Method and apparatus for initial access procedures in a wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G communication system or a 6G communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4G communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). Apparatuses and methods for initial access procedure(s). A method of a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes receiving a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block, receiving a first system information block (SIB), and determining, based on the first SIB, a first configuration for an uplink signal. The method further includes transmitting the uplink signal based on the first configuration, receiving a second SS / PBCH block, and receiving a second SIB.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INITIAL ACCESS PROCEDURES IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems and, more specifically, the present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods for initial access procedure(s), for example, based on dual transceivers.

[0002] Considering the development of wireless communication from generation to generation, the technologies have been developed mainly for services targeting humans, such as voice calls, multimedia services, and data services. Following the commercialization of 5G (5th generation) communication systems, it is expected that the number of connected devices will exponentially grow. Increasingly, these will be connected to communication networks. Examples of connected things may include vehicles, robots, drones, home appliances, displays, smart sensors connected to various infrastructures, construction machines, and factory equipment. Mobile devices are expected to evolve in various form-factors, such as augmented reality glasses, virtual reality headsets, and hologram devices. In order to provide various services by connecting hundreds of billions of devices and things in the 6G (6th generation) era, there have been ongoing efforts to develop improved 6G communication systems. For these reasons, 6G communication systems are referred to as beyond-5G systems.

[0003] 6G communication systems, which are expected to be commercialized around 2030, will have a peak data rate of tera (1,000 giga)-level bit per second (bps) and a radio latency less than 100μsec, and thus will be 50 times as fast as 5G communication systems and have the 1 / 10 radio latency thereof.

[0004] In order to accomplish such a high data rate and an ultra-low latency, it has been considered to implement 6G communication systems in a terahertz (THz) band (for example, 95 gigahertz (GHz) to 3THz bands). It is expected that, due to severer path loss and atmospheric absorption in the terahertz bands than those in mmWave bands introduced in 5G, technologies capable of securing the signal transmission distance (that is, coverage) will become more crucial. It is necessary to develop, as major technologies for securing the coverage, Radio Frequency (RF) elements, antennas, novel waveforms having a better coverage than Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), beamforming and massive Multiple-input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and multiantenna transmission technologies such as large-scale antennas. In addition, there has been ongoing discussion on new technologies for improving the coverage of terahertz-band signals, such as metamaterial-based lenses and antennas, Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS).

[0005] Moreover, in order to improve the spectral efficiency and the overall network performances, the following technologies have been developed for 6G communication systems: a full-duplex technology for enabling an uplink transmission and a downlink transmission to simultaneously use the same frequency resource at the same time; a network technology for utilizing satellites, High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), and the like in an integrated manner; an improved network structure for supporting mobile base stations and the like and enabling network operation optimization and automation and the like; a dynamic spectrum sharing technology via collision avoidance based on a prediction of spectrum usage; an use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in wireless communication for improvement of overall network operation by utilizing AI from a designing phase for developing 6G and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions; and a next-generation distributed computing technology for overcoming the limit of UE computing ability through reachable super-high-performance communication and computing resources (such as Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), clouds, and the like) over the network. In addition, through designing new protocols to be used in 6G communication systems, developing mechanisms for implementing a hardware-based security environment and safe use of data, and developing technologies for maintaining privacy, attempts to strengthen the connectivity between devices, optimize the network, promote softwarization of network entities, and increase the openness of wireless communications are continuing.

[0006] It is expected that research and development of 6G communication systems in hyper-connectivity, including person to machine (P2M) as well as machine to machine (M2M), will allow the next hyper-connected experience. Particularly, it is expected that services such as truly immersive eXtended Reality (XR), high-fidelity mobile hologram, and digital replica could be provided through 6G communication systems. In addition, services such as remote surgery for security and reliability enhancement, industrial automation, and emergency response will be provided through the 6G communication system such that the technologies could be applied in various fields such as industry, medical care, automobiles, and home appliances.

[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems and, more specifically, the present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods for initial access procedure(s), for example, based on dual transceivers.

[0008] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The UE includes a transceiver configured to receive a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block and receive a first system information block (SIB). The UE further includes a processor operably coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to determine, based on the first SIB, a first configuration for an uplink signal. The transceiver is further configured to transmit the uplink signal based on the first configuration, receive a second SS / PBCH block, and receive a second SIB.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method of a UE in a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving a first SS / PBCH block, receiving a first SIB, and determining, based on the first SIB, a first configuration for an uplink signal. The method further includes transmitting the uplink signal based on the first configuration, receiving a second SS / PBCH block, and receiving a second SIB.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system is provided. The BS includes a processor configured to determine a first configuration for an uplink signal and a transceiver operably coupled to the processor. The transceiver is configured to transmit a first SS / PBCH block, transmit a first SIB, and the first configuration is included in the first SIB, receive the uplink signal based on the first configuration, transmit a second SS / PBCH block, and transmit a second SIB.

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless network according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an example gNodeB (gNB) according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an example UE according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a wireless transmit path according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4B illustrate an example of a wireless receive path according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an example synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block architecture according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an example on-off keying (OOK) waveform according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an example OOK waveform according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 22 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 23 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 24 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 25 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 26 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 27 illustrates an example method performed by a UE in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a terminal or user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a base station (BS) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a network entity according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] Accordingly, the embodiment herein is to provide a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. The UE comprises a transceiver, and the transceiver configured to: receive a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block, and receive a first system information block (SIB). Further, the UE comprises a processor operably coupled to the transceiver, the processor configured to determine, based on the first SIB, a first configuration for an uplink signal. Further the transceiver is further configured to: transmit the uplink signal based on the first configuration, receive a second SS / PBCH block, and receive a second SIB.

[0044] In an embodiment, by the UE, the processor is further configured to: determine, based on the first SS / PBCH block, a first part of timing information, and determine, based on the second SS / PBCH block, a second part of the timing information.

[0045] In an embodiment, by the UE, the processor is further configured to determine, based on the first SIB, a first part of system information, and determine, based on the second SIB, a second part of the system information.

[0046] In an embodiment, by the UE, the processor is further configured to determine, based on the first SIB, a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block.

[0047] In an embodiment, by the UE, the processor is further configured to determine a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block, and the second configuration is included in the uplink signal.

[0048] In an embodiment, by the UE, the processor is further configured to determine a request for a transmission of the second SS / PBCH block, and the request is included in the uplink signal.

[0049] In an embodiment, by the UE, the processor is further configured to determine, based on the second SIB, a second configuration for a physical random access channel (PRACH), and the transceiver is further configured to transmit the PRACH based on the second configuration.

[0050] Accordingly, the embodiment herein is to provide a method of a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. The method comprises receiving a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block, receiving a first system information block (SIB), determining, based on the first SIB, a first configuration for an uplink signal, transmitting the uplink signal based on the first configuration, receiving a second SS / PBCH block, and receiving a second SIB.

[0051] In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining, based on the first SS / PBCH block, a first part of timing information, and determining, based on the second SS / PBCH block, a second part of the timing information.

[0052] In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining, based on the first SIB, a first part of system information, and determining, based on the second SIB, a second part of the system information.

[0053] In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining, based on the first SIB, a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block.

[0054] In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block, and the second configuration is included in the uplink signal.

[0055] In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining a request for a transmission of the second SS / PBCH block, the request is included in the uplink signal.

[0056] In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining, based on the second SIB, a second configuration for a physical random access channel (PRACH), and transmitting the PRACH based on the second configuration.

[0057] Accordingly, the embodiment herein is to provide

[0058] In an embodiment, by the BS, a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, the BS comprising: a processor configured to determine a first configuration for an uplink signal and a transceiver operably coupled to the processor, the transceiver configured to: transmit a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block, transmit a first system information block (SIB), and the first configuration is included in the first SIB, receive the uplink signal based on the first configuration, transmit a second SS / PBCH block, and transmit a second SIB.

[0059] In an embodiment, by the BS, the processor is further configured to determine a first part of system information that is included in the first SIB, and determine a second part of system information that is included in the second SIB.

[0060] In an embodiment, by the BS, the processor is further configured to determine a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block, and the second configuration is included in the first SIB.

[0061] In an embodiment, by the BS, the processor is further configured to determine a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block, and the second configuration is included in the uplink signal.

[0062] In an embodiment, by the BS, the processor is further configured to determine a request for a transmission of the second SS / PBCH block, and the request is included in the uplink signal.

[0063] In an embodiment, by the BS, the processor is further configured to determine a second configuration for a physical random access channel (PRACH), the second configuration is included in the second SIB, and the transceiver is further configured to receive the PRACH based on the second configuration.

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] In describing the embodiments, descriptions related to technical contents well-known in the art and not associated directly with the disclosure will be omitted. Such an omission of unnecessary descriptions is intended to prevent obscuring of the main idea of the disclosure and more clearly transfer the main idea.

[0066] For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated. Further, the size of each element does not completely reflect the actual size. In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are provided with identical reference numerals or different reference numerals.

[0067] The advantages and features of the disclosure and ways to achieve them will be apparent by making reference to embodiments as described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but may be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to completely disclose the disclosure and inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the disclosure is defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same or like reference numerals designate the same or like elements. Furthermore, in describing the disclosure, a detailed description of known functions or constitution incorporated herein will be omitted in the case that it is determined that the description may make the subject matter of the disclosure unnecessarily unclear. The terms which will be described below are terms defined in consideration of the functions in the disclosure, and may be different according to users, intentions of the operators, or customs. Therefore, the definitions of the terms should be made based on the contents throughout the specification.

