Intelligent distribution of measurement burden

Abstract

A method performed by a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes receiving at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies. The method includes receiving an indication from the network that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed based on one or more conditions. And the method includes performing the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including perform the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the network.

Description

INTELLIGENT DISTRIBUTION OF MEASUREMENT BURDEN TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications and, in particular, to user equipment (UE) measurement and reporting in a telecommunications system.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. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, forexample 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 (3GPP).BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Example implementations of the present disclosure are directed to telecommunications and, in particular, to user equipment (UE) measurement and reporting in a telecommunications system. The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0007] Some example implementations provide an apparatus to implement a user equipment (UE), the 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 at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; receive an indication from the network that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed based on one or more conditions; and perform the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including perform the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the network.

[0008] Some example implementations provide a method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving at least one measurementconfiguration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; receiving an indication from the network that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed based on one or more conditions; and performing the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including performing the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the network.

[0009] Some example implementations provide an apparatus to implement a radio access network (RAN) node, the 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 at least one measurement configuration to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; send an indication to the UE that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed or based on one or more conditions; and receive a measurement report from the UE that includes measurement results of the one or more measurements performed by the UE on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including the one or more measurements performed on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the RAN node.

[0010] Some example implementations provide a method performed by a radio access network (RAN) node, the method comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) with at least one measurement configuration to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; sending an indication to the UE that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed or based on one or more conditions; and receiving a measurement report from the UE that includes measurement results of the one or more measurements performed by the UE on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including the one or more measurementsperformed on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the RAN node.

[0011] Some example implementations provide an apparatus to implement a user equipment (UE), the 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 at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; make a determination that at least one condition of one or more conditions is fulfilled; and perform the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including perform the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by the determination that the at least one condition of the one or more conditions is fulfilled.

[0012] Some example implementations provide a method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; making a determination that at least one condition of one or more conditions is fulfilled; and performing the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including performing the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by the determination that the at least one condition of the one or more conditions is fulfilled.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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)

[0015] 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:

[0016] 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;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a deployment of a PLMN, according to some example implementations;

[0018] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate signaling charts of procedures according to some example implementations;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method performed by a user equipment (UE), according to various example implementations;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method performed by a radio access network (RAN) node, according to various example implementations

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method performed by a UE, according to various example implementations; and

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an apparatus according to some example implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not allimplementations 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 similar terms 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.

[0026] 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, 5GAdvanced, 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 3 GPP 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0029] 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 4GLTE and 5GNR in particular are considered standalone (SA) deployments. Other deployments combine 4G LTE and 5G technologies, and are referred to as non-standalone (NSA) deployments.

[0030] Each of the PLMNs 102 includes a core network (CN) 106 backbone, such as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) of 4G LTE, the 5G core network (5GC) (at times referred to as the NGC) of 5G NR, and the 6G core network (6GC) of 6G; 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, the next generation (NG) radio access network (NG-RAN) of 5G NR, and the 6G RAN. 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.

[0031] Examples of RATs include 3GPP radio access technologies such as GSM, CDMA2000 IxEV-DO (HRPD), CDMA2000 lx (IxRTT), UTRA, E-UTRA, 5GNR, 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.

[0032] 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 tocommunicate 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.

[0033] In operation, these UEs 110 may connect to one or more of theRANs 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).

[0034] 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 RAN nodes that interact with UEs 110. In various examples, a RAN 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), 6G NB (6gNB), 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. And unless otherwise specified, a gNB in 5G NR or a 6gNB in 6G may at times be more generally referred to as a (6)gNB or more simply a gNB.

[0035] The RAN 108 may include some type of network controlling / governing entity responsible for control of the RAN nodes. The network controlling / governing entity and RAN node may be separate or integrated into a single apparatus. The network controlling / governing entity may include processing circuity configured to carry out various management functions, etc. The processing circuity may be associated with amemory, computer-readable storage medium or database for maintaining information required in the management functions.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a deployment of a PLMN 102, such as a 5G NR deployment or a 6G deployment. As shown, the RAN 108 (e.g., NG-RAN, 6G RAN) includes one or more RAN nodes 202 configured to connect one or more UEs 110 to the RAN to thereby access the CN 106 (e.g., 5GC, 6GC). In various instances, a single UE, a dual-mode or multimode UE, may support carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC) or multiconnectivity (MC). In this regard, CA allows the UE to simultaneously connect to cells on multiple carriers, enabling the UE to reach higher throughputs, as well as fast-time-scale load-balancing across multiple carriers. AUE will generally have a primary cell, known as a PCell, which is typically the cell through which the UE first connects to the RAN. The RAN (typically via the PCell) may provide the UE additional configuration information to enable it to simultaneously connect to additional cells on carriers other than the PCell, which are known as the UE’s secondary cells or SCells.

