Signaling optimization for paging adaptation

Abstract

A method performed is provided that includes receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI). The configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame. And the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame. The method also includes monitoring a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, where the first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

Description

SIGNALING OPTIMIZATION FOR PAGING ADAPTATIONTECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications and, in particular, to paging adaptation for network energy savings.BACKGROUND

[0002] A telecommunications system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A telecommunications system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and / or content data and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

[0003] In a wireless telecommunications system, at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless telecommunications systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] A user can access the telecommunications system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. Thecommunication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and / or receive communications on the carrier.

[0005] The telecommunications system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the communication system are permitted to do and how operations should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters which shall be used for connection of the various entities are also typically defined. One example of a telecommunications system is the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Other examples of telecommunications systems are Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced and the so- called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP).BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Example implementations of the present disclosure are directed to telecommunications and, in particular, to paging adaptation for network energy savings. The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0007] Some example implementations provide an apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of paging occasions is indicated by a time location relative to a first monitoring occasion for a reference paging occasion; and monitor the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0008] Some example implementations provide a method comprising: receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the atleast one first monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of paging occasions is indicated by a time location relative to a first monitoring occasion for a reference paging occasion; and monitoring the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0009] Some example implementations provide an apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: configure a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of paging occasions is indicated by a time location relative to a first monitoring occasion for a reference paging occasion; and send the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0010] Some example implementations provide a method comprising: configuring to a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of paging occasions is indicated by a time location relative to a first monitoring occasion for a reference paging occasion; and sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0011] Some example implementations provide an apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations withinthe paging frame; and monitor the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0012] Some example implementations provide a method comprising: receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and monitoring the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0013] Some example implementations provide an apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: configure a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and send the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0014] Some example implementations provide a method comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number ofpaging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0015] Some example implementations provide an apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI) within a paging frame, the configuration including at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and monitor a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0016] Some example implementations provide a method comprising: receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI) within a paging frame, the configuration including at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and monitoring a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0017] Some example implementations provide an apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: configure a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI) within a paging frame, the configuration including at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and send the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0018] Some example implementations provide a method comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI) within a paging frame, the configuration including at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as asubset of all time locations within the paging frame; and sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific example implementation described herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example implementations are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described example implementations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE(S)

[0021] Having thus described example implementations of the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a telecommunications system that includes one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) coupled to one or more external data networks, according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a 5G NR deployment of a PLMN, according to some example implementations;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a paging cycle including paging frames of paging occasions for paging user equipments (UEs);

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a legacy paging frame interval, and an extended paging frame interval for a paging adaptation enhancement;

[0026] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are signaling charts of one or more procedures, according to various example implementations;

[0027] FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are flowcharts illustrating various steps in methods according to various example implementations; and

[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates an apparatus according to some example implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0030] Unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature else may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like.

[0031] As used herein, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, the “or” of a set of operands is the “inclusive or” and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the “exclusive or” which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, “[A] or [B]” is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more,” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, the terms “data,” “content,” “digital content,” “information,” and similarterms may be at times used interchangeably. The term “network” may refer to a group of interconnected computers including clients and servers; and within a network, these computers may be interconnected directly or indirectly by various means including via one or more switches, routers, gateways, access points or the like.

[0032] The present disclosure discusses systems and architectures that, while specific terms may be used, are broadly applicable across various technologies. For instance, while the present disclosure may reference technologies from 3 GPP such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, 5GNR, 5G Advanced, and 6G, the present disclosure is equally relevant to non-3GPP technologies like IEEE 802, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth Low Energy. Example implementations of the present disclosure described herein also mention public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and mobile network operators (MNOs), but example implementations are similarly applicable to standalone non-public networks (SNPNs) and the private entities operating these networks. Furthermore, although some examples and figures focus on radio access networks (RANs) and 3GPP access, example implementations are applicable to any type of network access. This includes not only 5G or 6G 3GPP access but also non-3GPP access, such as wireline access, untrusted non-3GPP access, and trusted non-3GPP access using wireless access gateway function (W-AGF), non- 3GPP interworking function (N3IWF), or trusted non-3GPP gateway function (TNGF) to connect to a 5G or 6G core network.

[0033] Further, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); or (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0034] The above definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitryalso covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a telecommunications system 100 according to various example implementations of the present disclosure. The telecommunications system generally includes one or more telecommunications networks. As shown, for example, the system includes one or more PLMNs 102 coupled to one or more other external data networks 104 - notably including a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. As will be appreciated, a PLMN may be deployed in a number of different manners. Some deployments of 4G LTE and 5G NR in particular are considered standalone (SA) deployments. Other deployments combine 4G LTE and 5 G technologies, and are referred to as non-standalone (NSA) deployments.

[0036] Each of the PLMNs 102 includes a core network (CN) 106 backbone, such as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) of 4G LTE, and the 5G core network (5GC) (at times referred to as the NGC) of 5G NR; and each of the core networks and the Internet are coupled to one or more RANs 108, air interfaces or the like that implement one or more radio access technologies (RATs). Examples of these RANs include the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) of 4G LTE, and the next generation (NG) radio access network (NG-RAN) of 5G NR. As used herein, a “network device” refers to any suitable device at a network side of a telecommunications network. Examples of suitable network devices are described in greater detail below.

[0037] Examples of RATs include 3 GPP radio access technologies such as GSM, CDMA2000 IxEV-DO (HRPD), CDMA2000 lx (IxRTT), UTRA, E-UTRA, 5G NR, 5G Advanced, and 6G. Other examples of RATs include IEEE 802 technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.15 (including 802.15.1 (WPAN / Bluetooth), 802.15.4 (Zigbee) and 802.15.6 (WBAN)), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ultra wideband (UWB), and the like. Generally, a RAT may refer to any 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G or higher generation RAT and their different versions, as well as to any other RAT that may be arranged to interwork with such a mobile communication technology to provide access to the CN 106 of a MNO.

[0038] The telecommunications system 100 also includes one or more radio units that may be varyingly known as user equipment (UE) 110, terminal device, terminal equipment, mobile station or the like. The UE is generally a device configured to communicate with a network device or a further UE in a telecommunications network. The UE may be a portable computer (e.g., laptop, notebook, tablet computer), mobile phone (e.g., cell phone, smartphone), wearable computer (e.g., smartwatch), or the like. In other examples, the UE may be an Internet of things (loT) device, an industrial loT (IIoT device), a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-to- everything (V2X) communication technology, or the like. In some examples, as referenced by 3 GPP, the UE may be a narrowband loT (NB-IoT) device, an enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) device, a reduced capability (RedCap) device, an ambient loT device, or the like.

[0039] In operation, these UEs 110 may connect to one or more of the RANs 108 according to their particular RATs to thereby access a particular CN 106 of a PLMN 102, or to access one or more of the external data networks 104 (e.g., the Internet). The external data network may provide Internet access, operator services, 3rd party services, etc. For example, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has classified 5G mobile network services into three categories: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type communications (mMTC) or massive internet of things (MIoT).

