Terminal node measurements

Abstract

A User Equipment (164), UE, configured to: receive (202) a first measurement configuration comprising information to configure the UE to perform measurements associated with a plurality of carriers and having associated measurement periodicity; determine (204) a second measurement configuration (174) comprising information to determine by the UE at least one of the following: measurements associated with a reduced number of carriers compared to the first measurement configuration; or measurements associated with at least one carrier at a reduced measurement periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration; perform (206), based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration for a period of time, wherein the period of time is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wake-up time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

Description

[0001]

[0002] TITLE TERMINAL NODE MEASUREMENTS

[0003] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0004] Examples of the disclosure relate to terminal node measurements. Some relate to terminal node measurements when exiting a low-power mode.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] A wireless network comprises a plurality of network nodes including terminal nodes and access nodes. Communication between the terminal nodes and the access nodes is wireless.

[0007] A terminal node, such as a user equipment (UE) can perform measurements, for example of serving cell according to a measurement configuration. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to improve or enhance how a terminal node performs measurements.

[0008] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

[0010] While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and / or instructions as desired, and as appropriate. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0012] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013]

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an example of the subject matter described herein;

[0015] FIG. 2 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0016] FIG. 3 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0017] FIG. 4 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0018] FIG. 5 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0019] FIG. 6 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0020] FIG. 7 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0021] FIG. 8 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0022] FIG. 9A shows another example of the subject matter described herein; and

[0023] FIG. 9B shows another example of the subject matter described herein.

[0024] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG 1 illustrates an example of a communications network 100 such as a 5G network or a 6G network or any other suitable type of network. The network 100 comprises a plurality of network nodes including terminal nodes 110, access nodes 120 and one or more core nodes 129. The access nodes 120 and core node 129 can be considered network nodes.

[0026] The terminal nodes 110 and access nodes 120 communicate with each other. The one or more core nodes 129 communicate with the access nodes 120. In some examples, the core nodes 129 communicate with the terminal nodes 110.

[0027] The network 100 is in this example a radio telecommunications network, in which at least some of the terminal nodes 110 and access nodes 120 communicate with each other using transmission / reception of radio waves / signals.

[0028] The one or more core nodes 129 may, in some examples, communicate with each other. The one or more access nodes 120 may, in some examples, communicate with each other.

[0029]

[0030] The network 100 may be a cellular network comprising a plurality of cells 122 each served by an access node 120. In this example, the interface between the terminal nodes 110 and an access node 120 defining a cell 122 is a wireless interface 124.

[0031] The access nodes 120 can comprise at least one cellular radio transceiver. The terminal nodes 110 can comprise at least one cellular radio transceivers.

[0032] In the example illustrated the cellular network 100 is a third generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network in which the terminal nodes 110 are user equipment (UE), and the access nodes 120 are base stations. The terminal nodes 110 can comprise any other suitable type of device or devices. The access nodes 120 can be any suitable type of base station.

[0033] The access node 120 can be a network entity responsible for radio transmission and reception in one or more cells to or from terminal nodes 110. The access node 120 can be a network element in a Radio Access Network (RAN), or any other suitable type of network.

[0034] The core network nodes 129 can be part of a core network. The core network nodes 129 can be configured to manage functions relating to connectivity for the terminal nodes 110. For example, the core network nodes 129 can be configured to manage functions such as connectivity, mobility, authentication, authorization and / or other suitable functions.

[0035] In the example of FIG. 1 the core network node 129 is shown as a single entity. In some examples the core network node 129 could be distributed across multiple entities. For example, the core network node 129 could be cloud based or distributed in any other suitable manner.

[0036] In examples the network 100 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN consists of E-UTRAN NodeBs (eNBs), providing the E-UTRA user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE. The eNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by means of an X2 interface 126. The eNBs are also connected by means of the S1 interface 128 to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) 129.

[0037] In other examples the network 100 is a Next Generation (or New Radio, NR) Radio Access network (NG-RAN). The NG-RAN consists of gNodeBs (gNBs), providing the user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE 110. The

[0038]

[0039] gNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by means of an Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected by means of the N2 interface 128 to the Access and Mobility management Function (AMF).

[0040] In some examples, the access nodes 120 can comprise at least one wireless edge computing server.

[0041] A user equipment (UE) can comprise a mobile equipment. Where reference is made to user equipment that reference includes and encompasses, wherever possible, a reference to mobile equipment.

[0042] An access node 120, for example a gNB, can comprise a central unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU). In examples, a central unit can be an access node 120. In examples, a distributed unit can be an access node 120. In examples, action(s) performed by a CU can be action(s) performed by an access node. In examples, action(s) performed by a DU can be action(s) performed by an access node.

[0043] The network 100 can comprise a combination of E-UTRAN and NG-RAN.

[0044] The network 100 can comprise a 6thgeneration radio access network, 6GRAN.

[0045] A terminal node 110, such as a user equipment (UE), can be configured with a first measurement configuration and can perform measurements of a plurality of carriers according to the first measurement configuration. For example, the terminal node 110 can perform measurements of a serving cell of the terminal node 110, and at least one other cell, such as a neighboring cell, according to the first measurement configuration. The terminal node 110 can perform measurements of a plurality of carriers, as configured by the first measurement configuration, and can perform measurements of the plurality of carriers with associated measurement periodicity, as configured by the first measurement configuration.

[0046] The terminal node 110 can determine a second measurement configuration, which is different to the first measurement configuration. The second measurement configuration can be for use when the terminal node 110 exits a low-power mode.

[0047] The second measurement configuration can comprise information to cause the terminal node 110 to perform measurements associated with a reduced number of carriers compared to the first measurement configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, the second measurement configuration can comprise information to cause the terminal node

[0048]

[0049] 110 to perform measurements associated with at least one carrier with a reduced periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration.

[0050] In examples, without the second measurement configuration, the terminal node would make measurements according to the first measurement configuration when exiting a low-power mode.

[0051] Use of the second measurement configuration is advantageous as, for example, performing measurements according to the second measurement configuration when exiting a low-power mode enables the terminal node 110 to assess radio conditions of the terminal node 110 more quickly compared to performing measurements according to the first measurement configuration.

[0052] In examples, the terminal node 110 can make measurements according to the second measurement configuration for a period of time following exiting a low-power mode, and can for example, determine to return to a low-power mode or determine to proceed by making measurements according to the first measurement configuration, or a third, different measurement configuration.

[0053] At least some examples of the disclosure relate to at least one of the following: apparatuses, methods, or computer programs for controlling measurements performed by a terminal node 110, such as a UE.

[0054] At least some examples of the disclosure relate to at least one of the following: apparatuses, methods, or computer programs for controlling measurements performed by a terminal node 110, such as a UE, when exiting a low-power mode.

[0055] At least some examples of the disclosure relate to at least one of the following: apparatuses, methods, or computer programs for enabling a terminal node, such as a UE, to efficiently assess radio conditions of the terminal node when exiting a low-power mode.

[0056] At least some examples of the disclosure relate to at least one of the following: apparatuses, methods, or computer programs for enabling an energy saving low-power mode at a terminal node 110, such as a UE, while reducing impact on serving and neighboring cell measurement performance compared to UE behavior without the inventive method or methods described herein.

