Management of stages in network energy saving mode

Abstract

A method for managing one or more stages associated with a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode. The method includes deciding, at a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode. The method includes transmitting an Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to a target cell. The source cell transmits the UL WUS configuration transmission request to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell. The method includes receiving one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell. The method includes performing one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

Description

MANAGEMENT OF STAGES IN NETWORK ENERGY SAVING MODECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No.202511009968, filed on February 6, 2025, and Indian Non-Provisional Patent Application No.202511009968, filed on October 28, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to management of stages in a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode.BACKGROUND

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0004] Network Energy Saving (NES) Mode in Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) refers to a feature designed to reduce energy consumption within the network infrastructure. For instance, the NES mode optimizes the operation of network components by dynamically adjusting their power levels based on traffic demands. During periods of low user activity, certain elements of the network can enter a low-power state, thereby conserving energy while maintaining essential services. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to sustainability efforts within telecommunications. A key aspect that complements the NES mode is On-DemandSystem Information Block 1 (SIB1) and an Uplink Wakeup Signal (UL WUS) Configuration. This mechanism efficiently manages network resources by providing critical information to User Equipments (UEs) regarding the network’s configuration and available services.

[0005] On-Demand SIB 1 enables the NES mode of a gNB by managing the information that UEs require to connect and operate within the network. For instance, instead of broadcasting SIB1 messages continuously, which can lead to unnecessary signaling and increased energy consumption, the network sends SIB 1 information to UEs, which can use it to request connectivity to a gNB. This selective transmission reduces unnecessary signaling overhead, further optimizing resource utilization and supporting energy savings.SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the disclosure nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is disclosed. The method includes deciding a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode by a source cell. The method further includes transmitting an Uplink (UE) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request by the source cell to a target cell in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode. The source cell transmits the UL WUS configuration transmission request to determine that the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell. In response to the transmission, the method furtherincludes receiving one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message, by the source cell from the target cell. The method further includes performing one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode by the source cell based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to decide, at a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode. The apparatus is further configured to transmit an Uplink (UL) Wake LTp Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to a target cell in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode. The source cell transmits the UL WUS configuration transmission request to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell. The apparatus is further configured to receive one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell in response to the transmit. The apparatus is further configured to perform one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions. The one or more instructions are executed by an apparatus that comprises one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to decide, at a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode. The one or more processors are further configured to transmit an Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmissionrequest to a target cell in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode. The source cell transmits the UL WUS configuration transmission request to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell. The one or more processors are further configured to receive one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell in response to the transmit. The one or more processors are further configured to perform one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

[0010] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example implementation environment in view of the present disclosure, described herein, that may be implemented, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 2 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method for performing an activation of a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode based on an Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission acknowledgement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 3 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method for performing a deactivation of the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 4 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission stop request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 5 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 6 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method for performing at least one NES cell action to activate or deactivate the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission pause request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 7 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method for performing the activation of the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission pause / resume request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for performing the activation or the deactivation of the NES mode, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for performing at least one NES cell action to activate or deactivate the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for performing the activation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; andFIG. 13 illustrates a diagram of example components of an apparatus, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure provides illustrations and descriptions, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the present disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Further, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or one or more features of anotherembodiment). Additionally, the flowchart and description of operations provided below relate to at least one of the embodiments in the present disclosure. It should be noted that it is possible to make other embodiments that do not exactly match the flowchart and its description. It is understood that in other embodiments, one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, or one or more operations may be performed simultaneously (at least in part).

[0013] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods, described herein, may be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods should not limit their implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code. It is understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0014] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, the particular combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Even if a dependent claim directly depends on only one claim, the present disclosure may indicate that the dependent claim is dependent on other claims in the claim set.

[0015] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” (in other words, nouns not mentioned in the plural) are intended to include one or more items, and may be usedinterchangeably with “one or more.” Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, expressions such as “at least one of [A] and [B],” “[A] and / or [B],” or “at least one of [A] or [B]” are to be understood as including only A, only B, or both A and B.

[0016] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0017] Throughout this disclosure, the terms “Source cell” and “NES cell” are used interchangeably and mean the same. The terms “Target cell” and “Cell A” are used interchangeably and mean the same.

[0018] In the context of Network Energy Saving (NES) Mode in Open Radio Access Network (ORAN), in the Rel-19 NES work item (RP -234065), RANI, RAN2, and RAN3 may study the support of on-demand System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1) for User Equipments (UEs) in idle or inactive mode. The objective includes the following:a. Investigate procedures and signaling methods to enable on-demand SIB1 for UEs in idle or inactive mode.i. Explore a triggering method using an uplink wake-up signal through an existing signal or channel.ii. Provisioning of the wake-up signal configuration to the UE. Modifications to SSB may not be addressed in this objective.iii. Additionally, information exchange between gNBs may occur, at least for the configuration of the wake-up signal, if necessary.iv. Checkpoint for normative work in RAN 105.

[0019] An existing NES feature enhances overall network efficiency, ensuring that energy conservation measures do not compromise service quality or accessibility. Despite the abovementioned advantages, several challenges / problems / limitations are encountered in the existing methods, which are mentioned below.

[0020] For a cell to enter the NES mode, support from a partially or fully overlapping cell is necessary to transmit its Uplink Wake-Up Signal (UL WUS) configuration. The overlapping cell, which transmits periodic SIB1 in a default mode, is referred to as a Cell A. The cell transitioning to the NES mode, which supports On-Demand SIB1 (OD-SIB1) transmission, is called aNES Cell. Standards specify that a gNB-DU of an NG RAN node determines when to transition a cell to the NES mode. This gNB-DU is also responsible for sending the uplink WUS configuration to a gNB-CU of the NES Cell. The gNB-CU of the NES Cell then requests NES mode support from the gNB-CU of the Cell A (adjacent / neighboring Cell A).

[0021] According to RAN3 agreements, the Cell A can either agree to or reject support for the NES mode. If the Cell A agrees, the Cell A may broadcast the UL WUS configuration of the NES Cell in its SIBx. However, in some cases, the Cell A rejects support, or the Cell A may also choose to stop broadcasting the UL WUS configuration and withdraw support for the ongoing NES mode. When the cell A rejects support or withdraws the support, the actions required from each involved network entity (e.g., NES Cell and Cell A) in the NES feature remain unclear, which indicates challenges in the conventional systems.

