Communicating using multiple frequencies

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency It is determined, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the apparatus monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

Description

[0001] COMMUNICATING USING MULTIPLE FREQUENCIES

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] Various example embodiments relate to an apparatus and a method for communicating using multiple frequencies.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A user equipment in a wireless communications network may be required to communicate using multiple frequencies, for example, a first frequency and a second frequency. However, the user equipment may not be able to operate simultaneously on all of the frequencies. Therefore, the user equipment may have to switch between communicating using the first frequency and communicating using the second frequency. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and a method for communicating using multiple frequencies.

[0006] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The example embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0008] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform: determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the apparatus monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform: determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0009] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and means for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the apparatus monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0010] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wirelesscommunications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; means for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and means for adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment.

[0011] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a method comprising: determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0012] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a method comprising: determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and in response todetermining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0013] Further particular and preferred aspects are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

[0014] Where an apparatus feature is described as being operable to provide a function, it will be appreciated that this includes an apparatus feature which provides that function or which is adapted or configured to provide that function.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0016] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates the use of low bands in a wireless communications network;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a user equipment switching configuration to communicate over different frequencies;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates band combinations for carrier aggregation;

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a scenario in which a user equipment cannot measure reference signals on a secondary cell;

[0021] FIG. 5 shows an example embodiment of the invention which enables the user equipment to measure reference signals on the secondary cell in the scenario of FIG.

[0022] 4;

[0023] FIG. 6 shows an example embodiment of the invention which enables the user equipment to measure reference signals when a switching pattern is activated;

[0024] FIG. 7 shows another example embodiment of the invention which enables the user equipment to measure reference signals when a switching pattern is activated FIGS. 8A and 8B are signalling diagrams according to example embodiments;

[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B are signalling diagrams according to example embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram according to example embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates steps in a method according to an example embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates steps in a method according to an example embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates steps in a method according to an example embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates steps in a method according to an example embodiment; and FIG. 15 shows an apparatus according to an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Before discussing the example embodiments in any more detail, first an overview will be provided.

[0032] A network may configure an apparatus (e.g., a user equipment) in a switched carrier mode, such as in low band carrier aggregation switching, in which the user equipment is required to communicate using two carriers on two different frequencies. However, the apparatus may not be able to operate using the two frequencies simultaneously. Therefore, whenever both carriers are active, the apparatus may be configured with a switching pattern which indicates when the apparatus should communicate using the first frequency and when the apparatus should switch its configuration to communicate using the second frequency.

[0033] The present invention recognises that the apparatus may need to perform measurements on the serving carriers in the first frequency and the second frequency. For example, during carrier aggregation involving a primary cell (PCell) communicating using a first frequency and a secondary cell (SCell) communicating using a second frequency, serving cell measurements are to be performed on both the PCell and the SCell once the SCell is configured with the apparatus. Obtaining the measurements may include reference signals transmitted by a network node such as SSB signals. However, if the apparatus is not configured to operate on the second serving carrier using the second frequency by the switching pattern during a time when the reference signal to be measured can be received, the apparatus will not be able to perform the necessary measurements. Note that the same is true with respect to the first serving carrier on the first frequency. If the apparatus is not configured to operate on the first serving carrier using the first frequency by the switching pattern during a time when the reference signal to be measured can be received, the apparatus will not be able to perform the necessary measurements.

[0034] Therefore, the present invention proposes a measurement gap configuration which is dynamically activated when certain activation conditions are met and deactivated when the activation conditions are no longer met. When activated, the measurement gap provides a period of time for the apparatus to pause communications to perform the necessary measurements on at least one of the frequencies for which the apparatus could not previously measure. For example, measurements may be required for an SCell when it is configured with the apparatus but is not active for communications withthe apparatus. In this case, the measurement gap may be activated when the SCell is deactivated and deactivated once the SCell is activated provided the switching pattern (which becomes active when the SCell is activated) allows for the measurements of the SCell.

[0035] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to assess whether the activation conditions for the measurement gap are met whenever the network configures the apparatus in a configuration where switching patterns are needed for CA operations. In some embodiments, the apparatus may assess the activation conditions whenever there is a change to the status of the switching pattern. For example, if the network configures a new switching pattern for the apparatus, the apparatus checks whether the new switching pattern allows for the measurements on both serving carriers using the first and the second frequency with or without a measurement gap. If the configured switching pattern is such that the apparatus does not require a measurement gap to perform the necessary measurements, the measurement gap is deactivated or, if it was not active, the apparatus refrains from activating the measurement gap. If the switching pattern does not allow for the measurements, the apparatus activates a measurement gap configuration which permits the necessary measurements to be performed or, if an appropriate measurement gap configuration was already active, the apparatus refrains from deactivating the measurement gap.

[0036] For example, in the scenario where the apparatus is configured in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration where the apparatus is not able to receive both serving cells simultaneously, a dynamic measurement gap pattern will be applied. The gap pattern (sometimes referred to as a configuration) is designed to allow the apparatus to measure either one or more of the serving cells within the gap. The gap pattern is activated (applied) when the SCell is configured and is deactivated such that measurements may be performed with respect to the SCell. Once the SCell is activated, the measurement gap pattern may be deactivated. However, when the SCell is activated, if the configured switching pattern, which is applied to enable data communication between the apparatus and the network, does not allow the apparatus to perform the necessary measurements (on either cell), the gap pattern remains active while the SCell is activated.

[0037] As mentioned above, the invention envisions a scenario in which the apparatus is not required to communicate using the second frequency, but measurements of reference signals on the second frequency are still required. For example, when the firstfrequency is used for communications with a primary cell and the second frequency band is used for communications with a secondary cell, the secondary cell may be in a configured but deactivated state such that the apparatus does not need to communicate with the secondary cell but the apparatus still needs to measure reference signals in the secondary cell to ensure that communicating with the secondary cell remains viable. The inventors recognised that, in this scenario, having an active switching pattern may enable the UE to make measurements on the second frequency, but could significantly reduce the scheduling opportunities on the first frequency band which is currently the only frequency band being used for communications. Therefore, in this scenario, embodiments propose deactivating the switching pattern and implementing a measurement gap configuration such that the apparatus can still make measurements on the second frequency. When the apparatus is required to operate using both the first and the second frequency band, the switching pattern is dynamically activated and an assessment of whether the measurement gap configuration is still required is performed based on the switching pattern.

[0038] Embodiments therefore provide a mechanism to dynamically apply a measurement gap based on use of a switching pattern to ensure that the apparatus may make the necessary measurements on its serving carriers using different frequencies without compromising scheduling opportunities.

[0039] One scenario in which an apparatus, such as a user equipment (UE), is required to communicate using a first frequency and a second frequency but cannot operate on the two frequencies simultaneously may be low band carrier aggregation (CA).

[0040] Fig. 1 demonstrates how the mid-band spectrum is useful for closer range communications while the low-band spectrum (e.g., less than 1GHz) propagates farther making it more useful for communication at greater distances. The amount of mid-band spectrum that an operator holds is typically 10-20 times greater than the amount of low band spectrum. However, the low-band carries significant traffic volumes in urban (indoor) and rural areas which can lead to low-band congestion that majorly degrades customer experience. Low-low band CA is one way to address this problem, but it is not currently implemented as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have challenges supporting it.

[0041] During switched mode operation for low band carrier aggregation switching, the UE can operate with two low band carriers but cannot operate the two component carriers (CC)simultaneously. Hence, a switching pattern is needed and is configured by the network indicating when the UE operates on the PCell CC (FDD carrier) and the Scell CC (SDL carrier). Alternatively, the switching pattern is not fixed (not a configured pattern) but instead a more flexible indication from network to the UE can be used to inform the UE when to operate on the SDL CC.

