Providing an energy saving mode and an enhanced discontinuous reception (DRX) operation in wireless network

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. Embodiments herein disclose methods, a network entity 104 and a UE 102 for energy saving (ES) modes in a wireless network 100. The network entity 104 configures energy saving modes for the UE 102. The network entity 104 can perform activating or deactivating of an ES mode. Further, the network entity 104 can perform switching across energy saving modes in the wireless network 100. Further, the network entity 104 configures the UE 102 with DRX configurations for energy saving operation.

Description

PROVIDING AN ENERGY SAVING MODE AND AN ENHANCED DISCONTINUOUS RECEPTION (DRX) OPERATION IN WIRELESS NETWORK

[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a wireless network, and more particularly to methods and systems (or wireless network) for providing an energy saving mode and an enhanced Discontinuous Reception (DRX) operation.

[0002] Considering the development of wireless communication from generation to generation, the technologies have been developed mainly for services targeting humans, such as voice calls, multimedia services, and data services. Following the commercialization of 5G (5th-generation) communication systems, it is expected that the number of connected devices will exponentially grow. Increasingly, these will be connected to communication networks. Examples of connected things may include vehicles, robots, drones, home appliances, displays, smart sensors connected to various infrastructures, construction machines, and factory equipment. Mobile devices are expected to evolve in various form-factors, such as augmented reality glasses, virtual reality headsets, and hologram devices. In order to provide various services by connecting hundreds of billions of devices and things in the 6G (6th-generation) era, there have been ongoing efforts to develop improved 6G communication systems. For these reasons, 6G communication systems are referred to as beyond-5G systems.

[0003] 6G communication systems, which are expected to be commercialized around 2030, will have a peak data rate of tera (1,000 giga)-level bps and a radio latency less than 100μsec, and thus will be 50 times as fast as 5G communication systems and have the 1 / 10 radio latency thereof.

[0004] In order to accomplish such a high data rate and an ultra-low latency, it has been considered to implement 6G communication systems in a terahertz band (for example, 95GHz to 3THz bands). It is expected that, due to severer path loss and atmospheric absorption in the terahertz bands than those in mmWave bands introduced in 5G, technologies capable of securing the signal transmission distance (that is, coverage) will become more crucial. It is necessary to develop, as major technologies for securing the coverage, radio frequency (RF) elements, antennas, novel waveforms having a better coverage than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), beamforming and massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and multiantenna transmission technologies such as large-scale antennas. In addition, there has been ongoing discussion on new technologies for improving the coverage of terahertz-band signals, such as metamaterial-based lenses and antennas, orbital angular momentum (OAM), and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS).

[0005] Moreover, in order to improve the spectral efficiency and the overall network performances, the following technologies have been developed for 6G communication systems: a full-duplex technology for enabling an uplink transmission and a downlink transmission to simultaneously use the same frequency resource at the same time; a network technology for utilizing satellites, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and the like in an integrated manner; an improved network structure for supporting mobile base stations and the like and enabling network operation optimization and automation and the like; a dynamic spectrum sharing technology via collison avoidance based on a prediction of spectrum usage; an use of artificial intelligence (AI) in wireless communication for improvement of overall network operation by utilizing AI from a designing phase for developing 6G and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions; and a next-generation distributed computing technology for overcoming the limit of UE computing ability through reachable super-high-performance communication and computing resources (such as mobile edge computing (MEC), clouds, and the like) over the network. In addition, through designing new protocols to be used in 6G communication systems, developing mecahnisms for implementing a hardware-based security environment and safe use of data, and developing technologies for maintaining privacy, attempts to strengthen the connectivity between devices, optimize the network, promote softwarization of network entities, and increase the openness of wireless communications are continuing.

[0006] It is expected that research and development of 6G communication systems in hyper-connectivity, including person to machine (P2M) as well as machine to machine (M2M), will allow the next hyper-connected experience. Particularly, it is expected that services such as truly immersive extended reality (XR), high-fidelity mobile hologram, and digital replica could be provided through 6G communication systems. In addition, services such as remote surgery for security and reliability enhancement, industrial automation, and emergency response will be provided through the 6G communication system such that the technologies could be applied in various fields such as industry, medical care, automobiles, and home appliances.

[0007] The present invention has been made to address at least the above problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing an energy saving mode and an enhanced discontinuous reception (DRX) operation in a wireless network.

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a user equipment is provided. The method includes receiving, from a base station, configuration information for at least one energy saving (ES) mode; evaluating ES mode criteria; based on the evaluation, transmitting, to the base station, preference information on an ES mode; and receiving, from the base station, control information for activating or deactivating an ES mode.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by home base station is provided. The method includes transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), configuration information for at least one energy saving (ES) mode; receiving, from the UE, preference information on an ES mode; and based on the preference information on the ES mode, transmitting, to the UE, control information for activating or deactivating an ES mode.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a user equipment is provided. The user equipmnet includes at least one transceiver; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; and at least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the UE to: receive, from a base station, configuration information for at least one energy saving (ES) mode, evaluate ES mode criteria, based on the evaluation, transmit, to the base station, preference information on an ES mode, and receive, from the base station, control information for activating or deactivating an ES mode.

[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a base station is provided. The base station includes at least one transceiver; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; and at least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the base station to: transmit, to a user equipment (UE), configuration information for at least one energy saving (ES) mode, receive, from the UE, preference information on an ES mode, and based on the preference information on the ES mode, transmit, to the UE, control information for activating or deactivating an ES mode.The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose systems and methods for providing an energy saving mode and an enhanced DRX operation for UEs and network entities in a wireless network.

[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for switching across energy saving modes in the wireless network.

[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose systems and methods for providing enhanced DRX operation in wireless networks, which includes pre-configuring multiple DRX configurations to the UE, and at least one of selecting and / or activating / deactivating and / or switching the DRX configuration dynamically, wherein the DRX configurations may include at least one of Connected DRX (C-DRX) configurations, Cell-DRX configurations and Cell-DTX configurations.

[0014] Advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. For more enhanced communication system, there is a need for a method and apparatus for providing an energy saving mode and an enhanced discontinuous reception (DRX) operation in a wireless network.

[0015] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the following illustratory drawings. Embodiments herein are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0017] FIG. 2 is depicting an overall block diagram of a UE, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0018] FIG. 3 is depicting an overall block diagram of a network entity, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of a system for energy saving modes operation in a single cell for UEs and network entities in the wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of a system and a method for energy saving modes operation in multiple cells for UEs and network entities in the wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a sequence diagram of a method for energy saving modes operation for UEs and Network entities in the wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a sequence diagram of a method for enhanced DRX operation in a wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of a method performed by a UE for handling an ES mode in a wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0024] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method performed by a network entity for handling an ES mode in a wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0025] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram of a method performed by a UE for handling an ES mode in a wireless network, wherein DRX configuration is configured, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and

[0026] FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of a method performed by a network entity for handling an ES mode in a wireless network, wherein DRX configuration is configured, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0027] These and other aspects of the example embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating example embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the example embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the example embodiments herein include all such modifications.

[0028] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0029] For the purposes of interpreting this specification, the definitions (as defined herein) will apply and whenever appropriate the terms used in singular will also include the plural and vice versa. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "comprising", "having" and "including" are to be construed as open-ended terms unless otherwise noted.

[0030] The words / phrases "exemplary", "example", "illustration", "in an instance", "and the like", "and so on", "etc.", "etcetera", "e.g.," , "i.e.," are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words / phrases "exemplary", "example", "illustration", "in an instance", "and the like", "and so on", "etc.", "etcetera", "e.g.," , "i.e.," is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0031] Embodiments herein may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions.　These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like.　The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block.　Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.　Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts / sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding of aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components / modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0033] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components / elements / steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering / placement / occurrence unless specified otherwise.

[0034] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0035] The words / phrases "exemplary", "example", "illustration", "in an instance", "and the like", "and so on", "etc.", "etcetera", "e.g.,", "i.e.," are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words / phrases "exemplary", "example", "illustration", "in an instance", "and the like", "and so on", "etc.", "etcetera", "e.g.," , "i.e.," is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0036] Embodiments herein may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions.　These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like.　The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block.　Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.　Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts / sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding of aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components / modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0038] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components / elements / steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering / placement / occurrence unless specified otherwise.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] In describing the embodiments, descriptions related to technical contents well-known in the art and not associated directly with the disclosure will be omitted. Such an omission of unnecessary descriptions is intended to prevent obscuring of the main idea of the disclosure and more clearly transfer the main idea.

[0041] For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated. Further, the size of each element does not completely reflect the actual size. In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are provided with identical reference numerals or different reference numerals.

[0042] The advantages and features of the disclosure and ways to achieve them will be apparent by making reference to embodiments as described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but may be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to completely disclose the disclosure and inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the disclosure is defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same or like reference numerals designate the same or like elements. Furthermore, in describing the disclosure, a detailed description of known functions or constitution incorporated herein will be omitted in the case that it is determined that the description may make the subject matter of the disclosure unnecessarily unclear. The terms which will be described below are terms defined in consideration of the functions in the disclosure, and may be different according to users, intentions of the operators, or customs. Therefore, the definitions of the terms should be made based on the contents throughout the specification.

[0043] Herein, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, may be performed based on computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded individually or collectively onto at least one processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which perform through any one of, or in any combination of, the at least one processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer usable or computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer usable or computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that perform the function specified in the flowchart block(s). 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 data processing apparatus to produce a computer executed process such that the instructions that perform on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for executing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

[0044] Further, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for executing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order. For example, two blocks (or functions) shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0045] As used in embodiments of the disclosure, a "~unit / module" may refer to a software element or a hardware element, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which performs a predetermined function. However, the term including the word "~unit / module" does not always have a meaning limited to software or hardware. The "~unit / module" may be constructed either to be stored in an addressable storage medium or to execute one or more processors. Therefore, the "~unit / module" includes, for example, software elements, object-oriented software elements, components such as class elements and task elements, processes, functions, properties, procedures, sub-routines, segments of a program code, drivers, firmware, micro-codes, circuits, data, database, data structures, tables, arrays, and parameters. The components and functions provided by the "~unit / module" may be either combined into a smaller number of components and a "~unit / module," or divided into additional components and a "~unit / module." Moreover, the components and "~units / module" may be implemented to reproduce one or more central processing units (CPUs) within a device or a security multimedia card. Further, in the embodiments, the "쪟unit / module" may include one or more processors.

[0046] The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device, or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0047] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a CPU), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital　signal processors, FPGA, ASIC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like. The one processor or the combination of processors executes instructions that can be stored in a memory, such as the　operating system, in order to control the overall operation of the device.　Also, the one processor or the combination of processors is also capable of executing other processes and programs　resident in the memory, such as processes for the disclosure.

[0048] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0049] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure. Additionally, or alternatively, such software may be a computer program [product] comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

[0050] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0051] Hereinafter, the determination of priority between A and B in the present disclosure may refer to various actions such as selecting the one having a higher priority based on a predefined priority rule and performing an operation corresponding thereto, or omitting or dropping an operation corresponding to the one having a lower priority.

