Apparatus and method for priorities on cell allocation in fragmented carrier aggregation

Abstract

A method comprises at a user equipment, establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, sending information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRIORITIES ON CELL ALLOCATION IN FRAGMENTED CARRIER AGGREGATIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, 5G beyond, sixth generation (6G) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatuses, systems, and / or methods for priorities on cell allocation in fragmented carrier aggregation.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived, implemented or described. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application.

[0003] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network. Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE- Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology and / or sixth generation (6G) radio access technology.SUMMARY

[0004] Example embodiments of the present disclosure can thus provide apparatuses, methods, computer programs, computer program products, or computer readable media for improving various aspects of mobility measurements. Any example embodiment may be combined with one or more other example embodiments. These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the example embodiment(s) described below. According tosome aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to 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 at least to perform: establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two noncontiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, sending information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to 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 at least to perform: establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; and when the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the condition is satisfied.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: at a user equipment, establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize theprimary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, sending information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: at a network element, establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; and when the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the condition is satisfied.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to 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 at least to perform: establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two noncontiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a first threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the first threshold; in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, determining a secondary cell on a second component carrier to be deactivated; and deactivating the determined secondary cell.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to 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 at least to perform: establishing,with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a first threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: at a user equipment, establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a first threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the first threshold; in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, determining a secondary cell on a second component carrier to be deactivated; and deactivating the determined secondary cell.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: at a network element, establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a first threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell.

[0013] Other example embodiments are provided or described for each of the example methods, including: means for performing any of the example methods; a non- transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause an apparatus to perform any of the example methods; and an apparatus including at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer programcode configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the example methods.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates an example communication system in which various example embodiments of the application implement.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates an example of fragmented carriers.

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a band combination of two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers and one inter-band component carrier.

[0018] Figure 4 describes a signaling diagram between a user equipment (UE) and a network element (NE) according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 describes a block diagram for some operation of a UE according to an example embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 describes a block diagram for some operation of a NE according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 describes another block diagram for some operation of a UE according to an example embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 describes another block diagram for some operation of a NE according to an example embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 illustrates a simplified block diagram of various example apparatuses that are suitable for use in practicing various example embodiments of this application.DETAILED DESCRIPTON

[0024] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for enhanced parameter management for accurate digital post-distortion model, is not intended to limit the scope of certain embodiments but is representative of selected example embodiments.

[0025] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “an example embodiment” “certain example embodiments,” “various example embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an example embodiment”, “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. In addition, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The phrase “set of’ refers to a set that includes one or more of the referenced set members. As such, the phrases “set of,” “one or more of,” and “at least one of,” or equivalent phrases, may be used interchangeably. Further, “or”are intended to mean “and / or”, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an example communication system 100 in which various embodiments of the application can be implemented. The example communication system 100 comprises a network element (NE), 101, such as for example, an access point (AP), an enhanced Node B (eNB), a 5G Node B (gNB) or a next generation eNB (NG-eNB), or a 6G base station connecting to a core network that is not shown for brevity. Part of the functionalities of the NE 101 may be also carried out by any node, server or host which may be operably coupled to a transceiver, such as a remote radio head. NE 101 provides wireless coverage within a cell 103, including the user equipments (UEs) 102, 104 and 106, which may communicate with the NE 101 via wireless links 105, 107 and 109 respectively. The UEs may communicate with each other via a sidelink channel, e.g., the communication between UEs 104and 106 via sidelink 111. Although just one NE, and three UEs are shown in Figure 1, it is only for the purpose of illustration and the example communication system 100 may comprise any number of NE(s), and UE(s).

[0027] The various example implementations may be applied to a wide variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as long term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR), sixth generation (6G), cmWave, and / or mmWave band networks, or any other wireless network / technology or use case. The various example implementations may also be applied to a variety of different applications, services or use cases, such as, for example, ultra reliable low latency communication (URLLC), internet of things (loT), time sensitive communications (TSC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle to device (V2D), etc. Each of these use cases, or types of UEs, may have its own set of requirements.