[0042] Though low-band supplementary downlink (SDL) bands reach most of the poor coverage areas, the current absence of a mid-band with an uplink (UL) may render them useless.

[0043] Example embodiments provide a solution that enables SDL utilization using a version of low-low CA with minimal impact to the devices.

[0044] In example embodiments, a UE switches configuration between two states of the RF front-end for communicating over a first carrier using a first frequency (carrier 1) and a second carrier using a second frequency (carrier 2). The first state is defined by 1 Tx / 2 Rx on FDD carrier 1 and 0 Tx / 0 Rx on SDL carrier 2, where Tx means transmission and Rx means reception. The second state is defined by 2 Rx on SDL carrier 2 and 0 Tx / 0 Rx on FDD carrier 1.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows the UE 10 switch between the first state in transmission time interval (TTI) N1 to the second state in TTI N2 and back to the first state in TTI N3. The UE therefore supports inter-carrier scheduling in which the UE monitors FDD DL PDCCH DCI, which has both FDD and SDL scheduling. The UE switches back to FDD duplexer after SDL scheduled reception interval is finished.

[0046] In other words, embodiments may provide a device (e.g., user equipment) which can support inter-carrier scheduling, e.g., a UE monitoring the PCell on an FDD carrier for PDCCH DCI, which has scheduling information for both (FDD and SDL) bands. The device may support TTI level switching, e.g., when the SCell is scheduled, the UE needs to switch to the SCell filter, and during the scheduled period there is no simultaneous Tx / Rx between the PCell and the SCell. The device switches back to the PCell duplexer after the SCell scheduled period is finished.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows frequency band combinations suited for low-low band CA. The challenges in these combinations are not of an equal nature (hardware / software solution). Some aspects concern antenna design, while others are about duplex filters and gap sizes.For example, the UE may be restricted from communicating over the different frequencies for the PDCCH and the SDL simultaneously because the frequencies are too close to each other. See, for example, CA_n12A-n29A in which the n12 UL and the n29 DL frequency bands border each other. In other cases, the UE may not support simultaneous communication on the frequencies required. This is often the case for low-low CA because these frequencies are less commonly used compared to mid-band frequencies.

[0048] In one example scenario in which embodiments may be applicable, the UE is configured to operate with multiple (N) carriers which the UE cannot operate simultaneously. In that case, the network configures the UE with a switching pattern including N carriers, which should include reference signals for measurements on each of the carriers.

[0049] Fig. 4 illustrates one problem which can be addressed by the example embodiments.

[0050] According to example embodiments of the invention, when operating in a switched carrier mode (such as in low-low band CA switching (LBCA-sw)), the network will configure the UE with a switching pattern for the UE to operate in 2 frequencies (sometimes referred to as carriers) (e.g. a PCell and a SCell) for which the UE cannot operate simultaneously. Once the switching pattern is configured, the switching pattern may be active for communicating using the first and second frequency or inactive for communicating using the first frequency only.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows the scenario where the SCell is deactivated and the switching pattern is not active. Hence, the activated carrier is always the PCell which uses the first frequency. However, if the Scell has been configured but not activated, it may still be necessary for the UE to measure the SSB reference signals (RS) on the SCell. Given that the activated carrier does not swap to the SCell at any point whilst the switching pattern is deactivated, the UE cannot receive the RS for performing the necessary measurements on the deactivated SCell carrier.

[0052] One solution might be to activate the switching pattern despite the SCell not being activated for communications. However, activating the switching pattern for the deactivated SCell carrier to enable the UE to measure the SCell carrier could have a significant negative impact on the PCell scheduling opportunities.Embodiments allow the UE to perform measurements on the deactivated carrier by activating a measurement gap configuration. When considering 5G NR requirements, deactivated Scells are measured without measurement gaps but with interruption. But this is not possible for the scenario where the UE can only operate with a given band combination in switched mode. Therefore, in embodiments, measurement gaps are activated for allowing the UE to perform measurements on a deactivated Scell requiring carrier switching.

[0053] Fig. 5 illustrates the scenario in which the Scell requiring carrier switching is deactivated like in Fig. 4. However, since the activated carrier is always the PCell, a measurement gap configuration is applied. The measurement gap configuration indicates a periodic time period during which the UE monitors for signals on (in this case) the second frequency. During the time period, the UE does not communicate using the first and second frequencies. The measurement gap configuration may provide a pattern of the measurement gaps for the UE to follow.

[0054] In another embodiment, a switched carrier measurement window (SCMW) is applied instead of the measurement gap configuration. A measurement gap follows a measurement gap repetition period and is configured by the network with RRC configuration (e.g., GapConfig, GapConfig-r17, or a new IE similar to those). A LBCA-sw configuration, including measGapId allows the UE to know which pattern is to be used for LBCA-sw. By comparison, the measurement window is a time period during which the UE is able to monitor for signals on a particular frequency. It may be configured by the network with RRC configuration. In this case, the LBCA-sw configuration may be conveyed in the RRM configuration including SCMW parameters, with offset, repetition period and duration. GapConfig or GapConfig-r17 may be configured, but it is not used for the LBCA-sw measurements. Alternatively, there is no network configuration of the SCMW. Instead, the UE is required to autonomously determine and apply such measurement windows (or interruptions or UE autonomous gaps).

[0055] When the SCell is activated, the switching pattern becomes active. The switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency (in the PCell) and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency (in the SCell). Figs. 6 and 7 show exampleembodiments which enable the user equipment to measure reference signals when the switching pattern is activated.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a scenario where both SCell and PCell are activated. In this case, the UE determines that the switching pattern allows the SSB reference signals of the PCell and the SCell to be measured because the receive occasions of the SSBs are during the activated period for each of the PCell and the SCell. Consequently, the UE can perform the measurements of the activated cells within the switching pattern (i.e. every second SSB is available on PCell and SCell). As a result, the UE may determine that measurement gaps / windows are not required and so are deactivated, avoiding throughput loss caused by the measurement gaps.

[0057] Fig, 7 shows another scenario where both PCell and SCell are activated. The UE determines that the carrier switching pattern is such that there are no SCell RS available in the active SCell occasions. In this case, the UE needs to interrupt communication with PCell in order measure the Scell. This is achieved by activating the measurement gap for SCell measurement.

[0058] The UE may determine a status or a change to the status of a secondary network node supporting providing radio coverage to the UE in the SCell. Based on this status or change of status, the UE may determine whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration or measurement window. For example, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines to implement the measurement gap configuration as shown in Fig. 5. If the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the UE, the UE determines if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively. If the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented as shown in Fig.

[0059] 6. If the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented as shown in Fig. 7. When the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented, the UE performs activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement gap configuration if it is already active. When the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented, the UE performs deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement gap configuration if it is already deactivated.In some example embodiments, the UE may determine a status or a change to a status of the switching pattern. In response to detecting a change to the switching pattern, the UE determines whether or not to implement the measurement gap. The change to the status of the switching pattern may comprise at least one of the following: activation of the switching pattern; deactivation of the switching pattern; and a change to the switching pattern. The UE may receive an indication of the change from a network node of the wireless communications network.

[0060] Determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration may comprise determining if an activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met. If the activation condition is met, the UE performs activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement gap configuration. If the activation condition is not met, the UE performs deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement gap configuration.

[0061] The activation condition for the measurement gap configuration may comprise the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the apparatus is configured to communicate within the wireless communications network only using the first frequency and the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0062] The activation condition for the measurement gap configuration may comprise the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency. If the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met. If the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is not met.

[0063] The UE may transmit an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not to a network node (e.g., either the primary or the secondary network node). In some embodiments, the UE receives an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not from a network node.The measurement window may be configured to enable measurements of reference signals on the first frequency if the switching pattern allows measurements of reference signals on the second frequency but not on the first. Conversely, the measurement window may be configured to enable measurements of reference signals on the second frequency if the switching pattern allows measurements of reference signals on the first frequency but not on the second.

