measurement

Abstract

A terminal in the present invention continuously performs measurement on the basis of an extended EMR measurement period even after an EMR-related timer expires. Specifically, the terminal performs EMR measurement on the basis of an EMR measurement period after receiving an RRC release message, and then performs, on the basis of the expiration of an EMR-related timer, the EMR measurement on the basis of an extended EMR measurement period, wherein the extended EMR measurement period is configured not to be greater than a validity period related to the EMR.

Description

measurement

[0001] This specification relates to mobile communications.

[0002] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a technology designed to enable high-speed packet communications. Numerous approaches have been proposed to achieve LTE's goals of reducing costs for users and operators, improving service quality, expanding coverage, and increasing system capacity. 3GPP LTE's high-level requirements include reduced cost per bit, improved service availability, flexible use of frequency bands, a simple architecture, open interfaces, and adequate power consumption for terminals.

[0003] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP have begun work on developing requirements and specifications for New Radio (NR) systems. 3GPP must identify and develop the technical components necessary to successfully standardize NR, meeting both urgent market needs and the longer-term requirements outlined by the ITU Radio communication sector (ITU-R) International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2020 process. Furthermore, NR must be able to utilize any spectrum band up to at least 110 GHz, ensuring that it remains available for wireless communications well into the future.

[0004] NR aims to be a single technology framework that addresses all deployment scenarios, usage scenarios, and requirements, including enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC). NR must be inherently forward-compatible.

[0005] According to the prior art, there is a problem in that efficient communication is difficult due to the SCell activation delay required for the terminal to activate the Secondary Cell (SCell).

[0006] In one aspect, a method is provided. The method may include: receiving an RRC release message; and performing EMR measurement based on an EMR measurement cycle.

[0007] In another aspect, a device for implementing the above method is provided.

[0008] In one aspect, a method is provided. The method may include a step of transmitting an RRC release message.

[0009] In another aspect, a device for implementing the above method is provided.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a communication system to which the implementation of this specification is applied.

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication structure that can be provided in a 6G system.

[0014] Figure 5 shows an example of an electromagnetic spectrum.

[0015] FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate examples of RACH procedures applicable to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0016] FIG. 7 is an example of a timeline related to EMR measurements according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an example of signaling related to EMR according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0018] FIG. 9 is an example of a change in EMR measurement cycle according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0019] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are examples of procedures related to measurement according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0020] FIG. 11 is an example of a time reduction in EMR measurement according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0021] FIG. 12 is an example of a procedure according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0022] The following techniques, devices, and systems can be applied to various wireless multiple access systems. Examples of multiple access systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Multi-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (MC-FDMA) systems. CDMA can be implemented using wireless technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented using wireless technologies such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE). OFDMA can be implemented using wireless technologies such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA). UTRA is part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is part of E-UMTS (Evolved UMTS) that utilizes E-UTRA.3GPP LTE uses OFDMA in the downlink (DL) and SC-FDMA in the uplink (UL).

[0023] The following techniques, devices, and systems can be applied to various wireless multiple access systems. Examples of multiple access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and multicarrier frequency division multiple access (MC-FDMA) systems. CDMA can be implemented via wireless technologies such as universal terrestrial radio access (UTRA) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented via wireless technologies such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), or enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE). OFDMA can be implemented using wireless technologies such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or E-UTRA (evolved UTRA). UTRA is part of UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system). 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) LTE (long-term evolution) is part of E-UMTS (evolved UMTS) that uses E-UTRA.3GPP LTE uses OFDMA in the downlink (DL) and SC-FDMA in the uplink (UL). Evolution of 3GPP LTE includes LTE-A (advanced), LTE-A Pro, and / or 5G NR (new radio).

[0024] For convenience of explanation, the implementation of this specification is primarily described in relation to a 3GPP-based wireless communication system. However, the technical features of this specification are not limited thereto. For example, the following detailed description is provided based on a mobile communication system corresponding to a 3GPP-based wireless communication system. However, aspects of this specification that are not limited to a 3GPP-based wireless communication system can be applied to other mobile communication systems.

[0025] For terms and technologies used in this specification that are not specifically described, reference may be made to wireless communication standard documents published prior to this specification.

[0026] In this specification, “A or B” can mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” In other words, “A or B” in this specification can be interpreted as “A and / or B.” For example, “A, B or C” in this specification can mean “only A,” “only B,” “only C,” or “any combination of A, B, and C.”

[0027] As used herein, a slash ( / ) or comma can mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" can mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C."

[0028] In this specification, “at least one of A and B” may mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” Additionally, in this specification, the expressions “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of A and / or B” may be interpreted identically to “at least one of A and B.”

[0029] Additionally, in this specification, “at least one of A, B and C” can mean “only A”, “only B”, “only C”, or “any combination of A, B and C”. Additionally, “at least one of A, B or C” or “at least one of A, B and / or C” can mean “at least one of A, B and C”.

[0030] Additionally, parentheses used herein may mean “for example.” Specifically, when indicated as “control information (PDCCH),” “PDCCH” may be proposed as an example of “control information.” In other words, “control information” in this specification is not limited to “PDCCH,” and “PDCCH” may be proposed as an example of “control information.” Furthermore, even when indicated as “control information (i.e., PDCCH),” “PDCCH” may be proposed as an example of “control information.”

[0031] Technical features individually described in a single drawing in this specification may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0032] Although not limited thereto, the various descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein may be applied to various fields requiring wireless communication and / or connectivity between devices (e.g., 5G).

[0033] Hereinafter, the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings and / or description, the same reference numbers may refer to the same or corresponding hardware blocks, software blocks, and / or functional blocks, unless otherwise indicated.

[0034] Although the attached drawing illustrates a UE (User Equipment) as an example, the illustrated UE may also be referred to as a terminal, ME (Mobile Equipment), etc. In addition, the UE may be a portable device such as a laptop, mobile phone, PDA, smart phone, multimedia device, etc., or a non-portable device such as a PC or vehicle-mounted device.

[0035] Hereinafter, "UE" is used as an example of a wireless communication device (or wireless device, or wireless device) capable of wireless communication. Operations performed by the UE may be performed by the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may also be referred to as a wireless device, wireless device, etc.

[0036] The term base station used below generally refers to a fixed station that communicates with wireless devices, and may be called by other terms such as eNodeB (evolved-NodeB), eNB (evolved-NodeB), BTS (Base Transceiver System), Access Point, and gNB (Next generation NodeB).

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a communication system to which the implementation of this specification is applied.

[0038] The 5G usage scenario shown in FIG. 1 is only an example, and the technical features of this specification can be applied to other 5G usage scenarios not shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] The three main requirement categories for 5G are (1) enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), (2) massive machine type communication (mMTC), and (3) ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC).

[0040] Some use cases may require multiple criteria for optimization, while others may focus on a single key performance indicator (KPI). 5G supports these diverse use cases using flexible and reliable methods.

[0041] eMBB goes far beyond basic mobile internet access, encompassing rich interactive work and media and entertainment applications in the cloud and augmented reality. Data is a key driver of 5G, and for the first time, dedicated voice services may not be available in the 5G era. Voice processing is expected to be simplified in 5G as an application leveraging the data connections provided by the communication system. The primary reasons for the traffic increase are the increasing size of content and the rise of applications requiring high data rates. As more devices connect to the internet, streaming services (audio and video), conversational video, and mobile internet access will become more prevalent. Many of these applications require always-on connectivity to push real-time information and alerts to users. Cloud storage and applications are rapidly growing on mobile communication platforms and can be applied to both work and entertainment. Cloud storage is a special use case that accelerates the increase in uplink data rates. 5G is also used for remote work in the cloud. When using tactile interfaces, 5G requires significantly lower end-to-end latency to maintain a good user experience. For example, entertainment, such as cloud gaming and video streaming, is another key factor driving demand for mobile broadband capabilities. Smartphones and tablets are essential for entertainment in all environments, including highly mobile environments like trains, cars, and airplanes. Another use case is augmented reality for entertainment and information retrieval. In this case, AR requires extremely low latency and high data volumes.

[0042] One of the most anticipated 5G use cases involves mMTC, the ability to seamlessly connect embedded sensors across all sectors. The potential number of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices is projected to reach 240 million by 2020. Industrial IoT is a key enabler of smart cities, asset tracking, smart utilities, agriculture, and security infrastructure, all enabled by 5G.

[0043] URLLC encompasses ultra-reliable, low-latency links that will transform industries through remote control of core infrastructure, enabling new services such as autonomous vehicles. Reliability and latency are essential for controlling smart grids, automating industries, achieving robotics, and controlling and coordinating drones.

[0044] 5G is the means to deliver streaming data rates previously rated at hundreds of megabits per second, up to gigabits per second, complementing fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and cable-based broadband (or DOCSIS). Such high speeds are necessary to deliver 4K and higher (6K, 8K, and beyond) resolution TV, as well as virtual and augmented reality (VR) applications. VR and AR applications include immersive sports games. Certain applications may require specialized network configurations. For example, for VR games, gaming companies must integrate their core servers with network operators' edge network servers to minimize latency.

[0045] Automotive is expected to be a significant new driver of 5G, with numerous use cases for in-vehicle mobile communications. For example, passenger entertainment demands high-capacity, high-mobility broadband mobile communications, as future users continue to expect high-quality connectivity regardless of location and speed. Another automotive application is an AR dashboard. This allows the driver to identify objects in the dark beyond what is visible through the windshield, overlapping the information provided to the driver to indicate their distance and movement. In the future, wireless modules will enable vehicle-to-vehicle communication, information exchange between vehicles and supporting infrastructure, and information exchange between vehicles and other connected devices (e.g., pedestrian-accompanying devices). Safety systems will guide drivers through alternative courses of action to reduce the risk of accidents. The next step will be remotely controlled or autonomous vehicles. This will require extremely reliable and fast communication between different autonomous vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure. In the future, autonomous vehicles will perform all driving tasks, leaving drivers to focus solely on traffic as long as the vehicle remains undetectable. The technological requirements for autonomous vehicles will require ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability, enhancing traffic safety to levels unattainable by humans.

[0046] Smart cities and smart homes / buildings, often referred to as smart societies, will be embedded in high-density wireless sensor networks. A distributed network of intelligent sensors will identify conditions for cost-effective and energy-efficient maintenance of cities or homes. A similar configuration can be implemented for each home. All temperature sensors, window and heating controllers, burglar alarms, and appliances will be wirelessly connected. Many of these sensors typically have low data rates, low power, and low cost. However, real-time HD video monitoring may be required by certain types of devices.

