Control channel monitoring occasion enhancements based on synchronization signal periodicity

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided. The method includes determining a synchronization signal periodicity based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity. The method further includes determining one or more control channel monitoring occasions based on a synchronization signal periodicity. The method further includes performing control channel monitoring at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions.

Description

CONTROL CHANNEL MONITORING OCCASION ENHANCEMENTS BASED ON SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL PERIODICITYTECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] An example embodiments relates generally to determining control channel monitoring occasions and, more particularly, to determining control channel monitoring occasions based on a synchronization signal periodicity.BACKGROUND

[0002] Mega-satellites may be used in deployment, where one satellite covers a large geographical area with a large number of satellite beams (total number of beam footprints of 1058 and each beam footprint covering a “cell” with a diameter of 50 km). This layout corresponds to using a single satellite to cover a total geographical area corresponding to a circle with a diameter of 1600km. In some scenarios with specific satellite assumptions, it is not currently possible to provide geographical coverage for all cells / beams at the same time and guarantee a certain power per cell / beam, and so time multiplexing (also called beam hopping) may be needed.

[0003] Initial access for these cases faces another challenge since user equipment devices of the prior art assume that for initial cell search, the synchronization signal (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) blocks (also referred to as synchronization signal blocks (SSBs)) will be available for searching for reference signals for cell detection (the primary synchronization signals (PSS) and secondary synchronization signals (SSS)) every 20 ms. Cell search is a procedure for user equipment to acquire time and frequency synchronization with a cell and to detect a physical layer cell ID of a cell. For a half frame with SS / PBCH blocks, the first symbol indexes for candidate SS / PBCH blocks are determined according to the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of SS / PBCH blocks.

[0004] During cell search, if a user equipment determines from a master information block (MIB) of an SSB that a control resource set (CORESET) for a TypeO- physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) common search space (CSS) set (or also referred to as CORESETO in this application) is present, the user equipment determines the time and frequency location of the CORESET and determines the corresponding PDCCH monitoring occasions.

[0005] In non-terrestrial networks, synchronization signal periodicity may be extended for initial user equipment access to one or more values from the following list: 40ms, 80ms, 160ms, 220ms, and 640ms. This extension of synchronization signal periodicity allows a cell to become unavailable for longer, guaranteeing a certain power per beam from the satellite when the satellite is covering a large geographical area. With a larger number of beams, only a certain number of beams will be able to be active at a given time due to power limitations. With extended synchronization signal periodicity, a user equipment may be monitoring control channel monitoring occasions when the cell is unavailable and a control channel cannot be transmitted, leading to a power inefficient behavior at the user equipment.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (120) to determine a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) is further caused to determine (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) is further caused to perform control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node (112) to determine and transmit to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal block (312) having a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum configurable value (413) of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including means for determining a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) further comprises means for determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) further comprises means forperforming control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including means for determining and transmitting to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal block (312) having a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum configurable value (413) of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) further comprises means for transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0010] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (120) and includes determining a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes performing control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0011] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node (112) and includes determining and transmitting to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal block (312) having a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum configurable value (413) of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (120), cause the user equipment (120) to determine a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) is further caused to determine (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) is further caused to perform control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0013] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node (112), cause the network node (112) to determine and transmit to a user equipment (120), a synchronizationsignal block (312) having a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum configurable value (413) of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (120) to determine (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on a synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) is further caused to perform control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0015] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node (112) to transmit (408) to a user equipment (120), a plurality of synchronization signal blocks (312) according to a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including means for determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) further comprises means for performing control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including means for transmitting (408) to a user equipment (120), a plurality of synchronization signal blocks (312) according to a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) further comprises means for transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0018] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (120) and includes determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes performing control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0019] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node (112) and includes transmitting (408) to a user equipment (120), a plurality of synchronization signal blocks (312) according to a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (120), cause the user equipment (120) to determine (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on a synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) is further caused to perform control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0021] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node (112), cause the network node (112) to transmit (408) to a user equipment (120), a plurality of synchronization signal blocks (312) according to a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0022] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (120) to detect (410) at least one synchronization signal block (312) received from a network node (112). The user equipment (120) is further caused to determine (412), based on the at least one received synchronization signal block (SSB) (312), a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) is further caused to, subsequent to determining (412) the synchronization signal periodicity (310), determine (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) is further caused to perform control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0023] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node (112) to configure and transmit to a user equipment(120), a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization periodicity (310).

