Dynamic reporting of maximum sensitivity degradation data

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for dynamically reporting maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) values that are lower than a reference MSD. The dynamic update of improved MSD values for different combinations of configured bandwidth parts (BWPs) may reduce self-interference. In the context of a method, the method includes receiving, from at least one network node, an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, providing, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD.

Description

DYNAMIC REPORTING OF MAXIMUM SENSITIVITY DEGRADATION DATARELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to IN provisional Application No. 202441061026 filed August 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] An example embodiment relates generally to signaling techniques for dynamically reporting changes in maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) values for configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations.BACKGROUND

[0003] When a user equipment (UE) is operated with more than one transceiver active at different spectrum allocations (e.g., in carrier aggregation, dual connectivity, and / or the like), the UE radio hardware may experience self-interference. For example, one of the activated transceivers may generate spectrum content, harmonic response, or harmonic products that create interference inside an active receive band of the same UE. Activation and deactivation of configured BWPs may depend on a reference MSD (e.g., a benchmark or baseline value of MSD at which a UE is expected to function). The network may determine to change the activation or deactivation of a configured BWP; however, legacy approaches do not enable the network to evaluate the potential MSD impact of switching BWPs. Without this information, the network may initiate switch events that increase instances of self-interference at the UE. For example, the uninformed switching decisions may introduce additional signaling overhead and cause undesirable interruptions in data transfer (e.g., due to the involved BWP switching time).BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to configure a UE to dynamically report MSD information to a network node. In various embodiments, the present method, apparatus, and computer program product provide improved solutions for reducing instances of switching the active BWP of the UE to a BWP associated with high MSD. For example, the method, apparatus, andcomputer program product may enable the network node to generate BWP switch decisions based on current MSD values for the configured BWP combinations of the UE. In doing so, the method, apparatus, and computer program product, may enable the network node to avoid temporary losses of service or drops in throughput, which may occur in instances of switching to high MSD BWPs.

[0005] In legacy approaches, a network node may determine to switch between configured BWPs based on reference values of MSD, baseline estimates of MSD, and / or the like. However, the respective MSD values of one or more configured BWP combinations may change dynamically. As a result, such approaches may perform a switch to a BWP with significant unreported MSD issues, which may cause interruptions in or slow data transfer. To overcome these issues, and others, the present disclosure provides for dynamically reporting of MSD values for configured BWP combinations. In doing so, the present techniques enable the network node to better predict and mitigate MSD in switching decisions. For example, the UE may be configured to provision MSD data to the network node in accordance with an MSD configuration that comprises one or more criteria for triggering reporting of MSD values that are lower than a reference MSD. The UE may cause the network node to perform a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration (RRC) based at least in part on the MSD data. The RRC reconfiguration may cause the UE to switch a current active BWP from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination, which may be associated with an improvement to MSD. In this manner, MSD issues and effects may be better mitigated as compared to legacy approaches.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, and computer program product provide a finer granularity of MSD data that enables the network node to utilize, or avoid, BWP band combinations with potential for MSD issues. For example, present techniques may enable the network node to determine that the UE is able to perform with lower MSD as compared to a reference MSD specified for or current MSD experienced by the UE. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus, and computer program product enable the network node to more informatively switch between a plurality of BWP-pairs in the inter-band combinations. For example, the present techniques may enable the network node to prefer the the placement of UL BWPs and DL BWPs based on current estimates of MSD. In some embodiments, interband combinations with frequency division duplex (FDD) may have different duplex distances, and the present techniques may enable the network node to determine and leverage the different duplex distances in formulating switch decisions (e.g., as an improvement from conventional relations of UL-to-DL distance). In some embodiments, inter-band combinations with timedivision duplex (TDD) may have different receiver (RX) and transmitter (TX) placement inside the carrier bandwidth. The present techniques may enable the network node to leverage the different RX / TX placements in formulating switch decisions (e.g., as an improvement from conventional relations of UL=DL allocation in TDD). In various embodiments, the combination of FDD and TDD allocations enable greater flexibility in configurations to mitigate the relations that result in MSD for the inter-band combinations.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving, from at least one network node, a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, providing, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one criterion comprises a difference threshold. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: generating, for the plurality of configured BWP combinations, a respective difference value between i) a historical MSD value of the configured BWP combination, and ii) a current MSD value of the configured BWP combination; and in response to determining that at least one of the difference values satisfies the difference threshold, provisioning to the at least one network node the MSD data. In some embodiments, the MSD data comprises the current MSD values of the at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating, for the plurality of configured BWP combinations, a respective difference value between i) a historical MSD value of the configured BWP combination, and ii) a current MSD value of the configured BWP combination; determining a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations for which the respective difference value is non-zero; and provisioning to the network node the current MSD values of the at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations associated with a non-zero difference value, wherein, the MSD data excludes respective MSD values of a remaining subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations that are associated with a difference value of zero.

[0010] In some embodiments, a respective configured BWP combination comprises at least two aggressor transmission (TX) BWPs and at least one victim receiver (RX) BWP. In some embodiments, the MSD data comprises respective identifiers for the at least two aggressorBWPs and the at least one victim RX BWP of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the MSD data further comprises a respective subscriber identity module (SIM) identifier for the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, in response to an activation or a deactivation of at least one secondary cell, provisioning, to the at least one network node, second MSD data comprising current MSD values for the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, a first configured BWP of one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations is an active BWP. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, in response to a change in the active BWP from the first configured BWP to a second configured BWP of one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, provisioning, to the at least one network node, second MSD data comprising current MSD values for the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

[0012] In some embodiments, method further comprises switching a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations in response to receiving an instruction from the at least one network node, wherein the instruction is based at least in part on the MSD data. In some embodiments, the method further comprises provisioning to the at least one network node at least one bit value configured to indicate a capability to report respective MSD data pursuant to the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, a respective configured BWP combination comprises at least one RX BWP; and the at least one bit value is further configured to indicate a capability to dynamically update the respective MSD value pursuant to the RX BWP. In some embodiments, the respective MSD value is a minimum MSD value for the respective configured BWP combination.

[0013] As another example, a method in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise provisioning to at least one network node a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations to cause the network node to perform a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration based at least in part on the MSD values, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD. In some embodiments, the at least one network node comprises at least one gNodeB.

