On-demand system information block 1 (SIB1) transmission for network energy saving (NES)

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) configured for operation in a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network may be configured for an on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission. The UE may decode signaling from a first cell indicating a physical cell identify of a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES_Cell) and an indication for receptions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell. The UE may transmit a physical random-access channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell to request the OD-SIB1 transmission. The UE may monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA- Response) to be received during a RA-Response window. The UE may perform TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell during an OD-SIB1 reception window to receive the OD-SIB1 transmission. The OD-SIB1 reception window may have a preconfigured window start offset after the RA-Response window and may have a preconfigured duration.

Description

AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1ON-DEMAND SYSTEM INFORMATION BLOCK 1 (SIB1) TRANSMISSION FOR NETWORK ENERGY SAVING (NES)PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 717,497, filed November 7, 2024 [reference number AG4216-Z] which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments pertain to wireless communications. Some embodiments relate to wireless networks including 3 GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) and fifth-generation (5G) networks including 5G new radio (NR) (or 5G-NR) networks. Some embodiments relate to sixth-generation (6G) networks.BACKGROUND

[0003] One issue with communicating data over a wireless network is. . . Mobile communications have evolved significantly from early voice systems to today’s highly sophisticated integrated communication platform. With the increase in different types of devices communicating with various network devices, usage of 3GPP 5GNR systems has increased. The penetration of mobile devices (user equipment or UEs) in modem society has continued to drive demand for a wide variety of networked devices in many disparate environments. 5G NR wireless systems are forthcoming and are expected to enable even greater speed, connectivity, and usability, and are expected to increase throughput, coverage, and robustness and reduce latency and operational and capital expenditures. 5G-NR networks will continue to evolve based on 3 GPP LTE- Advanced with additional potential new radio accessAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 technologies (RATs) to enrich people’s lives with seamless wireless connectivity solutions delivering fast, rich content and services. As current cellular network frequency is saturated, higher frequencies, such as millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency, can be beneficial due to their high bandwidth.

[0004] One issue with 5G-NR networks is reducing energy consumption. Network energy saving (NES) is of great importance for environmental sustainability, to reduce environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions), and for operational cost savings. As 5G-NR networks are becoming pervasive across industries and geographical areas, handling more advanced services and applications requiring very high data rates (e.g. XR), networks are being denser, use more antennas, larger bandwidths and more frequency bands. The environmental impact of 5G-NR needs to stay under control, and novel solutions to improve network energy savings need to be developed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a network, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a procedure for triggering on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a procedure for determination of a time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring and OD-SIB1 transmission, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates determination of a time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission: Option 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates determination of a time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission: Option 2, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a MAC Random-Access Response (RAR) for an OD-SIB1 time window indication: Option 1, in accordance with some embodiments.AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1

[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a MAC RAR for an OD-SIB 1 time window indication: Option 2, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device, in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

[0014] Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission by a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES Cell). In some embodiments, a UE may perform TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the NES Cell during an OD-SIB 1 reception window to receive the OD-SIB 1 transmission. In these embodiments, the OD-SIB 1 reception window may have a preconfigured window start offset after a RA-Response window and may have a preconfigured duration. These embodiments, as well as others, are described in more detail herein.

[0015] In accordance with some embodiments, network energy saving is achieved by an on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission. In these embodiments, for a network energy saving (NES) cell, a SIB1 is transmitted when transmission is triggered by a UE. These embodiments, as well as others, are described in more detail herein.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a network in accordance with some embodiments. The network 140A is shown to include user equipment (UE) 101 and UE 102. The UE 101 and UE 102 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks) but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing device, such as Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, wireless handsets, drones, or any other computing deviceAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 including a wired and / or wireless communications interface. The UE 101 and UE 102 can be collectively referred to herein as UE 101, and UE 101 can be used to perform one or more of the techniques disclosed herein.

[0017] In accordance with embodiments, user equipment (UE) (i.e., either UE 101 or UE 102) may be configured for an on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission. The UE may decode signaling from a first cell indicating a physical cell identify of a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES Cell) and an indication for receptions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell. The UE may transmit a physical random-access channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell to request the OD-SIB1 transmission. The UE may monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA- Response) to be received during a RA-Response window. The UE may perform TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell during an OD-SIB1 reception window to receive the OD-SIB1 transmission. The OD-SIB1 reception window may have a preconfigured window start offset after the RA-Response window and may have a preconfigured duration.

[0018] Any of the radio links described herein (e.g., as used in the network 140 A or any other illustrated network) may operate according to any exemplary radio communication technology and / or standard.

[0019] LTE and LTE-Advanced are standards for wireless communications of high-speed data for UE such as mobile telephones. In LTE- Advanced and various wireless systems, carrier aggregation is a technology according to which multiple carrier signals operating on different frequencies may be used to carry communications for a single UE, thus increasing the bandwidth available to a single device. In some embodiments, carrier aggregation may be used where one or more component carriers operate on unlicensed frequencies.

