Mac signalling mechnism(s) for on-demand SSB transmission

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. Embodiments herein disclose a MAC signaling mechanism for on-demand SSB transmission in a wireless communication network. Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for on-demand SSB transmission in a wireless communication network. Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for enabling and / or disabling the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE.

Description

MAC SIGNALLING MECHNISM(S) FOR ON-DEMAND SSB TRANSMISSION

[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to wireless communication networks, and more particularly to enhanced methods and systems for providing Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling mechanism(s) for on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) transmission in wireless networks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0008] Wireless communication network traffic is exponentially increasing, and this is accompanied with relentless energy consumption and costs involved. The Radio Access Network (RAN) part of the network contributes up to 73% of overall energy consumption in the network. At the same time, mobile devices (i.e., User Equipment (UE)) suffer severely due to limited battery life. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to conduct research and provide new solutions. The solutions need to be directed towards substantially reducing the energy consumption for mobile devices and RAN nodes for the wireless communication system.

[0009] It is to be noted that Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) transmissions are one major cause of energy consumption in the wireless communication system. The SSB transmissions are needed to serve RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE UEs as well as RRC_CONNECTED UEs in the cell to support their time / frequency synchronization, automatic gain control and Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement operations. In the legacy, frequent and periodic SSB transmissions are provided, and the corresponding energy consumption is excessive. Further, on-demand SSB transmission can address this issue. However, there is a need to provide a signaling mechanism for the on-demand SSB transmission and the signaling mechanism needs to be robust, and reliable, while consuming less signaling resources and providing a fast signaling approach.

[0010] Hence, there is a need in the art for solutions which will overcome the above mentioned drawback(s), among others.

[0011] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose a MAC signaling mechanism for on-demand SSB transmission in a wireless communication network.

[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for on-demand SSB transmission in a wireless communication network.

[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for enabling and / or disabling the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE.

[0014] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide a method for managing on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) transmission in a wireless network. The method comprises performing, by the UE, at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand SSB transmission, on receiving a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) from a network entity in a cell in the network.

[0015] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide a method for managing on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) transmission in a wireless network. The method comprises signaling, by a network entity in a cell in the network, to a User Equipment (UE) for performing at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand SSB transmission using a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE).

[0016] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide a method for managing a Medium Access Control (MAC) entity in a wireless network. The method comprises cancelling, by the MAC entity, at least one of a triggered on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) request; and a triggered on-demand SSB measurement, upon the MAC entity being reset.

[0017] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide a network entity in a cell in a wireless network, wherein the cell is one of a Primary Cell (PCell), an anchor cell, and a Secondary Cell (SCell), and the network entity comprises a processing module; a transceiver; and a memory module, wherein the processing module is coupled with the transceiver, and the memory module. The processing module is configured to signal to a User Equipment (UE) to perform at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) transmission using a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE).

[0018] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide a User Equipment (UE). The UE comprises a processing module; a transceiver; and a memory module, wherein the processing module is coupled with the transceiver, and the memory module. The processing module is further configured to perform at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand SSB transmission, on receiving a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) from a network entity in a cell in the network.

[0019] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide a Medium Access Control (MAC) entity in a wireless network. The MAC entity comprises a processing module; a transceiver; and a memory module, wherein the processing module is coupled with the transceiver, and the memory module. The processing module is further configured to cancel at least one of a triggered on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) request; and a triggered on-demand SSB measurement, upon the MAC entity being reset, wherein the reset of the MAC entity is requested by at least one upper layer in the network; or reset of the MAC entity is triggered due to Secondary Cell Group (SCG) deactivation.

[0020] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

[0021] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, energy consumption is effectively reduced by enabling or disabling the transmission of the SSBs on-demand.

[0022] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the following illustratory drawings. Embodiments herein are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a new MAC signalling mechanism for on-demand SSB transmission enabling or disabling in a wireless communication network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a new MAC CE for signalling on-demand SSB transmission is enabling or disabling in a wireless communication network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an extended legacy MAC CE for signalling on-demand SSB transmission enabling or disabling in a wireless communication network (for example for signalling on-demand SSB transmission enabling before SCell activation), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates an extended legacy MAC CE for signalling on-demand SSB transmission enabling or disabling in a wireless communication network (for example for signalling on-demand SSB transmission enabling / disabling along with SCell activation / deactivation signalling), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates an extended legacy MAC CE for signalling on-demand SSB transmission enabling or disabling in a wireless communication network (for example for signalling on-demand SSB transmission enabling before SCell activation), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates an extended legacy MAC CE for signalling on-demand SSB transmission enabling in a wireless communication network (for example for signalling on-demand SSB transmission enabling / disabling along with SCell activation / deactivation signalling), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a network entity in a cell in the network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a UE, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting the process of managing on-demand SSB transmission in a wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a MAC entity in a cell in the network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and

[0034] FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting the process of managing a MAC entity in a wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0035] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0036] For the purposes of interpreting this specification, the definitions (as defined herein) will apply and whenever appropriate the terms used in singular will also include the plural and vice versa. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "comprising", "having" and "including" are to be construed as open-ended terms unless otherwise noted.