[0064] In some embodiments, there may be a certain number of time periods which should contain a reference signal occasion. Therefore, if there are fewer than a threshold number of time periods which contain a receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration may still be implemented. The measurement gap configuration may be implemented only when the threshold number of time periods contain a receiving occasion.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the switching pattern additionally indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a third frequency. It will be appreciated that the switching pattern may relate to a carrier aggregation having N carriers (i.e., N different frequencies) and may allocate time for the apparatus to communicate over each carrier. These time periods may or may not allow for a reference signal to be measured on certain carriers.

[0066] Therefore, a measurement gap may be implemented for any carrier for which measurements cannot take place due to the time period for communicating on that carrier not containing a sufficient number of reference signal occasions.

[0067] The UE may deactivate the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a network node of the wireless communications network to cease communications using the second frequency. The UE may activate the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a first (primary) network node of the wireless communications network to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0068] In summary, the measurement gap pattern is activated once the SCell is configured but deactivated. Hence, in the scenario where the UE cannot receive both serving cells simultaneously, but needs a switching pattern, the network configures a measurement gap pattern which is activated and deactivated based on the state of the SCell:

[0069] • When the SCell is deactivated, the measurement gap pattern is activated, and • When the SCell is activated, and the switching pattern includes reference signal for measuring the Scell, the measurement gap pattern is deactivated.• When the SCell is activated, and the switching pattern does not include reference signal for measuring the Scell, the measurement gap pattern remains activated.

[0070] The UE may be configured to communicate with a primary network node using the first frequency and the secondary network node using the second frequency. The primary network node may comprise an access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a primary cell, and the secondary network node may comprise a second access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a secondary cell.

[0071] The first frequency and the second frequency may be below 1 GHz (i.e., in the low band).

[0072] From the network’s perspective, the primary network node may be configured to determine a status of at least one of the following:

[0073] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0074] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency.

[0075] The network may determine, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment. In response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the network node may perform adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment depending on. This may include, when the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period of the measurement gap configuration.

[0076] It will be appreciated that where example embodiments are discussed in relation to measurement gaps, measurement windows may be used instead. Such embodiments do not rely on using a measurement gap pattern for performing the measurements onthe deactivated SCell but instead define measurement windows for performing such measurements. The principles of such measurement window are:

[0077] 1. If the SCell is configured and deactivated: UE is allowed to measure the SCell during the SCell measurement window.

[0078] 2. If the SCell is configured and activated: If the switching pattern does not allow availability of enough measurement RS on the SCell, the UE is allowed to measure the SCell during the SCell measurement window.

[0079] a. Otherwise, the UE is not allowed to measure the SCell during the SCell measurement window.

[0080] The amount of the SCell measurement windows may be conditioned on the configured measurement cycle for the deactivated SCell (measCycleScell).

[0081] If the measurement window is not configured by the network, the UE may perform autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency. The measurement window may be determined such that the time period begins before the receiving occasion.

[0082] When the secondary network node is configured with the UE but not being used for communications, the secondary network node follows a periodic measurement cycle. In this instance, a frequency of the measurement window is determined to be no more than once per periodic measurement cycle.

[0083] The UE may perform transmitting an indication of the autonomously determined measurement window to at least one of the primary network node and the secondary network node.

[0084] It will be appreciated that the methods proposed are not limited to the scenario in which the UE is configured with a switching pattern but can also be applied if a more flexible switching method is applied, such as a DCI based indication.

[0085] Figs. 8A and 8B show example signalling diagrams in which Fig. 8A includes the steps for gap deactivation and Fig. 8B includes the steps for gap activation.

[0086] The example of Fig. 8A follows the steps below:In this example the UE is configured with 2 serving cells that the UE cannot operate simultaneously (like in ‘classic CA’). Hence, the UE would require carrier switching between PCell and SCell. It is assumed that the carrier switching pattern is only activated when the Scell is activated (hence, not while SCell is deactivated).

[0087] In step 10000, the PCell initial state is activated, and in step 10001 the SCell initial state is deactivated.

[0088] In step 10002, since the SCell is deactivated, and there is no carrier switching pattern enabled the initial gap state is activated.

[0089] In step 10003, the UE communicates with the network outside of the measurement gap.

[0090] In step 10004 the UE measures the reference signals from the PCell without measurement gaps.

[0091] In step 10005, the measurement gap for measuring deactivated Scell starts and lasts for a fixed period of time. UE switches to the SCell.

[0092] In step 10006, the UE uses the measurement gap to measure the reference signals from the deactivated Scell. During steps 10005 / 10006, there may be no other communication between the UE and network apart from the performing of measurements. Once the gap stops the UE switches back to PCell.

[0093] In step 10007, that pattern is repeated with the gap periodicity.

[0094] In step 10008 the network sends a command to the UE for activating the Scell.

[0095] In step 10009, both the network and the UE evaluate the rules for activation of the measurement gap. In this step, the example is considered where the configured carrier switching pattern includes SSB / SMTC of the target Scell, and therefore no measurement gap is needed for measuring the Scell.

[0096] In one alternative, the UE reports the result of the evaluation in step 10009 in a message indicating whether the gap is activated or not in step 10009b.In step 10010, the measurement gap is deactivated as a result of the evaluation in step 1008.

[0097] In step 10011, the UE communicates with the Pcell according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0098] In step 10012, the UE communicates with the Scell according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0099] In step 10013, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Pcell without measurement gaps.

[0100] In step 10014, the UE measures SSB& SMTC of the Scell without measurement gaps.

[0101] In step 10015, the pattern is repeated according to the SSB / SMTC period.

[0102] The example of Fig. 8B follows the steps below:

[0103] In this example, the UE is configured with 2 serving cells that require carrier switching, PCell and Scell, and the carrier switching pattern is only activated when the Scell is activated.

[0104] In step 11000, both the PCell and Scell initial state is activated.

[0105] In step 11002, since the Scell is activated, and there is carrier switching pattern enabled the initial gap state is deactivated.

[0106] In steps 11003 and 11004, the UE communicates with the network outside of the measurement gap.

[0107] In step 11005, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Pcell without measurement gaps.

[0108] In step 11006, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Scell without measurement gaps.

[0109] In step 11007, the pattern is repeated according to the SSB / SMTC period.

[0110] In step 11008, the network sends a command to the UE for deactivating the Scell.In another example, the network may also send a message changing the carrier switching pattern, which will trigger actions described in steps 11009 and 11010 if needed.

[0111] In step 11009, both the network and the UE evaluate the rules for activation of the measurement gap. In this step, the example is considered where the Scell is deactivated and there is no active switching pattern including SSB / SMTC of the target Scell, and therefore measurement gap is needed for measuring the Scell.

[0112] In one alternative, the UE reports the result of the evaluation in step 11009 in a message indicating whether the gap is activated or not in step 11009b.

[0113] In step 11010, the measurement gap is activated as a result of the evaluation in step 11009.

[0114] In step 11011 the UE communicates with the network outside of the measurement gap.

[0115] In step 11012, the UE measures the reference signals from the PCell without measurement gaps.

[0116] In step 11013, the measurement gap for measuring deactivated Scell starts.

[0117] In step 11014, the UE uses a measurement gap to measure the reference signals from the deactivated Scell. During steps 11013 / 11014 there is no other communication between the UE and network apart from the performing of measurements.

[0118] In step 11015, that pattern is repeated with the gap periodicity.

[0119] Figs. 9A and 9B show example signalling diagrams in which Fig. 9A includes the steps for disabling the SCMW and Fig. 9B includes the steps for enabling the SCMW.

