SMTC for adaptive SSB provision

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus are disclosed. In an example a method performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from a network node, a plurality of Synchronisation Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity. The method further comprises receiving an indication from the network node. The indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

Description

[0001] SMTC FOR ADAPTIVE SSB PROVISION

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to adaptation of a Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC.

[0004] INTRODUCTION

[0005] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for Fourth Generation (4G) (also referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and Fifth Generation (5G) (also referred to as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Such systems provide, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes, such as base stations, and mobile user equipments (UE), as well as communication between network nodes and between UEs. The 3GPP is also developing standards for Sixth Generation (6G) wireless communication networks.

[0006] SSB transmission in 3GPP Release 18

[0007] For a cell in NR, typically, a synchronization signal block (SSB) is transmitted periodically, and it may be used to aid a UE’s initial cell search, acquire frame / slot timing, initial time / frequency synchronization, measurements, and as QCL reference for channels / signals, etc. With beamforming, SSBs may need to be transmitted in multiple beams, and this can lead to further increased network energy consumption. When the SSBs are transmitted in a burst that can span one or multiple slots.

[0008] An NR network node can be configured with up to 64 SSBs. The configured SSBs in a cell for UEs in RRC IDLE / INACTIVE have all the same periodicity and output power. The network node can provide information to the UEs about how many / which SSBs that are active (present) within the serving cell and neighboring cells. The SSB includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0009] The master information block (MIB) is transmitted in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The MIB together with SIB1 constitute the minimum System Information (SI), which may be required for initial access and for acquiring remaining SI (e g., SIB2 / SIB4).

[0010] The network node can further provide information about the rate / periodicity at which these SSBs are provided on cell level. For the serving cell, the parameter ssb- PositionsInBurst indicates which of the SSBs are active, and the parameter ssb- PeriodicityServingCell specifies their rate / periodicity.

[0011] For neighbor cells, a network node can specify the neighboring active (present) SSBs via the parameter ssb-ToMeasure, and the associated rate / periodicity via the SS / PBCH Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC). SMTC defines the time window during which the UE measures the SSBs belonging to these neighboring cells. The UE makes certain assumptions for a standalone NR cell upon the cell selection procedure. Even though the periodicity of the SSB is configurable, the UE upon initial cell selection expects that the SSB is provided every 20ms in that cell.

[0012] UEs are configured with the above SSB / SIB1 / SI presence and timing / rate information either in RRC IDLE / INACTIVE via broadcast system information or in RRC CONNECTED via dedicated RRC messages. In RRC IDLE / INACTIVE, the ssb- PositionsInBurst and ssb-PeriodicityServing for serving cell is configured via SIB1 and the SMTC configurations for neighboring cells are provided in SIB2 / SIB4 contained in SI messages.

[0013] SMTC configuration in 3GPP Release 18

[0014] The UE may setup the first SMTC in accordance with the received periodicityAndOffset parameter (providing Periodicity and Offset value for the following condition) in the smtcl configuration. The first subframe of each SMTC occasion occurs at a system frame number (SFN) and subframe of the NR SpCell meeting the following condition:

[0015] SFN mod T = (FLOOR (Offset / lO)); if the Periodicity is larger than sf5: subframe = Offset mod 10; else: subframe = Offset or (Offset +5); with T = CEIL(Periodicity / 10).

[0016] See some SMTC ASN.l examples below (from 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.331 V18.1.0):

[0017] SSB-MTC ::= SEQUENCE { periodicityAndOffset CHOICE { sf5 INTEGER (0 .4), sflO INTEGER (0..9), sf20 INTEGER (0..19), sf40 INTEGER (0..39), sf80 INTEGER (0..79), sf!60 INTEGER (0..159) duration ENUMERATED { sfl, sf2, sf3, sf4, sf5 }

[0018] SSB-MTC2 ::= SEQUENCE { pci -List SEQUENCE (SIZE (L.maxNrofPCIsPerSMTC)) OF

[0019] PhysCellld OPTIONAL, - Need M periodicity ENUMERATED {sf5, sflO, sf2O, sf40, sf8O, spare3, spare2, spare 1}

[0020] SSB-MTC2-LP-rl6 ::= SEQUENCE { pci -List SEQUENCE (SIZE (L.maxNrofPCIsPerSMTC)) OF

[0021] PhysCellld OPTIONAL, - Need R periodicity ENUMERATED {sflO, sf20, sf40, sf80, sf!60, spare3, spare2, sparel}

[0022] If smtc2 is present, for cells indicated in the pci-List parameter in smtc2 in the same MeasObjectNR, the UE may set up an additional SMTC in accordance with the received periodicity parameter in the smtc2 configuration and may use the Offset (derived from parameter periodicityAndOffset and duration parameter from the smtcl configuration. The first subframe of each SMTC occasion occurs at an SFN and subframe of the NR SpCell meeting the above condition.