[0024] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including means for detecting (410) at least one synchronization signal block (312) received from a network node (112). The user equipment (120) further includes means for determining (412), based on the at least one received synchronization signal block (SSB) (312), a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) further comprises means for, subsequent to determining (412) the synchronization signal periodicity (310), determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) further comprises means for performing control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0025] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including means for configuring and transmitting to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) further comprises means for transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization periodicity (310).

[0026] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (120) and includes detecting (410) at least one synchronization signal block (312) received from a network node (112). The method further includes determining (412), based on the at least one received synchronization signal block (SSB) (312), a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes, subsequent to determining (412) the synchronization signal periodicity (310), determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes performing control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0027] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node (112) and includes configuring and transmitting to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization periodicity (310).

[0028] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (120), cause the user equipment (120) to detect (410) at least one synchronization signal block (312) receivedfrom a network node (112). The user equipment (120) is further caused to determine (412), based on the at least one received synchronization signal block (SSB) (312), a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) is further caused to, subsequent to determining (412) the synchronization signal periodicity (310), determine (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) is further caused to perform control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0029] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node (112), cause the network node (112) to configure and transmit to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization periodicity (310).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and where:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a communication network to which example embodiments disclosed herein may be applied;

[0032] FIG. 2 depicts control channel monitoring occasions in accordance with the prior art;

[0033] FIG. 3 depicts control channel monitoring occasions in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIGS. 4 depicts an example signal diagram for determining control channel monitoring occasions based on a synchronization signal periodicity in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a communications device that may include various components configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a user equipment to perform control channel monitoring in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a network node to perform control channel transmission in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations of the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection of an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to apply such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second” 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.

[0039] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, and “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0040] Embodiments described may be implemented in a communication network, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Micro-wave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE- Advanced, and enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also called NR), or any future RAT such as 6G. Moreover, communication within the communication network 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), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0041] As used herein, the term “network device” or “network node” refers to a node in a communication network via which user equipment may access the network and / or which is capable of controlling radio communication and managing radio resources within a cell. The network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), an access point (AP) or an access node. The network device may be, depending on the applied technology, 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 head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node, a nonterrestrial 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, or an aircraft network device.

[0042] Moreover, in connection of split radio access network (RAN), the network device may refer to a centralised unit (CU) of a base station and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. An interface between CU and DU may be referred to as an Fl interface in NR. In the split RAN architecture, node operations may be carried out, at least partly, in the central / centralized unit, CU, (e.g. server, host or node) operationally coupled to the DU, (e.g. a radio head / node). One CU may control one or more DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, the DUs may comprise e.g. a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the CU may comprise the layers above RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) and an internet protocol (IP) layers. Other functional splits are possible too. In practice, any processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may depend on the applied implementation.

[0043] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example, a terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), or a Mobile Station (MS). The terminal device may include 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, vehiclemounted wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch orother 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.

[0044] A term “resource”, as used herein, may refer to radio resources in time domain, in frequency domain, in space domain, and / or in code domain. Some examples of resources include e.g. a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a subband, a frequency region, a sub-carrier, a beam, etc. The term “transmission” and / or “reception” may refer to wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless propagation channel on radio resources.

[0045] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The communication network or a cellular communication network may comprise a network node 110 providing one or more cells, such as cell 100, and a network node 112 providing one or more other cells, such as cell 102. Each cell may be, e.g., a macro cell, a micro cell, femto, or a pico cell, for example. The cell may define a coverage area or a service area of the corresponding access node.

[0046] The network node 110 may provide a user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with wireless access to the communication network. The wireless access may comprise downlink (DL) communication from the network node to the UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from the UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels comprise physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data towards the network. Examples of downlink channels comprise physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data towards the user equipment.