[0120] The example of Fig. 9A follows the steps below:

[0121] In this example, the UE is configured with 2 serving cells that require carrier switching, PCell and Scell, and the carrier switching pattern is only activated when the Scell is activated.In step 12000, the PCell initial state is activated and, in step 12001, the Scell initial state is deactivated.

[0122] In step 12002, the UE communicates with the network outside of the SCMW.

[0123] In step 12003, the UE measures the reference signals from the PCell without SCMW.

[0124] In step 12004, the SCMW for measuring deactivated Scell starts.

[0125] In step 12005, the UE uses the SCMW to measure the reference signals from the deactivated Scell. During steps 12004 / 12005, there is no other communication between the UE and network apart from the performing of measurements.

[0126] In step 12006, that pattern is repeated.

[0127] In step 12007, the network sends a command to the UE for activating the Scell.

[0128] In step 12008, both the network and the UE evaluate the rules for using the SCMW. In this step, the example is considered where the configured carrier switching pattern includes SSB / SMTC of the target Scell, and therefore no SCMW is needed for measuring the Scell.

[0129] In step 12009, the UE communicates with the Pcell according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0130] In step 12010, the UE communicates with the Scell according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0131] In step 12011, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Pcell without SCMW.

[0132] In step 12012, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Scell without SCMW.

[0133] In step 12013, the pattern is repeated according to the SSB / SMTC period.

[0134] The example of Fig. 9B follows the steps below:In this example, the UE is configured with 2 serving cells that require carrier switching, PCell and Scell, and the carrier switching pattern is only activated when the Scell is activated.

[0135] In steps 13000 and 13001, both the PCell and Scell initial state is activated.

[0136] In steps 13002 and 13003, the UE communicates with the network outside of the SCMW.

[0137] In step 13004, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Pcell without SCMW.

[0138] In step 13005, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Scell without SCMW.

[0139] In step 13006, the pattern is repeated according to the SSB / SMTC period.

[0140] In step 13007, the network sends a command to the UE for deactivating the Scell.

[0141] In another example, the network may also send a message changing the carrier switching pattern, which will trigger actions described in step 13008.

[0142] In step 13008, both the network and the UE evaluate the rules for activation of the SCMW. In this step, the example is considered where the Scell is deactivated and there is no active switching pattern including SSB / SMTC of the target Scell, and therefore SCMW is needed for measuring the Scell.

[0143] In step 13009, the UE communicates with the network outside of the SCMW.

[0144] In step 13010, the UE measures the reference signals from the PCell without SCMW.

[0145] In step 13011, the SCMW for measuring deactivated Scell starts.

[0146] In step 13012, the UE uses a SCMW to measure the reference signals from the deactivated Scell. During steps 13011 / 13012, there is no other communication between the UE and network apart from the performing of measurements.

[0147] In step 13013, that pattern is repeated as described for step 12006 of Fig. 9a.Figs. 9A and 9B will now be described when the SCMW is configured autonomously by the UE - i.e., the network does not configured the SCMW.

[0148] Figs. 9A and 9B show example signalling diagrams in which Fig. 9A includes the steps for UE disabling the SCMW and Fig. 9B includes the steps for UE enabling the SCMW.

[0149] In this approach, there is no network configuration of SCMW. Instead, the UE requirements will be developed allowing the UE to cause such measurement windows (or interruptions or UE autonomous gaps).

[0150] The example of Fig. 9A follows the steps below:

[0151] In this example, the UE is configured with 2 serving cells that require carrier switching, PCell and Scell, and the carrier switching pattern is only activated when the Scell is activated.

[0152] In step 12000, the PCell initial state is activated, and 12001 the Scell initial state is deactivated.

[0153] In step 12002, the UE communicates with the network outside of the SCMW.

[0154] In step 12003, the UE measures the reference signals from the PCell (no SCMW is assumed as this is PCell).

[0155] In step 12004, the UE measures SCell and use the SCMW for measuring deactivated Scell. The UE is allowed to start the SCMW just before the RS (e.g. SSB) to be measured on the SCell.

[0156] In step 12005, the UE uses the SCMW to measure the reference signals from the deactivated Scell. During steps 12004 / 12005, there is no other communication between the UE and network.

[0157] In step 12006, that pattern is repeated.

[0158] The UE is allowed to cause the SCMW while the SCell is deactivated. SCMW occurrence is allowed with a maximum amount for example according to the configured measurement cycle for the deactivated SCell (measCycleScel).In step 12007, the network sends a command to the UE for activating the Scell.

[0159] In step 12008, both the network and the UE evaluate the rules for using the SCMW. In this step, the example is considered where the configured carrier switching pattern includes SSB / SMTC of the target Scell, and therefore no SCMW is needed for measuring the Scell.

[0160] In step 12009, the UE communicates with the Pcell according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0161] In step 12010, the UE communicates with the Scell according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0162] In step 12011, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Pcell without SCMW.

[0163] In step 12012, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Scell without SCMW.

[0164] In step 12013, the pattern is repeated according to the SSB / SMTC period.

[0165] The example of Fig. 9B follows the steps below:

[0166] In this example, the UE is configured with 2 serving cells that require carrier switching, PCell and Scell, and the carrier switching pattern is only activated when the Scell is activated.

[0167] In steps 13000 and 13001, both the PCell and Scell initial state is activated.

[0168] In steps 13002 and 13003, the UE communicates with the network outside of the SCMW.

[0169] In step 13004, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Pcell without SCMW.

[0170] In step 13005, the UE measures SSB / SMTC of the Scell without SCMW.

[0171] In step 13006, the pattern is repeated according to the SSB / SMTC period.In step 13007, the network sends a command to the UE for deactivating the Scell.

[0172] In step 13008, both the network and the UE evaluate the rules for activation of the SCMW. In this step, the example is considered where the Scell is deactivated and there is no active switching pattern including SSB / SMTC of the target Scell, and therefore SCMW is needed for measuring the Scell.

[0173] In step 13009, the UE communicates with the network outside of the SCMW (using e.g. PCell).

[0174] In step 13010, the UE measures the reference signals from the PCell without SCMW.

[0175] In step 13011, UE use the SCMW for measuring deactivated Scell.

[0176] In step 13012, the UE uses a SCMW to measure the reference signals from the deactivated Scell. During steps 13011 / 13012, there is no other communication between the UE and network on the PCell (UE is performing SCell measurements).

[0177] In step 13013, that pattern is repeated as described for step 12006 of Fig. 9A.

[0178] In one example, in step 12007, when the SCell is activated, the UE and network evaluates whether SCMW is needed in order to allow UE to measure the SCell (according to the configured switching patterns). If the configured switching pattern does not allow UE measuring the RS on the SCell sufficiently, the UE is allowed to continue using UE autonomous SCMW for performing such measurements.

[0179] Fig. 10 shows a flow diagram describing the states and actions performed by the UE and network. Note that whilst measurement gaps are referenced, the teachings may also be applicable for measurement windows.

[0180] State 1: the measurement gap is deactivated. In 4, the transition from State 1 is triggered. State transitions are triggered by Scell activation / deactivation (e.g. step 11008 in Fig. 8A) or a change in carrier switching pattern.

[0181] In 2: the evaluation of whether measurement gap is needed is performed. This maps onto steps 10009 and 11009 of Fig. 8A.5 follows if the result of the evaluation in 2 determines that a measurement gap is not required, which leads to the deactivation of the measurement gap in State 1.

[0182] 7 follows if the result of the evaluation in 2 determines that a measurement gap is required, which leads to the activation of the measurement gap in State 3.

[0183] In 3, the measurement gap is activated.

[0184] Fig. 11 illustrates steps in a method according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by an apparatus such as a UE.

[0185] In step S1a, the method comprises determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0186] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0187] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency.

[0188] In step S2a, the method comprises determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0189] Fig. 12 illustrates steps in a method according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by an apparatus such as a network node.