[0014] As further described below, in some embodiments, one or more operations of the abovedescribed methods are performed by an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform the one or more operations. For example, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the atleast one processor, cause the apparatus to receive, from at least one network node, an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, provide, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD. In the same example, the apparatus may also perform other operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods.

[0015] As another example, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provision to at least one network node a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations to cause the network node to perform an RRC reconfiguration based at least in part on the MSD values, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD. In some embodiments, the apparatus embodies a UE.

[0016] In various embodiments, as further described below, provided herein is a computer program product including at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computerexecutable program code instructions including program code instructions configured for performing one or more operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods. For example, a computer program product may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to receive, from at least one network node, an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, provide, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD. In the same example, the program code instructions may also be configured to perform additional operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods.

[0017] As another example, a computer program product may include at least one non- transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to provision to at least one network node a respectiveMSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations to cause the network node to perform an RRC reconfiguration based at least in part on the MSD values, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD.

[0018] In various embodiments, as further described below, one or more operations of the above-described methods are performed by an apparatus having means for performing the one or more operations. For example, an apparatus may include i) means for receiving, from at least one network node, an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and ii) means for, in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, providing, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD. In the same example, the apparatus may embody additional aspects and / or include additional means for performing additional operations of the above-described methods.

[0019] As another example, an apparatus may include means for provisioning to at least one network node a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations to cause the network node to perform an RRC reconfiguration based at least in part on the MSD values, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD.

[0020] In some embodiments, a second method includes provisioning, to a UE, an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; receiving, from the UE, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the MSD data satisfies the at least one criterion and the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD; and based at least in part on the MSD data, causing the UE to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one criterion comprises a difference threshold. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving at least one bit value from the UE; determining that the UE is capable of reporting respective MSD data pursuant to the plurality of configured BWP combinations based at least in part on the at least one bit value; and in response to the determining, provisioning the difference threshold to the UE. In some embodiments, a respective configured BWP combination comprises at least one RX BWP. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining that, based at least one bit value,the UE is capable of dynamically updating the respective MSD value pursuant to the RX BWP. In some embodiments, a respective configured BWP combination comprises at least two aggressor TX BWPs and at least one victim RX BWP; and the MSD data comprises respective identifiers for the at least two aggressor BWPs and the at least one victim RX BWP of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the MSD data further comprises a respective SIM identifier for the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the MSD configuration further instructs the UE to report, respectively, a minimum MSD value for the at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

[0022] As another example, a method in accordance with the present disclosure may include receiving from a UE a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD; and performing an RRC reconfiguration pursuant to the UE and one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations based at least in part on the MSD values.

[0023] As further described below, in some embodiments, one or more operations of the abovedescribed methods are performed by an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform the one or more operations. For example, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provision, to a UE, an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; receive, from the UE, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the MSD data satisfies the at least one criterion and the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD; and based at least in part on the MSD data, cause the UE to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In the same example, the apparatus may also perform other operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods.

[0024] As another example, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive from a UE a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations; and perform an RRC reconfiguration pursuant to the UE and one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations based at least in part on the MSD values. In some embodiments, the apparatus embodies a network node, such as a gNodeB.

[0025] In various embodiments, as further described below, provided herein is a computer program product including at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computerexecutable program code instructions including program code instructions configured for performing one or more operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods. For example, a computer program product may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to provision, to a UE, an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; receive, from the UE, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the MSD data satisfies the at least one criterion and the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD; and based at least in part on the MSD data, cause the UE to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In the same example, the program code instructions may also be configured to perform additional operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods.

[0026] As another example, a computer program product may include at least one non- transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to receive from a UE a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD; and perform an RRC reconfiguration pursuant to the UE and one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations based at least in part on the MSD values

[0027] In various embodiments, as further described below, one or more operations of the above-described methods are performed by an apparatus having means for performing the one or more operations. For example, an apparatus may include i) means for provisioning, to a UE, an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; ii) means for receiving, from the UE, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the MSD data satisfies the at least one criterion and the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD; and iii) means for based at least in part on the MSD data, causing the UE to switch acurrent active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In the same example, the apparatus may embody additional aspects and / or include additional means for performing additional operations of the above-described methods.

[0028] As another example, an apparatus may include means for receiving from a UE a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD; and means for performing an RRC reconfiguration pursuant to the UE and one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations based at least in part on the MSD values.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communication system in which an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus that may be configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of example coupling paths with a UE;

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a chart of example carrier frequency combinations that may be affected by MSD;

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a chart of example carrier frequency combinations that may be affected by MSD;

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of example causes of MSD in an operator allocated spectrum;

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrate an example signal diagram for dynamically reporting MSD values for BWP combinations in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 8 is an example flowchart of a dynamic MSD signaling process that may be performed by a UE in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] FIG. 9 is an example flowchart of a dynamic MSD signaling process that may be performed by a network node in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and / or stored in accordance with the described embodiments. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

[0040] Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and / or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and / or firmware. As another example, the term ‘circuitry’ as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device (such as a core network apparatus), field programmable gate array, and / or other computing device.

[0041] The term “comprising” means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including,” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0042] The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in various embodiments”, and the like generally refer to the fact that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, but not necessarily all embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure such that these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “example,” “exemplary,” and the like are used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation, aspect, or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations, aspects, or designs. Rather, use of the terms “example,” “exemplary,” and the like are intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

[0044] If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

[0045] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to signal, non-transitory computer-readable medium and the like. The term ‘non-transitory computer-readable medium’ refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device or non-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by a controller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module of a computational system to encode thereon computerexecutable instructions or software programs. A non-transitory “computer-readable medium” may be accessed by a computational system or a module of a computational system to retrieve and / or execute the computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB flash drives), computer system memory or random-access memory (such as, DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM), and the like.

[0046] As used herein, “lower MSD” or “lower MSD value” generally represents a capability of a UE to perform better as compared to one or more reference MSD values. For example, a lower MSD value of 6 decibels (dB) may indicate that a UE may perform 6 dB better than a reference MSD value for the UE. In various embodiments, the terms lower MSD, lower MSDvalue, and “MSD value lower than an MSD reference,” are used interchangeably herein and in the accompanying figures.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a communication network 100 is provided in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication network 100 is in communication with a plurality of user equipment (UE) 110. By way of example, the network 100 may be deployed within a radio access architecture based on long term evolution advanced (LTE Advanced, LTE-A) and / or new radio (NR, 5G). However, the system may be deployed in other network architectures including within other communication networks including, for example, other communication networks developed in the future, e.g., sixth generation (6G) networks, as well as any of a number of existing networks including a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN, E- UTRAN or NG-RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, personal communications services (PCS), ZigBee®, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) and Internet Protocol multimedia subsystems (IMS) or any combination thereof.

