Resuming of communication connection

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, methods and computer readable storage medium for resuming of a communication connection In a method, a first apparatus negotiates, with a second apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus. Then, the first apparatus initiates resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

Description

RESUMING OF COMMUNICATION CONNECTIONFIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to apparatuses, methods and computer readable storage medium for resuming of a communication connection.BACKGROUND

[0002] Cellular mobile telecommunication systems are built on top of protocols that control how the data is transmitted between user equipment (UEs) and networks. These protocols are often divided into user plane (UP) and control plane (CP) sections, where the UP is dedicated to an actual task of transmitting user data between a user and the network, and the CP is dedicated to ensuring that the UP remains operational. That means, the CP is used for establishing the UP, and it is a task of the CP to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the UP.SUMMARY

[0003] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: transmit, to a second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell; and start preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0004] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: receive, from a first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0005] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a firstapparatus. The method comprises: transmitting, to a second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell; and starting preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a second apparatus. The method comprises: receiving, from a first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell; and means for starting preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0009] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third or the fourth aspect.

[0010] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive, from a second apparatus, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell, the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile; transmit, to the second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble; and start preparing of a configuration for the resuming orsetting up of the connection according to the configuration profile of at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0011] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: transmit, to a first apparatus, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell, the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile; receive, from the first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble; and activate the configuration profile for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0012] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a first apparatus. The method comprises: receiving, from a second apparatus, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell, the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile; transmitting, to the second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble; and starting preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to the configuration profile of at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0013] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a second apparatus. The method comprises: transmitting, to a first apparatus, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell, the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile; receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble; and activating the configuration profile for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0014] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a second apparatus, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell,the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile; means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble; and means for starting preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to the configuration profile of at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0015] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell, the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile; means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble; and means for activating the configuration profile for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0016] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the tenth or the eleventh aspect.

[0017] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: negotiate, with a second apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and initiate resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0018] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: negotiate, with a first apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and perform resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0019] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at afirst apparatus. The method comprises: negotiating, with a second apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and initiating resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0020] In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a second apparatus. The method comprises: negotiating, with a first apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and performing resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0021] In an nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for negotiating, with a second apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and means for initiating resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0022] In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises means for negotiating, with a first apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and means for performing resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0023] In a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the seventeenth aspect or the eighteenth aspect.

[0024] In a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive, from a second apparatus, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus; and initiate a connection attempt for a cell based on the first indication received from the second apparatus.

[0025] In a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first second at least to: transmit, to a first apparatus, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus.

[0026] In a twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a first apparatus. The method comprises: receiving, from a second apparatus, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus; and initiating a connection attempt for a cell based on the first indication received from the second apparatus.

[0027] In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method at a second apparatus. The method comprises: transmitting, to a first apparatus, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus.

[0028] In a twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a second apparatus, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus; and means for initiating a connection attempt for a cell based on the first indication received from the second apparatus.

[0029] In a twenty -seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus.

[0030] In a twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computerreadable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the twenty-fourth aspect or the twenty -fifth aspect.

[0031] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0034] FIG. 2A illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 2B illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 3A illustrates a flowchart of an example process of resuming a radio resource control connection in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 3B illustrates a flowchart of an example process of resuming a radio resource control connection in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 4A illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 4B illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example process of resuming a radio resource control connection in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 6A illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 6B illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 7A illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 7B illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0049] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0050] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it issubmitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0051] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”..., etc. in front of noun(s) and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not limit the order of the noun(s). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0052] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0053] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0055] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) withsoftware / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0056] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0057] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0058] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture comprises a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node comprises a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0059] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be usedinterchangeably.

[0060] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other combination of the time, frequency, space and / or code domain resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in both frequency domain and time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0061] As described above, the CP is used for establishing the UP and ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the UP. The primary protocol used for the CP in universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) / LTE / NR is a radio resource control (RRC) protocol. The RRC specifications in the third-generation partnership project (3 GPP) standards define mechanisms for setting up a connection, establishing other (e.g., UP) protocol layers and reconfiguring their parameters, as well as various procedures intended to keep both UP and CP operations.

[0062] One of objectives of a 6G protocol design is aimed at identifying shortcomings of a 5G protocol design and recognizing areas of improvements that may lead to a foundation of the 6G protocol design. The current 5G RRC protocol has evolved through several releases to contain a stable structure, but remains mostly monolithic and complex, with inherent procedural delays imposed for basic operations. Moreover, the same RRC configuration is often repeated many times for the same UE, which results in an inefficient use of the radio resources.

[0063] For example, when a UE in an IDLE state (or an IDLE mode) has been temporarily suspended a RRC connection, a RRC connection between the UE and a network may be released by the network to conserve network resources. Therefore, when the UE needs to resume communication with the network again, it may initiate a random access procedure, also called a random access channel (RACH) procedure, for resuming the RRC connection. However, there may be various delays during the RACH procedure.Firstly, there may be a delay for a RACH scheduling period at the UE. Further, there may be a processing delay at the UE and the network, which is expended for interpretation of received information and configuring of relevant interfaces based on the received information.

[0064] Example embodiments of the present disclosure propose a solution for resuming of a communication connection. In this solution, during resuming or setting up of a connection between a first apparatus (e.g. a UE) and a cell, the first apparatus starts preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a confirmation from the second apparatus that the configuration is activated. The at least one configuration profile may be configured in advance to the first apparatus, which may respectively define characteristics of at least one configuration and may be associated with UE capabilities, network features, requested service categories and / or the like.