[0022] To address the above-mentioned challenges, there is a need for alternative approaches, which is essential to clarify the actions that may be required for each of the involved network entity during various stages (e.g., start, stop, pause, resume, restart, etc.) of the NES mode, as described in conjunction with FIG. 1 to FIG. 13. As a result, energy savings are managed optimally at the NG RAN nodes (e.g., NES Cell and Cell A), as one of the advantages of the disclosed method and / or apparatus.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 13, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, their preferred embodiments are shown.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example implementation environment 100 in view of the present disclosure, described herein, that may be implemented, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the implementation environment 100 includes a User Equipment (UE) 110, a service environment 120, and a network 130. The service environment 120 includes one or more sub-environments 121-1 to 121-N (collectively and / or interchangeably referred hereinafter as 121). To illustrate this, FIG. 1 shows, for convenience, examples of a 1stsub-environment 121-1, a 2ndsub-environment 121-2, and an Nthsub-environment 121-N (where N is any natural number).

[0026] In some example embodiments, the UE 110 is connected to the network 130, and the network 130 is connected to the service environment 120. The connections may be wired, wireless, or a combination of both wired and wireless. The UE 110 and the service environment 120 are connected via the network 130.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the UE 110 is a device that communicates with the service environment 120. The UE 110 receives information from the service environment 120 and / or sends information to the service environment 120. Also, the UE 110 may generate and / or store information to be transmitted, as necessary. Also, the UE 110 may store and / or process information that is received, as necessary.

[0028] The example FIG. 1 refers to the “UE 110”. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that general terms such as “user device”, “terminal”, “terminal device”, “communication device”, “unmanned aerial vehicle (drone)”, “satellite device” and “communication terminal” can be used interchangeably with the term “UE”. For instance, the UE 110 may communicate with a target cell for an UL WUS configuration.

[0029] For example, the UE 110 may include a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a smart speaker, a server, etc.), a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone, a radiotelephone, etc.), a wearable device (e g., a pair of smart glasses or a smart watch), or a similar device.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the service environment 120 is an environment that communicates with the UE 110 to provide one or more services. The service environment 120 receives information from the UE 110 and / or sends information to the UE 110. Also, the service environment 120 may generate and / or store information to be transmitted, as necessary. Also, the service environment 120 may store and / or process information that is received, as necessary. For example, the service environment 120 may provide computing resources as one of the services. It should be noted that the service is not limited to being provided to the UE 110; it may also be provided to devices other than the UE 110. For example, based on communication from the UE110, the service may perform processes such as anomaly detection or traffic analysis and notify the results to a predetermined destination.

[0031] The example FIG. 1 refers to the “service environment”. The term “service environment” is used to refer to the broader context within which services operate. For example, cloud environments, platforms, computing systems, network systems, and cloud systems generally represent the environments in which services are conducted, and these are included within the “service environment”. However, the “service environment” is not limited to these examples. Additionally, the specific types of environments within the “service environment” are not restricted. For instance, cloud environments and cloud systems can be categorized as private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, or multi-cloud, all of which are included within the “service environment”.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the one or more services provided by the service environment 120 is not specifically limited and can be adjusted according to the embodiments. For example, the one or more services may include a service that provides information to the UE 110, a service that stores information from the UE 110, or a service that performs processing based on information from the UE 110 and returns the results of the processing.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the service environment 120 may also provide computing resources, such as the service. The computing resources can be hardware resources and / or software resources. For example, applications, processors, memory, and storage can be included in the provided computing resources. Each computing resource can communicate with other computing resources via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0034] The provided computing resources can be actual resources (also referred to as physical resources) and / or virtual resources. Furthermore, means of virtualization for virtual resources can be selected as appropriate. That is, in this disclosure, the use of adjectives such as “virtual” or “virtualized” to describe names does not imply that they are virtualized by a specific means of virtualization. For example, “virtual machine” refers to software that operates like an actual computer, realized through means of virtualization, and it is not intended to exclude those realized by specific means of virtualization, such as hypervisors or containers. Conversely, when means of virtualization, such as hypervisors or containers, are mentioned in this disclosure, it is merely cited as a general method of implementation. It should also be interpreted that embodiments implemented with other virtualization means are also disclosed. Also, the services may also be provided using resources virtualized by different means.

[0035] In some example embodiments, the service environment 120 includes one or more devices, such as servers and network devices, which provide services or perform processes. The placement of these devices within the service environment 120 can be determined as appropriate. Additionally, if the service environment 120 includes one or more sub-environments 121, the placement of devices can be determined based on predetermined policies for each sub -environment 121. For example, devices related to the first service may be placed in the 1st sub-environment 121-1, and devices related to the second service may be placed in the 2nd sub-environment 121-2.In another example, devices expected to have a higher load than a predetermined threshold may be placed in the 1st sub-environment 121-1, while devices expected to have a lower load than the predetermined threshold may be placed in the 2nd sub-environment 121-2. In this way, specificdevices can be placed in specific sub-environments 121. Conversely, each sub-environment 121 can be specialized for a particular purpose.

[0036] In some example embodiments, the 1stsub-environment 121-1 may relate to a source cell (e g., NES cell) and the 2ndsub -environment 121-2 may relate to a target cell (e.g., Cell A) (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0037] In some example embodiments, all processes executed in a single service may run within a single service environment, or in multiple service environments. Multiple processes executed in a single service could be provided by different service environments.

[0038] In some example embodiments, the network 130 is a network that exchanges information between the UE 110 and the service environment 120. The network 130 includes one or more wired and / or wireless networks.

[0039] For example, the network 130 may include a cellular network (e.g., a Fifth Generation (5G) network, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, a Third Generation (3G) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, etc.), a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, or the like, a NonTerrestrial Network (NTN), and / or a combination of these or other types of networks.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the network 130 can be a part of a network. For example, in a 5G network that includes a RAN, a transport network, and a core network, the network 130 can be at least one of the RAN, the transport network, or the core network. For example, the serviceenvironment 120 could be in the core network, in which case the network 130 could correspond to a network that is a combination of a RAN and a transport network and is part of the 5G network.