[0048] The UE 110 may be any type of user terminal, terminal device, etc. to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned. For example, the UE 110 may be a portable computing device such as a wireless mobile communication device including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and / or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. The user equipment may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal or user equipment (UE) just to mention but a few names or apparatuses.

[0049] The network 100 may include a plurality of network devices, such as a variety of network nodes 120 that serve one or more UEs 110. In some embodiments, the network node 120 includes one or more serving cells configured to provide network services to one or more UEs 110. In some embodiments, a UE 110 is configured with a plurality of downlink (DL) BWPs and a plurality of uplink (UL) BWPs for a respective serving cell of the network node 120. For example, in a context of carrier aggregation (CA), a UE 110 may have multiple serving cells (e.g., primary cell (Pcell) and secondary cells (Scells), where a respective serving sell may be configured with up to four BWPs. In various embodiments, a single configured BWP of a respective cell may be established as the active BWP of the cell.

[0050] In some embodiments, a BWP is a designated portion extracted from the overall carrier bandwidth. In some embodiments, a BWP represents a subset of the total available spectrum in the carrier. In some embodiments, a respective BWP has its own defined numerology, such as SubCarrier Spacing (SCS), symbol duration and Cyclic Prefix (CP) length.

[0051] In some embodiments, when a UE 110 is operated with more than one transceiver active at different spectrum allocations (e.g., in CA or dual connectivity (DC)), the UE radio hardware is potentially subject to cause self-interference. In some embodiments, self-interference is experienced in the UE transmitter that has spectrum content, harmonic response, or harmonic products that create interference inside an active receive band of the same UE 110. As shown in the example diagram 300 of FIG. 3, respective couplings 305A, 305Bof the transmitted signal to the receiver may occur through a PCB 301, between and within electrical components and a plurality of antennas 303 A, 303B, 303C, 303D. As a result, the impact of self-interference may be dependent upon the design of the UE 110 and its configuration. In some embodiments, a determinant of self-interference occurrence is the exact frequency location of the simultaneous transmission and reception activities at the UE 110.

[0052] In various embodiments, the various types of self-interference are caused by different conditions and mechanisms within the UE 110 and, for some types, the network 100. In some embodiments, the various types of self-interference are segmented into two categories. In some embodiments, a first group of self-interference types is associated with a context in which only one uplink (UL) component carrier is used in a band combination. In some embodiments, a second group of self-interference types is associated with a context in which two uplink component carriers are used in a band combination. Table 1 shows example relations between self-interference types and the respective MSD types and band combinations that may result in the self-interference type. In Table, UL2 / DL1 may indicate that the the second harmonic (2) of the uplink can match the fundamental (1) of the downlink. Further, “IMD” may refer to intermodulation distortion.Table 1. MSD Types and Combinations Causing Self-Interference.

[0053] In some embodiments, UL harmonics cause self-interference in the other DL component carrier based at least part on the harmonic of the uplink falling inside the other DL component carrier bandwidth at the fundamental carrier frequency of the downlink band. In some embodiments, harmonic mixing causes self-interference when a combination of the UL fundamental / harmonic coincides with the DL harmonic of the other DL component. In some embodiments, cross band is an expression of self-interference when the output spectrum of the UL component carrier falls inside the DL component carrier bandwidth, which may be considered as adjacent channel leakage of the transmitter (e.g., where the leakage depends on the non-linear behavior of the power amplifier). In some embodiments, IMD occurs when two UL component carriers mix (e.g., intermodulation) and the product of the mixing of the UL component carriers falls inside the receiver band of one or the other DL component carrier bandwidth at the fundamental carrier frequency of the downlink band. In some embodiments, non-contiguous uplink carrier aggregation (UL CA) and triple beat are also included in the category of IMD.

[0054] In some embodiments, in two-carrier aggregation (2CA) band combinations, an increasing number of 2CA cases demonstrate issues with self-interference (e.g., a majority of cases or greater). In some embodiments, in three-carrier aggregation (3CA) band combinations, the IMD that falls inside the third bands adds to the count of occurrences of IMD (e.g., since the fallback 2CA issues remain in the three-band combination).

[0055] In various embodiments, since self-interference depends on the exact channel allocation of all active spectrum, the large numbers of CA combination are though not necessarily triggering self-interference. For example, as shown in the chart 400 of FIG. 4, MSD may occur within a range of carrier frequency combinations. The chart 400 illustrates carrier frequency combinations (e.g., scale combination bandwidth 10 megahertz (MHz) for n3 and 20 MHz for n78) that may be affected by MSD caused by the uplink second harmonic (“H2”). For example,chart 400 shows a second harmonic relation of the band n3 uplink 401 to the band n78 (time division duplex) downlink 403 with a field 405 across the chart. The indicated field 405 may indicate that combining an uplink frequency of n3 with a downlink operation in n78 the range from ~3.42GHz to ~3.54GHz may result in the n3 uplink second harmonic response affecting the downlink quality of n78 inside the UE through self-interference.

[0056] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides improved systems and techniques for enabling the UE 110 to inform the network node 120 of MSD values and changes to MSD values, where the reported MSD values are lower than a reference MSD for the UE 110. In doing so, the network node 120 may change the activated BWP of the UE 110 to reduce occurrences of self-interference. For example, the present techniques provide for informing the network node 120 (e.g., through UE assistance information or RRC (re-)configuration complete message) that the UE is experiencing cross-SIM interference and provisioning to the network node 120 information indicative of the configurations of the other SIMs of the UE 110. In this manner, the network node 120 may mitigate cross-SIM interference issues through reconfiguration of either uplink (e.g., aggressor SIM) or downlink (e.g., victim SIM) based at least in part on information associated with the conflicting band, channel, and / or the like at the UE 110.

