On-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) based measurements in 6g

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus are disclosed. A method in a network node configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE) is described. The method includes receiving a first configuration comprising one or both of one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies, and a measurement pattern indicating an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions, and performing one or more actions based on the first configuration. (FIG. 9)

Description

[0001] ON-DEMAND SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL BLOCK (SSB) BASED MEASUREMENTS IN 6G

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to measurements based on on-demand synchronization signal blocks in sixth generation wireless communication systems.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for Fourth Generation (4G) (also referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and Fifth Generation (5G) (also referred to as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Such systems provide, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes, such as base stations, and mobile user equipments (UE), as well as communication between network nodes and between UEs. The 3GPP is also developing standards for Sixth Generation (6G) wireless communication networks.

[0006] 3GPP Release 19 Work Item on Enhancements of network energy savings for NR

[0007] The 3GPP Release 19 Work Item entitled “Enhancements of network energy savings for NR” includes the following objective related to on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) transmission:

[0008] 1. Specify procedures and signaling method(s) to support on-demand SSB SCell operation for UEs in connected mode configured with CA, for both intra- / inter-band CA. [RAN1 / 2 / 3 / 4]

[0009] * Specify triggering method(s) (select from UE uplink wake-up-signal using an existing signal / channel, cell on / off indication via backhaul, Scell activation / deactivation signaling)

[0010] * Notel: On-demand SSB transmission can be used by UE for at least SCell time / frequency synchronization, L1 / L3 measurements and SCell activation, and is supported for FR1 and FR2 in non-shared spectrum. Intra-frequency and Inter-frequency measurement

[0011] The UE may be able to identify new intra-frequency cells and perform SS Reference Signal Receive Power (SS-RSRP), SS Reference Signal Receive Quality (SS-RSRQ), and SS Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SS-SINR) measurements of identified intra-frequency cells if carrier frequency information is provided by PrimaryCell (PCell) or the Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell), even if no explicit neighbor list with physical layer cell identities is provided.

[0012] Intra-frequency measurement requirement is defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.133 V18.7.0 as follows. A measurement is defined as a SSB based intra-frequency measurement provided the center frequency of the SSB of the serving cell indicated for measurement and the center frequency of the SSB of the neighbor cell are the same, and the subcarrier spacing of the two SSBs are also the same.

[0013] In Frequency Range 1 (FR1), for each intra-frequency layer, during each layer 1 measurement period, the UE may be capable of performing SS-RSRP, SS-RSRQ, and SS-SINR measurements for at least:

[0014] 8 identified cells, and

[0015] 14 SSBs with different SSB index and / or Physical Cell ID (PCI) on the intra-frequency layer, where the number of SSBs in the serving cell (except for the Secondary Cell (SCell)) is not smaller than the number of configured RLM-RS SSB resources.

[0016] In Frequency Range 2 (FR2), for one single intra-frequency layer in a band, during each layer 1 measurement period, the UE may be capable of performing SS-RSRP, SS-RSRQ, and SS-SINR measurements for at least:

[0017] 6 identified cells, and

[0018] 24 SSBs with different SSB index and / or PCI,

[0019] where this single intra-frequency layer may be:

[0020] Primary Component Carrier (PCC) when UE is configured with SA NR operation mode with PCC in the band; or

[0021] Primary Secondary Component Carrier (PSCC) when UE is configured with E-UTRA - NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) with PSCC in the band; or

[0022] PSCC when UE is configured with NR-DC with PSCC in the band; or One of the Secondary Component Carriers (SCCs) on which UE is configured to report SSB based measurements when neither PCC nor PSCC is in the same band, so that the selected SCC may be an SCC where the UE is configured with SS-RSRP measurement reporting if such SCC exists, otherwise the selected SCC is determined by UE implementation.

[0023] The UE may also be capable of performing SS-RSRP, SS-RSRQ, and SS-SINR measurements for at least 2 SSBs on serving cell for each of the other intra-frequency layer(s) in the same band.The UE may be able to identify a new detectable intra-frequency cell within Tidentify intra without index if the UE is not indicated to report SSB based Radio resource Management (RRM) measurement result with the associated SSB mAQii.(reportQuantityRsIndexes or maxNrofRSIndexesToReport is not configured), or the UE is indicated that the neighbor cell is synchronous with the serving cell deriveSSB-IndexFromCell is enabled). Otherwise, UE may be able to identify a new detectable intra frequency cell within Tidentify intra with index. The UE may be able to identify a new detectable intra frequency SS block of an already detected cell within Tidentify intra without index. It may be assumed that deriveSSB-IndexFromCell is always enabled for FR1 TDD and FR2 with SCS smaller or equal to 480 kHz.

[0024] Tidentify intra without index (TpSS / SSS sync intra + T SSB_measurement_period_intra) mS Tidentify intra with index (TpSS / SSS sync intra " I" T SSB measurementjperiod intra " I"

[0025] TSSB time index intra) IT1S

[0026] Table 1: Time period for PSS / SSS detection, (Frequency range FR1) DRX cycle TpsS / SSS_sync_intra

[0027] No DRX max( 600ms, ceil( 5 x Kp) x SMTC period )Note 1X CSSFintra

[0028] DRX cycle< 320ms max( 600ms, ceil(M2Note5 x KP) x max(SMTC period, DRX cycle)) x CSSFintra

[0029] DRX cycle>320ms ceil(5 x KP) x DRX cycle x CSSFintra

[0030] NOTE 1: If different SMTC periodicities are configured for different cells, the SMTC period in the requirement is the one used by the cell being identified NOTE 2: When highSpeedMeasFlag-r 16 is not configured, M2 = 1.5;

[0031] When highSpeedMeasFlag-r 16 is configured, M2 = 1.5 if SMTC periodicity > 40 ms;, otherwise M2=l.

[0032] NOTE 3: When highSpeedMeasFlag-r 16 is configured, the requirements apply only to UE supporting either measurementEnhancement-r 16 or intraNR- MeasurementEnhancement-rl6 on measurements of the primary component carrier and do not apply to measurements of a secondary component carrier with active SCell.

[0033] NOTE 4: When highSpeedMeasCA-Scell-r 17 is configured and UE supports measurementEnhancementCA-rl7, M2 = 1.5 if SMTC periodicity > 40 ms; otherwise M2=l.

[0034]

[0035] Table 2: Time period for PSS / SSS detection, (Frequency range FR2) DRX cycle TpsS / SSS_sync_intra

[0036] No DRX Hiax(600mS, Ceil(]VIpss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps X KFR X Kp X Klayerl measurement) X SMTC penod)Note 1X CSSFintra

[0037] DRX cycle< 320ms max(600ms, ceil(l.5 x M^pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps X KFR X Kp X

[0038] Klayerl measurement) X IIiax(SMTC pSflod, DRX cycle)) X CSSFintra

[0039] DRX cycle>320ms Ceil(M^pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps X KFR X Kp X Klayerl measurement) X DRX Cycle X CSSFintra NOTE 1: If different SMTC periodicities are configured for different cells, the SMTC period in the requirement is the one used by the cell being identified NOTE 2: KFR is a scaling factor depending on the frequency range and the SSB SCS. For FR2-1, KFR = 1. For FR2-2: KFR = 1 if the SCS of the SSB of the cell being detected is 120 kHz, KFR = 2 if the SCS of the SSB of the cell being detected is 480 kHz, and KFR = 3 if the SCS of the SSB of the cell being detected is 960 kHz.

[0040]

[0041] Table 3: Measurement period for intra-frequency measurements without gaps (FR1)

[0042] DRX cycle T SSB_measurement_period_intra

[0043] No DRX max(200ms, ceil( 5 x KP) x SMTC penod)Note 1x CSSFintra

[0044] DRX cycle< 320ms max(200ms, ceil(1.5x 5 x KP) x max(SMTC period, DRX cycle)) x CSSFintra

[0045] DRX cycle>320ms ceil( 5 x Kj, ) x DRX cycle x CSSFintra

[0046] NOTE 1: If different SMTC periodicities are configured for different cells, the SMTC period in the requirement is the one used by the cell being identified

[0047]

[0048] Table 4: Measurement period for intra-frequency measurements without gapsDRX cycle T SSB_measurement_period_intra

[0049] No DRX max(400niS, Ceil(M^measjperiod_w / o_gaps X Kp X Klayerl measurement) X SMTC psnod)^0*'61X CSSFintra

[0050] DRX cycle< 320ms max(400ms, ceil(1.5x Mmieas_period_w / o_gaps X Kp X Klayerl measurement) X max(SMTC period, DRX cycle)) x CSSFintra DRX cycle>320ms Ceil(Mjneasjperiod_w / o_gaps xKp X Klayerl measurement ) X DRX Cycle X CSSFintra NOTE 1: If different SMTC periodicities are configured for different cells, the SMTC period in the requirement is the one used by the cell being identified

[0051]

[0052] A measurement is defined as an S SB based inter-frequency measurement provided it is not defined as an intra-frequency measurement. Depending on UE capability, measurement gaps may or may not be needed for performing the measurements.

[0053] Deactivated SCell measurement

[0054] Deactivated SCell measurement requirement is defined in 3GPP TS 38.133 V18.5.0 as follows.

[0055] Table 5: Measurement period for intra-frequency measurements without gaps (deactivated SCell) (FR1)

[0056] DRX cycle T SSB_measurement_period_intra

[0057] No DRX Ceil(5 x KP) x measCycleSCell x CSSFintra

[0058] DRX cycle< 320ms Ceil(5 x KP) x max(measCycleSCell, 1.5xDRX cycle) x CSSFintra

[0059] DRX cycle> 320ms Ceil(5 x Kp) x max(measCycleSCell, DRX cycle) x CSSFintra

[0060] NOTE 1: The requirements also apply to deactivated SCG SCell.