[0037] The words / phrases "exemplary", "example", "illustration", "in an instance", "and the like", "and so on", "etc.", "etcetera", "e.g.," , "i.e.," are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words / phrases "exemplary", "example", "illustration", "in an instance", "and the like", "and so on", "etc.", "etcetera" "e.g.," , "i.e.," is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0038] Embodiments herein can be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions.　These blocks, which can be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like.　The circuits constituting a block can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block.　Each block of the embodiments can be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.　Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments can be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0039] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts / sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding of aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components / modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0040] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components / elements / steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering / placement / occurrence unless specified otherwise.

[0041] The embodiments herein achieve methods and systems for on-demand SSB transmission in a wireless communication network. Further, the embodiments provide a method for enabling and / or disabling the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 12, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 1 depicts a wireless communication network. The network 100, as depicted, comprises at least one User Equipment (UE) 101, a network entity 102, and a Medium Access Control (MAC) entity 103. In an embodiment herein, the network entity can be in a cell in the network. In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can be a base station (i.e., an eNB, a gNB, 6G NB and so on), which can serve one or more UEs 101 in their respective coverage areas. The cell can be one of a primary cell (PCell), or an anchor cell, or a secondary cell (SCell).

[0043] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can trigger on-demand SSB transmission before the activation of at least one SCell and can inform the UE about enabling of on-demand SSB transmission. The network entity 102 can signal this to the UE through a new medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) or (extended) legacy MAC CE via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell).

[0044] In an embodiment herein, the UE 101 can perform measurement of the channel conditions (for example, signal strength and / or signal quality in terms of reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), reference signal strength indicator (RSSI) or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR)). In an embodiment herein, the UE 101 can perform time / frequency synchronization before triggering an uplink wake-up signal for requesting on-demand SSB transmission from at least one SCell.

[0045] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can use radio resource control (RRC) signaling for reconfiguration of at least one of on-demand SSB configuration, on-demand SSB resources, and enabling or disabling status or activation / deactivation status for the on-demand SSB transmission for at least one SCell. The network entity 102 may carry out the reconfiguration in at least one of RRC reconfiguration message, RRC Setup message, RRC Setup Complete message, RRC Resume message and system information broadcast message. The reconfiguration may convey on-demand SSB transmission signaling, which may include at least one field for at least one of transmission periodicity, SSB mode, identity or index for on-demand SSB resource(s), and identity or index of the on-demand SSB transmission pattern(s) (for example, an on-demand SSB configuration index).

[0046] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can trigger an on-demand SSB transmission before the activation of at least one SCell and inform the UE 101 about enabling of on-demand SSB transmission. The network entity 102 can signal the enabling of on-demand SSB transmission to the UE 101 through a new Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE)) via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell).

[0047] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can trigger the on-demand SSB transmission before the activation of at least one SCell and inform the UE 101 about enabling the on-demand SSB transmission. The network entity 102 can signal the enabling of the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE 101 through a legacy MAC CE via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell), wherein one or more new indication field(s) for enabling the on-demand SSB transmission being included in the legacy MAC CE. The legacy MAC CE can be a SCell activation / deactivation MAC CE, wherein activation / deactivation fields in the legacy MAC CE are ignored, or have no impact, or not interpreted as relevant.

[0048] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can trigger an on-demand SSB transmission at the same time as the activation of at least one SCell, and inform the UE 101 about enabling of on-demand SSB transmission. The enabling of on-demand SSB transmission can be signaled to the UE 101 through a new MAC CE via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell).

[0049] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can trigger the on-demand SSB transmission at the same time as activation of at least one SCell, and inform the UE 101 about enabling of on-demand SSB transmission. The network entity 102 can signal the enabling of the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE 101 through a legacy MAC CE via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell), wherein new indication field(s) for the enabling of the on-demand SSB transmission is included in the legacy MAC CE. In an embodiment herein, the legacy MAC CE can be a SCell activation / deactivation MAC CE.

[0050] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can disable the on-demand SSB transmission after the activation and / or before the deactivation of at least one SCell, and inform the UE 101 about disabling the on-demand SSB transmission. The network entity 102 can signal the disabling of the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE 101 through a new MAC CE via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell).