[0037] The PCell radio access node may be referred to as a master node (MN), and the SCell radio access node may be referred to as a secondary node (SN). Relatedly, a master cell group (MCG) refers to a group of serving cells associated with the MN, and the MCG includes PCell. A secondary cell group (SCG) refers to a group of serving cells associated with the SN, and the SCG includes a primary cell referred to as the primary secondary cell (PSCell). A special cell (SpCell) refers to the PCell of the MCG or the PSCell of the SCG.

[0038] In some deployments, operations of a gNB or other a RAN node 202 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) 204 (central node) and a distributed unit (DU) 206 (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.

[0039] It should also be understood that the distribution of work between core network operations and RAN 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 CU204) may control one or more gNB-DUs (DUs 206). 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.

[0040] In some example implementations, the server or CU 204 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 either the CU or the DU 206, and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may be selected according to implementation.

[0041] In 3 GPP, a UE 110 may be configured to measure received signal level and quality on one or more carrier frequencies (at times more simply referred to as carriers), such as its serving cell and / or configured neighbor cells. These measurements may be according to any of a number of different measurement metrics, such as reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or the like. The UE may be configured to report the results to its serving RAN node 202 periodically and / or whenever a configured reporting event is met.

[0042] In 5G NR, the serving RAN node 202 may configure the UE with a measurement configuration using an information element (IE) (MeasConfig) in an RRC reconfiguration message. The measurement configuration may include one or more measurement objects (measObject), and each measurement object may specify a carrier and reference signal (RS) measurements to be performed by the UE on the carrier, such as synchronization signal (SS) block (SSB) and / or channel state information (CSI) reference signal (CSLRS) measurements. The measurements to be performed by the UEmay be on one or more intra-frequency, inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurement objects.

[0043] Depending on the UE measurement capability, the UE 110 may need measurement gaps for performing measurements on the configured carriers. For example, if the UE indicates that the UE needs measurement gaps to perform measurements on a configured inter- frequency carrier, the RAN 202 may allocate measurement gaps for the UE, before UE can perform the measurements. The UE may indicate its need for measurement gaps to the network in separate signaling. In 5G NR, the network may configure the UE with a suitable measurement gap configuration (measGapConfig).

[0044] Based on the measurement configuration, the UE 110 may perform measurements in order to fulfill UE measurement requirements. The UE minimum measurement requirements define the minimum UE measurement performance and currently follow a number of high-level basic rules. For intra-frequency measurements, UE measurements requirements may be strict (due to being for serving cell / layer). If the UE measures more than one layer, the measurement requirements may be scaled, but PCell measurements are guaranteed. For inter-frequency measurements, UE measurement requirements may be more relaxed than intra-frequency measurements; and if the UE is configured to measure more than one inter- frequency layer, the UE requirements may be relaxed.

[0045] The above-mentioned rules for UE measurement requirements and their relaxation may depend on the measurement configuration, and configuration of the reference signals (RS) to be measured. But in the simplest example, if for example the UE is configured with two inter- frequency layers, the UE measurement requirements may be relaxed with a factor two compared to if only one layer is to be measured.

[0046] Together with the measurement objects, a UE 110 may also be configured with reporting configurations which instruct the UE with rules such as when to send measurement reports to the network (RAN 108). When measurement reports are sent to the network, the measurement reports may include information such as cell identify and measurement results for a number of cells. In many cases, the configuration of an SCell is based on measurement reports received by the network from the UE. Once an SCell isconfigured, activation of the SCell may occur using a MAC control element (CE). This MAC CE may be used to activate one or more SCells according to a bitmap.

[0047] As suggested above, once the UE 110 has received a measurement configuration from the network that indicates configured carriers (measurement objects), the UE may start performing measurements according to the measurement configuration. Based on UE measurement requirements, the UE may perform the measurements on the configured carriers according to whether the carriers are intra- frequency (serving) carriers or inter-frequency or inter-RAT (non-serving) carriers. But within each ‘type’ of measurement (e.g., intra-frequency or inter-frequency) the UE measurement requirements scale depending on the number of carriers configured within each ’type’ of measurement.

[0048] Inter-frequency measurements, for example, may be configured in an agnostic manner based on network need for using one or more cells on the one or more carriers. The measurement results reported by the UE 110 may inform the network about which cells (on which carriers) are available (i.e., detected and measured by the UE). The UE reported measurement results may be used by the network for a number of different purposes. How the measurement results reported by the UE are used by the network may therefore be up to network implementation.

[0049] Some challenges have been identified in the current measurement framework in 3 GPP. For example, as described above, the more inter- frequency carriers the UE 110 is configured to measure, the longer time it may take before the UE may report measurement results from a configured carrier. Another example is that all carriers are treated equally, and the order in which each carrier is measured is up to UE implementation. Third, the network may only estimate on average and based on worst case assumption, concerning how long it may take the UE to respond with measurement results (reporting) from a configured carrier. The network therefore lacks visibility to the UE’s actual measurement performance and delay.