[0047] Higher decentralization of energy consumption and distribution, including heat and gas, requires automated control of distributed sensor networks. Smart grids use digital information and communication technologies to collect information and connect sensors to act on the collected information. This information can include the behavior of suppliers and consumers, allowing smart grids to improve the distribution of fuels like electricity through efficiency, reliability, economy, sustainable production, and automation. Smart grids can also be viewed as another low-latency sensor network.

[0048] Mission-critical applications (e.g., e-health) are one of the use cases for 5G. The health sector encompasses numerous applications that can benefit from mobile communications. Telecommunications systems can support telemedicine, which provides clinical care from remote locations. Telemedicine can help reduce distance barriers and improve access to medical services that are otherwise unavailable in remote, rural areas. Telemedicine is also used in emergency situations to provide critical care and save lives. Mobile-based wireless sensor networks can provide remote monitoring and sensors for parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure.

[0049] Wireless and mobile communications are becoming increasingly important in industrial applications. Wiring is expensive to install and maintain. Therefore, replacing cables with reconfigurable wireless links presents an attractive opportunity for many industries. However, achieving this replacement requires wireless connections with similar latency, reliability, and capacity to cables, and simplified management of wireless connections. With 5G connectivity, low latency and extremely low error rates are emerging requirements.

[0050] Logistics and freight tracking are important use cases for mobile communications, enabling inventory and package tracking anywhere using location-based information systems. Logistics and freight applications typically require low data rates but require wide-range, reliable location information.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system (1) includes wireless devices (100a to 100f), a base station (BS) (200), and a network (300). Although FIG. 1 illustrates a 5G network as an example of a network of the communication system (1), the implementation of the present disclosure is not limited to a 5G system and can be applied to future communication systems beyond the 5G system.

[0052] The base station (200) and the network (300) may be implemented as wireless devices, and a particular wireless device may operate as a base station / network node in relation to other wireless devices.

[0053] Wireless devices (100a to 100f) refer to devices that perform communication using radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G NR or LTE) and may also be referred to as communication / wireless / 5G devices. Wireless devices (100a to 100f) may include, but are not limited to, robots (100a), vehicles (100b-1 and 100b-2), extended reality (XR) devices (100c), portable devices (100d), home appliances (100e), IoT devices (100f), and artificial intelligence (AI) devices / servers (400). For example, vehicles may include vehicles having wireless communication capabilities, autonomous vehicles, and vehicles capable of performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Vehicles may include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones). XR devices may include AR / VR / mixed reality (MR) devices, and may be implemented in the form of head-mounted devices (HMDs) and heads-up displays (HUDs) mounted on vehicles, televisions, smartphones, computers, wearable devices, home appliances, digital signs, vehicles, robots, etc. Portable devices may include smartphones, smart pads, wearable devices (e.g., smart watches or smart glasses), and computers (e.g., laptops). Home appliances may include TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. IoT devices may include sensors and smart meters.

[0054] In this specification, wireless devices (100a to 100f) may be referred to as user equipment (UE). The UE may include, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, a slate PC, a tablet PC, an ultrabook, a vehicle, a vehicle with autonomous driving functions, a connected car, a UAV, an AI module, a robot, an AR device, a VR device, an MR device, a holographic device, a public safety device, an MTC device, an IoT device, a medical device, a fintech device (or a financial device), a security device, a weather / environmental device, a 5G service-related device, or a 4th industrial revolution-related device.

[0055] For example, a UAV may be an aircraft that is unmanned and navigated by radio control signals.

[0056] For example, a VR device may include a device for implementing objects or backgrounds in a virtual environment. For example, an AR device may include a device that implements objects or backgrounds in a virtual world by connecting them to objects or backgrounds in the real world. For example, an MR device may include a device that implements objects or backgrounds in a virtual world by merging them with objects or backgrounds in the real world. For example, a holographic device may include a device that implements 360-degree stereoscopic images by recording and reproducing three-dimensional information using the light interference phenomenon that occurs when two laser lights, called holograms, meet.

[0057] For example, a public safety device may include an image relay device or imaging device that can be worn on the user's body.

[0058] For example, MTC devices and IoT devices may be devices that do not require direct human intervention or manipulation. Examples include smart meters, vending machines, thermometers, smart light bulbs, door locks, or various sensors.

[0059] For example, a medical device may be a device used for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, alleviating, curing, or preventing a disease. For example, a medical device may be a device used for diagnosing, treating, alleviating, or correcting an injury or damage. For example, a medical device may be a device used for the purpose of examining, replacing, or modifying a structure or function. For example, a medical device may be a device used for the purpose of regulating pregnancy. For example, a medical device may include a therapeutic device, a driving device, an (in vitro) diagnostic device, a hearing aid, or a surgical device.

[0060] For example, a security device may be a device installed to prevent potential hazards and maintain safety. For example, a security device may be a camera, closed-circuit television (CCTV), a recorder, or a black box.

[0061] For example, a fintech device may be a device capable of providing financial services, such as mobile payments. For example, a fintech device may include a payment device or a point-of-sale system.

[0062] For example, a weather / environment device may include a device that monitors or predicts the weather / environment.

[0063] Wireless devices (100a to 100f) can be connected to a network (300) via a base station (200). AI technology can be applied to the wireless devices (100a to 100f), and the wireless devices (100a to 100f) can be connected to an AI server (400) via the network (300). The network (300) can be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, a 5G (e.g., NR) network, and a network after 5G. The wireless devices (100a to 100f) can communicate with each other via the base station (200) / network (300), but can also communicate directly (e.g., sidelink communication) without going through the base station (200) / network (300). For example, vehicles (100b-1, 100b-2) can communicate directly (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) / vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication). Additionally, IoT devices (e.g., sensors) can communicate directly with other IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or other wireless devices (100a to 100f).

[0064] Wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can be established between wireless devices (100a to 100f) and / or between wireless devices (100a to 100f) and a base station (200) and / or between base stations (200). Here, the wireless communication / connection can be established through various RATs (e.g., 5G NR), such as uplink / downlink communication (150a), sidelink communication (150b) (or, device-to-device (D2D) communication), and base station-to-base station communication (150c) (e.g., relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB)). Through the wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c), the wireless devices (100a to 100f) and the base station (200) can transmit / receive wireless signals to / from each other. For example, wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can transmit / receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, at least some of the various configuration information setting processes for transmitting / receiving wireless signals, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, resource mapping / demapping, etc.), and resource allocation processes can be performed based on various proposals of the present specification.

[0065] AI is the study of artificial intelligence or the methodologies for creating it, while machine learning (ML) defines various problems in the field of AI and studies the methodologies for solving them. Machine learning is also defined as an algorithm that improves performance on a task through consistent experience.

[0066] A robot can be defined as a machine that automatically processes or operates a given task based on its own capabilities. Specifically, a robot capable of perceiving its environment, making decisions, and performing actions on its own can be called an intelligent robot. Robots can be categorized into industrial, medical, household, and military applications based on their intended use or field. Robots are equipped with a drive unit, including an actuator or motor, enabling them to perform various physical actions, such as moving robot joints. Furthermore, mobile robots include wheels, brakes, and propellers in their drive unit, enabling them to drive on the ground or fly in the air.

[0067] Autonomous driving refers to the technology of driving on one's own, while autonomous vehicles refer to vehicles that drive without, or with minimal, user intervention. For example, autonomous driving can include technologies such as lane keeping, automatic speed control like adaptive cruise control, autonomous driving along a set route, and autonomous driving based on a set destination. Vehicles encompass all types of vehicles: those with internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles with both internal combustion engines and electric motors, and electric vehicles with only electric motors. These vehicles can include not only cars but also trains and motorcycles. Autonomous vehicles can be viewed as robots with autonomous driving capabilities.

[0068] Extended reality is a general term for VR, AR, and MR. VR technology provides real-world objects and backgrounds as CG images only, AR technology provides virtual CG images over images of real objects, and MR technology is a CG technology that mixes and combines virtual objects with the real world. MR technology is similar to AR in that it displays real and virtual objects together. However, there is a difference: while AR uses virtual objects to complement real objects, MR uses virtual and real objects equally.

[0069] NR supports multiple numerologies, or subcarrier spacing (SCS), to support diverse 5G services. For example, an SCS of 15 kHz supports wide areas in traditional cellular bands; an SCS of 30 kHz / 60 kHz supports dense urban areas, lower latency, and wider carrier bandwidth; and an SCS of 60 kHz or higher supports bandwidths greater than 24.25 GHz to overcome phase noise.

[0070] The NR frequency band can be defined by two types of frequency ranges (e.g., FR1 and FR2). The numerical values ​​of the frequency ranges can be changed. For example, the two types of frequency ranges (FR1 and FR2) can be as shown in Table 1 below. For convenience of explanation, among the frequency ranges used in the NR system, FR1 can mean the "sub 6 GHz range", and FR2 can mean the "above 6 GHz range" and can be called millimeter wave (mmW). FR2 can include FR 2-1 and FR 2-2, as shown in the examples in Tables 1 and 2.

[0071] Frequency Range designationCorresponding frequency rangeSubcarrier SpacingFR1450MHz - 6000MHz15, 30, 60kHzFR2FR2-124250MHz - 52600MHz60, 120, 240kHzFR2-257000MHz - 71000MHz120, 480, 960kHz

[0072] As described above, the numerical value of the frequency range of the NR system can be changed. For example, FR1 may include a band from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, as shown in Table 2 below. That is, FR1 may include frequency bands above 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, etc.). For example, the frequency bands above 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, etc.) included within FR1 may include unlicensed bands. Unlicensed bands may be used for various purposes, such as for communications for vehicles (e.g., autonomous driving).

[0073] Frequency Range designationCorresponding frequency rangeSubcarrier SpacingFR1410MHz - 7125MHz15, 30, 60kHzFR2FR2-124250MHz - 52600MHz60, 120, 240kHzFR2-257000MHz - 71000MHz120, 480, 960kHz

[0074] Here, the wireless communication technology implemented in the wireless device of the present specification may include not only LTE, NR, and 6G, but also narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) for low-power communication. For example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of LPWAN (low power wide area network) technology and may be implemented with standards such as LTE Cat NB1 and / or LTE Cat NB2, and is not limited to the above-described names. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication technology implemented in the wireless device of the present specification may perform communication based on LTE-M technology. For example, LTE-M technology may be an example of LPWAN technology and may be called by various names such as eMTC (enhanced MTC). For example, LTE-M technology can be implemented by at least one of various standards such as 1) LTE CAT 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-BL (non-bandwidth limited), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE MTC, and / or 7) LTE M, and is not limited to the above-described names. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication technology implemented in the wireless device of the present specification can include at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and / or LPWAN considering low-power communication, and is not limited to the above-described names. For example, ZigBee technology can create PAN (personal area networks) related to small / low-power digital communication based on various standards such as IEEE 802.15.4, and can be called by various names.

