A method and apparatus for network energy saving in communication system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The present disclosure provides a node and a user equipment in a wireless communication system and methods performed by the same. A method including: transmitting, to a second node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration; receiving, from the second node, a second message as a response to the first message; receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the third message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission; transmitting, to the UE, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation; and transmitting, to the UE, an on-demand SSB.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NETWORK ENERGY SAVING IN COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technical field of communication, and more specifically, to a method and an apparatus for network energy saving based on demand SSB activation in a wireless communication system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for supporting on demand SSB for network energy saving.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a first node in a wireless communication system, including: transmitting, to a second node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration; receiving, from the second node, a second message as a response to the first message; receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the third message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission; transmitting, to the UE, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation; and transmitting, to the UE, an on-demand SSB.Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a second node in a wireless communication system, including: receiving, from a first node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration; and transmitting, to the first node, a second message as a response to the first message, wherein a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission is transmitted by a user equipment (UE) to the first node, wherein the third message includes at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission; and wherein an on-demand SSB is transmitted to the UE based on the third message. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, including: receiving, from a second node, a first message including a configuration of on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB); transmitting, to a first node, a second message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the second message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission; receiving, from the first node, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation; and receiving, from the first node, an on-demand SSB. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first node in a wireless communication system comprising at least one transceiver; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; and at 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 first node to: transmit, to a second node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration, receive, from the second node, a second message as a response to the first message, receive, from a user equipment (UE), a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the third message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission, transmit, to the UE, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation, and transmit, to the UE, an on-demand SSB.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a second node in a wireless communication system comprising at least one transceiver; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; and at 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 second node to: receive, from a first node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration, and transmit, to the first node, a second message as a response to the first message, wherein a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission is transmitted by a user equipment (UE) to the first node, wherein the third message includes at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission, and wherein an on-demand SSB is transmitted to the UE based on the third message.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system comprising: at least one transceiver; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; and at 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, from a second node, a first message including a configuration of on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB), transmit, to a first node, a second message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the second message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission, receive, from the first node, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation, and receive, from the first node, an on-demand SSB.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a node device in a wireless communication system, including: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform methods performed by any node in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, including: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform methods performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a processor, perform methods performed by any node and / or a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] The methods performed by the nodes and / or user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system provided by the present disclosure can effectively support the nodes and / or user equipment to perform on-demand SSB transmission and / or network self-optimization by exchanging information related to on-demand SSB between the nodes and / or user equipment, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0016] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system architecture 100 of System Architecture Evolution (SAE);

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system architecture 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIGs. 4A illustrates schematic diagrams of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIGs. 4B illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIGs. 4C illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIGs. 4D illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIGs. 4E illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGs. 4F illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGs. 4G illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIGs. 4H illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIGs. 4I illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIGs. 4J illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIGs. 4K illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIGs. 4L illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIGs 5A illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIGs 5B illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIGs 5C illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a first node in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a second node in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a node according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a user equipment (UE) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0041] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0042] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0043] The term "include" or "may include" refers to the existence of a corresponding disclosed function, operation or component which can be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure and does not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components. The terms such as "include" and / or "have" may be construed to denote a certain characteristic, number, step, operation, constituent element, component or a combination thereof, but may not be construed to exclude the existence of or a possibility of addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0044] The term "or" used in various embodiments of the present disclosure includes any or all of combinations of listed words. For example, the expression "A or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0045] Unless defined differently, all terms used herein, which include technical terminologies or scientific terminologies, have the same meaning as that understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted to have the meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art, and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined in the present disclosure.

[0046] Figures discussed below and various embodiments for describing the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are only for illustration and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0047] FIG. 1 is an exemplary system architecture 100 of system architecture evolution (SAE). User equipment (UE) 101 is a terminal device for receiving data. An evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) 102 is a radio access network, which includes a macro base station (eNodeB / NodeB) that provides UE with interfaces to access the radio network. A mobility management entity (MME) 103 is responsible for managing mobility context, session context and security information of the UE. A serving gateway (SGW) 104 mainly provides functions of user plane, and the MME 103 and the SGW 104 may be in the same physical entity. A packet data network gateway (PGW) 105 is responsible for functions of charging, lawful interception, etc., and may be in the same physical entity as the SGW 104. A policy and charging rules function entity (PCRF) 106 provides quality of service (QoS) policies and charging criteria. A general packet radio service support node (SGSN) 108 is a network node device that provides routing for data transmission in a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS). A home subscriber server (HSS)109 is a home subsystem of the UE, and is responsible for protecting user information including a current location of the user equipment, an address of a serving node, user security information, and packet data context of the user equipment, etc.

[0048] FIG. 2 is an exemplary system architecture 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the system architecture 200 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] User equipment (UE) 201 is a terminal device for receiving data. A next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) 202 is a radio access network, which includes a base station (a gNB or an eNB connected to 5G core network 5GC, and the eNB connected to the 5GC is also called ng-gNB) that provides UE with interfaces to access the radio network. An access control and mobility management function entity (AMF) 203 is responsible for managing mobility context and security information of the UE. A user plane function entity (UPF) 204 mainly provides functions of user plane. A session management function entity SMF 205 is responsible for session management. A data network (DN) 206 includes, for example, services of operators, access of Internet and service of third parties.

[0050] Nodes mentioned in the present disclosure may include: gNB, gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU), gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU), gNB Central Unit Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP), gNB Central Unit User Plane (gNB CU-UP), en-gNB, eNB, ng-eNB, UE, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Mobility Management Entity (MME) and other network entities or network logic units, and cells and / or slices managed by the above network entities or network logic units, etc.

[0051] Nodes and / or entities mentioned in the present disclosure may include: gNB, gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU), gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU), gNB Central Unit Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP), gNB Central Unit User Plane (gNB CU-UP), en-gNB, eNB, ng-eNB, UE, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Mobility Management Entity (MME) and other network entities or network logic units, and cells and / or beams managed by them, etc.

[0052] The signal strength and / or signal quality mentioned in the present disclosure may be a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), a Reference Signal Receiving Power, RSRP), a Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), and a Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), etc.

[0053] The network self-optimization decisions (or self-optimization) described in the present disclosure may include network energy saving, load balancing, coverage optimization, mobility optimization and / or management, network configuration update, configuration for UE (e.g., measurement configuration, reporting configuration, mobility configuration, etc.), etc.

[0054] In the present disclosure, time can be represented by one or more of the following: timestamp, time point, time interval, timer, period of time, time length, time period, time spacing, etc. The time length may be the length of time from a certain time point, which may be the current time. The time may be a relative time or an absolute time. In some implementations, the period of time may be represented by separate fields, for example, by a combination of a start time and an end time, or by a combination of a start time and a time period.

[0055] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, state and mode can refer to each other.

[0056] The information and / or fields described in the present disclosure may be an average value, an instantaneous value, a maximum value, a minimum value, etc., which is not limited herein.

[0057] The information and / or fields described in the present disclosure may be used to represent one or more of that following situations: uplink, downlink, uplink and downlink, uplink or downlink.

[0058] In the present disclosure, a beam may refer to a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) beam, or any other beam.

[0059] In the present disclosure, a beam may refer to a Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block (SSB) beam, or may refer to any other beam.

[0060] In the present disclosure, user equipment (UE), user, terminal and the like can refer to each other.

[0061] In the present disclosure, on-demand SSB transmission may mean SSB transmission in an on-demand SSB state. For example, a cell enters an energy saving state (e.g., an on-demand SSB state), and the SSB of the cell is periodically transmitted. SSB transmission in this case may be called on-demand SSB transmission. On-demand SSB transmission may also mean SSB transmission performed after receiving a request. For example, a cell enters an energy-saving state (for example, on-demand SSB state). When the node where the cell is located receives a request for SSB transmission, the SSB of the cell is transmitted. SSB transmission in this case may also be called on-demand SSB transmission.

[0062] In the present disclosure, future may refer to any specific time or period of time in the future.

[0063] In the present disclosure, cell may be extended or replaced by beam and / or node. For example, cell identification may be extended or replaced by beam identification and / or node identification.

[0064] In the present disclosure, on-demand SSB may also be referred to as on-demand SSB transmission.

[0065] Currently, the on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) related processes need to be further improved. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes on-demand SSB related methods to achieve energy saving effects.

[0066] Example 1

[0067] A first node may transmit a first message including first information related to a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB (or simply a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB) to the second node. After receiving the first message, the second node may request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the first message, or may forward the first message to other nodes for the other nodes to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. Alternatively, the second node may make policies according to the first message, for example, performing measurement configuration for the UE, and / or setting energy saving decisions, and / or making self-optimization decisions.