[0057] In some embodiments, the UE 110 is configured to provision UE assistance information to the network node 120. The UE assistance information may indicate to the network node 120 frequency-related data, changes in MSD values for configured BWP combinations, and / or the like. Table 2 provides example lists of frequencies or frequency combinations that may be included in the UE assistance information. In particular, Table 2 specifies lists of frequencies (affectedCarrierFreqList) or frequency combinations (affectedCarrierFreqCombList) that are impacted by in-device coexistence (IDC) problems due to IMD or harmonics from new radio (NR) when configured with UL CA or NR-DC. In legacy approaches, the UE assistance information fails to cover the multi-SIM use case. Further, such approaches provide the UE assistance information after the UL CA or NR-DC configuration is configured. As a result, such approaches may result in unnecessary BWP switching. To address the issue of unnecessary BWP switching, and others, the present techniques provide for provisioning UE assistance information to the network node 120 before a BWP switch to enable the network node 120 to predict and mitigate for MSD issues before initiating a BWP switch.Table 2. UE Assistance Information for Single-SIM Use Cases

[0058] Table 2 shows additional elements of UE assistance that may be provisioned to the network node 120 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the elements shown in Table 2 cover multi-SIM use cases. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the MSD and / or resource elements (REs) may be just a fraction of the impacted band and, thus, avoiding the complete band combination may be unnecessary. Splitting the band into multiple BWPs may allow the network node 120 to switch the UE 110 to a BWP which does not have MSD issues. In order for the network node 120 to decide if aB WP has MSD issues or not, the present methods, apparatuses, and computer program products enable the network node 120 to acquire information about TX carrier frequency and bandwidth on the other active SIMs.Table 3. UE Assistance Information for Multi-IM Use Cases

[0059] In legacy approaches, tables specifying the maximum allowed MSD for different band combinations and use cases typically hold a maximum value per entry. As described herein, it may be beneficial to configure the UE 110 to signal improved MSD performance capability (e.g., “improved lower MSD”) to the network node. In some embodiments, a UE 110 informs the network node 120 about one or more MSD values as part of capability reporting (e.g., the MSD value being lower than a reference MSD). However, the respective MSD values of one or more configured BWP combinations may change dynamically due to activity towards other network operators (e.g., in case of DS-DA), active TX on WiFi, and / or the like. The respective MSD values of configured BWP combinations may also be impacted by other radio frequency (RF) performance impairments caused by e.g. IDC issues. The present disclosure provides for dynamically reporting of the MSD values (e.g., lower MSD capability) to the network node 120 to better mitigate for self-interference in switching processes.

[0060] In some embodiments, a dynamic update of the potential MSD values for different combinations of the configured BWPs enables the network node 120 to evaluate the MSD consequences before switching to a new BWP part (e.g., assuming the UE 110 may provide an MSD value dynamically of higher accuracy than a static single configuration MSD value asfound in the LowerMSD capability). In various embodiments, the dynamic reporting of MSD values may enable the network node 120 to avoid switching to a BWP with excess MSD issues. For example, performing a switch to a BWP which has too significant MSD issues may involve unnecessary interruptions in the data transfer due to the involved BWP switching time and in addition the associated signaling causes extra signaling overhead. To overcome this challenge, and others, the present techniques configure the UE 110 to assist the network node 120 with MSD data to cause the network node 120 to switch the active BWP of the UE 110 to a most- optimum BWP that causes the least self-interference issues at the UE 110.

[0061] In various embodiments, the present methods, apparatuses, and computer program products configure the UE 110 to inform the network node 120 about the actual MSD value (e.g., current, estimated MSD) per combination of configured BWPs. As shown in FIG. 5, the MSD value may depend on the explicit carrier frequencies and bandwidths being configured. By configuring the UE 110 to inform the network node 120 about the respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, the network node 120 may avoid switching to BWPs associated with combinations that demonstrate MSD issues.

[0062] In some embodiments, a serving cell may have up to four configured BWPs, only one which may be activated at a time per serving cell. As a result, the number of combinations may depend on the number of serving cells with active uplink. Moreover, each combination may cause multiple types of MSD (e.g., harmonic, harmonic mixing, cross band isolation, IMD, and / or the like), which may have different MSD impacts in different parts of the spectrum. In some embodiments, MSD issues are predictable in instances where the network node 120 knows all the respective uplink and downlink carriers configured as well as the allocated UL and DL bandwidth. For example, as the chart 500 of FIG. 5 illustrates combinations of TX carrier frequencies in band n3 and band n78 that will cause MSD issues due to 2nd harmonic of band n3 falling inside the RX on band n78. A respective square 501 formed by the dashed lines between the BWPs represents a BWP combination. The squares 501 which overlap with the black region 503 have MSD issues and may therefore be reported to the network node with an MSD value of zero, and / or the like. The BWP combinations which are indicated within a white region 505 do not exhibit MSD issues and may therefore be reported to the network node 120 with a greater MSD value.

[0063] In various embodiments, without implementation of signaling techniques as described herein, there may be cases in which the network node 120 lacks sufficient information to predict MSD issues. For example, the network node 120 may be unable to predict MSD issues for multi-SIM DS-DA operation or other RF TX activity in the UE, such as wireless fidelity(WiFi). This information may be provided to the network by the UE 110, but the relevant information to cover all cases may be extensive and specific to the UE hardware implementation (e.g., considering internal UE RF performance impairments due to IDC which may dynamically influence the lower MSD of the UE). To overcome this challenge, and others, the present techniques may include configuring the UE 110 to provision to the network node 120 an overall estimated MSD value per configured BWP (e.g., where the estimated MSD value is lower than a reference MSD and may also be referred to as a lower MSD value).

[0064] For example, as shown in the diagram 600 of FIG. 6, an operator allocated spectrum may suffer from difference sources and / or levels of MSD (e.g., no MSD 601, IMD4 603, 2nd order UL harmonic 605, and / or the like). The different MSD causes may result in multiple lower MSD values across the BWP band combinations. For example, depending on the source of MSD, the reported lower MSD value may be different. The reported MSD value may indicate how much better the UE is capable of performing in comparison to one or more predefined reference MSD values. Even in instances of overlap between the configured BWPs of a band, the present techniques enable the network node 120 to use the MSD data reported by the UE 110 to prevent switching from a small active (DL / UL) BWP to a larger overlapping (DL / UL) BWP if the MSD interference is estimated to be significant. In some embodiments, for a case of overlapping BWPs impacted by MSD, the network node 120 is also configured to activate carriers or bands where BWPs are not overlapping.