[0041] The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown in FIG. 1 are provided as an example. It should be understood that any changes that may be implemented by those skilled in the art, such as the addition or rearrangement of well-known devices or networks at the time of implementation, are included in this disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method 200 for performing an activation of a NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 200 may execute multiple operations, by one of a source cell (also referred to as an NES cell, hereinafter) 200a or a target cell (also referred to as a Cell A, hereinafter) 200b, for performing the activation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, which are given below.

[0043] At operation 201, the source cell 200a may decide a transition to the NES mode. At operation 202, the source cell 200a may transmit an Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to the target cell 200b in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode. In some example embodiments, the source cell 200a (e.g., NES cell gNB-DU) may send a request (e.g., UL WUS configuration transmission request) to the target cell 200b via a NES cell gNB-CU. The source cell 200a may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to determine whether the target cell 200b is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs), which may relate to the UE 110, camped on the target cell.

[0044] At operation 203, the source cell 200a may receive the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell 200b in response to the transmission. Herein, the target cell 200b may generate the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement when the target cell 200b may decide to transmit the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell 200b. In some example embodiments, the target cell 200b may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement to the NES Cell gNB-CU.

[0045] At operation 204, the source cell 200a may perform an activation of the NES mode based on receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement. In other words, the source cell 200a may trigger the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell 200a upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell 200b.

[0046] For instance, consider an example scenario where the source cell 200a may identify an opportunity to reduce power consumption during low traffic periods and decides to transition to the NES mode. To implement this transition, the source cell 200a may send a request to the neighboring target cell 200b, inquiring whether the target cell 200b can broadcast the ULWUS configuration for the UEs connected to that cell. The target cell 200b may evaluate the request and, if capable, promptly respond with an acknowledgement (i.e., UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement), confirming the ability to transmit the UL WUS configuration. Upon receiving this acknowledgement, the source cell 200a may activate the NES mode, allowing for more efficient operation while still providing connectivity for the UEs, successfully reducing energy consumption, as one of the advantages of the method 200.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method 300 for performing a deactivation of the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 300 may execute multiple operations, by one of the source cell 200a or the target cell 200b, for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message, which are given below.

[0048] At operation 301, the source cell 200a may decide a transition to the NES mode. At operation 302, the source cell 200a may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell 200b in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode. The source cell 200a may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to determine whether the target cell 200b is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell 200b.

[0049] At operation 303, the source cell 200a may receive the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell 200b in response to the transmission. The target cell 200b may generate the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message when the target cell 200b is unable to transmit to the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell 200b. The UL WUS configuration transmission failure message comprises a failure cause Information Element (IE). The failure cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message that is associated with, for example, but is not limited to, one of: an NES mode of the target cell 200b, or an overload condition of the target cell 200b.

[0050] At operation 304, the source cell 200a may perform the deactivation of the NES mode based on the receipt of a UL WUS configuration transmission failure message. In some exampleembodiments, in addition, the source cell 200a may determine a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message. Moreover, the source cell 200a may retransmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell 200b based on the determined time period.

[0051] For instance, consider an example scenario where the source cell 200a may identify the need to transition to the NES mode to optimize power usage during off-peak hours. To initiate this transition, the source cell 200a may send a request to a neighboring target cell 200b, asking whether the target cell 200b may broadcast the UL WUS configuration for the UEs connected to that cell. However, the target cell 200b may respond with a failure message (i.e., UL WUS configuration transmission failure message), indicating an inability to transmit the UL WUS configuration due to either its own NES mode being active or an overload condition affecting its capacity. This failure message includes a specific reason for the transmission failure. In response to receiving this failure message, the source cell 200a may decide to deactivate the NES mode to ensure proper functionality, as one of the advantages of the method 300.

[0052] In some example embodiments, additionally, the source cell 200a may determine an appropriate time period (i.e., time period) for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration request. After this appropriate time period, the source cell 200a may retransmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell 200b based on the determined time period, aiming to successfully establish the necessary configuration for the connected UEs.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission stop request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 400 may execute multiple operations,by one of the source cell 200a or the target cell 200b, for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request, which are given below.

[0054] At operation 401, the source cell 200a may decide the transition to the NES mode. At operation 402, the source cell 200a may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell 200b in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode. The source cell 200a may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to determine whether the target cell 200b is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more UEs camped on the target.

[0055] At operation 403, the source cell 200a may receive the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell 200b in response to the transmission. Herein, the target cell 200b generates the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement when the target cell 200b decides to transmit the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell 200b.

[0056] At operation 404, the source cell 200a may perform the activation of the NES mode based on receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement. At operation 405, the source cell 200a may broadcast the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell 200b.

[0057] At operation 406, after a certain period, the source cell 200a may decide to transition out of the NES mode. At operation 407, in response to the decision to transition out of the NES mode, the source cell 200a may transmit an UL WUS configuration transmission stop request to the target cell 200b. At operation 408, the source cell 200a may deactivate the NES mode after transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request. Further, at operation 409, the target cell200b may stop the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request from the source cell 200a.

[0058] In some example embodiments, additionally, the source cell 200a determines an appropriate time period (i.e., time period) for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission request failure. After this appropriate time period, the source cell 200a retransmits the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell 200b based on the determined time period, aiming to successfully establish the necessary configuration for the connected UEs.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for performing the deactivation of the IVES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 500 may execute multiple operations, by one of the source cell 200a or the target cell 200b, for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request, which are given below.

[0060] At operation 501, the source cell 200a may decide the transition to the NES mode. At operation 502, the source cell 200a may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell 200b in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode. The source cell 200a transmits the UL WUS configuration transmission request to determine whether the target cell 200b is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more UEs camped on the target cell 200b.

[0061] At operation 503, the source cell 200a may receive the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell 200b in response to the transmitting. Herein, the target cell 200b may generate the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgementwhen the target cell 200b decides to transmit the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell 200b.

[0062] At operation 504, the source cell 200a may perform the activation of the NES mode based on receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement. At operation 505, the target cell 200b may broadcast the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell 200b.

[0063] After a certain period, at operation 506, the target cell 200b may decide to stop the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request to the source cell 200a. At operation 507, in response to stopping the transmission, the target cell 200b may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request to the source cell 200a.

[0064] At operation 508, the source cell 200a may deactivate the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request. Further, at operation 509, the target cell 200b may stop the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request from the source cell 200a.