[0068] Herein, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, may be performed based on computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded collectively onto at least one processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which perform through any one of, or in any combination of, the at least one processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer usable or computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer usable or computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that perform the function specified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a computer executed process such that the instructions that perform on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for executing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

[0069] Further, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for executing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order. For example, two blocks(or functions) shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0070] As used in embodiments of the disclosure, a “~unit” may refer to a software element or a hardware element, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which performs a predetermined function. However, the term including the word “~unit” does not always have a meaning limited to software or hardware. The “~unit” may be constructed either to be stored in an addressable storage medium or to execute one or more processors. Therefore, the “~unit” includes, for example, software elements, object-oriented software elements, components such as class elements and task elements, processes, functions, properties, procedures, sub-routines, segments of a program code, drivers, firmware, micro-codes, circuits, data, database, data structures, tables, arrays, and parameters. The components and functions provided by the “~unit” may be either combined into a smaller number of components and a “~unit,” or divided into additional components and a “~unit.” Moreover, the components and “~units” may be implemented to reproduce one or more central processing units (CPUs) within a device or a security multimedia card. Further, in the embodiments, the “~unit” may include one or more processors.

[0071] It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0072] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a CPU), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

[0073] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0074] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

[0075] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0076] Hereinafter, the determination of priority between A and B in the present disclosure may refer to various actions such as selecting the one having a higher priority based on a predefined priority rule and performing an operation corresponding thereto, or omitting or dropping an operation corresponding to the one having a lower priority.

[0077] Hereinafter, "A or B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0078] In addition, "at least one of A, B, and C" as described in the present disclosure may be understood to include A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0079] In addition, "at least one of A, B, or C" as described in the present disclosure may be understood to include A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0080] Furthermore, "A / B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0081] Furthermore, "A, B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0082] Furthermore, "A and B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0083] Furthermore, “if condition A and condition B are satisfied,” as described in the present disclosure, may not be limited to a case where both condition A and condition B are satisfied, but may be understood to include a case where either condition A or condition B is individually satisfied, both condition A and condition B are satisfied, or one or more additional conditions are satisfied in combination.

[0084] Furthermore, throughout this disclosure, ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., (and similar qualifiers) are used merely to distinguish between different instances, occurrences, configurations, messages, stages, or aspects of elements, operations, or information as described herein. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the use of such ordinal terms does not itself require that the elements, operations, or information distinguished by these terms be structurally different, numerically distinct, or substantively dissimilar. For example, a "first signal" and a "second signal" may refer to instances of the same signal transmitted at different times or containing the same core information despite minor variations, or they may refer to signals with different content or characteristics, depending on the specific context. Similarly, a "first value" and a "second value" may represent the same magnitude but measured or applied in different circumstances, or they may represent different magnitudes. The interpretation should be guided by the specific technical context, function, and relationship described in the relevant portion of the specification and claims.

[0085] Furthermore, the terms “first ~”, “second ~”, etc., as described in the present disclosure with respect to various elements (e.g., information, objects, operation, sequences, or the like), should not limit those elements. These terms may only be intended to distinguish one element from another, and may not be intended to indicate a specific order. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element.

[0086] Furthermore, even if “first ~” and “second ~” are described in the present disclosure, it may be understood that element(s) referred to by “first ~” and “second ~” may be the same or different. For example, in case of element(s) being information, first information and second information may both be same information and, in some cases, are separate and different information.

[0087] In addition, the terms “if ~” and “in case that ~” as used in the disclosure or claims may be interpreted to include the meanings of “when (or upon) ~,” “in response to ~,” “based on ~,” or “according to ~,” and may be used interchangeably with these expressions. In addition, expressions other than those exemplified herein may also be used, as long as they have substantially the same meaning and do not impair the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0088] For example, the physical layer signaling may be referred to as Layer 1 (L1) signaling and may include downlink control information (DCI). In addition, the higher layer signaling may include a medium access control (MAC) control message, a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message, a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message, or an application layer message. The RRC signaling message may be referred to as L3 (layer 3) signaling. It should be noted, however, that the higher layer signaling is not limited to the aforementioned examples.

[0089] In addition, the term "not perform" as used in the present disclosure or claims may, in context, be understood to mean that the corresponding step is omitted or skipped. Such a term may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0090] In addition, "transmitting a message including A and B" as described in the present disclosure, may be understood as encompassing both (i) transmitting A and B in a single message, and (ii) transmitting A and B separately via multiple messages (e.g., transmitting a first message including A and a second message including B). This interpretation may also apply to messages that include two or more items (e.g., A, B, C), transmitted either together or separately.

[0091] In addition, "transmitting a message including A and transmitting a message including B" may also be interpreted as transmitting a message including A and B in a single message.

[0092] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described below, terms or components included in the disclosure may be expressed in singular or plural form depending on the specific embodiments presented. However, such singular or plural expressions are selected appropriately for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to a singular or plural number of components. A component expressed in the plural form may be implemented as a single component, and a component expressed in the singular form may be implemented as multiple components.

[0093] The drawings or flowcharts described below illustrate exemplary methods that may be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure, and various modifications may be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts of the present disclosure. For example, although illustrated as a series of steps, various steps in each drawing or flowchart may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or be repeated. In other examples, any step may be omitted or replaced with another step.

[0094] The methods and apparatuses proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to each embodiment individually, but may also be applied in combination of all or some of the embodiments proposed in the disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified and applied without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0095] In this case, even if certain wordings are described differently across embodiments, they may be used interchangeably or in substitution or in combination if their underlying concepts are equivalent. For example, for the same or equivalent concept, even if one embodiment uses the expression "A" and another embodiment uses the expression "B", such expressions may be understood interchangeably, in substitution, or in combination.

[0096] The terms used in the following description to refer to access nodes, network entities, messages, interfaces between network entities, various types of identification information, and the like, are provided merely for the convenience of explanation by way of example. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may also be used. Such terms may also be interchangeable with terms defined in any 3rd generation partnership project　(3GPP) technical specifications (TS) where appropriate.

[0097] Hereinafter, a base station is an entity that allocates resources to terminals, and may be at least one of a gNode B, an eNode B, a Node B, a base station (BS), a wireless access unit, a BS controller, or a node on a network.

[0098] Furthermore, the base station of the present disclosure may include a split architecture comprising a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In this structure, the CU is configured to process the higher layers of the control and user planes, while the DU is configured to process lower-layer radio resource functions. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to 5G base station architectures in which such CU and DU functional splits are implemented.

[0099] A terminal may include a UE, a mobile station (MS), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions.

[0100] In the disclosure, a downlink (DL) refers to a radio link through which a BS transmits a signal to a UE, and an uplink (UL) refers to a radio link through which a UE transmits a signal to a BS.

[0101] Furthermore, hereinafter, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technologies (e.g., 5G new radio (NR)), 6th generation (6G) mobile communication technologies may be described by way of example, but the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems having similar technical backgrounds or channel types. For example, newly evolved mobile communication systems developed after 5G and 6G may be included. Furthermore, based on determinations by those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems (e.g., Wi-Fi systems) through some modifications without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure

[0102] In the following description, the terms physical channel and signal may be used interchangeably with data or control signal. For example, the term physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) refers to a physical channel through which data is transmitted, but the term PDSCH may also be used to refer to the data itself. That is, in the present disclosure, the expression "transmit a physical channel" may be interpreted as being equivalent to the expression "transmit data or a signal via a physical channel."

[0103] Hereinafter, in the context of the present disclosure, higher layer signaling may refer to signaling corresponding to at least one or any combination of the following: master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB) or SIB M (M = 1, 2, ...), radio resource control (RRC), or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), or a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message, or an application layer message. The RRC signaling message may be referred to as L3 (layer 3) signaling.

[0104] In addition, L1 signaling may refer to signaling corresponding to at least one or any combination of signaling techniques using the at least one or any combination of the following physical layer channels or signaling: physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), downlink control information (DCI), user equipment (UE)-specific DCI, group-common DCI, common DCI, scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI used for scheduling downlink or uplink data), non-scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI not used for scheduling downlink or uplink data) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), or uplink control information (UCI). The L1 signaling message may be referred to as a physical layer signaling.

[0105] Hereinafter, the expression that information is configured by the BS, as used in the present disclosure or claims, may, in context, be understood to mean that the terminal receives the corresponding information from the BS via a physical layer signaling or a higher layer signaling. Such an expression may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0106] Hereinafter, the operational principle of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] Wireless communication has been one of the most successful innovations in modern history. Recently, the number of subscribers to wireless communication services exceeded five billion and continues to grow quickly. The demand of wireless data traffic is rapidly increasing due to the growing popularity among consumers and businesses of smart phones and other mobile data devices, such as tablets, “note pad” computers, net books, eBook readers, and machine type of devices. In order to meet the high growth in mobile data traffic and support new applications and deployments, improvements in radio interface efficiency and coverage are of paramount importance. To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4G communication systems, and to enable various vertical applications, 5G communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed.

[0108] FIGS. 1-30, discussed below, and the various, non-limiting embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0109] To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4G communication systems, and to enable various vertical applications, 5G / NR communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed. The 5G / NR communication system is implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands, e.g., 28 GHz or 60GHz bands, so as to accomplish higher data rates or in lower frequency bands, such as 6 GHz, to enable robust coverage and mobility support. To decrease propagation loss of the radio waves and increase the transmission distance, the beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, an analog beam forming, large scale antenna techniques are discussed in 5G / NR communication systems.

[0110] In addition, in 5G / NR communication systems, development for system network improvement is under way based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RANs), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, moving network, cooperative communication, coordinated multi-points (CoMP), reception-end interference cancelation and the like.

[0111] The discussion of 5G systems and frequency bands associated therewith is for reference as certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in 5G systems. However, the present disclosure is not limited to 5G systems, or the frequency bands associated therewith, and embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized in connection with any frequency band. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied to deployment of 5G communication systems, 6G, or even later releases which may use terahertz (THz) bands.

[0112] The following documents and standards descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth herein: [REF 1] 3GPP TS 38.211 v18.0.0, “NR; Physical channels and modulation;” [REF 2] 3GPP TS 38.212 v18.0.0, “NR; Multiplexing and channel coding;” [REF 3] 3GPP TS 38.213 v18.0.0, “NR; Physical layer procedures for control;” [REF 4] 3GPP TS 38.214 v18.0.0, “NR; Physical layer procedures for data;” and [REF 5] 3GPP TS 38.331 v18.0.0, “NR; Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol specification.”