[0040] In various examples, a RAN 108 may be configured as one or more macrocells, microcells, picocells, femtocells or the like. The RAN may generally include one or more radio access nodes that interact with UEs 110. In various examples, a radio access node may be referred to as a base station (BS), access point (AP), base transceiver station (BTS), Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), macro BS, NB (MNB) or eNB (MeNB), home BS, NB (HNB) or eNB (HeNB), next generation NB (gNB), enhanced gNB (en-gNB), next generation eNB (ng- eNB), or the like. The term ‘gNB’ in 5G NR may correspond to the eNB in 4G LTE. Also, a NG-RAN node may refer to a gNB or a ng-eNB.

[0041] The RAN 108 may include some type of network controlling / governing entity responsible for control of the radio access nodes. The network controlling / governing entity and radio access node may be separate or integrated into a single apparatus. The network controlling / governing entity may include processing circuity configured to carry out variousmanagement functions, etc. The processing circuity may be associated with a memory, computer-readable storage medium or database for maintaining information required in the management functions.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a 5G NR deployment 200, referred to at times as the 5G system (5GS). As shown, the NG-RAN 202 includes one or more gNBs 204 configured to connect one or more UEs 110 to the NG-RAN to thereby access the 5GC 206. In some deployments, operations of a gNB or other a radio access node may be distributed or functionally split into components including one or more remote radio head (RRHs) or radio units (RUs), and a baseband unit (BBU); and in some architectures, the BBU may be split into a central / centralized unit (CU) 208 (central node) and a distributed unit (DU) 210 (distributed node). The CU may be, for example, a server, host or node. In some architectures, the RRH / RU and DU may be collocated. It is also possible that node operations may be distributed among a plurality of servers, hosts or nodes.

[0043] It should also be understood that the distribution of work between core network operations and radio access node operations may vary depending on implementation. A 5G network architecture may be based on a so-called CU-DU split. One gNB-CU (a CU 208) may control one or more gNB-DUs (DUs 210). The gNB-CU may control a plurality of spatially separated gNB-DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some example implementations, however, the gNB-DUs may include, for example, a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the gNB-CU may include the layers above the RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC), and an internet protocol (IP) layer. Other functional splits are also possible. It is considered that skilled person is familiar with the OSI model and the functionalities within each layer.

[0044] In some example implementations, the server or CU 208 may generate a virtual network through which the server communicates with the radio node. In general, virtual networking may involve a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Such virtual network may provide flexible distribution of operations between the server and the radio head / node. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in eitherthe CU or the DU 210, and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may be selected according to implementation.

[0045] As specified by 3 GPP, the RRC layer of the 5G radio protocol stack is responsible for various control functions such as synchronization, connection establishment and its management, facilitating security and reliable messaging, radio resource management, signaling handling, dedicated and broadcast network configuration management, mobility procedures paging notification.

[0046] The operation of the RRC is guided by a state machine which defines certain specific states that a UE 110 may be present in. The different states in the RRC state machine have different amounts of radio resources associated with them and these are the resources that the UE may use when the UE is present in each state. Since different amounts of resources are available at different states, the quality of the service that the user experiences and the energy consumption of the UE are influenced by this state machine. Relative to previous generations, 5G NR supplemented RRC idle (RRC IDLE) and RRC connected (RRC CONNECTED) states by an RRC inactive (RRC IN ACTIVE) state, which offers light connectivity with major power saving methods integrated into the state.

[0047] The RRC inactive state, introduced in 5G NR, is designed to address challenges of signaling overhead and latency that occur when the UE 110 transitions from the RRC idle state to the RRC connected state. The RRC inactive state provides a balance by allowing the UE to maintain similar power-saving as when the UE is in the RRC idle state, while still being prepared for prompt reconnection. In the RRC inactive state, the UE remains in a connection management (CM) connected state. In the CM connected state, the UE retains its access stratum (AS) context, which includes parameters and configurations that were established during the RRC connected state, for promptly resuming an RRC connection with minimal latency.

[0048] AUE 110 in the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state may periodically monitor for paging from the network during a corresponding paging occasion (PO) in a paging frame (PF) per paging cycle (a type of discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle). As shown in FIG. 3, a paging cycle may include uniformly time-distributed PFs occurring with a 10 to 160 millisecond (ms) periodicity. A PF may be associated with one or more (e.g., one, two, four) POs, and a PO may include a set of consecutive physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)monitoring occasions for monitoring a PDCCH carrying a paging indication, such as paging downlink control information (DCI). And each PDCCH monitoring occasion may include multiple slots each of which includes multiple symbols (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols).

[0049] The UE 110 may monitor the PDCCH on which the network may send paging DCI or other paging indication (e.g., in case of pending downlink data). In some examples, the paging DCI may be a DCI format 1 0 with cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled by a paging radio network temporary identifier (paging-RNTI). The paging DCI may include scheduling information for a paging message, such as time and frequency resources, and a modulation and coding scheme, to be used for transmitting the paging message on the PDSCH. In some examples, however, the paging DCI may more simply carry a “short message” that may indicate, for example, system information change, earthquake and tsunami warning (ETWS), or the like. In other examples, the paging DCI may include both the scheduling information and the “short message”.

[0050] Paging enables the network to reach the UE 110, such as to indicate that the network has pending data for the UE or that system information has changed or to indicate ETWS. The periodic monitoring for paging may benefit the UE battery life because the UE avoids continuous monitoring, but at the cost of increased packet latency since the UE can only be reached once per paging cycle (e.g., every one second).

[0051] The current paging design may cause distribution of the POs of different UEs 110 in the time domain. The scheme was designed this way to distribute resource load over time and ensure sufficient resource capacity for paging signaling and the related random access (RA) procedure, which is started by a UE in response to the paging. The current paging design therefore limits the radio access node (e.g., gNB 204) sleeping opportunities. Even at low paging load, the UEs may be paged in widely separated time occasions because the occasions are determined randomly based on the UE identifiers (IDs).

[0052] An area of focus in networks, such as 5G networks, is network energy savings (NES), such as at the RAN 108 (e.g., NG-RAN 202) which consumes a significant amount of the total energy consumption in the PLMN 102. Current efforts aim to identify adaptation techniques of transmissions and / or receptions in time, frequency, spatial, and power domains, with potential support / feedback from the UE 110, potential UE assistance information, andinformation exchange / coordination over network interfaces. A more recent work item on NES relates to adaptation of POs including confining the POs in the time domain. The adaptation of POs targets a reduction in the number of distributed paging transmissions by clustering the POs of different UEs 110 closely together in time. This enables longer cell sleeping opportunities and potentially allows the network to allocate less distributed RA occasions for the UE responses. Furthermore, it allows concentration of reference signal transmissions near the clustered paging for the UE to be ready to receive the paging.