[0075] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 2, the first wireless device (100) and the second wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals to / from external devices via various RATs (e.g., LTE and NR).

[0077] In FIG. 2, {the first wireless device (100) and the second wireless device (200)} may correspond to at least one of {the wireless devices (100a to 100f) and the base station (200)}, {the wireless devices (100a to 100f) and the wireless devices (100a to 100f)}, and / or {the base station (200) and the base station (200)} of FIG. 1.

[0078] The first wireless device (100) may include at least one transceiver, such as a transceiver (106), at least one processing chip, such as a processing chip (101), and / or one or more antennas (108).

[0079] The processing chip (101) may include at least one processor, such as a processor (102), and at least one memory, such as a memory (104). FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the memory (104) is included in the processing chip (101). Additionally and / or alternatively, the memory (104) may be located external to the processing chip (101).

[0080] The processor (102) may control the memory (104) and / or the transceiver (106) and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the processor (102) may process information in the memory (104) to generate first information / signal and transmit a wireless signal including the first information / signal via the transceiver (106). The processor (102) may receive a wireless signal including second information / signal via the transceiver (106) and store information obtained by processing the second information / signal in the memory (104).

[0081] A memory (104) may be operatively connected to the processor (102). The memory (104) may store various types of information and / or instructions. The memory (104) may store software code (105) that, when executed by the processor (102), implements instructions that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the software code (105) may, when executed by the processor (102), implement instructions that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the software code (105) may control the processor (102) to perform one or more protocols. For example, the software code (105) may control the processor (102) to perform one or more wireless interface protocol layers.

[0082] Here, the processor (102) and memory (104) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement a RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). A transceiver (106) may be connected to the processor (102) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas (108). Each transceiver (106) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (106) may be used interchangeably with an RF (radio frequency) unit. In the present specification, the first wireless device (100) may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0083] The second wireless device (200) may include at least one transceiver, such as a transceiver (206), at least one processing chip, such as a processing chip (201), and / or one or more antennas (208).

[0084] The processing chip (201) may include at least one processor, such as a processor (202), and at least one memory, such as a memory (204). FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the memory (204) is included in the processing chip (201). Additionally and / or alternatively, the memory (204) may be located external to the processing chip (201).

[0085] The processor (202) may control the memory (204) and / or the transceiver (206) and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the processor (202) may process information in the memory (204) to generate third information / signal and transmit a wireless signal including the third information / signal via the transceiver (206). The processor (202) may receive a wireless signal including fourth information / signal via the transceiver (206) and store information obtained by processing the fourth information / signal in the memory (204).

[0086] A memory (204) may be operatively connected to the processor (202). The memory (204) may store various types of information and / or instructions. The memory (204) may store software code (205) that, when executed by the processor (202), implements instructions that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the software code (205) may, when executed by the processor (202), implement instructions that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the software code (205) may control the processor (202) to perform one or more protocols. For example, the software code (205) may control the processor (202) to perform one or more air interface protocol layers.

[0087] Here, the processor (202) and memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement a RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). A transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas (208). Each transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (206) may be used interchangeably with the RF unit. In the present specification, the second wireless device (200) may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0088] Hereinafter, hardware elements of the wireless device (100, 200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, one or more protocol layers may be implemented by one or more processors (102, 202). For example, one or more processors (102, 202) may implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as a physical (PHY) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer). One or more processors (102, 202) may generate one or more protocol data units (PDUs) and / or one or more service data units (SDUs) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. One or more processors (102, 202) may generate messages, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed herein. One or more processors (102, 202) may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed herein and provide the signals to one or more transceivers (106, 206). One or more processors (102, 202) may receive signals (e.g., baseband signals) from one or more transceivers (106, 206) and obtain PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed herein.

[0089] One or more processors (102, 202) may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and / or microcomputers. One or more processors (102, 202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, and / or a combination thereof. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs), and / or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) may be included in one or more processors (102, 202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein may be implemented using firmware and / or software, and the firmware and / or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, and functions. Firmware or software configured to perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this specification may be included in one or more processors (102, 202) or stored in one or more memories (104, 204) and driven by one or more processors (102, 202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this specification may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of codes, instructions and / or sets of instructions.

[0090] One or more memories (104, 204) may be coupled to one or more processors (102, 202) and may store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, codes, instructions, and / or commands. The one or more memories (104, 204) may be configured as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), flash memory, hard drives, registers, cache memory, computer-readable storage media, and / or combinations thereof. The one or more memories (104, 204) may be located internally and / or externally to the one or more processors (102, 202). Additionally, the one or more memories (104, 204) may be coupled to the one or more processors (102, 202) via various technologies, such as wired or wireless connections.

[0091] One or more transceivers (106, 206) can transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., referred to in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or flowcharts disclosed herein to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers (106, 206) can receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., referred to in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or flowcharts disclosed herein from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers (106, 206) can be coupled to one or more processors (102, 202) and can transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, one or more processors (102, 202) can control one or more transceivers (106, 206) to transmit user data, control information, wireless signals, etc., to one or more other devices. Additionally, one or more processors (102, 202) may control one or more transceivers (106, 206) to receive user data, control information, wireless signals, etc. from one or more other devices.

[0092] One or more transceivers (106, 206) may be connected to one or more antennas (108, 208). The one or more transceivers (106, 206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as referred to in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein via the one or more antennas (108, 208). In the present specification, the one or more antennas (108, 208) may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports).

[0093] One or more transceivers (106, 206) may convert received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. from RF band signals to baseband signals in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. using one or more processors (102, 202). One or more transceivers (106, 206) may convert processed user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. from baseband signals to RF band signals using one or more processors (102, 202). For this purpose, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may include an (analog) oscillator and / or a filter. For example, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may up-convert an OFDM baseband signal to an OFDM signal via an (analog) oscillator and / or filter under the control of one or more processors (102, 202) and transmit the up-converted OFDM signal at a carrier frequency. One or more transceivers (106, 206) may receive an OFDM signal at a carrier frequency and down-convert the OFDM signal to an OFDM baseband signal via an (analog) oscillator and / or filter under the control of one or more processors (102, 202).

[0094] In the implementation of the present specification, a UE can operate as a transmitter in the uplink (UL) and as a receiver in the downlink (DL). In the implementation of the present specification, a base station can operate as a receiver in the UL and as a transmitter in the DL. For the sake of convenience of description, it is mainly assumed below that the first wireless device (100) operates as a UE and the second wireless device (200) operates as a base station. For example, a processor (102) connected to, mounted on, or released in the first wireless device (100) can be configured to perform UE operations according to the implementation of the present specification or to control a transceiver (106) to perform UE operations according to the implementation of the present specification. A processor (202) connected to, mounted on, or released in the second wireless device (200) can be configured to perform base station operations according to the implementation of the present specification or to control a transceiver (206) to perform base station operations according to the implementation of the present specification.

[0095] In this specification, a base station may be referred to as a Node B, an eNode B (eNB), or a gNB.

[0096] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0097] Wireless devices can be implemented in various forms depending on the use case / service (see Figure 1).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless devices (100, 200) may correspond to the wireless devices (100, 200) of FIG. 2 and may be configured by various components, devices / parts, and / or modules. For example, each wireless device (100, 200) may include a communication device (110), a control device (120), a memory device (130), and additional components (140). The communication device (110) may include a communication circuit (112) and a transceiver (114). For example, the communication circuit (112) may include one or more processors (102, 202) of FIG. 2 and / or one or more memories (104, 204) of FIG. 2. For example, the transceiver (114) may include one or more transceivers (106, 206) of FIG. 2 and / or one or more antennas (108, 208) of FIG. 2. The control device (120) is electrically connected to the communication device (110), the memory device (130), and the additional components (140), and controls the overall operation of each wireless device (100, 200). For example, the control device (120) may control the electrical / mechanical operation of each wireless device (100, 200) based on programs / codes / commands / information stored in the memory device (130). The control device (120) can transmit information stored in the memory device (130) to the outside (e.g., other communication devices) via the communication device (110) through a wireless / wired interface, or can store information received from the outside (e.g., other communication devices) via the communication device (110) through a wireless / wired interface in the memory device (130).

[0099] The additional component (140) may be configured in various ways depending on the type of wireless device (100, 200). For example, the additional component (140) may include at least one of a power unit / battery, an input / output (I / O) device (e.g., an audio I / O port, a video I / O port), a driving device, and a computing device. The wireless device (100, 200) may be implemented in the form of, but is not limited to, a robot (100a in FIG. 1), a vehicle (100b-1 and 100b-2 in FIG. 1), an XR device (100c in FIG. 1), a portable device (100d in FIG. 1), a home appliance (100e in FIG. 1), an IoT device (100f in FIG. 1), a digital broadcasting terminal, a hologram device, a public safety device, an MTC device, a medical device, a fintech device (or a financial device), a security device, a climate / environmental device, an AI server / device (400 in FIG. 1), a base station (200 in FIG. 1), or a network node. The wireless device (100, 200) may be used in a mobile or fixed location depending on the use case / service.

[0100] In FIG. 3, the various components, devices / parts and / or modules of the wireless devices (100, 200) may be connected to each other via a wired interface, or at least some of them may be connected wirelessly via a communication device (110). For example, in each wireless device (100, 200), the control device (120) and the communication device (110) may be connected via a wire, and the control device (120) and the first device (e.g., 130 and 140) may be connected wirelessly via the communication device (110). Each component, device / part and / or module within the wireless devices (100, 200) may further include one or more elements. For example, the control device (120) may be configured by a set of one or more processors. As an example, the control device (120) may be configured by a set of a communication control processor, an application processor (AP), an electronic control unit (ECU), a graphics processing unit and a memory control processor. As another example, the memory device (130) may be configured by RAM, DRAM, ROM, flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or a combination thereof.

[0101] <NR에서의 동작 대역>

[0102] The operating band in NR is as follows.

[0103] The operating bands in Table 3 below are refarmed operating bands from the LTE / LTE-A operating bands. These are called FR1 bands.