[0050] Another aspect which may cause challenges is that due to UE measurement delay, the network may have to configure a number of carriers in due time, i.e. earlier than needed, to ensure that the UE 110 has time to measure and report the result when needed by the network. This may lead to a certain number of redundant measurements and unnecessary measurements on UE-side (and related signaling). In the end,configuring the UE to perform more measurements than absolutely necessary may waste time and energy on UE-side, and may have negative impact on the scheduling, data throughput and overall system performance.

[0051] In view of the foregoing, example implementations of the present disclosure provide a solution with better network visibility, and therefore control, to the overall measurement performance and UE measurement delays. According to some example implementations, the network may indicate to the UE one or more carriers (measurement objects) which the UE is to measure (e.g., measure continuously), and / or one or more carriers which the UE is not required to measure (or measure continuously). The carrier(s) which the UE is not required to measure may instead be measured based on one or more conditions.

[0052] Once the UE 110 is configured with measurement object(s) for carrier(s) which are to be measured (e.g., measured continuously), the UE may initiate measurements and perform (e.g., continuously perform) the measurements on the measurement object(s) as configured. The UE may perform the measurements until the network reconfigures the UE not to measure the measurement object(s), such as by an indication that the measurement object is no longer to be measured.

[0053] For measurement object(s) for carrier(s) which the UE 110 is not required to measure (or measure continuously), the UE may start / stop measurements based on one or more conditions. The UE may perform an evaluation of the condition(s), and when a determination is made that at least one of the condition(s) is fulfilled, trigger measurements one the measurement object(s). These condition(s) may include an explicit indication from the network to start / stop measurements, which may be based on network decision. The UE may receive this explicit indication from the network (RAN node 202) in a number of different manners, such as by downlink control information (DCI), MAC control element (CE), RRC signaling message or the like. In some examples, the explicit indication may be expressed as a MAC CE bitmap in which each bit of the bitmap refers to a configured measurement object. In some examples, the explicit indication may be expressed as a SCell or PSCell configuration message, a SCell or SCG (PSCell) activation message, or the like.

[0054] In some examples, the condition(s) on which the UE 110 may start / stop measurements for those measurement object(s) for carrier(s) which the UE is not required to measure (or measure continuously) may include an implicit trigger based on one or more condition(s), which in some examples may be network configured. In some of these examples, the condition(s) may be based on buffer status report information (e.g., UE’s buffer status is above a configured or pre-defined threshold), or UE internal information (e.g., based on application information). In another example, the condition(s) may be based on UE measurement, such as the serving cell measurement becoming lower or better than a threshold.

[0055] In some examples, the network (e.g., RAN node 202) may indicate in the measurement configuration measurement object(s) for carrier(s) which the UE 110 is required to measure, and / or measurement object(s) for carrier(s) which the UE is not required to measure. The UE may therefore be directly or indirectly informed of the measurement object(s) the UE should start measurements from reception of the measurement configuration, and the measurement object(s) that the UE should not measure from reception of the measurement configuration. The measurements for the latter measurement object(s) may then be started / stopped based on one or more explicit or implicit conditions.

[0056] In some examples, the measurement configuration may configure all measurement objects by default as either to be measured or to not be measured. In some examples, this may also be specified in 3GPP specifications. The network may then only indicate the measurement object(s) that are different from the default (e.g., not performing measurements being the default, the network indicates objects which are to be measured).

[0057] In some examples in which the UE 110 is not required to measure all measurement objects for all configured carriers, the UE may measure one or more measurement object(s) based on one or more conditions internal to the UE, which in some examples may not be network defined. These condition(s) may at times be referred to as internal condition(s). In some of these examples, there may be no UE measurement requirements for the measurement object(s) for the carrier(s) that the UE is not required to measure, but instead measures based one internal condition(s). The UE may make adetermination that at least one of the internal condition(s) is fulfilled, and then perform measurement(s) on the carrier(s). In this regard, the measurement(s) on the carrier(s) may be triggered by the determination that the at least one of the internal condition(s) is fulfilled.

[0058] In some examples, the internal condition(s) may be similar to those described above. In a more particular example, the internal condition(s) may include a threshold amount of pending uplink data in one or more uplink buffers of the UE 110. In another example, the internal condition(s) may include a predicted increase in data transfer rate and / or throughput by at least one of CA, DC or MC, which may indicate a need for wideband communication. In another example, the internal condition(s) may include use of at least one of one or more applications on the UE.