[0053] The paging adaptation scheme may be implemented by extending the paging frame interval so that the paging frames are more interspaced as compared to the legacy interval. This is shown in FIG. 4, which illustrates the paging frame interval, and an extended paging frame interval for the paging adaptation enhancement. Each paging frame may in the extended paging frame interval, however, may contain more POs compared to the legacy paging to maintain the same paging capacity. For example, if the paging frame interval is doubled from 16 radio frames to 32 radio frames, the number of POs per paging frame is also doubled (for example from 4 to 8).

[0054] The clustering of POs does not impact the paging latency because only the POs within the paging cycle are changed for the Release 19 UEs 110 and not the cycle itself. This is why legacy UEs can continue to operate according to the legacy paging scheme and, thus, avoid backwards compatibility issues and “Release 19 UE-only” cells.

[0055] AUE 110 may be provided with a PDCCH configuration for a bandwidth part (BWP) by an information element (IE) (PDCCH-Config) is used to configure UE-specific PDCCH parameters or multicast-broadcast services (MBS) multicast PDCCH parameters. The PDCCH configuration may include one or more PDCCH parameters for monitoring paging DCI, such as a parameter (firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO) that indicates the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO of the PF. Another parameter (nAndPagingFrameOffset) may be used to derive the number of total paging frames in a paging cycle T, and a paging frame offset used for paging frame determination. And yet another parameter (ns) indicates the number of POs per PF.

[0056] The PDCCH monitoring occasions for paging may be determined according to the search space for paging (pagingSearchSpace), the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO of the PF (firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO), and number of PDCCH monitoringoccasions corresponding to an synchronization signal block (SSB) within a PO (nrofPDCCH- MonitoringOccasionPerSSB-InPO), if configured. The PDCCH monitoring occasions for paging which do not overlap with uplink (UL) symbols may be sequentially numbered from zero starting from the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for paging in the PF. When the parameter firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO is present, the starting PDCCH monitoring occasion number of the (i s + l)th PO may be the (i s + 1 )th value of the parameter; otherwise, the starting PDCCH monitoring occasion number may be equal to i s * S*X. In the preceding, S represents the number of transmitted SSBs, and X is the value of nrofPDCCH- MonitoringOccasionPerSSB-InPO (if configured), or 1 if not configured.

[0057] The parameter firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO may be signaled in system information block 1 (SIB1) for paging in the BWP configured by an initial downlink (DL) BWP configuration for a serving cell (initialDownlinkBWP). For paging in a DL BWP other than the configured BWP, the parameter may be signaled in the corresponding BWP configuration.

[0058] It has been agreed to design paging adaptation in which the PF interval is extended relative to the legacy maximum value. The current maximum PF interval is 16 radio frames = 160 ms, whereby one PF is present every 16 radio frames in the paging cycle T. If this maximum value is increased, a smaller number of total PFs in the paging cycle may result. The UEs 110 that may be paged may in turn be clustered in those fewer and more infrequent PFs. In order to keep the same paging capacity within the paging cycle, however, the maximum number of POs for a PF will also likely increase compared to the current value (i.e., Ns, the number of POs for a PF, which currently can be set to up to 4 POs per PF). The current agreement is for Ns = 8 (although larger values may be considered), with a goal of minimizing signaling overhead.

[0059] As indicated above, the PDCCH parameter that indicates the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO of the PF (firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO) is part of the PDCCH configuration (PDCCH-Config for paging, and (if present) the parameter signaled on a per PO basis. In existing specification, the parameter firstPDCCH- MonitoringOccasionOfPO gives the relative position of the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO of the PF, relative to the PF and the relative position is provided in symbols. The parameter firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO is currently able to point to any symbolbetween the current PF and the next PF. The number of bits to convey this parameter depends on the subcarrier spacing (SCS) used in the corresponding BWP (initial BWP or dedicated BWP). For example, for the 15 kHz SCS, the range of this parameter value is 0-139, which requires 8 bits; and the number of required bits increases with increasing SCS and increasing paging frame interval. For example, for a paging frame interval equal to 2 radio frames and 15 kHz SCS the symbol range is 0-279 (i.e. double of the range for the case of a 1 radio frame paging frame interval). If the current design is reused, when increasing the number of POs per PF to a number greater than four POs, the payload of the PDCCH-Config would then increase to accommodate for the provisioning of firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO for the additional POs. For example, if the number of POs doubles (say eight POs instead of four POs per PF), the payload to convey that parameter will also double.

[0060] In view of the foregoing, example implementations of the present disclosure provide a solution to reduce the signaling size associated to the paging adaptation, and specifically associated with provisioning of the firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO parameter, minimizing limitation imposed to the network flexibility.

[0061] The solution of example implementations provides new signaling that the network (e.g., serving gNB 204 / cell) may use to convey the firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO parameter to UEs 110, when the number of POs per PF is greater than four, such as eight POs or more per PF. The solution of some examples also provides one or more procedures in which the signaling may be used at the UE to determine where to locate the first PDCCH monitoring occasion (MO) for its PO. Example implementations of the present disclosure are primarily described in which up to eight POs per PF are defined, but the number of POs may in various examples be fewer than four POs, or up to a number larger than eight POs.

[0062] As described below, the solution of example implementations may be applicable to monitoring a PDCCH or other physical control channel for a paging DCI. This may involve at least one first PDCCH monitoring occasion or other first monitoring occasion for each PO of a number of POs for a PF, and the first monitoring occasion(s) may be indicated by time location(s) in the PF or radio frame. As described with respect to more particular examples, the physical control channel may be a PDCCH, and the first monitoring occasion may be a first PDCCH monitoring occasion. And in various examples, the time location(s) may be symbols or slots within the PF.

[0063] According to some example implementations, relative signaling may be used to indicate the time location (e.g., symbol) of the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for a PO relative to a first PDCCH monitoring occasion for a reference PO. In some of these examples, a UE 110 may be configured for monitoring a PDCCH for a paging DCI, such as by a configuration (e.g., PDCCH configuration) associated with monitoring of the PDCCH (received from / sent by the serving gNB 204 / cell). In this regard, the configuration may determine or define the monitoring of the PDCCH. The configuration may indicate at least one first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO of a number of POs for a PF, and the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of POs may be indicated by a time location relative to a first PDCCH monitoring occasion for a reference PO. This time location may at times be referred to as a relative time location. And in some examples, the network may (explicitly) indicate that relative signaling is used, such as when the Release 19 paging adaptation enhancement described above is activated.

[0064] In some of these examples, the UE 110 may receive a PDCCH configuration (P DC CH -Config) that includes information for the UE to derive or otherwise determine the value of the parameter firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO for a PO associated with the UE (determined based on the UE’s ID) relative to the value of the same parameter for a reference PO. In this regard, the time location of the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for a PO may be given by a time offset to the time location of the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for a reference PO. In some examples, the (relative) time location (e.g., time offset) of the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for the PO may be predefined or configured (e.g., in terms of symbols), such as by specification. In some other examples, the configuration may not include a relative time location (e.g., time offset) for one or more POs of the number of POs, and the absence of the time location may be interpreted by the UE to apply a default relative time location, which may be predefined or configured.