[0051] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can trigger the on-demand SSB transmission after the activation and / or before the deactivation of the at least one SCell, and inform the UE 101 about disabling the on-demand SSB transmission. The network entity 102 can signal the disabling of the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE 101 through a legacy MAC CE via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell), wherein new indication field(s) for the enabling of on-demand SSB transmission are included in the legacy MAC CE. In an embodiment herein, the legacy MAC CE can be a SCell activation / deactivation MAC CE, wherein activation / deactivation fields in the legacy MAC CE are ignored, or have no impact, or not interpreted as relevant.

[0052] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can disable the on-demand SSB transmission at the same time as the deactivation of at least one SCell and inform the UE 101 about disabling of the on-demand SSB transmission. The network entity 102 can signal the disabling of the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE 101 through a new MAC CE via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell).

[0053] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can disable the on-demand SSB transmission at the same time as deactivation of at least one SCell, and inform the UE 101 about disabling of the on-demand SSB transmission. The network entity 102 can signal the disabling of the on-demand SSB transmission to the UE 101 through a legacy MAC CE via the cell (i.e., one of a PCell, or an anchor cell, or a SCell), wherein the network entity 102 can include the new indication field(s) for the enabling of on-demand SSB transmission in the legacy MAC CE. In an embodiment herein, the legacy MAC CE can be a SCell activation / deactivation MAC CE.

[0054] In an embodiment herein, the new MAC CE for on-demand SSB activation / deactivation can be identified by a MAC sub header with at least one of logical channel identity (LCID) or extended LCID (eLCID), the value of which can be pre-decided or pre-specified (for example, in a 3GPP standards specification). In an embodiment herein, eLCID used or specified can be one octet long. In an embodiment herein, eLCID used or specified can be two octets long.

[0055] In an embodiment herein, the new MAC CE for on-demand SSB activation / deactivation can be of a fixed size of one octet (for example, including 7 bits for SCellindex Ciand one reserved bit R). The index i runs from 1 to 7; i.e., in ascending order and can be indicated from right to left in a row in the MAC CE. If there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield indicates the activation / deactivation status of the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated (as depicted in FIG. 2).

[0056] In an embodiment herein, the new MAC CE for on-demand SSB activation / deactivation can be of a fixed size of four octets (for example, including 31 bits for SCellindex Ciand one reserved bit R). The index i runs from 1 to 31; i.e., in ascending order and can be indicated from right to left in a row and then down in the further rows in the MAC CE. If there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield indicates the activation / deactivation status of the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated (as depicted in FIG. 3).

[0057] In an embodiment herein, the new MAC CE for on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) activation / deactivation can be of a variable size.

[0058] In an embodiment herein, the new MAC CE for on-demand SSB activation / deactivation may include at least one field for at least one of transmission periodicity, SSB mode, identity or index for on-demand SSB resource(s), and identity or index of the on-demand SSB transmission pattern(s) (for example, an on-demand SSB configuration index, which can be for activating or deactivating SSB).

[0059] Considering the example of an on-demand SSB configuration index for activation / deactivation of the SSB, an On-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE of one activation / deactivation octet can be identified by a MAC subheader with an eLCID. In an embodiment herein, the On-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE can have a variable size. The On-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE can include an activation / deactivation bitmap. In an embodiment herein, the On-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE can include an on-demand SSB configuration index field for each SCell activated in the bitmap, which can be arranged in ascending order based on theServCellIndex. In an embodiment herein, a single octet bitmap can be used for Activation / Deactivation of the On-Demand SSB transmission, wherein the single octet bitmap can indicate the presence of an on-demand SSB configuration index per Serving Cell. In an example herein, the single octet bitmap can contain seven C-fields and one R-field.

[0060] The On-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE of four activation / deactivation octets can be identified by a MAC subheader with eLCID. In an embodiment herein, the On-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE can have a variable size. The On-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE can include an activation / deactivation bitmap. In an embodiment herein, the On-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE can include an on-demand SSB configuration index field for each SCell activated in the bitmap, which can be arranged in ascending order based on theServCellIndex. In an embodiment herein, a four-octet bitmap can be used for activation / deactivation of the On-Demand SSB transmission, wherein the four-octet bitmap can indicate the presence of an on-demand SSB configuration index per Serving Cell. In an example herein, the four-octet bitmap can contain 31 C-fields and one R-field. The On-Demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE of four activation / deactivation octets can be defined as follows:

[0061] - Ci: If there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity withSCellIndex ias specified in TS 38.331, this field indicates the on-demand SSB activation / deactivation status for the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity shall ignore the Cifield. The Cifield can be set to 1 to indicate that On-Demand SSB transmission on the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The Cifield can be set to 0 to indicate that On-Demand SSB transmission on the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated;

[0062] - ConfigIndexi: The on-demand SSB configuration index to apply forSCellIndex i. This field is present for SCell with SCellIndexiif Ciis 1, and not present if Ciis 0.