[0190] In step S1b, the method comprises determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0191] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; ora secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency.

[0192] In step S2b, the method comprises determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0193] In step S3b, the method comprises, in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0194] Fig. 13 illustrates steps in a method according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by an apparatus such as a UE.

[0195] In step S10a, the method comprises determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0196] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0197] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency.

[0198] In step S20a, the method comprises determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0199] Optionally, the method further comprises autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency.

[0200] Fig. 14 illustrates steps in a method according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by an apparatus such as a network node.In step S10b, the method comprises determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0201] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0202] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency.

[0203] In step S20b, the method comprises determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0204] In step S30b, in response to determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0205] Fig. 15 illustrates an exemplary system comprising apparatuses according to example embodiments of the invention in a wireless communication network. The apparatus may be configured to carry out the methods and actions according to example embodiments disclosed herein. The system includes a user equipment 410 and a network entity 420 comprising a base station. The user equipment 410 may be within a geographic cell provided and controlled by the network entity 420 such that the network entity 420 can transmit signals to the user equipment 410 and vice versa.

[0206] The user equipment 410 comprises at least one memory 412 which may store instructions executable by at least one processor 411 of the user equipment 410. The user equipment 411 may comprise a transceiver 413 for transmission and reception of radio signals. The user equipment refers to any mobile end or terminal device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, user equipment UE may also be referred to as a communication device, a terminal device, a Mobile Station (MS). The user equipment may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, apersonal digital assistant (PDA) , vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, smart devices etc.

[0207] The network entity 420 comprises at least one memory 422 which may store instructions executable by at least one processor 421 of the network entity 420. The network entity 420 may comprise a transceiver 423 for transmission and reception of radio signals. The network entity may refer to at least one of the following non-limiting examples: an access node, a base station, a gNodeB and an eNodeB.

[0208] It will be appreciated that the user equipment 410 and the network node 420 may comprise any other suitable means or circuitry configured to perform the steps of methods according to example embodiments disclosed herein.

[0209] Further aspects and example embodiments of the invention are described below.

[0210] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform:

[0211] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0212] a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0213] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and

[0214] determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the apparatus monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0215] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines to implement the measurement gap configuration.

[0216] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus is further caused to perform: determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0217] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented; or

[0218] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented.

[0219] Note that the measurement gap may be configured to enable measurements of reference signals on the first frequency if the switching pattern allows measurements of reference signals on the second frequency but not on the first. Conversely, the measurement gap may be configured to enable measurements of reference signals on the second frequency if the switching pattern allows measurements of reference signals on the first frequency but not on the second.

[0220] In some embodiments, there may be a certain number of time periods which should contain a reference signal occasion. Therefore, if there are fewer than a threshold number of time periods which contain a receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration may still be implemented. The measurement gap configuration may be implemented only when the threshold number of time periods contain a receiving occasion.

[0221] In some example embodiments, the switching pattern additionally indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a third frequency. It will be appreciated that the switching pattern may relate to a carrier aggregation having N carriers (i.e., N different frequencies) and may allocate time for the apparatus to communicate over each carrier. These time periods may or may not allow for a reference signal to be measured on certain carriers.Therefore, a measurement gap may be implemented for any carrier for which measurements cannot take place due to the time period for communicating on that carrier not containing a sufficient number of reference signal occasions.

[0222] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0223] when the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement gap configuration; and when the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement gap configuration.

[0224] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

[0225] In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0226] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0227] if the activation condition is met, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement gap configuration; and

[0228] if the activation condition is not met, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement gap configuration.

[0229] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0230] activation of the switching pattern;

[0231] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0232] a change to the switching pattern.

[0233] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform deactivating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a network node of the wireless communications network to cease communications using the second frequency. The network node may be the first network node or the second network node when activated.In some example embodiments, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the apparatus is configured to communicate within the wireless communications network only using the first frequency and the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0234] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform activating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a first network node of the wireless communications network to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0235] In some example embodiments, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency, wherein

[0236] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met; and

[0237] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is not met.

[0238] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not to a network node. The network node may be the first network node or the second network node when activated.

[0239] In some example embodiments, determining whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not comprises receiving an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not from a network node. The network node may be the first or the second network node. For example, if there is a change to the switching pattern whilst the second network node is activated, the indication of whether the activation condition is met or not may come from either first or second network node. However, the second network node may not send the indication if it is not active.In some example embodiments, the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises receiving an indication of the change from a network node of the wireless communications network.

[0240] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to communicate with a primary network node using the first frequency and the secondary network node using the second frequency.

[0241] In some example embodiments, the primary network node comprises an access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a primary cell, and the secondary network node comprises a second access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a secondary cell.

[0242] In some example embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

[0243] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment or is comprised within a user equipment.

[0244] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0245] means for determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0246] a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0247] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and

[0248] means for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the apparatus monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.The means may perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0249] The processor, memory, and example algorithms, encoded as instructions, program, or code, may be the means for providing or causing the performance of the operation.

[0250] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0251] circuitry configured for determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0252] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and

[0253] circuitry configured for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the apparatus monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0254] The circuitry may be configured perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0255] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a method comprising:

[0256] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0257] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0258] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency;determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0259] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0260] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines to implement the measurement gap configuration.

[0261] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the apparatus, the method further comprises:

[0262] determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0263] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented; or

[0264] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented.

[0265] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: when the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement gap configuration; and

[0266] when the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement gap configuration.

[0267] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0268] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: if the activation condition is met, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement gap configuration; and

[0269] if the activation condition is not met, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement gap configuration.

[0270] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0271] activation of the switching pattern;

[0272] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0273] a change to the switching pattern.

[0274] In some example embodiments, wherein the method further comprises: deactivating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a network node of the wireless communications network to cease communications using the second frequency.

[0275] In some example embodiments, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the UE is configured to communicate within the wireless communications network only using the first frequency and the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0276] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: activating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a first network node of the wireless communications network to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0277] In some example embodiments, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency, whereinif the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met; and

[0278] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is not met.

[0279] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not to a network node.

[0280] In some example embodiments, the determining whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not comprises receiving an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not from a network node.

[0281] In some example embodiments, the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises receiving an indication of the change from a network node of the wireless communications network.

[0282] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to communicate with a primary network node using the first frequency and the secondary network node using the second frequency.

[0283] In some example embodiments, the primary network node comprises an access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a primary cell, and the secondary network node comprises a second access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a secondary cell.

[0284] In some example embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

[0285] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment or is comprised within a user equipment.

[0286] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0287] determining a status of at least one of the following:a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0288] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0289] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0290] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions thereon for performing at least the following:

[0291] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0292] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0293] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0294] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0295] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following:determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0296] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0297] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

[0298] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0299] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform:

[0300] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0301] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0302] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and

[0303] in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0304] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines that the measurement gap configuration is implemented.

[0305] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus is further caused to perform: determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0306] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented; or

[0307] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented.

[0308] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0309] when the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period.

[0310] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

[0311] In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0312] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:if the activation condition is met, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period.

[0313] If the activation condition is not met, the apparatus may continue to communicate with the UE without considering the periodic time period.

[0314] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0315] activation of the switching pattern;

[0316] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0317] a change to the switching pattern.

[0318] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform at least one of the following:

[0319] transmitting an indication to the user equipment to cease communications using the second frequency; and

[0320] transmitting an indication to the user equipment to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0321] In some example embodiments, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0322] In some example embodiments, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the first or second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively, wherein

[0323] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met; and

[0324] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is not met.

[0325] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: receiving an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not from the UE.In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not to the UE.

[0326] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting to the UE an indication of the change to the state of the switching pattern.

[0327] In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises a network node in the wireless communications network.