[0059] In another example, the internal condition(s) may include prior use of the at least one carrier frequency, another at least one of the configured carrier frequency(ies), CA, DC or MC. In yet another example, the internal condition(s) may include at least one of the measurement(s) (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, and / or another measurement metric) performed on at least one of the configured carrier frequency(ies) is higher or lower than a threshold, which may be used for purposes such as load balancing (e.g., handover, CA, etc.). In some examples, then, the UE may perform and prepare measurements on carrier(s) early such that if / when a carrier is to be used (e.g., for CA), setup delay for use of the carrier may be reduced.

[0060] To further illustrate some example implementations, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate signaling charts 300, 400 of procedures according to some example implementations. As shown, the procedures involve a UE 110, a serving cell 320A, a second (neighbor) cell 320B and a third (neighbor) cell 320C. Also, the procedures are shown and described in the context of 5G NR, but it should be understood that the procedures may be equally applicable to other deployments of a PLMN 102, such as 6G.

[0061] In FIG. 3, as shown at step 301 of the signaling chart 300, the UE 110 may be in the RRC connected mode with the serving cell 320A. The network (serving cell) may at step 302 send the UE a measurement configuration to configure the UE to perform one or more measurements on one or more non-serving carriers. In this example, these carriers include first and second carriers configured by respective first and secondmeasurement objects (object 1 and object 2). The second cell 320B resides on the first carrier / measurement object, and the third cell 320C resides on the second carrier / measurement object.

[0062] The measurement configuration may also include an indication that indicates whether the UE 110 is to initiate measurement on a measurement object (carrier) immediately, or upon one or more conditions being fulfilled (not immediately). An indication to initiate measurement immediately may be understood by the UE to indicate measurements on the measurement object upon receipt of the measurement configuration (or otherwise upon receipt of the indication). In this example, the network may indicate to the UE to measure the first measurement object immediately, and to measure the second measurement object upon condition(s) being fulfilled (not immediately). The indication from the network may be expressed in a number of different manners, such as measure = true / false (indicating whether or not to measure immediately). In some examples, the indication may be across all of the measurement objects (carriers), or per measurement object or group of measurement objects.

[0063] Based on the configuration, as shown at 303, the UE 110 may initiate measurement on the first measurement object (carrier) once the configuration has been received and decoded by the UE. The UE may at step 304 measure the first measurement object (carrier) according to the defined measurement requirements, such as the defined measurement requirements for inter-frequency measurements. The UE may at step 305 continue measuring the first measurement object as long as the first measurement object is configured, and the measurement object is indicated to be measured.

[0064] As shown at 306, measurements on the second measurement object (carrier) may be triggered or initiated based on condition(s) being fulfilled, as the second measurement object is configured as not being required to be measured. As shown at 307, for example, the UE 110 may at step 308 receive an indication from the network (serving cell 320A) to trigger the start of measurements on the second measurement object (a start condition being fulfilled by receipt of the indication). The UE may receive this measurement start trigger indication from the network in a number of different manners, such as by a DCI, MAC CE (shown), RRC signaling message or the like. In some examples, the measurement start trigger indication may be expressed as a bitmap inwhich each bit of the bitmap refers to a configured measurement object. In some examples, the measurement start trigger indication may be expressed as a SCell or PSCell configuration message, a SCell or SCG (PSCell) activation message, or the like.

[0065] In some examples, the network may have determined which cells can be grouped for measurement activation. For instance, the network may have determined based on co-location or based on past measurements that of four cells, it may be sufficient to measure one of the first cell or the second cell, and one of the third cell or the fourth cell. That is, the first and second cells may belong to a group of first and second measurement objects, and the third and fourth cells may belong to a group of third and fourth measurement objects. For implicit measurement object activation triggered by an SCell or PCell activation message, then, a measurement object only needs to be activated if the activated cell does not already have an activated measurement object belonging to that group. In the example, an activation of the first, second and third cells may trigger measurement object activation of the second measurement object and a third measurement object.

[0066] In some examples, the UE 110 may not be expected to receive an explicit indication (e.g., measurement start trigger indication) from the network. The indication in the measurement configuration or in a separate RRC reconfiguration message may instead be an implicit indication to start measurements when other condition(s) are met. Examples of these condition(s) may include when the UE is not ‘at cell center,’ and / or the UE satisfies one or more Tow mobility or stationery’ criteria. In another example, the condition(s) may include a configured or pre-defined time passing since a last event-triggered measurement report is transmitted. In yet another example, the condition(s) may include when UE’s buffer status is above a configured or pre-defined threshold.

[0067] Inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements are normally gap-assisted measurements. In that case, in some examples, the measurement configuration for the second measurement object may also include measurement gaps for the measurements. The measurement gap may then be activated once the explicit measurement start trigger indication is received by the UE 110 from the network (serving cell 320A).