[0065] In some of these examples, backward compatibility may be maintained by using the relative signaling for new POs with indices that exceed the current maximum of four POs per PF (i.e., POs > 5); and for POs with indices that do not exceed the current maximum (i.e., POs 1-4), the current signaling may be used. More particularly, the configuration may indicate the first PDCCH monitoring occasion(s) for fifth or later POs by a time location relative to the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for the reference PO. And the configuration may indicatethe first PDCCH monitoring occasion(s) for POs that precede the fifth PO (i.e., the first through fourth POs) by a time location from a beginning of the PF. In other examples, the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for the fifth PO may be indicated by current signaling, with the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for the later POs indicated relative to the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for the fifth PO.

[0066] In some examples, the reference PO is a previous PO (e.g., an immediately preceding PO) relative to the PO for which the first PDCCH monitoring occasion is determined. For a PO_n, for example, the reference PO may be PO_n-l. In this regard, the time location for PO_5 may be given by a time offset relative to PO_4, the time location for PO_6 may be given by a time offset relative to PO_5, and so on. In some other examples, the reference PO may be fixed (e.g., PO_4). For example, the time location for PO_5, PO_6, PO_7, PO_8, etc. may be given by respective time offsets relative to PO_4 (the time location of which may be indicated by a time location from the beginning of the PF). In another example, the time location for PO_6, PO_7, PO_8, etc. may be given by respective time offsets relative to PO_5 (the time location of which may be indicated by a time location from the beginning of the PF). In these and other similar examples, the PO used as the reference PO may be configured or predefined (e.g., by specification).

[0067] In some examples in which relative signaling is used, the PDCCH configuration (PDCCH-Config) may include a parameter (ns) that indicates the number of POs per PF by a value from the set {four, two, one}. The PDCCH configuration may also include a similar parameter (e.g., ns-r!9) that indicates the number of POs per PF for a Release 19 UE 110, and this parameter may indicate the number of POs by a value from the set {eight, four, two one}. Similarly, the PDCCH configuration may include parameter firstPDCCH- MonitoringOccasionOfPO that indicates the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO, and a similar parameter (e.g,firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO-rl9) for a Release 19 UE.

[0068] In one example, the parameter firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO-rl9 may be chosen based on the SCS used in the corresponding BWP, and take the value of a time offset for a sequence of POs from the current maximum of four to the increased maximum (e.g., eight), and the value may be an integer (0 ... N) to indicate a time offset of up to a maximum N symbols (e.g., 28 symbols) from a reference PO (e.g., a previous PO). In another example,the parameter may take the value of an integer (0 ... 139) from the beginning of the PF for the fifth PO (or any other integer corresponding to the paging frame interval); and for later POs, the parameter may take the value of an integer (0 ... N) that indicates a time offset of up to a maximum N symbols from a reference PO (e.g., a previous PO).

[0069] According to some example implementations, a reduced signaling granularity may be used to indicate the time location (e.g., symbol, slot) of the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for a PO. Similar to above, the UE 110 may be configured for monitoring a PDCCH for a paging DCI, such as by a configuration (e.g., PDCCH configuration) associated with monitoring of the PDCCH (received from the serving gNB 204 / cell). In this regard, the configuration may determine or define the monitoring of the PDCCH. The configuration may indicate at least one first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO of a number of POs for a PF, and the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO may be indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame. In these example implementations, the first PDCCH monitoring occasion(s) for at least one of the number of POs may be based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame, which may be configured or predefined (e.g., by specification). In some examples, the applicable time locations may be configured by the PDCCH configuration (PDCCH-Config). And in some examples, the network may (explicitly) indicate that reduced signaling granularity is used, such as when the Release 19 paging adaptation enhancement described above is activated.

[0070] In the current signaling, the network may indicate any symbol in a paging (radio) frame to be the first PDCCH monitoring occasion. For the 15 kHz SCS and paging frame interval of 1 radio frame, for example, the value of the parameter firstPDCCH- MonitoringOccasionOfPO is an integer (0 ... 139) which may point to any of 140 symbols present in a PF. According to some example implementations, the granularity of the parameter may be reduced for each PO of a number of POs for a PF (e.g., POs > 5). Less than all of the symbols within the PF may therefore be applicable for monitoring the PDCCH. More specifically, for example, the network may be able to point to only every second or third symbol in a slot.

[0071] In some of these examples, the applicable time locations (e.g., symbols) for at least one of the number of POs may be indicated by a factor (at times referred to as a masking factor) that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with themonitoring of the physical control channel. For example, a masking factor may indicate applicable or inapplicable symbols in a slot that may convey the paging DCI, out of all of the symbols in the slot. Therefore, an applicable symbol is a symbol where the paging DCI may be transmitted by the network, while an inapplicable symbol is a symbol where the paging DCI will not be transmitted by the network.

[0072] In some examples, the masking factor may indicate a regular pattern of applicable / inapplicable slots that may be indicated. In this regard, a masking factor may indicate one symbol every second symbol or third symbol in a slot. In a slot of 14 symbols, for example, a masking factor may indicate symbols 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 are applicable / inapplicable. In another example, a masking factor may indicate two symbols every seven symbols in a slot (e.g., symbols 1, 2, 7 and 8). In some examples, the masking factor may be configured or predefined (e.g., by specification). And in some of these examples, multiple masking factors may be predefined, and an index for an applicable masking factor may be configured.

[0073] In some examples, signaling granularity may be reduced by using a time location in the PDCCH configuration (PDCCH-Config) that points to a slot of the PF. In this regard, for at least one of the number of POs, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame may be indicated by a slot, and the applicable time locations may be symbols within the slot. The first PDCCH monitoring occasion for a PO may then be determined based on the slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot. In some of these examples, the symbol(s) may be configured or predefined (e.g., by specification). In a more particular example, the PDCCH configuration may include an indication of both the slot and symbol(s) within the slot. In another example, the PDCCH configuration may include an indication of the slot, and the symbol(s) may be configured of predefined elsewhere.

[0074] In yet another example, for at least one of the number of PFs, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame may be indicated by an index that maps to a slot and the symbol(s) among the symbols within the slot. One example of a suitable mapping that may be used is as follows:In some of these examples, the mapping may be configured or predefined (e.g., by specification).

[0075] In some examples, backward compatibility may be maintained by using reduced signaling granularity for new POs with indices that exceed the current maximum of four POs per PF (i.e., POs > 5); and for POs with indices that do not exceed the current maximum (i.e., POs 1-4), the current signaling may be used. More particularly, the first PDCCH monitoring occasion(s) for only fifth or later POs for the PF may be based on the applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame. The first PDCCH monitoring occasion(s) for POs that precede the fifth PO (i.e., the first through fourth POs) may be based on applicable time locations from all time locations within the paging frame.