[0068] In some implementations, the first message may be or be included in one or more of: an Xn SETUP REQUEST message or an XN SETUP RESPONSE message of Xn; an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message of Xn; a RESET REQUEST message of X2 or Xn; an F1 SETUP REQUEST message or an F1 SETUP RESPONSE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-CU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION REQUEST message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION RESPONSE message of F1; or an other and / or newly defined RRC and / or Xn and / or X2 and / or F1 and / or E1 and / or NG message; or a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0069] In some implementations, the first message and / or the first information may include one or more of the following fields and / or information:

[0070] ● Transmitting node identification and / or identification assigned by the transmitting node: identification of the node transmitting the first message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node transmitting the first message.

[0071] ● Receiving node identification and / or identification assigned by the receiving node: identification of the node receiving the first message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node receiving the first message.

[0072] ● Cell identification and / or identification list: used to identify cells associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration. In some implementations, for example, it may be identification of a secondary cell.

[0073] ● Beam identification and / or identification list: used to identify beams associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration.

[0074] ● Node identification and / or identification list: used to identify nodes associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration.

[0075] ● Secondary cell index and / or index list: used to identify one or more secondary cells. Herein, index can be used interchangeably with identification. For example, secondary cell index may also be replaced by secondary cell identification.

[0076] ● SSB state: it may include one or more of the following: normal SSB transmission, on-demand SSB transmission, no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. Herein, one or more of no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. may also be included in the on-demand SSB transmission state. The SSB state may be a state that is currently already in or a state that will be entered in the future. The SSB state may be a suggested SSB state, for example, an SSB state that the transmitting node of the first message suggests the receiving node of the first message to enter. The SSB state may also be a preferred SSB state, for example, an SSB state preferred by the transmitting node of the first message. The transmitting node of the first message may transmit the preferred SSB state to the receiving node of the first message, and the receiving node of the first message may confirm that the transmitting node of the first message can enter the preferred SSB state and / or request the transmitting node of the first message to enter another SSB state. The receiving node of the first message may transmit the information related to the confirmation / acknowledge / response that the transmitting node of the first message can enter the preferred SSB state and / or the request for the transmitting node of the first message to enter another SSB state to the transmitting node of the first message (e.g., may be via a second message).

[0077] ● Time to enter an SSB state: used to indicate the time when to enter an SSB state. The SSB state may be a state that is currently already in or a state that will be entered in the future. The SSB state may be a suggested SSB state, for example, an SSB state that the transmitting node of the first message suggests the receiving node of the first message to enter. The SSB state may also be a preferred SSB state, for example, an SSB state preferred by the transmitting node of the first message. The transmitting node of the first message may transmit the preferred SSB state to the receiving node of the first message, and the receiving node of the first message may confirm that the transmitting node of the first message can enter the preferred SSB state and / or request the transmitting node of the first message to enter another SSB state. The receiving node of the first message may transmit the information related to the confirmation that the transmitting node of the first message can enter the preferred SSB state and / or the request for the transmitting node of the first message to enter another SSB state to the transmitting node of the first message (e.g., may be via a second message).

[0078] ● Information on whether a request for on-demand SSB transmission is allowed: used to indicate whether the UE and / or the message receiving node and / or other nodes can be allowed to request on-demand SSB transmission. It may also include cell identification and / or cell identification list of cells that allow the UE and / or the message receiving node and / or other nodes to request on-demand SSB transmission, and / or include node identification and / or node identification list of nodes that allow the UE and / or the message receiving node and / or other nodes to request on-demand SSB transmission, and / or include beam identification and / or beam identification list of beams that allow the UE and / or the message receiving node and / or other nodes to request on-demand SSB transmission.

[0079] ● Time when a request for on-demand SSB transmission is allowed: used to indicate when a request for on-demand SSB transmission is allowed. The receiving node of the first message and / or the UE and / or other nodes need to request on-demand SSB transmission at the time when the request for on-demand SSB transmission is allowed.

[0080] ● First (on-demand) SSB configuration: used to indicate a current and / or future (on-demand) SSB configuration of a cell. The configuration may include one or more of the following information associated with the (on-demand) SSB: cell identification, location of an (on-demand) SSB burst, downlink transmission energy of an (on-demand) SSB, subcarrier spacing of an (on-demand) SSB, frequency information of an (on-demand) SSB, location of an SSB in an (on-demand) SSB burst, periodicity of an (on-demand) SSB, time of (on-demand) SSB transmission, start time of (on-demand) SSB transmission, end time of (on-demand) SSB transmission, number of times of (on-demand) SSB transmission, type of (on-demand) SSB transmission, periodicity of (on-demand) SSB transmission after a first time, number of times of (on-demand) SSB at a first time, a first time, etc. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. Herein, the type of (on-demand) SSB transmission may include one or more of the following: cell defining SSB, non-cell defining SSB. In some implementations, for example, the start time of (on-demand) SSB transmission may be the time when a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted and / or a specific time after this time, or may be the time when the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation is completed after the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted, etc. The first (on-demand) SSB configuration may be a transmission configuration of a current and / or future (on-demand) SSB of a related cell. For example, assuming that a cell is currently and / or in the future in a first (on-demand) SSB state (which may be a normal SSB transmission state or an on-demand SSB transmission state, for example, periodic SSB transmission), the first (on-demand) SSB configuration may be used to represent a transmission configuration corresponding to the first (on-demand) SSB state. The first (on-demand) SSB configuration may be a suggested (on-demand) SSB configuration, for example, an (on-demand) SSB configuration that the transmitting node of the first message suggests the receiving node of the first message to use. The first (on-demand) SSB configuration may also be a preferred (on-demand) SSB configuration, for example, an (on-demand) SSB configuration preferred by the transmitting node of the first message. The transmitting node of the first message transmits the preferred (on-demand) SSB configuration to the receiving node of the first message, and the receiving node of the first message may confirm that the transmitting node of the first message can use the preferred (on-demand) SSB configuration and / or request the transmitting node of the first message to use another (on-demand) SSB configuration. The receiving node of the first message may transmit the information related to the confirmation that the transmitting node of the first message can use the preferred (on-demand) SSB configuration and / or the request for the transmitting node of the first message to use another (on-demand) SSB configuration to the transmitting node of the first message (for example, may be via a second message).

[0081] ● Second on-demand SSB configuration: used to indicate an on-demand SSB configuration. The second on-demand SSB configuration may be an (actual) on-demand SSB configuration used for a node to transmit on-demand SSB after the node receives an on-demand SSB request. For example, when the node receives an on-demand SSB request for one or more cells, the node transmits SSB based on the second on-demand SSB configuration. The configuration may include information related to one or more of the following: cell identification, location of an on-demand SSB burst, downlink transmission energy of an on-demand SSB, subcarrier spacing of an on-demand SSB, frequency information of an on-demand SSB, location of an SSB in an on-demand SSB burst, periodicity of an on-demand SSB, time of on-demand SSB transmission, start time of on-demand SSB transmission, end time of on-demand SSB transmission, number of times of on-demand SSB transmission, type of on-demand SSB transmission, periodicity of on-demand SSB transmission after a first time, number of times of on-demand SSB at a first time, a first time, etc. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. Herein, the type of (on-demand) SSB transmission may include one or more of the following: cell defining SSB, non-cell defining SSB. In some implementations, for example, the start time of on-demand SSB transmission may be the time when a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted and / or a specific time after this time, or may be the time when the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation is completed after the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted, etc.

[0082] ● Third on-demand SSB configuration: it may include one or more on-demand SSB configuration options, used to represent one or more on-demand SSB configuration options, or one or more alternative on-demand SSB configurations. For example, the third on-demand SSB configuration may be a list including one or more on-demand SSB configurations (options). The third on-demand SSB configuration may be used to inform the message receiving node of on-demand SSB configurations that can be selected. For example, after the message receiving node receives the third on-demand SSB configuration, the message receiving node may request the message transmitting node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB configurations corresponding to one or more options therein. Alternatively, for example, after the message receiving node receives the third on-demand SSB configuration, the message receiving node may select one or more on-demand SSB configurations therein and transmit them to the message transmitting node, for the message transmitting node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the selected one or more on-demand SSB configurations. The third on-demand SSB configuration (or the list of one or more on-demand SSB configuration options) may include one or more of the following:

[0083] ○ Configuration identification: used to identify a corresponding configuration, which may also be called option identification.

[0084] ○ On-demand SSB configuration: this configuration may include information related to one or more of the following: cell identification, location of an on-demand SSB burst, downlink transmission energy of an on-demand SSB, subcarrier spacing of an on-demand SSB, frequency information of an on-demand SSB, location of an SSB in an on-demand SSB burst, periodicity of an on-demand SSB, time of on-demand SSB transmission, start time of on-demand SSB transmission, end time of on-demand SSB transmission, number of times of on-demand SSB transmission, type of on-demand SSB transmission, periodicity of on-demand SSB transmission after a first time, number of times of on-demand SSB at a first time, a first time, etc. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. Herein, the type of (on-demand) SSB transmission may include one or more of the following: cell defining SSB, non-cell defining SSB. In some implementations, for example, the start time of on-demand SSB transmission may be the time when a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted and / or a specific time after this time, or may be the time when the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation is completed after the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted, etc.