[0063] - R: Reserved bit, set to 0.

[0064] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can extend the legacy SCell Activation / Deactivation MAC CE to convey about the on-demand SSB transmission. The extended MAC CE can be of a fixed size of one octet (for example, including 7 bits for SCellindex Ciand one special bit E, can be termed as an extension bit). If E bit is set to 1 and there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield indicates the activation / deactivation status of the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated. If the E bit is set to 0 and there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield indicates the activation / deactivation status of the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated (as depicted in FIG. 4).

[0065] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can extend the legacy SCell Activation / Deactivation MAC CE to convey about the on-demand SSB transmission. The extended MAC CE can be of a variable size of one or two octets (for example, including 7 bits for SCellindex Ciand one special bit E, and if E is set to 0, followed by another 7 bits for SCellindex Ciand one reserved bit R). If there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield for first 7 bits indicates the activation / deactivation status of the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated. If E is set to 1 and there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield for the next 7 bits indicates the activation / deactivation status of the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated. In an embodiment herein, Octets 2 is present, when E bit is set as 1 (as depicted in FIG. 5).

[0066] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can extend the legacy SCell Activation / Deactivation MAC CE to convey about the on-demand SSB transmission. The extended MAC CE can be of a fixed size of four octets (for example, including 31 bits for SCellindex Ciand one special bit E). If E bit is set to 1 and there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield indicates the activation / deactivation status of the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated. If E bit is set to 0 and there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield indicates the activation / deactivation status of the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated (as depicted in FIG. 6).

[0067] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can extend the legacy SCell Activation / Deactivation MAC CE to convey about the on-demand SSB transmission. The extended MAC CE can be of a variable size of four or eight octets (for example, including 31 bits for SCellindex Ciand one special bit E, and if E is set to 0, followed by another 7 bits for SCellindex Ci and one reserved bit R). If there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield for the first 31 bits indicates the activation / deactivation status of the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated. If E is set to 1 and there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity 103 withSCellIndexi, the Cifield for next 31 bits indicates the activation / deactivation status of the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity 103 shall ignore the Cifield. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 1 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The network entity 102 can set the Cifield to 0 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated. In an embodiment herein, octets 5 to 7 are present, when E bit is set as 1 (as depicted in FIG. 7).

[0068] In an embodiment herein, when an SCell is deactivated, the on-demand SSB transmission on the SCell is unaffected, i.e., the SSB transmission is continued even after the SCell deactivation, unless it is explicitly signaled to be disabled. Further, the UE 101 may continue the measurement for the on-demand SSB resources.

[0069] In an embodiment herein, when an SCell is deactivated, the on-demand SSB transmission on the SCell is assumed to be discontinued and / or interpreted as discontinued. Further, the UE 101 may stop or discontinue the measurement for the on-demand SSB resources.

[0070] In an embodiment herein, when an SCell is released or de-configured, the on-demand SSB transmission on the SCell is assumed to be discontinued and / or interpreted as discontinued. Further, the UE 101 may stop or discontinue the measurement for the on-demand SSB resources.

[0071] In an embodiment herein, when the UE 101 transitions the RRC state (for example, UE 101 transits to at least one of RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE from RRC_CONNECTED state), the on-demand SSB transmission on the SCell is assumed to be discontinued and / or interpreted as discontinued. Further, the UE 101 may stop or discontinue the measurement for the on-demand SSB resources.

[0072] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 102 can provide the on-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE as a group common MAC CE. That is, the network entity 102 can provide the on-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE over a common channel, and is addressed to a common-RNTI that is accessible to all the UEs in the serving cell. As a result, the network entity 102 can convey the on-demand SSB activation / deactivation signaling to all the UEs in the cell and the burden of the communicating the MAC CE over the dedicated channels for each of the UE 101 is avoided.

[0073] In an embodiment herein, a procedural description for activation / deactivation of on-demand SSB and the format for on-demand SSB activation / deactivation MAC CE is provided as follows:

[0074] Example 1:

[0075] 5.X.Y Activation / Deactivation of on-demand SSB

[0076] The network may activate and deactivate the on-demand SSB of a Serving Cell by sending the on-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE described in clause 6.X.Y.Z. The configured on-demand SSB resources are deactivated upon (re-)configuration by upper layers and after reconfiguration with sync.

[0077] The MAC entity shall:

[0078] 1> if the MAC entity receives an on-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE on a Serving Cell:

[0079] 2> indicate to lower layers the information regarding the on-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE.

[0080] 6.X.Y.Z On-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE

[0081] The on-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE of one octet is identified by a MAC subheader with LCID (or eLCID) as specified in Table 6.2.1-1 of TS 38.321. It has a fixed size and consists of a single octet containing seven C-fields and one R-field. The on-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE with one octet is defined as follows (as depicted in FIG. 2).