[0023] If smtc2-LP is present, for cells indicated in the pci-List parameter in smtc2-LP in the same frequency (for intra frequency cell reselection) or different frequency (for inter frequency cell reselection), the UE may set up an additional SMTC in accordance with the received periodicity parameter in the smtc2-LP configuration and may use the Offset (derived from parameter periodicityAndOffset) and duration parameter from the smtc configuration for that frequency. The first subframe of each SMTC occasion occurs at an SFN and subframe of the NR SpCell or serving cell (for cell reselection) meeting the above condition. Release 19 (Rel-19): On-demand SSB provision and adaptation of SSB in time domain

[0024] In, e.g., ongoing 3 GPP Release 19 Work Item (WI) “Enhancements of network energy savings for NR,” time-domain dynamics are introduced. For example, the transmission period (i. e. , rate) and location (e.g., SSB offset and SSB positions in a burst) of SSBs may be adapted based on UE needs for a serving cell. Alternately, on-demand SSBs may be provided upon indication to UEs whose functionality or performance may be improved if additional signals for loop conversion, synchronization, measurements, or other signal processing steps are available.

[0025] In some scenarios, a cell may be transmitting baseline SSBs at a lower rate, e.g. 160 ms or 20 ms, or no SSBs may be transmitted as a baseline. The network (NW), e.g., via a network node, may then adapt the rate of the provided SSBs or activate additional SSBs or SSB bursts, e.g. with period 20 ms or 5 ms, respectively, in association with certain procedures. Certain procedures may be, e.g., activation of secondary cells for carrier aggregation, during handover of UEs between neighbour cells, and / or based on UE speed. On-demand SSBs or adaptive SSBs of limited duration can be one-shot transmissions, with or without a recurrent structure. The on-demand SSBs and or adapted rate may be transmitted during a specified / configured time window or transmitted until further notice (until explicitly notified to the UE and turned off). They may be transmitted on the same or on different frequency resources, power levels, and spatial configuration than the baseline SSB.

[0026] As part of 3GPP Rel-19 WI, configuring cells with long SSB periodicity (for example 160 ms) may be good for energy efficiency, but it may reduce the link maintenance performance since it means that there will be fewer occasions for UE measurements. Therefore, SSB dynamics are introduced in Rel-19 so that additional SSBs or increased provision rate of existing SSBs are provided based on needs.

[0027] Such dynamic SSB scheme may be acceptable for a serving cell on which UE is aware of the dynamics and may utilize the SSBs for measurements. However, the neighboring cells may also be operating according to the dynamic SSB scheme. For neighboring cells, since the UE is not synchronized with the neighboring cells, the network provides the SMTC configuration so that the UE knows the exact timing to search for and measure the neighboring cells' SSB signals. This prevents unnecessary power consumption and ensures efficient measurement processes. However, since SMTC configuration is semi-statically configured, it will typically be configured according to a baseline (always-on, e.g., 160ms period) SSB patern. As a result, the UE may miss out on measuring on dynamically provided SSBs on non-serving cells, as they may not always be present during the SMTC window. For example, many instances may be outside of the SMTC window.

[0028] SUMMARY

[0029] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for adaptation of an SMTC. For example, from a UE’s perspective, the SSB adaptation can be on a neighboring / non-serving cell on which the UE measures during a dynamically adapted SMTC window. The measurements can thereby utilize additional available signals, and the measurement quality and the UE’s ability to quickly detect link quality changes or RRM events is improved. Furthermore, the Applicant has appreciated that for a UE’s serving cell, adaptation of UE’s SMTC window may be needed for the UE to correctly measure on a dynamically provided SSB.

[0030] According to an aspect, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment, UE. The method comprises receiving, from a network node, a plurality of Synchronisation Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity. The method further comprises receiving an indication from the network node; wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0031] According to an aspect, there is provided a user equipment, UE. The UE comprises processing circuitry configured to receive, from a network node, a plurality of Synchronisation Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity. The processing circuitry is further configured to receive an indication from the network node; wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0032] According to an aspect, there is provided a method performed by a network node. The method comprises transmiting, to the UE, a plurality of Synchronisation Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity. The method further comprises transmitting an indication to the UE, wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0033] According to an aspect, there is provided a network node. The network node comprises processing circuitry configured to transmit, to the UE, a plurality of Synchronisation Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit an indication to the UE, wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example network architecture illustrating a communication system according to principles disclosed herein;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a network node in communication with a user equipment over a wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process in a user equipment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 5 is an example diagram of explicit activation of an SMTC configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 6 is an example diagram of implicit activation of an SMTC configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 7 is an example diagram of MAC-CE indicating the activation / deactivation status and a validity timer corresponding to each SMTC configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0043] FIG. 8 is an example diagram of DCI indicating the activation / deactivation status and a validity timer corresponding to each SMTC configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to adaptation of an SMTC. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0045] As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. 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,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

[0047] In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. 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,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] The term “network node” used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multistandard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a user equipment (UE) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or a user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The UE herein can be any type of user equipment capable of communicating with a network node or another UE over radio signals, such as a wireless device (WD). The UE may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low-cost and / or low-complexity UE, a sensor equipped with UE, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, or a Narrowband loT (NB-IOT) device etc.