[0328] In some example embodiments, the network node comprises a primary access node supporting providing radio coverage to the user equipment in a primary cell.

[0329] In some example embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

[0330] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0331] means for determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0332] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0333] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; means for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and

[0334] means for adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment.The means may perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0335] The processor, memory, and example algorithms, encoded as instructions, program, or code, may be the means for providing or causing the performance of the operation.

[0336] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0337] circuitry configured for determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0338] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; circuitry configured for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and

[0339] circuitry configured for adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment.

[0340] The circuitry may be configured perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0341] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a method comprising:

[0342] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0343] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; ora secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and

[0344] in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0345] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0346] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the network node, the network node determines that the measurement gap configuration is implemented.

[0347] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the network node, the method further includes:

[0348] determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the network node to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0349] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented; or

[0350] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented.

[0351] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0352] when the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period.In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

[0353] In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0354] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0355] if the activation condition is met, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period.

[0356] If the activation condition is not met, the network node may continue to communicate with the UE without considering the periodic time period.

[0357] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0358] activation of the switching pattern;

[0359] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0360] a change to the switching pattern.

[0361] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0362] transmitting an indication to the user equipment to cease communications using the second frequency; and

[0363] transmitting an indication to the user equipment to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0364] In some example embodiments, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

[0365] In some example embodiments, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the one ormore time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the first or second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively, wherein

[0366] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met; and

[0367] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is not met.

[0368] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not from the UE.

[0369] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not to the UE.

[0370] In some example embodiments, the method further comprising: transmitting to the UE an indication of the change to the state of the switching pattern.

[0371] In some example embodiments, the method is performed by a network node in the wireless communications network.

[0372] In some example embodiments, the network node comprises a primary access node supporting providing radio coverage to the user equipment in a primary cell.

[0373] In some example embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

[0374] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0375] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0376] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; ora secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and

[0377] in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0378] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0379] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions thereon for performing at least the following:

[0380] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0381] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and

[0382] in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0383] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following:

[0384] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0385] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; and

[0386] in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0387] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0388] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform:

[0389] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0390] a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0391] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; anddetermining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the apparatus is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0392] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0393] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines to implement the measurement window.

[0394] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus is further caused to perform: determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0395] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined not to be implemented; or

[0396] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined to be implemented.

[0397] Note that the measurement window may be configured to enable measurements of reference signals on the first frequency if the switching pattern allows measurements of reference signals on the second frequency but not on the first. Conversely, the measurement window may be configured to enable measurements of reference signals on the second frequency if the switching pattern allows measurements of reference signals on the first frequency but not on the second.

[0398] In some embodiments, there may be a certain number of time periods which should contain a reference signal occasion. Therefore, if there are fewer than a threshold number of time periods which contain a receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration may still be implemented. The measurement gap configuration may beimplemented only when the threshold number of time periods contain a receiving occasion.

[0399] In some example embodiments, the switching pattern additionally indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a third frequency. It will be appreciated that the switching pattern may relate to a carrier aggregation having N carriers (i.e., N different frequencies) and may allocate time for the apparatus to communicate over each carrier. These time periods may or may not allow for a reference signal to be measured on certain carriers.

[0400] Therefore, a measurement gap may be implemented for any carrier for which measurements cannot take place due to the time period for communicating on that carrier not containing a sufficient number of reference signal occasions.

[0401] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0402] when the measurement window is determined to be implemented, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement window; and

[0403] when the measurement window is determined not to be implemented, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement window.

[0404] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

[0405] In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0406] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0407] if the activation condition is met, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement window; and

[0408] if the activation condition is not met, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement window.

[0409] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0410] activation of the switching pattern;deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0411] a change to the switching pattern.

[0412] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform deactivating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a network node of the wireless communications network to cease communications using the second frequency. The network node may be the first network node or the second network node when activated.

[0413] In some example embodiments, the activation condition for the measurement window comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the apparatus is configured to communicate within the wireless communications network only using the first frequency and the activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0414] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform activating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a first network node of the wireless communications network to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0415] In some example embodiments, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement window comprises the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency, wherein

[0416] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement window is met; and

[0417] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement window is not met.

[0418] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not to a network node. The network node may be the first network node or the second network node when activated.

[0419] In some example embodiments, wherein determining whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not comprises receiving an indication of whetherthe activation condition for the measurement window is met or not from a network node. The network node may be the first or the second network node. For example, if there is a change to the switching pattern whilst the second network node is activated, the indication of whether the activation condition is met or not may come from either first or second network node. However, the second network node may not send the indication if it is not active.

[0420] In some example embodiments, the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises receiving an indication of the change from a network node of the wireless communications network.

[0421] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to communicate with a primary network node using the first frequency and the secondary network node using the second frequency.

[0422] In some example embodiments, the primary network node comprises an access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a primary cell, and the secondary network node comprises a second access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a secondary cell.

[0423] In some example embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

[0424] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment or is comprised within a user equipment.

[0425] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0426] means for determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0427] a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0428] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; andmeans for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the apparatus is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0429] The means may perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0430] The processor, memory, and example algorithms, encoded as instructions, program, or code, may be the means for providing or causing the performance of the operation.

[0431] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0432] circuitry configured for determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0433] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and

[0434] circuitry configured for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the apparatus is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0435] The circuitry may be configured perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0436] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a method comprising:

[0437] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0438] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one ormore time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0439] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0440] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0441] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines to implement the measurement window.

[0442] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the apparatus, the method further comprises:

[0443] determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0444] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined not to be implemented; or

[0445] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined to be implemented.

[0446] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: when the measurement window is determined to be implemented, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement window; and

[0447] when the measurement window is determined not to be implemented, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement window.

[0448] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not toimplement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

[0449] In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0450] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: if the activation condition is met, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement window; and

[0451] if the activation condition is not met, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement window.

[0452] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0453] activation of the switching pattern;

[0454] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0455] a change to the switching pattern.

[0456] In some example embodiments, wherein the method further comprises: deactivating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a network node of the wireless communications network to cease communications using the second frequency.

[0457] In some example embodiments, the activation condition for the measurement window comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the UE is configured to communicate within the wireless communications network only using the first frequency and the activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0458] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: activating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a first network node of the wireless communications network to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0459] In some example embodiments, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement window comprises the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the second frequencycontaining a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency, wherein

[0460] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement window is met; and

[0461] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement window is not met.

[0462] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not to a network node.

[0463] In some example embodiments, the determining whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not comprises receiving an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not from a network node.

[0464] In some example embodiments, the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises receiving an indication of the change from a network node of the wireless communications network.

[0465] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to communicate with a primary network node using the first frequency and the secondary network node using the second frequency.

[0466] In some example embodiments, the primary network node comprises an access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a primary cell, and the secondary network node comprises a second access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a secondary cell.

[0467] In some example embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

[0468] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment or is comprised within a user equipment.According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0469] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0470] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0471] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0472] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0473] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions thereon for performing at least the following:

[0474] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0475] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0476] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0477] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following:

[0478] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0479] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0480] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency.

[0481] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0482] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform:

[0483] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0484] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0485] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency; and

[0486] in response to determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0487] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines that the measurement window is implemented.

[0488] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus is further caused to perform: determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0489] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined not to be implemented; or

[0490] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined to be implemented.

[0491] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0492] when the measurement window is determined to be implemented, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period.

[0493] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

[0494] In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0495] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:if the activation condition is met, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period.

[0496] If the activation condition is not met, the apparatus may continue to communicate with the UE without considering the periodic time period.

[0497] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0498] activation of the switching pattern;

[0499] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0500] a change to the switching pattern.