[0082] The on-demand SSB SCell Activation / Deactivation MAC CE of four octets is identified by a MAC subheader with LCID (or eLCID) as specified in Table 6.2.1-1 of TS 38.321. It has a fixed size and comprises of four octets containing 31 C-fields and one R-field. The on-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE of four octets is defined as follows (as depicted in FIG. 3).

[0083] - Ci: If there is an SCell configured for the MAC entity withSCellIndexi as specified in TS 38.331 [5], this field indicates the activation / deactivation status of the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi, else the MAC entity shall ignore the Cifield. The Cifield is set to 1 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be activated. The Cifield is set to 0 to indicate that the on-demand SSB transmission for the SCell withSCellIndexi shall be deactivated;

[0084] - R: Reserved bit, set to 0.

[0085] In an embodiment herein, the on-demand SSB Activation / Deactivation MAC CE (for example, the (extended) legacy MAC CE to convey on-demand SSB transmission signaling) also includes at least one field for at least one of transmission periodicity, SSB mode, identity or index for on-demand SSB resource(s), identity or index of the on-demand SSB transmission pattern(s) (for example, an on-demand SSB configuration index).

[0086] In an embodiment herein, the (extended) legacy MAC CE for on-demand SSB activation / deactivation can be of variable size.

[0087] In an embodiment herein, if the reset of the MAC entity 103 is requested by upper layers or the reset of the MAC entity 103 is triggered due to SCG deactivation, the MAC entity 103 may cancel triggered on-demand SSB request and / or triggered on-demand SSB measurement (if any).

[0088] Example 2:

[0089] 5.12 MAC Reset

[0090] If a reset of the MAC entity is requested by upper layers upon receivingRRCResumeorRRCSetup, the MAC entity shall:

[0091] 1> stop the MBS multicast DRX timers;

[0092] 1> flush the soft buffers for all DL HARQ processes used for MBS multicast;

[0093] 1> for each DL HARQ process used for MBS multicast, consider the next received transmission for a TB as the very first transmission.

[0094] Otherwise, if a reset of the MAC entity is requested by upper layers or the reset of the MAC entity is triggered due to SCG deactivation as defined in clause 5.29, the MAC entity shall:

[0095] 1> if the MAC reset is not due to SCG deactivation:

[0096] 2> initializeBjfor each logical channel to zero;

[0097] 1> initializeSBjfor each logical channel to zero if Sidelink resource allocation mode 1 is configured by RRC;

[0098] 1> if upper layers indicate SCG deactivation andbfd-and-RLMwith valuetrueis configured for the deactivated SCG:

[0099] 2> stop (if running) all timers exceptbeamFailureDetectionTimerassociated with PSCell andtimeAlignmentTimers.

[0100] 1> else:

[0101] 2> stop (if running) all timers, except MBS broadcast DRX timers;

[0102] 2> consider alltimeAlignmentTimers,inactivePosSRS-TimeAlignmentTimer, andcg-SDT-TimeAlignmentTimer, if configured, as expired and perform the corresponding actions in clause 5.2;

[0103] 1> set the NDIs for all uplink HARQ processes to the value 0;

[0104] 1> sets the NDIs for all HARQ process IDs to the value 0 for monitoring PDCCH in Sidelink resource allocation mode 1;

[0105] 1> stop, if any, ongoing Random Access procedure;

[0106] 1> discard explicitly signalled contention-free Random Access Resources for 4-step RA type and 2-step RA type, if any;

[0107] 1> flush Msg3 buffer;

[0108] 1> flush MSGA buffer;

[0109] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Scheduling Request procedure;

[0110] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Buffer Status Reporting procedure;

[0111] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Delay Status Reporting procedure;

[0112] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Power Headroom Reporting procedure;

[0113] 1> cancel, if any, triggered consistent LBT failure;

[0114] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Sidelink consistent LBT failure;

[0115] 1> cancel, if any, triggered BFR;

[0116] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Sidelink Buffer Status Reporting procedure;

[0117] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Pre-emptive Buffer Status Reporting procedure;

[0118] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Timing Advance Reporting procedure;

[0119] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Recommended bit rate query procedure;

[0120] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Configured uplink grant confirmation;

[0121] 1> cancel, if any, triggered configured sidelink grant confirmation;

[0122] 1> clear, if any, configured sidelink grants;

[0123] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Desired Guard Symbol query;

[0124] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Positioning Measurement Gap Activation / Deactivation Request procedure;

[0125] 1> cancel, if any, triggered on-demand SSB request;

[0126] 1> cancel, if any, triggered on-demand SSB measurement;

[0127] 1> cancel, if any, triggered SDT procedure;