[0051] Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi-cell / multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH). Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0052] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the general description elements in the form of “one of A and B” corresponds to A or B. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one of A and B corresponds to A, B or AB, or to one or more of A and B, or one or both of A and B . According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, at least one of A, B and C corresponds to one or more of A, B and C, and / or A, B, C or a combination thereof.

[0053] Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a user equipment or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of user equipments and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and user equipment described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0055] Some embodiments are directed to adaptation of an SMTC. Referring to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G), which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. The access network 12 comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired or wireless connection 20. A first user equipment (UE) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second UE 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of UEs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as user equipments 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two UEs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more UEs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0056] Also, it is contemplated that a UE 22 can be in simultaneous communication and / or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, a UE 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supports NR. As an example, UE 22 can be in communication with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0057] A network node 16 (eNB or gNB) may be configured to include a configuration unit 24 which is configured to perform one or more network node 16 functions described herein, including functions related to adaptation of an SMTC. A user equipment 22 may be configured to include a implementation unit 26 which is configured to perform one or more UE 22 functions described herein, including functions related to adaptation of an SMTC.

[0058] Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE 22 and network node 16 discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0059] The communication system 10 includes a network node 16 provided in a communication system 10 and including hardware 28 enabling it to communicate with the UE 22. The hardware 28 may include a radio interface 30 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 32 with a UE 22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 30 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The radio interface 30 includes an array of antennas 34 to radiate and receive signal(s) carrying electromagnetic waves.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the hardware 28 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 36. The processing circuitry 36 may include a processor 38 and a memory 40. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 36 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 38 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 40, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0061] Thus, the network node 16 further has software 42 stored internally in, for example, memory 40, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 42 may be executable by the processing circuitry 36. The processing circuitry 36 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node 16. Processor 38 corresponds to one or more processors 38 for performing network node 16 functions described herein. The memory 40 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 42 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 38 and / or processing circuitry 36, causes the processor 38 and / or processing circuitry 36 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 36 of the network node 16 may include configuration unit 24 which is configured to perform one or more network node 16 functions described herein, including functions related to adaptation of an SMTC.

[0062] The communication system 10 further includes the UE 22 already referred to. The UE 22 may have hardware 44 that may include a radio interface 46 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 32 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the UE 22 is currently located. The radio interface 46 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The radio interface 46 includes an array of antennas 48 to radiate and receive signal(s) carrying electromagnetic waves.

[0063] The hardware 44 of the UE 22 further includes processing circuitry 50. The processing circuitry 50 may include a processor 52 and memory 54. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 50 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 52 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 54, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0064] Thus, the UE 22 may further comprise software 56, which is stored in, for example, memory 54 at the UE 22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the UE 22. The software 56 may be executable by the processing circuitry 50. The software 56 may include a client application 58. The client application 58 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE 22.

[0065] The processing circuitry 50 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by UE 22. The processor 52 corresponds to one or more processors 52 for performing UE 22 functions described herein. The UE 22 includes memory 54 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 56 and / or the client application 58 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 52 and / or processing circuitry 50, causes the processor 52 and / or processing circuitry 50 to perform the processes described herein with respect to UE 22. For example, the processing circuitry 50 of the user equipment 22 may include implementation unit 26 which is configured to perform one or more UE 22 functions described herein, including functions related to adaptation of an SMTC.

[0066] In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16 and UE 22 may be as shown in FIG. 2 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 1.

[0067] The wireless connection 32 between the UE 22 and the network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve the data rate, latency, and / or power consumption and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc. In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve.

[0068] Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show various “units” such as configuration unit 24 and implementation unit 26 as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 36 (including the configuration unit 24), processor 38, and / or radio interface 30. At S100, the network node 16 transmits, to a UE, a plurality of Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configuration; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity. At SI 02, the network node 16 transmits an indication to the UE, wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0070] In some embodiments, the indication is a Dynamic Control Information, DCI.

[0071] In particular, in some embodiments, the DCI further indicates a change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission. That is, the DCI may indicate a change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission, from a first periodicity to a second periodicity.

[0072] In some embodiments, the DCI indicates activating the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations by indicating the change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission.

[0073] In some embodiments, the DCI further indicates deactivating a second of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0074] In some embodiments, the DCI causes the UE to switch from applying the second of the plurality of SMTC configurations to applying the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0075] In some embodiments, the SSB transmission is from a serving cell of the UE.