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of signaling between entities. FIG. 2 also illustrates an example of at least one method 200.

[0058]

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates at least one method performed by a system comprising interaction between different system entities. FIG. 2 also illustrates a collection of separate methods performed separately by the different system entities.

[0060] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIG. 2 can be found in one or more of the other FIGS.

[0061] In the example of FIG. 2 a plurality of apparatuses transmit and / or receive one or more signals and / or messages across and / or via and / or using a network. In examples, any suitable form of communication in any suitable network can be used. For example, at least a portion of the network 100 of FIG. 1 can be used.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 2, a terminal node 110, a first access node 120A, and a second access node 120B transmit and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 2 the terminal node is a UE 164, the first access node 120A is a gNodeB (gNB) 166. In the illustrated example, the first access node 120A is a source access node of the terminal node 110.

[0064] In the example of FIG. 2, the second access node 120B is a candidate access node. In examples, transmissions between entities illustrated in FIG. 2 can proceed via any number of intervening entities, including no intervening entities.

[0065] Although a single terminal node 110 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 2, in examples any suitable number of terminal nodes 110 can be included. Similarly, any suitable number of access nodes 120 can be included.

[0066] The preceding statements concerning FIG. 2 should be understood to apply to other FIGs described herein, for example FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0067] As used herein, a description of an apparatus, such as a terminal node 110 or an access node 120, performing an action should also be considered to disclose at least one controller of the apparatus performing at least one of the following: enabling the apparatus to perform the action, causing the apparatus to perform the action, or controlling the apparatus to perform the action. For example, a description of an apparatus transmitting information should also be considered to disclose at least one controller of the apparatus performing at least one of the following: enabling the apparatus to transmit the information, causing the apparatus to transmit the information, or controlling the apparatus to transmit the information.

[0068]

[0069] In examples, at least part of method 200 is a method of controlling measurements performed by a terminal node 110, such as a UE.

[0070] Additionally, or alternatively, in examples, at least part of method 200 is a method of controlling measurements performed by a terminal node 110, such as a UE, when exiting a low-power mode.

[0071] Additionally, or alternatively, in examples, at least part of method 200 is a method of enabling a terminal node, such as a UE, to efficiently assess radio conditions of the terminal node when exiting a low-power mode.

[0072] In the illustrated examples, the location of blocks indicates the entity or entities performing the function(s) / action(s). For example, block 202 is performed by the access node 120A (transmitting) and the terminal node 110 (receiving). For example, block 204 is performed by the terminal node 110.

[0073] As used herein, the term ‘block’ is intended to refer to an action or actions indicated in a FIG. For example, the term ‘block’ can refer to the action of transmitting / receiving indicated by, for example, reference numeral 202 in FIG. 2, and can also refer to the action of determining indicated by reference numeral 204 and so on.

[0074] In the following description of FIG. 2 the first access node 120A will be referred to as a gNB 166, and the terminal node 110 will be referred to as a UE 164. However, any suitable access node(s) and terminal node(s) can be used in examples of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 2 the UE 164 can be in any suitable mode. For example, the UE 164 can be in connected mode, idle mode, or inactive mode. In some examples, the UE 164 is in connected mode with the gNB 166.

[0075] At block 202, method 200 comprises, from the point of view of the UE 164, receiving a first measurement configuration 168 comprising information to configure the UE 164 to perform measurements associated with a plurality of carriers and having associated measurement periodicity.

[0076] The first measurement configuration 168 can comprise any suitable measurement configuration. For example, the first measurements configuration can comprise information to configure the UE 164 to perform any suitable measurements in any suitable way.

[0077]

[0078] In examples, the first measurement configuration 168 comprises information to configure the UE 164 to perform measurements with a first receiver. The first receiver can be a main receiver of the UE 164.

[0079] In examples, a main receiver is the receiver used when communicating with the network. For example, a main receiver can be a receiver used by a terminal node 110, such as a UE 164, when communicating with an access node 120, such as a gNB 166.

[0080] In some examples, the first measurement configuration 168 comprises information to configure the UE 164 to perform measurements to assess conditions of at least one of a serving cell of the UE 164, or at least one other cell, such as at least one neighboring cell. In examples, measurements made according to the first measurement configuration 168 comprise at least one of cell detection, measurement period, or evaluation period.

[0081] In examples, measurements made according to a measurement configuration is intended to mean measurements made as configured by the measurement configuration / as defined in the information of the measurement configuration.

[0082] For example, the UE 164 making measurements according to the first measurement configuration 168 means, in examples, measurements made by the UE 164 as configured by the first measurement configuration 168 / measurements made by the UE 164 as defined in the information of the first measurement configuration.

[0083] In some examples, the first measurement configuration 168 comprises information to configure the UE 164 to perform measurements as defined in at least one 3rd generation partnership (3GPP) technical standard. For example, the first measurement configuration 168 can comprise information to configure the UE 164 to perform measurements as defined in at least 3GPP TS 38.331, for example version 18.5.1. By way of example, reference is made to the example of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates terminal node 110, such as UE 164, behavior as a function of time. FIG. 3 can be considered to illustrate use of a first receiver 180, and a second receiver 182 as a function of time. In the example of FIG. 3, the first receiver 180 is a main receiver of the UE 164, and the second receiver 182 is a low-power receiver of the UE 164.

[0084] In examples, a low-power receiver is a receiver, or an operation mode of a receiver, implemented with emphasis on reduced power consumption, for example compared to a main receiver.

[0085]

[0086] In examples, a low-power receiver is a receiver as set-out in radio access network (RAN) work item RP-234056.

[0087] In some examples of the present disclosure, the second receiver 182 is a part of the first receiver 180. In some examples, the second receiver 182 is an operating mode of the first receiver 180. In some examples, the second receiver 182 is separate from the first receiver 180.

[0088] In the example of FIG. 3, time increases from left to right.

[0089] Reference is made to the left-most portion of the example of FIG. 3, indicated by the reference numeral 186. In this part of the illustrated example, the UE 164 is configured with a first measurement configuration 168 and is performing measurements according to the first measurement configuration 168.

[0090] In this part of the example of FIG. 3, the UE 164 can be in idle mode, inactive mode, or connected mode.

[0091] In this part of the example of FIG. 3, the UE 164 makes three measurements 176 of four carriers 170 using the first receiver 180. The four carriers 170 comprise the serving cell carrier VOA. The measurements 176 are made with a measurement periodicity 172. In this part of FIG. 3, no measurements are made using the second receiver 182.

[0092] In examples, it can be considered that the section of the example of FIG. 3 that is indicated by reference 186 illustrates an example of measurements made according to a first measurement configuration 168.

[0093] Returning to the example of FIG. 2, in examples with regard to the first measurement configuration 168, the measurement periodicity 172 associated with different carriers can be the same or can be different. That is, in examples, the first measurement configuration 168 can configure the UE 168 to measure the plurality of carriers 170 with substantially the same measurement periodicity 172, and in some examples the first measurement configuration 168 can configure the UE 168 to measure at least one carrier 170 of the plurality of carriers 170 with a different measurement periodicity 172 compared to at least one other carrier 170 of the plurality of carriers 170.