[0085] ● (List of) parameter options for an on-demand SSB configuration: used to indicate options corresponding to one or more parameters of an on-demand SSB configuration. The (list of) parameter options for an on-demand SSB configuration may be used to inform the message receiving node of selectable options corresponding to one or more parameters of an on-demand SSB configuration. For example, assuming that for parameter 1, the (list of) parameter options for an on-demand SSB configuration includes option 1, option 2, and option 3, this can mean that one or more of option 1, option 2, and option 3 can be selected for parameter 1, and the message receiving node may select one of them as the value of parameter 1. The parameter here may refer to any one or more parameters in the above on-demand SSB configuration.

[0086] Optionally, the second node may transmit to the first node a second message including second information related to a confirmation / acknowledge / response for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB (or simply a confirmation / acknowledge / response for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, or confirmation / acknowledge / response information of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB). The second message may be used to indicate that the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and may also be used to confirm whether the first node can perform SSB transmission according to the state and / or configuration of the SSB.

[0087] In some implementations, the second message may be or be included in one or more of: an Xn SETUP REQUEST message or an XN SETUP RESPONSE message of Xn; an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message of Xn; a RESET REQUEST message of X2 or Xn; an F1 SETUP REQUEST message or an F1 SETUP RESPONSE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-CU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION REQUEST message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION RESPONSE message of F1; or an other and / or newly defined RRC and / or Xn and / or X2 and / or F1 and / or E1 and / or NG message; or a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0088] In some implementations, the second message and / or the second information may include one or more of the following fields and / or information:

[0089] ● Transmitting node identification and / or identification assigned by the transmitting node: identification of the node transmitting the second message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node transmitting the second message.

[0090] ● Receiving node identification and / or identification assigned by the receiving node: identification of the node receiving the second message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node receiving the second message.

[0091] ● Cell identification and / or identification list: used to identify cells associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration. In some implementations, for example, it may be identification of a secondary cell.

[0092] ● Beam identification and / or identification list: used to identify beams associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration.

[0093] ● Node identification and / or identification list: used to identify nodes associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration.

[0094] ● Secondary cell index and / or index list: used to identify one or more secondary cells.

[0095] ● Whether an SSB state can be entered: used to indicate whether (for example, the message transmitting node and / or the message receiving node and / or any other node and / or related cell) can enter a specific SSB state currently and / or at a certain time in the future. The SSB state may include one or more of the following: normal SSB transmission, on-demand SSB transmission, no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. Herein, one or more of no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. may also be included in the on-demand SSB transmission state. The SSB state may be a state that is currently already in or a state that will be entered in the future.

[0096] ● Time when an SSB state can (not) be entered: used to represent the time when the message transmitting node and / or the message receiving node and / or any other node and / or related cell can and / or cannot enter a specific SSB state. The SSB state may include one or more of the following: normal SSB transmission, on-demand SSB transmission, no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. Herein, one or more of no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. may also be included in the on-demand SSB transmission state. The SSB state may be a state that is currently already in or a state that will be entered in the future.

[0097] ● Configuration that can be used for (on-demand) SSB transmission: used to represent the (on-demand) SSB configuration that the message transmitting node and / or the message receiving node and / or any other node and / or related cell can use for (on-demand) SSB transmission. The configuration may include one or more of the following: cell identification, location of an on-demand SSB burst, downlink transmission energy of an on-demand SSB, subcarrier spacing of an on-demand SSB, frequency information of an on-demand SSB, location of an SSB in an on-demand SSB burst, periodicity of an on-demand SSB, time of on-demand SSB transmission, start time of on-demand SSB transmission, end time of on-demand SSB transmission, number of times of on-demand SSB transmission, type of on-demand SSB transmission, periodicity of on-demand SSB transmission after a first time, number of times of on-demand SSB at a first time, a first time, etc. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. Herein, the type of (on-demand) SSB transmission may include one or more of the following: cell defining SSB, non-cell defining SSB. In some implementations, for example, the start time of on-demand SSB transmission may be the time when a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted and / or a specific time after this time, or may be the time when the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation is completed after the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted, etc.

[0098] ● Whether the message transmitting node and / or the message receiving node and / or any other node and / or related cell are agreed and / or allowed to enter a related (on-demand) SSB state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration according to the information in the first message.

[0099] ● Identification and / or identification list of cells and / or beams and / or nodes that can (or cannot) enter a related (on-demand) SSB state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration according to the information in the first message.

[0100] ● Index and / or index list of secondary cells that can (or cannot) enter a related (on-demand) SSB state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration according to the information in the first message.

[0101] ● Configuration identification corresponding to a selected (on-demand) SSB configuration option.

[0102] ● Cell identification and / or beam identification and / or node identification corresponding to the configuration identification corresponding to a selected (on-demand) SSB configuration option.

[0103] ● Selected (on-demand) SSB configuration: used to represent a selected configuration for (on-demand) SSB transmission. The configuration may include one or more of the following: cell identification, location of an on-demand SSB burst, downlink transmission energy of an on-demand SSB, subcarrier spacing of an on-demand SSB, frequency information of an on-demand SSB, location of an SSB in an on-demand SSB burst, periodicity of an on-demand SSB, time of on-demand SSB transmission, start time of on-demand SSB transmission, end time of on-demand SSB transmission, number of times of on-demand SSB transmission, type of on-demand SSB transmission, periodicity of on-demand SSB transmission after a first time, number of times of on-demand SSB at a first time, a first time, etc. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. Herein, the type of (on-demand) SSB transmission may include one or more of the following: cell defining SSB, non-cell defining SSB. In some implementations, for example, the start time of on-demand SSB transmission may be the time when a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted and / or a specific time after this time, or may be the time when the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation is completed after the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted, etc.

[0104] In some implementations, for example, after the first node determines a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, it may transmit the determined state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node through the first message. Optionally, the second node may transmit a second message to the first node. The second message may be used to indicate that the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB determined by the first node. In other implementations, for example, the first node may transmit a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB that it wants to enter / perform to the second node through the first message. The second node may transmit information related to whether the first node is agreed to enter a related (on-demand) SSB state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration according to the information in the first message to the first node through the second message. If agreed, the first node may enter a related (on-demand) SSB state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration according to the information in the first message. If rejected (or disagreed), the first node may not enter a related (on-demand) SSB state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration according to the information in the first message.

[0105] In some implementations, for example, after the first node determines a related plan of a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, it may transmit the determined related plan of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node through the first message. Optionally, the second node may transmit a second message to the first node. The second message may be used to indicate that the second node knows the plan of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB determined by the first node. The first node may implement the related plan of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. In other implementations, for example, the first node may transmit a plan of a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB that it wants to enter / perform to the second node through the first message. The second node may transmit information related to whether the first node is agreed to enter a related (on-demand) SSB state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration in the future according to the information in the first message to the first node through the second message. If agreed, the first node may enter a related (on-demand) SSB state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration in the future according to the information in the first message. If rejected, the first node may not enter a related SSB (on-demand) state and / or perform a related (on-demand) SSB configuration in the future according to the information in the first message.

[0106] Example 2

[0107] A second node may transmit a third message including third information related to an on-demand SSB request (or simply an on-demand SSB request) to a first node. The third message may be used to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB, or it may be used by the first node to forward to other nodes and request other nodes to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0108] In some implementations, the third message may be or be included in one or more of: an Xn SETUP REQUEST message or an XN SETUP RESPONSE message of Xn; an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message of Xn; a RESET REQUEST message of X2 or Xn; an F1 SETUP REQUEST message or an F1 SETUP RESPONSE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-CU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION REQUEST message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION RESPONSE message of F1; or an other and / or newly defined RRC and / or Xn and / or X2 and / or F1 and / or E1 and / or NG message; or a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0109] In some implementations, the third message and / or third information may include one or more of the following fields and / or information:

[0110] ● Transmitting node identification and / or identification assigned by the transmitting node: identification of the node transmitting the third message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node transmitting the third message.

[0111] ● Receiving node identification and / or identification assigned by the receiving node: identification of the node receiving the third message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node receiving the third message.

[0112] ● Cell identification and / or identification list: used to identify cells associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration. For example, it may be the identification and / or identification list of the cell requesting on-demand SSB transmission. In some implementations, for example, it may be identification of a secondary cell.

[0113] ● Beam identification and / or identification list: used to identify beams associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration.

[0114] ● Node identification and / or identification list: used to identify nodes associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration.

[0115] ● Secondary cell index and / or index list: used to identify one or more secondary cells.

[0116] ● On-demand SSB request: it may be an identification of an on-demand SSB request, which is used to indicate a request to perform on-demand SSB.

[0117] ● SSB state requested to enter: used to indicate a specific SSB state requested to enter currently and / or at a certain time in the future. The SSB state may include one or more of the following: normal SSB transmission, on-demand SSB transmission, no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. Herein, one or more of no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. may also be included in the on-demand SSB transmission state. The SSB state may be a state that is currently already in or a state that will be entered in the future.