[0076] In some embodiments, the plurality of SMTC configurations is transmitted, to the UE, in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message.

[0077] In some embodiments, the process further comprises configuring the UE with a measurement object; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with the measurement object. In some embodiments, the measurement object is associated with a serving cell configuration.

[0078] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of SMTC configurations comprises a respective set of one or more parameters.

[0079] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process in a user equipment 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of user equipment 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 50 (including the implementation unit 26), processor 52, and / or radio interface 46. At SI 04 the UE 22 receives a plurality of Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity. At SI 06 the UE 22 receives an indication from the network node; wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0080] In some embodiments, the indication is a Dynamic Control Information, DCI.

[0081] In particular, in some embodiments, the DCI further indicates a change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission. That is, the DCI may indicate a change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission, from a first periodicity to a second periodicity.

[0082] In some embodiments, the DCI indicates activating the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations by indicating the change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission.

[0083] In some embodiments, the DCI further indicates deactivating a second of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0084] In some embodiments, the DCI causes the UE to switch from applying the second of the plurality of SMTC configurations to applying the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0085] In some embodiments, the process further comprises, after receiving the DCI, performing a measurement of the SSB transmission based on the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0086] In some embodiments, the process further comprises, before receiving the DCI, performing a measurement of the SSB transmission based on a second of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

[0087] In some embodiments, the SSB transmission is from a serving cell of the UE.

[0088] In some embodiments, the plurality of SMTC configurations is received, from the network node, in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message. In some embodiments, the UE is further configured with a measurement object; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with the measurement object.

[0089] In some embodiments, the measurement object is associated with a serving cell configuration.

[0090] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of SMTC configurations comprises a respective set of one or more parameters.

[0091] Having described the general process flow of arrangements of some embodiments of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for adaptation of an SMTC. One or more UE 22 functions described below may be performed by one or more of processing circuitry 50, processor 52, implementation unit 26, etc. One or more network node 16 functions described below may be performed by one or more of processing circuitry 36, processor 38, configuration unit 24, etc.

[0092] In some embodiments, the target UE (e.g., UE 22) can perform measurements on dynamic / on-demand SSB transmissions on neighboring cells. This may be enabled by introduction of dynamics applicable to SMTC, as shown in FIG. 5 (which depicts an example of explicit activation of an SMTC configuration) and FIG. 6 (which depicts an example of implicit activation of an SMTC configuration. In some embodiments, the SMTC configuration that is associated with the currently active dynamic SSB becomes activated).

[0093] Some embodiments described herein relate to enabling the UE 22 to measure on SSB(s) with dynamic characteristics. From UE’s 22 perspective, such SSB(s) may include neighboring cells’ SSBs and / or a serving cell’s SSB(s). Furthermore, in some embodiments, SSBs with dynamic characteristics can be either SSBs that are dynamically provided on-demand or SSB of which the periodicity (or another transmission characteristic) is dynamically changed. These SSBs may be provided with certain transmission characteristics until explicitly stopped by the NW (e.g., via network node 16). In some cases, the SSBs may be associated with a certain validity timer, meaning that upon activation the new transmission characteristics may only be valid during a validity duration and, after that, the transmission characteristics are reverted to that of before the activation.

[0094] In some embodiments, this mechanism is enabled via methods in which the NW (e.g., via network node 16) configures the UE 22 via RRC (re-)configuration with one or more first SMTC configuration(s), where the configuration(s) can be dynamically adapted (e.g., activated / deactivated, or adapting periodicity / offset of the said configuration) based on a second SMTC configuration or indication where the second configuration / indicator can be a Downlink Control Information (DCI) or a MAC Control Element (MAC-CE). In some embodiments, the second configuration / indicator is a MAC CE that also indicates to the UE 22 that on-demand SSB is turned on. The one or more first SMTC configuration(s) can have an association to a frequency / cell / SSBs that are transmitted in a dynamic manner, e.g., on-demand and / or with dynamic periodicities.

[0095] For example, the SMTC configuration may be provided as part of an RRC (reconfiguration message (exemplified in a handover message below), including SMTC parameters as exemplified below with new parts underlined. Note that this is only an example, and the SMTC configuration could be provided in any other RRC (reConfiguration message, for example where the neighboring cell’s ARFCN relevant for the dynamic SSBs are provided in an information element (IE) (e.g., as part of a measurement object): rrcReconfiguration ->spCellConfig-> reconfiguration WithSync-> dynamic-smtc (note that this is only an example name to aid understanding).