[0061]

[0062] Table 6: Measurement period for intra-frequency measurements without gaps (deactivated SCell) (FR2)DRX cycle T SSB_measurement_period_intra

[0063] No DRX Ceil(Mmeasjperiod_w / o_gaps X Kp) X measCycleSCell x CSSFintra

[0064] DRX cycle< 320ms Ceil(M^meas_period_w / o_gaps X Kp) X max(measCycleSCell, 1.5xDRX cycle) x CSSFintra

[0065] DRX cycle> 320ms Ceil(M^meas_ period-W / o gaps X Kp) X max(measCycleSCell, DRX cycle) x CSSFintra

[0066] NOTE 1: The requirements also apply to deactivated SCG SCell.

[0067]

[0068] The deactivated SCell measurement cycle is configured in MeasObjectNR 3GPP TS 38.331 V18.0.0 as follows:

[0069] measCycleSCell ENUMERATED {sf!60, sf256, sf320, sf512, sf640, sf!024, sf!280}

[0070] measCycleSCell

[0071] The parameter is used only when an SCell is configured on the frequency indicated by the measObjectNR and is in deactivated state, see TS 38.133. gNB configures the parameter whenever an SCell is configured on the frequency indicated by the measObjectNR, but the field may also be signalled when an SCell is not configured. Value sfl60 corresponds to 160 sub-frames, value sf256 corresponds to 256 sub-frames and so on.

[0072] SSB-MTC

[0073] NR synchronization signal (SS) may include primary SS (PSS) and secondary SS (SSS). NR physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carries the very basic system information. In NR PSS, PBCH and SSS are always transmitted together and the combination of PSS, SSS and PBCH is referred to as SSB in NR. Multiple SSBs are transmitted in a localized burst set. Within an SSB burst set, multiple SSBs can be transmitted in different beams. The transmission of SSBs within a localized burst set is confined to a 5 ms window and the SSB and SSB burst set are repeated in a periodic manner. The SSB periodicity can be configured from the value set {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160} ms. The exact naming and characteristics of SS structures are yet not known in 6G, but for the sake of simplicity we herein assume a similar structure.SSB is used for performing, e.g., Radio resource Management (RRM) measurements, beam measurements, and synchronization measurements. Since SSB periodicity can be as low as 5 ms in NR, UEs do not need to perform RRM measurements or beam management measurements or synchronization measurements with the same periodicity of SSB (the periodicity of said measurements can be larger than the periodicity of SSB). To inform the UE about the SSB measurement timing, in NR, SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC) is introduced. SMTC is configured per carrier, and provides periodicity, duration, and offset information on a window of up to 5 ms where the measurements on the configured carrier are to be performed. For inter-frequency connected mode measurements, one measurement window periodicity may be configured per inter-frequency measurement object. In NR, since different beams can be configured to cover different spatial implementation, UE do not need to measure all the spatial directions. The beams to be measured can be controlled or configurable through SMTC window. SMTC window length indicates the location of the SSB to be measured within the SSB burst set. The SMTC window periodicity can be configured from the value set {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160} ms, matching the possible SSB periodicities. The SMTC window duration can be configured from the value set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} ms. The SMTC window duration may also be simply referred to as SMTC duration or SMTC length or SMTC occasion duration or SMTC occasion length, etc.

[0074] FIG. 1 shows example SSB transmissions and an SMTC window.

[0075] Measurement gap pattern

[0076] Measurement gap pattern (MGP) is used by the UE for performing measurements on cells of the non-serving carriers (e.g., inter-frequency carriers, inter-RAT carriers etc.). In NR gaps are also used for measurements on cells of the serving carrier in some scenarios e.g. if the measured signals (e.g., SSB) are outside the bandwidth part (BWP) of the serving cell. The UE is scheduled in the serving cell only within the BWP. During the gap the UE cannot be scheduled for receiving / transmitting signals in the serving cell. A measurement gap pattern is characterized or defined by several parameters: measurement gap length (MGL), measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) and measurement gap time offset with respect to reference time (e.g., slot offset with respect to serving cell’s SFN such as SFN = 0). An example of MGP is shown in FIG. 2. As an example, MGL can be 1.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5 or 6 ms, and MGRP can be 20, 40, 80 or 160 ms. Such type of MGP is configured by the network node and is also called as network controlled or networkconfigurable MGP. Therefore, the serving base station is fully aware of the timing of each gap within the MGP.

[0077] In NR there are two main categories of MGPs: per-UE measurement gap patterns and per-FR measurement gap patterns. In NR the spectrum is divided into two frequency ranges namely FR1 and FR2. FR1 is currently defined from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz. FR2 range is currently defined from 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz. The FR2 range is also interchangeably referred to as millimeter wave (mmwave) and corresponding bands in FR2 are referred to as mmwave bands. In future more frequency ranges can be specified, e.g., FR3. An example of FR3 is frequency ranging above 52600 MHz or between 52600 MHz and 71000 MHz or between 7125 MHz and 24250 MHz. When configured with per-UE MGP, the UE creates gaps in all the serving cells (e.g., PCell, PSCell, SCells, etc.) regardless of their frequency range. The per-UE MGP can be used by the UE for performing measurements on cells of any carrier frequency belonging to any RAT or frequency range (FR). When configured with per-FR MGP (if UE supports this capability), the UE creates gaps only in the serving cells of the indicated FR whose carriers are to be measured. For example, if the UE is configured with per-FRl MGP then the UE creates measurement gaps only on serving cells (e.g., PCell, PSCell, SCells etc.) of FR1 while no gaps are created on serving cells on carriers of FR2. The per-FRl gaps can be used for measurement on cells of only FR1 carriers.

[0078] Similarly, per-FR2 gaps when configured are only created on FR2 serving cells and can be used for measurement on cells of only FR2 carriers. Support for per FR gaps is a UE capability, i.e., certain UE may only support per UE gaps according to their capability. The example of the MGP shown in FIG. 2 may also be referred to as legacy MGP, conventional MGP or traditional MGP. In the legacy MGP, the gaps occurring every MGRP are always assumed by the UE and base station even when the UE does not use the gaps, e.g., UE is not performing the measurement. Therefore, during all the gaps within the MGP, the UE is not expected to receive or transmit data. On-demand SSB provision. In ongoing NR evolution (3GPP Rel-19), on-demand SSBs (OD-SSBs) may be provided “temporarily” to UEs whose functionality or performance may be improved if additional signals for loop conversion, synchronization, measurements, or other signal processing steps are available. In some scenarios, a cell may be transmitting baseline SSBs at a lower rate, e.g., 160 ms or 20 ms, or no SSBs may be transmitted as a baseline. The network node may then activate additional SSBs or SSB bursts, e.g., with period 20 ms or 5 ms, in association with certain procedures, such as SCell activation. On-demand SSBsmay be one-shot transmissions or limited-duration SSB bursts, with or without a recurrent structure. The on-demand SSBs may be transmitted during a specified / configured time window or transmitted until further notice (until explicitly notified to the UE and turned off). They may be transmitted at the same or at a different power level and spatial configuration than the baseline SSB. In RANI #116 meeting, it was agreed that two scenarios will be supported for On demand SSB.

[0079] Agreement:

[0080] Regarding the UE assumption on SSB transmission on a cell supporting on-demand SSB SCell operation, the following cases are identified for further study:

[0081] • Case #1: No always-on SSB on the cell

[0082] • Case #2: Always-on SSB is periodically transmitted on the cell Although the NR specifications focus on OD-SSB in association with carrier aggregation scenarios, it may very well be so that in 6G the scenarios will be expanded to cover mobility both within the same cell and other cells. Some scenarios where on-demand SSBs are expected to be useful include:

[0083] • SCell quality measurements upon SCell configuration.

[0084] • Synchronization upon SCell activation.

[0085] • Time / frequency pre-synchronization and tracking with respect to a neighbor cell for faster mobility execution.

[0086] • Timing / Frequency tracking for an active serving cell.

[0087] • RRM measurements on serving or neighbor cells.

[0088] • Automatic neighbor cell relations setup.

[0089] In 5 G Network energy saving, being of importance for environmental sustainability, to reduce environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions) and for operational cost savings, has been studied from Rel-18. Regarding those promising techniques which were raised but not specified, it is agreed that Work Item (WI), RP-234065, in 3GPP Release 19 (Rel-19) aims to study and specify them including on-demand SSB and on-demand System Information Block 1 (SIB1) transmissions, as well as adaptation of common signal / channel transmissions. Among them, on-demand SSB is considered to be an enhancement to SCell activation operation.

[0090] However, such On Demand SSB (OD-SSB) transmission for power saving limits to SCell processing only in 5G. At the same time, there is currently only limited optimization for SCells’ RRM behavior, such as during deactivated SCell measurement. In5G, another issue is that UE is allowed to perform measurement purely based on UE implementation.

[0091] SUMMARY

[0092] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for measurements based on on-demand synchronization signal blocks in 6G wireless communication systems. In conventional technologies, the network node cannot control / indicate to the UE to prioritize specific measurement objects among many or perform said measurement on the different measurement object in a specific order. The UE may measure and report OD-SSB on various carriers in any order. As such, to avoid a mismatch between the real measurement reporting from the UE side and the expected earliest reporting from network node side, the network node may need to ensure OD-SSB provision on various carriers for a predetermined time (long enough to cater for any order the UE wishes to measure on them). The expected measurement reporting for one frequency layer may be postponed from UE side.