[0076] According to some example implementations, signaling of the timing location of the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO may include at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the PF. In some of these examples, the UE 110 may be configured for monitoring a PDCCH for a paging DCI, such as by a configuration (e.g., PDCCH configuration) associated with monitoring of the PDCCH (received from the serving gNB 204 / cell). And the configuration may include the parameter(s) that indicate applicable time(s) locations as a subset of all time locations within the PF. In some more particular examples, the applicable time location(s) may be indicated by symbol(s) per slot, and the symbol(s) may be a subset of all symbols within the slot. On example of a suitable parameter is Nsym that may indicate a value less than the number of symbols within a slot (Nsym < 14, e.g., Nsym = 4).

[0077] As indicated above, in the current signaling, the network may indicate any symbol in a paging (radio) frame to be the first PDCCH monitoring occasion. For the 15 kHz SCS, forexample, the value of the parameter firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO is an integer (0 ... 139) which may point to any of 140 symbols present in a PF (when the paging frame interval is 1 radio frame). According to some example implementations, the first Nsym symbols in a slot may be indicated to be applicable for the first PDCCH monitoring occasion. The value of the parameter firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO may therefore point only to any of the first Nsym symbols in the paging (radio) frame (rather than all symbols). For the 15KHz SCS, this may use 10 x Nsym bits (e.g., 10 x 4 = 40 bits), rather than 140 bits (10 x 14 = 140 bits) as in the current design.

[0078] In some of these examples, the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for a PO may also be determined based on a (masking) factor that indicates applicable or inapplicable time location(s) associated with monitoring the PDCCH, such as in a manner the same as or similar to that described above.

[0079] According to some other example implementations, for new POs with indices that exceed the current maximum of four POs per PF (i.e., POs > 5), values of the parameter firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO for the current POs (i.e., POs 1-4) may be reused. In this regard, the network may signal a 4-bit bitmap for each additional PO, which indicates whether the PO should reuse the value of the parameter firstPDCCH- MonitoringOccasionOfPO PO_1, 2, 3, or 4. So the UE will apply the same firstPDCCH- MonitoringOccasionOfPO parameter value of PO_1, 2, 3, or 4 if the bit 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the bitmap is set to 1, respectively. And in some examples, a (pre-defined) offset may be applied on top to the reused parameter values.

[0080] According to yet other example implementations, configuration information may define which configuration value each PO maps to, such as by using a table or a bitmap. For example, PO_1, 2, 5 may have the same configuration value X, PO_3, 4, 6 may have the same configuration value Y, and PO_7, 8 have the same have configuration value Z.

[0081] To further illustrate some example implementations, FIG. 5 is a signaling chart 500 of one or more procedures, according to some example implementations. As shown at step 501, a UE 110 in RRC idle, RRC inactive or RRC connected may receive a broadcast message from a serving gNB 204 / cell. The broadcast message may include a PDCCH configuration (PDCCH-Config that indicates a first PDCCH monitoring occasion for at least one PO_n(e.g., n > 5) by a time location (e.g., time offset) relative to a first PDCCH monitoring occasion (firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO) for a reference PO associated with PO_n.

[0082] The UE 110 associated with PO_n may at step 502 determine the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n based on at least the time location (e.g., time offset) and the first PDCCH monitoring occasion (firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO) for the reference PO the reference PO. The UE may at step 503A monitor PO_n starting at the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n.

[0083] The serving gNB 204 / cell may at step 503B trigger a paging or short message for PO_n. Similar to the UE 110, the serving gNB / cell may determine the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n, which is a PO_n-specific first PDCCH monitoring occasion. The serving gNB / cell may prepare a paging DCI for transmission at a PDCCH monitoring occasion of PO_n based on the PO_n-specific first PDCCH monitoring occasion. The serving gNB / cell may then at step 504 transmit or otherwise send the paging DCI to the UE. Legacy paging between the UE and the serving gNB / cell may then at step 505 proceed according to legacy signaling.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a signaling chart 600 of one or more procedures, according to some other example implementations. As shown at step 601, a UE 110 in RRC idle, RRC inactive or RRC connected may receive a broadcast message from a serving gNB 204 / cell. The broadcast message may include a PDCCH configuration (PDCCH-Config that indicates a first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each PO in a PF by a time location from the beginning of the PF. The PDCCH configuration also includes a masking factor that indicates applicable / inapplicable symbol(s) for PDCCH monitoring, and on which the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for at least one PO_n (e.g., n > 5) depends.

[0085] The UE 110 associated with PO_n may at step 602 determine the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n based on the time location indicated for PO, as well as the masking factor. The UE may at step 603 A monitor PO_n starting at the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n.

[0086] The serving gNB 204 / cell may at step 603B trigger a paging or short message for PO_n. Similar to the UE 110, the serving gNB / cell may determine the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n, which is a PO_n-specific first PDCCH monitoring occasion. The serving gNB / cell may prepare a paging DCI for transmission at a PDCCH monitoringoccasion of PO_n based on the PO_n-specific first PDCCH monitoring occasion. The serving gNB / cell may then at step 604 transmit or otherwise send the paging DCI to the UE. Legacy paging between the UE and the serving gNB / cell may then at step 605 proceed according to legacy signaling.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a signaling chart 700 of one or more procedures, according to yet other example implementations. As shown at step 701, a UE 110 in RRC idle, RRC inactive or RRC connected may receive a broadcast message from a serving gNB 204 / cell. The broadcast message may include a PDCCH configuration (PDCCH-Config) that indicates a first PDCCH monitoring occasion (firstPDCCH-MonitoringOccasionOfPO) for each PO in a PF. The PDCCH configuration also includes a parameter N sym that indicates a number of symbols per slot applicable for PDCCH monitoring, and on which the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for each depends.

[0088] The UE 110 associated with PO_n may at step 702 determine the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n based on the first PDCCH monitoring occasion firstPDCCH- MonitoringOccasionOfPO) for PO_n and the parameter N sym. The UE may at step 703A monitor PO_n starting at the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n.

[0089] The serving gNB 204 / cell may at step 703B trigger a paging or short message for PO_n. Similar to the UE 110, the serving gNB / cell may determine the first PDCCH monitoring occasion for PO_n, which is a PO_n-specific first PDCCH monitoring occasion. The serving gNB / cell may prepare a paging DCI for transmission at a PDCCH monitoring occasion of PO_n based on the PO_n-specific first PDCCH monitoring occasion. The serving gNB / cell may then at step 704 transmit or otherwise send the paging DCI to the UE. Legacy paging between the UE and the serving gNB / cell may then at step 705 proceed according to legacy signaling.

[0090] FIGS. 8 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 800, according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), as shown at block 802. The configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame. And the at least one first monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of paging occasions is indicated by a time location relative to a first monitoring occasion for a reference pagingoccasion. The method also includes monitoring the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI, as shown at block 804.

[0091] In some examples, a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0092] In some examples, the method 800 further includes determining the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration.

[0093] In some examples, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the time location that indicates the at least one first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion relative to the first monitoring occasion for the reference paging occasion.