[0068] The UE 110 may at steps 309, 310 continue to measure the second measurement object (and also continue to measure the first measurement object) asindicated by the network. In some examples, the UE may continue to measure the second measurement object until the UE is explicitly indicated (by the network) that the UE is no longer required to measure the second measurement object (a stop condition being fulfilled by receipt of the indication). In some examples, the UE may continue to measure the second measurement object for a period of time after being indicated to measure the second measurement object, or until other condition(s) are met. Examples of these condition(s) may include the UE detecting a cell (third cell) on the measurement object, the UE detecting and measuring the third cell, or the UE reporting the third cell to the network. In some examples in which the UE starts measurements on the second measurement object when implicit condition(s) are met, the UE may stop the measurements when the implicit condition(s) are no longer met.

[0069] As shown at 311, the UE 110 may at step 312 receive an indication from the network (serving cell 320A) to trigger the UE to stop the measurements on the second measurement object (a stop condition being fulfilled by receipt of the indication). The UE may receive this measurement stop trigger indication from the network in a number of different manners, such as by a DCI, MAC CE (shown), RRC signaling message or the like. The UE may at step 313 continue measuring the first measurement object, but no longer measure the first measurement object.

[0070] In some examples in which the second measurement object is configured with measurement gaps, the gap (pattern) may be deactivated. The measurement gap may also considered canceled (not active) by the network (serving cell 320A), and the network may schedule the UE 110 accordingly. In some examples in which the second measurement object is stopped by explicit message from the network, the network may consider no scheduling gaps while the measurement object is stopped. If the measurement is expected to be stopped by UE based on configured condition(s), UE may notify the network when the condition(s) is fulfilled and the UE has stopped the second measurement object, such as using UE assistance information (UAI) about stop / start of measurements and the UE’s availability for scheduling.

[0071] Turning to FIG. 4, similar to before, as shown at step 401 of the signaling chart 400, the UE 110 may be in the RRC connected mode with the serving cell 320A.The network (serving cell) may at step 402 send the UE a measurement configuration toconfigure the UE to perform one or more measurements on one or more non-serving carriers. In this example, these carriers include first and second carriers configured by respective first and second measurement objects (object 1 and object 2). The second cell 320B resides on the first carrier / measurement object, and the third cell 320C resides on the second carrier / measurement object.

[0072] The measurement configuration may (but need not) include an indication that indicates the UE 110 is not required to immediately initiate measurement on a measurement object (carrier), and may instead initiate measurement upon at least one internal condition being fulfilled (not immediately). Similar to the earlier example in FIG.3, as shown, the network may indicate to the UE to measure the first measurement object immediately, and to measure the second measurement object upon internal condition(s) being fulfilled (not immediately).

[0073] Based on the configuration, as shown at 403, the UE 110 may initiate measurement on the first measurement object (carrier) once the configuration has been received and decoded by the UE. The UE may at step 404 measure the first measurement object (carrier) according to the defined measurement requirements, such as the defined measurement requirements for inter-frequency measurements. The UE may at step 405 continue measuring the first measurement object as long as the first measurement object is configured, and the measurement object is indicated to be measured.

[0074] As shown at 406, measurements on the second measurement object (carrier) may be triggered or initiated based on internal condition(s) being fulfilled, as the second measurement object is configured as not being required to be measured. The UE 110 may perform an evaluation of the internal condition(s); and as shown at 407, the UE may make a determination that at least one of the internal condition(s) is fulfilled based the evaluation. In particular, for example, the UE may make a determination that a start condition of the internal condition(s) is fulfilled, and the UE may at step 408 start to measure the second measurement object (carrier) based on the determination.

[0075] The UE 110 may at steps 409 continue to measure the second measurement object (and also continue to measure the first measurement object). In some examples, the UE may continue to measure the second measurement object for a period of time after the determination that the start condition is fulfilled, or until other internal condition(s)are met. As shown at step 410, the UE may make a determination that a stop condition of the internal condition(s) is fulfilled, which may trigger the UE to stop the measurements on the second measurement object. The UE may at step 411 continue measuring the first measurement object, but no longer measure the first measurement object.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 500 performed by a user equipment (UE), according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies, as shown at block 502. The method includes receiving at block 504 an indication from the network that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed based on one or more conditions. And the method includes performing the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including performing the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the network, as shown at block 506.

[0077] In some examples, the method 500 further includes reporting the one or more measurements to the network.

[0078] In some examples, the indication from the network is received at block 504 in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0079] In some examples, the one or more conditions include at least one explicit indication from the network to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

[0080] In some examples, the at least one explicit indication from the network includes at least one of a downlink control information (DCI), a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), a short radio resource control (RRC) signaling message, a configuration of a secondary cell or a secondary cell group, or an activation command for a secondary cell or a secondary cell group.

[0081] In some examples, the one or more conditions include at least one implicit indication to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

[0082] In some examples, the method 500 further includes receiving a configuration of the implicit indication from the network.

[0083] In some examples, the at least one implicit indication is based on an evaluation of at least one of buffer status report information for the UE, information internal to the UE, or at least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies.