[0093] SSB may be defined as an always on signal, where one or more SSBs may be periodically transmitted or broadcast by a cell if SSB is configured. Such an arrangement may be referred to as always-on SSB. OD-SSB may refer to an SSB which is not transmitted or broadcast periodically. Instead, OD-SSB may be transmitted or broadcast in response to a trigger, or under certain conditions. The OD-SSB may be network triggered.

[0094] One or more embodiments provide different scenarios where the network node configures OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies and defines methods that control the UE behavior with respect to how to perform the measurement (Measurement Pattern) based on different OD-SSB transmission patterns.

[0095] To achieve power savings in a network, with extension of the Rel-19 network energy saving (NES) OD-SSB feature, in some embodiments, the sparse OD-SSBs is transmitted among multiple frequencies. Furthermore, network node can implicitly control the measurement order / priority of the frequencies based on activating / deactivating the OD-SSB transmission.

[0096] In some embodiments, the network node can control the measurement and reporting behavior of the UE with respect to the OD-SSB transmission pattern. More specifically, the UE receives at least one message indicating the configuration of SSB transmission pattern in one or more cells and how the UE should perform measurements and report based on the OD-SSB transmission pattern. This is beneficial for the UE toshorten the latency of measurements and associated activity (e.g., SCell activation, handover, etc.). This is also beneficial for the network node to be able to stop transmission of SSBs sooner and potentially create long enough gaps, suitable for deeper sleep states, until the next transmission.

[0097] Based on network node configuration, or indication, or SSB characteristics, or scenario, or cell characteristics / type, the UE measurement and reporting behavior is controlled.

[0098] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a method implemented in a UE that is configured to communicate with a network node, is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a first configuration comprising one or both of one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies and a measurement pattern indicating an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions, and performing one or more actions based on the first configuration.

[0099] According to one embodiment of this aspect, the one or more actions includes performing the one or more measurements based at least on the measurement pattern.

[0100] In one embodiment, the one or more actions include performing the one or more measurements in an order based on one or both of an activation and deactivation of at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0101] In one embodiment, the method further includes receiving an indication of OD-SSB transmission offsets, wherein each frequency of the plurality of frequencies has an OD-SSB transmission offset.

[0102] In one embodiment, the one or more actions include receiving, from the network node, one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions, and transmitting the report.

[0103] In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics include one or more of one or more time resources, one or more frequency resources, one or more spatial relations, one or more sequences, one or more encodings, and one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0104] In one embodiment, the method further includes receiving, from the network node, an indication of an effective measurement periodicity for each frequency of the plurality of frequencies.In one embodiment, the method further includes receiving, from the network node, an indication of a measurement gap pattern based on the OD-SSB transmissions for different frequencies, the measurement gap pattern being defined by one or more of a measurement gap length (MGL), a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP), and a measurement gap time offset.

[0105] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a UE configured to communicate with a network node is disclosed. The UE is configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or processing circuitry configured to receive a first configuration comprising one or both of one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies, and a measurement pattern indicating an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions, and perform one or more actions based on the first configuration.

[0106] According to one embodiment of this aspect, the one or more actions includes performing the one or more measurements based at least on the measurement pattern.

[0107] In one embodiment, the one or more actions include performing the one or more measurements in an order based on one or both of an activation and deactivation of at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0108] In one embodiment, the UE is further configured to receive an indication of OD-SSB transmission offsets, wherein each frequency of the plurality of frequencies has an OD-SSB transmission offset.

[0109] In one embodiment, the one or more actions include receive, from the network node, one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions, and transmit the report.

[0110] In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics include one or more of one or more time resources, one or more frequency resources, one or more spatial relations, one or more sequences, one or more encodings, and one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0111] In one embodiment, the UE is further configured to receive, from the network node, an indication of an effective measurement periodicity for each frequency of the plurality of frequencies.

[0112] In one embodiment, the UE is further configured to receive, from the network node, an indication of a measurement gap pattern based on the OD-SSB transmissions for different frequencies, the measurement gap pattern being defined by one or more of ameasurement gap length (MGL), a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP), and a measurement gap time offset.

[0113] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method in a network node configured to communicate with a UE is disclosed. The method comprises determining a first configuration comprising one or both of one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies, and a measurement pattern indicating to the UE an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions, and transmitting the first configuration to the UE.

[0114] According to one embodiment of this aspect, the one or more actions include implicitly controlling an order of the one or more measurements based on one or both of activating and deactivating at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0115] In one embodiment, the one or more actions include transmitting, to the UE, one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns.

[0116] In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics include one or more of one or more time resources, one or more frequency resources, one or more spatial relations, one or more sequences, one or more encodings, and one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0117] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a network node configured to communicate with a UE is provided. The network node is configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to determine a first configuration comprising one or both of one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies, and a measurement pattern indicating to the UE an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions, and transmit the first configuration to the UE.

[0118] According to one embodiment of this aspect, the network node is further configured to implicitly control the order of the one or more measurements based on one or both of activating and deactivating at least one of the one or more OD-SSB

[0119] transmissions.In one embodiment, the network node is further configured to transmit, to the UE, one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns.

[0120] In one embodiment, the one or more characteristics include one or more of one or more time resources, one or more frequency resources, one or more spatial relations, one or more sequences, one or more encodings, and one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0121] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0122] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0123] FIG. 1 shows example SSB transmissions and an SMTC window;

[0124] FIG. 2 shows example MGP;

[0125] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example network architecture illustrating a communication system according to principles disclosed herein;

[0126] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a network node in communication with a user equipment over a wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0127] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another example network architecture illustrating a communication system according to principles disclosed herein;

[0128] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0129] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example process in a user equipment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0130] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another example process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0131] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another example process in a user equipment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0132] FIG. 10 shows example OD-SSBs transmitted in bursts according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0133] FIG. 11 shows an example OD-SSB transmission in multiple frequency layers according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG. 12 shows example five-frequency-layers measurements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0134] FIG. 13 shows an example OD-SSB transmission with measurement gap according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0135] FIG. 14 shows another example OD-SSB transmission with measurement gap according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0136] FIG. 15 shows an example measurement reporting according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0137] FIG. 16 shows an example transmission with OD-SSB transmission offsets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0138] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0139] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to measurements based on on-demand synchronization signal blocks in 6G wireless communication systems. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0140] As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0141] In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may beaccomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

[0142] In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0143] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0144] In some embodiments, the term “network node” used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multicell / multi cast coordination entity (MCE), relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, anode external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a user equipment (UE) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node. In some other embodiments, examples of network nodes are NodeB, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, MeNB, SeNB, location measurement unit (LMU), integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), Central Unit (e.g. in a gNB), DistributedUnit (e.g. in a gNB), Baseband Unit, Centralized Baseband, C-RAN, access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, transmission reception point (TRP), RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. MSC, MME, etc.), O& M, OSS, SON, positioning node (e.g. E-SMLC), etc.

[0145] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or a user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The UE herein can be any type of user equipment capable of communicating with a network node or another UE over radio signals, such as a wireless device (WD). The UE may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low-cost and / or low-complexity UE, a sensor equipped with UE, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, or a Narrowband loT (NB-IOT) device etc. In some other embodiments, the non-limiting term UE refers to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, vehicular to vehicular (V2V), machine type UE, MTC UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, etc.

[0146] Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi-cell / multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

[0147] Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR) and / or 6G, may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. It is contemplated that other 3GPP systems may make use of the concepts and arrangements disclosed herein. For example, a disclosure relating to NR may also be implementable in a 6G system and / or an LTE system, a disclosure relating to 6G may also be implementable in a NR and / or LTE system, and a disclosure relating to LTE may also be implementable in a NR and / or 6G system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) andGlobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0148] Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a user equipment or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of user equipments and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and user equipment described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

[0149] The term radio access technology (RAT) may refer to any RAT, e.g., Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRA), Evolved-UTRA (E-UTRA), narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT), WiFi, Bluetooth, next generation RAT, New Radio (NR), 4G, 5G, etc. Any of the equipment denoted by the term node, network node or radio network node may be capable of supporting a single or multiple RATs.

[0150] The term “signal” or “radio signal” used herein can be any physical signal or physical channel. Examples of downlink (DL) physical signals are reference signal (RS) such as primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), CSI reference signal (CSI-RS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), signals in SS / PBCH block (SSB), discovery reference signal (DRS), common reference signal (CRS), positioning reference signal (PRS), etc. RS may be periodic, e.g., RS occasion carrying one or more RSs may occur with certain periodicity (e.g. 20 ms, 40 ms). The RS may also be aperiodic. Each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS and NR-PBCH in 4 successive symbols. One or multiple SSBs are transmitted in one SSB burst which is repeated with certain periodicity (e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms and 160 ms). The WD may be configured with information about SSB on cells of certain carrier frequency by one or more SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration comprising parameters such as SMTC periodicity, SMTC occasion length in time or duration, SMTC time offset reference time (e.g., serving a cell’s system frame number (SFN)). Therefore, SMTC occasion may also occur with certain periodicity (e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms). Examples of uplink (UL) physical signals are reference signal such as SRS, DMRS, etc. The term physical channel refers to any channel carrying higher layer information such as data, control, etc. Examples of physical channels are physical broadcast channel (PBCH), NB-IOT PBCH (NPBCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), short PUCCH (sPUCCH), short PDSCH (sPDSCH), short physical uplink shared channel (sPUSCH), MTC physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), NB-IOTPDCCH (NPDCCH), NB-IOT (NPDSCH), enhanced PDCCH (E-PDCCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), NB-IOT (NPUSCH), etc.