[0501] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform at least one of the following:

[0502] transmitting an indication to the user equipment to cease communications using the second frequency; and

[0503] transmitting an indication to the user equipment to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0504] In some example embodiments, the activation condition for the measurement window comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0505] In some example embodiments, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement window comprises the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the first or second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively, wherein

[0506] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement window is met; and

[0507] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement window is not met.

[0508] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: receiving an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not from the UE.In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not to the UE.

[0509] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting to the UE an indication of the change to the state of the switching pattern.

[0510] In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises a network node in the wireless communications network.

[0511] In some example embodiments, the network node comprises a primary access node supporting providing radio coverage to the user equipment in a primary cell.

[0512] In some example embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

[0513] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0514] means for determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0515] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0516] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; means for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency; and

[0517] means for adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment in response to determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented at the user equipment.

[0518] The means may perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.The processor, memory, and example algorithms, encoded as instructions, program, or code, may be the means for providing or causing the performance of the operation.

[0519] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0520] circuitry configured for determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0521] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; circuitry configured for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency; and

[0522] circuitry configured for adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment in response to determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented at the user equipment.

[0523] The circuitry may be configured perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0524] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a method comprising:

[0525] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0526] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement window being a timeperiod during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency; and

[0527] in response to determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0528] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0529] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the network node, the network node determines that the measurement window is implemented.

[0530] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the network node, the method further includes:

[0531] determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the network node to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0532] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined not to be implemented; or

[0533] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined to be implemented.

[0534] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0535] when the measurement window is determined to be implemented, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period.

[0536] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0537] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0538] if the activation condition is met, refraining from transmitting to the user equipment during the periodic time period.

[0539] If the activation condition is not met, the network node may continue to communicate with the UE without considering the periodic time period.

[0540] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0541] activation of the switching pattern;

[0542] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0543] a change to the switching pattern.

[0544] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0545] transmitting an indication to the user equipment to cease communications using the second frequency; and

[0546] transmitting an indication to the user equipment to begin communications using the second frequency.

[0547] In some example embodiments, the activation condition for the measurement window comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0548] In some example embodiments, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement window comprises the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the first or second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively, wherein

[0549] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement window is met; and

[0550] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement window is not met.In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not from the UE.

[0551] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement window is met or not to the UE.

[0552] In some example embodiments, the method further comprising: transmitting to the UE an indication of the change to the state of the switching pattern.

[0553] In some example embodiments, the method is performed by a network node in the wireless communications network.

[0554] In some example embodiments, the network node comprises a primary access node supporting providing radio coverage to the user equipment in a primary cell.

[0555] In some example embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

[0556] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0557] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0558] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency; andin response to determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0559] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0560] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions thereon for performing at least the following:

[0561] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0562] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency; and

[0563] in response to determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0564] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0565] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following:

[0566] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0567] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a firstfrequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency; and

[0568] in response to determining whether or not the measurement window is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

[0569] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0570] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform:

[0571] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0572] a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0573] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and

[0574] determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the apparatus is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency,

[0575] wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0576] autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency.In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting an indication of the autonomously determined measurement window to at least one of the following:

[0577] a primary network node; and

[0578] the secondary network node.

[0579] In some example embodiments, the measurement window is determined such that the time period begins before the receiving occasion.

[0580] In some example embodiments, when the secondary network node is configured with the apparatus but not being used for communications, the secondary network node follows a periodic measurement cycle, wherein a frequency of the measurement window is determined to be no more than once per periodic measurement cycle.

[0581] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0582] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines to implement the measurement window.

[0583] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0584] determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0585] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined not to be implemented; and

[0586] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined to be implemented.

[0587] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:when the measurement window is determined to be implemented, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement window; and

[0588] when the measurement window is determined not to be implemented, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement window.

[0589] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

[0590] In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0591] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform:

[0592] if the activation condition is met, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement window; and

[0593] if the activation condition is not met, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement window.

[0594] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0595] activation of the switching pattern;

[0596] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0597] a change to the switching pattern.

[0598] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to perform deactivating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a network node of the wireless communications network to cease communications using the second frequency.

[0599] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to communicate with a primary network node using the first frequency and the secondary network node using the second frequency.

[0600] In some example embodiments, the primary network node comprises an access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a primary cell, and thesecondary network node comprises a second access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a secondary cell.

[0601] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment or is comprised within a user equipment.

[0602] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0603] means for determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0604] a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0605] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and

[0606] means for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the apparatus is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency,

[0607] wherein the apparatus is further comprises:

[0608] means for autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency.

[0609] The means may perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0610] The processor, memory, and example algorithms, encoded as instructions, program, or code, may be the means for providing or causing the performance of the operation.

[0611] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0612] circuitry configured for determining a status of at least one of the following: a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within awireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0613] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; and

[0614] circuitry configured for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the apparatus is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency,

[0615] wherein the apparatus further comprises:

[0616] circuitry configured for autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency.

[0617] The circuitry may be configured perform the optional features set out in relation to the apparatus mentioned above.

[0618] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a method comprising:

[0619] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0620] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0621] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency, wherein the method further comprises:

[0622] autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency.In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: transmitting an indication of the autonomously determined measurement window to at least one of the following:

[0623] a primary network node; and

[0624] the secondary network node.

[0625] In some example embodiments, the measurement window is determined such that the time period begins before the receiving occasion.

[0626] In some example embodiments, when the secondary network node is configured with the UE but not being used for communications, the secondary network node follows a periodic measurement cycle, wherein a frequency of the measurement window is determined to be no more than once per periodic measurement cycle.

[0627] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

[0628] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the UE, the UE determines to implement the measurement window.

[0629] In some example embodiments, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the UE, the method further comprises:

[0630] determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the UE to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;

[0631] if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined not to be implemented; and

[0632] if the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement window is determined to be implemented.

[0633] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises:when the measurement window is determined to be implemented, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement window; and

[0634] when the measurement window is determined not to be implemented, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement window.

[0635] In some example embodiments, the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

[0636] In some example embodiments, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement window comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement window is met.

[0637] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0638] if the activation condition is met, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement window; and

[0639] if the activation condition is not met, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement window.

[0640] In some example embodiments, the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:

[0641] activation of the switching pattern;

[0642] deactivation of the switching pattern; and

[0643] a change to the switching pattern.

[0644] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises deactivating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a network node of the wireless communications network to cease communications using the second frequency.

[0645] In some example embodiments, the UE is configured to communicate with a primary network node using the first frequency and the secondary network node using the second frequency.

[0646] In some example embodiments, the primary network node comprises an access node supporting providing radio coverage to the UE in a primary cell, and the secondarynetwork node comprises a second access node supporting providing radio coverage to the UE in a secondary cell.

[0647] In some example embodiments, the method is performed by a UE.

[0648] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0649] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0650] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0651] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency, wherein the method further comprises:

[0652] autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency.

[0653] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0654] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions thereon for performing at least the following:

[0655] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0656] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0657] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency;determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency, wherein the method further comprises:

[0658] autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency.

[0659] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0660] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following:

[0661] determining a status of at least one of the following:

[0662] a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or

[0663] a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement window, the measurement window being a time period during which the user equipment is able to monitor for signals on the first or second frequency, wherein the method further comprises:

[0664] autonomously determining the measurement window such that the time period contains a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency.

[0665] The instructions may be for performing the optional features set out in relation to the method mentioned above.

[0666] A person of skill in the art would readily recognize that steps of various above-described methods can be performed by programmed computers. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, e.g., digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machineexecutable or computer-executable programs of instructions, wherein said instructionsperform some or all of the steps of said above-described methods. The program storage devices may be, e.g., digital memories, magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. The embodiments are also intended to cover computers programmed to perform said steps of the above-described methods. The tern non-transitory as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. RAM vs ROM).