[0065] In various embodiments, the information about MSD values for potential BWP combinations may be given as assistance information to the network node 120 as part of the UE assistance information. In some embodiments, the information about MSD values is referred to as “MSD data.” In some embodiments, the UE 110 is configured to be dynamically updated and report the MSD data when one or more MSD value for one or more configured BWP combinations change more than a signaled threshold (e.g., which may include instances in which the active BWP change, an SCell is added or removed, and / or the like). As a further example that networks may have insufficient information of sources (e.g., carriers, BWPs, and / or the like) that may cause self-interference on a UE, the changes in MSD for configured BWP combinations may occur across networks operated on different SIMs.

[0066] In some embodiments, the additional UE assistance information includes list containing MSD per victim RX BWP. A respective entry in the list may correspond to a victim RX BWP for a given set of one or more aggressor TX BWP’s. In some embodiments, the UE 110 is configured to report only a single lower MSD a respective entry even if there are multiple sources of MSD. In some embodiments, the UE 110 is configured to report the minimum lowerMSD (e.g., which may reflect a case where the UE 110 is performing closest to the minimum requirements). Table 4 provides example MSD data that may be reported to by the UE 110 for respective victim RX BWPs.Table 4. MSD Data Contents

[0067] In some embodiments, in instances of two UL carriers, the maximum TX BWP combinations may be sixteen (e.g., maximum of four BWPs per cell and / or carrier). Accordingly, the number of TX BWP combinations may increase exponentially with the number of cells. In some embodiments, the network node 120 is configured to specify to the UE 110 a minimum MSD value that the UE shall report (e.g., MSD values below the minimum are not reported). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the UE 110 is configured to report MSD data for only a subset of BWP combinations for which the respective MSD value has changed, a change in the respective MSD value (e.g., a difference value between a historical MSD value and the current MSD value is non-zero).

[0068] FIG. 2 shows example apparatuses 200a, 200b according to one embodiment. The apparatuses 200a, 200b may be embodiments of network devices or may be embodied by or otherwise associated with one or more network devices. For example, the apparatus 200a may be embodied by a UE 110 and the apparatus 200b may be embodied as a network node 120, or one or more elements thereof (e.g., serving cell, centralized unit, candidate cell, and / or the like).

[0069] Regardless of the device that embodies the apparatus 200a (or 200b), the apparatus may include processor 202a (202b), memory 204a (204b), and network interface 206a (206b). The apparatuses 200a, 200b may be configured to execute the operations described herein. For example, the apparatus 200a may be configured to perform the process 800 shown in FIG. 8. As another example, the apparatus 200b may be configured to perform the process 900 show in FIG. 9. Although these components are described with respect to the performance of various functions, it should be understood that the particular implementations necessarily include the use of particular hardware. It should also be understood that certain of these components may include similar or common hardware. For example, two sets of circuitries may both leverageuse of the same processor, network interface, storage medium, or the like to perform their associated functions, such that duplicate hardware is not required for each set of circuitries. The proceeding description of the processor 202a, memory 204a, and network interface 206a of the apparatus 200a may apply to similarly named elements of the apparatus 200b (e.g., processor 202b, memory 204b, and network interface 206b).

[0070] In some embodiments, the processor 202a (and / or co-processor or any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor) may be in communication with the memory 204a via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. The memory 204a is non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or nonvolatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory 204a may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). The memory 204a may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the memory 204a may store MSD configurations, MSD data, difference values, BWPs, identifiers, and / or the like.

[0071] The processor 202a may be embodied in a number of different ways and may, for example, include one or more processing devices configured to perform independently. In some non-limiting embodiments, the processor 202a may include one or more processors configured in tandem via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and / or multithreading. The use of the term “processor” may be understood to include a single core processor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors internal to the apparatus, and / or remote or “cloud” processors.

[0072] In some embodiments, the processor 202a may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 204a and / or circuitry otherwise accessible to the processor 202a. In some embodiments, the processor 202a may be configured to execute hard-coded functionalities. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor 202a may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment disclosed herein while configured accordingly. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 202a is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 202a to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0073] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a may optionally include input / output circuitry that may, in turn, be in communication with processor 202a to provide output to a user and / orother entity and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of an input. The input / output circuitry may comprise a user interface and may include a display, and may comprise a web user interface, a mobile application, a query-initiating computing device, a kiosk, or the like. In some embodiments, the input / output circuitry may also include a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input / output mechanisms. The processor and / or user interface circuitry comprising the processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements through computer program instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor (e.g., memory 204a, and / or the like).

[0074] The network interface 206a may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and / or transmit data from / to a network and / or any other device, circuitry, or module in communication with the apparatus 200a. In this regard, the network interface 206a may include, for example, a network interface for enabling communications with a wired or wireless communication network, such as the application function (AF), multicast and broadcast service function (MBSF), multicast and broadcast user plane function (MB-UPF), and / or multicast and broadcast session management function (MB-SMF). For example, the network interface 206a may include one or more network interface cards, antennae, buses, switches, routers, modems, and supporting hardware and / or software, or any other device suitable for enabling communications via a network. Additionally, or alternatively, the network interface 206a may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna / antennae to cause transmission of signals via the antenna / antennae or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna / antennae.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 7, shown is example signal diagram 700 for dynamically reporting MSD values for BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the operations of the signal diagram 700 are performed by a UE 110, one or more network nodes 120, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the UE 110 includes a first subscriber identity module (SIM) 702 and a second SIM 704. In some embodiments, the network node 120 includes a first connected mode network 706 and a second connected mode network 708. In various embodiments, the signal diagram 700 is associate with a multi-SIM use case. It will be understood and appreciated that the signaling techniques for dynamically reporting lower MSD values of configured BWP combinations may be performed in single-SIM use cases without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, the first SIM 702 may provision to the first connected mode network 706 UE capability information (signal 701). In some embodiments, the UE capabilityinformation indicates the capability of the UE to report respective MSD values for configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the first SIM 702 may provision to the second connected mode network 708 UE capability information (signal 703), where said UE capability information indicates the capability of the UE to report respective MSD values for configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the first connected mode network 706 and the second connected mode network 708 are the same network. In such contexts, a potential network may observe the first SIM 702 and second SIM 704 individually and, as a result, both SIMs may inform the network about the UE capabilities. In various embodiments, the first SIM 702 and second SIM 704 of the UE 110 may enter a connected mode (indicium 705).