[0151] The term “time resource” used herein may correspond to any type of physical resource or radio resource expressed in terms of length of time. Examples of time resources are symbol, time slot, subframe, radio frame, transmission time interval (TTI), interleaving time, slot, sub-slot, mini-slot, , system frame number (SFN) cycle, hyper-SFN (H-SFN) cycle, etc.

[0152] The term “carrier frequency” is also referred to as component carrier (CC), frequency layer, layer, carrier, frequency, serving carrier, frequency channel, positioning frequency layer (PFL) etc. The carrier frequency belongs to certain frequency band, which may contain one or multiple carrier frequencies based on its passband (e.g. size of the band in frequency domain) and / or bandwidth of the carriers and / or the channel raster etc. The carrier frequency related information is transmitted to the UE by a network node using a channel number or identifier via message, e.g., RRC. Examples of the channel number or identifier, which may be pre-defined, are absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), NR-ARFCN, etc.

[0153] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0154] Referring again to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 3 a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G) and / or 6G, which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. The core network 14 includes one or more network nodes 15. The access network 12 comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired or wireless connection 20. A first user equipment (UE) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configuredto wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second UE 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of UEs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as user equipments 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two UEs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more UEs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0155] As one example, in certain embodiments, access network 12 may contain some access network nodes 16 that support 3GPP radio access technologies (RAT), such as LTE or NR, while other access network nodes 16 support (or the same access network nodes 16 additionally support) non-3GPP RATs, such as Wi-Fi or a proprietary RAT. As another example, communication system 10 may support multiple generations of related communication standards (e.g., 4G, 5G and 6G 3GPP communication standards) and, as a result, may include an access network 12 and / or a core network 14 that supports multiple different standard generations or may include multiple access networks 12 and / or multiple core networks 14 with individual networks supporting different standards generations.

[0156] Also, it is contemplated that a UE 22 can be in simultaneous communication and / or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, a UE 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supports NR. As an example, UE 22 can be in communication with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN, a gNB for NR / NG-RAN (i.e. being configured for multiradio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) and / or Wi-Fi.

[0157] A network node 16 is configured to include a node management unit 24 which is configured to perform any step and / or task and / or process and / or method and / or feature described in the present disclosure, e.g., network node functions. A user equipment 22 is configured to include a UE management unit 26 which is configured to perform any step and / or task and / or process and / or method and / or feature described in the present disclosure, e.g., UE functions.

[0158] Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE 22 and network node 16 discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 4.The communication system 10 includes a network node 16 provided in a communication system 10 and including hardware 28 enabling it to communicate with the UE 22. The hardware 28 may include a communication interface 29 comprising a radio interface 30 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 32 with a UE 22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 30 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The radio interface 30 includes an array of antennas 34 to radiate and receive signal(s) carrying electromagnetic waves.

[0159] In the embodiment shown, the hardware 28 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 36. The processing circuitry 36 may include a processor 38 and a memory 40. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 36 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 38 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 40, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0160] Thus, the network node 16 further has software 42 stored internally in, for example, memory 40, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 42 may be executable by the processing circuitry 36. The processing circuitry 36 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node 16.

[0161] Processor 38 corresponds to one or more processors 38 for performing network node 16 functions described herein. The memory 40 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 42 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 38 and / or processing circuitry 36, causes the processor 38 and / or processing circuitry 36 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 36 of the network node 16 may include a node management unit 24 which is configured to perform any step and / or task and / or process and / or method and / or feature described in the present disclosure, e.g., network node functions.The network node 16 may be composed of multiple distinct network entities (e.g., a NodeB entity and a RNC entity, or a BTS entity and a BSC entity, etc.), which may each have or utilize their own respective physical components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 16 comprises multiple such entities (e.g., BTS and BSC), one or more of the separate entities may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 16 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memories 40 or portions of memory 40 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna may be shared by different RATs). The network node 16 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 16, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, Wi-Fi (e.g., according to an IEEE 802.11 family standard), Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 16.

[0162] In certain alternative embodiments, network node 16 may be capable of wireless communication but does not include separate radio front-end circuitry, instead, the processing circuitry 36 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 34. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF receivers, transmitters and / or transceivers are part of the radio interface 30. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 29 includes one or more ports or terminals, the radio interface 30, and the RF receiver, transmitter and / or transceiver, and the communication interface 31 communicates with baseband processing circuitry, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0163] The antenna 34 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 34 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry in radio interface 30 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 34 is separate from the network node 16 and connectable to the network node 16 through one or more interfaces or ports.

[0164] Network node 15 can include one or more components described above with respect to network node 16, e.g., communication interface 29, radio interface 30, antenna34, ports, processing circuitry 36, processor 38, memory 40 and software 42. These elements of network node 15 can be arranged such that network node 15 can perform various core network functions. Network node 15 can communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection with network nodes 16 via communication link 59.

[0165] The communication system 10 further includes the UE 22 already referred to. The UE 22 may have hardware 44 that may include a radio interface 46 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 32 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the UE 22 is currently located. The radio interface 46 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The radio interface 46 includes an array of antennas 48 to radiate and receive signal(s) carrying electromagnetic waves.

[0166] Communication functions of the radio interface 46 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication (e.g., according to an IEEE 802.11 family standard), LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / intemet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0167] The hardware 44 of the UE 22 further includes processing circuitry 50. The processing circuitry 50 may include a processor 52 and memory 54. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 50 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 52 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 54, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM(Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0168] Thus, the UE 22 may further comprise software 56, which is stored in, for example, memory 54 at the UE 22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the UE 22. The software 56 may be executable by the processing circuitry 50. The software 56 may include a client application 58. The client application 58 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE 22.

[0169] The processing circuitry 50 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by UE 22. The processor 52 corresponds to one or more processors 52 for performing UE 22 functions described herein. The UE 22 includes memory 54 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 56 and / or the client application 58 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 52 and / or processing circuitry 50, causes the processor 52 and / or processing circuitry 50 to perform the processes described herein with respect to UE 22. For example, the processing circuitry 50 of the user equipment 22 may include a UE management unit 26 which is configured to perform any step and / or task and / or process and / or method and / or feature described in the present disclosure, e.g., UE functions.

[0170] In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16 and UE 22 may be as shown in FIG. 4 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 3.

[0171] The wireless connection 32 between the UE 22 and the network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve the data rate, latency, and / or power consumption and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc. In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve.

[0172] Although FIGS. 3 and 4 show various “units” such as node management unit 24 and UE management unit 26 as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a correspondingmemory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

[0173] FIG. 5 is another example of a communication system 10 according to some embodiments. As used herein, the communication system 10 of FIG. 5 includes multiple access points (APs) 60 (with four example APs 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d being depicted) and multiple wireless devices, referred to in the context of communication system 10 of FIG. 5 as stations (STAs) 62 (referred to individually as STA 62a, STA 62b, STA 62c, STA 62d, and STA 62e). STA 62a is served by AP 60a in a first basic service set (BSS) 64a. STA 62b and STA 62c are served by AP 60b in a second BSS, BSS 64b. STA 62d is served by AP 60c in a third BSS, BSS 64c. STA 62e is served by AP 60d in a fourth BSS, BSS 64d. Stations 62 may be non-AP STAs and correspond to various kinds of wireless devices, for example, user terminals, such as mobile or stationary computing devices like smartphones, laptop computers, desktop computers, tablet computers, gaming devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs) for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), or the like, including UEs 22 that are shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. In other words, in some embodiment, STA 62 is a UE 22. Further, stations 62 could, for example, correspond to other kinds of equipment like smart home devices, printers, multimedia devices, data storage devices, or the like.

[0174] Each of STAs 62 may connect through a radio link to one of APs 60. For example, depending on location or channel conditions experienced by a given STA 62, the STA may select an appropriate AP and BSS for establishing the radio link. The radio link may be based on one or more orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) carriers from a frequency spectrum that is shared on the basis of a contention-based mechanism, e.g., an unlicensed or license exempt band like 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band, the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, or the 60 GHz band.

[0175] Each AP 60 may provide data connectivity to STAs 62 connected to a particular AP 60. As illustrated, APs 60 may be connected to a data network 66. In this way, APs 60 may also provide data connectivity between STAs 62 and other entities, e.g., to one or more servers, service providers, data sources, data sinks, user terminals, or the like.

[0176] Accordingly, the radio link established between a given STA 62 and its serving AP 60 may be used for providing various kinds of services to STA 62, e.g., a voice service, a multimedia service, or other data service. Such services may be based on applications that are executed on STA 62 and / or on a device linked to STA 62. By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates an application service platform 68 provided in data network 66. Theapplication(s) executed on STA 62 and / or on one or more other devices linked to STA 62 may use the radio link for data communication with one or more other STA 62 and / or the application service platform 68, thereby enabling utilization of the corresponding service(s) at STA 62.

[0177] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 36 (including the node management unit 24), processor 38, and / or radio interface 30. Network node 16 is configured to determine (Block S100) a first configuration comprising one or both of (A) one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies; and (B) an indication indicating to the UE 22 how to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns, as described herein. Network node 16 is also configured to perform (Block S102) one or more actions based on the first configuration, as described herein.

[0178] In some embodiments, the one or more actions include implicitly controlling an order of the one or more measurements based on one or both of activating and deactivating at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0179] In some other embodiments, the one or more actions include transmitting, to the UE 22, one or more messages indicating a second configuration of one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns in one or more cells and indicating to the UE 22 to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns.