[0020] Embodiments described herein can be used in the context of any spectrum management scheme including, for example, dedicated licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, (licensed) shared spectrum (such as Licensed Shared Access (LSA) in 2.3-2.4 GHz, 3.4-3.6 GHz, 3.6-3.8 GHz, and furtherAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 frequencies and Spectrum Access System (SAS) in 3.55-3.7 GHz and further frequencies).

[0021] Embodiments described herein can also be applied to different Single Carrier or OFDM flavors (CP-OFDM, SC-FDMA, SC-OFDM, filter bank-based multicarrier (FBMC), OFDMA, etc.) and in particular 3 GPP NR (New Radio) by allocating the OFDM carrier data bit vectors to the corresponding symbol resources.

[0022] In some embodiments, any of the UE 101 and UE 102 can comprise an Intemet-of-Things (loT) UE or a Cellular loT (CIoT) UE, which can comprise a network access layer designed for low-power loT applications utilizing short-lived UE connections. In some embodiments, any of the UE 101 and UE 102 can include a narrowband (NB) loT UE (e.g., such as an enhanced NB-IoT (eNB-IoT) UE and Further Enhanced (FeNB-IoT) UE). An loT UE can utilize technologies such as machine-to-machine (M2M) or machine-type communications (MTC) for exchanging data with an MTC server or device via a public land mobile network (PLMN), Proximity -Based Service (ProSe) or device-to-device (D2D) communication, sensor networks, or loT networks. The M2M or MTC exchange of data may be a machine-initiated exchange of data. An loT network includes interconnecting loT UEs, which may include uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices (within the Internet infrastructure), with short-lived connections. The loT UEs may execute background applications (e.g., keep-alive messages, status updates, etc.) to facilitate the connections of the loT network.

[0023] In some embodiments, any of the UE 101 and UE 102 can include enhanced MTC (eMTC) UEs or further enhanced MTC (FeMTC) UEs.

[0024] The UE 101 and UE 102 may be configured to connect, e.g., communicatively couple, with a radio access network (RAN) 110. The RAN 110 may be, for example, an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), a NextGen RAN (NG RAN), or some other type of RAN. The UE 101 and UE 102 utilize connections 103 and 104, respectively, each of which comprises a physical communications interface or layer (discussed in further detail below); in this example, the connections 103 and 104 are illustrated as an air interface to enableAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 communicative coupling and can be consistent with cellular communications protocols, such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol, a code-division multiple access (CDMA) network protocol, a Push-to- Talk (PTT) protocol, a PTT over Cellular (POC) protocol, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) protocol, a 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, a fifth-generation (5G) protocol, a New Radio (NR) protocol, and the like.

[0025] In some embodiments, the UE 101 and UE 102 may further directly exchange communication data via a ProSe interface 105. The ProSe interface 105 may alternatively be referred to as a sidelink interface comprising one or more logical channels, including but not limited to a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), a Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), and a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH).

[0026] The UE 102 is shown to be configured to access an access point (AP) 106 via connection 107. The connection 107 can comprise a local wireless connection, such as, for example, a connection consistent with any IEEE 802.11 protocol, according to which the AP 106 can comprise a wireless fidelity (WiFi) router. In this example, the AP 106 is shown to be connected to the Internet without connecting to the core network of the wireless system (described in further detail below).

[0027] The RAN 110 can include one or more access nodes that enable the connections 103 and 104. These access nodes (ANs) can be referred to as base stations (BSs), NodeBs, evolved NodeBs (eNBs), Next Generation NodeBs (gNBs), RAN nodes, and the like, and can comprise ground stations (e.g., terrestrial access points) or satellite stations providing coverage within a geographic area (e.g., a cell). In some embodiments, the RAN nodes 111 and 112 can be transmission / reception points (TRPs). In instances when the RAN nodes 111 and 112 are NodeBs (e.g., eNBs or gNBs), one or more TRPs can function within the communication cell of the NodeBs. The RAN 110 may include one or more RAN nodes for providing macrocells, e.g., macro-RAN node, and one or more RAN nodes for providing femtocells or picocells (e.g.,AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 cells having smaller coverage areas, smaller user capacity, or higher bandwidth compared to macrocells), e.g., low power (LP) RAN node.

[0028] Any of the RAN nodes 111 and 112 can terminate the air interface protocol and can be the first point of contact for the UE 101 and UE 102. In some embodiments, any of the RAN nodes 111 and 112 can fulfill various logical functions for the RAN 110 including, but not limited to, radio network controller (RNC) functions such as radio bearer management, uplink and downlink dynamic radio resource management and data packet scheduling, and mobility management. In an example, any of the RAN nodes 111 and / or 112 can be a new generation Node-B (gNB), an evolved node-B (eNB), or another type of RAN node.

[0029] The RAN 110 is shown to be communicatively coupled to a core network (CN) 120 via an SI interface 113. In embodiments, the CN 120 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a NextGen Packet Core (NPC) network, or some other type of CN. In this aspect, the SI interface 113 is split into two parts: the Sl-U interface 114, which carries traffic data between the RAN nodes 111 and 112 and the serving gateway (S-GW) 122, and the SI -mobility management entity (MME) interface 115, which is a signaling interface between the RAN nodes 111 and 112 and MMEs 121.