[0052] Hereinafter, "A or B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0053] In addition, "at least one of A, B, and C" as described in the present disclosure may be understood to include A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0054] In addition, "at least one of A, B, or C" as described in the present disclosure may be understood to include A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0055] Furthermore, "A / B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0056] Furthermore, "A, B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0057] Furthermore, "A and B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0058] Furthermore, "if condition A and condition B are satisfied," as described in the present disclosure, may not be limited to a case where both condition A and condition B are satisfied, but may be understood to include a case where either condition A or condition B is individually satisfied, both condition A and condition B are satisfied, or one or more additional conditions are satisfied in combination.

[0059] Furthermore, throughout this disclosure, ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., (and similar qualifiers) are used merely to distinguish between different instances, occurrences, configurations, messages, stages, elements or aspects of elements, operations, or information as described herein. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the use of such ordinal terms does not itself require that the elements, operations, or information distinguished by these terms be structurally different, numerically distinct, or substantively dissimilar. For example, a "first signal" and a "second signal" may refer to instances of the same signal transmitted at different times or containing the same core information despite minor variations, or they may refer to signals with different content or characteristics, depending on the specific context. Similarly, a "first value" and a "second value" may represent the same magnitude but measured or applied in different circumstances, or they may represent different magnitudes. The interpretation should be guided by the specific technical context, function, and relationship described in the relevant portion of the specification and claims.

[0060] Furthermore, the terms "first ~", "second ~", etc., as described in the present disclosure with respect to various elements (e.g., information, objects, operation, sequences, or the like), should not limit those elements. These terms may only be intended to distinguish one element from another, and may not be intended to indicate a specific order. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element.

[0061] Furthermore, even if "first ~" and "second ~" are described in the present disclosure, it may be understood that element(s) referred to by "first ~" and "second ~" may be the same or different. For example, in case of element(s) being information, first information and second information may both be the same information, and, in some cases, are separate and different information.

[0062] In addition, the terms "if ~" and "in case that ~" as used in the disclosure or claims may be interpreted to include the meanings of "when (or upon) ~," "in response to ~," "based on ~," or "according to ~," and may be used interchangeably with these expressions. In addition, expressions other than those exemplified herein may also be used, as long as they have substantially the same meaning and do not impair the technical features of the present disclosure. If a method step (e.g., transmit a signal) is performed according to the disclosure of the application in connection with one of the above terms (such as "in case that ~" or the like), it may be interpreted to include the meanings (disclosure) of a prior determination that a feature has a specific state "~" (e.g., a bit length is above X), and then perform the method step in response to said determination.

[0063] In addition, the term "not perform" as used in the present disclosure or claims may, in context, be understood to mean that the corresponding step is omitted or skipped. Such a term may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0064] In addition, "transmitting a message including A and B" as described in the present disclosure, may be understood as encompassing both (i) transmitting A and B in a single message, and (ii) transmitting A and B separately via multiple messages (e.g., transmitting a first message including A and a second message including B). This interpretation may also apply to messages that include two or more items (e.g., A, B, C), transmitted either together or separately.

[0065] In addition, "transmitting a message including A and transmitting a message including B" may also be interpreted as transmitting a message including A and B in a single message.

[0066] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described below, terms or components included in the disclosure may be expressed in singular or plural form depending on the specific embodiments presented. However, such singular or plural expressions are selected appropriately for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to a singular or plural number of components. A component expressed in the plural form may be implemented as a single component, and a component expressed in the singular form may be implemented as multiple components.

[0067] The drawings or flowcharts described below illustrate example methods that may be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure, and various modifications may be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts of the present disclosure. For example, although illustrated as a series of steps, various steps in each drawing or flowchart may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or be repeated. In other examples, any step may be omitted or replaced with another step.

[0068] The process of the flowchart may be performed by a device. One or more of the steps of the　flowchart can be implemented by one or more processors / computer programs executing　instructions to perform the noted functions.

[0069] The methods and apparatuses proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed in connection with drawings disclosing flowcharts to illustrate example methods that may be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure. Such flowcharts may contain different branches and / or sub-branches. It is understood that the principles of the present disclosure do not only contain the combination of all branches / sub-branches disclosed in the embodiment, but the present disclosure also contains at least one isolated branch / isolated sub-branch, in particular to a single branch / single sub-branch.

[0070] The methods and apparatuses proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to each embodiment individually, but may also be applied in combination of all or some of the embodiments proposed in the disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified and applied without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0071] In this case, even if certain wordings are described differently across embodiments, they may be used interchangeably or in substitution or in combination if their underlying concepts are equivalent. For example, for the same or equivalent concept, even if one embodiment uses the expression "A" and another embodiment uses the expression "B", such expressions may be understood interchangeably, in substitution, or in combination.

[0072] The terms used in the following description to refer to access nodes, network entities, messages, interfaces between network entities, various types of identification information, and the like, are provided merely for the convenience of explanation by way of example. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may also be used. Such terms may also be interchangeable with terms defined in any 3rd generation partnership project　(3GPP) technical specifications (TS) or similar technical specifications, e.g., from ETSI, where appropriate.

[0073] Hereinafter, a base station (BS) is an entity that allocates resources to terminals, and may be at least one of a gNode B, an eNode B, a Node B, a 6G NB, a wireless access unit, a BS controller, or a node on a network.

[0074] Furthermore, the base station of the present disclosure may include a split architecture comprising a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In this structure, the CU is configured to process the higher layers of the control and user planes, while the DU is configured to process lower-layer radio resource functions. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to 5G base station architectures in which such CU and DU functional splits are implemented or 6G base station architectures.

[0075] A terminal may include a UE, a mobile station (MS), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, a tablet, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or any other device / system capable of performing communication functions.

[0076] In the disclosure, a downlink (DL) refers to a radio link through which a BS transmits a signal to a terminal, and an uplink (UL) refers to a radio link through which a terminal transmits a signal to a BS.

[0077] Furthermore, hereinafter, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technologies (e.g., 5G new radio (NR)), 6th generation (6G) mobile communication technologies (e.g., 6G Radio (6GR)) may be described by way of example, but the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems having similar technical backgrounds or channel types. For example, newly evolved mobile communication systems developed after 5G and 6G may be included. Furthermore, based on determinations by those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems (e.g., Wi-Fi systems) through some modifications without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] Wireless communication network traffic (or wireless network traffic) is increasing, and this is accompanied by increasing energy consumption and higher costs. A Radio Access Network (RAN) part contributes up to 73% (for example) of overall energy consumption for the networks. At the same time, User Equipments (UEs) suffer severely due to limited battery life. Therefore, it is important to research and build new solutions towards substantially reducing the energy consumption for the UEs and RAN nodes for an upcoming sixth generation (6G) wireless communication system.

[0079] It can be noted that 5G has mainly focused on the reduction of transmission and reception to achieve enhanced energy saving; however, it is invariably accompanied by poor performance and / or limitation of the features support. That is, diversity of devices and services are not well supported from fifth generation (5G) energy saving perspective. Also, Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mechanism deployed in the 5G is quite static and is not quickly adaptable to dynamic UE operations. Emphatically, the 6G needs to target substantial energy saving over what was achieved for 5G, so as to enable a new set of service and performance requirements, and at the same time, also capitalize on the opportunity of a new wireless standard development.

[0080] Hence, there is a need in the art for solutions which will overcome the above mentioned drawback(s), among others.

[0081] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose systems and methods for providing an energy saving mode and an enhanced DRX operation for UEs and network entities in a wireless network.

[0082] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for switching across energy saving modes in the wireless network.

[0083] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose systems and methods for providing enhanced DRX operation in wireless networks, which includes pre-configuring multiple DRX configurations to the UE, and at least one of selecting and / or activating / deactivating and / or switching the DRX configuration dynamically, wherein the DRX configurations may include at least one of Connected DRX (C-DRX) configurations, Cell-DRX configurations and Cell-DTX configurations.

[0084] Accordingly embodiments herein discloses, a method for handling an energy saving (ES) mode in a wireless network. The method comprises, receiving, by a User Equipment (UE), an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring ES mode from a network entity. Further, the method comprises, evaluating, by the UE, an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode. Further, the method comprises, triggering and sending, by the UE, a preferred ES mode signalling to the network entity based on the evaluation. Further, the method comprises, performing, by the UE, at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, reconfiguring at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode upon the network entity receives the preferred ES mode signalling and determines and applies the at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, or reconfiguring the at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching the first ES mode to the second ES mode to the UE.

[0085] In an embodiment, the at least one ES mode is mapped to at least one ES configuration, where the ES configuration comprises at least one UE Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, a cell-DRX configuration, a cell- Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) configuration, a level of transmission in terms of synchronization signal, a reference signal, a Tracking Reference signal (TRS), Channel State indicator (CSI-RS) signal, and an on-demand synchronization signal, a level of reception in terms of synchronization signal, the reference signal, the TRS, the CSI-RS signal, and the on-demand synchronization signal, an on-demand system information broadcast index message (SIB1), random access channel (RACH) resources and configurations, paging resources and configurations, a signaling channel, a traffic channel, a measurement configuration, a spatial domain configuration based on an antenna panel within Transmission Reception Point (TRP) and across TRPs, power domain configurations and joint spatial and power domain configurations within TRP and across TRPs, Frequency domain configurations with UE specific, group of UEs or cell specific BandWidth Parts (BWPs), a device type, a service type and a cell type, and where the mapping between the at least one ES mode and the ES configuration is at least one of: an one-to-one, multiple-to-one, and an one to-multiple, where the mapping of the ES mode and the ES configuration is explicitly or implicitly configured.

[0086] In an embodiment, the UE is on a RRC CONNECTED state and the UE receives an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring ES mode from the network entity in a RRC reconfiguration message.

[0087] In an embodiment, the UE is configured by the network entity with at least one ES mode, among them only one ES mode is configured as activated and other ES modes is configured as deactivated, where the UE is configured by the network entity with the at least one ES mode, among them all the ES mode are configured as activated by default, where the UE is configured by the network entity with the at least one ES modes, among them all the ES modes are configured as deactivated by default.

[0088] In an embodiment, the UE in at least one of: a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE state and a RRC INACTIVE state is configured about an applicable ES mode and corresponding at least one of: an activation status and a deactivation status in a system information block (SIB) message.

[0089] In an embodiment, the at least one ES mode is configured and mapped to at least one cell, and where the ES mode preference is carried in a UE Assistance Information (UAI) signaling message.

[0090] In an embodiment, at least one of: a Downlink Control Indication (DCI) based physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) signaling, a dedicated DCI, group common DCI, a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) based signaling, a dedicated MAC CE, and a group common MAC CE is used to convey at least one of: an activation of the at least one ES mode, a deactivation of the at least one ES mode and switching from the first ES mode to the second ES mode.

[0091] In an embodiment, the method includes measuring, by the UE, at least one of: a channel condition and a traffic condition. Further, the method includes reporting, by the UE, a priority order for configured set or subset of ES modes based on measurement.