[0094] In some examples, the reference paging occasion is a previous paging occasion relative to the paging occasion for which the first monitoring occasion is determined.

[0095] In some examples, at least one of the reference paging occasion or the time location is configured or predefined.

[0096] In some examples, the at least one of the number of paging occasions is a fifth or later paging occasion for the paging frame, and In some of these examples, the configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion less than the fifth paging occasion by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 900 according to various example implementations. The method includes sending, to configuring a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), as shown at block 902. The configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame. And the at least one first monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of paging occasions is indicated by a time location relative to a first monitoring occasion for a reference paging occasion. The method also includes sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration, as shown at block 904.

[0098] In some examples, a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0099] In some examples, the method 900 further includes determining a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration. In some of these examples, the paging DCI is sent to the UE at block 904 on the physical control channel based on the configuration and the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE.

[0100] In some examples, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the time location that indicates the at least one first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion relative to the first monitoring occasion for the reference paging occasion.

[0101] In some examples, the reference paging occasion is a previous paging occasion relative to the paging occasion for which the first monitoring occasion is determined.

[0102] In some examples, at least one of the reference paging occasion or the time location is configured or predefined.

[0103] In some examples, the at least one of the number of paging occasions is a fifth or later paging occasion for the paging frame, and In some of these examples, the configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion less than the fifth paging occasion by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame.

[0104] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 1000, according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), as shown at block 1002. The configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame. And the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame. The method also includes monitoring the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI, as shown at block 1004.

[0105] In some examples, a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0106] In some examples, the method 1000 further includes determining the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration and, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the applicable time locations.

[0107] In some examples, the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are predefined or configured.

[0108] In some examples, the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are configured by the configuration associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0109] In some examples, the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0110] In some examples, the factor is predefined or configured.

[0111] In some examples, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by a slot, and the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are symbols within the slot.

[0112] In some examples, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

[0113] In some examples, the at least one symbol is predefined or configured.

[0114] In some examples, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by the slot and the at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

[0115] In some examples, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by an index that maps to a slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

[0116] In some examples, the at least one of the number of paging occasions include only a fifth or later paging occasion of the number of paging occasions for the paging frame.

[0117] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 1100 according to various example implementations. The method includes sending, to configuring a user equipment (UE)with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), as shown at block 1102. The configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame. And the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame. The method also includes sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration, as shown at block 1104.

[0118] In some examples, the method 1100 further includes determining a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration, and for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the applicable time locations as the subset of all time locations within the paging frame. In some of these examples, the paging DCI is sent to the UE at block 1104 on the physical control channel based on the configuration and the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE.

[0119] In some examples, a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0120] In some examples, the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are predefined or configured.

[0121] In some examples, the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are configured by the configuration associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0122] In some examples, the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0123] In some examples, the factor is predefined or configured.

[0124] In some examples, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by a slot, and the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by symbols within the slot.

[0125] In some examples, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

[0126] In some examples, the at least one symbol is predefined or configured.

[0127] In some examples, the at least one of the number of paging occasions include only fifth or later paging occasion of the number of paging occasions.

[0128] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 1200, according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI) within a paging frame, as shown at block 1202. The configuration includes at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame. The method also includes monitoring a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI, as shown at block 1204.

[0129] In some examples, the one or more applicable time locations are indicated by one or more symbols per slot, and the one or more symbols are a subset of all symbols within the slot.

[0130] In some examples, a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0131] In some examples, the configuration further indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for the paging frame, and the at least one first monitoring occasion is indicated by at least one time location among the one or more applicable time locations indicated by the at least one parameter.

[0132] In some examples, the method 1200 further includes determining the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration,.

[0133] In some examples, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on at least one time location among the one or more applicable time locations.

[0134] In some examples, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined further based on a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0135] In some examples, the factor is predefined or configured.

[0136] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 1300 according to various example implementations. The method includes configuring a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI) within a paging frame, as shown at block 1302. The configuration includes at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame. The method also includes sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration, as shown at block 1304.

[0137] In some examples, the one or more applicable time locations are indicated by one or more symbols per slot, and the one or more symbols are a subset of all symbols within the slot.

[0138] In some examples, the method 1300 further includes determining a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration. In some of these examples, the paging DCI is sent to the UE at block 1304 on the physical control channel based on the configuration and the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE.

[0139] In some examples, a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0140] In some examples, the configuration further indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for the paging frame, and the at least one first monitoring occasion is indicated by at least one time location among the one or more applicable time locations indicated by the at least one parameter.

[0141] In some examples, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the at least one time location among the one or more applicable time locations.

[0142] In some examples, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined further based on a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0143] In some examples, the factor is predefined or configured.

[0144] According to example implementations of the present disclosure, a telecommunications system 100 or PLMN 102, and its components such as a UE 110, CN 106, RAN 108, NG-RAN 202, gNB 204, 5GC 206, CU 208 and / or DU 210, may be implemented by various means. Means for implementing the system and its components may include hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In some examples, one or more apparatuses may be configured to function as or otherwise implement the system and its components shown and described herein. In examples involving more than one apparatus, the respective apparatuses may be connected to or otherwise in communication with one another in a number of different manners, such as directly or indirectly via a wired or wireless network or the like.

[0145] According to some example implementations, at least some of the methods 800, 900 described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9 may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. Similarly, at least some of the methods 1000, 1100 described with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11 may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. Likewise, at least some of the methods 1200, 1300 described with respect to FIGS. 12 and 13 may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. Examples of a suitable apparatus may include a user equipment, user device, user terminal or the like. Other examples of a suitable apparatus may include a gNB (e.g., gNB-DU, gNB-CU), ng-eNB or any suitable apparatus, such as a server, host or node.

[0146] FIG. 14 illustrates an apparatus 1400 in which means for performing various functions includes hardware, alone or under direction of one or more computer programs from a computer-readable storage medium or other memory, such as computer memory, according to some example implementations of the present disclosure. Generally, an apparatus of example implementations of the present disclosure may comprise, include or be embodied in one or more fixed or portable electronic devices. Examples of suitable electronic devices include a wearable computer, mobile phone, portable computer, desktop computer, workstation computer, server (server computer) or the like. The apparatus may include one or more of each of a number of components such as, for example, processing circuitry 1402 connected to computer-readable storage medium or other memory 1404.

[0147] The processing circuitry 1402 may be composed of one or more processors alone or in combination with one or more computer-readable storage media. The processing circuitry is generally any piece of computer hardware that is capable of processing information such as, for example, data, computer programs and / or other suitable electronic information. The processing circuitry is composed of a collection of electronic circuits some of which may be packaged as an integrated circuit or multiple interconnected integrated circuits (an integrated circuit at times more commonly referred to as a “chip”). The processing circuitry may be configured to execute computer programs, which may be stored onboard the processing circuitry or otherwise stored in the memory 1404 (of the same or another apparatus).