[0030] In this aspect, the CN 120 comprises the MMEs 121, the S-GW 122, the Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW) 123, and a home subscriber server (HSS) 124. The MMEs 121 may be similar in function to the control plane of legacy Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Nodes (SGSN). The MMEs 121 may manage mobility embodiments in access such as gateway selection and tracking area list management. The HSS 124 may comprise a database for network users, including subscription-related information to support the network entities handling of communication sessions. The CN 120 may comprise one or several HSSs 124, depending on the number of mobile subscribers, on the capacity of the equipment, on the organization of the network, etc. For example, the HSS 124 can provide support for routing / roaming, authentication, authorization, naming / addressing resolution, location dependencies, etc.AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1

[0031] The S-GW 122 may terminate the SI interface 113 towards the RAN 110, and routes data packets between the RAN 110 and the CN 120. In addition, the S-GW 122 may be a local mobility anchor point for inter-RAN node handovers and also may provide an anchor for inter-3 GPP mobility. Other responsibilities of the S-GW 122 may include a lawful intercept, charging, and some policy enforcement.

[0032] The P-GW 123 may terminate an SGi interface toward a PDN. The P-GW 123 may route data packets between the CN 120 and external networks such as a network including the application server 184 (alternatively referred to as application function (AF)) via an Internet Protocol (IP) interface 125. The P-GW 123 can also communicate data to other external networks 131 A, which can include the Internet, IP multimedia subsystem (IPS) network, and other networks. Generally, the application server 184 may be an element offering applications that use IP bearer resources with the core network (e.g., UMTS Packet Services (PS) domain, LTE PS data services, etc.). In this aspect, the P-GW 123 is shown to be communicatively coupled to an application server 184 via an IP interface 125. The application server 184 can also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) sessions, PTT sessions, group communication sessions, social networking services, etc.) for the UE 101 and UE 102 via the CN 120.

[0033] The P-GW 123 may further be a node for policy enforcement and charging data collection. Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 126 is the policy and charging control element of the CN 120. In a non-roaming scenario, in some embodiments, there may be a single PCRF in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) associated with a UE's Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session. In a roaming scenario with a local breakout of traffic, there may be two PCRFs associated with a UE's IP- CAN session: a Home PCRF (H-PCRF) within an HPLMN and a Visited PCRF (V-PCRF) within a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN). The PCRF 126 may be communicatively coupled to the application server 184 via the P- GW 123.

[0034] In some embodiments, the communication network 140 A can be an loT network or a 5G network, including 5G new radio network usingAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 communications in the licensed (5G NR) and the unlicensed (5G NR-U) spectrum. One of the current enablers of loT is the narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT).

[0035] An NG system architecture can include the RAN 110 and a 5G network core (5GC). In these embodiments, the RAN 110 can include a plurality of nodes, such as gNBs and NG-eNBs. The CN 120 (e.g., a 5G core network or 5GC) can include an access and mobility function (AMF) and / or a user plane function (UPF). The AMF and the UPF can be communicatively coupled to the gNBs and the NG-eNBs via NG interfaces. More specifically, in some embodiments, the gNBs and the NG-eNBs can be connected to the AMF by NG- C interfaces, and to the UPF by NG-U interfaces. The gNBs and the NG-eNBs can be coupled to each other via Xn interfaces.

[0036] In some embodiments, the NG system architecture can use reference points between various nodes as provided by 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 23.501 (e.g., V15.4.0, 2018-12). In some embodiments, each of the gNBs and the NG-eNBs can be implemented as a base station, a mobile edge server, a small cell, a home eNB, and so forth. In some embodiments, a gNB can be a master node (MN) and NG-eNB can be a secondary node (SN) in a 5G architecture.

[0037] In some embodiments, any of the UEs or base stations described in connection with FIG. 1 can be configured to perform the functionalities described herein.

[0038] Mobile communication has evolved significantly from early voice systems to today’s highly sophisticated integrated communication platform. The next generation wireless communication system, 5G, or new radio (NR) will provide access to information and sharing of data anywhere, anytime by various users and applications. NR is expected to be a unified network / system that targets to meet vastly different and sometimes conflicting performance dimensions and services. Such diverse multi-dimensional requirements are driven by different services and applications. In general, NR will evolve based on 3 GPP LTE- Advanced with additional potential new Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to enrich people's lives with better, simple, and seamless wireless connectivity solutions. NR will enable everything connected by wireless and deliver fast, rich content and services.AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1

[0039] Rel-15 NR systems are designed to operate on the licensed spectrum. The NR-unlicensed (NR-U), a short-hand notation of the NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum, is a technology that enables the operation of NR systems on the unlicensed spectrum.

[0040] To achieve network energy saving, one solution is to consider on demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission. In particular, for a network energy saving (NES) cell, a SIB1 may only transmitted when it is triggered by the UE. In this case, gNB may attempt to shut down more symbols on one or more carriers to achieve BS micro sleep, which can help reduce the power consumption at the gNB.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates the procedure for triggering OD-SIB1 transmission. In particular, the following steps can be included for triggering OD-SIB1 transmission. In operation 202, a UE obtains uplink wake up signal (UL WUS) configuration from Cell A. In operation 204, the UE transmits a UL WUS on a network energy saving (NES) cell, where UL-WUS can be based on physical random-access channel (PRACH). In operation 206, the UE receives a random-access response (RAR) from the NES Cell in response to the UL WUS transmission in operation 202. In operation 208, the UE receives on demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission from the NES Cell.