[0028] Fragmented carrier aggregation (CA) is a technique that uses non-contiguous intra-band carriers for carrier aggregation and captures the necessary targets of user equipment to receive the non-contiguous intra-band carriers possibly using only one receive chain. Fragmented carriers use separated spectrum allocations to increase data rates and network capacity. It can also improve spectrum utilization. An example to present the case of fragmented carriers are shown in Figure 2. In the example of Figure 2, there are three frequency bands with fragmented carriers deployed in Toronto: band n25 denoted by 201 for personal communications service (PCS), band n7 denoted by 203 for broadband radio service (BRS), and band n66 denoted by 205 for advanced wireless services (AWS) type of 1, 2 and 3. Each block in Figure 2 is a sub-band of 5MHz bandwidth. Each of more than one operator 204, 206 and 208 may access fragmented spectrum in the bands, i.e., one operator may occupy noncontiguous groups of sub-bands in one band. There is a gap between the non-contiguous groups of sub-bands of one operator and the gap may be unallocated sub-band(s) 202 or sub-band(s) allocated to other operator(s).

[0029] Fragmented carriers in the same band consuming multiple receiver (Rx) chains may limit the UE CA capabilities as the maximum supported number of component carriers (CCs) in a CA combination is limited by the number and capabilities of the analog Rx chains as well as the baseband processor capabilities in the UE. This limitation prevents operators from fully utilizing their fragmented spectrum holdings in a single CA combination. Hence, it is motivated to reduce the number of Rx chains for fragmented carriers and to “free up” UE’s Rx chains to allow the UE to support higher order inter / intra-band carrier aggregationcombinations using the freed-up resources. For example, non-contiguous intra-band CCs may share a single Rx chain.

[0030] However, the reception at the UE of non-contiguous intra-band carrier aggregation with a single Rx chain will be impacted by interference especially in the “gap” between the component carriers. The in-gap interference will, in a single analogue Rx chain system, pass un-attenuated as the UE does not have the ability to suppress / attenuate the in-gap interference via analogue filtering. This may be problematic for reception quality especially for primary cell (PCell). The PCell is the most important cell in CA and operates on the network chosen primary frequency, in which the UE either performs the initial connection establishment procedure or initiates the connection re-establishment procedure. When a UE is configured to utilize a reduced number of Rx chains for higher order inter / intra-band carrier aggregation, the PCell should be preserved. If the PCell is placed on a fragmented carrier, the reception conditions are fragile, and the UE should secure that the PCell remains stable. Thus, when a UE is configured with fragmented CA, there is a need to provide a scheme to prioritize PCell, if it is determined that the PCell quality is endangered.

[0031] In an example embodiment, a UE may be configured with a CA with band combination of any order. The band combination can have at least two non-contiguous intra- band CCs in a band with fragmented carriers, and any number of inter-band CC(s). The PCell may be placed in either an intra-band CC or an inter-band CC. Figure 3 illustrates an example of a band combination of two non-contiguous intra-band CCs and one inter-band CC. In the example of Figure 3, Two non-contiguous intra-band CCs CC1 301 and CC2 302 are in band x 305 (the so-called fragmented CA band, or fragmented band in short), and one inter-band CC CC3 303 is in band y 306. There is an in-gap interference 304 between CC1 301 and CC2 302, which impairs the reception of either or both of CC1 301 and CC2 302. It is noted that in the example of Figure 3, the frequency and power axis are not to scale, and they are just for illustrating fragmented component carriers combined with an inter-band component carrier. Also, the component carriers are numbered, but there is no assumption on which is the PCell and which are the secondary cells (SCells).

[0032] In an example embodiment, if the PCell is placed on one of the noncontiguous carriers in a fragmented band (e.g., CC1 or CC2 in Figure 3), the network (NW), such as for example, a gNB, can provide a first threshold for receiver chain reconfiguration. The first threshold can be defined as a threshold for reference signal received quality (RSRQ), channel quality indicator (CQI), signal to noise ratio (SNR) or any other receiver performance metrics. The NW will instruct the UE that if the receiver performance metric of PCell fallsunder the first threshold, the UE may downgrade the reception quality of, or de-activate, an SCell to free up the receiver chain used for the SCell in order to allow the UE to prioritize the reception of the PCell.

[0033] In an example embodiment, if the PCell is placed on one inter-band carrier(e.g., CC3 in Figure 3) and both the carriers of the fragmented band are SCells, the NW may not need to provide the first threshold to the UE.