[0104] NR operating band Uplink (UL) operating band Downlink (DL) operating band Duplex Mode F UL_low - F UL_high F DL_low - F DL_highn11920 MHz - 1980 MHz2110 MHz - 2170 MHzFDDn21850 MHz - 1910 MHz1930 MHz - 1990 MHzFDDn31710 MHz - 1785 MHz1805 MHz - 1880 MHzFDDn5824 MHz - 849 MHz869 MHz - 894 MHzFDDn72500 MHz - 2570 MHz2620 MHz - 2690 MHzFDDn8880 MHz - 915 MHz925 MHz - 960 MHzFDDn12699 MHz - 716 MHz729 MHz - 746 MHzFDDn20832 MHz - 862 MHz791 MHz - 821 MHzFDDn251850 MHz - 1915 MHz1930 MHz - 1995 MHzFDDn28703 MHz - 748 MHz758 MHz - 803 MHzFDDn342010 MHz - 2025 MHz2010 MHz - 2025 MHzTDDn382570 MHz - 2620 MHz2570 MHz - 2620 MHzTDDn391880 MHz - 1920 MHz1880 MHz - 1920 MHzTDDn402300 MHz - 2400 MHz2300 MHz - 2400 MHzTDDn412496 MHz - 2690 MHz2496 MHz - 2690 MHzTDDn501432 MHz - 1517 MHz1432 MHz - 1517 MHzTDD1n511427 MHz - 1432 MHz1427 MHz - 1432 MHzTDDn661710 MHz - 1780 MHz2110 MHz - 2200 MHzFDDn701695 MHz - 1710 MHz1995 MHz - 2020 MHzFDDn71663 MHz - 698 MHz617 MHz - 652 MHzFDDn741427 MHz - 1470 MHz1475 MHz - 1518 MHzFDDn75N / A1432 MHz - 1517 MHzSDLn76N / A1427 MHz - 1432 MHzSDLn773300 MHz - 4200 MHz3300 MHz - 4200MHzTDDn783300 MHz - 3800 MHz3300 MHz - 3800 MHzTDDn794400 MHz - 5000 MHz4400 MHz - 5000 MHzTDDn801710 MHz - 1785 MHzN / ASULn81880 MHz - 915 MHzN / ASULn82832 MHz - 862 MHzN / ASULn83703 MHz - 748 MHzN / ASULn841920 MHz - 1980 MHzN / ASULn861710 MHz - 1780 MHzN / ASUL

[0105] The table below shows the NR operating band defined at high frequencies. This is called the FR2 band.

[0106] NR operating band Uplink (UL) operating band Downlink (DL) operating band Duplex mode F UL_low - F UL_high F DL_low - F DL_high n25726500 MHz - 29500 MHz26500 MHz - 29500 MHzTDDn25824250 MHz - 27500 MHz24250 MHz - 27500 MHzTDDn25937000 MHz - 40000 MHz37000 MHz - 40000 MHzTDDn26037000 MHz - 40000 MHz37000 MHz - 40000 MHzFDDn26127500 MHz - 28350 MHz27500 MHz - 28350 MHzFDD

[0107] <6G System General>

[0108] The 6G (wireless communication) system aims to achieve (i) very high data rates per device, (ii) a very large number of connected devices, (iii) global connectivity, (iv) very low latency, (v) low energy consumption for battery-free IoT devices, (vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and (vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The vision of the 6G system can be divided into four aspects: intelligent connectivity, deep connectivity, holographic connectivity, and ubiquitous connectivity, and the 6G system can satisfy the requirements as shown in Table 5 below. In other words, Table 5 is an example of the requirements of a 6G system.

[0109] Per device peak data rate1 TbpsE2E latency1 msMaximum spectral efficiency100bps / HzMobility supportUp to 1000km / hrSatellite integrationFullyAIFullyAutonomous vehicleFullyXRFullyHaptic CommunicationFully

[0110] 6G systems can have key factors such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), AI integrated communication, tactile internet, high throughput, high network capacity, high energy efficiency, low backhaul and access network congestion, and enhanced data security.

[0111] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication structure that can be provided in a 6G system.

[0112] 6G systems are expected to have 50 times the simultaneous wireless connectivity of 5G systems. URLLC, a key feature of 5G, will become even more crucial in 6G communications by providing end-to-end latency of less than 1 ms. 6G systems will have significantly higher volumetric spectral efficiency, compared to the commonly used area spectral efficiency. 6G systems can offer extremely long battery life and advanced battery technologies for energy harvesting, eliminating the need for separate charging for mobile devices in 6G systems. New network characteristics in 6G may include:

[0113] - Satellite integrated network: 6G is expected to integrate with satellites to provide a global mobile network. The integration of terrestrial, satellite, and airborne networks into a single wireless communications system is crucial for 6G.

[0114] Connected Intelligence: Unlike previous generations of wireless communication systems, 6G is revolutionary, upgrading the wireless evolution from "connected objects" to "connected intelligence." AI can be applied at every stage of the communication process (or at every signal processing step, as described below).

[0115] - Seamless integration of wireless information and energy transfer: 6G wireless networks will transfer power to charge the batteries of devices such as smartphones and sensors. Therefore, wireless information and energy transfer (WIET) will be integrated.

[0116] - Ubiquitous super 3D connectivity: Access to networks and core network functions of drones and very low Earth orbit satellites will create super 3D connectivity in 6G ubiquitous.

[0117] Some general requirements for the new network characteristics of 6G, such as the above, may be as follows:

[0118] - Small cell networks: The concept of small cell networks was introduced to improve received signal quality in cellular systems by increasing throughput, energy efficiency, and spectral efficiency. Consequently, small cell networks are essential for 5G and beyond-5G (5GB) communication systems. Accordingly, 6G communication systems also adopt the characteristics of small cell networks.

[0119] Ultra-dense heterogeneous networks: Ultra-dense heterogeneous networks will be another key feature of 6G communication systems. Multi-tier networks comprised of heterogeneous networks improve overall QoS and reduce costs.

[0120] High-capacity backhaul: Backhaul connections are characterized by high-capacity backhaul networks to support high-volume traffic. High-speed fiber optics and free-space optics (FSO) systems may be potential solutions to this problem.

[0121] - Radar technology integrated with mobile technology: High-precision localization (or location-based services) through communications is a key feature of 6G wireless communication systems. Therefore, radar systems will be integrated with 6G networks.

[0122] - Softwarization and virtualization: Softwarization and virtualization are two critical features that form the foundation of the design process for 5GB networks to ensure flexibility, reconfigurability, and programmability. Furthermore, billions of devices can be shared on a shared physical infrastructure.

[0123] <Key implementation technologies for 6G systems>

[0124] Artificial Intelligence

[0125] The most crucial and newly introduced technology for 6G systems is AI. 4G systems did not involve AI. 5G systems will support partial or very limited AI. However, 6G systems will fully support AI for automation. Advances in machine learning will create more intelligent networks for real-time communications in 6G. Incorporating AI into communications can streamline and improve real-time data transmission. AI can use numerous analyses to determine how complex target tasks should be performed. In other words, AI can increase efficiency and reduce processing delays.

[0126] Time-consuming tasks such as handover, network selection, and resource scheduling can be performed instantly using AI. AI can also play a crucial role in machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-to-human, and human-to-machine communications. Furthermore, AI can facilitate rapid communication in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). AI-based communication systems can be supported by metamaterials, intelligent structures, intelligent networks, intelligent devices, intelligent cognitive radios, self-sustaining wireless networks, and machine learning.

[0127] Recent attempts to integrate AI into wireless communication systems have focused on the application layer, network layer, and especially deep learning in wireless resource management and allocation. However, this research is increasingly evolving to the MAC layer and physical layer, with attempts to combine deep learning with wireless transmission, particularly at the physical layer. AI-based physical layer transmission refers to the application of AI-driven signal processing and communication mechanisms, rather than traditional communication frameworks, in the fundamental signal processing and communication mechanisms. Examples include deep learning-based channel coding and decoding, deep learning-based signal estimation and detection, deep learning-based MIMO mechanisms, and AI-based resource scheduling and allocation.

[0128] Machine learning can be used for channel estimation and channel tracking, as well as for power allocation and interference cancellation in the physical layer of the downlink (DL). Furthermore, machine learning can be used for antenna selection, power control, and symbol detection in MIMO systems.

[0129] Machine learning refers to a series of operations that train machines to perform tasks that humans can or cannot perform. Machine learning requires data and a learning model. In machine learning, data learning methods can be broadly categorized into three types: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0130] Neural network training aims to minimize output errors. It involves repeatedly inputting training data into a neural network, calculating the neural network output and target error for the training data, and backpropagating the neural network error from the output layer to the input layer to update the weights of each node in the neural network to reduce the error.

[0131] Supervised learning uses labeled training data, while unsupervised learning may not have labeled training data. For example, in the case of supervised learning for data classification, the training data may be data in which each training data category is labeled. Labeled training data is input to a neural network, and the error can be calculated by comparing the output (categories) of the neural network with the training data labels. The calculated error is backpropagated through the neural network in the backward direction (i.e., from the output layer to the input layer), and the connection weights of each node in each layer of the neural network can be updated through backpropagation. The amount of change in the connection weights of each updated node can be determined by the learning rate. The neural network's calculation of the input data and the backpropagation of the error can constitute a learning cycle (epoch). The learning rate can be applied differently depending on the number of iterations of the neural network's learning cycle. For example, in the early stages of training a neural network, a high learning rate can be used to quickly allow the network to reach a certain level of performance, thereby improving efficiency. In the later stages of training, a low learning rate can be used to improve accuracy.

[0132] Learning methods may vary depending on the characteristics of the data. For example, if the goal is to accurately predict data transmitted by a transmitter in a communication system, supervised learning is preferable to unsupervised learning or reinforcement learning.

[0133] The learning model corresponds to the human brain, and the most basic linear model can be thought of, but the machine learning paradigm that uses highly complex neural network structures, such as artificial neural networks, as learning models is called deep learning.

[0134] The neural network cores used in learning methods are mainly divided into deep neural networks (DNN), convolutional deep neural networks (CNN), recurrent Boltzmann machines (RNN), and spiking neural networks (SNN).

[0135] Terahertz Communication

[0136] Data rates can be increased by increasing bandwidth. This can be achieved by utilizing sub-THz communications with wide bandwidths and applying advanced massive MIMO technology. THz waves, also known as sub-millimeter waves, typically refer to the frequency range between 0.1 THz and 10 THz, with corresponding wavelengths ranging from 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The 100 GHz to 300 GHz band (sub-THz band) is considered a key part of the THz spectrum for cellular communications. Adding the sub-THz band to the mmWave band will increase 6G cellular communication capacity. Among the defined THz bands, 300 GHz to 3 THz lies in the far infrared (IR) frequency band. While part of the optical band, the 300 GHz to 3 THz band lies at the boundary of the optical band, immediately following the RF band. Therefore, this 300 GHz to 3 THz band exhibits similarities to RF.