[0047] There may be a plurality of UEs 120, 122 in the system. Each of them may be served by the same or by different network nodes 110, 112. UE may be configured with dual connectivity (DC), wherein the UE, e.g. UE 120, may be connected to multiple network nodes 110, 112. The UEs 120, 122 may communicate with each other, in case device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between them via a so-called sidelink (SL). Such D2D communicationsmay be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, or vehicle-to- vehicle (V2V), for example.

[0048] In the case of multiple network nodes in the communication network, the network nodes may be connected to each other via an interface. LTE specifications call such an interface as X2 interface. An interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes may be called Xn interface.

[0049] The network nodes 110 and 112 may be further connected via another interface to a core network 116 of the communication network. The LTE specifications specify the core network as an evolved packet core (EPC), and the core network may comprise e.g. a mobility management entity (MME) and a gateway node. The MME may handle mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area encompassing a plurality of cells and handle signalling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. The gateway node may handle data routing in the core network and to / from the terminal devices. The 5G specifications specify the core network as a 5G core (5GC). The 5G core may comprise e.g. an access and mobility management function (AMF) and a user plane function / gateway (UPF) and other functions. The AMF may handle termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signalling, NAS ciphering & integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, security context management. The UPF node may support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection and quality of service (QoS) handling, for example.

[0050] Turning now to FIG. 2, an example of control channel monitoring periodicity 210 is provided in accordance with the prior art. Control channel monitoring periodicity occurs at the frame (220...238), with control channel monitoring occasions 316 occurring every second frame (e.g., 220, 224, 228...). The occasion [(0 ■ 2^ + [i ■ M / N^me,ti\mod2 = 0 may be used, where mod is the modulo operation (the remainder from the integer operation by the number following the operator). All system frame number (SFN) values where.CORESETO "Control resource set zero” for TypeO-PDCCH is to be monitored by the user equipment satisfy SFNmod2 = 0, generating a periodicity of control channel monitoring occasions equal to 20ms because each SFN represents one frame of duration 10ms. Thus, control channel monitoring occasions 316 may occur with a periodicity of 20 ms regardless of synchronization signal (e.g., SSB) periodicity, which may be longer. In a control channel monitoring occasion, a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission 316a may occur, but there is no commitmentby a gNB that it may be transmitted in each monitoring occasion. Therefore, the user equipment must monitor all of them to find where the control channel is transmitted.

[0051] Turning now to FIG. 3, an example of control channel monitoring based on a synchronization signal periodicity 310 is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the user equipment 120 may determine control channel monitoring occasions 316 based on a synchronization signal periodicity 310 which it knows and in other embodiments, the user equipment 120 may determine the control channel monitoring occasions 316 based on a maximum value (Pmax) 413 of a synchronization signal periodicity 310 configurable by a network node 112. In an example, two values of periodicity may be present in the 3GPP specifications, 20ms and 320ms, respectively. In this case, the UE 120 may determine the monitoring occasions based on the maximum value 320ms of SSB periodicity supported by specification, and hence configurable by the network node 112.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment 120 determines control channel monitoring occasions 316 based on a particular frame 220 or slot 322 in which a synchronization signal block 312 is transmitted. For example, the user equipment 120 may determine one or more control channel monitoring occasions 316 in a same frame (e.g., 220) in which a synchronization signal block (e.g., 312a) may be transmitted. In another example, the user equipment 120 may determine another control channel monitoring occasion 316 in a different frame (e.g., 224) than the frame (220) in which the synchronization signal block (312a) is transmitted. The different frame (e.g., 224) may be, in an example, a frame with SFN = SFN_SSB + K, wherein K is an SFN offset compared to the SFN (e.g., 220) where the synchronization signal is transmitted (220). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment 120 may determine control channel monitoring occasions 316 based on a frame (e.g., 224) or slot 326 in which a synchronization signal block 312 is not transmitted.