[0034] In an example embodiment, a UE configured with CA comprising fragmented band may downgrade the reception quality of, or de-activate, an SCell on a component carrier in a fragmented band with the least receiver performance in order to prioritize another SCell on another component carrier in the fragmented band. In an example embodiment, the prioritization of SCell is based on a second threshold associated with receiver chain reconfiguration. The second threshold may be same as or different from the first threshold. If the PCell resides on an inter-band carriers, the NW may only need to provide the second threshold to the UE. In an example embodiment, threshold(s) may be configured differently towards different collocated or non-collocated operators.

[0035] In an example embodiment, the UE may choose which SCell to be downgraded or de-activated based on predefined or configured rule and / or metric, e.g., individual target settings on CC bandwidth (BW), CC BW compared to in-gap BW, signal-to- in-gap noise figures, etc. In an example embodiment, the rule and / or metric is predefined in standard specification or configured by the NE. In an example embodiment, the UE may choose to de-activate one SCell and activate another SCell.

[0036] In an example embodiment, the UE may indicate to the NE that the condition to take action to prioritize the PCell or SCell is fulfilled. In response, the NE may determine which SCell to be downgraded or de-activated, and reconfigure the UE accordingly. In an example embodiment, the determination is based on individual target settings of SCells on CC BW, CC BW compared to in-gap BW, signal-to-in-gap noise figures, etc.

[0037] A signaling diagram for a NE 401, such as for example, the NE 101 of Figure1, and a UE 402, such as for example, the UE 102 of Figure 1, according to an example embodiment is presented in Figure 4. At 403, the UE 402 may indicate to the NE 401 its capability of prioritizing PCell in a fragmented CA. In an example, the capability may also include supporting prioritizing SCell in a fragmented CA. In an example, the capability may also include supporting fragmented CA and / or the indication of supported band combinations. At 404, a CA connection is established between the UE 402 and the NE 401. The CAconnection comprises at least two non-contiguous intra-band CCs in a band with fragmented carriers. The CA connection may also include an inter-band CC.

[0038] At 405 of Figure 4, the NE 401 may configure the UE 402, e.g., via a RRC reconfiguration message, the fragmented carrier CCs and the inter-band CC if it is present. The configuration may include a first threshold associated with a condition determining when to take action to prioritize the PCell. In some example embodiments, the configuration may also include a second threshold associated with a condition determining when to take action to prioritize SCell. The first and second thresholds may be same or different. In an example embodiment, the configuration includes the first threshold only if the primary cell resides on a CC in the fragmented band. In an example embodiment, the configuration at 405 is part of the CA establishment procedure 404. The UE 402 may acknowledge the configuration at 406 via, e.g., a RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0039] At 407, the UE 402 may start monitoring the PCell if the PCell resides on a first CC in the fragmented band, and / or SCell(s) according to the configuration, while the data connection is ongoing on the configured CCs at 408. At 409, an event is detected by the UE 402 monitoring the PCell / SCell, the event indicating that the PCell / SCell has a receive condition that needs to be improved, based on the threshold(s) configured by the NE 401.

[0040] There may be various options for the UE 402 when the event is detected at409. In an example option 1, at 410 the UE 402 may indicate to the NE 401 that the event is detected, in other words, a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the PCell / SCell is satisfied. In this example option, the indication is sent by a measurement report. In an example option 2, at 412 the UE 402 may indicate to the NE 401 that the event is detected, in other words, a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the PCell / SCell is satisfied. In this example option, the indication is sent by a UE assistance information.

[0041] In both example options 1 and 2, after receiving the indication, the NE 401 may reconfigure the UE 402 via, e.g., a RRC reconfiguration message, the CCs to prioritize the PCell / SCell at 411 and 413, respectively. In an example embodiment, the CCs are reconfigured to de-activate an SCell on a second CC. In another example embodiment, the CCs are reconfigured to de-activate an SCell on a second CC and activate another SCell on a third CC. In an example embodiment, the de-activated SCell may be an SCell in the fragmented band or resides on inter-band carrier. In an example embodiment, the de-activated SCell isdetermined based on individual target settings of SCells on CC BW, CC BW compared to ingap BW, signal-to-in-gap noise figures, etc.