[0084] In some examples, the indication from the network indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed. In some of these examples, the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed based on the one or more conditions.

[0085] In some examples, the indication from the network indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed based on the one or more conditions, In some of these examples, the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed independent of the one or more conditions.

[0086] In some examples, the one or more conditions include at least one start condition. In some of these examples, performing the one or more measurements at block 506 further includes starting the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one start condition is fulfilled.

[0087] In some examples, the one or more conditions further include at least one stop condition. In some of these examples, performing the one or more measurements at block 506 further includes stopping the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one stop condition is fulfilled.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 600 performed by a radio access network (RAN) node. The method includes configuring a user equipment (UE) with at least one measurement configuration to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies, as shown at block 602. The method includes sending an indication to the UE that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed or based on one or more conditions, as shown at block 604. And the methodincludes receiving a measurement report from the UE that includes measurement results of the one or more measurements performed by the UE on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including the one or more measurements performed on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the RAN node, as shown at block 606.

[0089] In some examples, the indication is sent at block 604 to the UE in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0090] In some examples, the one or more conditions include at least one explicit indication from the RAN node to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

[0091] In some examples, the at least one explicit indication from the RAN node includes at least one of a downlink control information (DCI), a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), a short radio resource control (RRC) signaling message, a configuration of a secondary cell or a secondary cell group, or an activation command for a secondary cell or a secondary cell group.

[0092] In some examples, the one or more conditions include at least one implicit indication to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

[0093] In some examples, the method 600 further includes configuring the UE with the implicit indication.

[0094] In some examples, the at least one implicit indication is based on an evaluation of at least one of buffer status report information for the UE, information internal to the UE, or at least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies.

[0095] In some examples, the indication from the RAN node indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed based on the one or more conditions. In some of these examples, the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed independent of the one or more conditions.

[0096] In some examples, the one or more conditions include at least one start condition. In some of these examples, starting the one or more measurements on the atleast one carrier frequency is triggered by a determination that the at least one start condition is fulfilled.

[0097] In some examples, the one or more conditions further include at least one stop condition. In some of these examples, stopping the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency is triggered by a determination that the at least one stop condition is fulfilled.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating various steps in a method 700 performed by a user equipment (UE), according to various example implementations. The method includes receiving at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies, as shown at block 702. The method includes making a determination that at least one condition of one or more conditions is fulfilled, as shown at block 704. And the method includes performing the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including performing the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by the determination that the at least one condition of the one or more conditions is fulfilled, as shown at block 706.

[0099] In some examples, the method 700 further includes receiving an indication from the network that indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed based on the one or more conditions.

[0100] In some examples, the indication from the network is received in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0101] In some examples, the method 700 further includes reporting the one or more measurements to the network.

[0102] In some examples, the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed independent of the one or more conditions.

[0103] In some examples, the determination that the at least one condition is fulfilled is made based on an evaluation of at least one of buffer status report information for the UE, information internal to the UE, or at least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies.

[0104] In some examples, the one or more conditions include a threshold amount of pending uplink data in one or more uplink buffers of the UE.

[0105] In some examples, the one or more conditions include a predicted increase in at least one of data transfer rate or throughput by at least one of carrier aggregation, dual connectivity or multi-connectivity.

[0106] In some examples, the one or more conditions include use of at least one of one or more applications on the UE.

[0107] In some examples, the one or more conditions include prior use of the at least one carrier frequency, another at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity or multi-connectivity.

[0108] In some examples, the one or more conditions include at least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies is higher or lower than a threshold.

[0109] In some examples, the one or more conditions include at least one start condition. In some of these examples, performing the one or more measurements block 706 further includes starting the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one start condition is fulfilled.

[0110] In some examples, the one or more conditions further include at least one stop condition. In some of these examples, performing the one or more measurements block 706 further includes stopping the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one stop condition is fulfilled.

[0111] 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, RAN node 202, CU 204 and / or DU 206, 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.

[0112] According to some example implementations, at least some of the method 500 described with respect to FIG. 5 may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. Similarly, at least some of the method 600 described with respect to FIG. 6 may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for performing functions corresponding steps of the method. And at least some of the method 700 described with respect to FIG. 7 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 RAN node (e.g., gNB, gNB-DU, gNB-CU), ng-eNB or any suitable apparatus, such as a server, host or node.

[0113] FIG. 8 illustrates an apparatus 800 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. The apparatus may include one or more of each of a number of components such as, for example, processing circuitry 802 connected to computer-readable storage medium or other memory 804.

[0114] The processing circuitry 802 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 804 (of the same or another apparatus).

[0115] The processing circuitry 802 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 secondaryprocessors 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.