[0148] The processing circuitry 1402 may be a number of processors, a multi-core processor or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation. Further, the processing circuitry may be implemented using a number of heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with one or more secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, the processing circuitry may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type. In yet another example, the processing circuitry may be embodied as or otherwise include one or more ASICs, FPGAs or the like. Thus, although the processing circuitry may be capable of executing a computer program to perform one or more functions, the processing circuitry of various examples may be capable of performing one or more functions without the aid of a computer program. In either instance, the processing circuitry may be appropriately programmed to perform functions or operations according to example implementations of the present disclosure.

[0149] The memory 1404 is generally any piece of computer hardware that is capable of storing information such as, for example, data, computer programs, instructions 1406 (e.g., computer-readable program code) and / or other suitable information either on a temporary basis and / or a permanent basis. The memory may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and may be fixed or removable. Examples of suitable memory include recording media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard drive, a flash memory, a thumb drive, a removable computer diskette, an optical disk or some combination thereof.

[0150] The memory 1404 is a non-transitory device capable of storing information. One example of a suitable memory is a computer-readable storage medium, which is distinguishable from a computer-readable transmission medium capable of carrying information from one location to another. Examples of suitable computer-readable transmission media comprise electronic carrier signals, telecommunications signals, or some combination thereof. As used herein, the term “non-transitory” is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM versus ROM). A computer-readable medium as described herein generally refers to a computer-readable storage medium or computer-readable transmission medium. A computer- readable medium is any entity or device capable in which information, such as one or more computer programs or portions thereof, may be stored and carried.

[0151] In addition to the memory 1404 (e.g., computer-readable storage medium), the processing circuitry 1402 may also be connected to one or more interfaces for displaying, transmitting and / or receiving information. The interfaces may include a communications interface 1408 and / or one or more user interfaces. The communications interface may be configured to transmit and / or receive information, such as to and / or from other apparatus(es), network(s) or the like. The communications interface may be configured to transmit and / or receive information by physical (wired) and / or wireless communications links. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include a network interface controller (NIC), wireless NIC (WNIC) or the like.

[0152] The user interfaces may include a display 1410 and / or one or more user input interfaces 1412. The display may be configured to present or otherwise display information to a user, suitable examples of which include a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) display, organic LED (OLED) display, active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) or the like. The user input interfaces may be wired or wireless, and may be configured to receive information from a user into the apparatus, such as for processing, storage and / or display. Suitable examples of user input interfaces include a microphone, image or video capture device, keyboard or keypad, joystick, touch-sensitive surface (separate from or integrated into a touchscreen), biometric sensor or the like. The user interfaces may further include one or more interfaces for communicating with peripherals such as printers, scanners or the like.

[0153] Execution of the instructions 1406 by the processing circuitry 1402, or storage of the instructions in the memory 1404, supports combinations of operations for implementing example implementations of the present disclosure. In this manner, an apparatus 1400 may comprise at least one processing circuitry and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processing circuitry, where the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute instructions stored in the at least one memory. It will also be understood that one or more functions, and combinations of functions, may be implemented by special purpose hardwarebased computer systems and / or processing circuitry which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and program code instructions.

[0154] Some example implementations of the present disclosure may also be carried out in the form of a computer process defined by one or more computer programs or portions thereof. Example implementations of the present disclosure may be carried out by executing at least one portion of a computer program comprising instructions. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form. The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable medium that is readable by a computer, processing circuitry or other suitable apparatus. As indicated above, for example, the computer program may be stored in a memory, such as a computer-readable storage medium.Additionally or alternatively, for example, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable transmission medium. The coding of software for carrying out example implementations of the present disclosure is well within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0155] As will be appreciated, any suitable instructions may be loaded onto a computer, a processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus from a memory or a computer-readable medium (e.g., computer-readable storage medium, computer-readable transmission medium) to produce a particular machine, such that the particular machine becomes a means for implementing the functions specified herein. The instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, a processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner to thereby generate a particular machine or particular article of manufacture. In some examples, the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium may produce an article of manufacture, where the article of manufacture becomes a means for implementing functions described herein. The instructionsmay be retrieved from a computer-readable medium and loaded into a computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to configure the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus to execute operations to be performed on or by the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus.

[0156] Retrieval, loading and execution of instructions comprising program code instructions may be performed sequentially such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded and executed at a time. In some example implementations, retrieval, loading and / or execution may be performed in parallel such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and / or executed together. Execution of the program code instructions may produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed by the computer, processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing functions described herein.

[0157] As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0158] Clause 1. A method comprising: receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of paging occasions is indicated by a time location relative to a first monitoring occasion for a reference paging occasion; and monitoring the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0159] Clause 2. The method of clause 1 , wherein a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0160] Clause 3. The method of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the method further comprises determining the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration.

[0161] Clause 4. The method of clause 3, wherein the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the time location that indicates the at least one first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion relative to the first monitoring occasion for the reference paging occasion.

[0162] Clause 5. The method of clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the reference paging occasion is a previous paging occasion relative to the paging occasion for which the first monitoring occasion is determined.

[0163] Clause 6. The method of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the reference paging occasion or the time location is configured or predefined.

[0164] Clause 7. The method of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the at least one of the number of paging occasions is a fifth or later paging occasion for the paging frame, and wherein the configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion less than the fifth paging occasion by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame.

[0165] Clause 8. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 1 to 7.

[0166] Clause 9. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 1 to 7.

[0167] Clause 10. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 1 to 7.

[0168] Clause 11. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 1 to 7.

[0169] Clause 12. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 1 to 7.

[0170] Clause 13. A method comprising: configuring to a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for at least one of the number of paging occasions isindicated by a time location relative to a first monitoring occasion for a reference paging occasion; and sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0171] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, wherein a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0172] Clause 15. The method of clause 13 or clause 14, wherein the method further comprises determining a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration, and wherein the paging DCI is sent to the UE on the physical control channel based on the configuration and the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE.

[0173] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, wherein the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the time location that indicates the at least one first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion relative to the first monitoring occasion for the reference paging occasion.

[0174] Clause 17. The method of clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the reference paging occasion is a previous paging occasion relative to the paging occasion for which the first monitoring occasion is determined.

[0175] Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 13 to 17, wherein at least one of the reference paging occasion or the time location is configured or predefined.

[0176] Clause 19. The method of any of clauses 13 to 18, wherein the at least one of the number of paging occasions is a fifth or later paging occasion for the paging frame, and wherein the configuration indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion less than the fifth paging occasion by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame.

[0177] Clause 20. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 13 to 19.

[0178] Clause 21. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 13 to 19.

[0179] Clause 22. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 13 to 19.

[0180] Clause 23. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 13 to 19.

[0181] Clause 24. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 13 to 19.

[0182] Clause 25. A method comprising: receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and monitoring the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0183] Clause 26. The method of clause 25, wherein a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0184] Clause 27. The method of clause 25 or clause 26, wherein the method further comprises determining the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration and, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the applicable time locations.