[0118] ● Time requested to enter an SSB state: used to indicate the time requested to enter a specific SSB state. The SSB state may include one or more of the following: normal SSB transmission, on-demand SSB transmission, no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. Herein, one or more of no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. may also be included in the on-demand SSB transmission state. The SSB state may be a state that is currently already in or a state that will be entered in the future.

[0119] ● Requested on-demand SSB configuration: used to request the node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB configuration. The configuration may include one or more of the following: cell identification, location of an on-demand SSB burst, downlink transmission energy of an on-demand SSB, subcarrier spacing of an on-demand SSB, frequency information of an on-demand SSB, location of an SSB in an on-demand SSB burst, periodicity of an on-demand SSB, time of on-demand SSB transmission, start time of on-demand SSB transmission, end time of on-demand SSB transmission, number of times of on-demand SSB transmission, type of on-demand SSB transmission, periodicity of on-demand SSB transmission after a first time, number of times of on-demand SSB at a first time, a first time, etc. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. Herein, the type of (on-demand) SSB transmission may include one or more of the following: cell defining SSB, non-cell defining SSB. In some implementations, for example, the start time of on-demand SSB transmission may be the time when a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted and / or a specific time after this time, or may be the time when the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation is completed after the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted, etc.

[0120] ● Configuration identification corresponding to the requested on-demand SSB configuration: used to request the node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB configuration corresponding to the configuration identification. In some implementations, for example, the message transmitting node may select an on-demand SSB configuration and / or related configuration identification according to the obtained list of on-demand SSB configuration options (e.g., the third on-demand SSB configuration in the first message). The message transmitting node may transmit the selected configuration identification to the message receiving node, and the message receiving node may perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB configuration corresponding to the configuration identification.

[0121] Optionally, the first node may transmit a fourth message including fourth information related to an on-demand SSB request confirmation / acknowledge / response (or simply referred to as on-demand SSB request confirmation / acknowledge / response) to the second node. The fourth message may be used to inform the second node whether on-demand SSB transmission can be performed as requested (e.g., the on-demand SSB request in the third message).

[0122] In some implementations, the fourth message may be or be included in one or more of: an Xn SETUP REQUEST message or an XN SETUP RESPONSE message of Xn; an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message of Xn; a RESET REQUEST message of X2 or Xn; an F1 SETUP REQUEST message or an F1 SETUP RESPONSE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-CU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION REQUEST message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION RESPONSE message of F1; or an other and / or newly defined RRC and / or Xn and / or X2 and / or F1 and / or E1 and / or NG message; or a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0123] In some implementations, the fourth message and / or fourth information may include one or more of the following fields and / or information:

[0124] ● Transmitting node identification and / or identification assigned by the transmitting node: identification of the node transmitting the fourth message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node transmitting the fourth message.

[0125] ● Receiving node identification and / or identification assigned by the receiving node: identification of the node receiving the fourth message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node receiving the fourth message.

[0126] ● Cell identification and / or identification list: used to identify cells associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration. In some implementations, for example, it may be identification of a secondary cell.

[0127] ● Beam identification and / or identification list: used to identify beams associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration.

[0128] ● Node identification and / or identification list: used to identify nodes associated with the message and / or on-demand SSB and / or SSB state and / or SSB configuration.

[0129] ● Secondary cell index and / or index list: used to identify one or more secondary cells.

[0130] ● Whether on-demand SSB transmission can be performed as requested, for example, whether requested on-demand SSB transmission can be performed.

[0131] ● Whether an SSB state can be entered as requested, for example, whether a requested SSB state can be entered.

[0132] ● SSB state that can be entered, which may include one or more of the following: normal SSB transmission, on-demand SSB transmission, no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. Herein, one or more of no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. may also be included in the on-demand SSB transmission state. The SSB state may be a state that is currently already in or a state that will be entered in the future.

[0133] ● SSB state that cannot be entered, which may include one or more of the following: normal SSB transmission, on-demand SSB transmission, no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. Herein, one or more of no SSB transmission, periodic SSB transmission, etc. may also be included in the on-demand SSB transmission state. The SSB state may be a state that is currently already in or a state that will be entered in the future.

[0134] ● Time when the requested SSB state can be entered.

[0135] ● Time when an SSB state can be entered.

[0136] ● Time when an SSB state cannot be entered.

[0137] ● Identification and / or identification list of cells that can perform on-demand SSB transmission as requested: used to identify cells that can perform on-demand SSB transmission as requested. In some implementations, for example, it may be identification of a secondary cell.

[0138] ● Identification and / or identification list of secondary cells that can perform on-demand SSB transmission as requested: used to identify secondary cells that can perform on-demand SSB transmission as requested.

[0139] ∵ Configuration that can be used for on-demand SSB transmission: used to represent on-demand SSB configurations that can be used for on-demand SSB transmission. The configuration may include one or more of the following: cell identification, location of an on-demand SSB burst, downlink transmission energy of an on-demand SSB, subcarrier spacing of an on-demand SSB, frequency information of an on-demand SSB, location of an SSB in an on-demand SSB burst, periodicity of an on-demand SSB, time of on-demand SSB transmission, start time of on-demand SSB transmission, end time of on-demand SSB transmission, number of times of on-demand SSB transmission, type of on-demand SSB transmission, periodicity of on-demand SSB transmission after a first time, number of times of on-demand SSB at a first time, a first time, etc. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. Herein, the type of (on-demand) SSB transmission may include one or more of the following: cell defining SSB, non-cell defining SSB. In some implementations, for example, the start time of on-demand SSB transmission may be the time when a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted and / or a specific time after this time, or may be the time when the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation is completed after the secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE is transmitted, etc.

[0140] ● Configuration identification corresponding to the configuration that can be used for on-demand SSB transmission: used to indicate the configuration identification corresponding to the on-demand SSB configuration that can be used for on-demand SSB transmission.

[0141] The first node may decide whether a cell enters an on-demand SSB state based on information in the on-demand SSB request and / or the on-demand SSB request confirmation / acknowledge / response. Alternatively, when a cell is configured as a secondary cell only, the cell may enter an on-demand SSB state.

[0142] The first node may decide whether a cell stops an on-demand SSB state based on information in the on-demand SSB request and / or the on-demand SSB request confirmation / acknowledge / response. Alternatively, when the number of received on-demand SSB requests / acknowledges / responses and / or on-demand SSB request confirmations exceeds a threshold, the cell may stop on-demand SSB request. Alternatively, when a cell is configured as a primary cell, the cell stops an on-demand SSB state.

[0143] Example 3

[0144] A second node may transmit to a first node a fifth message including information (e.g., which may be referred to as fifth information) on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed. The fifth message may be used to inform the first node of the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, cell identification and / or node identification, etc. The node related to the information may be the first node and / or the second node and / or any other related node, and the cell related to the information may be a cell in the first node and / or the second node and / or any other related node, which will not be described again below. In some implementations, for example, after receiving the fifth message, the first node sets an energy saving configuration according to the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, such as selecting an appropriate cell and / or node to enter the on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0145] In some implementations, the fifth message may be or may be included in one or more of: an Xn SETUP REQUEST message or an XN SETUP RESPONSE message of Xn; an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message of Xn; a RESET REQUEST message of X2 or Xn; an F1 SETUP REQUEST message or an F1 SETUP RESPONSE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-CU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION REQUEST message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION RESPONSE message of F1; or an other and / or newly defined RRC and / or Xn and / or X2 and / or F1 and / or E1 and / or NG message; or a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0146] In some implementations, the fifth message and / or fifth information may include one or more of the following fields and / or information:

[0147] ● Transmitting node identification and / or identification assigned by the transmitting node: identification of the node transmitting the fifth message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node transmitting the fifth message.

[0148] ● Receiving node identification and / or identification assigned by the receiving node: identification of the node receiving the fifth message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node receiving the fifth message.

[0149] ● Whether an on-demand SSB state can be entered, which may be used to indicate whether a cell and / or node can enter an on-demand SSB state.

[0150] ● Identification of cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission: in some implementations, for example, it may be identification of a secondary cell. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. In some implementations, for example, only the cells corresponding to the cell identification can (not) enter the on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. In other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may only select a cell that can enter the on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells corresponding to the cell identification. In yet other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may not select a cell that can enter the on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells corresponding to the cell identification. This information may also be identification of cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission preferred by the message transmitting node, which is used for the message transmitting node to transmit identification of cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission preferred by the message transmitting node itself to the message receiving node. This information may also be identification of cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission suggested by the message transmitting node, which is used to suggest the message receiving node of identification of cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0151] ● Indexes of secondary cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission: in some implementations, for example, only the cells corresponding to the secondary cell indexes can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. In other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may only select a cell that can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells corresponding to the secondary cell indexes. In yet other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may not select a cell that can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells corresponding to the secondary cell indexes. This information may also be indexes of secondary cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission preferred by the message transmitting node, which is used for the message transmitting node to transmit indexes of secondary cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission preferred by the message transmitting node itself to the message receiving node. This information may also be indexes of secondary cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission suggested by the message transmitting node, which is used to suggest the message receiving node of indexes of secondary cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0152] ● Identification of nodes that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission: in some implementations, for example, only cells managed by a node corresponding to the node identification can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. In other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may only select a cell that can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells managed by the node corresponding to the node identification. In yet other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may not select a cell that can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells managed by the node corresponding to the node identification. This information may also be identification of nodes that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission preferred by the message transmitting node, which is used for the message transmitting node to transmit identification of nodes that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission preferred by the message transmitting node itself to the message receiving node. This information may also be identification of nodes that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission suggested by the message transmitting node, which is used to suggest the message receiving node of identification of nodes that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0153] Optionally, after receiving the fifth message, the first node may transmit to the second node a sixth message including confirmation / acknowledge / response information (for example, it may be called sixth information) for information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed.