[0113] FIGS. 1-3 below describe various embodiments implemented in wireless communications systems and with the use of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication techniques. The descriptions of FIGS. 1-3 are not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to how different embodiments may be implemented. Different embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communications system.

[0114] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless network 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the wireless network 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless network 100 includes a gNB 101 (e.g., base station, BS), a gNB 102, and a gNB 103. The gNB 101 communicates with the gNB 102 and the gNB 103. The gNB 101 also communicates with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

[0116] The gNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to the network 130 for a first plurality of user equipments (UEs) within a coverage area 120 of the gNB 102. The first plurality of UEs includes a UE 111, which may be located in a small business; a UE 112, which may be located in an enterprise; a UE 113, which may be a WiFi hotspot; a UE 114, which may be located in a first residence; a UE 115, which may be located in a second residence; and a UE 116, which may be a mobile device, such as a cell phone, a wireless laptop, a wireless PDA, or the like. The gNB 103 provides wireless broadband access to the network 130 for a second plurality of UEs within a coverage area 125 of the gNB 103. The second plurality of UEs includes the UE 115 and the UE 116. In some embodiments, one or more of the gNBs 101-103 may communicate with each other and with the UEs 111-116 using 5G / NR, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), WiMAX, WiFi, or other wireless communication techniques.

[0117] Depending on the network type, the term “base station” or “BS” can refer to any component (or collection of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as transmit point (TP), transmit-receive point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G / NR base station (gNB), a macrocell, a femtocell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. Base stations may provide wireless access in accordance with one or more wireless communication protocols, e.g., 5G / NR 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) NR, long term evolution (LTE), LTE advanced (LTE-A), high speed packet access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc. For the sake of convenience, the terms “BS” and “TRP” are used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. Also, depending on the network type, the term “user equipment” or “UE” can refer to any component such as “mobile station,” “subscriber station,” “remote terminal,” “wireless terminal,” “receive point,” or “user device.” For the sake of convenience, the terms “user equipment” and “UE” are used in this patent document to refer to remote wireless equipment that wirelessly accesses a BS, whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile telephone or smartphone) or is normally considered a stationary device (such as a desktop computer or vending machine).

[0118] The dotted lines show the approximate extents of the coverage areas 120 and 125, which are shown as approximately circular for the purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be clearly understood that the coverage areas associated with gNBs, such as the coverage areas 120 and 125, may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending upon the configuration of the gNBs and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstructions.

[0119] As described in more detail below, one or more of the UEs 111-116 include circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof to perform initial access procedure(s). In certain embodiments, one or more of the BSs 101-103 include circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof to support initial access procedure(s).

[0120] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless network, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the wireless network 100 could include any number of gNBs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. Also, the gNB 101 could communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide those UEs with wireless broadband access to the network 130. Similarly, each gNB 102-103 could communicate directly with the network 130 and provide UEs with direct wireless broadband access to the network 130. Further, the gNBs 101, 102, and / or 103 could provide access to other or additional external networks, such as external telephone networks or other types of data networks.

[0121] FIG. 2 illustrates an example gNB 102 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the gNB 102 illustrated in FIG. 2 is for illustration only, and the gNBs 101 and 103 of FIG. 1 could have the same or similar configuration. However, gNBs come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 2 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a gNB.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 2, the gNB 102 includes multiple antennas 205a-205n, multiple transceivers 210a-210n, a controller / processor 225, a memory 230, and a backhaul or network interface 235.

[0123] The transceivers 210a-210n receive, from the antennas 205a-205n, incoming radio frequency (RF) signals, such as signals transmitted by UEs in the wireless network 100. The transceivers 210a-210n down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are processed by receive (RX) processing circuitry in the transceivers 210a-210n and / or controller / processor 225, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. The controller / processor 225 may further process the baseband signals.

[0124] Transmit (TX) processing circuitry in the transceivers 210a-210n and / or controller / processor 225 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the controller / processor 225. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate processed baseband or IF signals. The transceivers 210a-210n up-converts the baseband or IF signals to RF signals that are transmitted via the antennas 205a-205n.

[0125] The controller / processor 225 can include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the gNB 102. For example, the controller / processor 225 could control the reception of uplink (UL) channel signals and the transmission of downlink (DL) channel signals by the transceivers 210a-210n in accordance with well-known principles. The controller / processor 225 could support additional functions as well, such as more advanced wireless communication functions. For instance, the controller / processor 225 could support beam forming or directional routing operations in which outgoing / incoming signals from / to multiple antennas 205a-205n are weighted differently to effectively steer the outgoing signals in a desired direction. As another example, the controller / processor 225 could support methods for initial access procedure(s). Any of a wide variety of other functions could be supported in the gNB 102 by the controller / processor 225.

[0126] The controller / processor 225 is also capable of executing programs and other processes resident in the memory 230, such as processes related to supporting initial access procedure(s). The controller / processor 225 can move data into or out of the memory 230 as required by an executing process.

[0127] The controller / processor 225 is also coupled to the backhaul or network interface 235. The backhaul or network interface 235 allows the gNB 102 to communicate with other devices or systems over a backhaul connection or over a network. The interface 235 could support communications over any suitable wired or wireless connection(s). For example, when the gNB 102 is implemented as part of a cellular communication system (such as one supporting 5G / NR, LTE, or LTE-A), the interface 235 could allow the gNB 102 to communicate with other gNBs over a wired or wireless backhaul connection. When the gNB 102 is implemented as an access point, the interface 235 could allow the gNB 102 to communicate over a wired or wireless local area network or over a wired or wireless connection to a larger network (such as the Internet). The interface 235 includes any suitable structure supporting communications over a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet or transceiver.

[0128] The memory 230 is coupled to the controller / processor 225. Part of the memory 230 could include a RAM, and another part of the memory 230 could include a Flash memory or other ROM.

[0129] Although FIG. 2 illustrates one example of gNB 102, various changes may be made to FIG. 2. For example, the gNB 102 could include any number of each component shown in FIG. 2. Also, various components in FIG. 2 could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs.

[0130] FIG. 3 illustrates an example UE 116 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the UE 116 illustrated in FIG. 3 is for illustration only, and the UEs 111-115 of FIG. 1 could have the same or similar configuration. However, UEs come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 3 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a UE.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 3, the UE　116 includes antenna(s) 305, a transceiver(s) 310, and a microphone 320. The UE　116 also includes a speaker 330, a processor 340, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 345, an input 350, a display 355, and a memory 360. The memory 360 includes an operating system (OS) 361 and one or more applications 362.

[0132] The transceiver(s) 310 receives from the antenna(s) 305, an incoming RF signal transmitted by a gNB of the wireless network 100. The transceiver(s) 310 down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is processed by RX processing circuitry in the transceiver(s) 310 and / or processor 340, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuitry sends the processed baseband signal to the speaker 330 (such as for voice data) or is processed by the processor 340 (such as for web browsing data).

[0133] TX processing circuitry in the transceiver(s) 310 and / or processor 340 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 320 or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the processor 340. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The transceiver(s) 310 up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal that is transmitted via the antenna(s) 305.

[0134] The processor 340 can include one or more processors or other processing devices and execute the OS 361 stored in the memory 360 in order to control the overall operation of the UE 116. For example, the processor 340 could control the reception of DL channel signals and the transmission of UL channel signals by the transceiver(s) 310 in accordance with well-known principles. In some embodiments, the processor 340 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0135] The processor 340 is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory 360. For example, the processor 340 may execute processes for utilizing initial access procedure(s) as described in embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor 340 can move data into or out of the memory 360 as required by an executing process. In some embodiments, the processor 340 is configured to execute the applications 362 based on the OS 361 or in response to signals received from gNBs or an operator. The processor 340 is also coupled to the I / O interface 345, which provides the UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices, such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I / O interface 345 is the communication path between these accessories and the processor 340.

[0136] The processor 340 is also coupled to the input 350, which includes, for example, a touchscreen, keypad, etc., and the display 355. The operator of the UE 116 can use the input 350 to enter data into the UE 116. The display 355 may be a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, or other display capable of rendering text and / or at least limited graphics, such as from web sites.

[0137] The memory 360 is coupled to the processor 340. Part of the memory 360 could include a random-access memory (RAM), and another part of the memory 360 could include a Flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0138] In various embodiments, the transceiver(s) 310 include or are at least one low power receiver (LR) 312 and at least one main receiver (MR) 314. For example, as discussed in greater detail below, the LR 312 may be configured or utilized to receive low power signals (e.g., a low power wake up signal (LP-WUS), a LP-SSB, a LP-SIB, etc.), for example, when the UE 116 is in a sleep state (e.g., such as an ultra-deep sleep state as discussed in greater detail below), while the MR 314 is powered off or in a low power state. For example, in some embodiments, the LR 312 may be a component of the transceiver(s) 310 used or powered on when the UE 116 is in the sleep state while the MR 314 is the transceiver(s) 310 and used when the UE 116 is not in the sleep state. In another example, in other embodiments, the LR 312 may be receiver that is separate or discrete from the transceivers(s) 310 which is the MR 314 used for ordinary reception operations when the UE 116 is not in the sleep state.

[0139] Analogously, in such embodiments, the processor 340 includes or is at least one of the low-power processor (LP) 342 and the main processor (MP) 344. For example, in some embodiments, the LR 312 and the MR 314 may be connected to and / or be controlled by the LP 342 and the MP 344, respectively, which are separate and / or discrete processors. In these embodiments, the LP 342 may operate at a lower power state than the MP 344 such that, when the UE is in the sleep state, the MP 344 may be powered off or in a low power state while the LP 342 can process any signals (e.g., such as a LP-WUS) received by the LR 312. In these embodiments, the operation of the LP 342 may consume less power than ordinary operations of the MP 344 would, thereby saving power of the UE 116 in the sleep state while maintaining the ability of the UE 116 to receive and process signals. In other embodiments, the LP 342 and the MP 344 may be components of the processor 340 where the LR 312 and the MR 314 may be connected to and / or be controlled by the LP 342 and the MP 344, respectively. In these embodiments, when the UE 116 is in the sleep state, MP 344 components of the processor 340 are powered off or in a low power state and LP 342 components operate to process signals (e.g., such as a LP-WUS) received by the LR 312. In these embodiments, the operation of the LP 342 components of the processor 340 may consume less power than ordinary operations of the processor 340 including the operations of the MP 344 components would, thereby saving power of the UE 116 in the sleep state while maintaining the ability of the UE 116 to receive and process signals.