[0667] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0668] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog, digital and / or quantum circuitry) and

[0669] (b) combinations of hardware circuit(s) and software, such as (as applicable):

[0670] (i) a combination of analog, digital and / or quantum hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0671] (ii) any or all portions of hardware processor(s) (including digital and / or quantum processor(s)) with software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile device, computing device or server, to perform various functions) and

[0672] (c) any or all portions of hardware circuit(s), such as microprocessor(s), processor(s), and / or quantum processor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0673] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0674] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.The ordering of method steps set out above may not be critical or fixed and the exact ordering of the steps may be varied as appropriate.

[0675] Although example embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0676] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0677] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0678] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

[0679] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. WE CLAIM:

1. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform:determining a status of at least one of the following:a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; ora secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; anddetermining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the apparatus monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the secondary network node, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the secondary network node.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be deactivated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus determines to implement the measurement gap configuration.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, when the status of the secondary network node is determined, if the status of the secondary network node is determined to be activated for communications with the apparatus, the apparatus is further caused to perform:determining if the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the first or second frequency contain a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the first or second frequency respectively;if the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented; orif the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform:when the measurement gap configuration is determined to be implemented, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement gap configuration; and when the measurement gap configuration is determined not to be implemented, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement gap configuration.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining the status comprises detecting a change to the status of the switching pattern, and the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration is performed in response to the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 6, wherein, when the status of the switching pattern is determined, the determining whether or not to implement the measurement gap configuration comprises determining if an activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform:if the activation condition is met, activating or refraining from deactivating the measurement gap configuration; andif the activation condition is not met, deactivating or refraining from activating the measurement gap configuration.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, when dependent on claim 6, wherein the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises at least one of the following:activation of the switching pattern;deactivation of the switching pattern; anda change to the switching pattern.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform deactivating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a network node of the wireless communications network to cease communications using the second frequency.

11. An apparatus according to claim 7, or any one of claims 8 to 10 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the switching pattern being deactivated such that, when the switching pattern is deactivated, the apparatus is configured to communicate within the wireless communications network only using the first frequency and the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform activating the switching pattern in response to receiving an indication from a first network node of the wireless communications network to begin communications using the second frequency.

13. An apparatus according to claim 7, or any one of claims 8 to 12 when dependent on claim 7, wherein, when the switching pattern is activated or changed, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration comprises the one or more time periods of the switching pattern for the apparatus to communicate using the second frequency containing a receiving occasion for a reference signal on the second frequency, whereinif the one or more time periods do not contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met; andif the one or more time periods contain the receiving occasion, the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is not met.

14. An apparatus according to claim 7, or any one of claims 8 to 13 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not to a network node.

15. An apparatus according to claim 7, or any one of claims 8 to 14 when dependent on claim 7, wherein determining whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not comprises receiving an indication of whether the activation condition for the measurement gap configuration is met or not from a network node.

16. An apparatus according to claim 6, or any one of claims 7 to 15 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the detecting the change to the status of the switching pattern comprises receiving an indication of the change from a network node of the wireless communications network.

17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to communicate with a primary network node using the first frequency and the secondary network node using the second frequency.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the primary network node comprises an access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a primary cell, and the secondary network node comprises a second access node supporting providing radio coverage to the apparatus in a secondary cell.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are below 1 GHz.

20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment or is comprised within a user equipment.

21. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus at least to perform:determining a status of at least one of the following:a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; ora secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; andin response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.

22. An apparatus comprising:means for determining a status of at least one of the following:a switching pattern of the apparatus, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; ora secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; andmeans for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the apparatus monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

23. An apparatus comprising:means for determining a status of at least one of the following:a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with the apparatus within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; ora secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency;means for determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; andmeans for adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment in response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment.

24. A method comprising:determining a status of at least one of the following:a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the apparatus to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; ora secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not to implement a measurement gap configuration, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency.

25. A method comprising:determining a status of at least one of the following:a switching pattern of a user equipment, wherein the switching pattern indicates one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate with a primary network node within a wireless communications network using a first frequency and one or more time periods for the user equipment to communicate within the wireless communications network using a second frequency; or a secondary network node within the wireless communications network configured with the apparatus for communications using the second frequency; determining, based on the determined status, whether or not a measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, the measurement gap configuration indicating a periodic time period during which the user equipment monitors for signals on the first or second frequency and does not communicate using the first and second frequency; andin response to determining whether or not the measurement gap configuration is implemented at the user equipment, adjusting or refraining from adjusting transmissions to the user equipment.□□□□□ DDDDD DDDDD□□□□□ DDDDD DDDDD0 IDI D DDDDDD DmaMid-bands Low-bands85% of traffic in urban 15% of traffic in urban50% of traffic in rural 50% of traffic in ruralDistance fromcell center / >i NearTidcr Transition field Far field direction ofi Urban area Rural area movementCA_n5A-n25A-n29A CA_n5A-n25A-n29ACA_n5A-n29A-n66A CA_n5A-n29A-n66ACA n5A-n29A-n77A CA n5A-n29A-n77A>> CA_n5A-n25A-n29AnCA_n5A-n29A-n66A" ————————— Timen66 Time CA n5A-n29A-n77An77 U_i_U_U _ ► Time n5 Timen25 >kTimen29 >. ► Timeg Cell activity n66 > Time@ Optional MB cell activity n77 > - ► Time□ Optional HB cell activityOptional UHB cell activityFIG. 1FIG. 2717 MHz n29DL 728 MHzCA_n12A-n29A669 MHz 716 MHz 729 MHz 746 MHzNOTE 1: There is no incumbent narrowband service in the band gapbetween n29 and n12 DL (728-729 MHz) in Canadan106UL n106DLCA_n26A-n106A n26 UL n26 DL814 MHz 849 MHz 859 MHz 894 MHz 940 MHz738 MHz n67 DLn28 UL n28 DL CA_n28A-n67A703 MHz 733 MHz 748 MHz 758 MHz 788 MHz 803 MHzNOTE 1: In Europe band n28 spectrum is restricted to 703-733 MHz UL and 758-788 MHz DLNOTE 2: 3GPP will introduce requirements for band n28 assuming full band duplexer architecture in Rel-19FIG. 3n29 DL n5 UL n5 DL / / _717 MHz 728 MHz " 824 MHz 849 MHz 869 MHz ’ 894 MHzCA_n5A-n29ANOTE 1: CA_n5A-n29A is already specified in TS38.101 -1NOTE 2: Fractional bandwidth of a single antenna to support this combination is 22% and representsa practical implementation challengen29 DL n14 DL n14 ULCA_n14A-n29A717 MHz 728 MHz 758 MHz 768 MHz 788 MHz 798 MHzn71 DL n71 UL n29 DL617 MHz 652 MHz 663 MHz 698 MHz 717 MHz 728 MHzCA_n29A-n71ANOTE 1: CA_n29A-n71A is already specified in TS38.101-1NOTE 2: Fractional bandwidth of a single antenna to support this combination is 16.5% and representsa practical implementation challengeFIG. 3 (continued)5 / 13FIG. 4FIG. 5Gap / SCMWFIG. 6Time Activated carrierFIG. 7FIG. 8A8 / 13FIG. 8BK)O OO)FIG. 9A10 / 13wCD■u CD CDFIG. 9B11 / 13State 1: Deactivated measurement gap 4: Deactivate / change 5: Gap is not carrier switching required pattern2: Evaluate if gap is needed: Gap is not 6: Activate / change required carrier switching pattern State 3: Activate measurement gapFIG. 1012 / 13FIG. 11 FIG. 13FIG. 12 FIG. 1413 / 13FIG. 15

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