[0053] In some examples, the synchronization signal periodicity 310 is known to the user equipment 120 before control channel monitoring. The control channel monitoring occasions 316 may have the same or different transmission frames as the synchronization signal with the synchronization signal periodicity 310. For example, control channel monitoring occasions 316 (e.g., PDCCH monitoring occasions) occur in frames satisfying SFN mod P = 0 or SFN mod P = 1 , where SFN is the system frame number 318 and P the known synchronization signal periodicity 310 (e.g., SSB periodicity), and “mod” is the modulo operation. In another example,control channel monitoring occasions 316 (e.g., PDCCH monitoring occasions) may occur in frames (220, 236) where the SSB is transmitted. In another embodiment, control channel monitoring occasions may occur in more than one frame within the synchronization channel periodicity. For example, in frames satisfying SFN mod P = [0; 2; ... ; 2*(K-1)] or SFN mod P = [1; 3; ; 2*(K-1)+1], where SFN is the system frame number 318, P the known synchronization signal periodicity 310 and K is an integer number representing a number of monitoring occasions within one periodicity interval. In another example, in frames (220, 224, ...) satisfying SFN SSB + [0; 2; ... ; 2*(K-1)], where K is an integer number representing a number of monitoring occasions within one periodicity interval and SFN_SSB is the frame (220, 224) where the SSB (312) is transmitted. In yet another example, in frames (220, 222, 224...) satisfying SFN_SSB + Y, where Y = [0; 1; 2; ... ; K], and where K is an integer number representing a number of monitoring occasions within one periodicity interval and SFN_SSB is the frame (220) where the SSB (312) is transmitted. This example embodiment allows for multiple control channel monitoring occasions within one periodicity, allowing for more flexibility in the timing of actual transmission of a control channel.

[0054] For example, control channel monitoring occasions 316 (e.g., PDCCH monitoring occasions) may occur in frames (220, ... 238) satisfying SFN mod Pmax = 0 or SFN mod Pmax = 1, where SFN is the system frame number 318 and Pmax (413) is a maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity 310 (e.g., SSB periodicity) from standard specifications (i.e. configurable / usable by a network node), and “mod” is the modulo operation. In another embodiment, control channel monitoring occasions occur in frames satisfying SFN mod Pmax = [0; 2; ... ; 2*(K-1)] or SFN mod Pmax = [1; 3; ... ; 2*(K-1)+1], where SFN is the system frame number 318, Pmax is the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity 310 and K is an integer number representing a number of monitoring occasions within one periodicity interval. This example embodiment allows for multiple control channel monitoring occasions within one periodicity, allowing for more flexibility in the timing of actual transmission of a control channel.

[0055] In the depicted example, a synchronization signal periodicity 310 is determined to be 80ms and an integer number of control channel monitoring occasions within a synchronization signal periodicity interval 314 is determined to be 3.

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 4, an example signal diagram is provided for performing control channel monitoring in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, at operation 408, a network node 112 performs an SSB transmission 312. In some examples, the SSB transmission is performed according to a synchronization signal periodicity 310.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, at operation 410, the user equipment 120 detects the SSB transmission 312. In some examples, the user equipment 120 tries to detect the SSB transmission via time-domain correlation with a certain reference periodicity.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, at operation 412, the user equipment 120 determines a synchronization signal periodicity 310 based on the SSB transmission 312. In some examples, the user equipment determines an integer number 412a of control channel monitoring occasions within a synchronization signal periodicity interval 314. In some examples, determinations are made based on a network indication or standard specifications. In some examples, user equipment 120 may determine a maximum value (Pmax) 413 of a synchronization signal periodicity configurable by the network node 112.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, at operation 414, the user equipment 120 determines one or more control channel monitoring occasions 316 based on the synchronization signal periodicity 310. In some examples, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions 316 are determined based on the integer number 412a of control channel monitoring occasions 316. In some examples, the control channel monitoring occasions are determined based on frame granularity (i.e., the SFN where the control channel may be).

[0061] In one or more embodiments, at operation 416, the user equipment performs control channel monitoring based on the determined control channel monitoring occasions 316.

[0062] Fig. 6 shows, by way of example, a block diagram of an apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15 that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 10 at least to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. In an example, the at least one memory and the instructions (e.g. a computer program code, software), are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus 10 to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof.