[0140] Although FIG. 3 illustrates one example of UE 116, various changes may be made to FIG. 3. For example, various components in FIG. 3 could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs. As a particular example, the processor 340 could be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). In another example, the transceiver(s) 310 may include any number of transceivers and signal processing chains and may be connected to any number of antennas. Also, while FIG. 3 illustrates the UE 116 configured as a mobile telephone or smartphone, UEs could be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.

[0141] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of wireless transmit path 400, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a transmit path 400 may be described as being implemented in a gNB (such as gNB 102). However, it will be understood that the transmit path 400 can be implemented in a UE. In some embodiments, the transmit path 400 is configured for initial access procedure(s) as described in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the transmit path 400 includes a channel coding and modulation block 405, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block 410, a size N Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) block 415, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block 420, an add cyclic prefix block 425, and an up-converter (UC) 430.

[0143] In the transmit path 400, the channel coding and modulation block 405 receives a set of information bits, applies coding (such as a low-density parity check (LDPC) coding), and modulates the input bits (such as with Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)) to generate a sequence of frequency-domain modulation symbols. The serial-to-parallel block 410 converts (such as de-multiplexes) the serial modulated symbols to parallel data in order to generate N parallel symbol streams, where N is the IFFT / FFT size used in the gNB 102 and the UE 116. The size N IFFT block 415 performs an IFFT operation on the N parallel symbol streams to generate time-domain output signals. The parallel-to-serial block 420 converts (such as multiplexes) the parallel time-domain output symbols from the size N IFFT block 415 in order to generate a serial time-domain signal. The add cyclic prefix block 425 inserts a cyclic prefix to the time-domain signal. The up-converter 430 modulates (such as up-converts) the output of the add cyclic prefix block 425 to a RF frequency for transmission via a wireless channel. The signal may also be filtered at a baseband before conversion to the RF frequency.

[0144] Each of the gNBs 101-103 may implement a transmit path 400 that is analogous to transmitting in the downlink to UEs 111-116. Similarly, each of UEs 111-116 may implement a transmit path 400 for transmitting in the uplink to gNBs 101-103.

[0145] Each of the components in FIG. 4A can be implemented using only hardware or using a combination of hardware and software / firmware. As a particular example, at least some of the components in FIG. 4A may be implemented in software, while other components may be implemented by configurable hardware or a mixture of software and configurable hardware.

[0146] Furthermore, although described as using FFT and IFFT, this is by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other types of transforms, such as Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) functions, can be used. It will be appreciated that the value of the variable N may be any integer number (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or the like) for DFT and IDFT functions, while the value of the variable N may be any integer number that is a power of two (such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or the like) for FFT and IFFT functions.

[0147] Although FIG. 4A illustrate examples of wireless transmit path 400, respectively, various changes may be made to FIG. 4A. For example, various components in FIG. 4A can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components can be added according to particular needs. Also, FIG. 4A is meant to illustrate examples of the types of transmit path that can be used in a wireless network. Any other suitable architectures can be used to support wireless communications in a wireless network.

[0148] FIG. 4B illustrate an example of a wireless receive path 450, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a receive path 450 may be described as being implemented in a UE (such as UE 116). However, it will be understood that the receive path 450 can be implemented in a gNB. In some embodiments, the receive path 450 is configured for initial access procedure(s) as described in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0149] The receive path 450 includes a down-converter (DC) 455, a remove cyclic prefix block 460, a S-to-P block 465, a size N Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block 470, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block 475, and a channel decoding and demodulation block 480.

[0150] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the down-converter 455 down-converts the received signal to a baseband frequency, and the remove cyclic prefix block 460 removes the cyclic prefix to generate a serial time-domain baseband signal. The serial-to-parallel block 465 converts the time-domain baseband signal to parallel time-domain signals. The size N FFT block 470 performs an FFT algorithm to generate N parallel frequency-domain signals. The (P-to-S) block 475 converts the parallel frequency-domain signals to a sequence of modulated data symbols. The channel decoding and demodulation block 480 demodulates and decodes the modulated symbols to recover the original input data stream.

[0151] Each of the gNBs 101-103 may implement a receive path 450 that is analogous to receiving in the uplink from UEs 111-116. Similarly, each of UEs 111-116 may implement a receive path 450 for receiving in the downlink from gNBs 101-103.

[0152] Each of the components in FIG. 4B can be implemented using only hardware or using a combination of hardware and software / firmware. As a particular example, at least some of the components in FIG. 4B may be implemented in software, while other components may be implemented by configurable hardware or a mixture of software and configurable hardware. For instance, the FFT block 470 may be implemented as configurable software algorithms, where the value of size N may be modified according to the implementation.

[0153] Furthermore, although described as using FFT and IFFT, this is by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other types of transforms, such as Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) functions, can be used. It will be appreciated that the value of the variable N may be any integer number (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or the like) for DFT and IDFT functions, while the value of the variable N may be any integer number that is a power of two (such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or the like) for FFT and IFFT functions.

[0154] Although FIG 4B illustrate examples of wireless transmit path 450, respectively, various changes may be made to FIG. 4B. For example, various components in FIG. 4B can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components can be added according to particular needs. Also, FIG. 4B are meant to illustrate examples of the types of transmit and receive paths that can be used in a wireless network. Any other suitable architectures can be used to support wireless communications in a wireless network.

[0155] FIG. 5 illustrates an example SS / PBCH block architecture 500 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, SS / PBCH block architecture 500 can be received by any of the UEs 111-116 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0156] In NR Rel-15, each synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block compromises of four consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, wherein the center 12 resource blocks (RBs) of the first symbol are mapped for primary synchronization signal (PSS), the second and forth symbols ae mapped for PBCH, and the third symbol is mapped for both secondary synchronization signal (SSS) and PBCH. An illustration of the SS / PBCH block composition is shown in FIG. 5. The same SS / PBCH composition is applied to supported carrier frequency ranges in NR, which spans from 0.41 GHz to 7.125 GHz as Frequency Range 1 (FR1), and spans from 24.25 to 52.6 GHz as Frequency Range 2 (FR2). In every RB mapped for PBCH, 3 out of the 12 resource elements (REs) are mapped for the demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) of PBCH, wherein the 3 REs are uniformly distributed in the RB and the starting location of the first RE is based on cell identity (ID).

[0157] FIG. 6 illustrates an example OOK waveform 600 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, OOK waveform 600 can be received by any of the UEs 111-116 of FIG. 1, such as the UE 111. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0158] FIG. 7 illustrates an example OOK waveform 700 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, OOK waveform 700 can be received by any of the UEs 111-116 of FIG. 1, such as the UE 116. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0159] In NR Rel-19, OOK waveform based low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS) was introduced, wherein the signal can be used for synchronization procedure and radio resource management (RRM) measurement by a low-power receiver (LR). For the OOK waveform, one OFDM symbol can include one or multiple OOK symbols, wherein each OOK symbol corresponds to either ON or OFF. The ON-OFF pattern provided by the OOK waveform can be determined by a binary sequence, and different binary sequences can carry information for the LP-SS. An example of OOK waveform with one OOK symbol in an OFDM symbol is shown in FIG. 6, and an example of OOK waveform with two OOK symbols in an OFDM symbol is shown in FIG. 7.

[0160] Embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that, for new generation of wireless communication, saving the energy of a UE is needed. Low-power receiver (LR) and / or low-power transmitter (LT) can be used for initial access, in addition to a main transceiver (MTR). For this purpose, low-power synchronization signal(s) and / or low-power physical broadcast channel can be supported. This disclosure describes the detailed design for initial access procedure using both transceivers.

[0161] This disclosure covers several components which can be used in conjunction or in combination with one another, or can operate as standalone schemes. More precisely, the following aspects are included in the disclosure:

[0162] - Capability of dual transceivers, especially low power transceiver

[0163] - Procedures of dual transceivers for initial access

[0164] - Examples of UE procedures

[0165] In one embodiment, a device in a network for wireless communication can be implemented with a low-power transmitter (LT) and / or a low-power receiver (LR), in addition to a main transceiver (MTR), wherein the device can be either a user equipment (UE) or a base station (BS). For one instance, when the device is implemented with both the low-power transmitter and the low-power receiver, the device can be denoted as being implemented with low-power transceiver (LTR).

[0166] In one example, based on capabilities of devices, including both the BS and the UE, on whether LT, LR, or LTR is implemented, scenarios can be defined for the wireless communication network, illustrated with examples herein.

[0167] - Scenario 1: the UE is implemented with MTR only, and the BS is implemented with MTR only.

[0168] - Scenario 2: the UE is implemented with MTR and LR, and the BS is implemented with MTR only.

[0169] - Scenario 3: the UE is implemented with MTR and LT, and the BS is implemented with MTR only.

[0170] - Scenario 4: the UE is implemented with MTR and LTR, and the BS is implemented with MTR only.

[0171] - Scenario 5: the UE is implemented with MTR only, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LR.

[0172] - Scenario 6: the UE is implemented with MTR and LR, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LR.

[0173] - Scenario 7: the UE is implemented with MTR and LT, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LR.

[0174] - Scenario 8: the UE is implemented with MTR and LTR, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LR.

[0175] - Scenario 9: the UE is implemented with MTR only, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LT.

[0176] - Scenario 10: the UE is implemented with MTR and LR, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LT.

[0177] - Scenario 11: the UE is implemented with MTR and LT, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LT.

[0178] - Scenario 12: the UE is implemented with MTR and LTR, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LT.

[0179] - Scenario 13: the UE is implemented with MTR only, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LTR.