[0154] In some implementations, the sixth message may be or be included in one or more of: an Xn SETUP REQUEST message or an XN SETUP RESPONSE message of Xn; an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or an NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message of Xn; a RESET REQUEST message of X2 or Xn; an F1 SETUP REQUEST message or an F1 SETUP RESPONSE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE message or a GNB-DU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-CU CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION REQUEST message or a GNB-DU RESOURCE COORDINATION RESPONSE message of F1; or an other and / or newly defined RRC and / or Xn and / or X2 and / or F1 and / or E1 and / or NG message; or a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0155] In some implementations, the sixth message and / or sixth information may include one or more of the following fields and / or information:

[0156] ● Transmitting node identification and / or identification assigned by the transmitting node: identification of the node transmitting the sixth message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node transmitting the sixth message.

[0157] ● Receiving node identification and / or identification assigned by the receiving node: identification of the node receiving the sixth message, and / or identification assigned for the message and / or transaction by the node receiving the sixth message.

[0158] ● Confirmed identification of cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission: in some implementations, for example, it may be identification of a secondary cell. The cell identification may be one or more of the following: cell global identification, physical cell identification, etc. In some implementations, for example, only the cells corresponding to the cell identification can (not) enter the on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. In other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may only select a cell that can enter the on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells corresponding to the cell identification. In yet other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may not select a cell that can enter the on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells corresponding to the cell identification.

[0159] ● Confirmed indexes of secondary cells that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission: in some implementations, for example, only the cells corresponding to the secondary cell indexes can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. In other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may only select a cell that can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells corresponding to the secondary cell indexes. In yet other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may not select a cell that can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells corresponding to the secondary cell indexes.

[0160] ● Confirmed identification of nodes that can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission: in some implementations, for example, only cells managed by a node corresponding to the node identification can (not) enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. In other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may only select a cell that can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells managed by the node corresponding to the node identification. In yet other implementations, for example, the message receiving node may not select a cell that can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission among the cells managed by the node corresponding to the node identification.

[0161] The expression of "can / be capable of" in the fifth and sixth messages can be replaced by "allow / be allowed".

[0162] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0163] The text and drawings are provided as examples only to help understand the present disclosure. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, based on the disclosure herein, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the illustrated embodiments and examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0164] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a process of exchanging a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB between two nodes. After receiving the first message, the second node may request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the first message, or may forward the first message to other nodes for the other nodes to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. Alternatively, the second node may make policies according to the first message, for example, performing measurement configuration for the UE, and / or setting energy saving decisions, and / or making self-optimization decisions.

[0165] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be a UE. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB-CU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-CU and the second node may be a gNB-DU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0166] Step 301A: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0167] Step 302A: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0168] Step 303A: the second node may request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the first message, or may forward the first message to other nodes for the other nodes to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission, or the second node may make policies according to the first message, for example, performing measurement configuration for the UE, and / or setting energy saving decisions, and / or making self-optimization decisions.

[0169] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates a process of exchanging an on-demand SSB request between two nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB, or the on-demand SSB request may be forwarded by the first node to other nodes to request the other nodes to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0170] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be a UE. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB-CU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-CU and the second node may be a gNB-DU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0171] Step 401A: the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0172] Step 402A: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the second node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the second node whether the first node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0173] Step 403A: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission, or the first node may forward information to other nodes to request the other nodes to perform on-demand SSB.

[0174] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4B illustrates a process of exchanging information related to on-demand SSB between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0175] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB CU. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0176] Step 401B: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0177] Step 402B: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0178] Step 403B: the second node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the UE. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the UE of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be carried by an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0179] Step 404B: the UE transmits an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the second node.

[0180] Step 405B: the UE transmits an on-demand SSB request to the second node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0181] Step 406B: the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0182] Step 407B: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the second node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the second node whether the first node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0183] Step 408B: optionally, the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the UE. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the UE whether the node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0184] Step 409B: the first node transmits a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE to the UE.

[0185] Step 410B: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission.

[0186] Herein, step 409B may occur prior to and / or concurrently with one or more of steps 405B through 408B. Step 409B may also occur after step 410B.

[0187] FIG. 4C illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4C illustrates a process of exchanging information related to on-demand SSB between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0188] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB CU. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0189] Step 401C: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0190] Step 402C: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0191] Step 403C: the second node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the UE. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the UE of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be carried by an RRC reconfiguration message. It should be understood that the descriptions in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only examples. Any information in the present disclosure (e.g., first information, second information, etc.) may be carried by any existing or future message or signaling, etc., or may also be carried by a specific separate message or signaling, which is not limited herein. For example, the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may also be carried by any other message different from the first message or the RRC reconfiguration message. This is similar for the other information, which will not be described again herein.

[0192] Step 404C: the UE transmits an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the second node.

[0193] Step 405C: the UE transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message. The on-demand SSB request may be a MAC CE, or a physical layer message and / or a physical layer signaling and / or a physical layer signal.

[0194] Step 406C: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the UE. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the UE whether the node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be transmitted through a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0195] Step 407C: the first node transmits a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE to the UE.

[0196] Step 408C: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission.

[0197] Herein, step 407C may occur prior to and / or concurrently with one or more of steps 405C-406C. Step 407C may also occur after step 408C.

[0198] FIG. 4D illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4D illustrates a process of exchanging information related to on-demand SSB between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0199] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB CU. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0200] Step 401D: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0201] Step 402D: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0202] Step 403D: the second node transmits an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE.

[0203] Step 404D: the UE transmits an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the second node.

[0204] Step 405D: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the UE. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the UE of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be transmitted through a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0205] Step 406D: the UE transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message. The on-demand SSB request may be transmitted through a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0206] Step 407D: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the UE. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the UE whether the node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be transmitted through a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0207] Step 408D: the first node transmits a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE to the UE.

[0208] Step 409D: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission.

[0209] Herein, step 408D may occur prior to and / or concurrently with one or more of steps 405D through 407D. Step 408D may also occur after step 408D.

[0210] FIG. 4E illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4E illustrates a process of exchanging information related to on-demand SSB between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0211] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB CU. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0212] Step 401E: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0213] Step 402E: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0214] Step 403E: the second node transmits an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE.

[0215] Step 404E: the UE transmits an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the second node.

[0216] Step 405E: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the UE. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the UE of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be transmitted through a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0217] Step 406E: the UE transmits an on-demand SSB request to the second node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0218] Step 407E: the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0219] Step 408E: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the second node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the second node whether the first node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0220] Step 409E: optionally, the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the UE. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the UE whether the node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0221] Step 410E: the first node transmits a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE to the UE.

[0222] Step 411E: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission.

[0223] Herein, step 410E may occur prior to and / or concurrently with one or more of steps 405E through 409E. Step 410E may also occur after step 411E.

[0224] FIG. 4F illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4F illustrates a process of exchanging information related to on-demand SSB between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0225] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB CU. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0226] Step 401F: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0227] Step 402F: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0228] Step 403F: the second node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the UE. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the UE of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be carried by an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0229] Step 404F: the UE transmits an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the second node.

[0230] Step 405F: the first node transmits a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE to the UE.

[0231] Step 406F: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission. In some implementations, for example, the on-demand SSB transmission may be performed according to the configuration of on-demand SSB in step 403F.

[0232] Herein, step 405F may occur after step 406F.

[0233] FIG. 4G illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4G illustrates a process of exchanging information related to on-demand SSB between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0234] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB CU. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0235] Step 401G: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0236] Step 402G: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0237] Step 403G: the second node transmits an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE.

[0238] Step 404G: the UE transmits an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the second node.

[0239] Step 405G: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the UE. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the UE of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be transmitted through a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0240] Step 406G: the first node transmits a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE to the UE.

[0241] Step 407G: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission. In some implementations, for example, the on-demand SSB transmission may be performed according to the configuration of on-demand SSB in step 405G.

[0242] Step 406G may also occur after step 407G.

[0243] FIG. 4H illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4H illustrates a process of exchanging an on-demand SSB request between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB, or the on-demand SSB request may be forwarded by the first node to other nodes to request the other nodes to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0244] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be a UE. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB-CU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-CU and the second node may be a gNB-DU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0245] Step 401H: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0246] Step 402H: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0247] Step 403H: the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0248] Step 404H: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the second node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the second node whether the first node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0249] Step 405H: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission.