[0063] A processor 12 may comprise circuitry, or be constituted as circuitry or circuitries, the circuitry or circuitries being configured to perform phases of methods in accordance with example embodiments described herein. 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) with software / 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 user equipment, 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. 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.

[0064] The memory 14 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may comprise a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least in part external to apparatus 10 but accessible to apparatus 10.

[0065] The instructions 15 may be comprised in a computer readable medium or a non-transitory computer readable medium. A 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. random access memory, RAM, vs. read only memory, ROM).

[0066] For example, the apparatus 10 is a terminal device, such as the UE of Fig. 1. As another example, the apparatus is comprised in such a terminal device, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of Fig. 6 and / or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0067] As another example, the apparatus 10 is a network node, e.g. the network node of Fig. 1. In another embodiment, the apparatus is comprised in such a network node, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the network node. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of Figs. 7 and / or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0068] The apparatus may comprise one or more entities of any of protocol layers, such as a MAC entity, an RRC entity, an RLC entity, a PDCP entity or a PHY entity. In some embodiments, the entity is configured to perform at least the method of Fig. 6 or Fig. 7, and / or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0069] The apparatus 10 comprises a radio interface 16. The radio interface 16 may provide the apparatus 10 with communication capabilities. The radio interface 16 may comprise a receiver configured to receive information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The receiver may comprise more than one receiver. The transmitter may comprise more than one transmitter. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transceiver may comprise more than one transceiver.

[0070] The apparatus 10 may comprise a user interface 18 comprising, for example, at least one of a keypad, a microphone, a touch display, a display, a speaker, etc. The user interface 18 may be used to control the apparatus by the user. The user interface 18 may be external to the apparatus 10. For example, the apparatus 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, either via wireless or wired connection, and the apparatus 10 is controlled by the user via the computer.

[0071] In an embodiment, at least some of the processes described herein may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for carrying out at least some of the described processes. Means for performing method steps as disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of the apparatus 10. For example, the at least one processor 12, the memory 14, and the computer program code form means for carrying out the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. As used herein the term “means” is to be construed in singular form, i.e. referring to a single element, or in plural form, i.e. referring to a combination of single elements. Therefore, terminology “means for [performing A, B, C]”, is tobe interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C. Further, terminology “means for performing A, means for performing B, means for performing C” is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C.

[0072] Turning now to FIG. 6, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 600 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (120) in order to [[]].

[0073] As shown in optional block 602 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (120) includes means, such as the processor (12), the radio interface (16), the user interface (18), and / or the like, for detecting (410) at least one synchronization signal transmission (312).

[0074] As shown in block 604 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (120) includes means, such as the processor (12), the radio interface (16), the user interface (18), and / or the like, for determining (412) a synchronization signal periodicity (310). In some examples, the synchronization signal periodicity (310) is determined (412) prior to determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316). In some examples, the synchronization signal periodicity (310) is determined (412) based on a maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the synchronization signal periodicity (310) comprises a synchronization signal block (SSB) periodicity.

[0075] As shown in block 606 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (120) includes means, such as the processor (12), the radio interface (16), the user interface (18), and / or the like, for determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on a synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) are defined in one or more slots (326) or frames (224) relative to a synchronization signal transmission slot (322) or frame (220) according to the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) determines the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) with a same periodicity as the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) determines the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) with a different periodicity than the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or moreembodiments, the user equipment (120) determines a plurality of control channel monitoring occasions (316) within the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) occur in frames (224) satisfying SFN mod P = 0 or SFN mod P = 1, wherein SFN comprises a system frame number (318), wherein P comprises the synchronization signal periodicity (310), and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation. In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) occur in frames (224) satisfying SFN mod P = [0; 2; ... ; 2*(K-1)] or SFN mod P = [1; 3; ; 2*(K-1)+1], wherein SFN comprises a system frame number (318), wherein P is a periodicity that comprises the synchronization signal periodicity (310), wherein K comprises an integer number (412a) of control channel monitoring occasions (316) within a synchronization signal periodicity interval (314) according to the synchronization signal periodicity (310), and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation. In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) occur in frames (224) satisfying SFN mod Pmax = 0 or SFN mod Pmax = 1 , wherein SFN comprises a system frame number (318), wherein Pmax comprises the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310), and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation. In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) occur in frames (224) satisfying SFN mod Pmax = [0; 2; ... ; 2*(K-1)] or SFN mod Pmax = [1; 3; ... ; 2*(K-1)+1], wherein SFN comprises a system frame number (318), wherein Pmax comprises the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310), wherein K comprises an integer number (412a) of control channel monitoring occasions (316) within a synchronization signal periodicity interval according to the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310), and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation. In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) comprise one or more control resource set zero (CORESETO) monitoring occasions.