[0065] For instance, consider another scenario associated with a smart city, where cellular networks are deployed to manage communication between various devices and services, such as traffic lights, public transportation, and emergency services. To conserve energy during off-peak hours, the network utilizes the NES mode. For instance, the source cell 200a is responsible for a busy urban area with high traffic during the day. To save energy at night when traffic is lower, the source cell 200a operates in NES mode, optimizing its power consumption while still providing essential services.

[0066] As dawn approaches, the target cell 200b may decide to stop the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a. In response to stop the transmission, the target cell 200b may transmit the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request to the source cell 200a, indicating that it may no longer operate for transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a. After transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request, the source cell 200a may deactivate the NES mode. Upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request to the source cell 200a, the target cell 200b may stop transmitting the UL WUS configuration for the source cell 200a, allowing the target cell 200b to provide full capacity and support the increased demand from surrounding devices (e.g., UE(s)) and services, as one of the advantages of the method 500.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the Cell A 200b may decide to stop the ongoing support of the NES mode of a neighbouring cell. The Cell A gNB-CU sends a ‘Stopping support for NES mode’ to the NES Cell gNB-CU by utilizing the cause IE, which helps the NES Cell 200a to decide upon the next course of action.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method 600 for performing the at least one NES cell action to activate or deactivate the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission pause request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 600 may execute multiple operations, by one of the source cell 200a or the target cell 200b, for performing the at least one NES cell action to activate or deactivate the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request, which are given below.

[0069] At operation 601, the method 600 includes performing one or more operations, for example, the source cell 200a may decide to transition the NES mode, the source cell 200a may activate theNES mode, the source cell 200a may transmit OD-SIB1, and the target cell 200b may broadcast the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a.

[0070] After a certain period, at operation 602, the target cell 200b may decide to pause the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a to the one or more UEs. At operation 603, the source cell 200a may receive an UL WUS configuration transmission pause request from the target cell 200b. The UL WUS configuration transmission pause request comprises at least one of: a timer value, or a pause cause Information Element (IE). The pause cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request that is associated with, for example, but is not limited to, one of: the NES mode of the target cell 200b, or the overload condition of the target cell 200b.

[0071] At operation 604, the source cell 200a may perform at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request. For example, the source cell 200a may determine that one of the target cell 200b supports the NES mode of the source cell 200a, or a plurality of the target cells support the NES mode of the source cell 200a. The source cell 200a may perform one of: transitioning out of the NES mode, or continuing in the NES mode.

[0072] The source cell 200a may transition out of the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the target cell 200b supports the NES mode of the source cell 200a. The source cell 200a may start to transmit a System Information Block 1(SIB1) in response to transitioning out of the NES mode.

[0073] The source cell 200a may continue in the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the plurality of target cells supports the NES mode of the source cell 200a. At least one target cell 200b of the pluralityof the target cells (not shown in FIG. 6, e.g., 200bl, 200b2, etc.) transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a. In addition, the source cell 200a transmits an On-Demand-System Information Block 1 (OD-S1B1) in response to continuing in the NES mode.

[0074] At operation 605, the target cell 200b may pause the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request to the source cell 200a.

[0075] For instance, consider an example scenario associated with an urban area, the NES cell 200a may operate within a modern mobile communication network, focusing on optimizing energy consumption while ensuring seamless connectivity for the UEs. Consider the scenario where the NES cell 200a may detect a significant drop in network activity during late-night hours. To enhance energy efficiency during this period, the NES cell 200a may activate the NES mode, which allows for better resource management and reduced power consumption. As part of this transition, the NES cell 200a begins broadcasting the OD-SIBl.

[0076] Simultaneously, the neighboring cell, referred to as the Cell A 200b, is actively transmitting the UL WUS configuration of the NES cell 200a. However, as the night progresses, the Cell A 200b may realize that a pause in the transmission of the UL WUS configuration is necessary due to increased network congestion or specific operational adjustments. In response, the Cell A 200b may send the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request to the NES cell 200a, including the timer value that specifies the duration of the pause and the pause cause IE explaining the reason for the request. Upon receiving this pause request, the NES cell 200a may evaluate whether the NES cell 200a has support of only one Cell A. If confirmed, the NES cell 200a may decide to transition out of NES mode, prompting the transmission of the SIB1.Alternatively, if multiple neighboring cells (e.g., Cell Al, Cell A2, Cell A3, etc.) support the NES mode of the NES cell 200a, the NES cell 200a might choose to remain in the NES mode, ensuring that at least one of those multiple neighboring cells continues to broadcast the UL WUS configuration of the NES cell 200a. Ultimately, after sending the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request, the Cell A 200b may temporarily halt the UL WUS configuration transmission, as one of the advantages of the method 600.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a sequence flow diagram illustrating a method 700 for performing the activation of the NES mode based on an UL WUS configuration transmission pause / resume request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 700 may execute multiple operations, by one of the source cell 200a or the target cell 200b, for performing the at least one NES cell action to activate or deactivate the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission pause / resume request, which are given below.

[0078] At operation 701, the method 700 includes performing one or more operations, for example, the source cell 200a may decide to transition the NES mode, the source cell 200a may activate the NES mode, the source cell 200a may transmit OD-SIB1, and the target cell 200b may broadcast the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a. After a certain period, at operation 702, the target cell 200b may decide to pause the transmission / support of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a to the one or more UEs. At operation 703, the source cell 200a may receive the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request from the target cell 200b. The UL WUS configuration transmission pause request comprises at least one of: the timer value, or the pause cause IE. The pause cause IE indicates the reason for the UL WUS configuration transmissionpause request that is associated with, for example, but is not limited to, one of: the NES mode of the target cell 200b, or the overload condition of the target cell 200b.

[0079] At operation 704, the source cell 200a may perform at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request. For example, the source cell 200a may determine that one of: the target cell 200b supports the NES mode of the source cell 200a, or the plurality of the target cells support the NES mode of the source cell 200a. The source cell 200a may perform one of transitioning out of the NES mode, or continuing in the NES mode:a) The source cell 200a may transition out of the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the target cell 200b supports the NES mode of the source cell 200a. The source cell 200a may start to transmit the SIB 1 in response to transitioning out of the NES mode, orb) The source cell 200a may continue in the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the plurality of target cells supports the NES mode of the source cell 200a. At least one target cell 200b of the plurality of the target cells (not shown in FIG. 7, e.g., 200bl, 200b2, etc.) may transmit the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a. In addition, the source cell 200a may transmit the OD-SIB1 in response to continuing in the NES mode.