[0042] In example option 3, the UE 402 is allowed to take actions on its own at 414.The action is based on predefined or configured rule and / or metric. For example, the rule and / or metric may be predefined in standard specification or configured by the configuration at 405. In an example embodiment, the metric may be individual target settings of SCells on CC BW, CC BW compared to in-gap BW, signal-to-in-gap noise figures, etc. If the PCell is in the fragmented band, the UE 402 may decide which SCell to be downgraded or de-activated, and the decided SCell may be on a CC in the fragmented band or the inter-band. In an example embodiment, the UE 402 may decide to de-activate one SCell while activating another SCell. The action taken by the UE 402 may be predefined in standard specification or configured by the NE 401, e.g., in the configuration at 405.

[0043] If the UE 402 supports prioritizing SCell, the UE may choose which SCell to be prioritized and / or which SCell to be downgraded or de-activated similarly as described above based on the second threshold if configured.

[0044] At 415, the UE 402 may inform the NE 401 of the de- activation of the determined SCell and / or the de-activated SCell via, e.g., a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE). Note that this step may also be performed in options 1 or 2.

[0045] Figure 5 describes a block diagram for some operation of a UE according to an example embodiment. In Figure 5, a UE, such as for example, the UE 102 of Figure 1, or the UE 402 of Figure 4, may at 501 establish, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; at 502, the UE may receive, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; at 503, the UE may determine whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; at 504, the UE may, in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determine whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and at 505, the UE may, in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, send information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

[0046] Figure 6 describes a block diagram for some operation of a NE according to an example embodiment. In Figure 6, a NE, such as for example, the NE 101 of Figure 1, orthe NE 401 of Figure 4, may at 601 establish, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; at 602, the NE may send, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; and at 603, the NE may, when the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, receive information from the user equipment indicating that the condition is satisfied.

[0047] Figure 7 describes a block diagram for some operation of a UE according to an example embodiment. In Figure 7, a UE, such as for example, the UE 102 of Figure 1, or the UE 402 of Figure 4, may at 701 establish, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; at 702, the UE may receive, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a first threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; at 703, the UE may determine whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; at 704, the UE may, in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determine whether the condition is satisfied based on the first threshold; at 705, the UE may, in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, determine a secondary cell on a second component carrier to be deactivated; and at 706, the UE may deactivate the determined secondary cell.

[0048] Figure 8 describes a block diagram for some operation of a NE according to an example embodiment. In Figure 8, a NE, such as for example, the NE 101 of Figure 1, or the NE 401 of Figure 4, may at 801 establish, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; and at 802, the NE may transmit, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmentedcarriers, the configuration comprises a first threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell.

[0049] Reference is made to Figure 9 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various example apparatuses that are suitable for use in practicing various example embodiments of this application. In Figure 9, a network element, NE, 901, such as for example, the NE 101 of Figure 1, or the NE 401 of Figure 4, is adapted for communication with a UE 911, such as for example, the UE 102, 104 or 106 of Figure 1, or the UE 402 of Figure 4. The UE 911 includes at least one processor 915, at least one memory, MEM, 914 coupled to the at least one processor 915, and a suitable transceiver, TRANS, 913 (having a transmitter, TX, and a receiver, RX) coupled to the at least one processor 915. The at least one MEM 914 stores a program instruction, PROG, 912. The TRANS 913 may include or be coupled to one or more antennas 916 and is for bidirectional wireless communications with the NE 901. The at least one processor 915 and the PROG 912, may be utilized by the UE 911 in conjunction with various example embodiments of the application, as described herein.

[0050] The NE 901 includes at least one processor 905, at least one MEM 904 coupled to the at least one processor 905, and a suitable TRANS 903 (having a TX and a RX) coupled to the at least one processor 905. The at least one MEM 904 stores a PROG 902. The TRANS 903 may include or be coupled to one or more antennas 906 and is for bidirectional wireless communications with the UE 911. The NE 901 may be coupled to one or more cellular networks or systems, which is not shown in this figure. The at least one processor 905 and the PROG 902, may be utilized by the NE 901 in conjunction with various example embodiments of the application, as described herein.

[0051] In general, the various example embodiments of the apparatus 901 can include a node, host, or server in a communications network or serving such a network. For example, apparatus 901 may be a network node, satellite, base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B, eNB, 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B, NG-NB or gNB, 6G base station, a transmission and reception point (TRP), or a WLAN access point, associated with a radio access network, such as a LTE, 5G or NR, or 6G network.