[0094] In examples, a measurement periodicity 172 is a time period between measurements. In some examples, a measurement periodicity 172 of the first measurement configuration 168 is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following: a discontinuous reception, DRX, periodicity, ora paging monitoring periodicity.

[0095]

[0096] Accordingly, in examples, the first measurement configuration may define a measurement periodicity 172 based, at least in part, on a DRX periodicity, or a paging monitoring periodicity.

[0097] As FIG. 2 illustrates one or more functions / actions of receiving, FIG. 2 also illustrates the corresponding transmitting and causing / enabling / controlling transmitting. For example, from the point of view of the gNB 166, at block 202, method 200 comprises transmitting towards a UE 164 a first measurement configuration 168 comprising information to configure the UE 164 to perform measurements 176 associated with a plurality of carriers 170 and having associated measurement periodicity 172.

[0098] The first measurement configuration 168 can be transmitted in any suitable way using any suitable method. Accordingly, the first measurement configuration 168 can be received in any suitable way using any suitable method. For example, the first measurement configuration 168 can be transmitted / received with any suitable message. In some examples, receiving the first measurement configuration comprises at least one of the following: a radio resource control, RRC, message, a system information block, SIB, message, a RRC message, or an abstract syntax notation one, ASN.1, message. In some examples, receiving the first measurement configuration comprises receiving at least one of the following: a radio resource control, RRC, message, a system information block, SIB, message, a RRC message, or an abstract syntax notation one, ASN.1, message.

[0099] At block 204, method 200 comprises determining a second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to determine by the UE 164 at least one of the following: measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration 168, or measurements 176 associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced measurement periodicity 172 compared to the first measurement configuration 168.

[0100] In some examples, block 204 comprises determining a second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to configure the UE 164 to at least one of the following: perform measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration, or perform measurements associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced measurement periodicity 172 compared to the first measurement configuration 168.

[0101]

[0102] It is to be noted that, the second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to configure the UE 164 is not necessarily intended to indicate that the network, for example, the gNB 166 has configured the UE 164. That is, the second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to configure the UE 164 is not necessarily an indication that the network, for example the gNB 166, is involved with the determining of the second measurement configuration 174 by the UE 164, although in some examples the network, for example the gNB 166 can be involved in block 204.

[0103] The second measurement configuration 174 can comprise any suitable measurement configuration. For example, the second measurement configuration 174 can comprise information to configure the UE 164 to perform any suitable measurements in any suitable way.

[0104] In examples, the second measurement configuration 174 comprises information to configure the UE 164 to perform measurements with a first receiver. The first receiver can be a main receiver of the UE 164.

[0105] In some examples, the second measurement configuration 174 comprises information to configure the UE 164 to perform measurements to assess conditions of at least one of a serving cell of the UE 164, or at least one other cell, such as at least one neighboring cell. In examples, measurements made according to the first measurement configuration 174 comprise at least one of cell detection, measurement period, or evaluation period.

[0106] The second measurement configuration 174 can be determined in any suitable way using any suitable method. In examples, determining the second measurement configuration 174 comprises at least one of the following: retrieving information from at least one memory, receiving information, modifying information, and so on.

[0107] In some examples, determining the second measurement configuration 174 comprises retrieving information from at least one memory. For example, the second measurement configuration 174 can be preconfigured at the UE 164, for example during manufacture, and determining the second measurement configuration 174 can comprise retrieving the preconfigured information from at least one memory.

[0108] In some examples, determining the second measurement configuration 174 comprises receiving information. For example, the UE can receive information 174 from the gNB 166. See, for example, the example of FIG. 7.

[0109]

[0110] In some examples, determining the second measurement configuration 174 comprises receiving at least one of the following: a radio resource control (RRC) release message, a system information block (SIB) message, a RRC reconfiguration message, or an in-band control message such as a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) message and / or an ASN.1 message and so on.

[0111] In some examples, determining the second measurement configuration 174 comprises modifying information. For example, in some examples the second measurement configuration 174 is based, at least in part, on the first measurement configuration 168. For example, the second measurement configuration 174 can be based on the first measurement configuration 168 with at least one modified measurement periodicity. For example, where the first measurement configuration 168 uses DRX measurement periodicity, the second measurement configuration 174 can use a different or modified measurement periodicity.

[0112] In some examples, the reduced measurement periodicity is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following: synchronization signal block (SSB) periodicity, SSB-based radio resource management (RRM) measurement timing configuration (SMTC) periodicity, or an updated DRX periodicity.

[0113] For example, with the second measurement configuration 174 the UE 164 can use SMTC periodicity for measuring at least one neighboring cell carrier and / or serving cell carrier.

[0114] For example, with the second measurement configuration 174 the UE 164 can use the SSB periodicity directly, for example 20ms or 40ms. In some such examples, the UE 164 can use the SSB periodicity instead of the DRX periodicity in the first measurement configuration 168.

[0115] For example, with the second measurement configuration 174, the UE 164 can temporarily update an existing DRX cycle length. For example:

[0116] if the UE is using 640ms DRX cycle, the UE shall drop to 320ms,

[0117] if the UE is using 320ms DRX (or minimum defined) cycle, the UE shall maintain the minimum DRX cycle length,

[0118] Divide the DRX cycle by N, for example, N=2,

[0119] if UE is using 320ms DRX cycle I minimum DRX cycle, the UE shall divide the DRX cycle in half

[0120]

[0121] 640ms I 2 = 320ms.

[0122] In examples, temporarily means until the end of the period of time during which measurements are made according to the second measurement configuration 174. For example, with the second measurement configuration 174, the UE 164 can modify a scaling factor that is being used. For example, the UE 164 can multiply existing FR1 I FR2 scaling factors with a scaling factor < 1. For example, the UE 164 can multiply number of measurement samples over DRX cycle scaling factors with a scaling factor < 1 (for example M3)

[0123] The number of carriers 170 to be measured can be reduced in any suitable way, using any suitable method.

[0124] For example, the second measurement configuration 174 can be based on the first measurement configuration 168 with a modified number of carriers 170 to be measured. In some examples, the reduced number of carriers 170 is determined based, at least in part, on at least one of the following: measurement type, or carrier list configuration. For example, the reduced number of carriers 170 can be determined based, at least in part, on the measurement type associated with the different carriers 170.

[0125] In examples, the measurement type is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following: intra-frequency carrier measurement, inter-frequency carrier measurement, or priority of carrier.

[0126] Some examples of possible carrier selection based on measurement type:

[0127] Intra-frequency only: at least one, for example, M intra-frequency carriers to measure during the period of time. In examples, if no intra-frequency is found, then UE 164 performs at least one inter-frequency measurement.

[0128] Intra + inter frequency: A combination of intra-frequency and inter-frequency carriers are selected: for example, select M1 intra-frequency carriers and M2 inter-frequency carriers. Where M1 = 1, and M2 = 1.

[0129] Intra + High priority inter-frequency: UE selects a full or a subset of carriers 170.

[0130] High-priority carriers only: UE measures at least one high priority carrier. In examples, priority of carriers is defined by the network, for example an access node 120. For example, the network can define high priority carriers, and inform the UE 164.