[0042] For network energy saving, gNB may transmit the OD-SIB1 within a time window. After the time window, the gNB may not transmit the OD-SIB1 and turn off the transmitter so as to reduce the power consumption. When multiple UEs attempt to trigger the OD-SIB1 transmission from the NES cell, it is more appropriate to align the time window across multiple UEs to maximize potential gain for network energy saving. In this case, certain mechanisms may need to be defined to indicate the time window for OD-SIB1 transmission.

[0043] Embodiments disclosed herein provide for on-demand SIB1 transmission for network energy saving. In these embodiments, an indication of OD-SIB1 triggering is provided in the random-access response as well as an indication of a time window for OD-SIB1 transmission. These embodiments, as well as others, are described in more detail below.AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1

[0044] Indication of time window for OD-SIB1 transmission

[0045] As mentioned above, for network energy saving, s gNB may transmit the OD-SIB1 within a time window. After the time window, the gNB may not transmit the OD-SIB 1 and turn off the transmitter so as to reduce the power consumption. When multiple UEs attempt to trigger the OD-SIB 1 transmission from the NES cell, it is more appropriate to align the time window across multiple UEs to maximize potential gain for network energy saving. In this case, certain mechanisms may need to be defined to indicate the time window for OD-SIB 1 transmission.

[0046] Embodiments on indication of time window for OD-SIB 1 transmission are provided as follows:

[0047] In one embodiment, more than one values of the starting position or timing offset and / or duration of the time window for Type 0 physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring for on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) and corresponding OD-SIB 1 transmission can be configured as part of UL configuration. Further, one value of the starting position or timing offset and / or duration of the time window from the more than one values can be indicated in the random-access response (RAR) in response to the UL WUS transmission.

[0048] In addition, if only one value of the starting position or timing offset and / or duration of the time window Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD- SIB 1 and corresponding OD-SIB 1 transmission is configured in the UL WUS configuration, UE determines the time window in accordance with the configured starting position and / or duration. Further, UE may expect the MAC RAR is not included in the MAC subPDU in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of procedure for determination of time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring and OD-SIB 1 transmission. In operation 302, a UE receives an UL WUS configuration that includes more than one values of timing offset and / or duration for time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring and OD-SIB 1 transmission. In operation 304, the UE receives an indication in RAR that indicates one value of timing offset and / or duration for time window from the more than one values. In operation 306, the UEAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 determines the timing window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring and OD-SIB1 transmission in accordance with the indicated value and a reference time position.

[0050] In another embodiment, the duration of the time window for Type 0 physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission can be determined in accordance with one or more following parameters:• the periodicity of search space for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIBlor searchSpaceZero.• the repetition periodicity of SIB1 transmission .• absolute value, e.g., in terms of ms.• number of symbols or number of slots, where slot is determined in accordance with numerology of the DL BWP for OD-SIB1 transmission or the numerology that is configured in the UL WUS configuration.

[0051] In some aspects, the searchSpaceZero or the search space for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 transmission is configured as part of UL WUS configuration. In one example, the duration of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission can be an integer number of periodicity of search space for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 transmission, where the integer number can be configured as part of UL WUS configuration. In another example, the duration of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission can be an integer number of the repetition periodicity of SIB1 transmission, where the integer number can be configured as part of UL WUS configuration. In another example, the duration of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB 1 and corresponding OD- SIB1 transmission can be an integer number of 20ms, or 160ms, where the integer number can be configured as part of UL WUS configuration.

[0052] In another embodiment, if a timing offset is used to determine the time window, the starting position of the time window for Type 0 PDCCHAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission can be determined in accordance with a reference time and the timing offset.

[0053] Further, the reference time for the start of time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission can be determined with reference to the RAR window. In one option, the last symbol or last slot of the RAR window may be used to determine the starting time of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission. In another option, the last symbol or last slot of the RAR PDSCH may be used to determine the starting time of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB 1 and corresponding OD- SIB1 transmission.

[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of determination of time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB 1 and corresponding OD-SIB 1 transmission. As shown in FIG. 4, a UE determines the RAR window 400 after the UE transmits the PRACH. The UE determines the timing offset 402A in accordance with the indicated value in the RAR from a set of configured values. The UE determines 1) the starting position of the time window 404 for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB 1 and corresponding OD-SIB 1 transmission based on the last slot of RAR window, and the indicated timing offset, and duration of the time window in accordance with the indicated value in the RAR.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates one example of determination of time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB 1 and corresponding OD-SIB 1 transmission. The UE determines the last symbol or slot of RAR in RAR window 400 (i.e., RAR PDSCH) after the UE transmits the PRACH. The UE determines the timing offset 402B in accordance with the indicated value in the RAR from a set of configured values. The UE determines 1) the starting position of the time window 404 for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB 1 and corresponding OD-SIB 1 transmission based on the last slot of RAR PDSCH, and the indicated timing offset, and duration of the time window in accordance with the indicated value in the RAR.