[0180] - Scenario 14: the UE is implemented with MTR and LR, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LTR.

[0181] - Scenario 15: the UE is implemented with MTR and LT, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LTR.

[0182] - Scenario 16: the UE is implemented with MTR and LTR, and the BS is implemented with MTR and LTR.

[0183] For one example, an indication of whether at least one of LT, LR, or LTR is implemented on a BS or for a cell can be included in system information, such as system information block 1 (SIB1), or other system information blocks (SIBs).

[0184] For another example, an indication of whether at least one of LT, LR, or LTR is implemented on a BS or for a cell can be included in a dedicated RRC signaling, such as for a configuration of a primary cell (PCell), or a secondary cell (SCell), or a primary secondary cell (PSCell).

[0185] For one example, whether at least one of LT, LR, or LTR is implemented on a UE (e.g., the UE 116) can be at least one UE capability. For instance, the at least one UE capability can be reported to a BS, e.g., by a higher layer signaling.

[0186] For another example, whether at least one of LT, LR, or LTR is implemented on a UE can be provided to a BS by UE assistant information.

[0187] For one example, it can be expected that a UE is implemented with at least one of LT, LR, or LTR by default.

[0188] In one embodiment, an initial access procedure can be supported for a BS or a UE implemented with at least one of LT, LR, or LTR.

[0189] In the examples of this embodiment, the following signal(s) and / or channel(s) can be transmitted by a LT or LTR, and / or received by a LR or LTR.

[0190] - Low power synchronization signal block (LP-SSB) (e.g., a second SSB), which may include at least a low power synchronization signal or a set of low power synchronization signals, and may further include a low power physical broadcast channel that is multiplexed with the low power synchronization signal or the set of low power synchronization signals.

[0191] - Low power system information block (LP-SIB), which may include system information from a BS.

[0192] - Low power wake up signal (LP-WUS), which can be used for indicating a presence of a UE for accessing a BS and / or for indicating a presence of a BS for a UE to access.

[0193] - Low power physical random access channel (LP-PRACH), which can be used for initiating a random access procedure. For one instance, for some examples of this disclosure, LP-PRACH can be same as LP-WUS.

[0194] In the examples of this embodiment, the following signal(s) and / or channel(s) can be transmitted at least by a MTR, and / or received by at least a MTR. In one example, when the LT, LR, or LTR is implemented with certain configuration, the following signal(s) and / or channel(s) can also be transmitted by a LT or LTR, and / or received by a LR or LTR.

[0195] - Synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) (e.g., a first SSB).

[0196] - System information block 1 (SIB1).

[0197] - Wake up signal (WUS).

[0198] - Physical random access channel (PRACH).

[0199] FIG. 8 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 800 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 800 can be performed by the UE 111 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0200] In a first example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 805 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a set of SSB 810 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 805 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 810 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive SIB1 from the BS 815 (e.g., using a MTR), and transmit a PRACH to the BS 820 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 8.

[0201] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB.

[0202] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0203] In yet implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0204] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0205] In yet another implementation for this example, the first example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0206] With reference to FIG. 8, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0207] FIG. 9 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 900 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 900 can be performed by the UE 112 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0208] In a second example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 905 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), at least a set of LP-SIB 910 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a set of SSB 915 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 905 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), next receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 910 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 915 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive SIB1 from the BS 920 (e.g., using a MTR), and transmit a PRACH to the BS 925 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 9.

[0209] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0210] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0211] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0212] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0213] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0214] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0215] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0216] In yet another implementation for this example, the second example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0217] With reference to FIG. 9, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0218] FIG. 10 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1000 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1000 can be performed by the UE 113 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0219] In a third example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1005 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a set of SSB 1010 (e.g., using a MTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 1015 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1005 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1010 (e.g., using a MTR), and next receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 1015 (e.g., using a LR or LTR). The UE can further receive SIB1 from the BS 1020 (e.g., using a MTR), and transmit a PRACH to the BS 10250 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 10.

[0220] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0221] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0222] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0223] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0224] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0225] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0226] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0227] In yet another implementation for this example, the third example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0228] With reference to FIG. 10, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0229] FIG. 11 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1100 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1100 can be performed by the UE 114 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0230] In a fourth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1105 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a set of SSB 1110 (e.g., using a MTR), and a SIB1 1115 (e.g., using a MTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 1120 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1105 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1110 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive SIB1 from the BS 1115 (e.g., using a MTR), and at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 1120 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and transmit a PRACH to the BS 1125 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 11.

[0231] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0232] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0233] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0234] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0235] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0236] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0237] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0238] In yet another implementation for this example, the fourth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0239] With reference to FIG. 11 an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0240] FIG. 12 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1200 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1200 can be performed by the UE 115 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0241] In a fifth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1205 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and at least a set of LP-WUS 1210 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a set of SSB 1215 (e.g., using a MTR), and a SIB1 1220 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1205 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one LP-WUS from the set of LP-WUS 1210 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and next receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1215 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive SIB1 from the BS 1220 (e.g., using a MTR), and transmit a PRACH to the BS 1225 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 12.

[0242] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB.

[0243] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0244] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0245] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0246] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0247] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0248] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0249] In yet another implementation for this example, the fifth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0250] With reference to FIG. 12, an example UE procedure for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0251] FIG. 13 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1300 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1300 can be performed by the UE 116 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0252] In a sixth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1305 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a set of SSB 1310 (e.g., using a MTR), and at least a set of LP-WUS 1315 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a SIB1 1320 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1305 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1310 (e.g., using a MTR), and next receive at least one LP-WUS from the set of LP-WUS 1315 (e.g., using a LR or LTR). The UE can further receive SIB1 from the BS 1320 (e.g., using a MTR), and transmit a PRACH to the BS 1325 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 13.

[0253] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB.

[0254] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0255] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0256] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0257] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0258] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0259] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0260] In yet another implementation for this example, the sixth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0261] With reference to FIG. 13 an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0262] FIG. 14 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1400 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1400 can be performed by the UE 116 and the gNB 103 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0263] In a seventh example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1405 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a set of SSB 1410 (e.g., using a MTR), and a SIB1 1415 (e.g., using a MTR), and at least a set of LP-WUS 1420 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1405 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1410 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive SIB1 from the BS 1415 (e.g., using a MTR), and at least one LP-WUS from the set of LP-WUS 1420 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 1425 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 14.

[0264] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB.

[0265] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0266] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0267] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0268] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0269] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0270] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0271] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0272] In yet another implementation for this example, the seventh example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0273] With reference to FIG. 14, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0274] FIG. 15 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1500 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1500 can be performed by the UE 115 and the gNB 103 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0275] In an eighth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1505 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 1510 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1505 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 1510 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then transmit a LP-WUS to the BS 1515 (e.g., using a LT or LTR). The BS first receives a LP-WUS 1515 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and then transmits a set of SSB 1520 (e.g., using a MTR), and a SIB1 1525 (e.g., using a MTR), and UE can receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1520 (e.g., using a MTR), and then receive a SIB1 from the BS 1525 (e.g., using a MTR), and next transmit a PRACH to the BS 1530 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 15.

[0276] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0277] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0278] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0279] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0280] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0281] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0282] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0283] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0284] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0285] In yet another implementation for this example, the eighth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0286] With reference to FIG. 15, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0287] FIG. 16 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1600 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1600 can be performed by the UE 114 and the gNB 103 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0288] In a ninth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1605 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 1610 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a set of SSB 1615 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1605 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 1610 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1615 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE may transmit a LP-WUS 1620 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and a BS can receive a LP-WUS 1620 (e.g., using a MTR or LR or LTR), and then transmit a SIB1 1625 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE may further receive a SIB1 from the BS 1625 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 1630 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 16.

[0289] In one implementation for this example, a UE (e.g., the UE 116) can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0290] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0291] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0292] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SIB1 from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0293] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0294] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0295] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0296] In yet another implementation for this example, the ninth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0297] With reference to FIG. 16, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0298] FIG. 17 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1700 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1700 can be performed by the UE 113 and the gNB 103 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0299] In a tenth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1705 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 1710 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a set of SSB 1715 (e.g., using a MTR), and a SIB1 1720 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1705 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 1710 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1715 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive a SIB1 from the BS 1720 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a LP-PRACH to the BS 1725 (e.g., using a LT or LTR), and next transmit a PRACH to the BS 1730 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 17.

[0300] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0301] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0302] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0303] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0304] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0305] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0306] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0307] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0308] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0309] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0310] In yet another implementation for this example, the tenth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0311] With reference to FIG. 17, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0312] FIG. 18 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1800 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1800 can be performed by the UE 112 and the gNB 103 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0313] In a eleventh example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1805 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 1810 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a set of SSB 1815 (e.g., using a MTR), and a SIB1 1820 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1805 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 1810 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1815 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive a SIB1 from the BS 1820 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 1825 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a LP-PRACH to the BS 1830 (e.g., using a LT or LTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 18.

[0314] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0315] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0316] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0317] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0318] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0319] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0320] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0321] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0322] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0323] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0324] In yet another implementation for this example, the eleventh example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0325] With reference to FIG. 18, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0326] FIG. 19 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 1900 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 1900 can be performed by the UE 111 and the gNB 103 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0327] In a twelfth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 1905 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a set of SSB 1910 (e.g., using a MTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 1915 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 1905 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 1910 (e.g., using a MTR), and then receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 1915 (e.g., using a LR or LTR). The UE can further transmit a LP-PRACH 1920 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and a UE can receive a SIB1 from the BS 1925 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 1930 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 19.

[0328] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0329] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0330] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0331] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0332] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0333] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0334] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-PRACH.

[0335] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0336] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0337] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0338] In yet another implementation for this example, the twelfth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0339] With reference to FIG. 19, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0340] FIG. 20 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 2000 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 2000 can be performed by the UE 111 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0341] In a thirteenth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 2005 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 2010 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 2005 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 2010 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then transmit a LP-WUS to BS 2015 (e.g., using a LT or LTR). The BS receives a LP-WUS 2015 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then transmits a set of SSB 2020 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE receives at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 2020 (e.g., using a MTR), and then can further transmit a WUS 2025 (e.g., using a MTR). The BS may receive a WUS from UE 2025 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a SIB1 2030 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE can receive a SIB1 from the BS 2030 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 2035 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 20.