[0250] FIG. 4I illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4I illustrates a process of exchanging an on-demand SSB request between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB, or the on-demand SSB request may be forwarded by the first node to other nodes to request the other nodes to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0251] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU, the second node may be a gNB-CU, and the third node may be another gNB or gNB-CU. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB DU, the second node may be a gNB CU, and the third node may be a UE. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB, the second node may be an AMF or SMF, and the third node may be another gNB.

[0252] Step 401I: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0253] Step 402I: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0254] Step 403I: the second node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the third node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the third node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0255] Step 404I: optionally, the third node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node whether the third node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the second node (and / or the third node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0256] Step 405I: the third node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the second node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request a node (which may be, for example, the first node) to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0257] Step 406I: the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0258] Step 407I: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the second node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the second node whether the first node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0259] Step 408I: optionally, the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the third node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the third node whether a node (e.g., the first node) can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0260] Step 409I: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission.

[0261] For example, the third node may configure measurement for the UE according to on-demand SSB transmission.

[0262] FIG. 4J illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4J illustrates a process of exchanging an on-demand SSB request between nodes to request the first node to transmit on-demand SSB, or the on-demand SSB request may be forwarded by the first node to other nodes to request the other nodes to transmit on-demand SSB.

[0263] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU, the second node may be a gNB-CU, the third node may be another gNB-CU, and the fourth node may be another gNB DU.

[0264] Step 401J: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0265] Step 402J: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0266] Step 403J: the second node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the third node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the third node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0267] Step 404J: optionally, the third node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node whether the third node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the second node (and / or the third node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0268] Step 405J: the third node transmits the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the fourth node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the fourth node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of the on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0269] Step 406J: optionally, the fourth node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the third node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the third node whether the fourth node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the third node (and / or the fourth node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0270] Step 407J: the fourth node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the third node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request a node (which may be, for example, the first node) to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0271] Step 408J: the third node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the second node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request a node (which may be, for example, the first node) to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0272] Step 409J: the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0273] Step 410J: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the second node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the second node whether the first node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0274] Step 411J: optionally, the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the third node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the third node whether a node (e.g., the first node) can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0275] Step 412J: optionally, the third node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the fourth node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the fourth node whether a node (e.g., the first node) can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0276] Step 413J: the first node performs on-demand SSB transmission.

[0277] For example, the third node and / or the fourth node may configure measurement for the UE according to the on-demand SSB transmission. For example, in a case of LTM, the fourth node (e.g., gNB DU) may configure Layer 1 measurements for the UE. For example, the third node (e.g., gNB CU) may configure Layer 3 measurements for the UE.

[0278] FIG. 4K illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4K illustrates a process of exchanging an on-demand SSB request between two nodes. In case that UE1 requests a cell to perform on-demand SSB and the cell has SSB to transmit, when configuring another UE (e.g., UE2), information of a situation that the cell is currently transmitting SSB (e.g., the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB) may be transmitted to the UE (e.g., UE2), and the other UE (e.g., UE2) is not necessary to transmit an on-demand SSB request to request the node to perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0279] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB-CU.

[0280] Steps 401K to 408K may refer to the process in FIG. 4C and UE1 may be the UE in FIG. 4C.

[0281] Steps 401K to 408K may also be replaced by the processes in FIG. 4B or FIG. 4D or FIG. 4E and UE1 may be the UE in FIG. 4B or FIG. 4D or FIG. 4E.

[0282] Steps 409K to 410K may refer to 403C to 404C in FIG. 4C and UE2 may be the UE in FIG. 4C.

[0283] Steps 409K to 410K may also be replaced by steps 403D to 405D in FIG. 4D and UE2 may be the UE in FIG. 4C.

[0284] Steps 409K through 410K may occur before and / or concurrently with one or more of steps 403K through 408K.

[0285] Step 411K: the first node transmits a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE to UE2.

[0286] Step 412K: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the UE. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be transmitted through a MAC CE and / or physical layer message and / or physical layer signaling and / or physical layer signal.

[0287] This process indicates that UE1 requests a cell to perform on-demand SSB transmission. When the cell is also a secondary cell of UE2, the node may inform UE2 that the cell is performing on-demand SSB transmission when activating the secondary cell of UE2, and UE2 may directly receive SSB without making an on-demand SSB request.

[0288] FIG. 4L illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4L illustrates a process of exchanging an on-demand SSB request between two nodes. In case that UE1 requests a cell to perform on-demand SSB and the cell has SSB to transmit, when configuring another UE (e.g., UE2), information of a situation that the cell is currently transmitting SSB (e.g., the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB) may be transmitted to the UE (e.g., UE2), and the other UE (e.g., UE2) is not necessary to transmit an on-demand SSB request to request the node to perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0289] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB-CU.

[0290] Steps 401L to 408L may refer to the process in FIG. 4C and UE1 may be the UE in FIG. 4C.

[0291] Steps 401L to 408L may also be replaced by the processes in FIG. 4B or FIG. 4D or FIG. 4E and UE1 is the UE in FIG. 4B or FIG. 4D or FIG. 4E.

[0292] Steps 409L to 410L may refer to 403C to 404C in FIG. 4C and UE2 may be the UE in FIG. 4C.

[0293] Steps 409L to 410L may also be replaced by steps 403D to 405D in FIG. 4D and UE2 may be the UE in FIG. 4C.

[0294] Steps 409L through 410L may occur before and / or concurrently with one or more of steps 403L through 408L.

[0295] Step 411L: the first node transmits a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation MAC CE to UE2.

[0296] Step 412L: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message.

[0297] Step 413L: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message.

[0298] Step 414L: the second node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the UE. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be transmitted through an RRC message.

[0299] Herein, step 412L and step 413L may occur before and / or simultaneously with one or more of steps 407L to step 411L.

[0300] This process indicates that UE1 requests a cell to perform on-demand SSB transmission. When the cell is also a secondary cell of UE2, the node may inform UE2 that the cell is performing on-demand SSB transmission when activating the secondary cell of UE2, and UE2 may directly receive SSB without making an on-demand SSB request.

[0301] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5A illustrates a process of exchanging information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed between two nodes. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed is used to inform the first node about information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, cell identification and / or node identification, etc. In some implementations, for example, after receiving the message, the first node sets an energy saving configuration according to the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, such as selecting an appropriate cell and / or node to enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0302] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be a UE. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB-CU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-CU and the second node may be a gNB-DU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0303] Step 501A: the second node transmits information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed to the first node. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed is used to inform the first node about information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, cell identification and / or node identification, etc. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed may be or be included in the aforementioned fifth message.

[0304] Step 502A: optionally, the first node transmits confirmation information for information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed to the second node, which is used to confirm that the first node knows the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed. The confirmation information for information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed may be or be included in the aforementioned sixth message.

[0305] Step 503A: the first node sets an energy saving configuration according to the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, selecting an appropriate cell and / or node to enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. Alternatively, the first node may make self-optimization decisions based on information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed.

[0306] FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5B illustrates a process of exchanging information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed between two nodes. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed is used to inform the first node about information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, cell identification and / or node identification, etc. In some implementations, for example, after receiving the message, the first node sets an energy saving configuration according to the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, such as selecting an appropriate cell and / or node to enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0307] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be a UE. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB-CU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-CU and the second node may be a gNB-DU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0308] Step 501B: the second node transmits information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed to the first node. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed is used to inform the first node about information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, cell identification and / or node identification, etc. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed may be or be included in the aforementioned fifth message.

[0309] Step 502B: optionally, the first node transmits confirmation information for information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed to the second node, which is used to confirm that the first node knows the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed. The confirmation information for information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed may be or be included in the aforementioned sixth message.

[0310] Step 503B: the first node sets an energy saving configuration according to the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, selecting an appropriate cell and / or node to enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. Alternatively, the first node may make self-optimization decisions based on information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed.

[0311] Step 504B: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be made or determined based on information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed and / or the above-mentioned fifth message.

[0312] Step 505B: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message. The second node may request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the first message, or may forward the first message to other nodes for the other nodes to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission, or the second node may make policies according to the first message, for example, performing measurement configuration for the UE, and / or setting energy saving decisions, and / or making self-optimization decisions.

[0313] FIG. 5C illustrates a schematic diagram of an aspect of a method for supporting network energy saving according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5C illustrates a process of exchanging information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed between two nodes. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed is used to inform the first node about information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, cell identification and / or node identification, etc. In some implementations, for example, after receiving the message, the first node sets an energy saving configuration according to the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, such as selecting an appropriate cell and / or node to enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0314] In some implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be a UE. In other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-DU and the second node may be a gNB-CU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB-CU and the second node may be a gNB-DU. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB-DU or gNB CU-CP or gNB CU-UP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be an AMF or SMF or MME, and the second node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB. In yet other implementations, for example, the first node may be a gNB or gNB-CU or gNB CU-CP or en-gNB or eNB or ng-eNB, and the second node may be an AMF or SMF or MME.