[0080] At operation 705, the target cell 200b may pause the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request to the source cell 200a. After a certain period, at operation 706, the target cell 200b may resume the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a. In response to resuming the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell 200a, at operation 707,the source cell 200a may receive an UL WUS configuration transmission resume request from the target cell 200b. At operation 708, the source cell 200a may activate the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request based on the support of the target cell 200b

[0081] In some example embodiments, in the context of the pause and resume of the NES, the method 700 may utilize various triggers which would necessitate the source cell 200a to come out of the NES mode temporarily or might require the target cell 200b (e.g., Cell A) to withdraw support temporarily. These various triggers may be a scheduled system update, or a sudden influx and passing through of traffic (like a high-speed train), or an alarm notification, which might require all the cells to be available instantly and after a certain duration, the source cell 200a may resume the NES mode.

[0082] In some example embodiments, if a trigger originates at the Cell A 200b, the Cell A 200b sends a pause and resume notification to the NES cell 200a with the duration of pause mentioned. The NES cell 200a may decide to transition to default mode with periodic SIB1 transmission for that duration or may choose to continue to be in the NES mode.

[0083] In some example embodiments, if the Cell A 200b sends two separate pause and resume notifications, then it is similar to stop and start procedures. In this case, after Cell A 200b sends a pause notification, and if it receives a notification from the NES cell 200a regarding transition out of the NES mode, then it may send a resume notification indicating its willingness to resume the support for the NES mode. If the NES cell 200a has transitioned out of the NES mode, then it begins with the start procedure again by sending a fresh request to the Cell A 200b for support ofthe NES mode. If the NES cell 200a has continued in the NES mode, it informs the Cell A 200b to resume broadcasting its UL WUS configuration.

[0084] In some example embodiments, in the context of the restart NES, this is relevant from Cell A’s perspective. It is similar to the pause and resume if triggered from Cell A 200b (as described above). In this case, Cell A 200b decides to stop support of the NES mode of the neighbouring cell.

[0085] The first scenario, when the NES cell 200a receives the stop support notification, the NES cell 200a may continue in the NES mode if the NES cell 200a has support from one or more other Cell As (e g , 200bl, 200b2, etc.). In this case, the Cell A 200b under consideration does not receive a notification regarding NES Cell’s change of the NES mode. Therefore, the Cell A 200b continues to assume that the NES cell is continuing in the NES mode. If, after a certain duration of time, the Cell A 200b decides to restart the support for the NES mode of the NES Cell, the Cell A 200b sends a restart notification and begins broadcasting the UL WUS Configuration.

[0086] The second scenario is, if the Cell A 200b stops support of the UL WUS configuration, which results in the NES cell 200a to transition out of the NES mode, then the NES cell 200a sends a notification to the Cell A 200b informing it of the change in the NES mode to default mode with periodic SIB1 transmission. If, after a certain duration of time, the Cell A 200b decides to restart the support for the NES mode of the NES cell 200a, the Cell A 200b sends a restart notification to the NES cell 200a. If the NES cell 200a wishes to transition again to the NES mode, it starts afresh with the procedure described above (refer to FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2).

[0087] In some example embodiments, one or more messages from the Cell A 200b to the NES cell 200a have the following entities as source and destination:a. Source: Cell A gNB-CU; destination: NES Cell gNB-CU;b. Source: Cell A gNB-CU; destination: NES Cell gNB-DU;c. Source: Cell A gNB-DU; destination: NES Cell gNB-CU; andd. Source: Cell A gNB-DU; destination: NES Cell gNB-DU.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 800 for performing the activation or the deactivation of the NES mode, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 800 may execute multiple operations, by one of the source cell (NES cell) 200a or the target cell (Cell A) 200b, for performing the activation or the deactivation of the NES mode, which are given below.

[0089] At operation 801, the method 800 includes deciding the transition to the NES mode. At operation 802, the method 800 includes transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell 200b. At operation 803, the method 800 includes receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message. At operation 804, the method 800 includes performing one of: the activation of the NES mode, or the deactivation of the NES mode. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 8 is covered in the description related to FIG. 2 and FIG.7 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0091] At operation 901, the method 900 includes triggering the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell 200a upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell 200b. At operation 902, the method 900 includestransmiting the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request to the target cell 200b. At operation 903, the method 900 includes deactivating the NES mode after transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 9 is covered in the description related to FIG. 4 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0092] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1000 for performing the deactivation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0093] At operation 1001, the method 1000 includes triggering the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell 200a upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell 200b. At operation 1002, the method 1000 includes receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request from the target cell 200b. At operation 1003, the method 1000 includes deactivating the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 10 is covered in the description related to FIG. 5 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1100 for performing at least one NES cell action to activate or deactivate the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0095] At operation 1101, the method 1100 includes triggering the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell 200a upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell 200b. At operation 1102, the method 1100 includesreceiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request from the target cell 200b. At operation 1103, the method 1100 includes performing the at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 11 is covered in the description related to FIG. 6 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0096] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1200 for performing the activation of the NES mode based on the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0097] At operation 1201, the method 1200 includes performing the at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request. At operation 1202, the method 1200 includes receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request from the target cell 200b. At operation 1203, the method 1200 includes activating the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request based on the support of the target cell 200b. Further, a detailed description related to the various operations of FIG. 12 is covered in the description related to FIG. 7 and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0098] FIG. 13 illustrates a diagram of example components of an apparatus 1300, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 13, the apparatus 1300 comprises a processor 1310, a memory 1320, a storage component 1330, an input component 1340, an output component 1350, a communication interface 1360, and a bus 1370. In one embodiment, the apparatus 1300 may relate to at least one of the source cell 200a, the target cell 200b, or any other network device.

[0099] The processor 1310, as used herein, means any type of computational circuit that may comprise hardware elements and software elements. The processor 1310 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and / or one or more single core processors, a distributed processing system, or the like. The processor 1310 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.