[0052] It should be understood that, in some example embodiments, apparatus 901 may be comprised of an edge cloud server as a distributed computing system where the server and the radio node may be stand-alone apparatuses communicating with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection, or they may be located in a same entity communicating via a wired connection. For instance, in certain example embodiments where apparatus 901 represents a gNB, it may be configured in a central unit, CU, and distributed unit, DU,architecture that divides the gNB functionality. In such an architecture, the CU may be a logical node that includes gNB functions such as transfer of user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, or session management, etc. The CU may control the operation of DU(s) over a front-haul interface. The DU may be a logical node that includes a subset of the gNB functions, depending on the functional split option. In another example, a gNB may comprise multiple TRPs. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 901 may include components or features not shown in Figure 9.

[0053] In general, the various example embodiments of the apparatus 911 can include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, personal digital assistants having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions. In an embodiment, apparatus 911 may be a node or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment, ME, mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, loT device, or other device. As described herein, a UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smart phone, loT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, a watch or other wearable, a headmounted display, a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications thereof (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications thereof (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain context), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, or the like. As one example, apparatus 911 may be implemented in, for instance, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, or the like. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 911 may include components or features not shown in Figure 9.

[0054] The example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software or computer program code executable by one or more of the processors 905, 915 of the NE 901 and the UE 911, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0055] At least one of the PROGs 902 and 912 is assumed to include program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor, enable the apparatus to operate in accordance with the example embodiments of this disclosure, as discussed herein.

[0056] The TRANS 903 and 913 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 906 and 916, respectively. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, WCDMA, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, 6G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier, ultrawideband, MulteFire, and the like. The radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission and to receive symbols. As such, TRANS 903 and 913 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) for further processing by other elements of apparatus 901 and 911, respectively. In other embodiments, TRANS 903 and 913 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, apparatus 901 and / or 911 may include an input and / or output device.

[0057] The MEMs 904 and 914 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. For example, memory 904 and 914 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory, read only memory, static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive, or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 904 or 914 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 905 or 915, enable the apparatus 901 or 911 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0058] In an embodiment, apparatus 901 or 911 may further include or be coupled to(internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 905 / 915 or apparatus 901 / 911.

[0059] The processors 905 and 915 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors, field-programmable gate arrays,application-specific integrated circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. While a single processor 905 and 915 is shown in NE and UE of Figure 9, respectively, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain embodiments, apparatus 901 or 911 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 905 or 915 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. In certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0060] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, technical effects of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be network controlled PCell / SCell protection in fragmented CA configuration, and configuring UE well before situation occurs. Hence, UE is fast at determining receiver performance per carrier and does not need to rely on measurement report or assistance information towards the network for decision advice on CA reconfiguration.

[0061] Some examples will now be described, based on the description and figures provided herein.

[0062] Example 1-1. A method, comprises: at a user equipment, establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, sending information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

[0063] Example 1-2. The method of example 1-1, wherein the information is sent to the network element in a measurement report or a user equipment assistance information message.

[0064] Example 1-3. The method of any of previous examples, wherein the carrier aggregation connection comprises an inter-band component carrier.

[0065] Example 1-4. The method of any of previous examples, further comprises receiving, from the network element, a message reconfiguring the component carriers to prioritize the primary cell.

[0066] Example 1-5. The method of example 1-4, wherein the reconfiguring the component carriers comprises deactivating a secondary cell on a second component carrier.

[0067] Example 1-6. The method of example 1-5, wherein the second component carrier is in the band with fragmented carriers or is an inter-band carrier.

[0068] Example 1-7. The method of any of previous examples, wherein when the primary cell resides on the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises an indication to enable the prioritization of the primary cell.

[0069] Example 1-8. The method of any of previous examples, further comprises indicating to the network element that the user equipment is capable of prioritizing the primary cell on the band with fragmented carriers.

[0070] Example 1-9. The method of any of previous examples, wherein the threshold is associated with a reference signal received power, a channel quality indicator, or a signal to noise ratio.

[0071] Example 2-1. A method, comprises: at a network element, establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; and when the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the condition is satisfied.

[0072] Example 2-2. The method of example 2- 1 , wherein the information is received from the user equipment in a measurement report or a user equipment assistance information message.

[0073] Example 2-3. The method of example 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the carrier aggregation connection comprises an inter-band component carrier.

[0074] Example 2-4. The method of any of examples 2-1 to 2-3, further comprises in response to the received information, transmitting, to the user equipment, a message reconfiguring the component carriers to prioritize the primary cell.