[0131]

[0132] In some examples, the second measurement configuration 174 comprises information indicative of a carrier list to be measured by the UE 164. For example, the carrier list can comprise information of a list of carriers 170 that the UE is to measure in order. For example, the UE 164 can use a specific list including carriers that UE is required to measure.

[0133] In examples, the list may be legacy reselection list (or early measurement reporting (EMR list), which the UE 164 measures in-order.

[0134] In examples, the list may be another list pointing to a reselection measurement list, indicating a subset of carriers 170.

[0135] In examples, the list may be a dedicated list including carriers 170 to measure upon a trigger condition to be met. In examples, this may be a subset of other carrier list (for example only overlapping carriers).

[0136] In some examples, the reduced number of carriers 170 can be a single carrier 170. At block 206, method 200 comprises performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration 174 fora period of time.

[0137] Consequently, FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 comprising:

[0138] receiving a first measurement configuration 168 comprising information to configure a UE 164 to perform measurements 176 associated with a plurality of carriers 170 and having associated measurement periodicity 172;

[0139] determining a second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to determine by the UE 164 at least one of the following:

[0140] measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration 168; or

[0141] measurements 176 associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced measurement periodicity 172 compared to the first measurement configuration 168;

[0142] performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 for a period of time.

[0143]

[0144] In some examples, block 206 comprises performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, measurements 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 fora period of time.

[0145] The UE 164 can perform block 206 upon exiting the low-power mode. The UE 164 can perform block 206 in response to exiting the low-power mode.

[0146] In examples, at block 206 the UE 164 performs at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 instead of a different measurement configuration, for example the first measurement configuration 168.

[0147] Accordingly, in examples, for a period of time after exiting a low-power mode the UE 164 performs at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration 174 instead of, for example, the first measurement configuration 168 which means that the UE 164 at least one of: performs measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration 168, or performs measurements 176 associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration 168.

[0148] In some examples, the at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 is performed by the first receiver 180. Accordingly, in some examples, the at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 is performed by a main receiver of the UE 164.

[0149] In some examples, the at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 comprise at least one measurement to assess conditions of at least one of: a serving cell of the UE 164, or at least one other cell, for example at least one neighboring cell.

[0150] The period of time can be any suitable period of time. For example, the period of time can be any suitable period of time to enable the UE 164 to perform measurements as configured by the second measurement configuration 174.

[0151] For example, the period of time can be any suitable period of time to enable the UE 164 to assess radio conditions of the UE 164 after exiting the low-power mode.

[0152] In some examples, the period of time is based, at least in part, on periodicity of measurements used for the second measurement configuration 174. For example, the period of time can be determined to enable the UE 164 to perform a certain number of

[0153]

[0154] measurements according to the second measurement configuration 174 during the period of time.

[0155] In some examples, the period of time is a period of time for the UE 164 to perform a set of measurements. In examples, a period of time for the UE 164 to perform a set of measurements is a period of time for the UE 164 to perform cell detection and a round of measurements. In examples, a set of measurements is performed per carrier to be measured.

[0156] In examples, the period of time ends when the UE 164 has finished measuring the required amount of samples for required amount of carriers according to the second measurement configuration 174 with reduced measurement periodicity relative to the first measurement configuration 168 and / or for selected carriers.

[0157] For example, the UE 164 measures only one intra-frequency carrier in idle-mode that is serving cell, with SSB periodicity. Depending on conditions, in examples, the UE would need to perform detection, measurements and evaluation, which would take 36 + 4 + 16 samples. After this the UE 164 has evaluated the serving cell quality and can make a decision whether it is still in the cell center.

[0158] In examples, the UE 164 may need to measure 1 serving and 1 neighboring cell carrier to be able to make a reselection decision.

[0159] In some examples, the UE performs full Tdetect, Tmeasure and Tevaluate cycle based on a subset of carriers and / or based on the different or reduced cycle length.

[0160] In examples, after the UE has performed at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration 174, the UE 174 continues legacy operation (for example reselection evaluation).

[0161] In some examples, the UE 164 may use the measurement according to the second measurement configuration for re-evaluating the low-power wake up signal (LP-WUS) conditions. In other words, this can be the LP-WUS entry evaluation performed by the first receiver of the UE 164.

[0162] This is advantageous as, for example, performing measurements according to the second measurement configuration 174 for a period of time after exiting a low-power mode, rather than for example the first measurement configuration 168, enables the UE 164 to at least one of: get accurate measurements of the radio conditions, or to measure

[0163]

[0164] serving and neighboring cell for cell reselection more quickly than if the first measurement configuration 168 was used.

[0165] The low-power mode can be any suitable low-power mode. For example, the low-power mode can be a low-power mode used in at least one of the following: idle-mode, inactive mode, or connected mode.

[0166] In some examples, the low-power mode is a low-power mode in which use of a first receiver of the UE 164 for measurements is relaxed or stopped.

[0167] In examples, method 200 comprises the UE 164 entering the low-power mode. The UE 164 can enter the low-power mode at any suitable time in method 200. For example, the UE 164 can enter the low-power mode between blocks 204 and 206. For example, the UE 164 can enter the low-power mode between blocks 202 and 206.

[0168] In some examples, the period of time is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wake-up time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

[0169] Consequently, FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 comprising:

[0170] determining a second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to determine by the UE 164 at least one of the following:

[0171] measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration 168; or

[0172] measurements 176 associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced measurement periodicity 172 compared to the first measurement configuration 168;

[0173] performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 for a period of time, wherein the period of time is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wakeup time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

[0174] In examples, a UE first receiver wake-up time is a time that it takes the UE 164 to wakeup the first receiver 180 from the low-power mode.

[0175] In examples, a time period associated with first receiver wake-up is a time period specified for waking up the first receiver 180 from the low-power mode, for example as specified in at least one technical specification, such as at least one 3GPP technical specification.

[0176]

[0177] The time period associated with first receiver wake-up can be referred to as a time period given for, or provided for first receiver wake-up.

[0178] In some examples, the period of time is determined by the time period associated with first receiver wake-up minus the UE first receiver wake-up time.

[0179] Accordingly, in some examples, the UE 164 performs at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration 174 after the first receiver 180 has woken up and before expiry of the time period associated with first receiver wake-up. This is advantageous as, for example, it enables the UE 164 to perform measurements according to the second measurement configuration 174 to, for example, assess radio conditions, during a period where the network expects the first receiver of the UE 164 to be waking up.

[0180] In some examples, the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration 174 are applied after receiving paging and during the wake-up, see, for example, the example of FIG. 8.

[0181] In examples, a UE 164 can use time left from the wake up to perform high priority or intra-frequency measurements with main receiver (MR).

[0182] In some examples, it is possible that the UE 164 is able to start main receiver (MR) faster than the requirement specify, hence a UE 164 can use the remaining time before paging to set up, for example, reduced number of carriers.