[0065] This solution allows the first apparatus (e.g. a UE) to start preparing the configuration before receiving it from the second apparatus (e.g. the networks). In this way, the processing time of the first apparatus may be reduced to start active data transmission, for example, after returning to the network from an IDLE mode and resuming a connection (e.g. a RRC connection).

[0066] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0067] In the communication environment 100, a plurality of communication devices, including a first apparatus 110 and a second apparatus 120, may communicate with each other. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may operate as a terminal device such as a UE, and the second apparatus 120 may operate as a network device (such as a gNB) serving the terminal device. In some embodiments, the second apparatus 120 may provide a serving area, called a cell 125. In the cell 125, the first apparatus 110 may initiate a connection (e.g., a RRC connection) to the second apparatus 120.

[0068] In the following, for the purpose of illustration, some example embodiments are described with the first apparatus 110 operating as a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 operating as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, operations described with respect to a terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other devices, and operations described with respect to a network device maybe implemented at a terminal device or other devices.

[0069] In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 is a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 is a network device, a transmission direction from the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 is referred to as a DL, while a transmission direction from the first apparatus 110 to the second apparatus 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In DL, the second apparatus 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or a transmitter), and the first apparatus 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or a receiver). In UL, the first apparatus 110 is a TX device, and the second apparatus 120 is an RX device. If both the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 are terminal devices, a link between two terminal devices is referred to as a sidelink (SL). In SL, one of the first and second apparatuses 110 and 120 is a TX device (or a transmitter), and the other of the first and second apparatuses 110 and 120 is an RX device (or a receiver).

[0070] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0071] It is to be understood that the number and types of apparatuses are shown in FIG. 1 for the purpose of illustration, without suggesting any limitation. The communication environment 100 may include any suitable numbers and types of devices and apparatuses.

[0072] In the communication environment 100, the first apparatus 110 may switch between different states or modes, for example, including IDLE, INACTIVE and CONNECTED states. If the first apparatus 110 enters into an IDLE state, a connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell 125 will be released by the second apparatus 120. If the first apparatus 110 needs to resume communication with the network, the firstapparatus 110 may resume or set up a connection to the cell 120 again.

[0073] In some example embodiments, a concept of configuration profiles is introduced to build up and maintain configurations in a layered, scalable and robust manner. The configuration profiles for a RRC configuration may also be referred as RRC profiles. The RRC profiles are designed to facilitate RRC configurations that a UE and a network may store. It is possible for the UE to store a plurality of RRC profiles. RRC profiles contain RRC configurations which the UE and the network may store and activate later based on the network instruction according to the UE activity. The RRC profiles may contain further sub-modules which include specific RRC configuration components.

[0074] Therefore, the RRC profiles may be tailored to suit UE operations of different form factors (such as low-cost, smartphone, high-end, etc.) and performance profiles (such as low latency, power-saving, voice, fixed wireless access (FWA), etc.). A profile may be negotiated between the UE and the network to ensure that both UE capabilities and network supported features are considered, and the stored profile may be subsequently applied at the network without having to re-signal the parameters.

[0075] Each defined RRC profile may be linked to UE capabilities and a requested service category (e.g., voice call or mobile broadband (MBB)). The RRC profiles may be valid in a single cell or in a set of cells and also retained through state transitions. Therefore, RRC profiles facilitate a power-efficient system by efficiently switching to a power saving mode from any UE state.

[0076] The RRC profiles may be different for different UE states. For example, a plurality of RRC profiles in a CONNECTED mode / state may accommodate varying levels of network activity, allowing for a more precise control over UE behaviors. Therefore, the concept of RRC profiles may help to mitigate the challenges associated with frequent transitions between these states, which may be resource-intensive and delay-inducing.

[0077] Assigning a RRC profile early during the RACH procedure to a UE that is returning to the network may improve the access time of the UE. The UE may establish a connection with the network more quickly and efficiently. Therefore, the resources and parameters may be allocated to the UE in advance which may reduce the overall time required for network access of the UE. The early assignment of a RRC profile may enhance the user experience by minimizing delays and improving network responsiveness. Devices which demand low latency operations may also benefit from such a procedure.

[0078] Even if a current RRC profile of the UE is stored at both the UE and the network, the UE may have to wait till the network informs it about the new RRC configuration for resuming the connection which may be communicated in a RRCResume message to start the UE configuration which may cause the processing time of 10 to 16 milliseconds (ms) to take a RRC configuration in use at the UE.

[0079] In addition, in the scenario where a new RRC profile is applied by the network, the setup of the RRC configuration parameters requires the processing time for reconfiguration. In addition to the transmission of the parameters, the RRC configuration may need to be received and processed on the UE side. There is also needed some time on the UE side to take any new parameters into use and acknowledge to the network that the configuration is completed.

[0080] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, to reduce the processing time of the first apparatus, the first apparatus 110 may indicate a target configuration to the network (e.g. the second apparatus 120), instead of waiting for the configuration from the network. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may be capable of a plurality of configurations for a plurality of cells. The first apparatus may even have different RRC connections to different cells at the same time. The indication of a target configuration from the first apparatus 110 to the network may allow the first apparatus 110 to start preparing the configuration before receiving it from the network and hence reduces the processing time of the first apparatus 110 even to zero.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may transmit a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell (e.g. the cell 125) to initiate the resuming or setting up of the connection. Some example implementations in this regard will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2A to 3B.