[0180] In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of (A) one or more time resources; (B) one or more frequency resources; (C) one or more spatial relations; (D) one or more sequences; (E) one or more encodings; and (F) one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0181] In some other embodiments, the one or more measurements are based on a measurement pattern (MP).

[0182] In some embodiments, the one or more actions include transmitting the first configuration to the UE 22.

[0183] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example process in a user equipment 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of user equipment 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 50 (including the UE management unit 26), processor 52, and / or radiointerface 46. User equipment 22 is configured to receive (Block S104) a first configuration. The first configuration comprising one or both of (A) one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies; and (B) an indication indicating to the UE 22 how to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns. The UE 22 is also configured to perform (Block S106) one or more actions based on the first configuration.

[0184] In some embodiments, the one or more actions include performing the one or more measurements in an order based on one or both of an activation and deactivation of at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0185] In some other embodiments, the one or more actions include receiving, from the network node 16, one or more messages indicating a second configuration of one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns in one or more cells and indicating to the UE 22 to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns. The one or more actions also include transmitting the report.

[0186] In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of (A) one or more time resources; (B) one or more frequency resources; (C) one or more spatial relations; (D) one or more sequences; (E) one or more encodings; and (F) one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0187] In some embodiments, the one or more actions include performing the one or more measurements are based on a measurement pattern (MP).

[0188] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another example process in a network node 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 36 (including the node management unit 24), processor 38, and / or radio interface 30. Network node 16 is configured to determine (Block S108) a first configuration comprising determine a first configuration comprising one or both of one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more OD-SSB transmissions for a plurality of frequencies, and a measurement pattern indicating to the UE 22 an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions. Network node 16 is further configured to transmit (Block S110) the first configuration to the UE 22.In some embodiments, network node 16 is further configured to implicitly control the order of the one or more measurements based on one or both of activating and deactivating at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0189] In some embodiments, network node is further configured to transmit, to the UE 22, one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE 22 to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns.

[0190] In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of one or more time resources, one or more frequency resources, one or more spatial relations, one or more sequences, one or more encodings, and one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0191] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another example process in a UE 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of UE 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 50 (including the UE management unit 26), processor 52, and / or radio interface 46. UE 22 is configured to receive (Block S112) a first configuration comprising one or both of one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies and a measurement pattern indicating an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions. UE 22 is further configured to perform (S114) one more actions based on the first configuration.

[0192] In some embodiments, the one or more actions includes performing the one or more measurements based at least on the measurement pattern.

[0193] In some embodiments, the one or more actions include performing the one or more measurements in an order based on one or both of an activation and deactivation of at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0194] In some embodiments, the UE 22 is further configured to receive an indication of OD-SSB transmission offsets, wherein each frequency of the plurality of frequencies has an OD-SSB transmission offset.

[0195] In some embodiments, the one or more actions include receive, from the network node 16, one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE 22 to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions, and transmit the report.In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of one or more time resources, one or more frequency resources, one or more spatial relations, one or more sequences, one or more encodings, and one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0196] In some embodiments, the UE 22 is further configured to receive, from the network node 16, an indication of an effective measurement periodicity for each frequency of the plurality of frequencies.

[0197] In some embodiments, the UE 22 is further configured to receive, from the network node 16, an indication of a measurement gap pattern based on the OD-SSB transmissions for different frequencies, the measurement gap pattern being defined by one or more of a measurement gap length (MGL), a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP), and a measurement gap time offset.

[0198] Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for measurements based on on-demand synchronization signal blocks in 6G wireless communication systems.

[0199] In some embodiments, at least one UE 22 is operating in a first cell (cell1) served by a network node 16 (NN1) and performing measurements on one or more serving cell(s) and one or more neighbor cells or neighbor frequencies, e.g., on serving carrier and / or one or more additional carriers configured for performing measurements.

[0200] In some embodiments, a network node 16 provides one or a set of OD-SSBs to the UE 22, where the OD-SSBs may have one or more characteristics. The characteristics may include time (including periodicity and / or duration) and / or frequency resources, spatial relations (e.g., covering different geographical areas), different sequences, encodings, different subcarrier spacings, different contents and potentially used for different purposes (e.g., used for intra-frequency, inter-frequency cell mobility, SCell activation, etc.).

[0201] In some other embodiments, any of the functions / actions described herein may be performed as part of or based on the configurations provided to the UE 22 and / or indicators / flags in various messages provided to the UE 22. The configurations and / or indications and / or flags may lead to the UE 22 performing a measurement according to a measurement pattern (MP) and associated reports on the on-demand SSBs in

[0202] RRC CONNECTED state. In some embodiments, the measurement includes both intra-frequency and inter-frequency measurements. If the UE 22 requires measurement gaps to identify and measure intra-frequency cells and / or inter-frequency cells, in order for UE 22to report the measurement results, the network node 16 may provide a measurement gap pattern for monitoring of all frequency layers.

[0203] In some other embodiments, any of the functions / actions described herein may be performed as part of or based on the configurations provided to the UE 22 (e.g., via dedicated or broadcast RRC signaling), or as part of indicators / flags in various lower layer messages (such as Downlink Control Information (DCI) or Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE)) provided to the UE 22 which leads to the UE 22 switching between at least two different measurement patterns (MPs) and / or measures on different SSBs according to a specific order / priority. The different MPs at least include one of a first fast MP1 (UE 22 measures more often in time) and a second normal MP2 (UE 22 measures more seldom than that of the first pattern). Additionally, the UE 22 may also be instructed to send one or more measurement reports to the network node 16 after the performed measurements.

[0204] A measurement pattern can be associated with a resource configuration that implicitly or explicitly associates to the OD-SSB resources which it applies to. The resource configuration may include one or more of

[0205] • A frequency layer - all OD-SSBs on that frequency layer.

[0206] • An explicit list of Cell indexes and SSB Indexes or SSBRIs.

[0207] • All configured SCells.

[0208] The UE’s MP including the measurement reporting behavior may either be explicitly configured or implicitly be different for one or more of

[0209] • Functions / scenarios (e.g., handover failure / success, SCell activation, while SCell is active / inactive, positioning, sensing).

[0210] • Cells / cell types (e.g., configured or indicated to be different per cell, or per cell type such as PCell, SCell, handover candidate cell).

[0211] • Frequencies (frequency layers) e.g. different per carrier, or per frequency range.

[0212] • Bandwidth part (BWP).

[0213] • SSB characteristics (see above characteristics examples).

[0214] • SSB state (transmission ongoing or not ongoing).

[0215] • Configured criteria / events (e.g., based on quality thresholds, such as use a certain MM and / or report if the cell quality goes above / below certain threshold).• Upon explicit request by some network node 16 or client node, for example the location management function (LMF) in the context of positioning. A measurement pattern (MP) can be an OD-SSB transmission pattern for a frequency which includes multiple transmitted OD-SSBs. When UE 22 receives the network node 16 configuration for the MP, UE 22 performs measurement according to the configured MP. The OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies (measurement objects) can be indicated by RRC, MAC or DCI.

[0216] • Network node 16 may indicate the OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies with same / different offsets.

[0217] • Network node 16 may indicate the OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies with same / different periodicities.

[0218] UE 22 may perform measurement based on the OD-SSB transmission with network node indication.

[0219] A MP may also be associated with a reporting configuration. When the measurement pattern is active, the corresponding reporting configuration applies. The reporting configuration specifies one or more of the following, not precluding other options:

[0220] • The measurement quantity which should be reported (e.g. RSRP).

[0221] • The report amount (i.e. how many reports that should be sent)

[0222] • The report periodicity.

[0223] • Events that should trigger the report, if periodic reporting should continue until further notice or is limited in duration.

[0224] Scenarios

[0225] In one scenario, the network node 16 has initially not configured the UE 22 with any SSB transmission. At some later point in time (based on any demand), the network node 16 indicates to the UE 22 transmission of a SSB, i.e., on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) which results in UE 22 performing measurements on said SSBs. There may be multiple frequencies on which the network node 16 starts transmitting OD-SSBs.

[0226] OD-SSB measurement

[0227] Network node 16 informs a set of OD-SSB transmission offsets (#N offsets) applicable to #N frequencies’ measurement objects. The informing may either be through an indication upon or after the OD-SSBs activation (e.g., via RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI signaling when also activating the OD-SSBs are after the OD-SSBs are activated).

[0228] Alternatively, the informing may be preconfigured to the UE 22 (e.g., via RRC signaling)for each frequency and the UE 22 applies those when the associated OD-SSBs are activated. Each frequency may have an OD-SSB transmission offset.

[0229] OD-SSBs measurement pattern 1 (OD-SSB MP 1)

[0230] In one embodiment, OD-SSBs are transmitted in bursts as exemplified in FIG. 10 where the network node 16 sequentially transmits the OD-SSBs for multiple frequency layers. The MP (MP1) applied to this configuration is such that the UE 22 also sequentially measures on each frequency layer. The network node 16 indicates the OD-SSB transmission offset for each frequency layer. The offset of frequency #(N+1) equals the offset of frequency #N and the activation duration of OD-SSB in frequency #N. The activation duration can be indicated by an OD-SSB valid timer or a valid measurement reporting flag or explicitly deactivation by network node 16.

[0231] For example, in the FIG. 10, network node 16 indicates the offsets 1,2,3 to three frequencies(freq. 1, 2, 3). Each OD-SSB transmission are not overlapping among different frequency layers.

[0232] OD-SSB transmission offset

[0233] Alternatively, each OD-SSB transmission offset is defined from the end of frequency #N to the start point of frequency #N+1. The first offset is defined from the indication of OD-SSB transmission to the actual OD-SSB transmission time point.