[0183] For example, if UE 164 supports 900ms wake up periodicity and UE implementation knows that in certain radio conditions (for example, based on low-power receiver (LR) measurements) it takes 50ms to wake up MR. In examples, a UE 164 can at this time perform intra-frequency measurements (intra-frequency for MR carrier). The number of carriers can depend on how many intra-frequency carriers UE 164 would be able to measure, and how long the indicated wake up capability is.

[0184] In some examples, the UE 164 reduces the measurement duration to non-configured duration, or duration based on guaranteed measurement sample (for example, connected mode guaranteed SSB).

[0185] The following example illustrates an example of UE behaviour.

[0186] Upon MR or LR based measurement exit trigger, the UE 164 will change the measurement behaviour.

[0187]

[0188] The measurement behaviour is changed by changing to connected mode SSB periodicity (for example 20ms, 40ms or 80ms).

[0189] DRX cycle is used but it is scaled by the UE (for example, the scaling is done to a smaller DRX periodicity).

[0190] The DRX cycle is scaled to a minimum DRX periodicity where idle-mode reference signal is guaranteed to be transmitted (for example, 320ms or 160ms).

[0191] The measurement behaviour is changed by reducing a number of carriers:

[0192] By selecting a subset of MR carrier configurations, where the subset is intra-frequency carriers that are within UE MR channel bandwidth.

[0193] In some examples, the UE selects always at least one high priority carrier to be measured.

[0194] In some examples, the UE measures inter-frequency cell if there are no intra-frequency cells detected.

[0195] At block 208, method 200 comprises performing at least one action based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174.

[0196] In examples, the UE 164 performs the at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 and takes appropriate action in dependence on the measurement(s) 176 taken.

[0197] In some examples, the at least one action comprises at least one of the following: entering a low-power mode, performing measurements according to the first measurement configuration 168, perform a mobility action, perform measurements according to a third measurement configuration, or perform cell reselection.

[0198] For example, the UE 164 can return to the low-power mode that was exited, or enter a different low-power mode based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement 176 made according to the second measurement configuration 174.

[0199] For example, the UE 164 can determine based, at least in part, on the measurement(s) 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 that radio conditions are poor, and that a mobility action, such as a handover, should occur.

[0200] In some examples, the third measurement configuration is an idle mode measurement configuration, an inactive mode measurement configuration, ora connected mode measurement configuration.

[0201]

[0202] In some examples, method 200 comprises determining, by the UE 164, to exit a low-power mode and to use the second measurement configuration 174 when the low-power mode has been exited, wherein performing at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 is based, at least in part, on determining to exit a low-power mode and to use the second measurement configuration 174 when the low-power mode has been exited.

[0203] For example, the UE 164 can perform block 206 based, at least in part, on determining to exit a low-power mode and to use the second measurement configuration 174 when the low-power mode has been exited. In examples, the UE 164 determines that a trigger event has occurred to perform block 206.

[0204] In some examples, determining to exit a low-power mode and to use the second measurement configuration 184 when the low-power mode has been exited is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following: at least one measurement performed using a second receiver 182 of the UE 164 while the UE 164 is in the low-power mode, at least one measurement performed using a first receiver 180 of the UE 164 while the UE 164 is in the low-power mode, UE mobility status change, at least one measurement threshold, or expiry of a timer.

[0205] In some examples, determining to exit a low-power mode comprises receiving a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS).

[0206] Reference is again made to the example of FIG. 3.

[0207] The part 186 of the example of FIG. 3 has been previously discussed. At time indicated by 188, the UE 164 enters a low-power mode, and in the part of the example of FIG. 3 indicated by reference 190, the UE 164 makes low-power measurements.

[0208] In the example of FIG. 3, use of the first receiver 180 is relaxed by a scaling factor in the low-power mode and only a single measurement 176 is made using the main receiver 180 in the low-power mode.

[0209] In the example of FIG. 3, in the low-power mode, the second receiver 182 of the UE 164 is used to make two measurements of the serving cell carrier 170A.

[0210] At time indicated by 194, the UE 164 exits the low-power mode and for a period of time 178 makes measurements according to the second measurement configuration 174.

[0211]

[0212] In the example of FIG. 3, the UE 164 determines to exit the low-power mode based, at least in part, on the second receiver 182 measurements 176 made during the low-power mode.

[0213] In the example of FIG. 3, during the period of time 178 the UE 164 makes measurements using the first receiver 180 with a reduced periodicity 192 compared to period 186, and measures a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the period 186.

[0214] FIG. 3 therefore illustrates an example in which the second measurement configuration 174 both reduces the periodicity of measurements 176 and reduces the number of carriers 170 measured. In the example of FIG. 3, the UE 164 measures the serving cell carrier VOA using the first receiver 180 during the period of time 178.

[0215] After the period of time 178 has ended, in the example of FIG. 3, in the part indicated by reference 196 the UE 164 returns to performing measurements according to the first measurement configuration 168 used in part 186 of the example of FIG. 3.

[0216] Accordingly, in part of the example of FIG. 3 indicated by reference 196, the UE 164 can be in idle mode, inactive mode, or connected mode.

[0217] In other examples, after the period of time, the UE 164 can return to the low-power mode or can perform measurements according to a third, different measurement configuration with at least one of: increased periodicity, or increased number of carriers 170 compared to the second measurement configuration 174.

[0218] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of UE 164 behavior as a function of time.

[0219] FIG. 4 is similar to the example of FIG. 3, and illustrates an example of UE measurement behavior as a function of time. In the example of FIG. 4, time increases from left to right.

[0220] In the example of FIG. 4, use of a first receiver 180 and second receiver 182 of the UE 164 is schematically illustrated. In the illustrated example, the first receiver (MR) 180 is a main receiver of the UE 164, and the second receiver 182 is a low-power receiver (LR) of the UE 164.

[0221] At time indicated by reference 400, a relaxation entry condition is met, and at block 402 the first receiver is relaxed. At block 404, the second receiver 182 is used to perform serving measurements. At blocks 402 and 404 the UE 164 is in a low-power mode.

[0222]

[0223] At time indicated by reference 406, a relaxation exit condition is met and for a period of time 178 the UE 164 uses the first receiver 180 to perform measurements 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 (block 408).

[0224] At time indicated by reference 410, the period of time 178 ends, and the UE 164 returns to legacy behavior. In the example of FIG. 4, the UE 164 makes measurement according to a first measurement configuration 168 (block 412).

[0225] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of measurements in relation to a cell center. In the example of FIG. 5, the cell center is indicated by reference 500.

[0226] In the example of FIG. 5, in the area indicated by reference 502 a UE 164 makes relaxed or no first receiver measurements.

[0227] In the example of FIG. 5, in the area indicated by reference 504, further from the cell center, a UE 164 makes use of second measurement configuration 174 as described herein when exiting a low-power mode as described herein.

[0228] In the example of FIG. 5, outside of boundary 506, a UE 164 does a measurement round using a first receiver 180 based on idle-mode SMTC config, on selected or all cells. In the example of FIG. 5, outside of boundary 506, a UE 164 measure intra-frequency carrier(s) only, if intra is not found, a UE 164 searches at least one inter-frequency carrier.

[0229] Examples of the disclosure are advantageous and / or provide technical benefits.