[0100] The memory 1320 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium. Memory 1320 includes a Random-Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and / or an optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 1310. The memory 1320 comprises machine-readable instructions which are executable by the processor 1310. These machine-readable instructions, when executed by the processor 1310 cause the processor 1310 to perform one or more method steps of an embodiment described above.

[0101] The storage component 1330 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the apparatus 1300. For example, the storage component 1330 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and / or a solid-state disk), a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0102] The input component 1340 is configured to receive information, such as user input. For example, the input component 1340 may include, but not be limited to, a touchscreen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and / or a microphone. Additionally, oralternatively, the input component 1340 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator).

[0103] The output component 1350 is configured to provide output information from the apparatus 1300. For example, the output component 1350 may be, but is not limited to, a display, a speaker, instructions to an external device, and / or one or more Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

[0104] The communication interface 1360 is an interface that provides a communication connection to other devices, such as external devices and internal devices. The connection by the communication interface 1360 can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, and can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via a communication network that exists between the apparatus 1300 and other devices. In other words, the standard of the communication interface 1360 is not limited.

[0105] The bus 1370 acts as an interconnect between the processor 1310, the memory 1320, the storage component 1330, the input component 1340, the output component 1350, and the communication interface 1360 of the apparatus 1300. The bus 1370 may include a wired interconnection or a wireless interconnection.

[0106] The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 13 are provided as an example. In practice, the apparatus 1300 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 13. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the apparatus 1300 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the apparatus 1300. Further, one or more method steps described in any of the embodiments may be performed utilizing the apparatus 1300 in communication with one another.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the disclosure may represent techniques related to a document titled “Discussion of new procedures to support OD-SIB1” for discussion and decision at the 3GPP TSG-RAN Working Group 3 (WG3) Meeting R3-126, held in Orlando, USA, from Nov 18-22, 2024. The document, identified as R3-247626, falls under Agenda Item 17.3.

[0108] At the RAN3 125 meeting, the following was agreed [3]:a. Case 2 can be supported with the following details:i. UL WUS configuration is decided by the NES Cell DU.ii. UL WUS configuration transmission from NES Cell DU to NES Cell CU.NES gNB-CU sends UL WUS configuration to Cell A gNB-CU over an Xn Interface.iii. Upon the reception of the UL WUS configuration, Cell A can provide feedback to NES Cell on whether the WUS configuration Transmission for NES Cell is accepted in Cell A (e.g., confirm, reject).b. FFS, whether Cell A broadcasts it right away or not.

[0109] From RAN3#125-bis, we have the following agreements for the topic of On-Demand SIBl. The UL WUS configuration will be transferred over an Xn interface via a new class 1 defined procedure. Cell A gNB can decide and signal to the NES Cell gNB that it stops the UL WUS configuration broadcast in its SIB.

[0110] In the context of the UL WUS Configuration from the NES Cell to Cell A: It has been agreed in the previous meetings that the UL WUS Configuration is decided by the NES Cell gNB-DU, and it sends the UL WUS Configuration to the NES Cell gNB-CU, which is forwarded to Cell A gNB-CU. It has also been agreed that the UL WUS Configuration will be transmitted over theXn interface using a new class 1 procedure. We propose the new class 1 procedure to follow the design principles of the existing basic procedures defined in 38.423.

[0111] In the context of the UL WUS Config Transmission, when a source NG RAN node decides to transition to a NES mode, it needs the support of the neighboring NG RAN nodes. The source NG RAN node sends its UL WUS Configuration to the target NG RAN node to broadcast to UEs in IDLE / INACTIVE state in the target NG RAN node. This makes the NES NG RAN node discoverable by the UEs in the target NG RAN node. The procedure uses non-UE-associated signalling.

[0112] Successful Operation: UL WUS Config Transmission Request procedure is used by the source NG RAN node (NES Cell) to determine whether the target NG RAN node (Cell A) is willing to broadcast UL WUS Configuration to the UEs camped on the target NG RAN node (Cell A gNB). If the target NG RAN node is willing to transmit the UL WUS Configuration of the source NG RAN node, it responds with UL WUS Config Transmission Acknowledgement.

[0113] Unsuccessful Operation: If the target NG RAN node (Cell A) is unable or unwilling to broadcast UL WUS Configuration to the UEs camped on the target NG RAN node, the target NG-RAN node shall send the UL WUS CONFIGURATION TRANSMISSION FAILURE message to the source NG-RAN node. In subsequent meetings, we could discuss whether this message should contain a Cause IE.

[0114] Proposal 1: RAN3 to agree on the new class 1 procedure initiated by the NES Cell towards Cell A to request the broadcast of its UL WUS Configuration.

[0115] In the context of the Activation / Deactivation of the NES mode, in RAN3#125-bis, it was agreed that Cell A gNB can decide and signal to NES Cell gNB that it wants to stop the UL WUS configuration broadcast in its SIB. Based on the agreement, we have the following understanding:a. The NES Cell can decide when to start / stop NES mode.b. Cell A can decide when to start / stop broadcasting UL WUS Configuration of the NES Cell.

[0116] Observation 1: The trigger to activate the NES mode of the NES cell comes from the NES Cell only. The trigger to deactivate the NES mode of the NES cell can come from either the NES Cell or Cell A.

[0117] This leads us to the following possible scenarios:a. Scenario la: Activation of NES mode triggered by NES Cell and supported by Cell A; andb. Scenario lb: Deactivation of NES mode triggered by NES Cell.

[0118] In this case, the NES Cell sends a UL WUS Config Transmission Stop procedure to the target NG RAN node. On receiving this, the target NG RAN node may stop broadcasting the UL WUS configuration of the source NG RAN node to the UEs camped on the target NG RAN node.

[0119] Proposal 2: RAN3 to agree on the new class 2 procedure initiated by the NES Cell towards Cell A to stop the broadcast of its UL WUS Configurationa. Scenario 2a: Activation of NES mode triggered by NES Cell and supported by Cell A; andb. Scenario 2b: Deactivation of NES mode triggered by Cell A: Cell A stops broadcasting UL WUS Configuration; therefore, the NES Cell is forced to transition out of NES mode.

[0120] In this case, the source NG RAN node decides to stop the transmission of the UL WUS Configuration of the target NG RAN node. The source NG RAN node sends a UL WUS Config Transmission Cancel procedure to the target NG RAN node. On receiving this procedure, the target NG RAN node may choose to transition out of the NES mode.