[0137] Figure 5 shows an example of an electromagnetic spectrum.

[0138] Key characteristics of THz communications include (i) the widely available bandwidth to support very high data rates and (ii) the high path loss that occurs at high frequencies (requiring highly directional antennas). The narrow beamwidths generated by highly directional antennas reduce interference. The small wavelength of THz signals allows for a significantly larger number of antenna elements to be integrated into devices and base stations operating in this band. This enables the use of advanced adaptive array technologies to overcome range limitations.

[0139] Large-scale MIMO

[0140] One of the key technologies for improving spectral efficiency is the application of MIMO technology. As MIMO technology improves, spectral efficiency also improves. Therefore, massive MIMO technology will be crucial in 6G systems. Because MIMO technology utilizes multiple paths, multiplexing technology must be considered to ensure that data signals can be transmitted along more than one path, as well as beam generation and operation technologies suitable for the THz band.

[0141] Hologram Beam Forming (HBF)

[0142] Beamforming is a signal processing procedure that adjusts an antenna array to transmit a wireless signal in a specific direction. It is a subset of smart antennas or advanced antenna systems. Beamforming technology offers several advantages, including high signal-to-noise ratio, interference avoidance and rejection, and high network efficiency. Holographic beamforming (HBF) is a novel beamforming method that differs significantly from MIMO systems because it uses software-defined antennas. HBF will be a highly effective approach for efficient and flexible signal transmission and reception in multi-antenna communication devices in 6G.

[0143] Optical wireless technology

[0144] Optical wireless communication (OWC) is a form of optical communication that uses visible light, infrared (IR), or ultraviolet (UV) light to transmit signals. OWC operating in the visible light band (e.g., 390–750 nm) is commonly referred to as visible light communication (VLC). Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be utilized to implement VLC. VLC can be used in a variety of applications, including wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), and vehicular networks.

[0145] VLC offers the following advantages over RF-based technologies. First, the spectrum occupied by VLC is unlicensed and can provide a wide bandwidth (up to THz). Second, VLC causes minimal significant interference with other electromagnetic devices. Therefore, VLC can be applied to sensitive electromagnetic interference applications such as aircraft and hospitals. Third, VLC offers advantages in communication security and privacy. Visible light, the transmission medium of VLC-based networks, cannot penetrate walls and other opaque obstacles. Therefore, VLC's transmission range can be limited to indoor areas, protecting users' privacy and sensitive information. Fourth, VLC can utilize lighting sources as base stations, eliminating the need for expensive base stations.

[0146] Free-space optical communication (FSO) is an optical communication technology that uses light propagating in free space, such as air, outer space, or a vacuum, to wirelessly transmit data for communication or computer networking. FSO can be used as a point-to-point optical wireless communication (OWC) system on the ground. FSO can operate in the near-infrared frequency range (750-1600 nm). Laser transmitters can be used to implement FSO, and it offers high data rates (e.g., 10 Gbit / s), potentially offering a solution to backhaul bottlenecks.

[0147] These OWC technologies are designed for 6G communications, in addition to RF-based communications for all possible device-to-access networks. These networks connect to network-to-backhaul / fronthaul networks. OWC technologies have already been used since 4G communication systems, but they will be used more widely to meet the demands of 6G communication systems. OWC technologies such as light fidelity, visible light communication, optical camera communication, and optical band-based FSO communication are already well-known. Communications based on optical wireless technology can provide very high data rates, low latency, and secure communications.

[0148] LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) can also be used for ultra-high-resolution 3D mapping in 6G communications based on its wide bandwidth. LiDAR is a remote sensing method that illuminates a target using near-infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light, detecting the reflected light with a light sensor to measure distance. LiDAR can be used for fully autonomous driving in automobiles.

[0149] FSO Backhaul Network

[0150] The transmitter and receiver characteristics of an FSO system are similar to those of a fiber-optic network. Therefore, data transmission in an FSO system is similar to that of a fiber-optic system. Therefore, FSO can be a promising technology for providing backhaul connectivity in 6G systems, in conjunction with fiber-optic networks. Using FSO, ultra-long-distance communications are possible, even over distances exceeding 10,000 km. FSO supports high-capacity backhaul connectivity for remote and non-remote areas, such as the ocean, space, underwater, and isolated islands. FSO also supports cellular base station (BS) connections.

[0151] Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

[0152] 6G systems integrate terrestrial and airborne networks to support vertically expanded user communications. 3D BSs will be provided via low-Earth orbit satellites and UAVs. Adding a new dimension in altitude and associated degrees of freedom significantly differentiates 3D connectivity from existing 2D networks. NR considers Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) as one approach to achieving this. NTNs are networks or network segments that utilize RF resources onboard satellites (or UAS platforms). Common NTN scenarios, which provide access to user equipment, include transparent payloads and regenerative payloads. The following are the basic elements of NTNs.

[0153] - One or more sat-gateways connecting the NTN to the public data network.

[0154] - GEO satellites are served by one or more satellite gateways deployed across the satellite's target coverage area (e.g., regional or continental coverage). We assume that a UE in a cell is served by only one sat-gateway.

[0155] Non-GEO satellites that provide continuous service from one or more satellite gateways at a time. The system ensures service and feeder link continuity between consecutively serving satellite gateways with sufficient time duration to allow for mobile anchoring and handover.

[0156] - Feeder link or wireless link between the satellite gateway and the satellite (or UAS platform).

[0157] - Service link or wireless link between user equipment and satellite (or UAS platform).

[0158] A satellite (or UAS platform) capable of implementing transparent or regenerative (including onboard processing) payloads. The satellite (or UAS platform) typically generates multiple beams for a designated service area, depending on its field of view. The beam's footprint is typically elliptical. The satellite's (or UAS platform's) field of view varies depending on the onboard antenna diagram and minimum elevation angle.

[0159] - Transparent payload: Radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification. Therefore, the waveform signal repeated by the payload remains unchanged.

[0160] - Replay payload: radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, demodulation / decoding, switching and / or routing, and coding / modulation. This is essentially equivalent to embedding all or part of a base station function (e.g., gNB) on a satellite (or UAS platform).

[0161] - Optionally, for satellite constellations, inter-satellite link (ISL) is available. This requires a regenerative payload on the satellite. ISL can operate in RF or wideband.

[0162] - User equipment is serviced by satellites (or UAS platforms) within the target service area.

[0163] Typically, GEO satellites and UAS are used to provide continental, regional or local services.

[0164] Typically, LEO and MEO constellations are used to provide services in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In some cases, constellations can even provide global coverage, including polar regions. This requires appropriate orbital inclination, sufficient beam generation, and inter-satellite links.

[0165] Quantum Communication

[0166] Quantum communication is a next-generation communication technology that applies quantum mechanical properties to the field of information and communication, overcoming limitations of existing information and communication technologies, such as security and ultra-high-speed computation. Quantum communication provides a means to generate, transmit, process, and store information that cannot be expressed in the binary bits of 0 and 1 used in existing communication technologies, or that are difficult to express. Unlike existing communication technologies that use wavelength or amplitude to transmit information between a transmitter and a receiver, quantum communication utilizes photons, the smallest unit of light, to transmit information between the transmitter and receiver. In particular, quantum communication can utilize quantum uncertainty and quantum irreversibility regarding the polarization or phase difference of photons (light), enabling communication with perfect security. Furthermore, under certain conditions, quantum communication may also enable ultra-high-speed communication by exploiting quantum entanglement.

[0167] Cell-free Communication

[0168] Tight integration of multiple frequencies and heterogeneous communication technologies is crucial for 6G systems. As a result, users can seamlessly move from one network to another without requiring any manual configuration on their devices. The best network is automatically selected from available communication technologies. This will break the limitations of the cell concept in wireless communications. Currently, user movement from one cell to another in dense networks results in excessive handovers, resulting in handover failures, handover delays, data loss, and the ping-pong effect. 6G cell-free communications will overcome all of these challenges and provide improved QoS.

[0169] Cell-free communication is defined as "a system in which multiple geographically distributed antennas (APs) cooperatively serve a small number of terminals using the same time / frequency resources, assisted by a fronthaul network and CPU." A single terminal is served by a collection of APs, called an AP cluster. There are several methods for forming AP clusters. Among them, a cluster composed of APs that can significantly improve terminal reception performance is called terminal-centric clustering, and this method dynamically updates the cluster configuration as the terminal moves. By introducing this terminal-centric AP clustering technique, the terminal is always located at the center of the AP cluster, thereby avoiding inter-cluster interference that can occur when the terminal is located at the edge of the AP cluster. This cell-free communication will be achieved through multi-connectivity and multi-tier hybrid technologies and heterogeneous radios in the devices.

[0170] Integration of Wireless Information and Energy Transfer (WIET)

[0171] WIET uses the same fields and waves as wireless communication systems. Specifically, sensors and smartphones will be charged using wireless power transfer during communication. WIET is a promising technology for extending the life of battery-powered wireless systems. Therefore, battery-less devices will be supported by 6G communications.

[0172] Integration of Wireless Communication and Sensing

[0173] Autonomous wireless networks are capable of continuously sensing dynamically changing environmental conditions and exchanging information between different nodes. In 6G, sensing will be tightly integrated with communications to support autonomous systems.

[0174] Integrated Access and Backhaul Network

[0175] In 6G, the density of access networks will be enormous. Each access network will be connected to backhaul connections, such as fiber optics and FSO networks. To accommodate the massive number of access networks, there will be tight integration between access and backhaul networks.

[0176] Big Data Analysis

[0177] Big data analytics is a complex process for analyzing diverse, large-scale data sets, or "big data." This process uncovers hidden data, unknown correlations, and customer trends, ensuring complete data management. Big data is collected from various sources, such as video, social networks, images, and sensors. This technology is widely used to process massive amounts of data in 6G systems.

[0178] Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface

[0179] Many studies have been conducted that consider the wireless environment as an optimization target variable along with the transmitter and receiver. The wireless environment created using this approach is called a Smart Radio Environment (SRE) or Intelligent Radio Environment (IRE) to emphasize its fundamental difference from past design and optimization standards. Various terms have been proposed for reconfigurable intelligent antenna (or intelligent reconfigurable antenna) technologies that enable SRE, including Reconfigurable Metasurfaces, Smart Large Intelligent Surfaces (SLIS), Large Intelligent Surfaces (LIS), Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS), and Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS).