[0082] FIG. 2A shows a flowchart of an example method 200A implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of illustration, the method 200A will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0083] At block 205, the first apparatus 110 transmits, to the second apparatus 120, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell. In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection may be transmitted by the first apparatus 110 in an idle or inactive state. When the first apparatus 110 is in an idle orinactive state, the connection to the network may be released to conserve network resources. If the first apparatus 110 intends to return to the network, it may transmit the request for resuming or setting up the connection to the second apparatus 120. In an example, the request may be a RRC resume request.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection may indicate a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile. In an example, the configuration profile may include a RRC profile. At an initial state, the first apparatus 110 may be connected to a cell, and the first apparatus 110 may be configured with one or more RRC profiles. One of those RRC profiles may be active prior to release of the connection. By indicating the configuration profile of at least one configuration profile in the request for resuming or setting up the connection to the cell 125, the second apparatus 120 may determine whether the indicated configuration profile may be used for the resumed connection.

[0085] The request may indicate the configuration profile in either an explicit or an implicit way. For example, an explicit indication such as an identifier of a configuration profile (also called a configuration profile ID) may be included in the request. Alternatively, or in addition, the configuration profile may be indicated implicitly by an associated random access preamble as will be detailed in the following paragraphs with reference to FIGS. 4 A to 5.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile may be previously used by the first apparatus in a connected state. In an example, the first apparatus 110 may indicate to the second apparatus 120 the RRC profile it has been used previously in the RRC resume request (as an example of the request for resuming or setting up the connection). In this way, the processing time at the network may be reduced by activation of an already negotiated and stored RRC profile (e.g., the previously used RRC profile) for the first apparatus 110.

[0087] At block 210, the first apparatus 110 starts preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine to initiate random access to the cell, and the request for resuming or setting up the connection maybe transmitted by the first apparatus 110 based on the determining. When the first apparatus 110 is returning to the network and intends to resume communication from an IDLE / IN ACTIVE mode, the first apparatus 110 may initiate a RACH procedure with intention of transferring to a CONNECTED mode by transmitting the request. In an example, after the request is transmitted to the second apparatus 120, the first apparatus 110 may start resuming or setting up the connection according to the configuration file indicated in the request, without waiting for the RRC profile from the network in the RRC resume message. In this way, the configuration delay at the first apparatus 110 for processing and setting up configuration (e.g., a RRC configuration) may be reduced by advanced preparation before the RRC configuration is informed or confirmed by the network.

[0089] In another example, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection may be prepared by the first apparatus 110 starting from a time when the initiating of the random access is determined. For example, the first apparatus 110 may start resuming or setting up of the connection from the moment when the first apparatus 110 has decided to initiate random access to the network.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile. In an example, by receiving the configuration, the first apparatus 110 may connect to the second apparatus 120 based on configuration. The configuration may include a radio bearer configuration, a measurement configuration, a cell configuration and / or the like.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile may be received by the first apparatus 110 in a connected state. In an example, the configuration may be received by the first apparatus 110 in a previous connection to the second apparatus 120 (e.g., the cell 125).

[0092] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection may comprise a RRC configuration. The RRC configuration may include various aspects of managing and configuring a wireless connection between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. In an example, the RRC configuration may involve modifying, establishing, and releasing RRC connections along with related parameters and configurations.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from thesecond apparatus 120, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection. If the second apparatus 120 determines that the configuration profile indicated by the first apparatus 110 may be used for the resumed connection, it may acknowledge that and inform the first apparatus 110 to proceed with using the indicated configuration profile. Then, the response confirming that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection may be sent to the first apparatus 110 by the second apparatus 120. Since the first apparatus 110 has already started setting up this RRC configuration, it can inform the network after completion of the setup without additional delay.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile used for preparing the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection may be a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile. For example, a default configuration profile may be used for preparing the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection. In an example, the default configuration profile may also be indicated in the request for resuming or setting up the connection. In an alternative example, the default configuration profile may be negotiated between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 or configured or indicated by the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 and may not need to be indicated in the request for resuming or setting up the connection.

[0095] The default configuration profile may be used in the case that the first apparatus 110 intends to resume the connection to the same cell. For example, when the first apparatus 110 allowed to have non-contention based random access is returning to a same cell that the first apparatus 110 is previously connected to, the first apparatus 110 may be allocated a same RRC profile for the same cell by default. This procedure may be employed, for example, for devices requiring low latency communication.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the default configuration profile may be the previous used configuration profile. In an example, the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may use the same RRC profile which was used before by default. The first apparatus 110 may indicate to the second apparatus 120 the default RRC profile it had been using previously in the RRC resume request.

[0097] After transmitting the request indicating the default configuration profile, thefirst apparatus 110 may start setting up the RRC configuration according to this indicated profile from the moment when the first apparatus 110 has decided to initiate random access to the network. The second apparatus 120 may activate the default configuration profile and inform the first apparatus 110. As such, the network may activate the same RRC profile by default and inform the first apparatus 110. In this way, the delay at the network side may be reduced since the network does not have to prepare and issue a new RRC configuration to the first apparatus 110. Further, the delay at the terminal side may be reduced since the first apparatus 110 has already started setting up this RRC configuration and it can inform the network after completion of the setup without additional delay.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the transmission of the request for resuming or setting up the connection and the reception of the response for the request may be performed by the first apparatus 110 in different resources such as bandwidth parts. For example, the request may be transmitted by the first apparatus 110 in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection may be received by the first apparatus 110 in a different second resource.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the second resource may correspond to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection. The second resource may be a resource requested by the first apparatus 110 through the configuration profile corresponding to the configuration to be prepared for resuming or setting up the connection. For example, if the first apparatus 110 is capable of a single configuration, the first apparatus 110 may move directly to a requested resource for receiving the response after transmitting the request. Instead, if the first apparatus 110 is capable of two or more configurations, after the first apparatus 110 transmits the request, the first apparatus 110 may wait for the response in the same resource or channel and move directly to the requested configuration corresponding to the configuration profile.