[0076] As shown in block 608 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (120) includes means, such as the processor (12), the radio interface (16), the user interface (18), and / or the like, for performing control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0077] Turning now to FIG. 7, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 700 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinaftergenerally referenced as being embodied by) a network node (112) in order to perform control channel transmission in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] As shown in optional block 702 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the network node (112) includes means, such as the processor (12), the radio interface (16), the user interface (18), and / or the like, for determining a synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the network node (112) determines the maximum synchronization signal periodicity Pmax (413) based on a maximum configurable value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the network node (112) determines the synchronization signal periodicity based by configuring the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0079] As shown in an optional block 704 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the network node (112) includes means, such as the processor (12), the radio interface (16), the user interface (18), and / or the like, for transmitting (408) to a user equipment (120), a plurality of synchronization signal blocks (312) according to a synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0080] As shown in block 706 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the network node (112) includes means, such as the processor (12), the radio interface (16), the user interface (18), and / or the like, for transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0081] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate flowcharts depicting methods according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and combination of blocks in the flowcharts may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and / or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions 15 which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory 14 of an apparatus employing an embodiment and executed by a processor 12. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner,such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0082] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (120) to determine a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) is further caused to determine (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) is further caused to perform control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0084] In one or more embodiments, the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310) is determined from at least one synchronization signal block (312) received from a network node (112).

[0085] In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) are defined in one or more slots (326) or frames (224) relative to a synchronization signal transmission slot (322) or frame (220) according to the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) determines the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) with a same periodicity as the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) determines the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) with a different periodicity than the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) determines a plurality of control channel monitoring occasions (316) within the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0089] In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) occur in frames (224) satisfying a modulo operation SFN mod Pmax = 0 or SFN mod Pmax = 1, wherein SFN comprises a system frame number (318), wherein Pmax comprises the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310), and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) occur in frames (224) satisfying a modulo operation SFN mod Pmax = [0; 2; ... ; 2*(K-1)] or SFN mod Pmax = [1; 3; ... ; 2*(K-1)+1], wherein SFN comprises a system frame number (318), wherein Pmax comprises the maximum possible synchronization signal periodicity, wherein K comprises an integer number (412a) of control channel monitoring occasions (316) within a synchronization signal periodicity interval according to the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310), and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) comprise one or more control resource set 0 (CORESETO) monitoring occasions.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, the synchronization signal periodicity (310) comprises a synchronization signal block (SSB) periodicity.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node (112) to determine and transmit to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal block (312) having a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum configurable value (413) of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0094] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (120) is provided, including means for determining a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) further comprises means fordetermining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) further comprises means for performing control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0095] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including means for determining and transmitting to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal block (312) having a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum configurable value (413) of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) further comprises means for transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0096] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (120) and includes determining a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes determining (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes performing control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310) is determined from at least one synchronization signal block (312) received from a network node (112).