[0180] THz band signals have strong linearity, which can create many shadow areas due to obstacles. RIS technology, which enables expanded communication coverage, enhanced communication stability, and additional value-added services by installing RIS near these shadow areas, is becoming increasingly important. RIS is an artificial surface made of electromagnetic materials that can alter the propagation of incoming and outgoing radio waves. While RIS may appear to be an extension of massive MIMO, it differs from massive MIMO in its array structure and operating mechanism. Furthermore, RIS operates as a reconfigurable reflector with passive elements, meaning it passively reflects signals without using active RF chains, which offers the advantage of low power consumption. Furthermore, because each passive reflector in RIS must independently adjust the phase shift of the incoming signal, this can be advantageous for wireless communication channels. By appropriately adjusting the phase shift via the RIS controller, the reflected signal can be collected at the target receiver to boost the received signal power.

[0181] In addition to reflecting wireless signals, RISs also exist that can control transmission and refraction characteristics. These RISs are primarily used for outdoor-to-indoor (O2I) applications. Recently, STAR-RIS (Simultaneous Transmission and Reflection RIS), which provides both reflection and transmission, has also been actively researched.

[0182] Metaverse

[0183] The metaverse is a portmanteau of "meta," meaning "virtual" or "transcendent," and "universe," meaning "cosmos." Generally, the metaverse is used to mean "a three-dimensional virtual space where social and economic activities similar to those in the real world are facilitated."

[0184] Extended Reality (XR), a key technology enabling the metaverse, can expand real-world experiences and deliver exceptional immersion by merging the virtual and real. The high bandwidth and low latency of 6G networks enable users to experience even more immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

[0185] Autonomous Driving (Self-driving)

[0186] For fully autonomous driving, vehicles must communicate with each other to inform each other of dangerous situations, and vehicles must communicate with infrastructure such as parking lots and traffic lights to confirm information such as parking location and signal change times. V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), a key element in building autonomous driving infrastructure, is a technology that allows cars to communicate and share with various elements on the road for autonomous driving, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) wireless communication.

[0187] To maximize autonomous driving performance and ensure high safety, fast transmission speeds and low-latency technologies are essential. Furthermore, as autonomous driving moves beyond simply providing warnings or guidance messages to drivers, actively intervening in driving and directly controlling the vehicle in dangerous situations requires a vast amount of information to be transmitted and received, 6G is expected to maximize autonomous driving with faster transmission speeds and lower latency than 5G.

[0188] Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

[0189] Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, will be a key element in 6G wireless communications. In most cases, high-speed wireless connections will be provided using UAV technology. BS entities are installed on UAVs to provide cellular connectivity. UAVs offer specific capabilities not found in fixed BS infrastructure, such as easy deployment, robust line-of-sight links, and controlled mobility. During emergencies such as natural disasters, deploying terrestrial communication infrastructure is not economically feasible, and sometimes, volatile environments make it impossible to provide services. UAVs can easily handle these situations. UAVs will become a new paradigm in wireless communications. This technology facilitates three fundamental requirements for wireless networks: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), URLLC, and mMTC. UAVs can also support various purposes, such as enhancing network connectivity, fire detection, disaster emergency services, security and surveillance, pollution monitoring, parking monitoring, and accident monitoring. Therefore, UAV technology is recognized as one of the most important technologies for 6G communications.

[0190] Blockchain

[0191] Blockchain will become a crucial technology for managing massive amounts of data in future communication systems. Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology. A distributed ledger is a database distributed across numerous nodes or computing devices. Each node replicates and stores an identical copy of the ledger. Blockchains are managed by a peer-to-peer network and can exist without being managed by a central authority or server. Data on a blockchain is collected and organized into blocks. Blocks are linked together and protected using cryptography. Blockchain perfectly complements large-scale IoT with its inherently enhanced interoperability, security, privacy, reliability, and scalability. Therefore, blockchain technology offers several features, such as interoperability between devices, traceability of large amounts of data, autonomous interaction with other IoT systems, and the massive connectivity stability of 6G communication systems.

[0192] <Random Access Channel (RACH) 절차>

[0193] FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate examples of RACH procedures applicable to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6E, a RACH procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The embodiments of FIGS. 6A to 6E may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0195] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when RF requirements (e.g., Tx RF performance requirements and / or Rx RF performance requirements) are described, the UE can satisfy these RF requirements. For example, the UE can be tested to satisfy the RF requirements (e.g., Tx RF performance requirements and / or Rx RF performance requirements) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a UE that satisfies these RF requirements can perform a RACH procedure. When the UE transmits a message, data, signaling, etc. to the gNB, the UE satisfies the Tx RF performance requirements described in the first embodiment of the present specification. When the UE receives a message, data, signaling, etc. from the gNB, the UE satisfies the Rx RF performance requirement described in the first embodiment of the present specification.

[0196] To connect a UE to a 5G network, the UE and the 5G network must be synchronized in both uplink and downlink. Downlink synchronization occurs when the UE successfully decodes the SSB transmitted by the gNB. To establish uplink synchronization and RRC connection, the UE must perform a RACH random access procedure.

[0197] Two types of random access procedures are supported: a four-step Random Access (RA) type using MSG1 and a two-step RA type using MSGA.

[0198] Two types of RA procedures can support Contention Based Random Access (CBRA) and Contention Free Random Access (CFRA), as shown in Figures 6a through 6e below, respectively. The UE can select the random access type when initiating a random access procedure depending on network settings.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6c, a four-step RA type using MSG1 is described.

[0200] MSG1 of the 4-step RA type includes a preamble of the PRACH. The UE transmits MSG1. After transmitting MSG1, the UE monitors the network for a response within a set period of time.

[0201] For the CBRA example of FIG. 6a, when the UE receives a random access response (MSG2) from the gNB, the UE can transmit MSG3 using the UL grant scheduled by the response message. The UE can then monitor contention resolution. If contention resolution is not successful after (re)transmitting MSG3, the UE performs MSG1 transmission again.

[0202] For the CFRA example in Figure 6c, a dedicated preamble for MSG1 transmission is allocated by the network. The gNB transmits the RA preamble allocation to the UE. The UE transmits MSG1, which includes a random access preamble, to the gNB. Upon receiving a random access response from the network, the UE terminates the random access procedure.

[0203] Referring to Figures 6b, 6d, and 6e, a two-step RA type is described. The MSGA of the two-step RA type includes a random access preamble of the PRACH and a PUSCH payload. After the UE transmits the MSGA, the UE monitors the network's response within a configured window.

[0204] For CBRA according to the example of Fig. 6b, if the UE successfully resolves the contention after receiving a network response (e.g., MSGB), the UE terminates the random access procedure. If a fallback indication is received within the MSGB, the UE performs MSG3 transmission using the UL grant reserved in the fallback indication, as shown in Fig. 6e, and monitors contention resolution. If the contention resolution is not successful after the MSG3 (re)transmission, the UE performs MSGA transmission again.

[0205] For CFRA according to the example of FIG. 6d, the UE can receive an RA preamble allocation and a PUSCH allocation from the gNB. Then, dedicated preamble and PUSCH resources can be configured for MSGA transmission. The UE transmits the MSGA. When the UE receives a network response, the UE terminates the random access procedure.

[0206] If the random access procedure of type 2 RA is not completed after several MSGA transmissions, the UE may be configured to transition to CBRA of type 4 RA.

[0207] According to discussions within 3GPP, rapid resumption and / or setup of Dual Connectivity (DC) and / or Carrier Aggregation (CA) is effective for lower latency, higher throughput, enhanced load balancing, and UE energy savings. Accordingly, discussions are underway on SCell activation delay reduction methods.

[0208] However, according to the prior art, there is a problem in that efficient communication is difficult due to the SCell activation delay required for the terminal to activate the Secondary Cell (SCell).

[0209] Therefore, methods to reduce SCell activation delay need to be discussed. For example, a method to reduce additional SCell activation delay is needed for UEs supporting EMR (Early Measurement Reporting or Early Measurement Report). According to the prior art, EMR measurements are performed only after the UE enters the IDLE state and until the T331 timer expires. An example of the T331 timer is shown in Table 6. Regarding the T331 timer, 3GPP TS38.331 V18.1.0 can be referenced.

[0210] Timer start / stop (stop) When an RRCRelease message with T331measIdleDuration is received. For example, the UE starts the T331 timer when it receives an RRCRelease message with measIdleDuration. Upon receiving RRCSetup, RRCResume, RRCRelease with idle / inactive measurement configuration. Or upon cell selection / reselection to a cell that does not belong to the validityArea (if configured). Or upon cell reselection to a different RAT.

[0211] For example, referring to Table 6, the UE may start the T331 timer when entering IDLE mode. The UE may terminate the T331 timer when the UE transitions to RRC CONNECTED state or when measurement is required for cell selection / re-selection.

[0212] For example, there is a problem that EMR measurements can only be utilized if there are EMR measurements performed within a time period prior to the measIdleValidityDuration value from the time the UE sends the RRC setup / resume request.

[0213] For reference, the measIdleValidityDuration value may be a time value used by the UE to determine the validity of reported idle / inactive measurements and / or reselection measurements. The UE may receive the measIdleValidityDuration value from the network. Regarding the measIdleValidityDuration value, 3GPP TS 38.331V18.1.0 may be referenced. For example, when reporting a measurement result, if the difference between the reporting time and the measurement time is greater than measIdleValidityDuration, the UE may determine that the measurement result is invalid.

[0214] In various examples of the disclosure of this specification, we propose an efficient scheme for UEs supporting EMR to achieve SCell activation delay reduction.

[0215] Briefly describe EMR and provide an example of the SCell activation procedure.

[0216] A UE can enter RRC_CONNECTED mode from RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode and then re-enter RRC_CONNECTED mode. In this case, the UE can perform measurements on the corresponding cell to activate the PSCell or SCell. If EMR is used, the UE can utilize the measurement results measured in IDLE / INACTIVE mode to reduce the activation delay of the PSCell or SCell.

[0217] Referring to the example of Fig. 7, an example of a timeline related to EMR measurement of a UE supporting EMR is described.

[0218] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0219] FIG. 7 is an example of a timeline related to EMR measurements according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0220] Figure 7 is an example of a timeline for RRC_CONNECTION setup of a UE supporting EMR.

[0221] In Fig. 7, a UE supporting EMR can receive an EMR start command from the network when entering RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode. The UE can perform EMR measurement.

[0222] For example, the network can send the UE an RRCRelease message containing an EMR start command. The EMR configuration can be configured through the MeasIdleConfigDedicated field of the RRCRelease message. Based on the MeasIdleConfigDedicated field, the UE can also obtain a list of EUTRA / NR carriers to be measured with EMR and / or a measIdleValidityDuration value. If the RRCRelease message only contains information related to T331 and does not have EUTRA / NR carrier configuration, the UE can obtain the EMR carrier list information through SIB11.