[0100] Some example implementations at the second apparatus 120 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2B which shows a flowchart of an example method 200B implemented at a second apparatus 120 in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] At block 255, the second apparatus 120 receives, from a first apparatus 110, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell according to a configurationprofile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is transmitted by the second apparatus to the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmit, to the first apparatus 110, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the second apparatus 120 in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the second apparatus 120 in a different second resource.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the second apparatus from the first apparatus in an idle or inactive state.[OHl] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0112] All operations and features related to the second apparatus 120 as described above with reference to FIG. 2A are likewise applicable to the method 200B and have similar effects. For the purpose of simplification, the details will be omitted.

[0113] Example processes for connection resuming will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. In these examples, a UE 310 operates as an example implementation of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 and a gNB 320 operates as an example implementation of the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0114] FIG. 3A illustrates an example process 300A of resuming a RRC connection in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example process 300A, a RRC connection is resumed with a previously used configuration profile (e.g. a RRC profile) indicated in the request. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the process 300A, the UE 310 may be in an IDLE mode and intends to resume a connection. At block 322, the UE 310 may initiate connection setup with a RACH procedure. At block 324, the UE 310 may start setting up the RRC configuration according to the previously used RRC profile. This can start from the moment when the decision to initiate random access to the network is made. At block 326, the UE 310 may initiate a connection attempt by sending the RACH preamble such as Message 1 (msg 1) to the gNB 320. At block 328, the gNB 320 may send a random access response such as Message 2 (msg 2) to the UE 310.

[0115] At block 330, the UE 310 may send a RRC resume request including an identifier (ID) of the previously used RRC profile (also called the RRC profile ID) to the gNB 320 and may request the gNB 320 to activate the RRC profile. At block 332, the gNB 320 may send a RRC resume message with the confirmation that it can activate the requested RRC profile. In some example embodiments, this confirmation may be a lower layer indication instead of the RRC message. At block 334, the UE 310 may send a RRC resume complete message to the gNB 320 with the profile ID to acknowledge that it has activated the RRC profile successfully. The processing and configuration delay at the UE 310 may be reduced due to this procedure. Additionally, the processing delay at the gNB 320 may also be reduced due to this procedure.

[0116] FIG. 3B illustrates another example process 300B of resuming a RRC connection in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example process 300B, a RRC connection is resumed with a default configuration profile indicated in the request. As shown in FIG. 3B, the process 300B also starts from the UE 310 being in an IDLE mode and intending to resume a connection. At block 362, the UE 310 may initiate connection setup with a RACH procedure. At block 364, the UE 310 may start setting up a RRC configuration according to the previously used RRC profile by default.This can start from the moment when the decision to initiate random access to the network is made. At block 366, the UE 310 may initiate a connection attempt by sending a RACH preamble (e.g. msg 1) to the gNB 320. At block 368, the gNB 320 may send a random access response (e.g. msg 2) to the UE 310. At block 370, the UE 310 may send a RRC resume request including the default RRC profile ID to the gNB 320 and may request the gNB 320 to activate the default RRC profile. This is optional for the UE 310 to inform the network about the default RRC profile. Since it is the default profile, both the UE 310 and the gNB 320 may know this profile. Accordingly, the gNB 320 may start activating after receiving the RRC resume request that may not include the profile ID.

[0117] At block 372, the gNB 320 may start activating the previously used default RRC profile. At block 374, the gNB 320 may send a RRC resume message with the confirmation that it has activated the default RRC profile. In some example embodiments, this message may be sent either in a previously used channel or via a new configuration. At block 376, the UE 310 may send a RRC resume complete message to the gNB 320 with the profile ID to acknowledge that it has activated the RRC profile successfully. The processing and configuration delay at the UE 310 and the processing delay at the gNB 320 may be reduced due to this procedure.

[0118] In some example embodiments, instead of including an ID of a configuration profile in the request for resuming or setting up the connection, a random access preamble (also called a RACH preamble) used for transmitting the request may identify the configuration profile to be used. In some example embodiments, such identifying of the configuration profile may be applicable within a cell and the first apparatus 110 may utilize this such identifying only when resuming / reconnecting to the cell in which it has been released. Some example implementations in this regard will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 4 A to 5.

[0119] FIG. 4A shows a flowchart of an example method 400A implemented at the first apparatus 110 to indicate a configuration profile using a random access preamble in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0120] At block 405, the first apparatus 110 receives, from the second apparatus 120, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell. The random access preamble is associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile. For example, instead of using contention-free resourcesfor detection of the first apparatus 110, a pre-selected RACH preamble may be used to identify the first apparatus 110 and indicate the configuration profile to be used for resuming or setting up of the connection. RACH preambles may also be used to indicate the requested profile when contention-free RACH resources are configured. In this case, the first apparatus 110 (e.g. the UE) would be identified by the used (contention-free) access resources assigned to the first apparatus 110.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the information about the random access preamble may be received by the first apparatus from the second apparatus during release of a previous connection to the cell. In an example, the first apparatus 110 may transmit, during the previous connection to the cell, to the second apparatus 120, a request to release the previous connection to the cell. Then, the information about the random access preamble may be received by the first apparatus 110 from the second apparatus 120 in a response for the request to release the previous connection.

[0122] For example, at an initial state, the first apparatus 110 (e.g. a UE) is connected to the cell 125 and configured with RRC profiles. One of those RRC profiles is active prior to connection release. As a response to the request to release the previous connection, the second apparatus (e.g. a serving gNB) may release this connection (to IDLE or INACTIVE) and indicate a preamble that the first apparatus 110 may use when resuming / reconnecting the next time.