[0075] Example 2-5. The method of example 2-4, further comprises determining a secondary cell on a second component carrier to be deactivated, and wherein the reconfiguring the component carriers comprises deactivating the determined secondary cell on the second component carrier.

[0076] Example 2-6. The method of example 2-5, wherein the secondary cell is determined based on at least one of a bandwidth of the second component carrier, the ratio between a bandwidth of the second component carrier and an in-gap bandwidth, or a signal-to- in-gap noise.

[0077] Example 2-7. The method of example 2-4 or 2-5, wherein the second component carrier is in the band with fragmented carriers or is an inter-band carrier.

[0078] Example 2-8. The method of any of examples 2-1 to 2-7, wherein when the primary cell resides on the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises an indication to enable the prioritization of the primary cell.

[0079] Example 2-9. The method of any of examples 2-1 to 2-8, further comprises receiving from the user equipment that the user equipment is capable of prioritizing the primary cell on the band with fragmented carriers.

[0080] Example 2-10. The method of any of any of examples 2-1 to 2-9, wherein the threshold is associated with a reference signal received power, a channel quality indicator, or a signal to noise ratio.

[0081] Example 3-1. A method, comprises: at a user equipment, establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a first threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the first threshold; in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, determining a secondary cell on a second component carrier to be deactivated; and deactivating the determined secondary cell.

[0082] Example 3-2. The method of example 3-1, further comprises indicating to the network element the deactivated secondary cell.

[0083] Example 3-3. The method of example 3-1 or 3-2, wherein the carrier aggregation connection comprises an inter-band component carrier.

[0084] Example 3-4. The method of any of examples 3-1 to 3-3, wherein the second component carrier is in the band with fragmented carriers or is an inter-band carrier.

[0085] Example 3-5. The method of any of examples 3-1 to 3-4, wherein the secondary cell is determined based on at least one of a bandwidth of the second component carrier, the ratio between a bandwidth of the second component carrier and an in-gap bandwidth, or a signal-to-in-gap noise.

[0086] Example 3-6. The method of any of examples 3-1 to 3-5, wherein when the primary cell resides on the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises an indication to enable the prioritizing of the primary cell.

[0087] Example 3-7. The method of any of examples 3-1 to 3-6, further comprises indicating to the network element that the user equipment is capable of prioritizing the primary cell on the band with fragmented carriers.

[0088] Example 3-8. The method of any of examples 3-1 to 3-7, wherein the first threshold is associated with a reference signal received power, a channel quality indicator, or a signal to noise ratio.

[0089] Example 3-9. The method of any of examples 3-1 to 3-8, wherein there are more than one secondary cells and wherein the configuration comprises a second threshold associated with a second condition determining when to take action to prioritize at least one secondary cell.

[0090] Example 3-10. The method of example 3-9, further comprises determine whether the second condition is satisfied based on the second threshold; in response to the determination that the second condition is satisfied, determining which of the more than one secondary cells to be deactivated; and deactivating the secondary cell determined based on the second condition.

[0091] Example 3-11. The method of example 3-10, wherein the secondary cell determined based on the second condition is determined based on at least one of a bandwidth of a corresponding second component carrier, the ratio between a bandwidth of a corresponding second component carrier and an in-gap bandwidth, or a signal-to-in-gap noise.

[0092] Example 3-12. The method of example 3-10 or 3-11, further comprises indicating to the network element the deactivated secondary cell based on the second condition.

[0093] Example 4-1. A method, comprises: at a network element, establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguousintra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; and transmitting, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a first threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell.

[0094] Example 4-2. The method of example 4-1, wherein the carrier aggregation connection comprises an inter-band component carrier.

[0095] Example 4-3. The method of example 4-1 or 4-2, further comprises receiving from the user equipment an indication of a deactivated secondary cell on a second component carrier.

[0096] Example 4-4. The method of example 4-3, wherein the second component carrier is in the band with fragmented carriers or is an inter-band carrier.

[0097] Example 4-5. The method of any of examples 4-1 to 4-4, wherein when the primary cell resides on the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises an indication to enable the prioritizing of the primary cell.

[0098] Example 4-6. The method of any of examples 4-1 to 4-5, further comprises receiving from the user equipment an indication that the user equipment is capable of prioritizing the primary cell on the band with fragmented carriers.