[0121] It is possible that one Cell A has stopped broadcasting the UL WUS configuration of the NES Cell, but another Cell A continues to broadcast the UL WUS configuration of the NES. It is up to the implementation at the NES Cell to decide when and under what conditions it should deactivate the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS Configuration Transmission Cancel from the Cell A.

[0122] Proposal 3: RAN3 to agree on the new class 1 procedure initiated by Cell A towards NES Cell to indicate its cancellation of the broadcast of the UL WUS Configuration of the NES Cell

[0123] The following documents were referred to during the course of this work to understand the technical discussions and decisions relevant to the discussion of new procedures to support OD-SIBIa. Chairman’s Notes RAN3# 125b. Chairman’s Notes RAN3#125-bis

[0124] Examples of the techniques and apparatus described herein include, but are not limited to, the following enumerated embodiments:[1] A method comprising:deciding, by a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode; in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode, transmitting, by the source cell, an Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to a target cell to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell;in response to the transmitting, receiving, by the source cell from the target cell, one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message; andperforming, by the source cell, one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the INES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.[2] The method as described in [1], further comprising performing one of:triggering, by the source cell, the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell generates the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement when the target cell decides to transmit the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell; ortriggering, by the source cell, the deactivation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell,wherein the target cell generates the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message when the target cell is unable to transmit to the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell.[3] The method as described in any of [1] to [2], further comprising:triggering, by the source cell, the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;deciding, by source cell, to transition out of the NES mode;in response to the decision to transition out of the NES mode, transmitting, by source the cell, an UL WUS configuration transmission stop request to the target cell; and deactivating, by the source cell, the NES mode after transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request,wherein the target cell stops the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request from the source cell.[4] The method as described in any of [1] to [3], further comprising:triggering, by the source cell, the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;receiving, by the source cell, an UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request from the target cell, wherein the target cell decides to stop the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request to the source cell; anddeactivating, by the source cell, the IVES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request.[5] The method as described in any of [1] to [4], further comprising:triggering, by the source cell, the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;receiving, by the source cell, an UL WUS configuration transmission pause request from the target cell; andperforming, by the source cell, at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request,wherein the target cell pauses the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request.[6] The method as described in any of [1] to [5], wherein performing the at least one NES cell action comprises:determining, by the source cell, that one of: the target cell supports the NES mode of the source cell, or a plurality of the target cells support the NES mode of the source cell, wherein the plurality of the target cells comprises the target cell; andperforming, by the source cell, one of:transitioning out of the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the target cell supports the NES mode of the source cell,wherein the source cell starts to transmit a System Information Block 1(SIB1) in response to transitioning out of the NES mode; or continuing in the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the plurality of target cells supports the NES mode of the source cell,wherein at least one target cell of the plurality of the target cells transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell, and wherein the source cell transmits an On-Demand-System Information Block 1 (OD-SIB 1 ) in response to continuing in the NES mode.[7] The method as described in any of [1] to [6], further comprising:in response to performing the at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request,receiving, by the source cell, an UL WUS configuration transmission resume request from the target cell, wherein the target cell resumes the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell; andactivating, by the source cell, the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request based on the support of the target cell.[8] The method as described in any of [1] to [7],wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request comprises at least one of a timer value, or a pause cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the pause cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell.[9] The method as described in any of [1] to [8], comprising:determining, by the source cell, a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message, wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message comprises a failure cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the failure cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell; andretransmitting, by the source cell, the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell based on the determined time period.[10J The method as described in any of [1] to [9], comprising:determining, by the source cell, a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request,wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request comprises a stop cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the stop cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request that is associated with one of an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell; andretransmitting, by the source cell, the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell based on the determined time period.

[0011] An apparatus configured to:decide, at a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode; in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode, transmit Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to a target cell to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell;in response to the transmit, receive, at the source cell, one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell; andperform one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

[0012] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] , the apparatus is further configured to perform one of:trigger the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell, wherein the target cell generates the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement when the target cell decides to transmit the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell; ortrigger the deactivation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell, wherein the target cell generates the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message when the target cell is unable to transmit to the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell.

[0013] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] to

[0012] , the apparatus is further configured to:trigger the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell, wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;deciding, by source cell, to transition out of the NES mode;in response to the decision to transition out of the NES mode, transmit an UL WUS configuration transmission stop request to the target cell; anddeactivate the NES mode after transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request,wherein the target cell stops the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request from the source cell.

[0014] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] to

[0013] , the apparatus is further configured to:trigger the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell, wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;receive an UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request from the target cell, wherein the target cell decides to stop the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request to the source cell; anddeactivate the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request.

[0015] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] to

[0014] , the apparatus is further configured to:trigger an activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;receive an UL WUS configuration transmission pause request from the target cell; andperform at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request,wherein the target cell pauses the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request.

[0016] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] to

[0015] , wherein to perform the at least one NES cell action, the apparatus is configured to:determine that one of: the target cell supports the NES mode of the source cell, or a plurality of the target cells support the NES mode of the source cell, wherein the plurality of the target cells comprises the target cell; andperform one of:transition out of the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the target cell supports the NES mode of the source cell,wherein the source cell starts to transmit a System Information Block l(SIBl) in response to transitioning out of the NES mode; orcontinue in the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the plurality of target cells supports the NES mode of the source cell,wherein at least one target cell of the plurality of the target cells transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell, and wherein the source cell transmits an On-Demand-System Information Block 1 (OD-SIB 1) in response to continuing in the NES mode.

[0017] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] to

[0016] , the apparatus is further configured to:in response to perform the at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request,receive an UL WUS configuration transmission resume request from the target cell, wherein the target cell resumes the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell; andactivate the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request based on the support of the target cell.

[0018] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] to

[0017] ,wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request comprises at least one of: a timer value, or a pause cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the pause cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell.

[0019] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] to

[0018] , the apparatus is configured to:determine a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message, wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message comprises a failure cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the failure cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell; and retransmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell based on the determined time period.

[0020] The apparatus as described in any of

[0011] to

[0019] , the apparatus is further configured to:determine a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request,wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request comprises a stop cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the stop cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell; andretransmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell based on the determined time period.