[0077] In some embodiments, the first connected mode network 706 provisions to the first SIM 702 a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message (signal 707). In some embodiments, the RRC reconfiguration message is referred to as an MSD configuration. The RRC reconfiguration may include reconfiguring a primary cell (Pcell) and / or secondary cell (Scell) of the UE 110. In some embodiments, the RRC reconfiguration message includes one or more thresholds for triggering reports of MSD values. For example, the RRC reconfiguration may include a minimum threshold for lower MSD reporting (e.g., reporting of MSD values that are less than a reference MSD specified for the UE 110). In such contexts, the UE 110 may use the minimum threshold to determine whether to report an MSD value for a BWP combination (e.g., the UE 110 may determine not to report MSD values that fail to satisfy the minimum threshold). In some embodiments, the RC reconfiguration includes a difference threshold that is used by the UE 110 to determine whether to provision updated MSD values to the network node 120. In such contexts, the UE 110 may provision updated MSD values to the network node 120 in response to determining that a change in one or more MSD values (e.g., in comparison to previously reported values) satisfies the difference threshold.

[0078] In such contexts, the RRC reconfiguration message may cause the first SIM 702 to report MSD values only in instances where a change in one or more MSD values satisfies the minimum threshold. Additionally, or alternatively, the RRC reconfiguration message may cause the first SIM 702 to omit from reporting the MSD values of BWP combinations that fail to satisfy the minimum threshold.

[0079] In some embodiments, in instances where an RRC reconfiguration changes the configured BWPs (e.g., RX BWP and / or TX BWPs) and results in new TX BWP combinations with changes in MSD value relevant to the first connected mode network 706, the UE 110 may determine to send UE assistance information to inform the network node 120 (indicium 709). The first SIM 702 may provision to the first connected mode network 706 UE assistanceinformation including a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations (e.g., the MSD values being less than a reference MSD) (signal 711), where a respective change to one or more of the MSD values following RRC reconfiguration satisfies the minimum threshold.

[0080] In some embodiments, in instances where an RRC reconfiguration change on the first SIM 702 changes an MSD value of one or more configured BWP combinations associated with one or more additional SIMs, the UE 110 may trigger the additional SIM to provision UE assistance information to the associated connected mode network (indicium 713, signal 715). For example, in such contexts, the second SIM 702 may provision to the second connected mode network 708 UE assistance information including a respective MSD value for a plurality of configured BWP combinations, where a respective change to one or more of the MSD values following RRC reconfiguration satisfies the minimum threshold.

[0081] In some embodiments, the changes to the MSD values may cause the network node 120 to switch the current active BWP of one or more SIMs to another BWP (indicium 717). For example, the updated MSD values may indicate to the network node 120 that a particular BWP of one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations has a superior MSD value relative to a current active BWP. In response to the updated MSD information, the network node 120 may determine to switch the active BWP to the particular BWP. For example, the second connected mode network 708 may trigger an RRC reconfiguration on the second SIM 704 to update the active BWP based at least in part on the UE assistance information (signal 719).

[0082] Referring now to FIG 8., shown is an example flowchart of a dynamic MSD signaling process 800. The process 800, or blocks / steps / operations thereof, may be performed by one or more apparatuses 200a as shown in FIG. 2 and described herein. In various embodiments, the apparatus performing the process 800 embodies a UE 110.

[0083] In some embodiments, at block 803, the apparatus performing the process 800 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning to a network node an indication of a capability to dynamically update MSD data pursuant to a plurality of configured BWP combinations. For example, the apparatus 200a may provision to a network node 120 an indication that the apparatus 200a (e.g., embodying a UE 110) is capable of dynamically updating MSD data for a plurality of configured BWP combinations. The dynamic updating of MSD data may include provisioning to the network node respective MSD values of the plurality of configured BWP combinations (e.g., based at least in part in on a difference threshold, in response to a cell switch event, in response to activation or deactivation of a secondary cell, and / or the like). In someembodiments, the apparatus 200a provisions to the network node 120 one or more bit values configured to indicate a capability to report respective MSD data pursuant to the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, a respective BWP combination includes one or more RX BWPs. Additionally, in some embodiments, the one or more bit values indicate to the network node a capability to update the respective MSD values of the plurality of configured BWP combinations pursuant to the respective RX BWP of the configured BWP combinations.

[0084] In some embodiments, at block 806, the apparatus performing the process 800 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for receiving from a network node an MSD configuration. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 120 an MSD configuration for dynamically updating MSD data pursuant to a plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the MSD configuration includes one or more criteria for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD for the apparatus 200a, where the MSD value is associated with a configured BWP combination. In some embodiments, the criteria instruct the apparatus 200a to report respective MSD values for one or more configured BWP combinations in response to determining that a difference value (e.g., generated in accordance with block 809) satisfies a provided difference threshold. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the criteria instruct the apparatus 200a to report MSD values for configured BWP combinations having a non-zero difference value. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the MSD configuration instructs the apparatus 200a to report MSD values in response to activation or deactivation of one or more secondary cells. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the MSD configuration instructs the apparatus 200a to report MSD values in response to a change in active BWP. In some embodiments, the MSD configuration instructs the apparatus 200a report a minimum MSD value for a respective configured BWP combination.

[0085] In some embodiments, at block 809, the apparatus performing the process 800 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for generating, for the plurality of configured BWP combinations, a respective difference values between a historical MSD value of the configured BWP combination and a current MSD value for the configured BWP combination. For example, the apparatus 200a may generate a plurality of difference values where a respective difference value comprises a difference between a historical lower MSD value of a configured BWP combination and a current lower MSD value of the configured BWP combination (e.g., “lower” referring to therespective values being less than a reference MSD). In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a performs block 809 iteratively or continuously to detect for non-zero difference values in MSD of one or more configured BWP combinations. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200a performs block 809 in response to a change in active BWP, activation or deactivation of a secondary cell, and / or the like. In various embodiments, the apparatus 200a is configured to generate a current value of MSD for configured BWP combinations on a periodic or continuous basis.

[0086] In some embodiments, at block 812, the apparatus performing the process 800 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for determining that one or more difference values satisfy a difference threshold indicated by the MSD configuration. For example, the apparatus 200a may compare the respective difference values of the configured BWP combinations to a difference threshold and determine one or more BWP combinations for which the difference value (e.g., change in MSD) satisfies the difference threshold. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a determines a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations for which the respective difference value satisfies the difference threshold. Additionally, in some embodiments, the MSD configuration includes a threshold quantity. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a determines whether a quantity of configured BWP combinations having a threshold-satisfying difference value meets the threshold quantity.