[0230] For example, examples of the disclosure enable a UE to efficiently get accurate measurements of the radio conditions when exiting a low-power mode, for example a mode in which a first receiver of the UE is relaxed.

[0231] For example, examples of the disclosure enable a UE to efficiently measure serving and neighboring cell(s) after exiting a low-power mode, for example a low-power mode in which a first receiver of the UE is relaxed.

[0232] For example, examples of the disclosure enable a UE to save power by using a large scaling factor for use of a first receiver in a low-power mode, while ensuring the UE can efficiently assess radio conditions when exiting the low-power mode.

[0233] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method 600.

[0234] Method 600 can be performed by any suitable apparatus comprising any suitable means for performing method 600, for example an apparatus as described in relation to FIG. 9A and / or 9B.

[0235]

[0236] In examples, method 600 can be performed by a terminal node 110, such as a UE 164, or by at least one control device configured to control the functioning thereof.

[0237] At block 602, method 600 comprises receiving a first measurement configuration 168 comprising information to configure a UE 164 to perform measurements 176 associated with a plurality of carriers 170 and having associated measurement periodicity 172. At block 604, method 600 comprises determining a second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to determine by the UE 164 at least one of the following:

[0238] measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration 168; or

[0239] measurements 176 associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced measurement periodicity 172 compared to the first measurement configuration 168.

[0240] At block 606, method 600 comprises performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 fora period of time.

[0241] Consequently, FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 comprising:

[0242] receiving a first measurement configuration 168 comprising information to configure a UE 164 to perform measurements 176 associated with a plurality of carriers 170 and having associated measurement periodicity 172;

[0243] determining a second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to determine by the UE 164 at least one of the following:

[0244] measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration 168; or

[0245] measurements 176 associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced measurement periodicity 172 compared to the first measurement configuration 168;

[0246] performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 for a period of time 178.

[0247] In some examples, the period of time 178 is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wake-up time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

[0248]

[0249] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of signaling between entities. FIG. 7 also illustrates a method 700. FIG. 7 is similar to the example of FIG. 2, and can therefore illustrate multiple methods performed by individual actors.

[0250] In the example of FIG. 7, actions performed by a UE first receiver 180 (UE MR) and a gNB are illustrated.

[0251] In the example of FIG. 7, the second measurement configuration 174 is referred to as fast relaxation exit measurement configuration, and measurements made according to the second measurement configuration are referred to as fast relaxation exit measurements.

[0252] The upper part of the example of FIG. 7 illustrates an example where the UE 164 is in idle-mode.

[0253] The lower-part of the example of FIG. 7 illustrates an example where the UE 164 is in connected-mode.

[0254] With regard to the idle mode example:

[0255] At block 702, the gNB 166 transmitsan RRCrelease message comprising a fast relaxation measurement configuration towards the UE 164. This is option 1 in the example of FIG. 7, however in other examples (option 2, block 706) the gNB can transmit the fast relaxation measurement configuration towards the UE 164 via a system information block (SIB) message.

[0256] At block 704 of method 700, the UE 164 goes into idle / inactive mode.

[0257] At block 708 of method 700, the UE 164 enters LP-WUS mode. In the illustrated example, the entry threshold for LP-WUS mode is met.

[0258] At block 710 of method 700, relaxation condition(s) is / are met for a first / main receiver 180 of the UE 164. In the illustrated example, the relaxation is 16 times (16x).

[0259] At block 712 of method 700, the relaxation exit condition (or conditions) is / are met. At block 714 of method 700, the UE 164 performs fast relaxation measurements for a period of time 178. That is, at block 714, the UE 164 performs at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration 174.

[0260] At block 716 of method 700, the UE 164 evaluates reselection main / first receiver relaxation entry based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement at block 714. Blocks 718 to 726 of FIG. 7 illustrate an example exit in which the UE 164 initiates RRC Setup Request / RRC Resume procedure.

[0261]

[0262] At block 720 of method 700, the UE 164 transmits an RRC Setup / Resume Request towards the gNB 166.

[0263] At block 722 of method 700, the UE 164 transmits an RRC Setup / Resume message towards the UE 164.

[0264] At block 724 of method 700, the UE 164 transmits an RRC Setup / Resume Complete message towards the gNB 166.

[0265] At block 726 of method 700, the UE 164 transmits a paging response message towards the gNB 166. In the example of FIG. 7, the paging response message is a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

[0266] With regard to the connected mode example:

[0267] At block 728 of method 700, the gNB 166 transmits an RRCReconfiguration message comprising an MR relaxation configuration towards the UE 164. In the illustrated example, the MR relaxation configuration comprises the second measurement configuration 174.

[0268] At block 730 of method 700, the first / main receiver 180 is relaxed, and the relaxation is exited.

[0269] At block 732 of method 700, the UE 164 performs fast relaxation measurements for a period of time 178. That is, at block 732, the UE 164 performs at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration 174.

[0270] At block 734 of method 700, the UE 164 transmits a measurement report towards the gNB 166. For example, the UE 164 can transmit a measurement report based, at least in part, on the measurements made at block 732.

[0271] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of signaling between entities. FIG. 8 also illustrates a method 800. FIG. 8 is similar to the example of FIG. 2, and can therefore illustrate multiple methods performed by individual actors.

[0272] In the example of FIG. 8, actions performed by a UE first receiver 180 (UE MR), a UE second receiver 182 (UE LR) and a gNB are illustrated.

[0273] In the example of FIG. 8, measurements made according to the second measurement configuration are referred to as fast relaxation exit measurements.

[0274] At block 802 of method 800, the gNB 166 transmits an RRCRelease / Suspend message comprising an LP-WUS configuration towards the UE 164. In examples, the LP-WUS configuration comprises a second measurement configuration 174 as described herein.

[0275]

[0276] This is an option in the example of FIG. 8, however in other examples (block 806) the gNB can transmit the LP-WUS configuration towards the UE 164 via a system information block (SIB) message.

[0277] In the example of FIG. 8, the RRCRelease / Suspend or SIP message is received via the main / first receiver 180 of the UE 164.

[0278] At block 804 of method 800, the UE 164 is in idle / inactive mode.

[0279] At block 808 of method 800, the gNB 166 transmits a LP-WUS towards the UE 164. In the example of FIG. 8, the LP-WUS is received via a second / low-power receiver 182 of the UE 164.

[0280] At block 810 of method 800, the first / main receiver 180 wakes up in N ms.

[0281] At block 812 of method 800, the UE 164 performs fast relaxation exit measurements (measurements according to the second measurement configuration 174) in a wake-up time associated with the first / main receiver - N.

[0282] At block 814 of method 800, the UE 164 is being paged by the gNB 166.

[0283] At block 816 of method 800, connected mode is established between the UE 164 and the gNB 166.