[0092] In an embodiment, triggering and sending, by the UE, the preferred ES mode signalling to the network entity includes determining at least one condition selected from a group consisting of: a start or stop of a service or session that changes an energy saving currently being achieved or an energy cost currently being incurred by the UE, as compared to a configured or determined threshold; a performance of a service falling below or rising above a configured performance threshold; a scheduling data rate falling below or rising above a configured or desired data rate threshold; a battery status of the UE falling below or rising above a configured or determined battery status threshold; a mobility condition of the UE or a change of the UE; a location of the UE within a cell or a change of the location of the UE within the cell; one or more power saving preferences configured or changed by a user or an application; a change in ES configuration or at least one associated parameter of ES configuration; and triggering and sending, by the UE, the preferred ES mode signalling to the network entity based on the determination of the at least one condition.

[0093] In an embodiment, upon transiting to at least one of: an RRC IDLE state and a RRC INACTIVE state, the UE switches to or applies a default ES mode.

[0094] In an embodiment, a MAC entity of the UE switches to or applies the default ES mode when a reset of the MAC entity is requested by an upper layer or a reset of the MAC entity is triggered due to SCG deactivation.

[0095] Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose, a method for handling an energy saving (ES) mode in a wireless network. The method comprises, sending, by a network entity, an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring ES mode to a UE. Further, the method comprises, receiving, by the network entity, a preferred ES mode signalling from the UE, upon the UE evaluating an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode. Further, the method comprises, determining and applying, by the network entity, the ES mode to perform at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, reconfiguring at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode at the UE.

[0096] In an embodiment, the method includes determining, by the network entity, that a change of ES mode is required. Further, the method includes performing, by the network entity, at least one of: based on the determination, adding a configuration of a secondary cell (SCell) to the UE, hand-overing the UE to a new cell; redirecting UE to a new cell or frequency; and change or switch the at least one Primary cell (PCell) or Primary secondary cell (PSCell).

[0097] In an embodiment, information about the ES mode is included in a mobility information in at least one of: a handover command and an RRC reconfiguration message for a target cell.

[0098] In an embodiment, information about the ES mode is included in a mobility information in at least one of: a handover command and an RRC reconfiguration message for a target cell.

[0099] In an embodiment, at least one of the UE preferred or active ES mode and configuration are provided to a target network entity by a source network entity in a handover preparation message.

[0100] In an embodiment, the UE prioritizes at least one of: a target cell and a target frequency during a conditional handover, a candidate cell, and a candidate frequency during a cell selection or cell reselection that provides a required ES mode and an ES configuration.

[0101] Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose, a method for handling an energy saving (ES) mode in a wireless network. The method comprises, receiving, by a User Equipment (UE), an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration from a network entity. Further, the method comprises, evaluating, by the UE, a DRX criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration. Further, the method comprises, triggering and sending, by the UE, an indication for a preferred DRX configuration and at least one associated configuration parameter to the network entity based on the evaluation. Further, the method comprises, performing, by the UE, at least one of: configuring at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration upon the network entity receives an indication for the preferred DRX configuration and determines and applies the DRX configuration to the UE.

[0102] Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose, a method for handling an energy saving (ES) mode in a wireless network. The method comprises, sending, by a network entity, an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration to a User Equipment. Further, the method comprises, receiving, by the network entity, an indication for a preferred DRX configuration signalling from the UE, upon the UE evaluating a DRX configuration criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration. Further, the method comprises, determining and applying, by the network entity, the DRX configuration to perform at least one of: configuring at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration at the UE. In an embodiment, the DRX configuration can be considered as a particular kind of ES mode configuration.

[0103] In an embodiment, the DRX configuration corresponds to multiple DRX patterns configured for each DRX group, where the DRX configuration is implemented by at least one of: that multiple DRX configurations are configured and only one is activated at a time, that multiple DRX configuration are configured and more than one configurations are activated at a time, that one DRX configuration is configured and the DRX configuration has multiple DRX patterns, where only one pattern is activated at a time, and that multiple DRX patterns are activated at a time.

[0104] In an embodiment, an indication for the preferred DRX configuration is carried in UAI signaling.

[0105] In an embodiment, the at least one DRX configuration is selected or determined among many of the pre-configured configurations by the network entity based on a data driven technique with an objective of at least one of maximizing the energy saving for the UE or the network entity.

[0106] In an embodiment, an RRC signaling message configures the multiple DRX configurations to the UE, where the DRX configuration is determined to be activated or deactivated when the RRC configuration or reconfiguration message is received by the UE.

[0107] In an embodiment, the DRX configuration activation and DRX configuration, switching of one DRX configuration to another DRX configuration is initiated by the network entity in response to receiving an DRX configuration preference, where the UE sends a UAI signaling upon determining at least one of: a start or stop of a service or session that changes an energy saving currently being achieved or an energy cost currently being incurred by the UE, as compared to a configured or determined threshold; a performance of a service falling below or rising above a configured performance threshold; a scheduling data rate falling below or rising above a configured or desired data rate threshold; a battery status of the UE falling below or rising above a configured or determined battery status threshold; a mobility condition of the UE or a change of the UE; a location of the UE within a cell or a change of the location of the UE; and one or more power saving preferences is configured or changed by a user or an application.

[0108] In an embodiment, an active DRX configuration is provided to a target network entity by a source network entity in a handover preparation message.

[0109] Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose, a UE for handling an energy saving (ES) mode in a wireless network. The UE comprises, an ES mode configuration controller and a DRX configuration controller. The ES mode configuration controller is configured to receive an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring ES mode from a network entity. Further, the ES mode configuration controller is configured to, evaluate an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode. Further, the ES mode configuration controller is configured to, trigger and send a preferred ES mode signalling to the network entity based on the evaluation. Further the ES mode configuration controller is configured to perform at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, reconfiguring at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode upon the network entity receives the preferred ES mode signalling and determines and applies the ES mode to perform at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, reconfiguring the at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode at the UE

[0110] In an embodiment, a DRX configuration controller is configured to, receive an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration from a network entity. Further, the DRX configuration controller is configured to, evaluate a DRX criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration. Further, the DRX configuration controller is configured to, trigger and send an indication for a preferred DRX configuration and at least one associated configuration parameter to the network entity based on the evaluation. Further, the DRX configuration controller is configured to perform at least one of: configuring at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration upon the network entity receives an indication for the preferred DRX configuration and determines and applies the DRX configuration to the UE.

[0111] Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose, a network entity for handling an energy saving (ES) mode in a wireless network. The network entity comprises an ES mode configuration controller and a DRX configuration controller. The ES mode configuration controller is configured to send an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring ES mode to a User Equipment. Further, the ES mode configuration controller is configured to, receive a preferred ES mode signalling from the UE, upon the UE evaluating an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode. Further, the ES mode configuration controller is configured to, determine and apply the ES mode to perform at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, reconfiguring at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode at the UE.

[0112] The DRX configuration controller is configured to send an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration to a User Equipment. Further, the DRX configuration controller is configured to, receive an indication for a preferred DRX configuration signalling from the UE, upon the UE evaluating a DRX configuration criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration. Further, the DRX configuration controller is configured to, determine and apply the DRX configuration to perform at least one of: configuring at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration at the UE.

[0113] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

[0114] Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for energy saving modes operation for UEs and Network entities in a wireless network. Embodiments also provide methods for configuring energy saving modes in the wireless network. Embodiments also provide methods for switching across energy saving modes in the wireless network.

[0115] The embodiments herein achieve systems and methods for providing enhanced DRX operation in wireless networks. The method includes pre-configuring multiple DRX configurations to the UE. The method further includes at least one of selecting or activating / deactivating or switching the DRX configuration dynamically. The DRX configurations may include at least one of Connected DRX (C-DRX) configurations, Cell-DRX configurations and Cell-DTX configurations.

[0116] The proposed method specifies multitude of energy saving approaches for the 6G, targeting an enhanced and a joint energy saving for both the UE and the network entity. The proposed method include ES mode / DRX configuration, activation / deactivation, preference signalling for the 5G and 6G network. The proposed method provides a coordinated signaling for energy saving between the UE and the 5G / 6G network. The proposed method enables a dynamic adaptation of energy saving operation between the UE and the 5G / 6G network.

[0117] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 to FIG. 10, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.

[0118] FIG. 1 depicts a wireless network 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The wireless network 100 can be, for example, but not limited to a fourth generation (4G) network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a sixth generation (6G) network, an Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) or the like. The wireless network 100 comprises a UE 102 and a network entity 104.

[0119] In an example embodiment, the UE 102 is a portable electronic device, such as a portable computer, a computing device, a laptop, a smart phone, a desktop computer, a notebook, a Device-to-Device (D2D) device, a vehicle to everything (V2X) device, a foldable phone, a smart TV, a tablet, an immersive device, and an internet of things (IoT) device etc. The UE 102 further, can include functionality for communicating with the network entity 104 through a communication module. In an example embodiment, the UE 102 can be a Smart Phone (iPhone, Android phone, Windows phone), a conventional web-enabled portable computers, a tablet computer or another device capable of communicating through the communication module to connect internet or any other conventional network. In an embodiment, the communication modules can include an electronic circuit specific to a standard that enables wired or wireless communication. In an example embodiment, the network entity 104 can be, for example, but not limited to a gNB, an eNB, a new radio (NR) trans-receiver, 6 GR trans-receiver or the like.

[0120] In an embodiment, the network entity 104 can send an initial configuration comprising at least one pre-configuring ES mode to the UE 102. Further, the network entity 104 can receive a preferred ES mode signalling from the UE 102, upon the UE 102 evaluating an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode. Further, the network entity 104 can determine and apply the ES mode to perform at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, reconfiguring the at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode at the UE 102.

[0121] Further, in an embodiment, the network entity 104 can send an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration to the UE 102. Further, the network entity 104 can receive an indication for a preferred DRX configuration signalling from the UE 102, upon the UE 102 evaluating a DRX configuration criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration. Further, the network entity 104 can determine and apply the DRX configuration to perform at least one of: configuring at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring the at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration at the UE 102.

[0122] In an embodiment, one or more energy saving modes (can be also termed as ES modes) may be configured for a UE or a group of UEs or all the UEs in at least one radio cell. The one or more ES modes can be mapped to one or more ES configurations wherein an ES configuration may comprise at least one UE Discontinous Reception (DRX) configuration, cell-DRX configuration, cell-DTX configuration, level of transmission or reception in terms of synchronization signal (e.g., SSB), reference signals (SSB, Tracking Reference signal (TRS) or Channel State indicator (CSI-RS)), on-demand synchronization signal, on-demand system information broadcast index 1 message (SIB1), random access channel (RACH) resources and configurations, paging resources and configurations, signaling channels, traffic channels, measurement configurations, spatial domain configurations based on various antenna panel(s), within Transmission Reception Point (TRP) and across TRPs, power domain configurations and joint spatial and power domain configurations within TRP and across TRPs, Frequency domain configurations with UE specific, group of UEs or cell specific BandWidth Parts (BWPs), device types (e.g., IoT device, RedCap device, mobile phone device, low cost device), service types (e.g. services may differ in terms of their latency, criticality and reliability requirements e.g. emergency service, critical service, extended reality service, multicast and broadcast service, unicast service, ultra reliable and low latency service (URLLC)) and cell types (e.g. data cell, synchronization cell, primary cell, secondary cell, non-serving cell). The mapping between ES modes and ES configurations may be one-to-one, multiple-to-one or one to-multiple. The mapping of ES modes and ES configuration may be explicitly or implicitly configured.