[0087] In some embodiments, at block 815, the apparatus performing the process 800 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for determining one or more configured BWP combinations having a nonzero difference value. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations for which the respective difference value is non-zero.

[0088] In some embodiments, at block 818, the apparatus performing the process 800 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for detecting activation or deactivation of one or more secondary cells (Scells). For example, the apparatus 200a may detect activation (e.g., addition) or deactivation (e.g., removal) of one or more Scells of the UE. In some embodiments, in response to the detection, the apparatus 200a obtains a respective current MSD value for the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

[0089] In some embodiments, at block 821, the apparatus performing the process 800 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning MSD data to the network node in accordance with one or more criteria basedon the MSD configuration. For example, the apparatus 200a may provision to the network node 120 MSD data in accordance with one or more criteria based at least in part on the MSD configuration of block 806. In some embodiments, the MSD data includes a respective MSD value for one or more of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, where the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD specified for the UE. In some embodiments, the reported MSD value is a minimum MSD value for the respective configured BWP combination.

[0090] In some embodiments, the MSD data includes the current MSD values of a subset of configured BWP combinations having a non-zero difference value. In such contexts, the MSD data may exclude respective MSD values of a remaining subset of the configured BWP combinations that are associated with a difference value of zero. In some embodiments, a respective configured BWP combination comprises two or more aggressor TX BWPs and one or more victim RX BWPs. In some embodiments, the MSD data comprises respective identifiers for the two or more aggressor BWPs and the one or more victim RX BWPs of the plurality of configured BWP combinations (e.g., or subset thereof being reported on). In some embodiments, comprises a respective subscriber identity module (SIM) identifier for the plurality of configured BWP combinations, or subset thereof.

[0091] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a provisions the MSD data to the network node in response to determining that a respective difference value of one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations satisfies the difference threshold. For example, in response to determining that one or more of the difference values of block 809 satisfies the difference threshold, the apparatus 200a provisions MSD data to the network node 120. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200a provisions the MSD data to the network node in response to detecting activation or deactivation of one or more Scells.

[0092] In some embodiments, at block 824, the apparatus performing the process 800 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for switching a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations in response to an instruction from the network node, wherein the instruction is based at least in part on the MSD data. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node an instruction based at least in part on the reported MSD data. In response to the instruction, the apparatus 200a may switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

[0093] In some embodiments, at block 827, the apparatus performing the process 800 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the network interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning second MSD data to the network node in response to a change in active BWP. For example, the apparatus 200a may provision second MSD data to the network node in response to a change in the current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the second MSD data includes a respective MSD value for one or more of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, the second MSD data includes a respective current MSD value for a subset of the configured BWP combinations for which a difference value between the current MSD value and a historical MSD value is non-zero.

[0094] FIG. 9 shows an example flowchart of a dynamic MSD signaling process 900. The process 900, or blocks / steps / operations thereof, may be performed by one or more apparatuses 200b as shown in FIG. 2 and described herein. In various embodiments, the apparatus performing the process 900 embodies a network node 120.

[0095] In some embodiments, at block 903, the apparatus performing the process 900 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202b, the memory 204b, the network interface 206b, or the like, for receiving one or more bit values from a UE. For example, the apparatus 200b may receive one or more bit values from the UE 110, where the one or more bit values are configured to indicate MSD reporting capabilities of the UE 110. In some embodiments, block 903 may be performed similar to block 803 of the process 800, where the referenced network node is embodied by the apparatus 200b.

[0096] In some embodiments, at block 906, the apparatus performing the process 900 optionally includes means, such as the processor 202b, the memory 204b, the network interface 206b, or the like, for determining that, based at least in part on the one or more values, the UE is capable of reporting MSD data pursuant a plurality of configured BWP combinations of the UE. For example, the apparatus 200b may determine that, based at least in part on one or more received bit values, the UE 110 is capable of reporting respective MSD data pursuant to a plurality of configured BWP combinations. In some embodiments, a respective configured BWP combination includes one or more RX BWPs. Additionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200b determines that the UE is capable of dynamically updating (e.g., reporting on) a respective MSD value of the configured BWP combination pursuant to the RX BWP.

[0097] In some embodiments, at block 909, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202b, the memory 204b, the network interface 206b, or the like,for provisioning to the UE an MSD configuration for a plurality of configured BWP combinations of the UE. For example, the apparatus 200b may provision to the UE 110 an MSD configuration pursuant to a plurality of configured BWP combinations of the UE 110. In some embodiments, the MSD configuration includes one or more criteria for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD associated with the UE 110. In some embodiments, block 909 may be performed similar to block 806 of the process 800, where the referenced network node is embodied by the apparatus 200b. For example, the MSD configuration may include one or more thresholds difference values, quantities, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the MSD configuration instructs the UE 110 to report MSD values for the plurality of configured BWP combinations in response to determining a difference value for one or more configured BWP combinations meets a difference threshold. In some embodiments, the MSD configuration instructs the UE 110 to report only those MSD values that are associated with a BWP combination having a non-zero difference value. As another example, the MSD configuration may instruct the UE 110 to report MSD values in response to activation or deactivation of one or more Scells, in response to a change in activated BWP. In some embodiments, the MSD configuration instructs the UE 110 report, respectively, a minimum MSD value for one or more configured BWP combinations.

[0098] In some embodiments, at block 912, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202b, the memory 204b, the network interface 206b, or the like, for receiving, from the UE, MSD data that satisfies one or more criteria based on the MSD configuration. For example, the apparatus 200b may receive, from the UE 110, MSD data that satisfies one or more criteria based on the MSD configuration of block 909. In some embodiments, the MSD data includes a respective MSD value for one or more of the plurality of configured BWP combinations of the UE, where the MSD value is lower than a reference MSD associated with the UE. In some embodiments, block 912 may be performed similar to block 821 of the process 800, where the referenced network node is embodied by the apparatus 200b.

[0099] In some embodiments, at block 915, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202b, the memory 204b, the network interface 206b, or the like, for, based at least in part on the MSD data, causing the UE to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. For example, the apparatus 200b may provision to the UE 110 an instruction that causes the UE 110 to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configuredBWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations. The apparatus 200b may generate the instruction based at least in part on the MSD data received from the UE 110, including one or more values of MSD for the plurality of configured BWP combinations (e.g., said values being lower than the reference MSD). In some embodiments, block 915 may be performed similar to block 824 of the process 800, where the referenced network node is embodied by the apparatus 200b.