[0234] In one example, the OD-SSB transmissions are activated and deactivated in sequence. The network node 16 indicates activation of the OD-SSB transmission for frequency #N for a certain duration. After that duration the OD-SSB transmission for freq. N is deactivated, and the network node 16 subsequently activates the OD-SSB transmission for frequency #N+1.

[0235] In one example, the OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies is nonoverlapping. The distance between the end point of OD-SSB transmission of frequency #N and the start point of OD-SSB transmission of frequency #N+1 is defined as a time instance TOD-SSB gap. TOD-SSB gapcan be pre-defined or reported by UE 22 or indicated by network node 16.

[0236] Alternatively, network node 16 can indicate one OD-SSB transmission offset which is applied to the first frequency layer directly. Network node 16 can indicate the OD-SSB transmission duration for each frequency. This implies that the start points of OD-SSB transmission in frequency #N+1 is after the end point of OD-SSB transmission of frequency #N with time instance TOD-SSB gap.

[0237] Deactivation of OD-SSBIn one example, network node 16 indicates to the UE 22 to perform measurement and report on one frequency including a time period, such as N times measurement or N times reporting. After that the UE 22 switches to the second frequency and carries out the same steps and so on.

[0238] In one typical example, N can be specified by the specifications, potentially different for different scenarios, and / or be configurable by the network node 16 differently for the different scenarios or criteria (as specified in Core Essence 1) or MP.

[0239] In another example, network node 16 indicates to the UE 22 to perform measurement reporting on one frequency until OD-SSB is deactivated on this frequency. After that UE 22 switches to the second frequency implicitly. UE 22 receives the OD-SSB indication and (as specified in Core Essence 1) performs OD-SSB according to a first measurement pattern (MP1) and reports the measurement results N times if the configured OD-SSB transmission duration is less than a threshold Timel. Otherwise, the UE 22 performs the measurement and report the measurement results with a first or second MP for M times. Where M and N may be same or different.

[0240] In another example, UE 22 receives the OD-SSB indication and (as specified in Core Essence 1) performs OD-SSB according to MP1 during a configured timer from network node 16. After the timer expires, UE 22 switches to MP2 until another criteria (as specified in Core Essence 1) is fulfilled.

[0241] In another example, UE 22 receives the OD-SSB indication and the related MP performs OD-SSB according to MP1 until an indication or configuration or another criterion switches to MP2.

[0242] OD-SSBs measurement pattern 2 (OD-SSB MP2)

[0243] OD-SSB transmission pattern 2 is another sparse transmission solution for OD-SSBs. network node 16 only transmits M shot OD-SSB with the N*OD-SSB periodicity interval for each frequency, where N is the original SSB periodicity configured by network node 16.

[0244] In one example, M can be 1.

[0245] In another example, M can be configured by network node 16 or requested by UE 22.

[0246] In another example, M can be adapted based on different use cases.

[0247] FIG. 11 shows an example OD-SSB transmission in multiple frequency layers. For example, network node 16 configures OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequency layers as the figure above. The periodicity of OD-SSB in each layer is sparse. The union of theOD-SSB in all layers can meet a dense SSB transmission pattern with a periodicity K as one of the SSB periodicity set in {20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms}. In this example, M=1. The interval between two OD-SSBs in each frequency layers equals 3*OD-SSB periodicity where 3 is the number of frequency layers configured by network node 16.

[0248] In one example, network node 16 transmits the OD-SSBs with different offsets and same periodicities in different frequency layers. The OD-SSB transmission in different frequencies follows the round robin style.

[0249] For example, network node 16 transmits OD-SSB in frequency #1 first with the smallest OD-SSB offset, after that, network node 16 transmits OD-SSB with increased offset values.

[0250] In one example, the OD-SSB offset for frequency #(N+1) equals or be larger than the OD-SSB offset for frequency #N plus OD-SSB periodicity of frequency #N.

[0251] In another example, the OD-SSB offset for frequency #(N+1) equals or be larger than the OD-SSB offset for frequency #N plus a threshold TOD-SSB gap, 2. TOD-SSB gapcan be pre-defined or reported by UE 22 or indicated by network node 16.

[0252] In another example, the transmission of OD-SSB interval for each frequency layer equals or be larger than the periodicity of the OD-SSB*the number of frequencies.

[0253] Hybrid OD-SSB MP

[0254] In one example, network node 16 can transmit the OD-SSBs for different frequency layers with the mixed patterns (the combination of OD-SSB MP1 and OD-SSB MP2 for multiple layers). UE 22 follows the transmitted OD-SSBs to perform the measurement based on the rules described above in each OD-SSB MP.

[0255] For example, as shown in the FIG. 12, network node 16 configures 5 frequency layers measurement which can be believed as two OD-SSB MPs’ combination. In the first two frequency layers, network node 16 indicates consecutive OD-SSBs in each layer. After that, network node 16 indicates a sparse OD-SSB pattern for remaining frequencies. It can be believed as network node 16 expects higher measurement priority for the first two layers and equal priority for the remaining three layers.

[0256] UE measurement behavior

[0257] UE 22 follows the indicated OD-SSB transmission per frequency layer to perform the measurement and reporting.

[0258] Measurement Order

[0259] In one example, UE 22 assumes to perform measurement from the frequency layer with the shortest OD-SSB transmission offset.Alternatively, network node 16 can also explicitly indicate the first to-be-measured frequency layer which can be different from the frequency layer with the shortest OD-SSB transmission offset. After that, UE 22 may start the measurement for the next frequency layer which transmits the OD-SSB immediately after the OD-SSB in the first being measured frequency layer. In this case, different SSB offsets does not need to be explicitly configured.

[0260] Alternatively, network node 16 can also explicitly indicate the order of the to-be-measured OD-SSB frequency layers. UE 22 may follow the order to perform the measurement and skip some OD-SSB transmitted by network node 16. Also in this case, different SSB offsets does not need to be explicitly configured.

[0261] Alternatively, in one embodiment, UE 22 implicitly determines the order of the OD-SSB measurements (and associated OD-SSB transmissions), e.g., based on the (relative) values on some parameter (e.g., in RRC) that identifies either the OD-SSB itself, or the serving cell in which the OD-SSB is transmitted in. Also in this case, different SSB offsets does not need to be explicitly configured. For example, if a plurality of OD-SSB transmissions are activated at the same time (e.g., by a same MAC CE), UE 22 determines the order of the OD-SSB measurements / transmissions based on, e.g., the order (ascending or descending) of

[0262] • OD-SSB index, e.g., a new RRC parameter that uniquely identifies an OD-SSB configuration.

[0263] • Serving cell index (e.g., existing RRC parameter ServCellIndex), which uniquely identifies the cell in which OD-SSB is transmitted.

[0264] • Physical cell index (PCI) of the cell in which OD-SSB is transmitted.

[0265] For example, if three OD-SSB transmissions in three different cells are activated by a same MAC CE, the OD-SSB in the cell with the lowest serving cell index is transmitted first, the OD, the OD-SSB in the cell with the second lowest serving cell index is transmitted next, and so on.

[0266] Measurement periodicity

[0267] In one example, the measurement delay for each frequency layer is defined based on the number of measurement samples multiple the OD-SSB effective measurement periodicity (OEMP).

[0268] Alternatively, the effective measurement periodicity can be predefined. For example, the effective measurement periodicity in OD-SSB MP1 equals the real OD-SSBtransmission periodicity. The effective measurement periodicity in OD-SSB MP1 equals the real OD-SSB transmission periodicity multiple the number of frequency layers.

[0269] Alternatively, the effective measurement periodicity can be configured by network node 16. Network node 16 indicates the effective measurement periodicity for each frequency.

[0270] Measurement with measurement gap

[0271] UE 22 requires the measurement gap (MG) to perform measurement for OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies (measurement objects) if UE 22 needs RF retuning to perform measurement. For example, the target measurement object is an inter-frequency MO.

[0272] Solution 1

[0273] • Network node 16 configures the single measurement gap pattern (MGP). • Network node 16 can indicate the OD-SSB transmission for different frequencies based on the configured MGP. When network node 16 configures the OD-SSB transmission, network node 16 may guarantee the OD-SSB transmission aligned with MG configuration.

[0274] • UE 22 has only performed measurement for OD-SSBs within the MG.

[0275] • An OD-SSB transmission with measurement gap may be performed, e.g., as shown in FIG.13.

[0276] Solution 2

[0277] • Network node 16 can indicate / adapt the gap pattern based on the configured (multiple) OD-SSB measurement patterns for different frequencies.

[0278] • In one example, the gap pattern can be dynamically switched together with OD-SSB transmission switching among frequencies. For example, network node 16 can indicate the gap pattern 1 for OD-SSB transmission in frequency 1. After OD-SSB deactivation in frequency 1 and transmission in frequency 2, network node 16 also switch the gap pattern to gap pattern 2.

[0279] • The gap patterns can be preconfigured by RRC signaling. The gap pattern switching can be further explicitly indicated by MAC-CE or DCI.

[0280] • Alternatively, the gap pattern can switch implicitly with OD-SSB transmission switch between different layers.

[0281] • The start point of 2nd MGP may align with the 2nd OD-SSB MP. The offset of the 2nd MGP equals the offset of the 2nd OD-SSB MP minus the RF retuning time.• An OD-SSB transmission with measurement gap may be performed, e.g., as shown in FIG. 14

[0282] The following is a list of example embodiments. Although some embodiments are described as being dependent from other embodiments, any one of the embodiments may be independent embodiments or be dependent from embodiments other than the embodiments listed.