[0099] Example 4-7. The method of any of examples 4-1 to 4-6, wherein the first threshold is associated with a reference signal received power, a channel quality indicator, or a signal to noise ratio.

[0100] Example 4-8. The method of any of examples 4-1 to 4-7, wherein there are more than one secondary cells and wherein the configuration comprises a second threshold associated with a second condition determining when to take action to prioritize at least one secondary cell.

[0101] Example 4-9. The method of example 4-8, further comprises receiving from the user equipment an indication of a deactivated secondary cell determined based on the second condition.

[0102] Example 5-1. A computer program, comprising code for performing the method of any of examples 1-1 to 4-9, when the computer program is run on a computer.

[0103] Example 5-2. The computer program according to example 5-1, wherein the computer program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the computer.

[0104] Example 6. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any of examples 1-1 to 4-9.

[0105] Example 7. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any of examples 1-1 to 4-9.

[0106] Example 8-1. An apparatus, comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 1-1 to 4-9.

[0107] Example 8-2. The apparatus of example 8-1, wherein the means comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0108] Example 9. An apparatus, including circuitry configured to perform the method of any of examples 1-1 to 4-9.

[0109] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The software, application logic and / or hardware may reside on an apparatus such as a user equipment, a gNB or other mobile communication devices. If desired, part of the software, application logic and / or hardware may reside on a NE 901, part of the software, application logic and / or hardware may reside on a UE 911, and part of the software, application logic and / or hardware may reside on other chipset or integrated circuit. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable medium may comprise a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0110] It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0111] Further, the various names used for the described parameters are not intended to be limiting in any respect, as these parameters may be identified by any suitable names. Ifdesired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and example embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

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 perform establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, sending information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is sent to the network element in a measurement report or a user equipment assistance information message.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carrier aggregation connection comprises an inter-band component carrier.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving, from the network element, a message reconfiguring the component carriers to prioritize the primary cell.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the reconfiguring the component carriers comprises deactivating a secondary cell on a second component carrier.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second component carrier is in the band with fragmented carriers or is an inter-band carrier.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the primary cell resides on the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises an indication to enable the prioritization of the primary cell.

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: indicating to the network element that the apparatus is capable of prioritizing the primary cell on the band with fragmented carriers.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the threshold is associated with a reference signal received power, a channel quality indicator, or a signal to noise ratio.

10. 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 perform establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; and when the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the condition is satisfied.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the information is received from the user equipment in a measurement report or a user equipment assistance information message.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the carrier aggregation connection comprises an inter-band component carrier.

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: in response to the received information, transmitting, to the user equipment, a message reconfiguring the component carriers to prioritize the primary cell.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining a secondary cell on a second component carrier to be deactivated, and wherein the reconfiguring the component carriers comprises deactivating the determined secondary cell on the second component carrier.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the secondary cell is determined based on at least one of a bandwidth of the second component carrier, the ratio between a bandwidth of the second component carrier and an in-gap bandwidth, or a signal-to-in- gap noise.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second component carrier is in the band with fragmented carriers or is an inter-band carrier.

17. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 16, wherein when the primary cell resides on the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises an indication to enable the prioritization of the primary cell.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving from the user equipment that the user equipment is capable of prioritizing the primary cell on the band with fragmented carriers.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the threshold is associated with a reference signal received power, a channel quality indicator, or a signal to noise ratio.

20. A method, comprising: at a user equipment, establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, sending information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

21. A method, comprising: at a network element, establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; andwhen the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the condition is satisfied.

22. An apparatus, comprising: means for establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; means for receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; means for determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; means for, in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and means for, in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, sending information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

23. An apparatus, comprising: means for establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; means for sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; and means for, when the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the condition is satisfied.

24. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform: establishing, with a network element, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; receiving, from the network element, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; determining whether the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers; in response to the determination that the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, determining whether the condition is satisfied based on the threshold; and in response to the determination that the condition is satisfied, sending information to the network element indicating that the condition is satisfied.

25. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform: establishing, with a user equipment, a carrier aggregation connection comprising at least two non-contiguous intra-band component carriers in a band with fragmented carriers; sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for the at least two component carries in the band with fragmented carriers, wherein when a primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, the configuration comprises a threshold associated with a condition determining whether to take action to prioritize the primary cell; and when the primary cell resides on a first component carrier in the band with fragmented carriers, receiving information from the user equipment indicating that the condition is satisfied.

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