[0116] The memory 804 is generally any piece of computer hardware that is capable of storing information such as, for example, data, computer programs, instructions 806 (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 nonvolatile 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.

[0117] The memory 804 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.

[0118] In addition to the memory 804 (e.g., computer-readable storage medium), the processing circuitry 802 may also be connected to one or more interfaces for displaying,transmitting and / or receiving information. The interfaces may include a communications interface 808 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.

[0119] Execution of the instructions 806 by the processing circuitry 802, or storage of the instructions in the memory 804, supports combinations of operations for implementing example implementations of the present disclosure. In this manner, an apparatus 800 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 hardware-based computer systems and / or processing circuitry which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and program code instructions.

[0120] 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.

[0121] As will be appreciated, any suitable instructions may be loaded onto a computer, a processing circuitry or other programmable apparatus from a memory or acomputer-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 instructions may 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0124] Clause 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; receiving an indication from the network that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed based on one or more conditions; and performing the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least onemeasurement configuration, including performing the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the network.

[0125] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the method further comprises reporting the one or more measurements to the network.

[0126] Clause 3. The method of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the indication from the network is received in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0127] Clause 4. The method of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one explicit indication from the network to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

[0128] Clause 5. The method of clause 4, wherein the at least one explicit indication from the network includes at least one of a downlink control information (DCI); a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); a short radio resource control (RRC) signaling message; a configuration of a secondary cell or a secondary cell group; or an activation command for a secondary cell or a secondary cell group.

[0129] Clause 6. The method of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one implicit indication to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

[0130] Clause 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the method further comprises receiving a configuration of the implicit indication from the network.

[0131] Clause 8. The method of clause 6 or clause 7, wherein the at least one implicit indication is based on an evaluation of at least one of buffer status report information for the UE; information internal to the UE; or at least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies.

[0132] Clause 9. The method of any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the indication from the network indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed, and the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed based on the one or more conditions.

[0133] Clause 10. The method of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the indication from the network indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed based on the one or more conditions, and the one or moremeasurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed independent of the one or more conditions.

[0134] Clause 11. The method of any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one start condition, and performing the one or more measurements further includes starting the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one start condition is fulfilled.

[0135] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the one or more conditions further include at least one stop condition, and performing the one or more measurements further includes stopping the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one stop condition is fulfilled.

[0136] Clause 13. 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 12.

[0137] Clause 14. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 1 to 12.

[0138] Clause 15. 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 12.

[0139] Clause 16. 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 12.

[0140] Clause 17. 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 12.

[0141] Clause 18. A method performed by a radio access network (RAN) node, the method comprising: configuring a user equipment (UE) with at least one measurement configuration to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; sending an indication to the UE that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed,or performed or based on one or more conditions; and receiving a measurement report from the UE that includes measurement results of the one or more measurements performed by the UE on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including the one or more measurements performed on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the RAN node.

[0142] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, wherein the indication is sent to the UE in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0143] Clause 20. The method of clause 18 or clause 19, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one explicit indication from the RAN node to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

[0144] Clause 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the at least one explicit indication from the RAN node includes at least one of a downlink control information (DCI); a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); a short radio resource control (RRC) signaling message; a configuration of a secondary cell or a secondary cell group; or an activation command for a secondary cell or a secondary cell group.

[0145] Clause 22. The method of any of clauses 18 to 21, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one implicit indication to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

[0146] Clause 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the method further comprises configuring the UE with the implicit indication.

[0147] Clause 24. The method of clause 22 or clause 23, wherein the at least one implicit indication is based on an evaluation of at least one of buffer status report information for the UE; information internal to the UE; or at least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies.

[0148] Clause 25. The method of any of clauses 18 to 24, wherein the indication from the RAN node indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed based on the one or more conditions, and the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed independent of the one or more conditions.

[0149] Clause 26. The method of any of clauses 18 to 25, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one start condition, and starting the one or more measurementson the at least one carrier frequency is triggered by a determination that the at least one start condition is fulfilled.

[0150] Clause 27. The method of clause 26, wherein the one or more conditions further include at least one stop condition, and stopping the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency is triggered by a determination that the at least one stop condition is fulfilled.

[0151] Clause 28. 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 18 to 27.

[0152] Clause 29. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 18 to 27.

[0153] Clause 30. 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 18 to 27.

[0154] Clause 31. 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 18 to 27.

[0155] Clause 32. 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 18 to 27.

[0156] Clause 33. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies; making a determination that at least one condition of one or more conditions is fulfilled; and performing the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including performing the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by the determination that the at least one condition of the one or more conditions is fulfilled.

[0157] Clause 34. The method of clause 33, wherein the method further comprises receiving an indication from the network that indicates the one or more measurements onthe at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed based on the one or more conditions.

[0158] Clause 35. The method of clause 34, wherein the indication from the network is received in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0159] Clause 36. The method of any of clauses 33 to 35, wherein the method further comprises reporting the one or more measurements to the network.