[0123] In an embodiment, the UE 102 is (pre-) configured by the network entity 104 (e.g. RRC signaling like RRC reconfiguration message) with one or more ES modes, among them only one ES mode may be configured / set as activated and other ES modes may be configured / set as deactivated.

[0124] In an embodiment, the UE 102 is (pre-) configured by the network entity 104 (e.g. RRC signaling like RRC reconfiguration message) with one or more ES modes, among them one or more ES mode(s) is / are configured / set as activated and other ES mode(s) is / are configured / set as deactivated.

[0125] In an embodiment, the UE 102 is (pre-) configured by the network entity 104 (e.g. RRC signaling like RRC reconfiguration message) with one or more ES modes, among them all the ES mode(s) is / are configured / set as activated by default.

[0126] In an embodiment, the UE 102 is (pre-) configured by the network entity 104 (e.g. RRC signaling like RRC reconfiguration message) with one or more ES modes, among them all the ES mode(s) is / are configured / set as deactivated by default.

[0127] In an embodiment, the UEs 102 in the RRC_IDLE state and / or RRC_INACTIVE state are configured or informed about the applicable ES mode(s) and / or corresponding activation / deactivation status in the system information block (SIB) message.

[0128] In an embodiment, the one or more ES modes are configured and / or mapped to a single cell. That is, the scope of an ES configuration is mapped to the single cell. It is indicated explicitly or implicitly about the mapping of the ES mode and associated cell (e.g. ES mode index and cell identity are provided in the mapping information). The cell may refer to at least one of a primary cell (PCell), a primary secondary cell (PSCell), secondary cell (SCell), a special cell (sPCell), an anchor cell, a serving cell, a non-serving cell, a neighbor cell, a source cell or a target cell.

[0129] In an embodiment, the one or more ES modes are configured and / or mapped to more than one cell. That is, the scope of an ES configuration is mapped to multiple cells. It is indicated explicitly or implicitly about the mapping of the ES mode and associated cells (e.g. ES mode index and cell identities are provided in the mapping information). The cell may refer to at least one of a primary cell (PCell), a primary secondary cell (PSCell), secondary cell (SCell), a special cell (sPCell), an anchor cell, a serving cell, a non-serving cell, a neighbor cell, a source cell or a target cell.

[0130] In an embodiment, the (pre-) configured ES modes are explicitly indexed. In another embodiment, the (pre-) configured ES modes are implicitly indexed e.g. in the order of the configurations in the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0131] In an embodiment, Downlink Control Indication (DCI) based physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) signaling is used to convey an activation of the ES mode. The DCI may include at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a code-point, a field or an index to indicate the activation of an ES mode. Further, the ES mode information included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received. In another embodiment, the ES mode information included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the other serving cells (e.g. Secondary Cells (SCells), non-anchor cells, data cells) i.e., other than serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received.

[0132] In an embodiment, DCI based PDCCH signaling is used to convey a deactivation of the ES mode. The DCI may include at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a code-point, a field or an index to indicate the deactivation of an ES mode. Further, the ES mode information included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received. In another embodiment, the ES mode information included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the other serving cells (e.g. Secondary Cells (SCells), non-anchor cells, data cells) i.e., other than serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received.

[0133] In an embodiment, DCI based PDCCH signaling is used to convey a switching from one ES mode to another. The DCI may include at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a code-point, a field or an index to indicate the switching of an ES mode to another. Further, the ES mode information included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received. In another embodiment, the ES mode information included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the other serving cells (e.g. Secondary Cells (SCells), non-anchor cells, data cells) i.e., other than serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received.

[0134] In an embodiment, a dedicated DCI is used to convey an activation, deactivation or switching of the ES mode. The dedicated DCI is addressed by a dedicated RNTI (e.g. C-RNTI or a CS-RNTI or a new dedicated RNTI).

[0135] In an embodiment, a group common DCI is used to convey an activation, deactivation or switching of the ES mode. The group common DCI is addressed by a common RNTI (e.g. a G-RNTI or an existing common RNTI or a new common RNTI defined) that is either pre-configured or pre-specified.

[0136] In an embodiment, an existing or legacy DCI is utilized to convey activation, deactivation or switching of the ES mode. In another embodiment, a new DCI is specified and / or configured to convey activation, deactivation or switching of the ES mode. The configuration of the DCI may includes parameters for the location of the DCI, payload size of the DCI, bit position information of the DCI, monitoring periodicity or window, RNTI. The DCI payload may include bitmap or field to indicate identity or index of the applicable cell(s) and ES mode(s) activation, deactivation or switching, where in the index or ordering of the cell(s) and / or ES mode(s) may be associated with the ES configurations received in RRC signaling message.

[0137] In an embodiment, Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) based signaling is used to convey an activation of the ES mode. The MAC CE may include at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a code-point, a field or an index to indicate the activation of an ES mode. Further, the ES mode information included in the MAC CE may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the serving cell where MAC CE is received. In another embodiment, the ES mode information included in the MAC CE may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the other serving cells (e.g. Secondary Cells (SCells), non-anchor cells, data cells) i.e., other than serving cell where MAC CE is received.

[0138] In an embodiment, MAC CE based signaling is used to convey a deactivation of the ES mode. The MAC CE may include at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a code-point, a field or an index to indicate the deactivation of an ES mode. Further, the ES mode information included in the MAC CE may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the serving cell where MAC CE is received. In another embodiment, the ES mode information included in the MAC CE may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the other serving cells (e.g. Secondary Cells (SCells), non-anchor cells, data cells) i.e., other than serving cell where MAC CE is received

[0139] In an embodiment, MAC CE based physical downlink control channel signaling is used to convey a switching from one ES mode to another. The MAC CE may include at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a code-point, a field or an index to indicate the switching of an ES mode to another. Further, the ES mode information included in the MAC CE may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the serving cell where MAC CE is received. In another embodiment, the ES mode information included in the MAC CE may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the other serving cells (e.g. Secondary Cells (SCells), non-anchor cells, data cells) i.e., other than serving cell where MAC CE is received.

[0140] In an embodiment, a dedicated MAC CE is used to convey an activation, deactivation or switching of the ES mode. The dedicated MAC CE is addressed by a dedicated RNTI (e.g. C-RNTI or a CS-RNTI or a new dedicated RNTI). The MAC CE includes a MAC sub-header that is indicated by a logical channel identity (LCID) or an extended logical channel identity (eLCID) of one byte or two bytes.

[0141] In an embodiment, a group common MAC CE is used to convey an activation, deactivation or switching of the ES mode. The group common MAC CE is addressed by a common RNTI (e.g. a G-RNTI or an existing common RNTI or a new common RNTI defined) that is either pre-configured or pre-specified. The MAC CE includes an MAC sub-header that is indicated by a LCID or an eLCID of one byte or two bytes. In another embodiment, a HARQ feedback is provided by the UE 102 on receiving the group common MAC CE. In yet another embodiment, a NACK only HARQ feedback is provided by the UE 102 upon decoding failure in receiving the group common MAC CE.

[0142] In an embodiment, the MAC CE for ES mode activation / deactivation / switching is a fixed size MAC CE. In another embodiment, the MAC CE for ES mode activation / deactivation / switching is a variable size MAC CE. The MAC CE may include at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a code-point, an index, a field or a flag to indicate at least one of the activation, deactivation, switching status and identify or index of the applicable cell or cells.

[0143] In an embodiment, ES mode activation and / or deactivation or switching is initiated by the network entity 104.

[0144] In an embodiment, ES mode activation and / or deactivation or switching is autonomously initiated by the UE 102. The UE 102 may indicate about the ES mode activation, deactivation or switching to the network entity 104 (e.g. in a RRC message or a MAC CE message in the uplink).

[0145] In an embodiment, the ES mode activation and / or deactivation or switching is initiated by the network entity 104 in response to receiving an ES mode preference (e.g. carried in UE Assistance Information (UAI) signaling), wherein the UE 102 may send the UAI signaling upon determining at least one of start and / or stop of a service / session that changes the energy saving being currently achieved or energy cost being currently incurred as compared to a configured or determined threshold, upon determining the performance of a service falls below or rises above a configured threshold (e.g. a QoS / QoE threshold), upon determining the scheduling data rate falls below or rises above a configured / desired threshold, upon determining the battery status of the UE 102 falls below or rises above a configured or a determined threshold, based on the mobility conditions of the UE 102 (e.g. high mobility, medium mobility, low mobility), based on location of the UE (e.g. close to cell edge or not close to cell edge) and based on power saving preferences set or configured by the user or application.

[0146] In an embodiment, the network entity 104 determines and decides the new configuration or reconfiguration for the UE 102 to support energy saving and sends a RRC Reconfiguration message to the UE 102 with including the one or more configuration parameters in accordance with the energy saving preference(s) requested by the UE 102.

[0147] In an embodiment, the network entity 104 may handover the UE 102 to a new cell upon determination of a change of ES mode required. In an embodiment, the network entity 104 may configure a new secondary cell (SCell) upon determination of a change of ES mode required. In an embodiment, the network entity 104 may change or switch the primary cell (PCell or PSCell) upon determination of a change of ES mode required.

[0148] In an embodiment, the network entity 104 may redirect the UE 102 to a new cell or frequency upon determination of a change of ES mode required. In an embodiment, the conditional handover (CHO) execution configuration includes the ES mode of the target cell(s). In an embodiment, ES mode information is included in mobility information in the handover command or RRC reconfiguration message for the target cell. In an embodiment, the ES modes and configurations are initially deactivated upon (re-)configuration by upper layers and after reconfiguration with sync. In an embodiment, the UE's preferred or active ES mode(s) and configuration(s) are provided to the target gNB (or 6G NB) by the source gNB (or 6G NB) (e.g. in the handover preparation message).

[0149] In an embodiment, the UE 102 may prioritize the target cell / frequency during conditional handover and candidate cell / frequency during cell selection or cell reselection that could provide the required ES mode(s) and configuration(s).

[0150] In an embodiment, UE 102 triggers the ES mode switching to a (pre-)configured or a default mode upon meeting at least one (pre-) configured conditions or (pre-) specified conditions. The (pre-) configured conditions or (pre-) specified conditions may include at least one of battery status, mobility condition, signal strength threshold, location of the UE 102, applicable service(s) status change.

[0151] In an embodiment herein, on performing cell selection (while timer T311 is running), the UE 102 switches to or applies the default ES mode. In an embodiment herein, on performing cell selection (while timer T311 is running), the UE 102 releases the ES mode and configurations.

[0152] In an embodiment herein, on initiation of RRC connection resume procedure, the UE 102 switches to or applies the default ES mode. In an embodiment herein, on initiation of RRC connection resume procedure, the UE 102 releases the ES mode and configurations.

[0153] In an embodiment herein, upon transiting to RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE 102 switches to or applies the default ES mode. In an embodiment herein, upon transiting to RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE 102 releases the ES mode and configurations.

[0154] In an embodiment herein, if a reset of the MAC entity is requested by upper layers or the reset of the MAC entity is triggered due to SCG deactivation, the MAC entity switches to or applies the default ES mode. In another embodiment, if a reset of the MAC entity is requested by upper layers or the reset of the MAC entity is triggered due to SCG deactivation, the MAC entity releases or resets the ES mode and configurations.

