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell, the method comprising: upon receiving of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determining whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission, at least based on network configuration; and in response to determining that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB 1 transmission initiation, transmitting a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB 1 reception.Embodiment 9. The method of embodiment 8, wherein the wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration.Embodiment 10. The method of embodiment 8, wherein the wait information is included along with the UL WUS configuration, and wherein the at least one UE determines whether to wait based on the wait information included in the WUS configuration.Embodiment 11. The method of embodiment 8, further comprising: receiving, in Random Access Channel (RACH) Request preamble, an uplink wake up signal for OD- SIB 1 transmission from the at least one UE; determining the additional RRM criteria including a predetermined number of UE requesting OD-SIB 1 transmission from the NES Cell; determining whether a predetermined time interval after receiving the request for OD- SIB 1 transmission is lapsed; and selectively initiating or refraining from initiating the OD- SIB 1 transmission based on at least the predetermined number of UEs requesting the OD- SIB 1, the predetermined time interval is lapsed, and the network configuration.Embodiment 12. The method of embodiment 8, further comprising: determining whether the wait time is lapsed; and initiating the OD-SIB 1 transmission, if the wait time is lapsed.Embodiment 13. The method of embodiment 12, further comprising: transmitting, via a gNodeB (gNB) of a cell A, a SystemlnfoModification message to UEs of the cell A, if the wait time is lapsed, wherein the SystemlnfoModification message indicates OD-SIB1 transmission from NES cell, and wherein at least one eligible UE of cell A acquires OD- SIB1 of NES Cell, at least based on the indication of OD-SIB1 transmission.Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 12, further comprising: transmitting, via an Xn interface, an indication of OD-SIB1 transmission to a gNodeB (gNB) of an anchor cell.Embodiment 15. A user equipment (UE) configured to: receive a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for on-demand system information block 1 (OD- SIB1) reception; and refrain to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of immediate OD-SIB1 transmission.Embodiment 16. The UE of embodiment 15, wherein the wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration, and wherein the predetermined timer is determined based on the wait information.Embodiment 17. A method performed by user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) reception; and refraining to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of immediate OD- SIB1 transmission.Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein the wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration, and wherein the predetermined timer is determined based on the wait information.Embodiment 19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer- readable instructions that when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform operations of: upon receiving of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determining whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission, at least based on network configuration; and in response to determining that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB 1 transmission initiation, transmitting a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB 1 reception.Embodiment 20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer- readable instructions that when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform operations of receiving a random -access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) reception; and refraining to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of immediate OD-SIB 1 transmission.

Claims

WE CLAIM1. A Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell configured to: upon reception of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determine whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, at least based on network configuration; and in response to determination that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB1 transmission initiation, transmit a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB1 reception.

2. The NES Cell of claim 1, wherein the wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration.

3. The NES Cell of claim 1, wherein the wait information is included along with the UL WUS configuration, and wherein the at least one UE determines whether to wait based on the wait information included in the WUS configuration.

4. The TNES Cell of claim 1 , further configured to: receive, in Random Access Channel (RACH) Request preamble, an uplink wake up signal for OD-SIB1 transmission from the at least one UE; determine the additional RRM criteria including a predetermined number of UEs requesting OD-SIB1 transmission from the NES Cell; determine whether a predetermined time interval after receiving the request for OD-SIB1 transmission is lapsed; and selectively initiate or refrain from initiating the OD-SIB1 transmission based on at least the predetermined number of UEs requesting the OD-SIB1, the predetermined time interval is lapsed, and the network configuration.

5. The NES Cell of claim 1, further configured to: determine whether the wait time is lapsed; and initiate the OD-SIB1 transmission, if the wait time is lapsed.

6. The NES Cell of claim 5, further configured to: transmit, via a gNodeB (gNB) of a cell A, a SystemlnfoModification message to UEs of the cell A, if the wait time is lapsed, wherein the SystemlnfoModification message indicates OD-SIB1 transmission from NES cell, and wherein at least one eligible UE of cell A acquires OD-SIB 1 of NES Cell, at least based on the indication of OD-SIB 1 transmission.

7. The NES Cell of claim 5, further configured to: transmit, via an Xn interface, an indication of OD-SIB 1 transmission to a gNodeB (gNB) of an anchor cell.

8. A method performed by a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell, the method comprising: upon receiving of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determining whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, at least based on network configuration; and in response to determining that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SIB 1 transmission initiation, transmitting a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information to at least one UE, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB 1 reception.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration.

10. The method of embodiment 8, wherein the wait information is included along with the UL WUS configuration, and wherein the at least one UE determines whether to wait based on the wait information included in the WUS configuration.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving, in Random Access Channel (RACH) Request preamble, an uplink wake up signal for OD-SIB1 transmission from the at least one UE; determining the additional RRM criteria including a predetermined number of UE requesting OD-SIB1 transmission from the NES Cell; determining whether a predetermined time interval after receiving the request for OD-SIB1 transmission is lapsed; and selectively initiating or refraining from initiating the OD-SIB1 transmission based on at least the predetermined number of UEs requesting the OD-SIB1, the predetermined time interval is lapsed, and the network configuration.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining whether the wait time is lapsed; and initiating the OD-SIB1 transmission, if the wait time is lapsed.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: transmitting, via a gNodeB (gNB) of a cell A, a System InfoModifi cation message to UEs of the cell A, if the wait time is lapsed, wherein the SystemlnfoModification message indicates OD-SZB1 transmission from NES cell, and wherein at least one eligible UE of cell A acquires OD-SIB 1 of NES Cell, at least based on the indication of OD-SIB 1 transmission.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: transmitting, via an Xn interface, an indication of OD-SIB 1 transmission to a gNodeB (gNB) of an anchor cell.

15. A user equipment (UE) configured to:receive a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) reception; and refrain to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of immediate OD-SIB1 transmission.

16. The UE of claim 15, wherein the wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration, and wherein the predetermined timer is determined based on the wait information.

17. A method performed by user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) reception; and refraining to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of immediate OD-SIB1 transmission.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wait information comprises at least a reference timestamp for start of the wait time and a wait time duration, and wherein the predetermined timer is determined based on the wait information.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions that when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform operations of: upon receiving of an uplink wake-up signal (UL-WUS) from a user equipment (UE), determining whether any additional radio resource management (RRM) criteria is to be satisfied before initiating on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, at least based on network configuration; and in response to determining that there are additional RRM criteria to be satisfied before OD-SZB1 transmission initiation, transmitting a random-access response (RAR)message including wait information to at least one UE, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for OD-SIB1 reception.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions that when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform operations of: receiving a random-access response (RAR) message including wait information from a Network Energy Saving (NES) Cell, wherein the wait information indicates wait time before monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) reception; and refraining to attempt Random Access Channel (RACH) until an expiry of a predetermined timer, in absence of immediate OD-SIB1 transmission.

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