[0283] Embodiment 1. A method / apparatus (e.g., any component of system 10), where the UE 22 measurement pattern (MP) including the measurement reporting behavior may either be explicitly configured or implicitly be different for one or more of

[0284] • Functions / scenarios (e.g., handover failure / success, SCell activation, while SCell is active / inactive, positioning, sensing).

[0285] • Cells / cell types (e.g., configured or indicated to be different per cell, or per cell type such as PCell, SCell, handover candidate cell).

[0286] • Frequencies (frequency layers) e.g. different per carrier, or per frequency range.

[0287] • Bandwidth part (BWP).

[0288] • SSB characteristics (see above characteristics examples).

[0289] • SSB state (transmission ongoing or not ongoing).

[0290] • Configured criteria / events (e.g., based on quality thresholds, such as use a certain MM and / or report if the cell quality goes above / below certain threshold).

[0291] • Upon explicit request by some network node 16 or client node, for example the location management function (LMF) in the context of positioning. Embodiment 2. The method / apparatus of Embodiment 1, where measurement pattern (MP) can be associated with a resource configuration that implicitly or explicitly identifies the OD-SSB resources which it applies to. The resource configuration may include one or both of the following:

[0292] • A frequency layer - all OD-SSBs on that frequency layer.

[0293] • An explicit list of Cell indexes and SSB Indexes or SSBRIs.

[0294] Embodiment 3. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1 and 2, the measurement pattern (MP) configured by network node 16 can be applied to OD-SSB transmission pattern for a frequency which includes multiple transmitted OD-SSBs. When UE 22 receives the network node 16 configuration for the MP, UE 22 performsmeasurement according to the configured MP. The OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies (measurement objects) can be indicated by RRC, MAC or DCI.

[0295] • Embodiment 3a. Network node 16 indicates the OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies with same / different offsets.

[0296] • Embodiment 3b. Network node 16 indicates the OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies with same / different periodicities.

[0297] • Embodiment 3c. Network node 16 indicates which of the multiple OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies described above may or may be combined in L3 filtering(or equivalent filtering). As an alternative, network may also or instead indicate in time domain which measure shall or can be combined.

[0298] • Embodiment 3d. UE 22 may perform measurement based on the OD-SSB transmission with network node 16 indication. UE 22 may follow the configuration for possible combination of the measurements for L3 or equivalent filtering.

[0299] • Embodiment 3e. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 3a-3d, where network node 16 indicates how UE 22 shall or may do L3 or equivalent filtering and combination of measurements, for example, to combine all or certain OD-SSB frequencies indicated with possible a certain time domain window or duration or filter coefficient.

[0300] • Embodiment 3a. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 3a-3e, where the indicated L3 or equivalent filtering and combination of measurements samples in time and / or frequency domain, e.g., to combine all or certain OD-SSB frequencies indicated with possible a certain time domain window or duration or filter coefficient.

[0301] Embodiment 4. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-3, the MP is associated with a reporting configuration. When the measurement mode is active, the corresponding reporting configuration applies. The reporting configuration specifies one or more of the following, not precluding other options:

[0302] • The measurement quantity which should be reported (e.g. RSRP).

[0303] • The report amount (i.e., how many reports should be sent).

[0304] • The report periodicity.

[0305] • Events that should trigger the report (e.g., if periodic reporting should continue until further notice or is limited in duration).OD-SSB Measurement Pattern

[0306] Embodiment 5. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-4, where the network node 16 indicates the OD-SSB transmission offset set includes #N offsets which applies for #N frequencies’ measurement. Each frequency has an OD-SSB transmission offset.

[0307] Embodiment 6. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-5, where network node 16 indicates that the OD-SSB transmission among each frequency layers are non-overlapping in time domain. That is, UE 22 can assume to only monitor one frequency layer’s OD-SSB transmission in each time.

[0308] OD-SSBs measurement pattern 1 (OD-SSB MP1)

[0309] Embodiment 7. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-6, where network node 16 indicates the offset to each frequency layer. The offset of frequency #(N+1) equals the offset of frequency #N and the activation duration of OD-SSB in frequency #N.

[0310] Embodiment 8. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-7, where alternatively, each offset is defined from the end of frequency #N to the start point of frequency #N+1. The first offset is defined from the indication of OD-SSB transmission to the real OD-SSB transmission time point.

[0311] Embodiment 9. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-8, where the OD-SSB transmission may be activated in sequential, network node 16 indicates to activate the OD-SSB transmission for frequency #N. After deactivation the OD-SSB transmission for freq. N, network node 16 indicates to activate the OD-SSB transmission for frequency #N+1.

[0312] Embodiment 10. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-9, where the OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies is non-overlapping. The distance between the end point of OD-SSB transmission of frequency #N and the start point of OD-SSB transmission of frequency #N+1 is defined as a time instance TOD-SSB gap. TOD-SSB gapcan be pre-defined or reported by UE 22 or indicated by network node 16.

[0313] Embodiment 11. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-10, where alternatively, network node 16 can indicate one OD-SSB transmission offset which implies the offset is applied to the first frequency layer, network node 16 can indicate the OD-SSB transmission duration for each frequency. It implies that the start points of OD-SSB transmission in frequency #N+1 is after the end point of OD-SSB transmission of frequency #N with time instance TOD-SSB gap.Embodiment 12. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-11, where network node 16 indicates UE 22 to perform measurement reporting on one frequency with a time period, such as N times measurement or N times reporting. After that UE 22 switches to the second frequency.

[0314] Embodiment 13. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-12, where network node 16 indicates how UE 22 shall or may do L3 or equivalent filtering and combination of measurements, e.g., to combine all or certain OD-SSB frequencies indicated with possible a certain time domain window or duration or filter coefficient.

[0315] Embodiment 14. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-13, where UE 22 receives the OD-SSB indication and (based on 1. above) performs OD-SSB according to a first OD-SSB measurement pattern (MP1) and reports the measurement results N times.

[0316] Embodiment 15. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-14, where N can be specified by the specifications, potentially different for different scenarios, and / or be configurable by the network node 16 differently for the different scenarios or criteria (based on 1. Above) or MM.

[0317] Embodiment 16. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-15, where network node 16 indicates UE 22 to perform measurement reporting on one frequency until OD-SSB deactivation in this frequency. After that UE 22 switches to the second frequency.

[0318] Embodiment 17. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-16, where UE 22 receives the OD-SSB indication and (based on Embodiment 1 above) performs OD-SSB according to a first measurement pattern (MP1) and reports the measurement results N times if the configured OD-SSB transmission duration is less than a threshold Timel. Otherwise, the UE 22 performs the measurement and report the measurement results with a first or second MP for M times. Where M and N may be same or different.

[0319] Embodiment 18. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-17, where UE 22 receives the OD-SSB indication and (based on Embodiment 1 above) performs OD-SSB according to MP1 during a configured timer from network node 16. After the timer expires, UE 22 switches to MP2 until another criteria (based on Embodiment 1 above) is fulfilled.

[0320] Embodiment 19. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-18, where UE 22 receives the OD-SSB indication and (based on Embodiment 1 above) performsOD-SSB according to MP1 until an indication or configuration or another criterion (based on Embodiment 1 above) switches to MP2.

[0321] OD-SSB transmission pattern 2 (OD-SSB MP2)

[0322] Embodiment 20. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-19, where network node 16 transmits the OD-SSBs with different offsets and same periodicities in different frequency layers. The OD-SSB transmission in different frequencies follows the round robin style.

[0323] Embodiment 21. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-20, where network node 16 transmits OD-SSB in frequency #1 first with the smallest OD-SSB offset, after that, network node 16 transmits OD-SSB with increased offset values.

[0324] Embodiment 22. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-21, where the OD-SSB offset for frequency #(N+1) equals or be larger than the OD-SSB offset for frequency #N plus OD-SSB periodicity of frequency #N.

[0325] Embodiment 23. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-22, where the OD-SSB offset for frequency #(N+1) equals or be larger than the OD-SSB offset for frequency #N plus a threshold

[0326]

[0327] TOD-SSB 2. TOD-SSB can be pre-defined or reported by UE 22 or indicated by network node 16.

[0328] Embodiment 24. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-23, where the transmission of OD-SSB interval for each frequency layer equals or be larger than the periodicity of the OD-SSB*the number of frequencies.

[0329] Embodiment 25. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 1-24, where network node 16 can transmit the OD-SSBs for different frequency layers with the combination of different patterns with OD-SSB MP1 and OD-SSB MP2.

[0330] UE measurement behavior

[0331] Embodiment 26. A method / apparatus (e.g., UE 22), where UE 22 follows the indicated OD-SSB transmission per frequency layer to perform the measurement and reporting.

[0332] Embodiment 27. The method / apparatus of Embodiment 26, where the measurement delay for each frequency layer is defined based on the number of measurement samples multiple the OD-SSB effective measurement periodicity(OEMP).

[0333] Embodiment 28. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 26 and 27, where the effective measurement periodicity can be predefined. For example, the effective measurement periodicity in OD-SSB MP1 equals the real OD-SSB transmissionperiodicity. The effective measurement periodicity in OD-SSB MP1 equals the real OD-SSB transmission periodicity multiple the number of frequency layers.

[0334] Embodiment 29. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 26-28, where the effective measurement periodicity can be configured by network node 16. network node 16 indicates the effective measurement periodicity for each frequency.