[0155] In an embodiment herein, for ES mode activation, deactivation, switching, for a UE, or a group UEs or cell wide, gNB (or 6G NB) may configure respective activation time for UE(s) to apply new ES mode for energy saving operation.

[0156] In an embodiment herein, the UE 102 can report priority order for configured set or subset of ES modes based on the channel and traffic measurements.

[0157] In an embodiment herein, the multiple DRX configurations may refer to multiple DRX patterns configured for each DRX group. It can be implemented by one or more of the following directions:

[0158] a) Direction 1: Multiple DRX-Config(s) are configured and only one is activated at a time.

[0159] b) Direction 2: Multiple DRX-Config(s) are configured and more than one configurations are activated at a time.

[0160] c) Direction 3: One DRX-config is configured and the DRX-config has multiple DRX patterns / parameters. Only one pattern is activated at a time.

[0161] d) Direction 4: Multiple DRX patterns are activated at a time.

[0162] In an embodiment herein, an approach for providing and operating multiple DRX configurations is described as below:

[0163] Multiple DRX patterns:

[0164] Each DRX configuration comprises of the following four categories:

[0165] a. Long Cycle + Offset Pattern (periodicity + offset).

[0166] b. Short Cycle pattern (drx-ShortCycleTimer + Short DRX cycle).

[0167] c. On-duration (per DRX group).

[0168] d. Extension timers (drx-RetransmissionTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer).

[0169] It may be inefficient or unnecessary that different DRX patterns have fully different timers / parameters. Some of them can be common. There may be several combinations of categories.

[0170] Table 1 depicts example multiple pattern components.

[0171] Short Cycle PatternOn-Duration (value)Extension Timers　Multiple pattern componentCommonCommonCommonOption 1CommonCommonSeparateOption 2CommonSeparateCommonOption 3CommonSeparateSeparateOption 4SeparateCommonCommonOption 5SeparateCommonSeparateOption 6SeparateSeparateCommonOption 7SeparateSeparateSeparateOption 8

[0172] Table 1

[0173] Separate Short Cycle Pattern:

[0174] In Option 5 / 6 / 7 / 8, separate value of drx-ShortCycleTimer + Short DRX cycle can be configured. If the separate value is not configured, a common value for the first long cycle pattern is used. In other embodiment herein, if the separate value is not configured, we assume short DRX cycle is not configured for the second pattern.

[0175] Separate On-duration value:

[0176] In Option 3 / 4 / 7 / 8, separate value of drx-onDurationTimer can be configured. If the separate value is not configured, a common value for the first long cycle pattern is used.

[0177] Separate Extension Timers:

[0178] In Option 2 / 4 / 6 / 8, separate value or timer for at least one of the extension timers (e.g. drx-RetransmissionTimer, drx-InactivityTimer or drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL / UL) can be configured. In this case, for example, two timers are used. Both timers (one for the first pattern and the other for the second pattern) are started together.

[0179] In an embodiment herein, each of the DRX configurations or patterns in the RRC configuration or reconfiguration message may be explicitly assigned an index or implicitly mapped to an index; for example, in the order of the DRX configuration or pattern present in the RRC configuration or reconfiguration message.

[0180] In an embodiment herein, DRX configuration activation and / or deactivation or switching can be initiated by the network entity 104. In an embodiment herein, DRX configuration activation and / or deactivation or switching can be autonomously initiated by the UE 102. The UE 102 may indicate the DRX configuration activation, deactivation or switching, to the network entity 104 (for example, in a RRC message or a MAC CE message in the uplink).

[0181] In an embodiment herein, DRX configuration activation and / or deactivation or switching is initiated by the network entity 104 in response to receiving an DRX configuration preference (for example, carried in UE Assistance Information (UAI) signaling), wherein the UE 102 may send the UAI signaling upon determining at least one of start and / or stop of a service / session that changes the energy saving being currently achieved or energy cost being currently incurred as compared to a configured or determined threshold, upon determining the performance of a service falls below or rises above a configured threshold (for example, a QoS / QoE threshold), upon determining the scheduling data rate falls below or rises above a configured / desired threshold, upon determining the battery status of the UE 102 falls below or rises above a configured or a determined threshold, based on the mobility conditions of the UE 102 (for example, high mobility, medium mobility, low mobility), based on location of the UE 102 (for example, close to cell edge or not close to cell edge) and based on power saving preferences set or configured by the user or application.

[0182] In an embodiment herein, the specific DRX configuration or pattern is selected or determined among many of the pre-configured configurations by the network entity 104 based on the Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) techniques with the objective of at least one of maximizing the energy saving for the UE(s) 102 or network entity 104or collectively for both UE(s) and network entity 104 and meeting the quality of service constraints comprising at least one of latency requirement, performance requirement, and reliability requirement. The network side and / or UE side AI model(s) can be configured to predict the set of DRX configuration parameters that maximize the energy saving for the UE 102 and / or the network entity 104. In another embodiment herein, non-AI / ML techniques are utilized for the same.

[0183] In an embodiment herein, the DRX configuration or pattern selection or determination may be performed dynamically with a configured or specified periodicity. For example, the periodicity may be set or utilized equal to the length of a DRX cycle or a multiple of DRX cycle.

[0184] In an embodiment herein, the DRX configuration or pattern selection or determination may be comprising a determination of the set or sub-set of DRX configuration / pattern (for example, on-durationTimer value, inactivityTimer value, DRX cycle length etc.)

[0185] In an embodiment herein, the DRX configuration or pattern selection or determination may comprise a determination of the set or sub-set of DRX configuration / pattern (for example, on-durationTimer value, inactivityTimer value, DRX cycle length etc.). The DRX configuration(s) / patterns(s) can be activated based on the configured semi-persistent basis, wherein a DRX configuration / pattern or subset of DRX configuration / pattern can remain active for a duration with periodicity or a subset of DRX configurations in all permutations and combinations can remain active for a duration and / or with periodicity.

[0186] In an embodiment herein, the DRX configuration(s) can be activated based on the UE assistance information (UAI) on a semi-persistent basis, wherein a DRX configuration / pattern or a subset of DRX configuration / pattern can remain active for a duration with periodicity or a subset of DRX configurations in all permutations and combinations can remain active for a duration and / or with periodicity. The UAI information for the semi persistence configuration of the DRX configuration / pattern will be sent to the gNB or 6G NB via the MAC-CE.

[0187] In an embodiment herein, the DRX configuration(s) can be activated based on the active BWP. The network entity 104 would indicate the applicable BWP id along with the DRX (as configured). The UE 102 may choose to switch to the last active DRX config or choose the best DRX config based on past or new learning from the AI / ML model if no specific DRX config is provided by the network entity 104. Additionally, the DRX config may vary as per the active service, so it is also important for the network entity 104to be able to restrict what DRX timers are allowed for different BWP ids.

[0188] In an embodiment herein, a specific or selected DRX configuration or patterns can be indicated by MAC CE signaling. A MAC CE indicates which DRX configuration or pattern is used. The configuration or pattern indication may be provided by at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a field, an index or a code-point representing a specific DRX configuration or pattern.

[0189] In an embodiment herein, the DRX configuration or pattern selection or determination may comprise a determination of the set or sub-set of DRX configuration / pattern (for example, on-durationTimer value, inactivityTimer value, DRX cycle length etc.). The DRX configuration(s) can be activated based on the MAC CE configured on a semi-persistent basis, wherein a DRX configuration / pattern or subset of DRX configuration / pattern can remain active for a duration with periodicity or a subset of DRX configurations in all permutations and combinations can remain active for a duration and / or with periodicity. The MAC-CE can comprise of a bit pattern for a set of DRX configuration(s) with all permutations and combinations to be applied for a duration with periodicity on a semi-persistence basis.

[0190] In an embodiment herein, multiple DRX configurations or patterns can be activated and deactivated by MAC CE signaling. A MAC CE indicates which DRX configuration or pattern is used. In an embodiment herein, a MAC CE may indicate multiple DRX configurations or patterns are activated simultaneously. The configuration or pattern indication may be provided by at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a field, an index or a code-point representing a specific DRX configuration or pattern. For example, a value 1 set to a bit or a bit in the bitmap may represent activation of the specific DRX configuration or pattern and a value 0 set to a bit or a bit in the bitmap may represent deactivation of the specific DRX configuration or pattern. The indexing or bit-order of the DRX pattern may be in accordance with the ordering of the DRX configuration or pattern as signaled to the UE 102; for example, in an RRC signaling message. Further, the DRX configurations included in the MAC CE may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received. In another embodiment herein, the DRX configuration included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the other serving cells (e.g. Secondary Cells (SCells), non-anchor cells, data cells) i.e., other than serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received.

[0191] The MAC CE could be of the following types:

[0192] a. Enhanced DRX Activation / deactivation MAC CE (First MAC CE); and

[0193] b. Enhanced Long DRX Activation / deactivation MAC CE (Second MAC CE).

[0194] When the first MAC CE or the second MAC CE is received,

[0195] a. Stop (all) drx-onDurationTimer(s) for each DRX group or Stop (all) drx-onDurationTimer(s) for deactivated DRX configuration or pattern; and

[0196] b. Stop (all) drx-InactivityTimer(s) for each DRX group or Stop (all) drx-InactivityTimer(s) for deactivated DRX configuration or pattern.

[0197] If the first MAC CE is received, for activated DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s)

[0198] -　If the short DRX cycle is configured,

[0199] - if the Short DRX cycle is configured for the DRX configuration or pattern:

[0200] - start or restart drx-ShortCycleTimer for each DRX group in the first symbol after the end of DRX Activation / deactivation MAC CE reception;

[0201] - use the Short DRX cycle for each DRX group.

[0202] - else:

[0203] - use the Long DRX cycle for each DRX group.

[0204] If the second MAC CE is received, for activated DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s):

[0205] a. stop drx-ShortCycleTimer for each DRX group; and

[0206] b. use the Long DRX cycle for each DRX group.

[0207] If drx-ShortCycleTimer for a DRX group and for each DRX configuration or pattern expires, the Long DRX cycle is used for this DRX group and for the DRX configuration or pattern.

[0208] The MAC CE just indicates which DRX configuration or pattern is activated. In an embodiment herein, a MAC CE may indicate multiple DRX configurations or patterns are activated simultaneously. There is only one type of MAC CE. When the MAC CE is received:

[0209] -　Stop (all) drx-onDurationTimer(s) for deactivated DRX configuration or pattern.

[0210] -　Stop (all) drx-InactivityTimer(s) for deactivated DRX configuration or pattern.

[0211] -　Use the activated DRX pattern.

[0212] -　If the short DRX cycle is configured,

[0213] - if the Short DRX cycle is configured for the DRX configuration or pattern:

[0214] - start or restart drx-ShortCycleTimer for each DRX group in the first symbol after the end of DRX Activation / deactivation MAC CE reception; and

[0215] - use the Short DRX cycle for each DRX group.

[0216] - else:

[0217] - use the Long DRX cycle for each DRX group.

[0218] In an embodiment herein, the MAC CE that provides activation and / or deactivation indication for the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) is identified by a MAC sub-header with LCID or eLCID (extended Logical Channel IDentity) where the value of LCID or eLCID is a pre-specified value.