[0284] Some examples of possible impacts to the requirements, for example at least one technical specification, such as at least one 3GPP technical specification:

[0285] Table 4.2.2.3-1. Tdetect.NRJntra, Tmeasure,NR_lntra and Tevaluate,NR_lntra

[0286]

[0287]

[0288]

[0289]

[0290]

[0291] The following examples are related to reducing DRX cycle

[0292] Note x.1 : If UE supports [fast relaxation exit capability] after the fast relaxation DRX sycle length = 160ms

[0293] Note x.2 : If UE supports [fast relaxation exit capability] and is configured DRX > 320, after the fast relaxation DRX sycle length = 320ms

[0294] Note x.4: If UE supports [fast relaxation exit capability] after the fast relaxation Number of DRX cycles is 10 or multiplied by M3 where M3 < 1

[0295] It is possible to define a scaling factor that is less than 1 :

[0296] Reduced Scaling factor is applied

[0297] Note x.3: If UE supports [fast relaxation exit capability] after the fast relaxation N1= 0.2, N2=0.2*8. Or multiplied by X where X < 1

[0298] To use SMTC or SSB periodicity, there can be a note:

[0299] Similarly, SSB periodicity can be indicated for a duration of the fast relaxation measurements.

[0300] If SSB periodicity 20ms, then this takes 720ms to perform Tdetect 20ms*36 = 720

[0301]

[0302] If SSB periodicity 20ms, then this takes 720ms to perform Tmeasure 20ms*4 = 720 If SSB periodicity 20ms, then this takes 720ms to perform Tmeasure 20ms*16 = 320 The total length scales based on SSB periodicity (e.g. 20, 40, 160).

[0303] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a User Equipment, UE, comprising:

[0304] at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to:

[0305] receive a first measurement configuration comprising information to configure the UE to perform measurements associated with a plurality of carriers and having associated measurement periodicity;

[0306] determine a second measurement configuration comprising information to determine by the UE to at least one of the following:

[0307] measurements associated with a reduced number of carriers compared to the first measurement configuration;

[0308] measurements associated with at least one carrier at a reduced periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration; or

[0309] perform, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration for a period of time. In some examples, the low power mode is a low power mode in which use of a first receiver of the UE for measurements is relaxed or stopped.

[0310] In some examples, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to:

[0311] perform at least one action based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration.

[0312] In some examples, the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration are performed by the first receiver.

[0313] In some examples, the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration comprises at least one measurement to assess conditions of at least one of:

[0314] a serving cell of the UE; or

[0315] at least one other cell.

[0316]

[0317] In some examples, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to determine to exit a low-power mode and to use the second measurement configuration when the low-power mode has been exited, wherein performing at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration is based, at least in part, on determining to exit a low-power mode and to use the second measurement configuration when the low-power mode has been exited.

[0318] In some examples, the reduced number of carriers is determined based, at least in part, on at least one of the following:

[0319] measurement type; or

[0320] carrier list configuration.

[0321] In some examples, the measurement type is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following:

[0322] intra-frequency carrier measurement;

[0323] inter-frequency carrier measurement; or

[0324] priority of carrier.

[0325] In some examples, a measurement periodicity of the first measurement configuration is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following:

[0326] a discontinuous reception, DRX, periodicity; or

[0327] a paging monitoring periodicity.

[0328] In some examples, the reduced periodicity is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following:

[0329] synchronisation signal block, SSB, periodicity;

[0330] SSB-based radio resource management, RRM, measurement timing configuration, SMTC, periodicity; or

[0331] an updated DRX periodicity.

[0332] In some examples, the second measurement configuration is based, at least in part, on the first measurement configuration.

[0333] In some examples, the period of time is based, at least in part, on periodicity of measurements used for the second measurement configuration.

[0334] In some examples, the period of time is a period of time for the UE to perform a set of measurements.

[0335]

[0336] In some examples, receiving the first measurement configuration comprises at least one of the following:

[0337] a radio resource control, RRC, release message;

[0338] a system information block, SIB, message; or

[0339] a RRC message;

[0340] an abstract syntax notation one, ASN.1, message.

[0341] In some examples, determining the second measurement configuration comprises receiving at least one of the following:

[0342] a radio resource control, RRC, release message;

[0343] a system information block, SIB, message;

[0344] a RRC reconfiguration message; or.

[0345] an in-band control message.

[0346] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method comprising:

[0347] receiving a first measurement configuration comprising information to configure the UE to perform measurements associated with a plurality of carriers and having associated measurement periodicity;

[0348] determining a second measurement configuration comprising information to determine by the UE to at least one of the following:

[0349] measurements associated with a reduced number of carriers compared to the first measurement configuration; or

[0350] measurements associated with at least one carrier at a reduced periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration;

[0351] performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration for a period of time. In some examples, the low power mode is a low power mode in which use of a first receiver of the UE is relaxed or stopped.

[0352] In some examples, the method comprises:

[0353] performing at least one action based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration.

[0354]

[0355] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0356] receiving a first measurement configuration comprising information to configure the UE to perform measurements associated with a plurality of carriers and having associated periodicity for performance of measurements;

[0357] determining a second measurement configuration comprising information to determine by the UE to at least one of the following:

[0358] measurements associated with a reduced number of carriers compared to the first measurement configuration; or

[0359] measurements associated with at least one carrier at a reduced periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration; or performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration for a period of time. In some examples, the low power mode is a low power mode in which use of a first receiver of the UE is relaxed or stopped.

[0360] FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a block diagram of an apparatus 130. The apparatus 130 may be a controller of an apparatus or device such as a terminal node 110, for example a UE 164, or an access node 120. The apparatus 130 may be considered a controller or controller device.

[0361] Implementation of a controller 130 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 130 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0362] As illustrated in Fig 9A the controller 130 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions 136 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 132 that may be stored on a machine readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 132. The processor 132 is configured to read from and write to the memory 134. The processor 132 may also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor 132 and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 132.

[0363]

[0364] The memory 134 stores instructions, program, or code 136 that controls the operation of the apparatus 130 when loaded into the processor 132. The instructions, program, or code 136, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 130 to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying FIGs. The processor 132 by reading the memory 134 is configured to load and execute the instructions, program, or code 136. The apparatus 130 comprises:

[0365] at least one processor 132; and

[0366] at least one memory 134 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 132, cause the apparatus at least to:

[0367] receiving a first measurement configuration 168 comprising information to configure a UE 164 to perform measurements 176 associated with a plurality of carriers 170 and having associated measurement periodicity 172;

[0368] determining a second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to determine by the UE 164 at least one of the following:

[0369] measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration 168; or

[0370] measurements 176 associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced measurement periodicity 172 compared to the first measurement configuration 168;

[0371] performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 for a period of time 178.

[0372] In some examples, the period of time 178 is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wake-up time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

[0373] As illustrated in Fig 9A, the instructions, program, or code 136 may arrive at the apparatus 130 via any suitable delivery mechanism 162. The delivery mechanism 162 may be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture that comprises or tangibly embodies the instructions 136. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the instructions 136. The apparatus 130 may propagate or transmit the instructions 136 as a data signal.

[0374]

[0375] The term “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). The instructions 136 cause an apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0376] receiving a first measurement configuration 168 comprising information to configure a UE 164 to perform measurements 176 associated with a plurality of carriers 170 and having associated measurement periodicity 172;

[0377] determining a second measurement configuration 174 comprising information to determine by the UE 164 at least one of the following:

[0378] measurements 176 associated with a reduced number of carriers 170 compared to the first measurement configuration 168; or

[0379] measurements 176 associated with at least one carrier 170 at a reduced measurement periodicity 172 compared to the first measurement configuration 168;

[0380] performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement 176 according to the second measurement configuration 174 for a period of time 178.