[0128] 1> cancel, if any, triggered IAB-MT Recommended Beam Indication query;

[0129] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Desired DL TX Power Adjustment query;

[0130] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Desired IAB-MT PSD range query;

[0131] 1> cancel, if any, triggered Case-6 Timing Request query;

[0132] 1> cancel, if any, triggered SL-PRS resource request;

[0133] 1> flush the soft buffers for all DL HARQ processes, except for the DL HARQ process being used for MBS broadcast;

[0134] 1> for each DL HARQ process, except for the DL HARQ process being used for MBS broadcast, consider the next received transmission for a TB as the very first transmission;

[0135] 1> release, if any, Temporary C-RNTI;

[0136] 1> clear, if any, Differential Koffset;

[0137] 1> if upper layers indicate SCG deactivation andbfd-and-RLMwith valuetrueis not configured; or

[0138] 1> if the MAC reset is not due to SCG deactivation:

[0139] 2> reset allBFI_COUNTERs;

[0140] 1> reset allLBT_COUNTERs.

[0141] FIG. 8 depicts a network entity in a cell in the network. The network entity 102 comprises a processing module 102A, a transceiver 102B, and a memory module 102C. The cell can be at least one of a Primary Cell (PCell), an anchor cell, and a Secondary Cell (SCell).

[0142] The processing module 102A may include one or a plurality of processors. The one or the plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an AI-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). The processing module 102A may include multiple cores and is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory module 102C.

[0143] The memory module 102C is configured to store instructions to be executed by the processing module 102A. The memory module 102C can include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory module 102C may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted that the memory module 102C is non-movable. In some examples, the memory module 102C is configured to store larger amounts of information. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

[0144] In an embodiment, the transceiver 102B includes an electronic circuit specific to a standard that enables wired or wireless communication. The transceiver 102B is configured to communicate internally between internal hardware components of the network entity 102, and with external devices via one or more networks.

[0145] In an embodiment herein, the processing module 102A can signal to the UE 101 for performing at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand SSB transmission using the MAC CE. The MAC CE can be identified using a MAC subheader with at least one of a Logical Channel ID (LCID) with a pre-defined value; and an extended LCID (eLCID) with a pre-defined value. In an embodiment herein, the MAC CE comprises a bitmap for on-demand SSB transmission status, wherein the bitmap includes a plurality of bits for a SCellindex Ci; and at least one reserved bit. The processing module 102A can use the SCellindex Cito indicate to the UE 101 whether to perform at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand SSB transmission for each SCell. The index of each SCell is indicated by the corresponding bit position of the SCellIndex Ci. In an embodiment herein, the MAC CE can be of a variable size, and bitmap for on-demand SSB transmission status in the MAC CE is of a fixed size. The bitmap for on-demand SSB transmission status in the MAC CE has one of one octet wherein on-demand SSB transmission status is indicated for up to 7 SCells; or four octets wherein on-demand SSB transmission is indicated for up to 31 SCells. The MAC CE comprises at least one field for at least one of transmission periodicity; SSB mode; identity or index for at least one on-demand SSB resource; and identity or index of at least one on-demand SSB transmission pattern (for example, an on-demand SSB configuration index). The processing module 102A can configure at least one of on-demand SSB configuration, on-demand SSB resources and enabling or disabling status or activation / deactivation status for the on-demand SSB transmission for at least one SCell using the RRC signalling.

[0146] FIG. 9 depicts a UE. The UE 101 comprises a processing module 101A, a transceiver 101B, and a memory module 101C. The processing module 101A may include one or a plurality of processors. The one or the plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an AI-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). The processing module 101A may include multiple cores and is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory module 101C.

[0147] The memory module 101C is configured to store instructions to be executed by the processing module 101A. The memory module 101C can include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory module 101C may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted that the memory module 101C is non-movable. In some examples, the memory module 101C is configured to store larger amounts of information. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

[0148] In an embodiment, the transceiver 101B includes an electronic circuit specific to a standard that enables wired or wireless communication. The transceiver 101B is configured to communicate internally between internal hardware components of the UE 101, and with external devices via one or more networks.

[0149] Consider that the UE 101 receives the MAC CE from the network entity 101 in a cell in the network, via the transceiver 101B. The processing module 101A can identify the MAC CE using a MAC subheader with at least one of a Logical Channel ID (LCID) with a pre-defined value; and an extended LCID (eLCID) with a pre-defined value. In an embodiment herein, the MAC CE comprises a bitmap for on-demand SSB transmission status, wherein the bitmap includes a plurality of bits for a SCellindex Ci; and at least one reserved bit. The SCellindex Cican indicate to the UE 101 whether to perform at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand SSB transmission for each SCell. The index of each SCell is indicated by the corresponding bit position of the SCellIndex Ci. In an embodiment herein, the MAC CE can be of a variable size, and the bitmap for on-demand SSB transmission status in the MAC CE is of a fixed size. The bitmap for on-demand SSB transmission status in the MAC CE has one of one octet wherein on-demand SSB transmission status is indicated for up to 7 SCells; or four octets wherein on-demand SSB transmission is indicated for up to 31 SCells. The MAC CE comprises at least one field for at least one of transmission periodicity; SSB mode; identity or index for at least one on-demand SSB resource; and identity or index of at least one on-demand SSB transmission pattern (for example, an on-demand SSB configuration index).