[0219] In an embodiment herein, a dedicated MAC CE is used to convey an activation and / or deactivation indication for the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). The dedicated MAC CE is addressed by a dedicated RNTI (for example, C-RNTI or a CS-RNTI or a new dedicated RNTI). The MAC CE includes a MAC sub-header that is indicated by a logical channel identity (LCID) or an extended logical channel identity (eLCID) of one byte or two bytes.

[0220] In an embodiment herein, a group common MAC CE is used to convey an activation and / or deactivation indication for the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). The group common MAC CE is addressed by a common RNTI (for example, a G-RNTI or an existing common RNTI or a new common RNTI defined) that is either pre-configured or pre-specified. The MAC CE includes an MAC sub-header that is indicated by a LCID or an eLCID of one byte or two bytes. In another embodiment herein, a HARQ feedback is provided by the UE 102 on receiving the group common MAC CE. In yet another embodiment herein, a NACK only HARQ feedback is provided by the UE 102 upon decoding failure in receiving the group common MAC CE.

[0221] In an embodiment herein, the MAC CE for activation and / or deactivation indication for the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) is a fixed size MAC CE. In another embodiment herein, the MAC CE for activation and / or deactivation indication for the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) is a variable size MAC CE. The MAC CE may include at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a code-point, an index, a field or a flag to indicate at least one of the activation, deactivation, switching status and identify or index of the applicable cell or cells.

[0222] In an embodiment herein, a specific or selected DRX configuration or patters can be indicated by Downlink Control Indication (DCI) signaling. A DCI indicates which DRX configuration or pattern is used. The configuration or pattern indication may be provided by at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a field, an index or a code-point representing a specific DRX configuration or pattern.

[0223] In an embodiment herein, multiple DRX configurations or patterns can be activated and deactivated by Downlink Control Indication (DCI) signaling. DCI indicates which DRX configuration or pattern is used. In an embodiment herein, a DCI may indicate multiple DRX configurations or patterns are activated simultaneously. The configuration or pattern indication may be provided by at least one of a bit, a bitmap, a field, an index or a code-point representing a specific DRX configuration or pattern. For example, a value 1 set to a bit or a bit in the bitmap may represent activation of the specific configured DRX pattern and a value 0 set to a bit or a bit in the bitmap may represent deactivation of the specific DRX configuration or pattern. The indexing or bit-order of the DRX pattern may be in accordance with the ordering of the DRX configuration or pattern as signaled to the UE 102 (for example, in an RRC signaling message). Alternatively, the DRX configuration or pattern may be assigned with a position of the bit in the DCI indicating activation or deactivation of the DRX configuration or pattern in the RRC signaling message. Further, the DRX configurations included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received. In another embodiment herein, the DRX configuration included in the DCI may be applicable to and / or conveyed about the other serving cells (for example, Secondary Cells (SCells), non-anchor cells, data cells); i.e., other than the serving cell where PDCCH DCI is received.

[0224] In an embodiment herein, multiple DRX configurations or patterns can be activated and deactivated by Downlink Control Indication (DCI) signaling. The DCI will indicate multiple DRX configurations or patterns to be activated simultaneously, which are configured by the gNB (or 6G NB) or indicated by the UE 102 in UAI on a semi persistent basis, wherein a DRX configuration / pattern or a subset of DRX configurations / patterns can remain active for a duration with periodicity or a subset of DRX configurations in all permutations and combinations can remain active for a duration and / or with periodicity. The MAC-CE can comprise of a bit pattern for a set of DRX configuration(s) with all permutations and combinations to be applied for a duration with periodicity on a semi-persistence basis.

[0225] In an embodiment herein, an existing or legacy DCI is utilized to convey activation / deactivation of the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). In another embodiment herein, a new DCI is specified and / or configured to convey activation / deactivation of the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). The configuration of the DCI may include parameters for the location of the DCI, payload size of the DCI, location and occasion of the DCI, offset value(s), bit position information of the DCI, monitoring periodicity or window, RNTI. The DCI payload may include bitmap or field to indicate identity or index of the DRX configurations or patterns, where in the index or ordering of the activation / deactivation of the DRX configurations or patterns may be associated with the DRX configurations or patterns received in the RRC signaling message.

[0226] In an embodiment herein, DCI for activation / deactivation of the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) is provided before the start of the DRX cycle (for example, an offset before the start of on-durationTimer where an offset is pre-configured or pre-specified).

[0227] In an embodiment herein, DCI for activation / deactivation of the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) is provided after the start of the DRX cycle (for example, an offset before the after of on-durationTimer where an offset is pre-configured or pre-specified).

[0228] In an embodiment herein, DCI for activation / deactivation of the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) is provided in the Active Time of the DRX cycle.

[0229] In an embodiment herein, a dedicated DCI is used to convey activation / deactivation of the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). The dedicated DCI is addressed by a dedicated RNTI (for example, C-RNTI, or a CS-RNTI or a new dedicated RNTI (for example, X-RNTI)).

[0230] In an embodiment herein, a group common DCI is used to convey activation / deactivation of the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). The group common DCI is addressed by a common RNTI (for example, a G-RNTI or an existing common RNTI or a new common RNTI is defined (for example, X-RNTI)) that is either pre-configured or pre-specified.

[0231] In another embodiment herein, a wake-up radio signal or sequence or a payload bit(s) is used to convey activation / deactivation of the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) or switching to a new DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s).

[0232] In an embodiment herein, the RRC signaling message (for example, RRC configuration or reconfiguration message) which configures the multiple DRX configurations or patterns to the UE 102 may also explicitly or implicitly indicate the default state or the initial state for the concerned DRX configuration or pattern (for example, activated or deactivated). Accordingly, the concerned DRX configuration or pattern is determined to be activated or deactivated when the RRC configuration or reconfiguration message is received by the UE 102. In an embodiment herein, only one DRX configuration or pattern is indicated as activated in the RRC configuration or reconfiguration message. In another embodiment herein, multiple DRX configurations or patterns are indicated as activated in the RRC configuration or reconfiguration message.

[0233] In an embodiment herein, when in RRC_CONNECTED, if DRX is configured, for all the activated Serving Cells, the MAC entity may monitor the PDCCH discontinuously using the activated DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s).

[0234] In an embodiment herein, when a DRX configuration or pattern is deactivated, the UE 102 continues the DRX configuration for the present DRX cycle before applying the deactivation of the DRX configuration.

[0235] In an embodiment herein, when a DRX configuration or pattern is deactivated, the UE 102 continues the DRX configuration for the present DRX cycle as per the configured warm up time before applying the deactivation of the DRX configuration.

[0236] In an embodiment herein, when a DRX configuration or pattern is deactivated, the UE 102 instantly applies the deactivation of the DRX configuration.

[0237] In an embodiment herein, when a DRX configuration or pattern is activated, the UE 102 applies the activated DRX configuration for the start of the next DRX cycle of the activated DRX configuration.

[0238] In an embodiment herein, when a DRX configuration or pattern is activated, the UE 102 instantly applies the activated DRX configuration.

[0239] In an embodiment herein, the UE's preferred or active DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) are provided to the target gNB (or 6G NB) by the source gNB (or 6G NB) (for example, in the handover preparation message).

[0240] In an embodiment herein, the UE 102 may prioritize the target cell / frequency during conditional handover and candidate cell / frequency during cell selection or cell reselection that could provide the required DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s).

[0241] In an embodiment herein, the UE 102 triggers the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s)to a (pre-)configured or a default mode upon meeting at least one (pre-)configured conditions or (pre-)specified conditions. The (pre-)configured conditions or (pre-)specified conditions may include at least one of, but not limited to, battery status, mobility condition, signal strength threshold, location of the UE 102, applicable service(s) status change, and so on.

[0242] In an embodiment herein, on performing cell selection (while timer T311 is running), the UE 102 switches to or applies the default DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). In an embodiment herein, on performing cell selection (while timer T311 is running), the UE 102 releases the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s).

[0243] In an embodiment herein, on initiation of RRC connection resume procedure, the UE 102 switches to or applies the default DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). In an embodiment herein, on initiation of RRC connection resume procedure, the UE 102 releases the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s).

[0244] In an embodiment, upon transiting to RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE 102 switches to or applies the default DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). In an embodiment herein, upon transiting to RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE 102 releases the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s).

[0245] In an embodiment herein, if a reset of the MAC entity is requested by upper layers or the reset of the MAC entity is triggered due to SCG deactivation, the MAC entity switches to or applies the default DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s). In another embodiment herein, if a reset of the MAC entity is requested by upper layers or the reset of the MAC entity is triggered due to SCG deactivation, the MAC entity releases or resets the DRX configuration(s) or pattern(s) and associated timers.

[0246] In an embodiment, the UE 102 indicates its capability to support the at least one of energy saving mode feature, an energy saving mode, multiple DRX configuration feature and / or at least one associated parameters in the at least one of UE capability information message or a UE Assistance Information message to the network entity 104. Accordingly, the network entity 104 may configure the UE 102 for the specific feature and / or at least one associated parameter in response to receiving the at least one of UE capability information message or a UE Assistance Information message indicating UE's capability to support the at least one of energy saving mode feature, an energy saving mode, multiple DRX configuration feature and / or at least one associated parameters.

[0247] As shown in FIG. 6, the network entity 104 provides an initial configuration (comprising of the preconfiguration for DRX configurations) to the UE 102. On receiving the initial configuration from the network entity 104, the UE 102 performs DRX evaluation criteria and triggers the preferred DRX configuration. The UE then provides an indication for the preferred DRX configuration to the network entity 104. On receiving an indication for the preferred DRX configuration from the UE 102, the network entity 104determines and selects the DRX configuration to be applied. Accordingly, the network entity 104 provides DRX configuration activation / deactivation or switching to the UE 102.

[0248] FIG. 2 depicts an overall block diagram of the UE 102, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an example embodiment herein, the UE 102 comprises a processor 112, a transceiver 114, a memory 116, an ES mode configuration controller 118 and a DRX configuration controller 120.

[0249] The ES mode configuration controller (118) receives the initial configuration comprising the at least one preconfiguring ES mode from the network entity (104). Further, the ES mode configuration controller (118) evaluates an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode. Further, the ES mode configuration controller (118) triggers and sends the preferred ES mode signalling to the network entity (104) based on the evaluation Further, the ES mode configuration controller (118) performs at least one of: configuring the at least one ES mode, reconfiguring the at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode upon the network entity (104) receives the preferred ES mode signalling and determines and applies the ES mode to the UE (102).

[0250] The ES mode configuration controller 118 measures at least one of: the channel condition and the traffic condition. Based on measurement, the ES mode configuration controller 118 reports the priority order for configured set or subset of ES modes.

[0251] The DRX configuration controller (120) receives an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration from a network entity (104). Further, the DRX configuration controller (120) evaluate the DRX criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration. Further, the DRX configuration controller (120) triggers and sends an indication for the preferred DRX configuration to the network entity (104) based on the evaluation. Further, the DRX configuration controller (120) performs at least one of: configuring the at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring the at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration upon the network entity (104) receives an indication for the preferred DRX configuration and determines and applies the DRX configuration to the UE (102).