[0056] In accordance with embodiments, user equipment (UE) (i.e., either UE 101 or UE 102 (FIG. 1)) may be configured for an on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission. The UE may decode signalingAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 from a first cell indicating a physical cell identify of a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES Cell) and an indication for receptions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell. The UE may transmit a physical random-access channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell to request the OD-SIB1 transmission. The UE may monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA- Response) to be received during a RA-Response window (RAR window 400 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)). The UE may perform TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell during an OD-SIB1 reception window (e.g., time window 404 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)) to receive the OD-SIB1 transmission (OD-SIB1 406 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)). The OD-SIB1 reception window may have a preconfigured window start offset (e.g., time offset 402A (FIG. 4)) after the RA-Response window and may have a preconfigured duration.

[0057] In another embodiment, if Random Access Preamble Identifier (RAPID) field in the MAC sub-header for RAR matches with the PRACH preamble ID that is used to trigger OD-SIB 1, UE may expect that MAC RAR is not included in the MAC subPDU in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In this case, UE may determine the starting time and duration of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB 1 and corresponding OD-SIB 1 transmission from the UL WUS configuration.

[0058] In another embodiment, one field may be included in the MAC RAR in response to UL WUS to indicate the starting position / timing offset and / or duration of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB 1 and corresponding OD-SIB 1 transmission. In some aspects, the payload size of MAC RAR is same as the legacy MAC RAR, i.e., with 56 bits. When the payload size of MAC RAR in response to UL WUS is less than the legacy MAC RAR, zero padding or reserved field is included to match the payload size of legacy MAC RAR.

[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates one example of MAC RAR for OD-SIB 1 time window indication. For this option, only OD-SIB 1 time window indication 602 is included in the MAC RAR. In the example, 8 bits are used for the OD-SIB 1 time window indication. In addition, 1 bit “R” field is included in the MAC RARAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 as “reserved” bit. In another option, both timing advance command and OD- SIB1 time window indication may be included in the MAC RAR in response to UL WUS.

[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates one example of MAC RAR for OD-SIB1 time window indication. For this option, both timing advance command 706 and OD- SIB1 time window indication 702 are included in the MAC RAR. In the example, 8 bits are used for the OD-SIB 1 time window indication, which follows the timing advance command. In addition, 1 bit “R” field is included in the MAC RAR as “reserved” bit. In another option, the first “R” bit may be repurposed to indicate whether the MAC RAR is in response to UL WUS. In particular, bit “1” may be used to indicate that the MAC RAR is in response to UL WUS, while bit “0” may be used to indicate that the MAC RAR is not in response to UL WUS.

[0061] In accordance with embodiments, user equipment (UE) (i.e., either UE 101 or UE 102 (FIG. 1)) may be configured for an on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission. The UE may decode signaling from a first cell indicating a physical cell identify of a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES Cell) and an indication for receptions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell. The UE may transmit a physical random-access channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell to request the OD-SIB 1 transmission. The UE may monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA- Response) to be received during a RA-Response window (RAR window 400 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)). The UE may perform TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell during an OD-SIB 1 reception window (e.g., time window 404 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)) to receive the OD-SIB 1 transmission (OD-SIB 1 406 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)). The OD-SIB 1 reception window may have a preconfigured window start offset (e.g., time offset 402A (FIG. 4)) after the RA-Response window and may have a preconfigured duration. In some embodiments, the preconfigured window start offset for the OD-SIB 1 reception window may be an od-sibl- windowStartOffset and the preconfigured duration of the OD-SIB 1 reception window may be an od-sibl-WindowDuration.AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1

[0062] In some embodiments, a value of the preconfigured window start offset of the OD-SIB1 reception window and a value of the preconfigured window duration of the OD-SIB1 reception window may be determined from one or more values indicated in the signalling received from the first cell. In some embodiments, the value of the preconfigured window start offset may be a first number of slots after the RA-Response window, and the value of the preconfigured window duration may be a second number of slots. In these embodiments, the preconfigured window start offset may be the number of slots after the first slot of the RA-Response. In these embodiments, the preconfigured window start offset may be determined by the UE with respect to the first slot of the RA-Response. In some embodiments, the RA-Response may be received on a PDSCH during the RA-response window.

[0063] In some embodiments, when a Random-Access Preamble Identifier (RAPID) of the RA-Response matches a PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the UE may perform the TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell in the TypeO-PDCCH CSS set of search space zero during the OD-SIB1 window to receive the OD-SIB1 transmission.