[0315] Step 501C: the second node transmits information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed to the first node. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed is used to inform the first node about information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, cell identification and / or node identification, etc. The information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed may be or be included in the aforementioned fifth message.

[0316] Step 502C: optionally, the first node transmits confirmation information for information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed to the second node, which is used to confirm that the first node knows the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed. The confirmation information for information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed may be or be included in the aforementioned sixth message.

[0317] Step 503C: the first node sets an energy saving configuration according to the information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed, for example, selecting an appropriate cell and / or node to enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB transmission. Alternatively, the first node may make self-optimization decisions based on information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed.

[0318] Step 504C: the first node transmits a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the second node. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the second node of a current and / or future and / or planned state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned first message. The state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be made or determined based on information on that an on-demand SSB state can be entered and / or on-demand SSB transmission can be performed and / or the above-mentioned fifth message.

[0319] Step 505C: optionally, the second node transmits a confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB to the first node. The confirmation for the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be used to inform the first node whether the second node knows the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB, and / or whether the first node (and / or the second node and / or any other node) can enter an on-demand SSB state and / or perform on-demand SSB configuration according to the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. The confirmation of the state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB may be or be included in the aforementioned second message. The second node may request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the first message, or may forward the first message to other nodes for the other nodes to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission, or the second node may make policies according to the first message, for example, performing measurement configuration for the UE, and / or setting energy saving decisions, and / or making self-optimization decisions.

[0320] Step 506C: the second node transmits an on-demand SSB request to the first node. The on-demand SSB request is used to request the first node to perform on-demand SSB transmission. The on-demand SSB request may be or be included in the aforementioned third message.

[0321] Step 507C: optionally, the first node transmits an on-demand SSB request confirmation to the second node. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be used to inform the second node whether the first node can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the on-demand SSB request. The on-demand SSB request confirmation may be or be included in the aforementioned fourth message.

[0322] The first node performs on-demand SSB transmission, or the first node may forward information to other nodes to request the other nodes to perform on-demand SSB.

[0323] In the present disclosure, the embodiments are only examples, and the above embodiments may be combined, etc.

[0324] In the present disclosure, in a non gNB CU-gNB DU split architecture, if the first node is a gNB DU and the second node is a gNB CU, in the above drawings, the first node and the second node may be merged into one node. If the third node is a gNB CU and the fourth node is a gNB DU, the third node and the fourth node may be merged into another node. The transaction between the first node and the second node is an internal behaviour of a node, and the transaction between the third node and the fourth node is an internal behaviour of another node.

[0325] It should be understood that, depending on the application scenario, the various example aspects, methods, steps, processes, etc. shown above in conjunction with the drawings can be combined and implemented in any manner, and are not limited herein.

[0326] Next, FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 performed by a first node in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0327] The method 600 performed by the first node in the wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: in step S601, receiving a fifth message from a second node, wherein the fifth message includes information related to at least one of: information related to cells of the first node capable of entering an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) state and / or performing on-demand SSB transmission; in step S602, transmitting a first message to the second node, wherein the first message includes first information of the first node related to a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB; in step S603, receiving a third message from a user equipment (UE), wherein the third message includes information related to at least one of: a cell identification of a first cell requesting on-demand SSB transmission, a requested configuration related to on-demand SSB; in step S604, transmitting a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) to the UE; and in step S605, transmitting an on-demand SSB to the UE.

[0328] In some implementations, the first information includes information related to at least one of: a first SSB state of the first cell, a time when the first cell enters the first SSB state, whether the first cell allows requesting on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current and / or future SSB configuration of the first cell, a second SSB configuration for the first cell to perform on-demand SSB transmission, a third SSB configuration including one or more on-demand SSB configurations.

[0329] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a second message in response to the first message from the second node, wherein the second message includes information related to at least one of: whether the first cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, a time when the first cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, an on-demand SSB configuration that can be used by the first cell for on-demand SSB transmission, identification of cells capable of entering the first SSB state.

[0330] In some implementations, the method further includes: transmitting, to the UE, a fourth message in response to the third message, wherein the fourth message includes information related to at least one of: whether the first cell can perform on-demand SSB transmission based on the third message, whether the first cell is capable of entering a second SSB state requested by the UE, a third SSB state that the first cell is capable of entering, identification of cells that can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the third message, and an on-demand SSB configuration that can be used for the first cell to perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0331] In some implementations, the first information is transmitted by the second node to the UE.

[0332] In some implementations, the method further includes: transmitting a sixth message in response to the fifth message to the second node, wherein the sixth message includes information related to at least one of: identification of cells that are capable of entering an on-demand SSB state and / or performing on-demand SSB transmission confirmed by the first node, and identification of nodes that are capable of entering an on-demand SSB state and / or performing on-demand SSB transmission confirmed by the first node.

[0333] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method 700 performed by a second node in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0334] The method 700 performed by a second node in the wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: in step S701, transmitting a fifth message to a first node, wherein the fifth message includes information related to at least one of: information related to cells of the first node capable of entering an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) state and / or performing on-demand SSB transmission; and in step S702, receiving a first message from the first node, wherein the first message includes first information of the first node related to a state and / or configuration of on-demand SSB. In some implementations, a third message is transmitted by a user equipment (UE) to the first node, wherein the third message includes information related to at least one of: a cell identification of a first cell requesting on-demand SSB transmission, a requested configuration related to on-demand SSB. In some implementations, an on-demand SSB is transmitted by the first node to the UE based on the third message.

[0335] In some implementations, the first information includes information related to at least one of: a first SSB state of the first cell, a time when the first cell enters the first SSB state, whether the first cell allows requesting on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current and / or future SSB configuration of the first cell, a second SSB configuration for the first cell to perform on-demand SSB transmission, a third SSB configuration including one or more on-demand SSB configurations.

[0336] In some implementations, the method further includes: transmitting a second message in response to the first message to the first node, wherein the second message includes information related to at least one of: whether the first cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, a time when the first cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, an on-demand SSB configuration that can be used by the first cell for on-demand SSB transmission, identification of cells capable of entering the first SSB state.

[0337] In some implementations, the method further includes: transmitting the first information to the UE.

[0338] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a sixth message in response to the fifth message from the first node, wherein the sixth message includes information related to at least one of: identification of cells that are capable of entering an on-demand SSB state and / or performing on-demand SSB transmission confirmed by the first node, and identification of nodes that are capable of entering an on-demand SSB state and / or performing on-demand SSB transmission confirmed by the first node.

[0339] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method 800 performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0340] As shown in FIG. 8, a method 800 performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: in step S801, receiving a seventh message from a second node, wherein the seventh message includes first information of the first node related to a state and / or configuration of on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB); in step S802, transmitting a third message to the first node, wherein the third message includes information related to at least one of: a cell identification of a first cell requesting on-demand SSB transmission, a requested configuration related to on-demand SSB; in step S803, receiving a secondary cell activation and / or deactivation Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) from the first node; and in step S804, receiving an on-demand SSB from the first node. In some implementations, a fifth message is transmitted by the second node to the first node, wherein the fifth message includes information related to at least one of: information related to cells of the first node capable of entering an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) state and / or performing on-demand SSB transmission.

[0341] In some implementations, the first information includes information related to at least one of: a first SSB state of the first cell, a time when the first cell enters the first SSB state, whether the first cell allows requesting on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current and / or future SSB configuration of the first cell, a second SSB configuration for the first cell to perform on-demand SSB transmission, a third SSB configuration including one or more on-demand SSB configurations.

[0342] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a fourth message in response to the third message from the first node, wherein the fourth message includes information related to at least one of: whether the first cell can perform on-demand SSB transmission based on the third message, whether the first cell is capable of entering a second SSB state requested by the UE, a third SSB state that the first cell is capable of entering, identification of cells that can perform on-demand SSB transmission according to the third message, and an on-demand SSB configuration that can be used for the first cell to perform on-demand SSB transmission.

[0343] In some implementations, the first information is transmitted by the first node to the second node.

[0344] It should be understood that methods 600, 700, 800, etc. according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include any methods or steps described in conjunction with various examples, aspects, drawings, etc. of the present disclosure.

[0345] Next, FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a node 900 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0346] As shown in FIG. 9, a node (or node device, for example, the first node or the second node as described above, etc.) 900 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a transceiver 910 and a processor 920. The transceiver 910 can be configured to transmit and receive signals. The processor 920 may be coupled to transceiver 910 and may be configured to (e.g., control transceiver 910 to) perform methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure as performed by any node.

[0347] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a user equipment (UE) 1000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0348] As shown in FIG. 10, a user equipment 1000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a transceiver 1010 and a processor 1020. The transceiver 1010 can be configured to transmit and receive signals. The processor 1020 may be coupled to transceiver 1010 and may be configured to (e.g., control transceiver 1010 to) perform methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure as performed by a user equipment (UE). In the present disclosure, a processor may also be referred to as a controller. In the present disclosure, a node may also be referred to as a node device.