[0100] In some embodiments, at block 918, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202b, the memory 204b, the network interface 206b, or the like, for receiving, from the UE, second MSD data including current MSD values for the plurality of configured BWP combinations following the switch in active BWP. For example, following the switch event, the apparatus 200b may receive, from the UE 110, second MSD data comprising current MSD values for the plurality of configured BWP combinations, or a subset thereof, such as a subset of configured BWP combinations having a non-zero or thresholdsatisfying difference value. In some embodiments, block 918 may be performed similar to block 827 of the process 800, where the referenced network node is embodied by the apparatus 200b.

[0101] In various embodiments, the method, apparatus and computer program product of the present disclosure are provided dynamically reporting MSD data to a network node. The method, apparatus, and computer program product provide improved solutions for switching an active BWP of a UE based at least in part on improvements to and / or avoidance of MSD issues. In various embodiments, the method, apparatus, and computer program product introduce improved signaling processes for triggering reports of MSD values that have changed beyond a threshold value. In various embodiments, the method, apparatus, and computer program product improve telecommunication services by overcoming technical challenges associated with switching active BWPs for a UE, including a lack of signaling means for dynamically updating the MSD values of configured BWPs.

[0102] It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and combination of blocks in the flowcharts show in the figures and described herein may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and / or communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures or operations described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures or operations described above may be stored by a memory 204a or memory 204b of an apparatus (e.g., a UE or network node employing a disclosed embodiment and executed by aprocessor 202a or processor 202b). As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0103] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as can be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from at least one network node, a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, provide, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the at least one criterion comprises a difference threshold; the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to: generate, for the plurality of configured BWP combinations, a respective difference value between i) a historical MSD value of the configured BWP combination, and ii) a current MSD value of the configured BWP combination; and in response to a determination that at least one of the difference values satisfies the difference threshold, provision the MSD data to the at least one network node; and the MSD data comprises the current MSD values of the at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:generate, for the plurality of configured BWP combinations, a respective difference value between i) a historical MSD value of the configured BWP combination, and ii) a current MSD value of the configured BWP combination; determine a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations for which the respective difference value is non-zero; and provision to the network node the current MSD values of the at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations associated with a non-zero difference value, wherein: the MSD data excludes respective MSD values of a remaining subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations that are associated with a difference value of zero.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1-3, wherein: a respective configured BWP combination comprises at least two aggressor TX BWPs and at least one victim RX BWP; and the MSD data comprises respective identifiers for the at least two aggressor BWPs and the at least one victim RX BWP of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the MSD data further comprises a respective SIM identifier for the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1-5, wherein: the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to: in response to an activation or a deactivation of at least one secondary cell, provision, to the at least one network node, second MSD data comprising current MSD values for the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1-6, wherein: a first configured BWP of one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations is an active BWP; and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:in response to a change in the active BWP from the first configured BWP to a second configured BWP of one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, provision, to the at least one network node, second MSD data comprising current MSD values for the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1-7, wherein: the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to: switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations in response to receiving an instruction from the at least one network node; and the instruction is based at least in part on the MSD data.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1-8, wherein: the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to: provision to the at least one network node at least one bit value configured to indicate a capability to report respective MSD data pursuant to the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: a respective configured BWP combination comprises at least one RX BWP; and the at least one bit value is further configured to indicate a capability to dynamically update the respective MSD value pursuant to the RX BWP.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 1-10, wherein: the respective MSD value is a minimum MSD value for the respective configured BWP combination.

12. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:provision, to a user equipment (UE), a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; receive, from the UE, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the MSD data satisfies the at least one criterion and the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD; and based at least in part on the MSD data, cause the UE to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the at least one criterion comprises a difference threshold; the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive at least one bit value from the UE; determine that the UE is capable of reporting respective MSD data pursuant to the plurality of configured BWP combinations based at least in part on the at least one bit value; and in response to the determining, provision the difference threshold to the UE.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein: a respective configured BWP combination comprises at least one RX BWP; and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: determine that, based at least one bit value, the UE is capable of dynamically updating the respective MSD value pursuant to the RX BWP.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 12-14, wherein: a respective configured BWP combination comprises at least two aggressor TX BWPs and at least one victim RX BWP; and the MSD data comprises respective identifiers for the at least two aggressor BWPs and the at least one victim RX BWP of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the MSD data further comprises a respective SIM identifier for the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 12-16, wherein: the MSD configuration further instructs the UE to report, respectively, a minimum MSD value for the at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

18. A method, comprising : receiving, from at least one network node, a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, providing, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD.

19. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving, from at least one network node, a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and means for, in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, providing, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD.

20. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer- readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions comprising program code instructions configured to:receive, from at least one network node, a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; and in accordance with at least one criterion based on the MSD configuration, provide, to the at least one network node, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD.

21. A method, comprising : provisioning, to a user equipment (UE), a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; receiving, from the UE, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the MSD data satisfies the at least one criterion and the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD; and based at least in part on the MSD data, causing the UE to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

22. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer- readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions comprising program code instructions configured to: provision, to a user equipment (UE), a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; receive, from the UE, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the MSD data satisfies the at least one criterion and the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD; andbased at least in part on the MSD data, cause the UE to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

23. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for provisioning, to a user equipment (UE), a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) configuration for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations, the MSD configuration comprising at least one criterion for reporting an MSD value that is lower than a reference MSD; means for receiving, from the UE, MSD data comprising a respective MSD value for at least a subset of the plurality of configured BWP combinations, wherein the MSD data satisfies the at least one criterion and the respective MSD value is lower than the reference MSD; and means for based at least in part on the MSD data, causing the UE to switch a current active BWP combination from a first configured BWP combination to a second configured BWP combination of the plurality of configured BWP combinations.

24. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: provision to at least one network node a respective a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) value for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations to cause the network node to perform a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration based at least in part on the MSD values, wherein the respective MSD value is lower than a reference MSD.

25. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive from a user equipment a respective a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) value for a plurality of configured bandwidth part (BWP) combinations; andperform a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration pursuant to the user equipment and one of the plurality of configured BWP combinations based at least in part on the MSD values.

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