[0096] Here, the dynamic-smtc may include any of the legacy parameters (see, e.g., 3GPP TS 38.331 vl8.1.0 for description of these parameters):

[0097] • periodicity AndOffset

[0098] • duration

[0099] • pci-List

[0100] • ssb-ToMeasure and additionally, and optionally:

[0101] • Associated dynamic SSB (reference / pointer to dynamic SSB configuration)

[0102] • Validity time

[0103] In some embodiments, the first one or more SMTC configuration may be associated with a measurement object (RRC: MeasObjectNR) that the UE 22 is configured with, e.g., for mobility measurements or other reason.

[0104] In some embodiments, the measurement object (RRC: MeasObjectNR) may be associated with UE’s 22 serving-cell configuration. For example, the first one or more SMTC configuration may be configured by the parameter servingCellMO in ServingCellConfig IE. In some embodiments, the UE 22 could be provided more than one (e.g., a list of) the SMTC configurations above.

[0105] To (de-)activate the SMTC configuration, a second configuration / indicator MAC- CE / DCI of first SMTC(s) may be used. In some embodiments, the RRC configuration itself activates the SMTC configuration to be active during the validity time.

[0106] In some embodiments, one or multiple SMTC configurations associated with the same frequency or measurement object or SSB can be active simultaneously. When multiple configurations are active with different active times (given by the periodicity and offset and duration), then the UE 22 may measure during the union of their active times.

[0107] In some embodiments, the MAC-CE / DCI / RRC indicates one or more SMTC configuration(s) to become active / deactivated explicitly. This is shown in the example of FIG. 5.

[0108] In some embodiments, in a scenario with multiple neighbors, e.g., neighbors A and B the NW (e.g., via network node 16) triggers OD-SSB on both neighbor A and B, which may have different SSB transmission patterns. The UE 22 may then apply the union of all active SMTC configurations associated with those neighbors.

[0109] In some embodiments, the MAC-CE / DCI implicitly indicates to (de-)activate SMTC configuration. As such, (de-)activatingZadapting of the first SMTC configuration(s) may be based on a second configuration / indicator that is used for dynamic control of an associated SSB transmission, e.g., a MAC-CE or DCI for on-demand SSB activation / deactivation, or a MAC-CE / DCI used for adapting the periodicity of SSB, and it also indirectly implies activation / deactivation / adaptation of one or more of the first SMTC configuration(s) that are associated to the SSB through configuration. One example of this is shown in FIG. 6.

[0110] In some embodiments, SMTC configuration(s) can be explicitly or implicitly activated during one or more validity timers. The configuration(s) is deactivated upon expiry of the timers. a. Explicitly: where the SMTC configuration itself is configured with a validity timer. In one embodiment, the Validity timer (or a reference to one of several configured validity timers) is included in the MAC-CE. b. Implicitly: where the SMTC configuration has an association with an SSB configuration which in turn is configured with a validity timer, e.g. an On-demand SSB with a validity timer. Meaning that the SMTC configuration is activated upon and during same (+ / -delta) validity period as the SSB transmission. In some embodiments, MAC-CE indicates a validity time corresponding to each SMTC configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, which shows an example of MAC-CE indicating the activation / deactivation status and a validity timer corresponding to each SMTC configuration. In FIG. 7, MAC-CE has a single octet, and each field indicates the activation / deactivation status of a SMTC configuration.

[0111] - Ci: if a SMTC is configured to be active, the corresponding Ci is set to 1; otherwise, 0. One bit or multiple bits can be set to 1. The timer below is corresponding to each Ci. If neighbor cell has an always-on SSB, e.g., every 160ms, the Ci for that SSB is always 1 and it has no exclusive time below or the timer value is set to a reserved value, e.g., 0.

[0112] In some embodiments, DCI indicates the activation / deactivation status and a validity timer corresponding to each SMTC configuration, as exemplified in FIG. 8. SMTC map has 8 bits corresponding to each SMTC, and the bit is turned to 1 if corresponding SMTC is activated. The timer below is corresponding to each SMTC. If neighbor cell has an always-on SSB, e.g., every 160ms, the bitmap for that SSB is always 1 and it has no exclusive time below or the timer value is set to a reserved value, e.g., 0.

[0113] In some embodiments, the start time for the validity timer is the time when the UE 22 receives the second configuration / indication. In an alternative, the start time for the validity timer is given as a time offset relative to the time when the UE 22 receives the second configuration / indication.

[0114] In some embodiments, the duration of the validity timer is initiated with is provided in the first configuration(s) or in the second configuration / indication.

[0115] In some embodiments, NW (e.g., via network node 16) configures the UE 22 with a second SMTC configuration together with the first SMTC configuration(s), where the second SMTC can be applied to the normal measurement for all the candidate cells in the configured measurement object as a default mode.

[0116] In some embodiments, NW (e.g., via network node 16) can explicitly indicate that the second configuration / indicator of first SMTC mentioned above is only applied to the associated frequency / cell / SSBs. For example, a new indication can be used together with the second configuration / indicator.