[0150] On receiving the transceiver 101B, the processing module 101A can perform at least one of activation, and deactivation of the on-demand SSB transmission.

[0151] FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting the process of managing on-demand SSB transmission in a wireless network. In step 1001, the network entity 102 signals to the UE 101 for performing at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand SSB transmission using the MAC CE. In step 1002, the UE 101 receives the MAC CE, and identifies that the received MAC CE is for performing at least one of activation, and deactivation of on-demand SSB transmission. The UE 101 can identify the MAC CE using a MAC subheader with at least one of a Logical Channel ID (LCID) with a pre-defined value; and an extended LCID (eLCID) with a pre-defined value. In step 1003, the UE 101 performs at least one of activation, and deactivation of the on-demand SSB transmission, based on the received MAC CE. The various actions in method 1000 can be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 10 can be omitted.

[0152] FIG. 11 depicts a MAC entity in a cell in the network. The MAC entity 103 comprises a processing module 103A, a transceiver 103B, and a memory module 103C. The processing module 103A may include one or a plurality of processors. The one or the plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an AI-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). The processing module 103A may include multiple cores and is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory module 103C.

[0153] The memory module 103C is configured to store instructions to be executed by the processing module 103A. The memory module 103C can include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory module 103C may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted that the memory module 103C is non-movable. In some examples, the memory module 103C is configured to store larger amounts of information. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

[0154] In an embodiment, the transceiver 103B includes an electronic circuit specific to a standard that enables wired or wireless communication. The transceiver 103B is configured to communicate internally between internal hardware components of the MAC entity 103, and with external devices via one or more networks.

[0155] In an embodiment herein, the processing module 103A can reset the MAC entity 103. In an embodiment herein, the MAC entity 103 can be reset on the reset of the MAC entity being requested by at least one upper layer in the network. In an embodiment herein, the MAC entity 103 can be reset on the Secondary Cell Group (SCG) being deactivated. On the MAC entity 103 being reset, the processing module 103A can cancel a triggered on-demand SSB request; and / or a triggered on-demand SSB measurement.

[0156] FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting the process of managing a MAC entity in a wireless network. In step 1201, the MAC entity is reset, wherein the MAC entity 101 can either receive a request from at least one upper layer in the network to be reset, or the SCG is deactivated. In step 1202, the MAC entity cancels a triggered on-demand SSB request; and / or a triggered on-demand SSB measurement. The various actions in method 1200 can be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 12 can be omitted.

[0157] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The elements include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.

[0158] The embodiments disclosed herein describe methods and systems for on-demand SSB transmission in a wireless communication network. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile deviceor any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in for example, Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g., hardware means like e.g., an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g., an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention can be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g., using a plurality of CPUs.

[0159] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practised with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