[0342] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0343] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0344] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0345] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0346] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0347] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0348] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SSB from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0349] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SIB1 from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0350] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0351] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0352] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0353] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0354] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0355] In yet another implementation for this example, the thirteenth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0356] With reference to FIG. 20, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0357] FIG. 21 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 2100 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 2100 can be performed by the UE 112 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0358] In a fourteenth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 2105 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 2105 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then transmit a LP-WUS to the BS 2110 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then transmit a WUS to the BS 2115 (e.g., using a MTR). The BS receives a LP-WUS 2110 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and then receives a WUS 2115 (e.g., using a MTR). Next, the BS transmits a set of SSB 2120 (e.g., using a MTR), and a SIB1 2125 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE receives at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 2120 (e.g., using a MTR), a SIB1 from the BS 2125 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 2130 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 21.

[0359] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB.

[0360] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0361] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0362] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0363] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SSB from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0364] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SSB from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0365] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SIB1 from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0366] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0367] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0368] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0369] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0370] In yet another implementation for this example, the fourteenth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0371] With reference to FIG. 21, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0372] FIG. 22 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 2200 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 2200 can be performed by the UE 113 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0373] In a fifteenth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 2205 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 2210 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a set of SSB 2215 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 2205 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 2210 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 2215 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE may transmit a WUS 2220 (e.g., using a MTR), and a BS can receive a WUS 2220 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a SIB1 2225 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE may further receive a SIB1 from the BS 2225 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 2230 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 22.

[0374] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0375] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0376] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0377] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SIB1 from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0378] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0379] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0380] In yet another implementation for this example, the fifteenth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0381] With reference to FIG. 22 an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0382] FIG. 23 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 2300 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 2300 can be performed by the UE 114 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0383] In a sixteenth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 2305 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a set of SSB 2310 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 2305 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 2310 (e.g., using a MTR), and next transmit a WUS to the BS 2315 (e.g., using a MTR). The BS receives a WUS 2315 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmits a SIB1 2320(e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive a SIB1 from the BS 2320 (e.g., using a MTR), and transmit a PRACH to the BS 2325 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 23.

[0384] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB.

[0385] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0386] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0387] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0388] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0389] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0390] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0391] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0392] In yet another implementation for this example, the sixteenth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0393] With reference to FIG. 23, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0394] FIG. 24 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 2400 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 2400 can be performed by the UE 115 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0395] In a seventeenth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 2405 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and a set of SSB 2410 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 2405 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 2410 (e.g., using a MTR), and next transmit a LP-WUS to the BS 2415 (e.g., using a LT or LTR or MTR). The BS receives a LP-WUS 2415 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and then transmits a SIB1 2420 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive SIB1 from the BS 2420 (e.g., using a MTR), and transmit a PRACH to the BS 2425 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 24.

[0396] In one implementation for this example, a UE (e.g., the UE 116) can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB.

[0397] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0398] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0399] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0400] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0401] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0402] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0403] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0404] In yet another implementation for this example, the seventeenth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0405] With reference to FIG. 24 an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0406] FIG. 25 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 2500 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 2500 can be performed by the UE 116 and the gNB 102 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0407] In a eighteenth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 2505 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a set of SSB 2510 (e.g., using a MTR), and at least a set of LP-SIB 2515 (e.g., using a LR or LTR or MTR), and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 2505 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then receive at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 2510 (e.g., using a MTR), and then receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 2515 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and next transmit a WUS 2520 (e.g., using a MTR). The BS receives a WUS 2520 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmits a SIB1 2525 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE can further receive a SIB1 from the BS 2525 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 2530 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 25.

[0408] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0409] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0410] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0411] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the LP-SIB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0412] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0413] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0414] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0415] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0416] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SIB.

[0417] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0418] In yet another implementation for this example, the eighteenth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 2, and / or Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 6, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 10, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 14, and / or Scenario 16.

[0419] With reference to FIG. 25, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0420] FIG. 26 illustrates a signal flow of an example procedure 2600 for initial access according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, procedure 2600 can be performed by the UE 116 and the gNB 103 and / or network 130 in the wireless network 100 of FIG. 1. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0421] In a nineteenth example, a BS transmits at least a set of LP-SSB 2605 (e.g., using a MTR or LT or LTR), and then transmit at least a set of LP-SIB 2610, and a UE, for initial access to the BS, may first receive at least one LP-SSB from the set of LP-SSB 2605 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then may receive at least one LP-SIB from the set of LP-SIB 2610, and then transmit a LP-WUS to BS 2615 (e.g., using a LT or LTR). The BS receives a LP-WUS 2615 (e.g., using a LR or LTR), and then transmits a set of SSB 2620 (e.g., using a MTR). The UE receives at least one SSB from the set of SSBs 2620 (e.g., using a MTR), and then can further transmit a WUS 2625 (e.g., using a MTR). The BS may receive a WUS from UE 2625 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a SIB1 2630 (e.g., using a MTR), and a UE can receive a SIB1 from the BS 2630 (e.g., using a MTR), and then transmit a PRACH to the BS 2635 (e.g., using a MTR). An illustration of this example is shown in FIG. 26.

[0422] In one implementation for this example, a UE can acquire downlink synchronization based on LP-SSB and SSB, wherein the UE may acquire a first part of timing information based on the reception of LP-SSB, and acquire a second part of timing information based on the reception of SSB. The UE can acquire a first part of system information based on the reception of LP-SIB, and acquire a second part of system information based on the reception of SIB1.

[0423] In another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-SSB.

[0424] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SSB can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0425] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SSB from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0426] In yet another implementation for this example, a request to send SIB1 from BS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0427] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the LP-WUS.

[0428] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0429] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the SIB1 can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the WUS.

[0430] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the WUS can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SSB.

[0431] In yet another implementation for this example, a set of configurations for the PRACH can be carried and / or indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the SIB1.

[0432] In yet another implementation for this example, the nineteenth example can be applicable for at least on of Scenario 4, and / or Scenario 8, and / or Scenario 12, and / or Scenario 16.

[0433] With reference to FIG. 26, an example UE procedure is shown for initial access using dual transceivers.

[0434] In various examples of the present disclosure, a configuration for a LP-SSB can include at least one from: 1) whether the LP-SSB is present; 2) time domain information on the resources of LP-SSB (e.g., periodicity, and / or time offset, and / or transmission duration, and / or starting slot, and / or starting OFDM symbol); 3) frequency domain information on the resources of LP-SSB (e.g., starting or center RB or subcarrier, and / or bandwidth as a number of RBs or subcarriers, and / or frequency offset, and / or bandwidth part or carrier information); 4) power domain information on the resources of LP-SSB (e.g., energy per resource element (EPRE) or EPRE offset to SSB); 5) code domain information on LP-SSB (e.g., cover code information for the LP-SSB); 6) parameter for sequence generation for the signals in LP-SSB (e.g., initial condition of the sequence, and / or cyclic shift of the sequence, and / or root index of the sequence, and / or phase shift of the sequence, or cover code of the sequence).

[0435] In various examples of the present disclosure, a configuration for a SSB can include at least one from: 1) whether the SSB is present; 2) time domain information on the resources of SSB (e.g., periodicity, and / or time offset, and / or transmission duration, and / or starting slot, and / or starting OFDM symbol); 3) frequency domain information on the resources of SSB (e.g., starting or center RB or subcarrier, and / or bandwidth as a number of RBs or subcarriers, and / or frequency offset, and / or bandwidth part or carrier information); 4) power domain information on the resources of SSB (e.g., EPRE or EPRE offset to LP-SSB); 5) code domain information on SSB (e.g., cover code information for the SSB); 6) parameter for sequence generation for the signals in SSB (e.g., initial condition of the sequence, and / or cyclic shift of the sequence, and / or root index of the sequence, and / or phase shift of the sequence, or cover code of the sequence).

[0436] In various examples of the present disclosure, a configuration for a LP-SIB can include at least one from: 1) whether the LP-SIB is present; 2) time domain information on the resources of LP-SIB (e.g., periodicity, and / or time offset, and / or transmission duration, and / or starting slot, and / or starting OFDM symbol); 3) frequency domain information on the resources of LP-SIB (e.g., starting or center RB or subcarrier, and / or bandwidth as a number of RBs or subcarriers, and / or frequency offset, and / or bandwidth part or carrier information); 4) power domain information on the resources of LP-SIB (e.g., EPRE or EPRE offset to LP-SSB or SSB); 5) code domain information on LP-SIB (e.g., cover code information for the LP-SIB).

[0437] In various examples of the present disclosure, a configuration for a SIB1 can include at least one from: 1) whether the SIB1 is present; 2) time domain information on the resources of SIB1 (e.g., periodicity, and / or time offset, and / or transmission duration, and / or starting slot, and / or starting OFDM symbol); 3) frequency domain information on the resources of SIB1 (e.g., starting or center RB or subcarrier, and / or bandwidth as a number of RBs or subcarriers, and / or frequency offset, and / or bandwidth part or carrier information); 4) power domain information on the resources of SIB1 (e.g., EPRE or EPRE offset to LP-SSB or SSB or LP-SIB); 5) configuration for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the SIB1 (e.g., control resource set (CORESET) information for the PDCCH, and / or search space set information for the PDCCH).

[0438] In various examples of the present disclosure, a configuration for a LP-WUS can include at least one from: 1) whether the LP-WUS is present; 2) time domain information on the resources of LP-WUS (e.g., periodicity, and / or time offset, and / or transmission duration, and / or starting slot, and / or starting OFDM symbol); 3) frequency domain information on the resources of LP-WUS (e.g., starting or center RB or subcarrier, and / or bandwidth as a number of RBs or subcarriers, and / or frequency offset, and / or bandwidth part or carrier information); 4) power domain information on the resources of LP-WUS (e.g., energy per resource element (EPRE) or EPRE offset to SSB or LP-SSB); 5) code domain information on LP-WUS (e.g., cover code information for the LP-WUS); 6) parameter for sequence generation for the signals in LP-WUS (e.g., initial condition of the sequence, and / or cyclic shift of the sequence, and / or root index of the sequence, and / or phase shift of the sequence, or cover code of the sequence).