[0117] In some embodiments, NW (e.g., via network node 16) can implicitly indicate that the second configuration / indicator mentioned above is only applied to the associated frequency / cell / SSBs. For example, it may be specified that by default the second configuration / indicator is only applied to the associated frequency / cell / SSBs. Neighbor cell aspects

[0118] In some embodiments, the SMTC window adaptation may be responsive to SSB adaptation, or additional SSB provision, in one or more neighbor cells.

[0119] In some embodiments, the UE 22 receives SSB adaptation / activation indication for a non-serving cell, e.g. signaled by its serving cell (e.g., via network node 16). Such indication may have associated with it (previously configured) SMTC modification, and receiving the indication serves as an implicit indication of SMTC adaptation, as in the previously described procedure for the serving cell.

[0120] In some scenarios, the NW (e.g., via network node 16) may activate on-demand SSB in unison in multiple cells in an area, so the serving cell OD-SSB indication correlates with neighbor cells as well. This use case may be made more flexible, e.g., to provide SMTC adaptation depending on whether the NW (e.g., via network node 16) chooses to activate in just one cell or in all cells. In one embodiment, the serving-cell additional SSB activation indication message may include a flag / bit field to indicate whether the SMTC window used for neighbor cell measurements should be adapted, i.e., whether neighbor cells also have s witched / changed their SSB pattern. Such “explicit” signaling does not require a separate indication message transmission, as it will be embedded in the existing SSB change indication. If the UE receives an SSB adaptation indication with the neighbor-cell-related SMTC modification flag set, it changes its SMTC window to a preconfigured setting, associated with modified neighbor-cell measurements. If the UE receives an SSB adaptation indication with the neighbor-cell-related SMTC modification flag not set, it leaves its SMTC window unchanged or changes it to another preconfigured setting, not associated with modified neighbor-cell measurements.

[0121] Examples of UE 22 Behavior

[0122] Example Method 1

[0123] When UE 22 receives the configured first SMTC parameter related to one measurement object, UE 22 performs measurement based on first SMTC for all the cells configured in the frequency layer. After that, when UE 22 receives the second configuration / indicator of first SMTC, UE 22 applies the updated SMTC configuration after a processing time Tl. In other words, after time Tl, UE 22 applies the measurement based on the update first SMTC configuration. Tl can be pre-defined or reported by UE 22 as a capability.

[0124] Example Method 2 When the NW (e.g., via network node 16) configures the measurement on one measurement object, UE 22 receives the configured first SMTC and second SMTC parameters. The first SMTC may also have an associated list for frequency / cell / SSBs.

[0125] UE 22 may follow the second SMTC configuration to perform the measurement for all the cells (including both the cells with or without the associated frequency / cell / SSBs list) until the second SMTC configuration / indication of first SMTC is indicated. After that, UE 22 may follow the second configuration / indicator of first SMTC to perform the measurement only for the associated frequency / cell / SSBs. Other nonassociated frequency / cell / SSBs may still be performed based on the second SMTC.

[0126] Further example embodiments may include one or more of the following.

[0127] Example Method 1

[0128] 1A. NW configures the UE with one or more first SMTC configuration(s), where the said configuration(s) can be dynamically adapted (e.g., activated / deactivated, or adapting periodicity / offset of the said configuration) based on a second configuration or indication.

[0129] 2A. Example 1A, where the second configuration / indication of first SMTC can be in the same or a separate RRC message as the one configuring the SMTC, such as a validity parameter, and / or an initial activation state.

[0130] 3 A. Example 1A, where the second configuration / indicator of first SMTC can be a Downlink Control Information (DCI) or a MAC Control Element (MAC-CE).

[0131] 4A. Example 1A, where the one or more first SMTC configuration(s) can have an association to a frequency / cell / SSBs that are transmitted in a dynamic manner, e.g., on-demand and / or with dynamic periodicities.

[0132] 5 A. Example 1A, where the one or more first SMTC configuration(s) can have an association to a frequency / cell / SSBs which are configured statically by RRC.

[0133] 6A. Example 1A, where the second configuration / indicator of first SMTC can be: a. Explicit: explicitly used for the purpose of dynamically adapting (e.g., (de-)activating) one or more of the first SMTC configuration(s), e.g., a MAC-CE or DCI or a parameter in RRC configuration for SMTC activation / deactivation / adaptation. b. Implicit: (de-)activating / adapting of the first SMTC configuration(s) is based on a second configuration / indicator that is used for dynamic control of an associated SSB transmission, e.g., a MAC-CE or DCI for on-demand SSB activation / deactivation, or a MAC-CE / DCI used for adapting the periodicity of SSB also indirectly implies activation, deactivation, and / or adaptation of one or more of the first SMTC configured on(s) that are associated to the said SSB through configuration. c. Explicit: (de-)activating / adapting of the first SMTC configuration(s) is based on a flag or bit field in a second configuration / indicator that is used for dynamic control of an associated SSB transmission (described in b.).