1.A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:receiving, from a base station, a radio resource control (RRC) message including information on at least one configuration for an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission; andreceiving, from the base station, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) and a MAC subheader corresponding to the MAC CE, the MAC subheader including an extended logical channel identity (eLCID) indicating on-demand SSB activation / deactivation, and the MAC CE including a bitmap field and an index field,wherein a bit of the bitmap field is used for activating or deactivating the on-demand SSB transmission on a corresponding secondary cell (SCell), andwherein the index field indicates a configuration for the on-demand SSB transmission applied for an SCell on which the on-demand SSB transmission is activated.2.The method of claim 1,wherein a size of the MAC CE is one octet including the bitmap field of 7 bits, or four octets including the bitmap field of 31 bits, andwherein a value for the eLCID corresponding to the MAC CE of the one octet is different from a value for the eLCID corresponding to the MAC CE of the four octets.3.The method of claim 2,wherein, in case that the bit of the bitmap field is set to 1, the on-demand SSB transmission on the corresponding SCell is activated,wherein, in case that the bit of the bitmap field is set to 0, the on-demand SSB transmission on the corresponding SCell is deactivated, andwherein the configuration of for the on-demand SSB transmission is associated with at least one of a periodicity of an on-demand SSB, a number of the on-demand SSB, or an index for the on-demand SSB.4.The method of claim 3,wherein the index field is present for an SCell where a corresponding bit of the bitmap field is set to 1, and not present for an SCell where a corresponding bit of the bitmap field is set to 0.5.A method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:transmitting, to a terminal, a radio resource control (RRC) message including information on at least one configuration for an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission; andtransmitting, to the terminal, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) and a MAC subheader corresponding to the MAC CE, the MAC subheader including an extended logical channel identity (eLCID) indicating on-demand SSB activation / deactivation, and the MAC CE including a bitmap field and an index field,wherein a bit of the bitmap field is used for activating or deactivating the on-demand SSB transmission on a corresponding secondary cell (SCell), andwherein the index field indicates a configuration for the on-demand SSB transmission applied for an SCell on which the on-demand SSB transmission is activated.6.The method of claim 5,wherein a size of the MAC CE is one octet including the bitmap field of 7 bits, or four octets including the bitmap field of 31 bits, andwherein a value for the eLCID corresponding to the MAC CE of the one octet is different from a value for the eLCID corresponding to the MAC CE of the four octets.7.The method of claim 6,wherein, in case that the bit of the bitmap field is set to 1, the on-demand SSB transmission on the corresponding SCell is activated,wherein, in case that the bit of the bitmap field is set to 0, the on-demand SSB transmission on the corresponding SCell is deactivated, andwherein the configuration of for the on-demand SSB transmission is associated with at least one of a periodicity of an on-demand SSB, a number of the on-demand SSB, or an index for the on-demand SSB.8.The method of claim 7,wherein the index field is present for an SCell where a corresponding bit of the bitmap field is set to 1, and not present for an SCell where a corresponding bit of the bitmap field is set to 0.9.A terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:a transceiver; anda controller configured to:control the transceiver to receive, from a base station, a radio resource control (RRC) message including information on at least one configuration for an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission, andcontrol the transceiver to receive, from the base station, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) and a MAC subheader corresponding to the MAC CE, the MAC subheader including an extended logical channel identity (eLCID) indicating on-demand SSB activation / deactivation, and the MAC CE including a bitmap field and an index field,wherein a bit of the bitmap field is used for activating or deactivating the on-demand SSB transmission on a corresponding secondary cell (SCell), andwherein the index field indicates a configuration for the on-demand SSB transmission applied for an SCell on which the on-demand SSB transmission is activated.10.The terminal of claim 9,wherein a size of the MAC CE is one octet including the bitmap field of 7 bits, or four octets including the bitmap field of 31 bits, andwherein a value for the eLCID corresponding to the MAC CE of the one octet is different from a value for the eLCID corresponding to the MAC CE of the four octets.11.The terminal of claim 10,wherein, in case that the bit of the bitmap field is set to 1, the on-demand SSB transmission on the corresponding SCell is activated,wherein, in case that the bit of the bitmap field is set to 0, the on-demand SSB transmission on the corresponding SCell is deactivated, andwherein the configuration of for the on-demand SSB transmission is associated with at least one of a periodicity of an on-demand SSB, a number of the on-demand SSB, or an index for the on-demand SSB.12.The terminal of claim 11,wherein the index field is present for an SCell where a corresponding bit of the bitmap field is set to 1, and not present for an SCell where a corresponding bit of the bitmap field is set to 0.13.A base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:a transceiver; anda controller configured to:control the transceiver to transmit, to a terminal, a radio resource control (RRC) message including information on at least one configuration for an on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission, andcontrol the transceiver to transmit, to the terminal, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) and a MAC subheader corresponding to the MAC CE, the MAC subheader including an extended logical channel identity (eLCID) indicating on-demand SSB activation / deactivation, and the MAC CE including a bitmap field and an index field,wherein a bit of the bitmap field is used for activating or deactivating the on-demand SSB transmission on a corresponding secondary cell (SCell), andwherein the index field indicates a configuration for the on-demand SSB transmission applied for an SCell on which the on-demand SSB transmission is activated.14.The base station of claim 13,wherein a size of the MAC CE is one octet including the bitmap field of 7 bits, or four octets including the bitmap field of 31 bits, andwherein a value for the eLCID corresponding to the MAC CE of the one octet is different from a value for the eLCID corresponding to the MAC CE of the four octets.15.The base station of claim 14,wherein, in case that the bit of the bitmap field is set to 1, the on-demand SSB transmission on the corresponding SCell is activated,wherein, in case that the bit of the bitmap field is set to 0, the on-demand SSB transmission on the corresponding SCell is deactivated,wherein the configuration of for the on-demand SSB transmission is associated with at least one of a periodicity of an on-demand SSB, a number of the on-demand SSB, or an index for the on-demand SSB, andwherein the index field is present for an SCell where a corresponding bit of the bitmap field is set to 1, and not present for an SCell where a corresponding bit of the bitmap field is set to 0.

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