[0160] Clause 37. The method of any of clauses 33 to 36, wherein the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed independent of the one or more conditions.

[0161] Clause 38. The method of any of clauses 33 to 37, wherein the determination that the at least one condition is fulfilled is made based on an evaluation of at least one of: buffer status report information for the UE; information internal to the UE; or at least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies.

[0162] Clause 39. The method of any of clauses 33 to 38, wherein the one or more conditions include a threshold amount of pending uplink data in one or more uplink buffers of the UE.

[0163] Clause 40. The method of any of clauses 33 to 39, wherein the one or more conditions include a predicted increase in at least one of data transfer rate or throughput by at least one of carrier aggregation, dual connectivity or multi-connectivity.

[0164] Clause 41. The method of any of clauses 33 to 40, wherein the one or more conditions include use of at least one of one or more applications on the UE.

[0165] Clause 42. The method of any of clauses 33 to 41, wherein the one or more conditions include prior use of the at least one carrier frequency, another at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity or multiconnectivity.

[0166] Clause 43. The method of any of clauses 33 to 42, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies is higher or lower than a threshold.

[0167] Clause 44. The method of any of clauses 33 to 43, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one start condition, and performing the one or moremeasurements further includes starting the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one start condition is fulfilled.

[0168] Clause 45. The method of clause 44, wherein the one or more conditions further include at least one stop condition, and performing the one or more measurements further includes stopping the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one stop condition is fulfilled.

[0169] Clause 46. 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 33 to 45.

[0170] Clause 47. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 33 to 45.

[0171] Clause 48. 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 33 to 45.

[0172] Clause 49. 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 33 to 45.

[0173] Clause 50. 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 33 to 45.

[0174] 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, it is 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 byalternative 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 to implement a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising:at least one memory configured to store instructions; andat least one processing circuitry configured to access the at least one memory, and execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to at least:receive at least one measurement configuration from a network to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies;receive an indication from the network that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed based on one or more conditions; andperform the one or more measurements on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including perform the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the network.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further report the one or more measurements to the network.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the indication from the network is received in the at least one measurement configuration.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one explicit indication from the network to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one explicit indication from the network includes at least one of:a downlink control information (DCI);a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE);-37-a short radio resource control (RRC) signaling message;a configuration of a secondary cell or a secondary cell group; oran activation command for a secondary cell or a secondary cell group.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one implicit indication to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further receive a configuration of the implicit indication from the network.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one implicit indication is based on an evaluation of at least one of:buffer status report information for the UE;information internal to the UE; orat least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the indication from the network indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed, and the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed based on the one or more conditions.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the indication from the network indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed based on the one or more conditions, and the one or more measurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed independent of the one or more conditions.-38-11. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one start condition, and the apparatus caused to perform the one or more measurements further includes the apparatus caused to start the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one start condition is fulfilled.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more conditions further include at least one stop condition, and the apparatus caused to perform the one or more measurements further includes the apparatus caused to stop the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency triggered by a determination that the at least one stop condition is fulfilled.

13. An apparatus to implement a radio access network (RAN) node, the apparatus comprising:at least one memory configured to store instructions; andat 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 at least one measurement configuration to perform one or more measurements on one or more carrier frequencies;send an indication to the UE that indicates whether the one or more measurements on at least one carrier frequency of the one or more carrier frequencies are to be performed, or performed or based on one or more conditions; andreceive a measurement report from the UE that includes measurement results of the one or more measurements performed by the UE on the one or more carrier frequencies based on the at least one measurement configuration, including the one or more measurements performed on the at least one carrier frequency further based on the indication from the RAN node.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the indication is sent to the UE in the at least one measurement configuration.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one explicit indication from the RAN node to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one explicit indication from the RAN node includes at least one of:a downlink control information (DCI);a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE);a short radio resource control (RRC) signaling message;a configuration of a secondary cell or a secondary cell group; oran activation command for a secondary cell or a secondary cell group.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one implicit indication to trigger the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency to start or stop.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one processing circuitry is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to further configure the UE with the implicit indication.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the at least one implicit indication is based on an evaluation of at least one of:buffer status report information for the UE;information internal to the UE; orat least one of the one or more measurements performed on at least one of the one or more carrier frequencies.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the indication from the RAN node indicates the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency are to be performed based on the one or more conditions, and the one or moremeasurements on any of the one or more carrier frequencies other than the at least one carrier frequency are performed independent of the one or more conditions.

21. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one start condition, and starting the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency is triggered by a determination that the at least one start condition is fulfilled.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the one or more conditions further include at least one stop condition, and stopping the one or more measurements on the at least one carrier frequency is triggered by a determination that the at least one stop condition is fulfilled.

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