[0064] In some embodiments, the UE may configure the PRACH transmission with a preamble to indicate the request for the OD-SIB1 transmission. In some embodiments, the PRACH transmission may be a MSG1. In some embodiments, the PRACH transmission may be a wake-up signal (WUS) to trigger transmission of the on-demand SIB1. In some embodiments, the RA-RESPONSE transmitted by the gNB in response to the PRACH (MSG1), may be a MSG2 RAR.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the RAPID of the RA-Response matches the PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the UE may refrain from monitoring a PDCCH on the second cell to detect a DCI format 1 0 with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI to obtain a SIB1. In some embodiments, when the RAPID of the RA-Response matches the PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the UE may refrain from monitoring a PDCCH on the second cell for scheduling of a PDSCH that carries a SIB1. In some embodiments, when the RAPID of the RA-Response does not match the PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the UEAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 may monitor a PDCCH on the second cell for scheduling of a PDSCH that carries a SIB 1.

[0066] In some embodiments, for acquisition of a SIB1 without use of the NES Cell, the UE may transmit a PRACH on the first cell and monitor a PDCCH on the first cell for scheduling a PDSCH that carries a SIB1. In these embodiments, the UE may acquire the SIB1 in the conventional way. In some embodiments, transmission by the UE of the PRACH associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell may be configured to cause a generation Node B (gNB) to activate the NES_Cell. In these embodiments, the NES_Cell may be configured to return to an inactive state after the OD-SIB1 reception window. In these embodiments, the NES Cell may be a cell that only transmits something when it is needed. It will be shut down if there is no traffic to save power.

[0067] Some embodiments are directed to a computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by processing circuitry of a User Equipment (UE) configured for operation in a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network, In these embodiments, for an on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, the processing circuitry may be configured to decode signaling from a first cell, the signaling comprising a physical cell identify of a second cell and an indication for receptions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell. The second cell may be a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES_Cell). The processing circuitry may also configure the UE to transmit a physical randomaccess channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell. The PRACH may be configured to indicate a request for the OD- SIB1 transmission. The processing circuitry may also configure the UE to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA-Response) in response to transmission of the PRACH. The RA-Response may be received during a RA- Response window, in these embodiments, the processing circuitry may also configure the UE to perform TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell during an OD-SIB1 reception window to receive the OD-SIB1 transmission. In these embodiments, the OD-SIB1 reception window has a preconfiguredAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 window start offset after the RA-Response window and has a preconfigured duration.

[0068] Some embodiments are directed to a generation node B (gNB) (e.g., RAN nodes 111 and 112 (FIG. 1)). In these embodiments, for an on- demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, gNB may encode signaling for transmission by a first cell comprising a physical cell identify of a second cell and an indication of transmissions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell. In these embodiments, the second cell may be a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES Cell). The gNB may decode a physical random-access channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks received from a user equipment (UE) on the second cell. The PRACH may indicate a request for the OD-SIB1 transmission. The gNB may also encode a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmission on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA-Response) in response to transmission of the PRACH. The RA- Response may be transmitted during a RA-Response window. The gNB may also encode a TypeO PDCCH for transmission on the second cell during an OD- SIB1 reception window to transmit the OD-SIB1 transmission for reception by the UE. In these embodiments, the OD-SIB1 reception window may have a preconfigured window start offset after the RA-Response window and may have a preconfigured duration. In some embodiments, the gNB may be configured to align one or more of OD-SIB1 reception windows for multiple UEs to receive the OD-SIB1 concurrently.

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device, in accordance with some embodiments. Wireless communication device 800 may be suitable for use as a UE or gNB configured for operation in a 5GNR or 6G network. Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus of a UE or gNB comprising processing circuitry and memory configured for operation in a 5GNR or 6G network. The wireless communication device 800 may include communications circuitry 802 and a transceiver 810 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from other communication devices using one or more antennas 801. The communications circuitry 802 may include circuitry that can operate the physical layer (PHY)AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 communications and / or medium access control (MAC) communications for controlling access to the wireless medium, and / or any other communications layers for transmitting and receiving signals. The wireless communication device 800 may also include processing circuitry 806 and memory 808 arranged to perform the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the communications circuitry 802 and the processing circuitry 806 may be configured to perform operations detailed in the above figures, diagrams, and flows.

[0070] In accordance with some embodiments, the communications circuitry 802 may be arranged to contend for a wireless medium and configure frames or packets for communicating over the wireless medium. The communications circuitry 802 may be arranged to transmit and receive signals. The communications circuitry 802 may also include circuitry for modulation / demodulation, upconversion / downconversion, filtering, amplification, etc. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 806 of the wireless communication device 800 may include one or more processors. In other embodiments, two or more antennas 801 may be coupled to the communications circuitry 802 arranged for sending and receiving signals. The memory 808 may store information for configuring the processing circuitry 806 to perform operations for configuring and transmitting message frames and performing the various operations described herein. The memory 808 may include any type of memory, including non-transitory memory, for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, the memory 808 may include a computer-readable storage device, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash-memory devices and other storage devices and media.

[0071] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 800 may be part of a portable wireless communication device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or portable computer with wireless communication capability, a web tablet, a wireless telephone, a smartphone, a wireless headset, a pager, an instant messaging device, a digital camera, an access point, a television, a medical device (e.g., a heart rate monitor, a bloodAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 pressure monitor, etc.), a wearable computer device, or another device that may receive and / or transmit information wirelessly.