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) are defined in one or more slots (326) or frames (224) relative to a synchronization signal transmission slot (322) or frame (220) according to the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the method includes determining the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) with a same periodicity as the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0100] In one or more embodiments, the method includes determining the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) with a different periodicity than the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0101] In one or more embodiments, the method includes determining a plurality of control channel monitoring occasions (316) within the synchronization signal periodicity (310).Il

[0102] In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) occur in frames (224) satisfying a modulo operation SFN mod Pmax = 0 or SFN mod Pmax = 1, wherein SFN comprises a system frame number (318), wherein Pmax comprises the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310), and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) occur in frames (224) satisfying a modulo operation SFN mod Pmax = [0; 2; ... ; 2*(K-1)] or SFN mod Pmax = [1; 3; ... ; 2*(K-1)+1], wherein SFN comprises a system frame number (318), wherein Pmax comprises the maximum possible synchronization signal periodicity, wherein K comprises an integer number (412a) of control channel monitoring occasions (316) within a synchronization signal periodicity interval according to the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity (310), and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) comprise one or more control resource set 0 (CORESETO) monitoring occasions.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, the synchronization signal periodicity (310) comprises a synchronization signal block (SSB) periodicity.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node (112) and includes determining and transmitting to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal block (312) having a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum configurable value (413) of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The method further includes transmitting (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0107] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (120), cause the user equipment (120) to determine a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity (310). The user equipment (120) is further caused to determine (414) one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316) based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (120) is further caused to perform control channel monitoring (416) at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions (316).

[0108] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node (112), cause the network node (112) to determine and transmit to a user equipment (120), a synchronization signal block (312) having a synchronization signal periodicity (310) based on a maximum configurable value (413) of the synchronization signal periodicity (310). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit (418) to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity (310).

[0109] Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A user equipment, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: determine a synchronization signal periodicity based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity; determine one or more control channel monitoring occasions based on the synchronization signal periodicity; and perform control channel monitoring at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions.

2. The user equipment of claim 1 , wherein the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity is determined from at least one synchronization signal block received from a network node.

3. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the one or more control channel monitoring occasions are defined in one or more slots or frames relative to a synchronization signal transmission slot or frame according to the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity.

4. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the user equipment determines the one or more control channel monitoring occasions with a same periodicity as the synchronization signal periodicity.

5. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the user equipment determines the one or more control channel monitoring occasions with a different periodicity than the synchronization signal periodicity.

6. The user equipment of claim 4, wherein the user equipment determines a plurality of control channel monitoring occasions within the synchronization signal periodicity.

7. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the one or more control channel monitoring occasions occur in frames satisfying a modulo operation SFN mod Pmax = 0 or SFN mod Pmax = 1 , wherein SFN comprises a system frame number, wherein Pmax comprises the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity, and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation.

8. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the one or more control channel monitoring occasions occur in frames satisfying a modulo operation SFN mod Pmax = [0; 2; ... ; 2*(K-1)] or SFN mod Pmax = [1; 3; ... ; 2*(K-1)+1], wherein SFN comprises a system frame number, wherein Pmax comprises the maximum possible synchronization signal periodicity, wherein K comprises an integer number of control channel monitoring occasions within a synchronization signal periodicity interval according to the maximum possible value of the synchronization signal periodicity, and wherein mod comprises a modulo operation.

9. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the one or more control channel monitoring occasions comprise one or more control resource set 0 (CORESETO) monitoring occasions.

10. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the synchronization signal periodicity comprises a synchronization signal block (SSB) periodicity.

11. A network node, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to: determine and transmit to a user equipment, a synchronization signal block having a synchronization signal periodicity based on a maximum configurable value of the synchronization signal periodicity; and transmit to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity.

12. A computer-implemented method performed by user equipment, comprising:determining a synchronization signal periodicity based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity; determining one or more control channel monitoring occasions based on the synchronization signal periodicity; and performing control channel monitoring at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions.

13. A computer-implemented method performed by a network node, comprising: determining and transmitting to a user equipment, a synchronization signal block having a synchronization signal periodicity based on a maximum configurable value of the synchronization signal periodicity; and transmitting to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity.

14. A user equipment, comprising: means for determining a synchronization signal periodicity based on a maximum possible value of a synchronization signal periodicity; means for determining one or more control channel monitoring occasions based on the synchronization signal periodicity; and means for performing control channel monitoring at the one or more control channel monitoring occasions.

15. A network node, comprising: means for determining and transmitting to a user equipment, a synchronization signal block having a synchronization signal periodicity based on a maximum configurable value of the synchronization signal periodicity; and means for transmitting to the user equipment, one or more control channels based on the synchronization signal periodicity.

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