[0252] The ES mode configuration controller 118 is implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

[0253] The DRX configuration controller 120 is implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

[0254] The UE 102 may include, the at least one processor (hereinafter, referred to as simply "processor") 112, the at least one transceiver (hereinafter, referred to as simply "transceiver") 114, and the at least one memory (hereinafter, referred to as simply "memory") 116. According to at least one or a combination of methods corresponding to the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the transceiver 114, the processor 112, and the memory 116 of the UE 102 may operate. However, components of the UE 102 are not limited to the example components illustrated in FIG. 2. In another embodiment, the UE 102 may further include additional components in addition to the above-mentioned components, or some components may be omitted. Further, in some embodiments, any combination of the transceiver 114, the processor 112, or the memory 114 may be integrated in the form of one component.

[0255] The transceiver 114 may be a communication circuit or communication circuitry that enables the UE 102 to perform wireless communication with a node or an entity of a network. For example, the transceiver 114 may enable the UE 102 to transmit or receive a signal to or from a BS through cellular communication, or to transmit or receive a signal to or from another UE through cellular communication. For example, the transceiver 114 may support at least one of various cellular communication technologies including 3rd generation (3G), 4th generation (4G), long term evolution (LTE), 5th generation (5G) NR, 6th generation (6G), and various cellular wireless communication technologies supported by the transceiver (114) may include all subsequent generations of evolved wireless communications.

[0256] According to an embodiment, the transceiver 114 may include various circuit structures used to transmit or receive signals to or from a BS through a wireless channel. The signals may include control information and data. For example, the transceiver 114 may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for up-converting and amplifying the frequency of a transmitted signal and an RF receiver for low-noise-amplifying a received signal and down-converting the frequency thereof. The transceiver 114 may output a signal received through a wireless channel to the processor 112 and may transmit, through a wireless channel, a signal output from the processor 112.

[0257] According to an embodiment, the UE 102 may include a plurality of transceivers. For example, in the case of supporting evolved-universal terrestrial radio access-new radio (E-UTRA-NR) dual connectivity (EN-DC), the UE 102 may include a first transceiver supporting the 4G LTE wireless communication and a second transceiver supporting the 5G NR wireless communication. According to another embodiment, in the case of supporting NR-dual connectivity (NR-DC), the UE 102 may include a plurality of transceivers supporting the 5G NR wireless communication, the UE 102 may further include a plurality of transceivers supporting the 6G wireless communication. According to still another embodiment, in the case of supporting near field wireless communication, the UE 102 may separately include a transceiver supporting at least one standard in the group of wireless communication protocol standards as defined in the protocol standards for Bluetooth, wireless local area network (WLAN) network (including institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.11-2016 standard or its amendments, e.g., 802.11ah, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be, without being limited thereto).

[0258] The processor 112 may control general operations of the UE 102 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The processor 112 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) (IC) chips and may execute various data processing operations. The processor 112 may include at least one electric circuit, and may execute instructions (or a program, codes, data, etc.) stored in the memory 116, individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. Further, the processor 112 may include a single-core processor or multi-core processor, and may include a processor assembly including a plurality of processing circuits (circuitry) according to a specific implementation scheme.

[0259] The processor 112 may be electrically, operatively, and / or communicatively coupled to the transceiver 114 to control the transceiver 114. The processor 112 may include at least one processor (or processing circuitry), and the at least one processor may perform the following operations individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. For example, the processor 112 may include a communication processor (CP) configured to control communication operations and an application processor (AP) configured to control execution of an upper layer (for example, an application layer). In a specific embodiment, at least a part of the processor 112 may be included in one chip and the other part of the processor 112 may be included in another chip. Otherwise, at least one processor may be included in another component, for example, the transceiver 114 or the memory 116.

[0260] The processor 112 may perform or control or cause an operation of the UE 102 to execute at least one or a combination of methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the processor 112 may control operations of the UE 102 for processing a downlink signal received from a BS or generating and transmitting an uplink signal to a BS. To this end, the processor 112 may execute a computer program, codes, or instructions stored in the memory 116, so as to control other components of the UE 102 to enable execution of various operations.

[0261] The memory 116 corresponds to a hardware storage device capable of temporarily or permanently storing information and may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory 116 may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or read-only memory (ROM), semipermanent memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory, or a combination thereof.

[0262] The memory 116 may be electrically, operatively, and / or communicatively coupled to the processor 112 and may be accessed by the processor 112. The memory 116 may store a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 112. According to an embodiment, a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 112 may be either stored in a single memory device or separated and stored in a distributed manner in two or more memory devices. By executing the instructions stored in the memory 116, the processor 112 may perform various functions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0263] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, operations of the UE 102 may be caused to be performed based on execution of instructions (or a computer program or codes) stored in the memory 116 by at least one processor (or processing circuitry) configured to execute the same individually, collectively, or in any combination thereof, based on processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions, and / or based on components of processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions.

[0264] FIG. 3 depicts an overall block diagram of the network entity 104, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The network entity 104 may perform wireless communication with at least one terminal (e.g. such as a user equipment) located within an area of the network entity 104 through a wireless channel. The network entity 104 may perform communication with the UE 102 or an entity of a network through wired or wireless communication.

[0265] In an example embodiment herein, the network entity 104 may include, at least one processor (hereinafter, referred to as simply "processor") 122, at least one transceiver (hereinafter, referred to as simply "transceiver") 124, at least one memory (hereinafter, referred to as simply "memory") 126, a network interface 128, an ES mode configuration controller 130, and a DRX configuration controller 132.

[0266] The ES mode configuration controller (130) sends an initial configuration comprising the at least one preconfiguring ES mode to the UE (102). Further, the ES mode configuration controller (130) receives a preferred ES mode signalling from the UE (102), upon the UE (102) evaluating an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode. Further, the ES mode configuration controller (130) determines and applies the ES mode to perform at least one of: configuring the at least one ES mode, reconfiguring the at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode at the UE (102).

[0267] The ES mode configuration controller 130 determines that a change of ES mode is required. Based on the determination, The ES mode configuration controller 130 performs at least one of: adding the configuration of the secondary cell (SCell) to the UE (102), hand-overing the UE (102) to a new cell, redirecting UE to a new cell or frequency, and change or switch the at least one Primary cell (PCell) or Primary secondary cell (PSCell).

[0268] The DRX configuration controller (132) sends the initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration to the UE (102). Further, the DRX configuration controller (132) receives an indication for the preferred DRX configuration signalling from the UE (102), upon the UE (102) evaluating a DRX configuration criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration. Further, the DRX configuration controller (132) determines and applies the DRX configuration to perform at least one of: configuring the at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring the at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration at the UE (102).

[0269] The ES mode configuration controller 130 is implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

[0270] The DRX configuration controller 132 is implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware.

[0271] According to at least one or a combination of methods corresponding to the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the transceiver 124, the processor 122, and the memory 126 may operate. However, components of the network entity 104 are not limited to the exemplary components illustrated in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the network entity 104 may further include additional components in addition to the above-mentioned components, or some components may be omitted. Further, in some embodiments, any combination of the transceiver 124, the processor 122, or the memory 116 may be integrated in the form of one component.

[0272] The transceiver 124 may be a communication circuit or communication circuitry that enables the network entity 104 to perform wireless communication with a node or an entity of a network. For example, the transceiver 124 may enable the network entity 104 to transmit or receive a signal to or from the UE 102 through cellular communication, or to transmit or receive a signal to or from another network entity through wireless communication. For example, the transceiver 124 may support various cellular communication technologies including 3rd generation (3G), 4th generation (4G), long term evolution (LTE), 5th generation (5G) NR, 6th generation (6G), and various cellular wireless communication technologies supported by the transceiver 124 may include all subsequent generations of evolved wireless communications. According to an embodiment, the transceiver 124 may include various circuit structures used to transmit or receive signals to or from the UE 102 through a wireless channel. The signals may include control information and data. For example, the transceiver 124 may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for up-converting and amplifying the frequency of a transmitted signal and an RF receiver for low-noise-amplifying a received signal and down-converting the frequency thereof. The transceiver 124 may output a signal received through a wireless channel to the processor 122 and may transmit, through a wireless channel, a signal output from the processor 122.

[0273] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the network entity 104 may perform communication with the UE 102 or an entity of a network through wired or wireless communication. For example, the network entity 104 may perform wired or wireless communication with an adjacent BS, or a node or an entity of a core network through a backhaul network. Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, when the network entity 104 performs wired communication. The network entity 104 may further include a separate network interface 128 for wired communication in addition to the transceiver 124. The network interface 128 may be referred to as network interface circuitry or communication interface circuitry.

[0274] The processor 122 may control general operations of the network entity 104 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The processor 122 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) (IC) chips and may execute various data processing. The processor 122 may include at least one electric circuit, and may execute instructions (or a program, codes, data, etc.) stored in the memory 126, individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. Further, the processor 122 may include a single-core processor or multi-core processor, and may include a processor assembly including a plurality of processing circuits (circuitry) according to a specific implementation scheme.

[0275] The processor 122 may be electrically, operatively, and / or communicatively coupled to the transceiver 124 to control the transceiver 124. The processor 122 may include at least one processor (or processing circuitry), and the at least one processor may perform the following operations individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. In a specific embodiment, at least a part of the processor 122 may be included in one chip and the other part of the processor 122 may be included in another chip. Otherwise, at least one processor may be included in another component, for example, the transceiver 124 or the memory 126.

[0276] The processor 122 may perform or control or cause an operation of the network entity 104 for executing at least one or a combination of methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the processor 122 may control operations of the network entity 104 for generating and transmitting a downlink signal to a UE 102 or processing an uplink signal received from the UE 102. Otherwise, the network entity 104 may transmit or receive a signal to or from a neighboring BS, transfer a signal received from the UE 102 to an upper node of the network, or transmit a signal transferred from an upper node of the network to the UE 102. To this end, the processor 122 may execute a computer program, codes, or instructions stored in the memory 126, so as to control other components of the network entity 104 to enable execution of various operations.

[0277] The memory 126 corresponds to a hardware storage device capable of temporarily or permanently storing information and may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory 126 may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or read-only memory (ROM), semipermanent memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory, or a combination thereof.

[0278] The memory 126 may be electrically, operatively, and / or communicatively coupled to the processor 122 and may be accessed by the processor 122. The memory 126 may store a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 122. According to an embodiment, a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 122 may be either stored in a single memory device or separated and stored in a distributed manner in two or more memory devices. By executing the instructions stored in the memory 126, the processor 122 may perform various functions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0279] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, operations of the network entity 104 may be caused to be performed based on execution of instructions (or a computer program or codes) stored in the memory 126 by at least one processor (or processing circuitry) configured to execute the same individually, collectively, or in any combination thereof, based on processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions, and / or based on components of processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions.

[0280] In an embodiment herein, the network entity 104 may perform various communication procedures related to the control plane or the user plane by cooperating with one or more network entities based on wireless communication. For example, the network entity 104 may communicate with another network entity (for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), etc.) via a base station, or the base station may perform at least one communication procedure by directly transmitting and receiving signals to / from, or relaying signals between, the network entities.