[0185] Clause 28. The method of any of clauses 25 to 27, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are predefined or configured.

[0186] Clause 29. The method of clause 28, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are configured by the configuration associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0187] Clause 30. The method of any of clauses 25 to 29, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0188] Clause 31. The method of clause 30, wherein the factor is predefined or configured.

[0189] Clause 32. The method of any of clauses 25 to 31, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by a slot, and the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are symbols within the slot.

[0190] Clause 33. The method of clause 32, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

[0191] Clause 34. The method of clause 33, wherein the at least one symbol is predefined or configured.

[0192] Clause 35. The method of clause 33 or clause 34, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by the slot and the at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

[0193] Clause 36. The method of any of clauses 25 to 35, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by an index that maps to a slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

[0194] Clause 37. The method of any of clauses 25 to 36, wherein the at least one of the number of paging occasions include only a fifth or later paging occasion of the number of paging occasions for the paging frame.

[0195] Clause 38. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 25 to 37.

[0196] Clause 39. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 25 to 37.

[0197] Clause 40. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 25 to 37.

[0198] Clause 41. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 25 to 37.

[0199] Clause 42. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 25 to 37.

[0200] Clause 43. A method comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0201] Clause 44. The method of clause 43, wherein the method further comprises determining a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration, and for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the applicable time locations as the subset of all time locations within the paging frame, and wherein the paging DCI is sent to the UE on the physical control channel based on the configuration and the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE.

[0202] Clause 45. The method of clause 44, wherein a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0203] Clause 46. The method of any of clauses 43 to 45, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are predefined or configured.

[0204] Clause 47. The method of clause 46, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are configured by the configuration associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0205] Clause 48. The method of any of clauses 43 to 47, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0206] Clause 49. The method of clause 48, wherein the factor is predefined or configured.

[0207] Clause 50. The method of any of clauses 43 to 49, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by a slot, and the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by symbols within the slot.

[0208] Clause 51. The method of clause 50, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

[0209] Clause 52. The method of clause 51, wherein the at least one symbol is predefined or configured.

[0210] Clause 53. The method of any of clauses 43 to 52, wherein the at least one of the number of paging occasions include only fifth or later paging occasion of the number of paging occasions.

[0211] Clause 54. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 43 to 53.

[0212] Clause 55. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 43 to 53.

[0213] Clause 56. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 43 to 53.

[0214] Clause 57. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 43 to 53.

[0215] Clause 58. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 43 to 53.

[0216] Clause 59. A method comprising: receiving a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI) within a paging frame, the configuration including at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and monitoring a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

[0217] Clause 60. The method of clause 59, wherein the one or more applicable time locations are indicated by one or more symbols per slot, and the one or more symbols are a subset of all symbols within the slot.

[0218] Clause 61. The method of clause 59 or clause 60, wherein a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0219] Clause 62. The method of any of clauses 59 to 61, wherein the configuration further indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for the paging frame, and the at least one first monitoring occasion is indicated by at least one time location among the one or more applicable time locations indicated by the at least one parameter.

[0220] Clause 63. The method of any of clauses 59 to 62, wherein the method further comprises determining the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration.

[0221] Clause 64. The method of clause 63, wherein the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on at least one time location among the one or more applicable time locations.

[0222] Clause 65. The method of clause 63 or clause 64, wherein the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined further based on a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0223] Clause 66. The method of clause 65, wherein the factor is predefined or configured.

[0224] Clause 67. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 59 to 66.

[0225] Clause 68. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 59 to 66.

[0226] Clause 69. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 59 to 66.

[0227] Clause 70. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 59 to 66.

[0228] Clause 71. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 59 to 66.

[0229] Clause 72. A method comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI) within a paging frame, the configuration including at least one parameter that indicates one or more applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and sending the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

[0230] Clause 73. The method of clause 72, wherein the one or more applicable time locations are indicated by one or more symbols per slot, and the one or more symbols are a subset of all symbols within the slot.

[0231] Clause 74. The method of clause 72 or clause 73, wherein the method further comprises: determining a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration, and wherein the paging DCI is sent to the UE on the physical control channel based on the configuration and the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE.

[0232] Clause 75. The method of clause 74, wherein a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

[0233] Clause 76. The method of clause 74 or clause 75, wherein the configuration further indicates at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for the paging frame, and the at least one first monitoring occasion is indicated by at least one time location among the one or more applicable time locations indicated by the at least one parameter.

[0234] Clause 77. The method of clause 76, wherein the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the at least one time location among the one or more applicable time locations.

[0235] Clause 78. The method of any of clauses 74 to 77, wherein the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined further based on a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

[0236] Clause 79. The method of clause 78, wherein the factor is predefined or configured.

[0237] Clause 80. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 72 to 79.

[0238] Clause 81. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 72 to 79.

[0239] Clause 82. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 72 to 79.

[0240] Clause 83. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 72 to 79.

[0241] Clause 84. A computer program comprising instructions that, in response to execution by at least one processing circuitry, causes an apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 72 to 79.

[0242] Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated figures. Therefore, itis to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated figures describe example implementations in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and monitor the at least one first monitoring occasion for one of the number of paging occasions associated with a user equipment (UE) based on the configuration, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion is monitored for the paging DCI.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further determine the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration and, for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the applicable time locations.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are predefined or configured.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are configured by the configuration associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

466. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the factor is predefined or configured.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by a slot, and the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are symbols within the slot.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one symbol is predefined or configured.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by the slot and the at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by an index that maps to a slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the number of paging occasions include only a fifth or later paging occasion of the number of paging occasions for the paging frame.4714. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least: configure a user equipment (UE) with a configuration associated with monitoring of a physical control channel for a paging downlink control information (DCI), the configuration indicating at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion of a number of paging occasions for a paging frame, wherein the at least one first monitoring occasion for each paging occasion is indicated by a time location from a beginning of the paging frame, and for at least one of the number of paging occasions, based on applicable time locations as a subset of all time locations within the paging frame; and send the paging DCI to the UE based on the configuration.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further determine a first monitoring occasion for a paging occasion associated with the UE based on the configuration, and for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the applicable time locations as the subset of all time locations within the paging frame, and wherein the paging DCI is sent to the UE on the physical control channel based on the configuration and the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a maximum number of the paging occasions for the paging frame is larger than four.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are predefined or configured.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are configured by the configuration associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by a factor that indicates one or more applicable or inapplicable time locations associated with the monitoring of the physical control channel.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the factor is predefined or configured.

21. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the time location from the beginning of the paging frame is indicated by a slot, and the applicable time locations for the at least one of the number of paging occasions are indicated by symbols within the slot.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein for the at least one of the number of paging occasions, the first monitoring occasion for the paging occasion associated with the UE is determined based on the slot and at least one symbol among the symbols within the slot.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one symbol is predefined or configured.

24. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one of the number of paging occasions include only fifth or later paging occasion of the number of paging occasions.

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