[0223] When the UE enters RRC_IDEL or RRC_INACTIVE mode, a timer (e.g., T331 timer) can be started. The UE can perform EMR measurements until the T331 timer expires. After that, the UE can perform measurements in normal IDLE / INACTIVE mode.

[0224] The UE can transmit msg1 for an RRC setup / resume request. In this case, it can determine whether there are EMR measurement results that satisfy the accuracy within the validity duration (e.g., measIdleValidityDuration-r18) seconds from the time the UE transmits msg1. If such EMR measurement results are available, the UE and / or the base station determine that the EMR measurement results are valid and can utilize the EMR measurement results in the PSCell or SCell activation procedure.

[0225] Meanwhile, in the example of FIG. 7, T331 expire occurs earlier than the validity duration (e.g., measIdleValidityDuration-r18) seconds from the time the UE transmits msg1 for the RRC setup / resume request. In this case, there is a problem that the UE must perform measurements for PSCell or SCell activation again in RRC_CONNECTED mode because there is no valid EMR result.

[0226] Referring to the example of Fig. 8, an example of a sigmoid ring related to EMR measurement is described.

[0227] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0228] FIG. 8 is an example of signaling related to EMR according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0229] Figure 8 is an example of signaling related to EMR being performed while the UE transitions from IDLE mode to CONNECTED mode.

[0230] Referring to Fig. 8, EMR signaling is described.

[0231] The UE may be in RRC_CONNECTED mode.

[0232] In step (S801), the UE may receive an RRC Release message from a base station (e.g., gNB). In this case, the UE may be in RRC_IDLE mode.

[0233] In step (S802), the UE can perform EMR measurements in RRC_IDLE mode. For example, the UE can perform EMR measurements as shown in the example of FIG. 7.

[0234] At step (S803), the UE can transmit an RRC setup request to the base station.

[0235] In step (S804), the base station can transmit an RRC Setup message to the UE.

[0236] In step (S805), the UE may transmit an RRC Setup complete message to the base station. For example, the UE may inform the base station of information related to the EMR measured in RRC_IDLE through the RRC Setup complete signal. For example, the UE may transmit the RRC Setup complete message including information (or indication) related to EMR availability to the base station.

[0237] Reducing SCell activation delay requires a valid EMR. However, as explained in the example in Figure 7 above, if a valid EMR is not measured within a certain time period from the start of RRC setup during a validity check, the SCell activation delay cannot be reduced.

[0238] The disclosure of this specification proposes solutions such as the following examples:

[0239] For example, a UE can continue to perform EMR measurements beyond T331. However, since some UEs may not activate SCells, measuring EMR for these UEs may be problematic. However, in IDLE mode, where EMR measurements are performed, it is impossible to know which UEs will soon enter RRC_CONNECTED mode and activate SCells.

[0240] According to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification, a UE can measure EMR at a frequency aligned with the EMR validity frequency. For example, the UE can measure EMR based on a measurement frequency based on the EMR validity frequency. In this case, when performing SCell activation, the UE can always guarantee EMR validity. Furthermore, according to this operation, the load of a UE that does not perform SCell activation may not be large. For example, as in the example of FIG. 9, the UE can perform EMR measurement based on an extended EMR measurement frequency.

[0241] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0242] FIG. 9 is an example of a change in EMR measurement cycle according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0243] Figure 9 is an example of a change in the EMR measurement cycle.

[0244] In the example of Fig. 9, the UE can perform EMR measurement based on the EMR measurement cycle.

[0245] When a timer related to EMR (e.g., T331) expires, the UE may perform EMR measurements based on an extended EMR measurement period.

[0246] For example, in FIG. 9, the extended measurement period may be longer than the EMR measurement period set before T331 expires.

[0247] For example, the extended EMR measurement period can be less than or equal to the validity duration (e.g., the measIdleValidityDuration-r18 value). Candidate values ​​can be set to values ​​on the order of 10 seconds, 20 seconds, ..., 100 seconds.

[0248] To satisfy the EMR accuracy, the UE may need to perform N sample accumulation of EMR measurements. In this case, the extended measurement period in Fig. 9 may be less than or equal to the value obtained by dividing the validity period by N (e.g., measIdleValidityDuration-r18 / N). For example, after the T331 expires point, the UE may continue to perform EMR measurements with a longer EMR measurement period than the existing EMR measurement period. Here, the extended measurement period may be set to a period that can always guarantee the validity of the measured EMR.

[0249] When a UE measures based on an extended EMR measurement cycle, valid measurement results can always be obtained. This has the advantage of reducing SCell activation delay. However, if the UE remains in IDLE mode for an extended period of time, power savings may be lost.

[0250] In some implementations, the UE may determine whether to continue or stop measurement after T331, depending on the UE's behavioral pattern. The examples in FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a procedure for determining whether to continue or stop measurement after T331, depending on the UE's behavior.

[0251] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0252] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are examples of procedures related to measurement according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0253] Below is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure.

[0254] In the examples of FIGS. 10A and 10B , T331_Long may be a timer associated with the time at which EMR measurements are performed based on an extended EMR measurement cycle. For example, T331_Long may have a value greater than T331 . For example, T331_Long may be an integer multiple of T331 .

[0255] For reference, in the disclosure of this specification, T331 may be referred to as a first timer related to EMR, and T331_Long may be referred to as a second timer related to EMR.

[0256] In the examples of FIGS. 10A and 10B, P may be an operation pattern variable. If the UE performed SCell activation using a valid EMR in the previous SCell activation situation, the operation pattern variable P may be set to 1. Otherwise, P may be set to 0.

[0257] In step (S1001), the UE may initialize a pattern variable P. P may be set to 0.

[0258] In step (S1002), a trigger may occur due to an event. For example, the UE may be in RRC_CONNECTED mode. If an event occurs that transitions from RRC_CONNECTED mode to RRC_IDLE mode, the UE may perform the next step, step (S1003). For example, if the UE transitions from RRC_CONNECTED mode to RRC_IDLE mode, the UE may perform step (S1003).

[0259] Step (S1003) can initialize the T331 timer.

[0260] In step (S1004), the UE may perform EMR measurements. The UE may count down T331. For example, in step (S1004), the UE may start the T331 timer and perform EMR measurements.

[0261] In step (S1005), the UE can determine whether there is an RRC setup / resume request (or whether the UE wants to request an RRC setup / resume). For example, the UE can determine whether an event related to an RRC setup / resume request has occurred.

[0262] If there is an RRC setup / resume request, step (S1007) may be performed. Otherwise, step (S1006) may be performed.

[0263] In step (S1007), the UE may perform a procedure for transitioning to RRC_CONNECTED. For example, the UE may transmit an RRC SETUP REQUEST message or an RRC RESUME REQUEST message to the network (e.g., a base station). The UE may set P to 1. P being 1 may indicate that a valid EMR exists. After step (S1007) is performed, the UE may perform step (S1002). Note that step (S1007) may also be performed after step (S1011).

[0264] At step (S1006), the UE may determine whether timer T331 has expired. If T331 has expired, the UE may perform step (S1008). If T331 has not expired, the UE may perform step (S1004).

[0265] In step (S1008), the UE may determine whether P is 0. If P is 0, the UE may perform step (S1013). If P is not 0, the UE may perform step (S1009).

[0266] For example, in step (S1008), depending on whether P is 0 or 1, the UE may decide whether to continue EMR measurement after T331 expires in Idle mode. For example, if the P value is 0, the UE may be a UE that stays in Idle mode for a long time. In this case, the UE may not perform EMR measurement after T331. For another example, if the P value is 1, the UE may be a UE that does not stay in Idle mode for a long time. In this case, the UE may perform EMR measurement until the T331_Long timer expires or until an RRC setup / resume request is made, based on a period that is less than or equal to the measIdleValidityDuration-r18 value (e.g., an extended EMR measurement period).

[0267] According to step (S1008), if P is 0, the UE may perform step (S1013). In step (S1013), the UE may stop EMR measurement.

[0268] In step (S1014), the UE may maintain IDLE mode until an RRC setup / resume request event.

[0269] In step (S1015), the UE may determine whether the last measured EMR was measured within measIdleValidityDuration-r18. For example, the UE may determine whether the last measured EMR exists within measIdleValidityDuration-r18 from the time when the UE transmits the RRC Setup Request message or the RRC Resume Request message.

[0270] For reference, step (S1015) may be performed when an RRC setup / resume request event occurs.

[0271] If the last measured EMR is within measIdleValidityDuration-r18, step (S1017) may be performed. Otherwise, step (S1016) may be performed.

[0272] In step (S1017), the UE may perform a procedure for transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state. For example, the UE may transmit an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message to the network (e.g., a base station). The UE may set P to 1. A P of 1 may indicate the presence of a valid EMR. After step (S1017) is performed, the UE may perform step (S1002).

[0273] In step (S1016), the UE may perform a procedure for transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state. For example, the UE may transmit an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message to the network (e.g., a base station). The UE may set P to 0. A P of 0 may indicate the presence of a valid EMR. After step (S1016) is performed, the UE may perform step (S1002).

[0274] According to step (S1008), if P is not 0, the UE may perform step (S1009). In step (S1009), the UE may initialize the T331_Long timer.

[0275] In step (S1010), the UE may perform EMR measurements. For example, the UE may perform EMR measurements based on an extended EMR measurement cycle. The UE may count down T331_Long. For example, the UE may initiate a timer based on T331_Long.

[0276] In step (S1011), the UE can determine whether there is an RRC setup / resume request (or whether the UE wants to request an RRC setup / resume). For example, the UE can determine whether an event related to an RRC setup / resume request has occurred.

[0277] If there is an RRC setup / resume request, step (S1007) may be performed. Otherwise, step (S1012) may be performed.

[0278] In step (S1012), the UE may determine whether T331_Long has expired. For example, if T331_Long has expired, step (S1013) may be performed. In this case, in step (S1013), the UE may set P to 0. In step (S1013), the UE may stop EMR measurement. If T331_Long has not expired, step (S1010) may be performed.

[0279] For reference, the operation on the time line of Scell ​​activation is as shown in the example in Fig. 11.

[0280] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0281] FIG. 11 is an example of a time reduction in EMR measurement according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0282] In the example of Fig. 11, the time from when the UE receives the Scell ​​activation command from the network through MAC CE until when the UE makes a valid CSI report is the Scell ​​activation delay.

[0283] Referring to the example of FIG. 11, the UE may receive a MAC CE for an SCell activation command from the network (e.g., a base station). The UE may receive the MAC CE for the SCell activation command in a situation where it is communicating with the PCell in the RRC_Connected state. For example, after step (S805) of the example of FIG. 8 is performed, the UE may also receive the MAC CE for the SCell activation command from the network (e.g., a base station).