[0134] 7A. Example 1A, where the one or more first SMTC configuration(s) can be explicitly or implicitly activated during one or more validity timers. a. Explicitly: i. where the SMTC configuration itself is configured with a validity timer. ii. MAC-CE / DCI indicates a validity timer corresponding to one / multiple SMTC configurations. b. Implicitly: where the SMTC configuration has an association with an SSB configuration which in turn is configured with a validity timer, e.g. an On- demand SSB with a validity timer. Meaning that the SMTC configuration is activated upon and during same (+ / -delta) validity period as the SSB transmission.

[0135] 8 A. Example 1A, where the one or more first SMTC configured on(s), could mean that there is more than one SMTC configuration, or more than one set of parameters related to an SMTC configuration which the NW can dynamically switch between based on the second configuration / indication, through one or more of: a. The explicit MAC-CE / DCI includes an index to a preconfigured SMTC configuration or a preconfigured parameter (e.g. offset, period, validity duration) i. The explicit MAC-CE / DCI includes multiple indices and the UE observation window is formed as union of the respective multiple preconfigured SMTC configurations. ii. The explicit MAC-CE / DCI includes an index and UE 22 observation window is formed by deactivating the SMTC window corresponding to the index from a base SMTC configuration, which is configured by RRC in advance. b. The implicit MAC-CE / DCI changes the transmission characteristics (e.g., period, or activation) of an SSB that is associated with an SMTC configuration.

[0136] Example Method 2 9B. Example 1 A, where NW (e.g., via network node) configures the UE with a second SMTC configuration together with the first SMTC configuration(s), where the second SMTC can be applied to the normal measurement for all the candidate cells in the configured measurement object.

[0137] 10B. Example 9B, where the network (e.g., via network node 16) can explicitly indicate that the second configuration / indicator or first SMTC described above may only be applied to the associated frequency / cell / SSBs. For example, a new indication can be used together with the second configuration / indicator.

[0138] 1 IB. Example 9B, where the NW (e.g., via network node 16) can implicitly indicate that the second configuration / indicator mentioned above may only be applied to the associated frequency / cell / SSBs. For example, specified that by default the second configuration / indicator may only be applied to the associated frequency / cell / SSBs.

[0139] Example Methods for UE behavior

[0140] Example Method 1

[0141] 1C. UE 22 may follow the first SMTC configuration to perform the measurement.

[0142] 2C. Example 1C, where after receiving the second configuration / indicator of first SMTC, UE may apply the updated SMTC configuration after a processing time Tl. In some embodiments, Tl can be pre-defined or reported by UE as a capability.

[0143] Example Method 2

[0144] 3C. UE 22 may follow the second SMTC configuration to perform the measurement for all the cells (including both the cells with or without the associated frequency / cell / SSBs list) until the second SMTC configuration / indication is indicated.

[0145] 4C. Example 3C, where the UE 22 may follow the second configuration / indicator of first SMTC to perform the measurement only for the associated frequency / cell / SSBs. Other non-associated frequency / cell / SSBs may still be performed with the second SMTC.

[0146] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and / or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and / or functionality described herein may be performed by, and / or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0147] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0148] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0149] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0150] It is to be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0151] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Python, Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0152] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0153] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

[0154] Embodiments:

[0155] Embodiment Al . A method implemented in a user equipment (UE) that is configured to communicate with a network node, the method comprising: receiving a first Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configuration and an indication associated with the first SMTC configuration; adapting the first SMTC configuration based on a second configuration of the first SMTC configuration; and communicating with the network node using the adapted first SMTC configuration.

[0156] Embodiment A2. The method of Embodiment Al, wherein the indication indicates adapting the first SMTC configuration by at least one of: activating the first SMTC configuration, deactivating the first SMTC configuration, changing a periodicity of the first SMTC configuration, and changing an offset of the first SMTC configuration.

[0157] Embodiment A3. The method of Embodiment Al, further comprising receiving a second SMTC configuration, the indication indicating circumstances for applying either the first SMTC configuration or the second SMTC configuration.

[0158] Embodiment A4. The method of any of Embodiments Al -A3, wherein adapting the first SMTC configuration is a dynamic adaptation.

[0159] Embodiment Bl . A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a network node, the UE configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or processing circuitry configured to: receive a first Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configuration and an indication associated with the first SMTC configuration; adapt the first SMTC configuration based on the a second configuration of the first SMTC configuration; and communicate with the network node using the adapted first SMTC configuration. Embodiment B2. The UE of Embodiment Bl, wherein the indication indicates adapting the first SMTC configuration by at least one of: activating the first SMTC configuration, deactivating the first SMTC configuration, changing a periodicity of the first SMTC configuration, and changing an offset of the first SMTC configuration.