[0281] The network entity 104 may include an entity (apparatus, device, or server, etc.) that performs one or more network functions (NFs) or a part of a network function constituting a core network (e.g., a 5th generation (5G) core (5GC) or 6G core) in a communication system. In this case, multiple NFs may be implemented within a single network entity, or a single NF may be distributed and implemented across a plurality of network entities. In addition, when an NF is implemented within the network entity, the NF may be implemented in the form of software, and in such a case, a program for operating the NF may be stored in memory of the network entity 104.

[0282] A single NF may be implemented by one or more instances, which may be deployed on the same network entity or distributed across multiple network entities to operate. The instance may be a software unit that logically executes a specific network function, and may be implemented in a form that is decoupled from physical hardware resources. Further, one or more NFs may be implemented in the form of one network slice to operate to satisfy specifications required by a particular service.

[0283] The NF may include at least one of an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a local session management function (L-SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a local user plane function (L-UPF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM), a unified data repository (UDR), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), an application function (AF), a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), a network slice admission control function (NSACF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a data network (DN), etc..

[0284] The NF may be implemented in the form of a physical device such as the network entity 104, or may be virtualized and executed in the form of an instance. When implemented as an instance, the NF need not necessarily include physical components as illustrated in FIG. 3. In such a case, the instance may be logically represented as comprising one or more logical functional elements.

[0285] The network interface 128 is a collective term for a transmitter part of the network entity 104 and a receiver part of the network entity 104, and may be a communication circuit for transmitting or receiving a signal to or from a terminal, a base station (BS), or another network entity. Here, the communication circuit may include both a communication circuit for wireless communication and a communication circuit for a wired communication. For example, the network interface 104 may include a circuit, logic, hardware, etc., configured to exchange a control plane message or a user plane message with a terminal, a BS, or other core network entities through wireless communication or wired communication. The network interface 128 may operate using various protocols (e.g., non-access stratum (NAS) protocol). The network interface 128 may also be referred to, for convenience of description or depending on implementation, as communication circuitry, network interface circuitry, or a communication interface circuitry.

[0286] FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of a system (400A) for energy saving modes operation in a single cell for UEs 102 and network entities in the wireless network, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The figure illustrates the multiple ES modes and switching in a single cell. The first cell 402 comprises a first ES mode 412, a second ES mode 414, and a third ES mode 416.

[0287] FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of a system (400B) for energy saving modes operation in multiple cells for the UEs 102 and the network entities 104 in the wireless network 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The FIG. 4B illustrates the multiple ES modes and switches across multiple cells (i.e., first cell 402, second cell 406, and third cell 408).

[0288] FIG. 5 illustrates a sequence diagram of a method for energy saving modes operation for the UEs 102 and the network entities 104 in the wireless network 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 1, the network entity 104 transmits ES modes for pre-configuring the UE 102. In an embodiment, one or more ES modes (can be also termed as ES modes) may be pre-configured for a UE or a group of UEs or all the UEs in at least one radio cell. The one or more ES modes can be mapped to one or more ES configurations.

[0289] At step 2, the UE 102, is evaluating ES mode criteria and trigger for preferred ES mode signaling. At step 3, the UE 102 transmits preferred ES mode signaling to the network entity 104. At step 4, the network entity 104 determines at least one ES mode to apply. At step 5, the network entity 104 provides the UE 102, at least one of activation, deactivation, and switching of ES modes.

[0290] FIG. 6 illustrates sequence diagram of a method for enhanced DRX operation in the wireless network 100. At step 1, the network entity 104, sends an initial configuration message ( a pre-configuration message) to the UE 102. At step 2, on receiving the initial configuration from the network entity 104, the UE 102 performs DRX evaluation criteria and triggers preferred DRX configuration. At step 3, the UE 102 reports to the network entity 104, the indication for preferred DRX configurations for energy saving modes. At step 4, the network entity 104, determines and selects DRX configurations to be applied for ES mode configuration of the UE 102. At step 5, the network entity 104, provides DRX configuration activation or deactivation or switching for the UE 102.

[0291] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of a method performed by the UE 102 for handling the ES mode in the wireless network 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The operations 702-208 are handled by the ES mode configuration controller 118. At step 702, the method includes, receiving by the UE 102, an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring ES mode from the network entity 104. Ats step 704, the method includes, evaluating by the UE 102, an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode.

[0292] At step 706, the method includes, triggering and sending, by the UE 102, a preferred ES mode signalling to the network entity 104 based on the evaluation. At step 708, the method includes, performing, by the UE 102, at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, reconfiguring the at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode upon the network entity 104 receives the preferred ES mode signalling and determines and applies at least one of: configuring the at least one ES mode, reconfiguring at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching the first ES mode to the second ES mode to the UE 102.

[0293] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method performed by the network entity 104 for handling an ES mode in the wireless network 100, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The operations 802-806 are handled by the ES mode configuration controller 130. At step 802, the method includes, sending by the network entity 104, the initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring ES mode to the UE 102. At step 804, the method includes, receiving by the network entity 104, the preferred ES mode signalling from the UE 102, when the UE 102 evaluating an ES mode criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring ES mode. At step 806, the method includes, determining and applying, by the network entity 104, the ES mode to perform at least one of: configuring at least one ES mode, reconfiguring the at least one ES mode, activating at least one ES mode, deactivating the at least one ES mode and switching a first ES mode to a second ES mode at the UE 102.

[0294] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram of a method performed by the UE 102 for handling the ES mode in the wireless network 100, wherein DRX configuration is configured, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The operations 902-908 are handled by the DRX configuration controller 120.

[0295] At step 902, the method includes, receiving by the UE 102 an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration from the network entity 104. At step 904, the method includes, evaluating, by the UE 102, a DRX criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration.

[0296] At step 906 the method includes, triggering and sending, by the UE 102, an indication for a preferred DRX configuration to the network entity 104 based on the evaluation. At step 908, the method includes, performing, by the UE 102, at least one of: configuring the at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration upon the network entity 104 receives an indication for the preferred DRX configuration and determines and applies the DRX configuration to the UE 102.

[0297] FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of a method performed by the network entity 104 for handling an ES mode in the wireless network 100, wherein the DRX configuration is configured, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The operations 1002-1006 are handled by the DRX configuration controller 132.

[0298] At step 1002, the method includes sending, by the network entity 104, an initial configuration comprising at least one preconfiguring DRX configuration to the UE 102. At step 1004, the method includes, receiving, by the network entity 104, an indication for a preferred DRX configuration signalling from the UE 102, upon the UE 102 evaluating a DRX configuration criteria based on the received initial configuration comprising the at least one pre-configuring DRX configuration. At step 1006, the method includes, determining and applying, by the network entity 104, the DRX configuration to perform at least one of: configuring the at least one DRX configuration, reconfiguring the at least one DRX configuration, activating at least one DRX configuration, deactivating the at least one DRX configuration and switching a first DRX configuration to a second DRX configuration at the UE 102.

[0299] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements.

[0300] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the method may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0301] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The elements include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.

[0302] The embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for providing enhanced the ES mode operation and enhanced DRX operation in wireless networks. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g., Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g., hardware means like e.g., an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g., using a plurality of CPUs.

[0303] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practised with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

1.A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:receiving, from a base station, configuration information for at least one energy saving (ES) mode;evaluating ES mode criteria;based on the evaluation, transmitting, to the base station, preference information on an ES mode; andreceiving, from the base station, control information for activating or deactivating an ES mode.2.The method of claim 1,wherein the at least one ES mode is mapped to at least one ES configuration, andwherein the ES configuration includes at least one of first information on a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration, second information on a cell-DRX configuration, or third information on a cell-discontinuous transmission (DTX) configuration, fourth information on a level of a transmission or a reception of a synchronization signal, fifth information on an on-demand signal, or sixth information on a resource.3.The method of claim 1,wherein the control information for activating or deactivating the ES mode received via at least one of downlink control information (DCI) based on a physical downlink control channel information (PDCCH) signaling, dedicated DCI addressed by a dedicated radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), a group common DCI, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) based signaling, a dedicated MAC CE, or a group common MAC CE.4.The method of claim 1,wherein the preference information on the ES mode includes a DRX configuration preference, andwherein the DRX configuration preference is transmitted via UE assistance information (UAI).5.A method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), configuration information for at least one energy saving (ES) mode;receiving, from the UE, preference information on an ES mode; andbased on the preference information on the ES mode, transmitting, to the UE, control information for activating or deactivating an ES mode.6.The method of claim 5,wherein the at least one ES mode is mapped to at least one ES configuration, andwherein the ES configuration includes at least one of first information on a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration, second information on a cell-DRX configuration, or third information on a cell-discontinuous transmission (DTX) configuration, fourth information on a level of a transmission or a reception of a synchronization signal, fifth information on an on-demand signal, or sixth information on a resource.7.The method of claim 5,wherein the control information for activating or deactivating the ES mode transmitted via at least one of downlink control information (DCI) based on a physical downlink control channel information (PDCCH) signaling, dedicated DCI addressed by a dedicated radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), a group common DCI, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) based signaling, a dedicated MAC CE, or a group common MAC CE.8.The method of claim 4,wherein the preference information on the ES mode includes a DRX configuration preference, andwherein the DRX configuration preference is received via UE assistance information (UAI).9.A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the UE to:receive, from a base station, configuration information for at least one energy saving (ES) mode,evaluate ES mode criteria,based on the evaluation, transmit, to the base station, preference information on an ES mode, andreceive, from the base station, control information for activating or deactivating an ES mode.10.The UE of claim 9,wherein the at least one ES mode is mapped to at least one ES configuration, andwherein the ES configuration includes at least one of first information on a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration, second information on a cell-DRX configuration, or third information on a cell-discontinuous transmission (DTX) configuration, fourth information on a level of a transmission or a reception of a synchronization signal, fifth information on an on-demand signal, or sixth information on a resource.11.The UE of claim 9,wherein the control information for activating or deactivating the ES mode received via at least one of downlink control information (DCI) based on a physical downlink control channel information (PDCCH) signaling, dedicated DCI addressed by a dedicated radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), a group common DCI, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) based signaling, a dedicated MAC CE, or a group common MAC CE.12.The UE of claim 9,wherein the preference information on the ES mode includes a DRX configuration preference, andwherein the DRX configuration preference is transmitted via UE assistance information (UAI).13.A base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the base station to:transmit, to a user equipment (UE), configuration information for at least one energy saving (ES) mode,receive, from the UE, preference information on an ES mode, andbased on the preference information on the ES mode, transmit, to the UE, control information for activating or deactivating an ES mode.14.The base station of claim 12,wherein the at least one ES mode is mapped to at least one ES configuration, andwherein the ES configuration includes at least one of first information on a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration, second information on a cell-DRX configuration, or third information on a cell-discontinuous transmission (DTX) configuration, fourth information on a level of a transmission or a reception of a synchronization signal, fifth information on an on-demand signal, or sixth information on a resource.15.The base station of claim 13,wherein the control information for activating or deactivating the ES mode transmitted via at least one of downlink control information (DCI) based on a physical downlink control channel information (PDCCH) signaling, dedicated DCI addressed by a dedicated radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), a group common DCI, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) based signaling, a dedicated MAC CE, or a group common MAC CE,wherein the preference information on the ES mode includes a DRX configuration preference, andwherein the DRX configuration preference is received via UE assistance information (UAI).

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