[0123] In another example, the second apparatus 120 (e.g. the network) may initiate the connection release. For example, the second apparatus 120 may send a RRC Release message with details of a RACH preamble for access.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the random access preamble may be selected from a set of random access preambles and the first apparatus 110 may receive an indication of the set of random access preambles. In some example embodiments, the set of random access preambles may be reserved for the first apparatus 110 to access the cell. For example, the second apparatus 120 (e.g. the serving gNB) may reserve a share of preamble codes (also called a code space) for the specific access and indicate the preamble codes to the first apparatus 110. During the connection release, the second apparatus 120 may indicate to the first apparatus 110 a preamble from the reserved code space for use in the next connection attempt. After receiving the indication of the set of random access preambles, other devices or UEs may refrain from using the set of randomaccess preambles when accessing the cell 125, thereby reducing conflicts.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the indication of the set of random access preambles may be received by the first apparatus 110 in system information (SI). For example, the set of random access preambles (e.g. the preamble codes) may be indicated in system information to the first apparatus 110. As such, the configuration profile selection option may be indicated in the system information.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile to be used may comprise a configuration profile used for a previous connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell. Alternatively, or in addition, the configuration profile to be used may comprise a configuration profile common to a type of apparatuses. For example, a specific configuration profile may be applied for a UE type.

[0127] Alternatively, or in addition, the configuration profile to be used may comprise a reference configuration profile. The reference configuration profile may correspond to a basic RRC configuration or a kernel configuration containing security component(s) and all the most basic features that may be used as a fallback configuration. This reference configuration profile may be used as a fall-back option. This reference configuration profile may be known to both the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 before random access. In this way, the connection may be resumed or set up in a faster way.

[0128] After receiving the information about the random access preamble, at block 410, the first apparatus 110 transmits, to the second apparatus 120, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble. In an example, the first apparatus 110, after being inactive, may initiate the connection resume / setup to the same cell and use the configured preamble. The RACH resources may be contentionbased or contention-free. The preamble may be a sole indication about the first apparatus 110, and the selected profile may be the one used in a previous active connection, a reference configuration profile or a fall-back configuration profile, or a common basic profile per the type of the first apparatus 110.

[0129] After transmitting the request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell 125, at block 415, the first apparatus 110 starts preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to the configuration profile of at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming orsetting up the connection, from the second apparatus 120. For example, when (or before) initiating the connection resume / setup, the first apparatus 110 may start preparing the configuration, and the configuration may be ready when it receives the acknowledgement from the gNB. The gNB may detect the allocated RACH preamble, identify the first apparatus 110, restore the related profile configuration and send the acknowledgement to the first apparatus 110 after the connection is ready for data transfer.

[0130] Some example implementations at the second apparatus 120 to use a random access preamble to indicate the configuration profile to be used will be described below with reference to FIG. 4B which shows a flowchart of an example method 400B implemented at the second apparatus 120 to indicate a configuration profile using a random access preamble in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0131] At block 455, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to a first apparatus 110, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell, the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile.

[0132] At block 460, the second apparatus 120 receives, from the first apparatus 110, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble.

[0133] At block 465, the second apparatus 120 activate the configuration profile for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the information about the random access preamble is transmitted by the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 during release of a previous connection to the cell.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is transmitted by the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 in a connected state.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, an indication of the set of random access preambles.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the set of random access preambles are reserved for the first apparatus 110 to access the cell.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile comprises one of a configuration profile used for a previous connection between the first apparatus and the cell, a reference configuration profile, and a configuration profile common to a type of apparatuses.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received from the first apparatus 110 in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the second apparatus 120 in a different second resource.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the second apparatus 120 from the first apparatus 110 in an idle or inactive state.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0145] All operations and features related to the second apparatus 120 as described above with reference to FIG. 4A are likewise applicable to the method 400B and have similar effects. For the purpose of simplification, the details will be omitted.

[0146] An example process of resuming a RRC connection with a random access preamble will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 5. In this example, a UE 510 operates as an example implementation of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 and a gNB 520 operates as an example implementation of the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1. In a process 500 as shown in FIG. 5, at block 522, the gNB 520 may provide a RACH preamble to use during a next RRC connection attempt to the cell in the RRC release message. At block 524, the UE 510 may release a previous RRC connection to the gNB 520.

[0147] After the connection is released, the UE 510 may be in an IDLE mode. Then, the UE 510 may intend to resume the connection. At block 526, the UE 510 may initiate connection setup with a RACH procedure. At block 528, the UE 510 may start setting up the RRC configuration according to an agreed RRC profile. This can start from the moment when the decision to initiate random access to the network is made.

[0148] At block 530, the UE 510 may initiate a connection attempt with the pre-agreed RACH preamble (msg 1). At block 532, the gNB 520 may start activating the agreed RRC profile which corresponds to the received RACH Preamble. At block 534, the gNB 520 may send a random access response (msg 2) to the UE 510. At block 536, the UE 510 may send a RRC resume request to the gNB 520. In some example embodiments, this message may be optional and may be required if any additional information is to be transmitted. At block 538, the gNB 520 may send a RRC resume message to the UE 510. In some example embodiments, this message may be optional and may be required if any additional information is to be transmitted. At block 540, the UE 510 may send a RRC resume complete message to the gNB 320 with the profile ID to acknowledge that it has activated the RRC profile successfully.

[0149] In some example embodiments, in addition to the connection resume or setup using a configuration profile without a confirmation from the network, or as alternative, the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may negotiate the required processing time of the resuming or setting up of the connection beforehand to reduce the processing delay. Some example implementations in this regard will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 6 A and 6B.