[0021] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions comprising:one or more instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, the apparatus comprising one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:decide, at a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode;in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode, transmit Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to a target cell to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell; in response to the transmit, receive, at the source cell, one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell; andperform one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

[0125] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow diagrams / sequence diagrams may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0126] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements. The elements can be at least one of a hardware device or a combination of hardware devices and software modules.

[0127] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0128] The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

[0129] Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

[0130] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

[0131] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of at least one embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A method comprising:deciding, by a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode; in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode, transmitting, by the source cell, an Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to a target cell to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell;in response to the transmitting, receiving, by the source cell from the target cell, one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message; andperforming, by the source cell, one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:triggering, by the source cell, the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell generates the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement when the target cell decides to transmit the UL WUSconfiguration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell; ortriggering, by the source cell, the deactivation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell,wherein the target cell generates the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message when the target cell is unable to transmit the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:triggering, by the source cell, the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;deciding, by source cell, to transition out of the NES mode;in response to the decision to transition out of the NES mode, transmitting, by the source cell, an UL WUS configuration transmission stop request to the target cell; and deactivating, by the source cell, the NES mode after transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request,wherein the target cell stops the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request from the source cell.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:triggering, by the source cell, the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;receiving, by the source cell, an UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request from the target cell, wherein the target cell decides to stop the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request to the source cell; anddeactivating, by the source cell, the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:triggering, by the source cell, the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;receiving, by the source cell, an UL WUS configuration transmission pause request from the target cell; andperforming, by the source cell, at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request,wherein the target cell pauses the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein performing the at least one NES cell action comprises:determining, by the source cell, whether one of: the target cell supports the NES mode of the source cell, or a plurality of the target cells support the NES mode of the source cell, wherein the plurality of the target cells comprises the target cell; and performing, by the source cell, one of:transitioning out of the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the target cell supports the NES mode of the source cell,wherein the source cell starts to transmit a System Information Block 1(SIB1) in response to transitioning out of the NES mode; orcontinuing in the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the plurality of target cells supports the NES mode of the source cell,wherein at least one target cell of the plurality of the target cells transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell, andwherein the source cell transmits an On-Demand-System Information Block 1 (OD-SIB 1) in response to continuing in the NES mode.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising:in response to performing the at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request,receiving, by the source cell, an UL WUS configuration transmission resume request from the target cell, wherein the target cell resumes the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell; andactivating, by the source cell, the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request based on the support of the target cell.

8. The method as claimed in claim 5,wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request comprises at least one of: a timer value, or a pause cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the pause cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:determining, by the source cell, a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message,wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message comprises a failure cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the failure cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell; and retransmitting, by the source cell, the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell based on the determined time period.

10. The method as claimed in claim 3, further comprising:determining, by the source cell, a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request,wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request comprises a stop cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the stop cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell; andretransmitting, by the source cell, the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell based on the determined time period.

11. An apparatus configured to:decide, at a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode; in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode, transmit Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to a target cell to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell;in response to the transmitting, receive, at the source cell, one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell; andperform one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further configured to perform one of:trigger the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell,wherein the target cell generates the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement when the target cell decides to transmit the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell; ortrigger the deactivation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell, wherein the target cell generates the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message when the target cell is unable to transmit to the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further configured to:trigger the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell, wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;deciding, by source cell, to transition out of the NES mode;in response to the decision to transition out of the NES mode, transmit an UL WUS configuration transmission stop request to the target cell; anddeactivate the NES mode after transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request,wherein the target cell stops the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request from the source cell.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further configured to:trigger the activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell, wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;receive an UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request from the target cell, wherein the target cell decides to stop the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request to the source cell; anddeactivate the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission cancel request.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further configured to:trigger an activation of the NES mode associated with the source cell upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement from the target cell, wherein the target cell transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs camped on the target cell;receive an UL WUS configuration transmission pause request from the target cell; andperform at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request,wherein the target cell pauses the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell to the one or more UEs upon transmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein to perform the at least one NES cell action, the apparatus is configured to:determine that one of: the target cell supports the NES mode of the source cell, or a plurality of the target cells support the NES mode of the source cell, wherein the plurality of the target cells comprises the target cell; andperform one of:transition out of the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the target cell supports the NES mode of the source cell,wherein the source cell starts to transmit a System Information Block l(SIBl) in response to transitioning out of the NES mode; or continue in the NES mode upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request in response to determining that the plurality of target cells supports the NES mode of the source cell,wherein at least one target cell of the plurality of the target cells transmits the UL WUS configuration of the source cell, and wherein the source cell transmits an On-Demand-System Information Block 1 (OD-SIBl)in response to continuing in the NES mode.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, further configured to:in response to perform the at least one NES cell action after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request,receive an UL WUS configuration transmission resume request from the target cell, wherein the target cell resumes the transmission of the UL WUS configuration of the source cell; andactivate the NES mode after receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission resume request based on the support of the target cell.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15,wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request comprises at least one of: a timer value, or a pause cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the pause cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission pause request that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further configured to:determine a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message, wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message comprises a failure cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the failure cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell; and retransmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell based on the determined time period.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further configured to:determine a time period for retransmitting the UL WUS configuration transmission request upon receiving the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request,wherein the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request comprises a stop cause Information Element (IE), andwherein the stop cause IE indicates a reason for the UL WUS configuration transmission stop request that is associated with one of: an NES mode of the target cell, or an overload condition of the target cell; andretransmit the UL WUS configuration transmission request to the target cell based on the determined time period.

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions comprising:one or more instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, the apparatus comprising one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:decide, at a source cell, a transition to a Network Energy Saving (NES) mode;in response to the decision of the transition to the NES mode, transmit Uplink (UL) Wake Up Signal (WUS) configuration transmission request to a target cell to determine whether the target cell is configurable to broadcast an UL WUS configuration to one or more user equipment (UEs) camped on the target cell; in response to the transmit, receive, at the source cell, one of: an UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or an UL WUS configuration transmission failure message from the target cell; andperform one of: an activation of the NES mode, or a deactivation of the NES mode based on the receiving one of: the UL WUS configuration transmission acknowledgement, or the UL WUS configuration transmission failure message.

Images