[0381] In some examples, the period of time 178 is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wake-up time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

[0382] The instructions 136 may be comprised in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine-readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the instructions 136 may be distributed over more than one computer program.

[0383] Although the memory 134 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0384] In examples the memory 134 comprises a random-access memory 158 and a read only memory 160. In examples the computer program 136 can be stored in the read only memory 158. See, for example, Fig. 9B.

[0385] Although the processor 132 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable. The processor 132 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

[0386]

[0387] References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single / multi- processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann) / parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry including quantum processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

[0388] As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to one or more or all the following:

[0389] (a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in analog, digital and / or quantum circuitry) and

[0390] (b) combinations of hardware circuit(s) and software, such as (as applicable):

[0391] i. a combination of analog, digital and / or quantum hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0392] 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

[0393] (c) any or all portions of hardware circuit(s), such as a microprocessor(s) and / or quantum processors, that requires software (for example, firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0394] 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 claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a

[0395]

[0396] mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0397] The blocks illustrated in the accompanying Figs may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the instructions 136. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.

[0398] Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0399] In examples, an apparatus can comprise means for performing one or more methods, or at least part of one or more methods, as disclosed herein.

[0400] In examples, an apparatus can be configured to perform one or more methods, or at least a part of one or more methods, as disclosed herein.

[0401] The above-described examples find application as enabling components of: automotive systems; telecommunication systems; electronic systems including consumer electronic products; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content including audio, visual and audio visual content and mixed, mediated, virtual and / or augmented reality; personal systems including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces also known as human machine interfaces; networks including cellular, non-cellular, and optical networks; ad-hoc networks; the internet; the internet of things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0402] The apparatus can be provided in an electronic device, for example, a mobile terminal, according to an example of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that a mobile terminal is merely illustrative of an electronic device that would benefit from examples of implementations of the present disclosure and, therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the present disclosure to the same. While in certain implementation examples, the apparatus can be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as, but not limited to: mobile communication devices, hand portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming

[0403]

[0404] devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices and other types of electronic systems, can readily employ examples of the present disclosure. Furthermore, devices can readily employ examples of the present disclosure regardless of their intent to provide mobility. In some implementations, the apparatus may be a user equipment. The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to ‘comprising only one...’ or by using ‘consisting.’

[0405] In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e. , to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components.

[0406] As used herein, the term "determine / determining" (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Also, " determine / determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0407] In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’, or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with

[0408]

[0409] reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

[0410] 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. Although examples 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 claims.

[0411] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

[0412] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0413] The description of a feature, such as an apparatus or a component of an apparatus, configured to perform a function, or for performing a function, should additionally be considered to also disclose a method of performing that function. For example, description of an apparatus configured to perform one or more actions, or for performing one or more actions, should additionally be considered to disclose a method of performing those one or more actions with or without the apparatus.

[0414] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0415] The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

[0416] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the

[0417]

[0418] same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0419] In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

[0420] As used herein, the terms “the at least one” and “the one or more” mean “any one of the at least one” and “any one of the one or more” respectively.

[0421] The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

[0422] Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A User Equipment, UE, comprising:at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to:receive a first measurement configuration comprising information to configure the UE to perform measurements associated with a plurality of carriers and having associated measurement periodicity;determine a second measurement configuration comprising information to determine by the UE at least one of the following:measurements associated with a reduced number of carriers compared to the first measurement configuration; ormeasurements associated with at least one carrier at a reduced measurement periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration; perform, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration for a period of time, wherein the period of time is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wake-up time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

2. A UE as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the period of time is determined by the time period associated with first receiver wake-up minus the UE first receiver wake-up time.

3. A UE as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the low power mode is a low power mode in which use of a first receiver of the UE for measurements is relaxed or stopped.

4. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to:perform at least one action based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration.

5. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration is performed by the first receiver.

6. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration comprises at least one measurement to assess conditions of at least one of:a serving cell of the UE; orat least one other cell.

7. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to determine to exit a low-power mode and to use the second measurement configuration when the low-power mode has been exited, wherein performing at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration is based, at least in part, on determining to exit a low-power mode and to use the second measurement configuration when the low-power mode has been exited.

8. A UE as claimed in claim 7, wherein determining to exit a low-power mode comprises receiving a low-power wake-up signal, LP-WUS.

9. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the reduced number of carriers is determined based, at least in part, on at least one of the following:measurement type; orcarrier list configuration.

10. A UE as claimed in claim 9, wherein the measurement type is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following:intra-frequency carrier measurement;inter-frequency carrier measurement; orpriority of carrier.

11. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a measurement periodicity of the first measurement configuration is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following:a discontinuous reception, DRX, periodicity; ora paging monitoring periodicity.

12. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the reduced measurement periodicity is based, at least in part, on at least one of the following:synchronisation signal block, SSB, periodicity;SSB-based radio resource management, RRM, measurement timing configuration, SMTC, periodicity; oran updated DRX periodicity.

13. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second measurement configuration is based, at least in part, on the first measurement configuration.

14. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the period of time is based, at least in part, on periodicity of measurements used for the second measurement configuration.

15. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the period of time is a period of time for the UE to perform a set of measurements.

16. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein receiving the first measurement configuration comprises at least one of the following:a radio resource control, RRC, release message;a system information block, SIB, message; ora RRC message;an abstract syntax notation one, ASN.1, message.

17. A UE as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein determining the second measurement configuration comprises receiving at least one of the following:a radio resource control, RRC, release message;a system information block, SIB, message;a RRC reconfiguration message; or.an in-band control message.

18. A method comprising:receiving a first measurement configuration comprising information to configure the UE to perform measurements associated with a plurality of carriers and having associated measurement periodicity;determining a second measurement configuration comprising information to determine by the UE at least one of the following:measurements associated with a reduced number of carriers compared to the first measurement configuration; ormeasurements associated with at least one carrier at a reduced measurement periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration; performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration for a period of time, wherein the period of time is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wake-up time and a time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the period of time is determined by the time period associated with first receiver wake-up minus the UE first receiver wake-up time.

20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the low power mode is a low power mode in which use of a first receiver of the UE is relaxed or stopped.

21. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, comprising:performing at least one action based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration.

22. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:receiving a first measurement configuration comprising information to configure the UE to perform measurements associated with a plurality of carriers and having associated measurement periodicity;determining a second measurement configuration comprising information to determine by the UE at least one of the following:measurements associated with a reduced number of carriers compared to the first measurement configuration; ormeasurements associated with at least one carrier at a reduced measurement periodicity compared to the first measurement configuration; performing, based at least in part on exiting a low-power mode, at least one measurement according to the second measurement configuration for a period of time, wherein the period of time is based, at least in part, on a UE first receiver wake-up time and a time and a time period associated with first receiver wake-up.

23. A computer program as claimed in claim 22, wherein the period of time is determined by the time period associated with first receiver wake-up minus the UE first receiver wake-up time.

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