[0072] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 800 may include one or more antennas 801. The antennas 801 may include one or more directional or omnidirectional antennas, including, for example, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, patch antennas, loop antennas, microstrip antennas, or other types of antennas suitable for transmission of RF signals. In some embodiments, instead of two or more antennas, a single antenna with multiple apertures may be used. In these embodiments, each aperture may be considered a separate antenna. In some multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) embodiments, the antennas may be effectively separated for spatial diversity and the different channel characteristics that may result between each of the antennas and the antennas of a transmitting device.

[0073] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 800 may include one or more of a keyboard, a display, a non-volatile memory port, multiple antennas, a graphics processor, an application processor, speakers, and other mobile device elements. The display may be an LCD screen including a touch screen.

[0074] Although the wireless communication device 800 is illustrated as having several separate functional elements, two or more of the functional elements may be combined and may be implemented by combinations of software-configured elements, such as processing elements including digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other hardware elements. For example, some elements may include one or more microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), radiofrequency integrated circuits (RFICs) and combinations of various hardware and logic circuitry for performing at least the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the functional elements of the wireless communication device 800 may refer to one or more processes operating on one or more processing elements.

[0075] Embodiments may be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware and software. Embodiments may also be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device, which may be readAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 and executed by at least one processor to perform the operations described herein. A computer-readable storage device may include any non-transitory mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a computer-readable storage device may include readonly memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash-memory devices, and other storage devices and media. Some embodiments may include one or more processors and may be configured with instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device.

[0076] Examples:

[0077] 1. A system and method of wireless communication for a fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) system: received, by UE, an uplink wake up signal (UL WUS) configuration that includes more than one values of timing offset and / or duration for time window for Type 0 physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring and on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission; received, by UE, an indication in random access response (RAR) that indicates one value of timing offset and / or duration for time window from the more than one values; and determined, by UE, the timing window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring and OD-SIB1 transmission in accordance with the indicated value and a reference time position

[0078] 2. The method of example 1, wherein if only one value of the starting position or timing offset and / or duration of the time window Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission is configured in the UL WUS configuration, UE determines the time window in accordance with the configured starting position and / or duration; wherein UE may expect the MAC RAR is not included in the MAC subPDU in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0079] 3. The method of example 1, wherein the duration of the time window for Type 0 physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission can be determined in accordance with one or more following parameters: the periodicity of search space for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIBlor searchSpaceZero; the repetition periodicity of SIB1 transmission; absolute value,AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 e.g., in terms of ms; number of symbols or number of slots, where slot is determined in accordance with numerology of the DL BWP for OD-SIB1 transmission or the numerology that is configured in the UL WUS configuration.

[0080] 4. The method of example 1, wherein if a timing offset is used to determine the time window, the starting position of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission can be determined in accordance with a reference time and the timing offset.

[0081] 5. The method of example 1, wherein the reference time for the start of time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission can be determined with reference to the RAR window.

[0082] 6. The method of example 1, wherein if Random AccessPreamble Identifier (RAPID) field in the MAC sub-header for RAR matches with the PRACH preamble ID that is used to trigger OD-SIB1, UE may expect that MAC RAR is not included in the MAC subPDU in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0083] 7. The method of example 6, wherein UE may determine the starting time and duration of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission from the UL WUS configuration.

[0084] 8. The method of example 1, wherein one field may be included in the MAC RAR in response to UL WUS to indicate the starting position / timing offset and / or duration of the time window for Type 0 PDCCH monitoring for OD-SIB1 and corresponding OD-SIB1 transmission.

[0085] 9. The method of example 1, wherein when the payload size of MAC RAR in response to UL WUS is less than the legacy MAC RAR, zero padding or reserved field is included to match the payload size of legacy MAC RAR.

[0086] 10. The method of example 1, wherein both timing advance command and OD-SIB1 time window indication may be included in the MAC RAR in response to UL WUS.AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1

[0087] 11. The method of example 1, wherein the first “R” bit may be repurposed to indicate whether the MAC RAR is in response to UL WUS.

[0088] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A User Equipment (UE) configured for operation in a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network, the UE comprising: processing circuitry; and memory, wherein for an on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, the processing circuitry is configured to: decode signaling from a first cell, the signaling comprising a physical cell identify of a second cell and an indication for receptions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell, the second cell comprising a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES_Cell); configure the UE to transmit a physical random-access channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell, the PRACH configured to indicate a request for the OD-SIB1 transmission; monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA-Response) in response to transmission of the PRACH, the RA-Response received during a RA-Response window; and perform TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell during an OD- SIB1 reception window to receive the OD-SIB1 transmission, the TypeO PDCCH monitoring performed in a TypeO-PDCCH CSS set of search space zero, wherein the OD-SIB1 reception window has a preconfigured window start offset after the RA-Response window and has a preconfigured duration.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein a value of the preconfigured window start offset of the OD-SIB1 reception window and a value of the preconfigured window duration of the OD-SIB1 reception window is determined from one or more values indicated in the signalling received from the first cell.AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO13. The UE of claim 2, wherein the value of the preconfigured window start offset is a first number of slots after the RA-Response window, and the value of the preconfigured window duration is a second number of slots.