[0349] Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement any method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0350] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as computer-readable codes embodied on a computer-readable recording medium from a specific perspective. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data readable by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, carrier wave (e.g., data transmission via the Internet), etc. Computer-readable recording media can be distributed by computer systems connected via a network, and thus computer-readable codes can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. Furthermore, functional programs, codes and code segments for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure can be easily explained by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure are applied.

[0351] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The software may be stored as program instructions or computer-readable codes executable on a processor on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage media (such as ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical recording media (such as CD-ROM, digital video disk (DVD), etc.). Non-transitory computer-readable recording media may also be distributed on computer systems coupled to a network, so that computer-readable codes are stored and executed in a distributed manner. The medium can be read by a computer, stored in a memory, and executed by a processor. Various embodiments may be implemented by a computer or a portable terminal including a controller and a memory, and the memory may be an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium suitable for storing program (s) with instructions for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be realized by a program with code for concretely implementing the apparatus and method described in the claims, which is stored in a machine (or computer)-readable storage medium. The program may be electronically carried on any medium, such as a communication signal transmitted via a wired or wireless connection, and the present disclosure suitably includes its equivalents.

[0352] What has been described above is only the specific implementation of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Anyone who is familiar with this technical field may make various changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure, and these changes or substitutions should be covered within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1.A method performed by a first node in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:transmitting, to a second node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration;receiving, from the second node, a second message as a response to the first message;receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the third message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission;transmitting, to the UE, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation; andtransmitting, to the UE, an on-demand SSB.2.The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving, from the second node, a fifth message including identification of cells that are capable of entering an on-demand SSB state or performing the on-demand SSB transmission; andtransmitting, to the second node, a sixth message as a response to the fifth message, wherein the sixth message comprises information related to at least one of:identification of cells that are capable of entering the on-demand SSB state or performing the on-demand SSB transmission identified by the first node, or identification of nodes that are capable of entering the on-demand SSB state or performing on-demand SSB transmission identified by the first node,wherein the first message comprises information related to at least one of:a first SSB state of the cell, a time when the cell enters the first SSB state, whether the cell allows requesting the on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current SSB configuration of the cell, a second SSB configuration for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission, or a third SSB configuration comprising one or more on-demand SSB configurations, andwherein the second message comprises information related to at least one of:whether the cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, a time when the cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, an on-demand SSB configuration used by the cell for the on-demand SSB transmission, or identification of cells capable of entering the first SSB state.3.The method of claim 1, further comprising:transmitting, to the UE, a fourth message as a response to the third message, wherein the fourth message comprises information related to at least one of:whether the cell is capable of performing the on-demand SSB transmission based on the third message, whether the cell is capable of entering a second SSB state requested by the UE, a third SSB state that the cell is capable of entering, identification of cells that are capable of performing the on-demand SSB transmission according to the third message, or an on-demand SSB configuration used for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission.4.A method performed by a second node in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:receiving, from a first node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration; andtransmitting, to the first node, a second message as a response to the first message,wherein a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission is transmitted by a user equipment (UE) to the first node, wherein the third message includes at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission, andwherein an on-demand SSB is transmitted to the UE based on the third message.5.The method of claim 4, further comprising:transmitting, to the first node, a fifth message including identification of cells that are capable of entering an on-demand SSB state or performing the on-demand SSB transmission; andreceiving, from the first node, a sixth message as a response to the fifth message, wherein the sixth message comprises information related to at least one of:identification of cells that are capable of entering the on-demand SSB state or performing the on-demand SSB transmission identified by the first node, or identification of nodes that are capable of entering the on-demand SSB state or performing on-demand SSB transmission identified by the first node,wherein the first message comprises information related to at least one of:a first SSB state of the cell, a time when the cell enters the first SSB state, whether the cell allows requesting the on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current SSB configuration of the cell, a second SSB configuration for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission, or a third SSB configuration comprising one or more on-demand SSB configurations, andwherein the second message comprises information related to at least one of:whether the cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, a time when the cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, an on-demand SSB configuration used by the cell for the on-demand SSB transmission, or identification of cells capable of entering the first SSB state.6.A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:receiving, from a second node, a first message including a configuration of on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB);transmitting, to a first node, a second message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the second message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission;receiving, from the first node, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation; andreceiving, from the first node, an on-demand SSB.7.The method of claim 6, wherein the first message comprises information related to at least one of:a first SSB state of the cell, a time when the cell enters the first SSB state, whether the cell allows requesting the on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current SSB configuration of the cell, a second SSB configuration for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission, or a third SSB configuration comprising one or more on-demand SSB configurations.8.The method of claim 6, further comprising:receiving, from the first node, a third message as a response to the second message, wherein the third message comprises information related to at least one of:whether the cell is capable of performing the on-demand SSB transmission based on the third message, whether the cell is capable of entering a second SSB state requested by the UE, a third SSB state that the cell is capable of entering, identification of cells that are capable of performing the on-demand SSB transmission according to the second message, or an on-demand SSB configuration used for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission.9.A first node in a wireless communication system, the first node 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 first node to:transmit, to a second node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration,receive, from the second node, a second message as a response to the first message,receive, from a user equipment (UE), a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the third message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission,transmit, to the UE, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation, andtransmit, to the UE, an on-demand SSB.10.The first node of claim 9, wherein the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination further cause the first node to:receive, from the second node, a fifth message including identification of cells that are capable of entering an on-demand SSB state or performing the on-demand SSB transmission, andtransmit, to the second node, a sixth message as a response to the fifth message, wherein the sixth message comprises information related to at least one of:identification of cells that are capable of entering the on-demand SSB state or performing the on-demand SSB transmission identified by the first node, or identification of nodes that are capable of entering the on-demand SSB state or performing on-demand SSB transmission identified by the first node,wherein the first message comprises information related to at least one of:a first SSB state of the cell, a time when the cell enters the first SSB state, whether the cell allows requesting the on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current SSB configuration of the cell, a second SSB configuration for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission, or a third SSB configuration comprising one or more on-demand SSB configurations, andwherein the second message comprises information related to at least one of:whether the cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, a time when the cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, an on-demand SSB configuration used by the cell for the on-demand SSB transmission, or identification of cells capable of entering the first SSB state.11.The first node of claim 9, wherein the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination further cause the first node to:transmit, to the UE, a fourth message as a response to the third message, wherein the fourth message comprises information related to at least one of:whether the cell is capable of performing the on-demand SSB transmission based on the third message, whether the cell is capable of entering a second SSB state requested by the UE, a third SSB state that the cell is capable of entering, identification of cells that are capable of performing the on-demand SSB transmission according to the third message, or an on-demand SSB configuration used for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission.12.A second node in a wireless communication system, the second node 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 second node to:receive, from a first node, a first message including an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration, andtransmit, to the first node, a second message as a response to the first message,wherein a third message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission is transmitted by a user equipment (UE) to the first node, wherein the third message includes at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission, andwherein an on-demand SSB is transmitted to the UE based on the third message.13.The second node of claim 12, wherein the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination further cause the second node to:transmit, to the first node, a fifth message including identification of cells that are capable of entering an on-demand SSB state or performing the on-demand SSB transmission, andreceive, from the first node, a sixth message as a response to the fifth message, wherein the sixth message comprises information related to at least one of:identification of cells that are capable of entering the on-demand SSB state or performing the on-demand SSB transmission identified by the first node, or identification of nodes that are capable of entering the on-demand SSB state or performing on-demand SSB transmission identified by the first node,wherein the first message comprises information related to at least one of:a first SSB state of the cell, a time when the cell enters the first SSB state, whether the cell allows requesting the on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current SSB configuration of the cell, a second SSB configuration for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission, or a third SSB configuration comprising one or more on-demand SSB configurations, andwherein the second message comprises information related to at least one of:whether the cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, a time when the cell is capable of entering the first SSB state, an on-demand SSB configuration used by the cell for the on-demand SSB transmission, or identification of cells capable of entering the first SSB state.14.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, from a second node, a first message including a configuration of on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB),transmit, to a first node, a second message for requesting on-demand SSB transmission, the second message including at least one of a cell identification of a cell requesting the on-demand SSB transmission or a configuration of the on-demand SSB transmission,receive, from the first node, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activation, andreceive, from the first node, an on-demand SSB.15.The UE of claim 14, wherein the first message comprises information related to at least one of:a first SSB state of the cell, a time when the cell enters the first SSB state, whether the cell allows requesting the on-demand SSB transmission, a first SSB configuration associated with a current SSB configuration of the cell, a second SSB configuration for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission, or a third SSB configuration comprising one or more on-demand SSB configurations, andwherein the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination further cause the UE to receive, from the first node, a third message as a response to the second message, wherein the third message comprises information related to at least one of:whether the cell is capable of performing the on-demand SSB transmission based on the second message, whether the cell is capable of entering a second SSB state requested by the UE, a third SSB state that the cell is capable of entering, identification of cells that are capable of performing the on-demand SSB transmission according to the third message, or an on-demand SSB configuration used for the cell to perform the on-demand SSB transmission.

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