[0150] FIG. 6A shows a flowchart of an example method 600A implemented at the first apparatus 110 for negotiation of a processing time in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0151] At block 605, the first apparatus 110 negotiates, with the second apparatus 120, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus 110. At block 610, the first apparatus 110 initiates resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus 110 and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0152] In an example, the first apparatus 110 (e.g. a UE) and the second apparatus 120 (e.g. a network device) may negotiate the required processing time beforehand. For example, as discussed above, generally, it may take 10 to 16 ms to take a RRCconfiguration in use at the UE. To reduce the processing delay, the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may negotiate a processing time (such as 1 to 2 ms) shorter than of 10 to 16 ms. As a result, the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 may be well prepared for processing a target configuration.

[0153] The processing time may be negotiated based on capabilities of the first apparatus 110 and the features supported by the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the negotiated processing time may be indicated by the first apparatus 110 with its capability and / or with the configuration profile.

[0154] In some example embodiments, to further reduce the processing delay, after the first apparatus 110 transmits a request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell 120, the first apparatus 110 may start preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell, from the second apparatus 120. The example embodiments, operations, functions and / or features related to resuming or setting up the connection according to the configuration profile without a confirmation from the network as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A to 5 are likewise applicable to the method 600A and have similar effects. For the purpose of simplification, the details will be omitted.

[0155] Some example implementations at the second apparatus 120 to negotiate a processing time with the first apparatus 110 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6B which shows a flowchart of an example method 600B implemented at the second apparatus 120 for negotiation of a processing time in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0156] At block 655, the second apparatus 120 negotiates, with a first apparatus 110, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus.

[0157] At block 660, the second apparatus 120 performs resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 receives, from the first apparatus, a request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the firstapparatus 110 and the cell.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell is received by the second apparatus 120 through a random access preamble associated with the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is to be used for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is transmitted by the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 in a connected state.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus in a connected state, or a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the second apparatus 120 in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the second apparatus 120 in a different second resource.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0168] All operations and features related to the second apparatus 120 as described above with reference to FIG. 6A are likewise applicable to the method 600B and have similar effects. For the purpose of simplification, the details will be omitted.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 may indicate to the first apparatus 110 that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus 120. Based on such an indication, the first apparatus 110 may or may not autonomously use the configuration profile to prepare the configuration for the resuming or setting up. Some example implementations in this regard will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 7 A and 7B.

[0170] FIG. 7A shows a flowchart of an example method 700A implemented at the first apparatus 110 in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0171] At block 705, the first apparatus 110 receives, from the second apparatus 120, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus 110 is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus 120. The first indication may indicate that a function or feature of preparing a configuration for connection resume or setup according to the configuration profile of at least one configuration profile is activated.

[0172] The first indication may be received by the first apparatus 110 from the second apparatus 120 in a dedicated or broadcast message. In an example, the second apparatus 120 may indicate in system information that an autonomous activation of a RRC profile is supported.

[0173] At block 710, the first apparatus 110 initiates a connection attempt for a cell (e.g. the cell 125) based on the first indication received from the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may start preparing the configuration for the resuming or setting up according to the configuration profile autonomously without waiting for a confirmation from the second apparatus 120.

[0174] There may be a case that when the first apparatus 110 starts to prepare aconfiguration immediately after sending an indication about the wanted configuration profile, it is possible that the first apparatus 110 takes the new configuration into use, but the second apparatus 120 (e.g. the network) cannot perform the configuration (i.e., the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is unaccepted). In this case or other the cases that the first apparatus 110 may fail the RRC procedure, the first apparatus 110 may fall back to normal RRC setup.

[0175] In some example embodiments, to further increase the efficiency of the connection resume or setup procedure, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a second indication whether the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell 125. The second indication may indicate the configuration profile may be used or may not be used for resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell. If the second indication indicates that the configuration profile is deactivated, the first apparatus 110 may fall back to a normal resume or setup procedure and wait for a configuration from the second apparatus 120.

[0176] The second indication may be implemented in any suitable form. In some example embodiments, the second indication may comprise a confirmation that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may resume or set up the connection based on the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the second indication may comprise a different configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is unaccepted. Based on the second indication, the first apparatus 110 may trigger normal RRC setup as fallback.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the second indication may be received by the first apparatus 110 in a resource (e.g. a channel, a bandwidth or a bandwidth part) corresponding to the prepared configuration. For example, in case of the first apparatus 110 operating as a single TX / RX UE, when the first apparatus 110 starts to configure a RRC profile, the first apparatus 110 may only be able to receive new messages in a targetchannel corresponding to the prepared configuration.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a grant for the resource corresponding to the prepared configuration. In an example, the second apparatus 120 (e.g. the network device) may know that the first apparatus 110 listens only the target channel corresponding to the prepared configuration. In this example, the second apparatus 120 may send a grant (e.g. a UL grant) and indicate that the grant is only for a connection resume or setup request in the target channel corresponding to the prepared configuration as a temporary configuration. For example, the second apparatus 120 may indicate in the grant that the grant is only for a connection resume or setup request. After receiving the grant, the first apparatus 110 may receive the indication in the target channel knows that the network cannot take the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile into use.

[0180] Iln some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 is dual RX / TX capable, the first apparatus 110 may still listen the response with an old configuration while taking into use a new RRC profile. In this case, there is no issue that the second apparatus 120 (e.g. the network) does not accept the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile. The first apparatus 110 may still receive another configuration from the network as a fallback solution.

[0181] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may transmit, to the second apparatus 120, a third indication that the first apparatus 110 is capable of resuming or setting up the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell using a different configuration received from the second apparatus 120. The third indication is used to inform the second apparatus 120 that the first apparatus 110 is capable of resuming or setting up the connection using a different configuration assigned by the second apparatus 120 as a fallback option.