4. The UE of claim 1, wherein when a Random-Access Preamble Identifier (RAPID) of the RA-Response matches a PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the processing circuitry is to configure the UE to perform the TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell in the TypeO-PDCCH CSS set of search space zero during the OD-SIB1 window to receive the OD-SIB1 transmission.

5. The UE of claim 4, wherein the processing circuitry is to configure the PRACH transmission with a preamble to indicate the request for the OD-SIB1 transmission.

6. The UE of claim 4, wherein when the RAPID of the RA-Response matches the PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the processing circuitry is to configure to UE to refrain from monitoring a PDCCH on the second cell to detect a DCI format 1 0 with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI to obtain a SIB1.

7. The UE of claim 4, wherein when the RAPID of the RA-Response matches the PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the processing circuitry is to configure to UE to refrain from monitoring a PDCCH on the second cell for scheduling of a PDSCH that carries a SIB 1.

8. The UE of claim 4, wherein when the RAPID of the RA-Response does not match the PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the processing circuitry is to configure to UE monitor a PDCCH on the second cell for scheduling of a PDSCH that carries a SIB1.

9. The UE of claim 4 wherein for acquisition of a SIB1 without use of the NES Cell, the processing circuitry is to configure the UE to transmit a PRACHAG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 on the first cell and monitor a PDCCH on the first cell for scheduling a PDSCH that carries a SIB1.

10. The UE of claim 4, wherein transmission by the UE of the PRACH associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell is configured to cause a generation Node B (gNB) to activate the NES_Cell, and wherein the NES Cell is configured to return to an inactive state after the OD-SIB1 reception window.

11. A computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by processing circuitry of a User Equipment (UE) configured for operation in a fifth-generation new radio (5GNR) network, wherein for an on- demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, the processing circuitry is configured to: decode signaling from a first cell, the signaling comprising a physical cell identify of a second cell and an indication for receptions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell, the second cell comprising a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES_Cell); configure the UE to transmit a physical random-access channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks on the second cell, the PRACH configured to indicate a request for the OD-SIB1 transmission; configure the UE to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA- Response) in response to transmission of the PRACH, the RA-Response received during a RA-Response window; and configure the UE to perform TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell during an OD-SIB1 reception window to receive the OD-SIB1 transmission, the TypeO PDCCH monitoring performed in a TypeO-PDCCH CSS set of search space zero, wherein the OD-SIB1 reception window has a preconfigured window start offset after the RA-Response window and has a preconfigured duration.AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO112. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein a value of the preconfigured window start offset of the OD-SIB 1 reception window and a value of the preconfigured window duration of the OD-SIB 1 reception window is determined from one or more values indicated in the signalling received from the first cell.

13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the value of the preconfigured window start offset is a first number of slots after the RA-Response window, and the value of the preconfigured window duration is a second number of slots.

14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein when a Random- Access Preamble Identifier (RAPID) of the RA-Response matches a PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the processing circuitry is to configure the UE to perform the TypeO PDCCH monitoring of the second cell in the TypeO- PDCCH CSS set of search space zero during the OD-SIB 1 window to receive the OD-SIB 1 transmission.

15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the processing circuitry is to configure the PRACH transmission with a preamble to indicate the request for the OD-SIB 1 transmission.

16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein when the RAPID of the RA-Response matches the PRACH preamble ID of the PRACH, the processing circuitry is to configure to UE to refrain from monitoring a PDCCH on the second cell to detect a DCI format 1 0 with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI to obtain a SIB1.

17. An apparatus for a generation node B (gNB), the apparatus comprising: processing circuitry and memory, wherein for an on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB 1) transmission, the processing circuitry is configured to:AG4216-PCT 1884.R38WO1 encode signaling for transmission by a first cell, the signaling comprising a physical cell identify of a second cell and an indication of transmissions of synchronization signal (SS) physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH) blocks on the second cell, the second cell comprising a Network Energy Saving Cell (NES_Cell); decode a physical random-access channel (PRACH) associated with one of the SS / PBCH blocks received from a user equipment (UE) on the second cell, the PRACH to indicate a request for the OD-SIB1 transmission; encode a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmission on the second cell for scheduling of a random-access response (RA-Response) in response to transmission of the PRACH, the RA-Response transmitted during a RA-Response window; encode a TypeO PDCCH for transmission on the second cell during an OD-SIB1 reception window to transmit the OD-SIB1 transmission for reception by the UE, wherein the OD-SIB1 reception window has a preconfigured window start offset after the RA-Response window and has a preconfigured duration.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a value of the preconfigured window start offset of the OD-SIB1 reception window and a value of the preconfigured window duration of the OD-SIB1 reception window is to be determined by the UE from one or more values indicated in the signalling transmitted by the first cell.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the value of the preconfigured window start offset is a first number of slots after the RA-Response window, and the value of the preconfigured window duration is a second number of slots.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the gNB is configured to align one or more of OD-SIB1 reception windows for multiple UEs to receive the OD- SIB1 concurrently.

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