[0160] Embodiment B3. The UE of Embodiment Bl, further configured to receive a second SMTC configuration, the indication indicating circumstances for applying either the first SMTC configuration or the second SMTC configuration.

[0161] Embodiment B4. The method of any of Embodiments B1-B3, wherein adapting the first SMTC configuration is a dynamic adaptation.

[0162] Embodiment Cl . A method implemented in a network node that is configured to communicate with a user equipment, the method comprising: transmitting a first Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configuration and an indication associated with the first SMTC configuration, the indication configured to cause the UE to adapt the first SMTC configuration based on a second configuration of the first SMTC configuration; and communicating with the UE using the adapted first SMTC configuration.

[0163] Embodiment C2. The method of Embodiment Cl, wherein the indication indicates adapting the first SMTC configuration by at least one of: activating the first SMTC configuration, deactivating the first SMTC configuration, changing a periodicity of the first SMTC configuration, and changing an offset of the first SMTC configuration.

[0164] Embodiment C3. The method of Embodiment Cl, further comprising transmitting a second SMTC configuration, the indication indicating circumstances for applying either the first SMTC configuration or the second SMTC configuration.

[0165] Embodiment C4. The method of any of Embodiments C1-C3, wherein adapting the first SMTC configuration is a dynamic adaptation. Embodiment DI. A network node configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE), the network node configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to: transmit a first Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configuration and an indication associated with the first SMTC configuration, the indication configured to cause the UE to adapt the first SMTC configuration based on a second configuration of the first SMTC configuration; and communicate with the UE using the adapted first SMTC configuration.

[0166] Embodiment D2. The network node of Embodiment D 1 , wherein the indication indicates adapting the first SMTC configuration by at least one of: activating the first SMTC configuration, deactivating the first SMTC configuration, changing a periodicity of the first SMTC configuration, and changing an offset of the first SMTC configuration.

[0167] Embodiment D3. The network node of Embodiment D 1 , further configured to transmit a second SMTC configuration, the indication indicating circumstances for applying either the first SMTC configuration or the second SMTC configuration.

[0168] Embodiment D4. The method of any of Embodiments D1-D3, wherein adapting the first SMTC configuration is a dynamic adaptation.

Claims

28CLAIMS1. A method performed by a user equipment, UE, the method comprising: receiving, from a network node, a plurality of Synchronisation Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity (SI 04); and receiving an indication from the network node; wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations (SI 06).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the indication is a Dynamic Control Information, DCI.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the DCI further indicates a change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the DCI indicates activating the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations by indicating the change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission.

5. The method according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the DCI further indicates deactivating a second of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the DCI causes the UE to switch from applying the second of the plurality of SMTC configurations to applying the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

7. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising, after receiving the DCI, performing a measurement of the SSB transmission based on the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising, before receiving the DCI, performing a measurement of the SSB transmission based on a second of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

9. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the SSB transmission is from a serving cell of the UE.

10. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is received, from the network node, in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message.

11. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the UE is further configured with a measurement object; and wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with the measurement object.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the measurement object is associated with a serving cell configuration.

13. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of SMTC configurations comprises a respective set of one or more parameters.

14. A user equipment, UE, (22) comprising processing circuitry (50) configured to: receive, from a network node, a plurality of SynchronisationSignal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity; and receive an indication from the network node; wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

15. The UE (22) according to claim 14, wherein the processing circuitry are configured to perform the method of any of claims 2 to 13.

16. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment, UE, a plurality of SynchronisationSignal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with aSynchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity (SI 00); and transmitting an indication to the UE, wherein the indication indicates activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations (SI 02).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the indication is a Dynamic Control Information, DCI.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the DCI further indicates a change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the DCI indicates activating the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations by indicating the change to the periodicity of the SSB transmission.

20. The method according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the DCI further indicates deactivating a second of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the DCI causes the UE to switch from applying the second of the plurality of SMTC configurations to applying the first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

22. The method according to any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the SSB transmission is from a serving cell of the UE.

23. The method according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is transmitted, to the UE, in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message.

24. The method according to any of claims 16 to 23, further comprising configuring the UE with a measurement object; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with the measurement object.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the measurement object is associated with a serving cell configuration.

26. The method according to any of claims 16 to 25, wherein each of the plurality of SMTC configurations comprises a respective set of one or more parameters.

27. A network node (16) comprising processing circuitry (36) configured to: transmit, to a user equipment, UE, a plurality of Synchronisation Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Measurement Timing Configuration, SMTC, configurations; wherein the plurality of SMTC configurations is associated with a Synchronisation Signal Block, SSB, transmission having a dynamically changeable periodicity; and transmit an indication to the UE, indicating activating a first of the plurality of SMTC configurations.

28. The network node (16) according to claim 27, wherein the processing circuitry (36) is configured to perform the method of any of claims 17 to 26.

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