[0182] The third indication may be implemented in any suitable form. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may use a cause value or a preamble range to indicate the fallback option.

[0183] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may transmit, to the second apparatus 120, a request for resuming or setting up a connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell to initiate the connection attempt for the cell. When or before transmitting the request, the first apparatus 110 may start preparing of the configurationfor the resuming or setting up of the connection according to the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response from the second apparatus 120. The example embodiments, operations, functions and / or features related to resuming or setting up the connection according to the configuration profile without a confirmation from the network as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 A to 6B are likewise applicable to the method 700A and have similar effects. For the purpose of simplification, the details will be omitted.

[0184] Some example implementations at the second apparatus 120 to transmit an indication to the first apparatus 110 will be described below with reference to FIG. 7B which shows a flowchart of an example method 700B implemented at the second apparatus 120 in accordance with some other example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0185] At block 755, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to a first apparatus 110, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus.

[0186] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 receives, from the first apparatus 110, a request for resuming or setting up a connection between the first apparatus and the cell and starting preparing of the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell according to the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0187] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0188] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus 110 and the cell is received by the second apparatus 120 through a random access preamble associated with the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is to be used for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0189] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the firstapparatus 110, a second indication whether the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell.

[0190] In some example embodiments, the second indication comprises one of

[0191] a confirmation that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell; and a different configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is unaccepted.

[0192] In some example embodiments, the second indication is transmitted by the second apparatus 120 in a resource corresponding to the prepared configuration.

[0193] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, a grant for the resource.

[0194] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 receives, from the first apparatus 110, a third indication that the first apparatus is capable of resuming or setting up the connection between the first apparatus and the cell using a different configuration received from the second apparatus.

[0195] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus 110, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0196] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is transmitted by the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 in a connected state.

[0197] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus 110 for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell, or a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0198] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection of the first apparatus 110 comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0199] All operations and features related to the second apparatus 120 as describedabove with reference to FIG. 7A are likewise applicable to the method 700B and have similar effects. For the purpose of simplification, the details will be omitted.

[0200] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the method 200 A, 400 A, 600 A and 700 A (for example, the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 200A, 400 A, 600A and 700A. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell; and means for starting preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0202] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0203] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0204] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0205] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is received by the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0206] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0207] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0208] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up theconnection is transmitted by the first apparatus in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the first apparatus in a different second resource.

[0209] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0210] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for determining to initiate random access to the cell, wherein the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the first apparatus based on the determining, and the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection is prepared by the first apparatus starting from a time when the initiating of the random access is determined.

[0211] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the first apparatus in an idle or inactive state.

[0212] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0213] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a second apparatus, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell, the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile; means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble; and means for start preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection according to the configuration profile of at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection, from the second apparatus.

[0214] In some example embodiments, the information about the random access preamble is received by the first apparatus from the second apparatus during release of a previous connection to the cell.

[0215] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0216] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving an indication of the set of random access preambles.

[0217] In some example embodiments, the set of random access preambles are reserved for the first apparatus to access the cell.

[0218] In some example embodiments, the indication of the set of random access preambles is received by the first apparatus in system information.

[0219] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile comprises one of a configuration profile used for a previous connection between the first apparatus and the cell, a reference configuration profile, and a configuration profile common to a type of apparatuses.

[0220] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0221] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the first apparatus in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the first apparatus in a different second resource.

[0222] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0223] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for determining to initiate random access to the cell, wherein the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the first apparatus based on the determining, and the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection is prepared by the first apparatus starting from a time when the initiating of the random access is determined.

[0224] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the first apparatus in an idle or inactive state.

[0225] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0226] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for negotiating, with a second apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and initiating resuming or setting up of a connectionbetween the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0227] In some example embodiments, the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is initiated by transmitting a request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell to the second apparatus and the first apparatus comprises means for starting preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell, from the second apparatus.

[0228] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0229] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is transmitted by the first apparatus using a random access preamble associated with the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is to be used for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0230] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0231] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is received by the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0232] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus in a connected state, or a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0233] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0234] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the first apparatus in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the first apparatus ina different second resource.

[0235] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0236] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for determining to initiate random access to the cell, wherein the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is initiated by the first apparatus based on the determining, and the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection to the cell is prepared by the first apparatus starting from a time when the initiating of the random access is determined.

[0237] In some example embodiments, the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is initiated by the first apparatus in an idle or inactive state.

[0238] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0239] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a second apparatus, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus; and means for initiating a connection attempt for a cell based on the first indication received from the second apparatus.

[0240] In some example embodiments, the connection attempt for the cell is initiated by transmitting, to the second apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection between the first apparatus and the cell and starting preparing of the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell according to the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection between the first apparatus and the cell, from the second apparatus.

[0241] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0242] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is transmitted by the first apparatus using a random access preamble associated with the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is to be used for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0243] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a second indication whether the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell.

[0244] In some example embodiments, the second indication comprises one of a confirmation that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell; and a different configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is unaccepted.

[0245] In some example embodiments, the second indication is received by the first apparatus in a resource corresponding to the prepared configuration.

[0246] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a grant for the resource.

[0247] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, a third indication that the first apparatus is capable of resuming or setting up the connection between the first apparatus and the cell using a different configuration received from the second apparatus.

[0248] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0249] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is received by the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0250] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell, or a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0251] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection of the first apparatus comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0252] In some example embodiments, a second apparatus capable of performing any of the method 200B, 400B, 600B and 700B (for example, the second apparatus 120 in FIG.1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 200B, 400B, 600B and 700B. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The second apparatus may be implemented as or included in the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0253] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to a cell according to a configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0254] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0255] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0256] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0257] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is transmitted by the second apparatus to the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0258] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0259] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0260] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the second apparatus in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the second apparatus in a different second resource.