[0335] Embodiment 30. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 26-29, where the indicated L3 or equivalent filtering and combination of measurements samples in time and / or frequency domain. For example to combine all or certain OD-SSB frequencies indicated with possible a certain time domain window or duration or filter coefficient.

[0336] Measurement with measurement gap

[0337] Embodiment 31. The UE 22 requires the measurement gap (MG) to perform measurement for OD-SSB transmission for multiple frequencies (measurement objects) if UE 22 needs RF retuning to perform measurement.

[0338] Solution 1

[0339] • Embodiment 32. The network node 16 configures the single measurement gap pattern(MGP) for multiple OD-SSB measurements in different frequency layers.

[0340] • Embodiment 33. The method / apparatus of Embodiment 32, where network node 16 can indicate the OD-SSB transmission for different frequencies based on the configured MGP.

[0341] • Embodiment 34. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 32 and 33, where UE 22 only performs measurement for OD-SSBs within the MG.

[0342] • OD-SSB transmissions with measurement gap may be performed, e.g., as shown in FIG. 13.

[0343] Solution 2

[0344] • Embodiment 35. Network node 16 can indicate the gap pattern based on the configured (multiple) OD-SSB measurement patterns for different frequencies.

[0345] • Embodiment 36. The method / apparatus of Embodiment 35, where the gap pattern can be dynamically switched together with OD-SSB transmission switching among frequencies.

[0346] • Embodiment 37. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 35 and 36, where the gap patterns can be preconfigured by RRC signaling. The gap pattern switching can be further indicated by MAC-CE or DCI.OD-SSB transmissions with measurement gap may be performed, e.g., as shown in FIG. 14.

[0347] Embodiment 38. The method / apparatus of any one of Embodiments 35-37, where the start point of 2nd MGP may align with the 2nd OD-SSB MP. The offset of the 2nd MGP equals the offset of the 2ndOD-SSB MP minus the RF retuning time.

[0348] Further, measurement reporting may be performed as shown in FIG. 15, and transmission with OD-SSB transmission offsets may be performed as shown in FIG. 16.

[0349] Some additional examples include:

[0350] Example Al. A method in a network node 16 configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE) 22, the method comprising:

[0351] determining a first configuration comprising one or both of: one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies; and an indication indicating to the UE 22 how to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns; and

[0352] performing one or more actions based on the first configuration.

[0353] Example A2. The method of Example Al, wherein the one or more actions include:

[0354] implicitly controlling an order of the one or more measurements based on one or both of activating and deactivating at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0355] Example A3. The method of any one of Examples Al and A2, wherein the one or more actions include:

[0356] transmitting, to the UE 22, one or more messages indicating a second configuration of one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns in one or more cells and indicating to the UE to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns.

[0357] Example A4. The method of any one of Examples A1-A3, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more of:

[0358] one or more time resources;

[0359] one or more frequency resources;

[0360] one or more spatial relations;

[0361] one or more sequences;

[0362] one or more encodings; and

[0363] one or more subcarrier spacings.Example A5. The method of any one of Examples A1-A4, wherein the one or more measurements are based on a measurement pattern (MP).

[0364] Example A6. The method of any one of Examples A1-A4, wherein the one or more actions include:

[0365] transmitting the first configuration to the UE 22.

[0366] Example Bl. A network node 16 configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE) 22, the network node 16 configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to perform any one of the steps corresponding to any one of Examples A1-A6.

[0367] Example Cl. A method implemented in a user equipment (UE) 22 that is configured to communicate with a network node 16, the method comprising:

[0368] receiving a first configuration comprising one or both of:

[0369] one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) transmissions for a plurality of frequencies; and an indication indicating to the UE 22 how to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns; and

[0370] performing one or more actions based on the first configuration.

[0371] Example C2. The method of Example Cl, wherein the one or more actions include:

[0372] performing the one or more measurements in an order based on one or both of an activation and deactivation of at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

[0373] Example C3. The method of any one of Examples Cl and C2, wherein the one or more actions include:

[0374] receiving, from the network node 16, one or more messages indicating a second configuration of one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns in one or more cells and indicating to the UE 22 to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns; and

[0375] transmitting the report.

[0376] Example C4. The method of any one of Examples C1-C3, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more of:

[0377] one or more time resources;

[0378] one or more frequency resources;

[0379] one or more spatial relations;one or more sequences;

[0380] one or more encodings; and

[0381] one or more subcarrier spacings.

[0382] Example C5. The method of any one of Examples C1-C4, wherein the one or more actions includes:

[0383] performing the one or more measurements are based on a measurement pattern (MP).

[0384] Example DI. A user equipment, UE, 22 configured to communicate with a network node 16, the UE 22 configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to perform any one of the steps corresponding to any one of Examples C1-C6.

[0385] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and / or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and / or functionality described herein may be performed by, and / or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0386] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0387] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0388] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0389] It is to be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0390] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Python, Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the " C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0391] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be undulyrepetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0392] Abbreviations that may be used in the preceding description include:

[0393] MG Measurement Gap

[0394] MGP Measurement Gap Pattern

[0395] OD-SSB On demand-SSB

[0396] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method implemented in a user equipment, UE (22), that is configured to communicate with a network node (16), the method comprising:receiving a first configuration comprising one or both of:one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block, OD-SSB, transmissions for a plurality of frequencies; and a measurement pattern indicating an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions (SI 12); andperforming one or more actions based on the first configuration (SI 14).

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the one or more actions includes performing the one or more measurements based at least on the measurement pattern.

3. The method of any one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the one or more actions include performing the one or more measurements in an order based on one or both of an activation and deactivation of at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

4. The method of any one of Claims 1-3, further comprising receiving an indication of OD-SSB transmission offsets, wherein each frequency of the plurality of frequencies has an OD-SSB transmission offset.

5. The method of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the one or more actions include:receiving, from the network node (16), one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE (22) to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions; andtransmitting the report.

6. The method of any one of Claims 1-5, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more of:one or more time resources;one or more frequency resources;one or more spatial relations;one or more sequences;one or more encodings; andone or more subcarrier spacings.

7. The method of any one of Claims 1-6, further comprising receiving, from the network node (16), an indication of an effective measurement periodicity for each frequency of the plurality of frequencies.

8. The method of any one of Claims 1-7, further comprising receiving, from the network node (16), an indication of a measurement gap pattern based on the OD-SSB transmissions for different frequencies, the measurement gap pattern being defined by one or more of a measurement gap length, MGL, a measurement gap repetition period, MGRP, and a measurement gap time offset.

9. A user equipment, UE, (22) configured to communicate with a network node (16), the UE (22) configured to:receive a first configuration comprising one or both ofone or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block, OD-SSB, transmissions for a plurality of frequencies; and a measurement pattern indicating an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions; andperform one or more actions based on the first configuration.

10. The UE (22) of Claim 1, wherein the one or more actions includes performing the one or more measurements based at least on the measurement pattern.

11. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 9 and 10, wherein the one or more actions include performing the one or more measurements in an order based on one or both of an activation and deactivation of at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

12. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 9-11, wherein the UE (22) is further configured to receive an indication of OD-SSB transmission offsets, wherein each frequency of the plurality of frequencies has an OD-SSB transmission offset.

13. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 9-12, wherein the one or more actions include:receive, from the network node (16), one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE (22) to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions; andtransmit the report.

14. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 9-13 wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more ofone or more time resources;one or more frequency resources;one or more spatial relations;one or more sequences;one or more encodings; andone or more subcarrier spacings.

15. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 9-14, wherein the UE (22) is further configured to receive, from the network node (22), an indication of an effective measurement periodicity for each frequency of the plurality of frequencies.

16. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 9-15, wherein the UE (22) is further configured to receive, from the network node (16), an indication of a measurement gap pattern based on the OD-SSB transmissions for different frequencies, the measurement gap pattern being defined by one or more of a measurement gap length, MGL, a measurement gap repetition period, MGRP, and a measurement gap time offset.

17. A method in a network node (16) configured to communicate with a user equipment, UE, (22) the method comprising:determining a first configuration comprising one or both of:one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block, OD-SSB, transmissions for a plurality of frequencies; and a measurement pattern indicating to the UE (22) an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions (S108); andtransmitting the first configuration to the UE (22) (S110).

18. The method of Claim 17, further comprising implicitly controlling the order of the one or more measurements based on one or both of activating and deactivating at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

19. The method of any one of Claims 17 and 18, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE (22), one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE (22) to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns.

20. The method of any one of Claims 17-19, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more ofone or more time resources;one or more frequency resources;one or more spatial relations;one or more sequences;one or more encodings; andone or more subcarrier spacings.

21. A network node (16) configured to communicate with a user equipment, UE, (22), the network node configured to:determine a first configuration comprising one or both of:one or more characteristics corresponding to one or more on demand synchronization signal block, OD-SSB, transmissions for a plurality of frequencies; and a measurement pattern indicating to the UE (22) an order in which to perform one or more measurements associated with the plurality of frequencies based on the one or more OD-SSB transmissions; andtransmit the first configuration to the UE (22).

22. The network node (16) of Claim 21, wherein network node is further configured to implicitly control the order of the one or more measurements based on one or both of activating and deactivating at least one of the one or more OD-SSB transmissions.

23. The network node (16) any one of Claims 21 and 22, wherein the one or more actions include:transmit, to the UE (22), one or more messages indicating a second configuration for the one or more OD-SSB transmissions in one or more cells and indicating to the UE (22) to transmit a report based on the one or more OD-SSB transmission patterns.

24. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 21-23, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more ofone or more time resources;one or more frequency resources;one or more spatial relations;one or more sequences;one or more encodings; andone or more subcarrier spacings.

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