[0439] In various examples of the present disclosure, a configuration for a PRACH can include at least one from: 1) whether the PRACH is present; 2) time domain information on the resources of PRACH (e.g., periodicity, and / or time offset, and / or transmission duration, and / or starting slot, and / or starting OFDM symbol); 3) frequency domain information on the resources of PRACH (e.g., starting or center RB or subcarrier, and / or bandwidth as a number of RBs or subcarriers, and / or frequency offset, and / or bandwidth part or carrier information); 4) power domain information on the resources of PRACH (e.g., EPRE or EPRE offset to LP-SSB or SSB or LP-WUS); 5) code domain information on PRACH (e.g., cover code information for the PRACH); 6) parameter for sequence generation for the signals in PRACH (e.g., initial condition of the sequence, and / or cyclic shift of the sequence, and / or root index of the sequence, and / or phase shift of the sequence, or cover code of the sequence).

[0440] FIG. 27 illustrates an example method 2700 performed by a UE in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 2700 of FIG. 27 can be performed by any of the UEs 111-116 of FIG. 1, such as the UE 116 of FIG. 3, and a corresponding method can be performed by any of the BSs 101-103 of FIG. 1, such as BS 102 of FIG. 2. The method 2700 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0441] The method 2700 begins with the UE receiving a first SS / PBCH block (2710). The UE then receives a first SIB (2720). The UE then determines a first configuration for an uplink signal based on the first SIB (2730). The UE then transmits the uplink signal based on the first configuration (2740). The UE then receives a second SS / PBCH block (2750). The UE then receives a second SIB (2760).

[0442] In various embodiments, the UE determines a first part of timing information based on the first SS / PBCH block and determines a second part of the timing information based on the second SS / PBCH block. In various embodiments, the UE determines a first part of system information based on the first SIB and a second part of the system information based on the second SIB.

[0443] In various embodiments, the UE determines a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block based on the first SIB. In various embodiments, the UE determines a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block and the second configuration is included in the uplink signal.

[0444] In various embodiments, the UE determines a request for a transmission of the second SS / PBCH block, and the request is included in the uplink signal. In various embodiments, the UE determines a second configuration for a PRACH based on the second SIB and transmits the PRACH based on the second configuration.

[0445] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a terminal or user equipment (UE) 2800 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0446] The terminal is an electronic device capable of wireless communication, may include a User Equipment (UE), a portable phone, a smartphone, a tablet, an Internet of things (IoT) device, etc., having various form factors, and may perform wireless communication with a base station (BS) through a wireless channel.

[0447] Referring to FIG. 28, the UE 2800 may include at least one transceiver (hereinafter, referred to as simply “transceiver”) 2801, at least one processor (hereinafter, referred to as simply “processor”) 2802, and at least one memory (hereinafter, referred to as simply “memory”) 2803. According to at least one or a combination of methods corresponding to the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the transceiver 2801, the processor 2802, and the memory 2803 of the UE 2800 may operate. However, components of the UE 2800 are not limited to the exemplary components illustrated in FIG. 28. In another embodiment, the UE 2800 may further include additional components in addition to the above-mentioned components, or some components may be omitted. Further, in some embodiments, any combination of the transceiver 2801, the processor 2802, or the memory 2803 may be integrated in the form of one component.

[0448] The transceiver 2801 may be a communication circuit or communication circuitry that enables the UE 2800 to perform wireless communication with a node or an entity of a network. For example, the transceiver 2801 may enable the UE 2800 to transmit or receive a signal to or from a BS through cellular communication, or to transmit or receive a signal to or from another UE through cellular communication. For example, the transceiver 2801 may support at least one of various cellular communication technologies including 3rd generation (3G), 4thgeneration (4G), long term evolution (LTE), 5th generation (5G) NR, 6thgeneration (6G), and various cellular wireless communication technologies supported by the transceiver (2801) may include all subsequent generations of evolved wireless communications.

[0449] According to an embodiment, the UE 2800 may include a plurality of transceivers. For example, in the case of supporting evolved-universal terrestrial radio access-new radio (E-UTRA-NR) sual connectivity (EN-DC), the UE 2800 may include a first transceiver supporting the 4G LTE wireless communication and a second transceiver supporting the 5G NR wireless communication. According to another embodiment, in the case of supporting NR-dual connectivity (NR-DC), the UE 2800 may include a plurality of transceivers supporting the 5G NR wireless communication. According to still another embodiment, in the case of supporting near field wireless communication, the UE 2800 may separately include a transceiver supporting at least one standard in the group of wireless communication protocol standards as defined in the protocol standards for Bluetooth®, wireless local area network (WLAN) network (including institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.11-2016 standard or its amendments, e.g., 802.11ah, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be, without being limited thereto).

[0450] According to an embodiment, the transceiver 2801 may include various circuit structures used to transmit or receive signals to or from a BS through a wireless channel. The signals may include control information and data. For example, the transceiver 2801 may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for up-converting and amplifying the frequency of a transmitted signal and an RF receiver for low-noise-amplifying a received signal and down-converting the frequency thereof. The transceiver 2801 may output a signal received through a wireless channel to the processor 2802 and may transmit, through a wireless channel, a signal output from the processor 2802.

[0451] The processor 2802 may control general operations of the UE 2800 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The processor 2802 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) (IC) chips and may execute various data processings. The processor 2802 may include at least one electric circuit, and may execute instructions (or a program, codes, data, etc.) stored in the memory 2803, individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. Further, the processor 2802 may include a single-core processor or multi-core processor, and may include a processor assembly including a plurality of processing circuits (circuitry) according to a specific implementation scheme.

[0452] The processor 2802 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the transceiver 2801 to control the transceiver 2801.

[0453] The processor 2802 may include at least one processor (or processing circuitry), and the at least one processor may perform the following operations individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. For example, the processor 2802 may include a communication processor (CP) configured to control communication operations and an application processor (AP) configured to control execution of an upper layer (for example, an application layer) . In a specific embodiment, at least a part of the processor 2802 may be included in one chip and the other part of the processor 2802 may be included in another chip. Otherwise, at least one processor may be included in another component, for example, the transceiver 2801 or the memory 2803.

[0454] The processor 2802 may perform or control or cause an operation of the UE 2800 for executing at least one or a combination of methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the processor 2802 may control operations of the UE 2800 for processing a downlink signal received from a BS or generating and transmitting an uplink signal to a BS. To this end, the processor 2802 may execute a computer program, codes, or instructions stored in the memory 2803, so as to control other components of the UE 2800 to enable execution of various operations.

[0455] The memory 2803 corresponds to a hardware storage device capable of temporarily or permanently storing information and may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory 2803 may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or read-only memory (ROM), semipermanent memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory, or a combination thereof.

[0456] The memory 2803 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the processor 2802 and may be accessed by the processor 2802.

[0457] The memory 2803 may store a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 2802. According to an embodiment, a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 2802 may be either stored in a single memory device or separated and distributedly stored in two or more memory devices. By executing the instructions stored in the memory 2803, the processor 2802 may perform various functions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0458] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, operations of the UE 2800 may be caused to be performed based on execution of instructions (or a computer program or codes) stored in the memory 2803 by at least one processor (or processing circuitry) configured to execute the same individually, collectively, or in any combination thereof, based on processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions, and / or based on components of processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions.

[0459] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a base station (BS) 2900 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0460] The BS 2900 may perform wireless communication with at least one user equipment (UE) located within the area of the BS 2900 through a wireless channel.

[0461] Referring to FIG. 29, the BS 2900 may include at least one transceiver (hereinafter, referred to as simply “transceiver”) 2901, at least one processor (hereinafter, referred to as simply “processor”) 2902, and at least one memory (hereinafter, referred to as simply “memory”) 2903. According to at least one or a combination of methods corresponding to the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the transceiver 2901, the processor 2902, and the memory 2903 of the BS 2900 may operate. However, components of the BS 2900 are not limited to the exemplary components illustrated in FIG. 29. In another embodiment, the BS 2900 may further include additional components in addition to the above-mentioned components, or some components may be omitted. Further, in some embodiments, any combination of the transceiver 2901, the processor 2902, or the memory 2903 may be integrated in the form of one component.

[0462] The transceiver 2901 may be a communication circuit or communication circuitry that enables the BS 2900 to perform wireless communication with a node or an entity of a network. For example, the transceiver 2901 may enable the BS 2900 to transmit or receive a signal to or from the UE 2800 through cellular communication, or to transmit or receive a signal to or from another network entity through wireless communication. For example, the transceiver 2901 may support various cellular communication technologies including 3rd generation (3G), 4thgeneration (4G), long term evolution (LTE), 5th generation (5G) NR, 6thgeneration (6G), and various cellular wireless communication technologies supported by the transceiver (2901) may include all subsequent generations of evolved wireless communications.. According to an embodiment, the transceiver 2901 may include various circuit structures used to transmit or receive signals to or from a UE through a wireless channel. The signals may include control information and data. For example, the transceiver 2901 may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for up-converting and amplifying the frequency of a transmitted signal and an RF receiver for low-noise-amplifying a received signal and down-converting the frequency thereof. The transceiver 2901 may output a signal received through a wireless channel to the processor 2902 and may transmit, through a wireless channel, a signal output from the processor 2902.

[0463] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the BS 2900 may perform communication with a node or an entity of a network through wired or wireless communication. For example, the BS 2900 may perform wired or wireless communication with an adjacent BS, or a node or an entity of a core network through a backhaul network. Although not illustrated in FIG. 29, when the BS 2900 performs wired communication, the BS 2900 may further include a separate network interface for wired communication in addition to the transceiver 2901. The network interface may be referred to as network interface circuitry or communication interface circuitry.