[0261] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0262] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the second apparatus from the first apparatus in an idle or inactive state.

[0263] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0264] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, information about a random access preamble to be used during a next connection attempt for a cell, the random access preamble being associated with a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile; receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell using the random access preamble; and activating the configuration profile for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0265] In some example embodiments, the information about the random access preamble is transmitted by the second apparatus to the first apparatus during release of a previous connection to the cell.

[0266] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0267] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is transmitted by the second apparatus to the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0268] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, an indication of the set of random access preambles.

[0269] In some example embodiments, the set of random access preambles are reserved for the first apparatus to access the cell.

[0270] In some example embodiments, the indication of the set of random access preambles is transmitted by the second apparatus in system information.

[0271] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile comprises one of a configuration profile used for a previous connection between the first apparatus and the cell, a reference configuration profile, anda configuration profile common to a type of apparatuses.

[0272] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0273] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received from the first apparatus in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the second apparatus in a different second resource.

[0274] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0275] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the second apparatus from the first apparatus in an idle or inactive state.

[0276] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0277] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for negotiating, with a first apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and performing resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

[0278] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell.

[0279] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0280] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is received by the second apparatus through a random access preamble associated with the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least oneconfiguration profile is to be used for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0281] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0282] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is transmitted by the second apparatus to the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0283] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus in a connected state, or a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0284] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0285] In some example embodiments, the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the second apparatus in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the second apparatus in a different second resource.

[0286] In some example embodiments, the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0287] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0288] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, a first indication that a configuration for resuming or setting up of a connection of the first apparatus is allowed to be prepared according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile without a confirmation from the second apparatus.

[0289] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a request for resuming or setting up a connection between the first apparatus and the cell and starting preparing of the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell accordingto the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0290] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0291] In some example embodiments, the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is received by the second apparatus through a random access preamble associated with the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is to be used for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

[0292] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a second indication whether the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell.

[0293] In some example embodiments, the second indication comprises one of a confirmation that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell; and a different configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is unaccepted.

[0294] In some example embodiments, the second indication is transmitted by the second apparatus in a resource corresponding to the prepared configuration.

[0295] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a grant for the resource.

[0296] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a third indication that the first apparatus is capable of resuming or setting up the connection between the first apparatus and the cell using a different configuration received from the second apparatus.

[0297] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

[0298] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the at least one configurationprofile is transmitted by the second apparatus to the first apparatus in a connected state.

[0299] In some example embodiments, the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus for resuming or setting up a connection to the cell, or a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

[0300] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection of the first apparatus comprises a radio resource control configuration.

[0301] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first apparatus 110 or the second apparatus 120 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processor 810.

[0302] The communication module 840 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 840 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 840 may include at least one antenna.

[0303] The processor 810 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 800 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0304] The memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 824, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random-access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that will not last in the powerdown duration.

[0305] A computer program 830 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 810. The instructions of the program 830 may include instructions for performing operations / acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 830 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 824. The processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 830 into the RAM 822.

[0306] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 830 so that the device 800 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0307] In some example embodiments, the program 830 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 800 (such as in the memory 820) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 800. The device 800 may load the program 830 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 822 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0308] FIG. 9 shows an example of the computer readable medium 900 which may be in form of CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 900 has the program 830 stored thereon.

[0309] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique ormethod described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0310] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0311] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0312] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0313] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specificexamples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a randomaccess memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0314] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0315] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: negotiate, with a second apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and initiate resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is initiated by transmitting a request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell to the second apparatus; and the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to: start preparing of a configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell according to a configuration profile of at least one configuration profile, without waiting for a response for the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell, from the second apparatus.

3. The first apparatus of claim 2, wherein the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

4. The first apparatus of claim 3, wherein the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is transmitted by the first apparatus using a random access preamble associated with the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile, to indicate that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is to be used for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

5. The first apparatus of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to: receive, from the second apparatus, a configuration of the at least one configuration profile.

6. The first apparatus of claim 5, wherein the configuration of the at least one configuration profile is received by the first apparatus in a connected state.

7. The first apparatus of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is previously used by the first apparatus in a connected state, or a default configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

8. The first apparatus of any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to: receive, from the second apparatus, the response to confirm that the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile is activated for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

9. The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein the request for resuming or setting up the connection is transmitted by the first apparatus in a first resource, and the response for the request for resuming or setting up the connection is received by the first apparatus in a different second resource.

10. The first apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second resource corresponds to the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection.

11. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to: determine to initiate random access to the cell, wherein the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is initiated by the first apparatus based on the determining, and the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection to the cell is prepared by the first apparatus starting from a time when the initiating of the random access is determined.

12. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell is initiated by the first apparatus in an idle or inactive state.

13. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the configuration for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell comprises a radio resource control configuration.

14. A second apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: negotiate, with a first apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and perform resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

15. The second apparatus of claim 14, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second apparatus to: receive, from the first apparatus, a request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell, wherein the request for the resuming or setting up of the connection between the first apparatus and the cell indicates the configuration profile of the at least one configuration profile.

16. A method comprising: negotiating, with a second apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and initiating resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

17. A method comprising: negotiating, with a first apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and performing resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

18. A first apparatus comprising: means for negotiating, with a second apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; and means for initiating resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

19. A second apparatus comprising: means for negotiating, with a first apparatus, a processing time for resuming or setting up a connection of the first apparatus; andmeans for performing resuming or setting up of a connection between the first apparatus and a cell based on the negotiated processing time.

20. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus at least to perform the method of claim 16 or the method of claim 17.

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