[0284] In this case, the UE can perform HARQ for downlink (DL) data. Furthermore, the UE can decode the MAC CE. MAC CE decoding can be performed within approximately 3 ms.

[0285] After MAC CE decoding is complete, the UE can perform coarse Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and / or fine AGC. The UE can perform cell detection and time / frequency tracking. The UE can perform L1-RSRP measurements.

[0286] The UE can perform L1-RSRP reporting. For example, the UE can transmit L1-RSRP to the network. The network can activate TCI and activate the Semi-Persistent Channel State Information Reference Signal (SP-CSI-RS) for Channel State Information (CSI) reporting. The network can transmit the activated TCI information to the UE via the MAC CE.

[0287] The UE can measure CSI and report the CSI to the network.

[0288] If the UE reports valid CSI, SCell activation can be completed.

[0289] When EMR measurements are performed according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification, SCell activation delay may be reduced. For example, when EMR measurements are performed, the time from the time MAC CE decoding is completed to the time L1-RSRP measurements are completed may be omitted.

[0290] In some implementations, the accumulation of N samples related to EMR measurements may not be completed in RRC_IDLE mode. In this case, the UE may need to perform measurements during the RRC setup / resume period or in RRC_CONNECTED mode. In this case, since it is guaranteed that the UE requires EMR measurements during these periods, the UE can perform measurements based on the normal EMR measurement period instead of the extended EMR measurement period.

[0291] The operations described in the disclosure of this specification can also be applied to SCell activation operations based on intra / inter frequency measurements in IDLE / INACTIVE, in addition to EMR measurements.

[0292] According to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification, SCell activation delay can be reduced based on actions performed by a UE supporting EMR.

[0293] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0294] FIG. 12 is an example of a procedure according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0295] Figure 12 is an example of the disclosure of this specification. The scope of the disclosure of this specification is not limited by the procedures illustrated in Figure 12. For example, the operations, contents, etc. described in various examples of the disclosure of this specification may also be applied to the example of Figure 12.

[0296] The UE may perform the random access procedure described in the examples of FIGS. 6A through 6E. For example, the UE may transmit a random access preamble to the base station. The base station may transmit a response message to the UE.

[0297] The UE may be in RRC CONNECTED mode.

[0298] In step (S1201), the base station may transmit an RRC release message to the UE. In this case, the UE may be in RRC IDLE mode.

[0299] At step (S1202), the UE may perform Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) measurements.

[0300] For example, based on the EMR measurement cycle, the UE can perform EMR measurements.

[0301] Based on the expiration of a timer related to EMR (e.g., a timer based on T331), the UE may perform EMR measurements based on an extended EMR measurement period.

[0302] For example, the extended EMR measurement period may be set to be less than or equal to the validity duration associated with the EMR.

[0303] In some implementations, the UE may transmit an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message to the base station. The UE may receive the RRC setup message from the base station. The UE may transmit an RRC setup complete message to the base station. For example, the RRC setup complete message may include information related to EMR availability.

[0304] For example, if an EMR measurement is performed based on an extended EMR measurement cycle, information related to EMR availability may always include information that the EMR is available.

[0305] As another example, a second timer (e.g., T331_Long) associated with the EMR may be used. In this case, based on the extended EMR measurement period, if an EMR measurement is performed before the T331_Long timer expires, the information related to EMR availability may include information that the EMR is available. If the T331_Long timer expires after the EMR measurement, the information related to EMR availability may not include information that the EMR is available (or may include information that the EMR is not available).

[0306] In some implementations, the UE may receive a Secondary Cell (SCell) activation command message. The UE may also transmit Channel State Information (CSI). If the UE transmits valid CSI, SCell activation may be completed.

[0307] In some implementations, the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR period may be performed based on a history of an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message being transmitted before a timer associated with the EMR expires.

[0308] In some implementations, the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR period may be omitted based on the fact that no RRC setup request message or RRC resume request message has been transmitted before the timer associated with the EMR expires.

[0309] In some implementations, the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR measurement period may be performed until a timer associated with the extended EMR measurement expires or an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message is transmitted.

[0310] This specification may have various effects.

[0311] For example, efficient communication can be supported by reducing SCell activation delay. For example, by reducing SCell activation delay, lower latency, higher throughput, enhanced load balancing, and UE energy saving can be achieved.

[0312] The effects that can be achieved through the specific examples of this specification are not limited to the effects listed above. For example, a person with ordinary skill in the relevant technical field may understand or derive various technical effects from this specification. Accordingly, the specific effects of this specification are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of this specification.

[0313] For reference, the operation of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification may be implemented by the devices of FIGS. 1 to 3 described above. For example, the terminal (e.g., UE) may be the first device (100) or the second device (200) of FIG. 2. For example, the operation of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification may be processed by one or more processors (102 or 202). The operation of the terminal described in this specification may be stored in one or more memories (104 or 204) in the form of instructions / programs (e.g., instructions, executable codes) executable by one or more processors (102 or 202). One or more processors (102 or 202) may control one or more memories (104 or 204) and one or more transceivers (105 or 206), and execute instructions / programs stored in one or more memories (104 or 204) to perform operations of a terminal (e.g., UE) described in the disclosure of this specification.

[0314] Additionally, commands for performing operations of a terminal (e.g., UE) described in the disclosure of this specification may be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be included in one or more memories (104 or 204). In addition, the commands recorded in the storage medium may be executed by one or more processors (102 or 202) to perform operations of a terminal (e.g., UE) described in the disclosure of this specification.

[0315] For reference, the operations of a network node (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, etc.) or a base station (e.g., a base station, NG-RAN, gNB, eNB, serving cell, PCell, SCell, neighboring cell, etc.) described in this specification may be implemented by the devices of FIGS. 1 to 3 described below. For example, the network node or the base station may be the first device (100) or the second device (200) of FIG. 2. For example, the operations of the network node or the base station described in this specification may be processed by one or more processors (102 or 202). The operations of the terminal described in this specification may be stored in one or more memories (104 or 204) in the form of instructions / programs (e.g., instructions, executable codes) executable by one or more processors (102 or 202). One or more processors (102 or 202) may control one or more memories (104 or 204) and one or more transceivers (106 or 206), and execute instructions / programs stored in one or more memories (104 or 204) to perform operations of a network node or base station as described in the disclosure of this specification.

[0316] Additionally, the instructions for performing the operations of the network node or base station described in the disclosure of this specification may be stored in a non-volatile (or non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium having the instructions recorded thereon. The storage medium may be included in one or more memories (104 or 204). In addition, the instructions recorded in the storage medium may be executed by one or more processors (102 or 202) to perform the operations of the network node or base station described in the disclosure of this specification.

[0317] Although the preferred embodiments have been described above by way of example, the disclosure of this specification is not limited to these specific embodiments, and may be modified, changed, or improved in various forms within the scope of the spirit and claims of this specification.

[0318] In the exemplary system described above, the methods are described based on a flowchart as a series of steps or blocks. However, the order of the steps described is not limited, and some steps may occur in a different order or simultaneously with other steps described above. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the steps depicted in the flowchart are not exclusive, and other steps may be included, or one or more steps in the flowchart may be deleted without affecting the scope of the invention.

[0319] The claims set forth in this specification may be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features of the method claims of this specification may be combined to implement a device, and the technical features of the device claims of this specification may be combined to implement a method. Furthermore, the technical features of the method claims and the technical features of the device claims of this specification may be combined to implement a device, and the technical features of the method claims and the technical features of the device claims of this specification may be combined to implement a method. Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A step of receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message; and A step of performing EMR measurement based on an Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) measurement cycle, Based on the expiration of the timer associated with the EMR, the EMR measurement is performed based on the extended EMR measurement cycle, A method wherein the extended EMR measurement period is set to be less than or equal to a validity duration associated with the EMR.

2. In paragraph 1, A step of transmitting an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message; A step of receiving an RRC setup message; and Including a step of transmitting an RRC setup complete message, A method wherein the RRC setup completion message includes information related to EMR availability.

3. In paragraph 2, A step of receiving a Secondary Cell (SCell) activation command message; and A method further comprising the step of transmitting Channel State Information (CSI).

4. In paragraph 1, A method in which the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR period is performed based on a history of transmitting an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message before the timer related to the EMR expires.

5. In paragraph 1, A method in which the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR period is omitted based on the fact that there is no history of transmitting an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message before the timer related to the EMR expires.

6. In paragraph 1, A method in which the timer related to the above EMR is a timer based on T331.

7. In paragraph 1, A method in which the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR measurement period is performed until a timer related to the extended EMR measurement expires or an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message is transmitted.

8. As a device, At least one transmitter / receiver; at least one processor; and comprising one or more memories capable of storing instructions and being operable to the one or more processors; A device wherein at least one processor is adapted to perform one of the methods of claims 1 to 7.

9. At least one processor; and At least one memory storing instructions and being operably electrically connected to the at least one processor, An apparatus, wherein at least one processor is adapted to perform one of the methods of claims 1 to 7.

10. A non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM) that records commands, The above instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. CRM.

11. Including a step of transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message to User Equipment (UE), The RRC release message triggers EMR measurement of the UE based on an Early Measurement Reporting (EMR) measurement cycle, Based on the expiration of the timer related to EMR, EMR measurement of the UE based on the extended EMR measurement period is triggered, A method wherein the extended EMR measurement period is set to be less than or equal to a validity duration associated with the EMR.

12. In paragraph 11, A step of receiving an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message from the UE; a step of transmitting an RRC setup message to the UE; and comprising a step of receiving an RRC setup complete message from the UE; A method wherein the RRC setup completion message includes information related to EMR availability.

13. In paragraph 12, A step of transmitting a Secondary Cell (SCell) activation command message to the UE; and A method further comprising the step of receiving Channel State Information (CSI) from the UE.

14. In paragraph 11, A method in which the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR period is performed based on a history of transmitting an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message before the timer related to the EMR expires.

15. In paragraph 11, A method in which the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR period is omitted based on the fact that there is no history of transmitting an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message before the timer related to the EMR expires.

16. In paragraph 11, A method in which the timer related to the above EMR is a timer based on T331.

17. In paragraph 11, A method in which the EMR measurement based on the extended EMR measurement period is performed until a timer related to the extended EMR measurement expires or an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message is transmitted.

18. One or more transmitters and receivers; one or more processors; and comprising one or more memories capable of storing instructions and being operable to the one or more processors; A device wherein at least one processor is adapted to perform one of the methods of claims 11 to 17.

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