[0464] The processor 2902 may control general operations of the BS 2900 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The processor 2902 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) (IC) chips and may execute various data processings. The processor 2902 may include at least one electric circuit, and may execute instructions (or a program, codes, data, etc.) stored in the memory 2903, individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. Further, the processor 2902 may include a single-core processor or multi-core processor, and may include a processor assembly including a plurality of processing circuits (circuitry) according to a specific implementation scheme.

[0465] The processor 2902 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the transceiver 2901 to control the transceiver 2901.

[0466] The processor 2902 may include at least one processor (or processing circuitry), and the at least one processor may perform the following operations individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. In a specific embodiment, at least a part of the processor 2902 may be included in one chip and the other part of the processor 2902 may be included in another chip. Otherwise, at least one processor may be included in another component, for example, the transceiver 2901 or the memory 2903.

[0467] The processor 2902 may perform or control or cause an operation of the BS 2900 for executing at least one or a combination of methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the processor 2902 may control operations of the BS 2900 for generating and transmitting a downlink signal to a UE or processing an uplink signal received from a UE. Otherwise, the BS 2900 may transmit or receive a signal to or from a neighboring BS, transfer a signal received from a UE to an upper node of the network, or transmit a signal transferred from an upper node of the network to a UE. To this end, the processor 2902 may execute a computer program, codes, or instructions stored in the memory 2903, so as to control other components of the BS 2900 to enable execution of various operations.

[0468] The memory 2903 corresponds to a hardware storage device capable of temporarily or permanently storing information and may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory 2903 may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or read-only memory (ROM), semipermanent memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory, or a combination thereof.

[0469] The memory 2903 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the processor 2902 and may be accessed by the processor 2902.

[0470] The memory 2903 may store a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 2902. According to an embodiment, a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 2902 may be either stored in a single memory device or separated and distributedly stored in two or more memory devices. By executing the instructions stored in the memory 2903, the processor 2902 may perform various functions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0471] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, operations of the BS 2900 may be caused to be performed based on execution of instructions (or a computer program or codes) stored in the memory 2903 by at least one processor (or processing circuitry) configured to execute the same individually, collectively, or in any combination thereof, based on processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions, and / or based on components of processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions.

[0472] The UE or the base station may perform various communication procedures related to the control plane or the user plane by cooperating with one or more network entities based on wireless communication. For example, the UE may communicate with network entity such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a Session Management Function (SMF) via the base station, or the base station may perform at least one communication procedure by directly transmitting and receiving signals to / from, or relaying signals between, the network entities.

[0473] The structure of the above-described network entity will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0474] FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a network entity 3000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0475] The network entity 3000 may include an entity (apparatus, device, or server, etc.) that performs one or more network functions (NFs) or a part of a network function constituting a core network (e.g., a 5th generation (5G) core (5GC)) in a communication system. In this case, multiple NFs may be implemented within a single network entity, or a single NF may be distributed and implemented across a plurality of network entities. In addition, when an NF is implemented within the network entity, the NF may be implemented in the form of software, and in such a case, a program for operating the NF may be stored in memory of the network entity 3000.

[0476] A single NF may be implemented by one or more instances, which may be deployed on the same network entity or distributed across multiple network entities to operate. The instance may be a software unit that logically executes a specific network function, and may be implemented in a form that is decoupled from physical hardware resources. Further, one or more NFs may be implemented in the form of one network slice to operate to satisfy specifications required by a particular service.

[0477] The NF may include at least one of an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a local session management function (L-SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a local user plane function (L-UPF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM), a unified data repository (UDR), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), an application function (AF), a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), a network slice admission control function (NSACF), an authentication server function (AUSF), or a data network (DN).

[0478] Referring to FIG. 30, the network entity 3000 may include at least one network interface 3001, at least one processor 3002 (hereinafter, “processor”), and at least one memory 3003 (hereinafter, “memory”). As described above, a NF may be implemented in the form of a physical device such as the network entity 3000, or may be virtualized and executed in the form of an instance. When implemented as an instance, the NF need not necessarily include physical components as illustrated in FIG. 30. In such a case, the instance may be logically represented as comprising one or more logical functional elements.

[0479] According to at least one or a combination of methods corresponding to the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the network interface 3001, the processor 3002, and the memory 3003 of the network entity 3000 may operate. However, components of the network entity 3000 are not limited to the exemplary components illustrated in FIG. 30. In another embodiment, the network entity 3000 may further include additional components in addition to the above-mentioned components, or some components may be omitted. Further, in an embodiment, the network interface 3001, the processor 3002, or the memory 3003 may be integrated in the form of one component.

[0480] The network interface 3001 is a collective term for a transmitter part of the network entity 3000 and a receiver part of the network entity 3000, and may be a communication circuit for transmitting or receiving a signal to or from a user equipment (UE), a base station (BS), or another network entity. Here, the communication circuit may include both a communication circuit for wireless communication and a communication circuit for a wired communication. For example, the network interface 3001 may include a circuit, logic, hardware, etc., configured to exchange a control plane message or a user plane message with a UE, a BS, or other core network entities through wireless communication or wired communication. The network interface 3001 may operate using various protocols (e.g., non-access stratum (NAS) protocol). The network interface 3001 may also be referred to, for convenience of description or depending on implementation, as communication circuitry, network interface circuitry, or a communication interface circuitry.

[0481] The processor 3002 may control general operations of the network entity 3000 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The processor 3002 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) (IC) chips and may execute various data processings. The processor 3002 may include at least one electric circuit, and may execute instructions (or a program, codes, data, etc.) stored in the memory 3003, individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. Further, the processor 3002 may include a single-core processor or multi-core processor, and may include a processor assembly including a plurality of processing circuits (circuitry) according to a specific implementation scheme. Further, it should be noted that, according to another embodiment, in a case where NF is implemented in the form of an instance, the network function may be not necessarily configured by physical hardware.

[0482] According to an embodiment, the processor 3002 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the network interface 3001 to control the network interface 3001.

[0483] The processor 3002 may include at least one processor (or processing circuitry), and the at least one processor may perform the following operations individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. In a specific embodiment, at least a part of the processor 3002 may be included in one chip and the other part of the processor 3002 may be included in another chip. Otherwise, at least one processor may be included in another component, for example, the network interface 3001 or the memory 3003.

[0484] The processor 3002 may perform or control or cause an operation of the network entity 3000 for executing at least one or a combination of methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the processor 3002 may control operations of the network entity 3000 for exchanging a control plane message or a user plane message with a UE, a BS, or other core network entities through wireless or wired communication, using various protocols (e.g., NAS protocol). To this end, the processor 3002 may execute a computer program, codes, or instructions stored in the memory 3003, so as to control other components of the network entity 3000 to enable execution of various operations.

[0485] The memory 3003 corresponds to a hardware storage device capable of temporarily or permanently storing information and may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory 3003 may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or read-only memory (ROM), semipermanent memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory, or a combination thereof.

[0486] The memory 3003 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the processor 3002 and may be accessed by the processor 3002.

[0487] The memory 3003 may store a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 3002. According to an embodiment, a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 3002 may be either stored in a single memory device or separated and distributedly stored in two or more memory devices. By executing the instructions stored in the memory 3003, the processor 3002 may perform various functions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0488] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, operations of the network entity 3000 may be caused to be performed based on execution of instructions (or a computer program or codes) stored in the memory 3003 by at least one processor (or processing circuitry) configured to execute the same individually, collectively, or in any combination thereof, based on processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions, and / or based on components of processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions.

[0489] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1.A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the UE to:receive a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block; andreceive a first system information block (SIB);identify, based on the first SIB, a first configuration for an uplink signal;transmit the uplink signal based on the first configuration;receive a second SS / PBCH block; andreceive a second SIB.2.The UE of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the UE to:identify, based on the first SS / PBCH block, a first part of timing information; andidentify, based on the second SS / PBCH block, a second part of the timing information.3.The UE of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the UE to:identify, based on the first SIB, a first part of system information; andidentify, based on the second SIB, a second part of the system information.4.The UE of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the UE to:identify, based on the first SIB, a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block.5.The UE of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the UE to:identify a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block, andwherein the second configuration is included in the uplink signal.6.The UE of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the UE to:identify a request for a transmission of the second SS / PBCH block, andwherein the request is included in the uplink signal.7.The UE of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the UE to:identify, based on the second SIB, a second configuration for a physical random access channel (PRACH), andtransmit the PRACH based on the second configuration.8.A method of a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:receiving a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block;receiving a first system information block (SIB);identifying, based on the first SIB, a first configuration for an uplink signal;transmitting the uplink signal based on the first configuration;receiving a second SS / PBCH block; andreceiving a second SIB.9.The method of claim 8, further comprising:identifying, based on the first SS / PBCH block, a first part of timing information; andidentifying, based on the second SS / PBCH block, a second part of the timing information.10.A base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, the BS comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the base station to:identify a first configuration for an uplink signal,transmit a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block,transmit a first system information block (SIB), and the first configuration is included in the first SIB,receive the uplink signal based on the first configuration,transmit a second SS / PBCH block, andtransmit a second SIB.11.The BS of claim 10, wherein the instructions further cause the BS to:identify a first part of system information that is included in the first SIB, andidentify a second part of system information that is included in the second SIB.12.The BS of claim 10, wherein the instructions further cause the BS to:identify a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block, andwherein the second configuration is included in the first SIB.13.A method of a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:identifying a first configuration for an uplink signal;transmitting a first synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block;transmitting a first system information block (SIB), and the first configuration is included in the first SIB;receiving the uplink signal based on the first configuration;transmitting a second SS / PBCH block; andtransmitting a second SIB.14.The method of claim 13, further comprising:identifying a first part of system information that is included in the first SIB; andidentifying a second part of system information that is included in the second SIB.15.The method of claim 13, further comprising:identifying a second configuration for the second SS / PBCH block, andwherein the second configuration is included in the first SIB.

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