Method of operating a wireless communication device in a disconnected operational mode, wireless communication device and base station

A method of operating a wireless communication device (or, simply device) is provided. The wireless communication device is configured for communication with a wireless communications network in a disconnected operational mode. The method comprises: monitoring for at least one wake-up signal included in a beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals in the disconnected operational mode prior to a paging occasion included in a beam swept burst of multiple paging occasions, wherein the at least one wake-up signal enables the wireless communication device to synchronize with the wireless communications network, and wherein the at least one wake-up signal is indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion allocated to a paging indication that is transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam as the at least one wake-up signal; and responsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal, monitoring the at least one time-frequency resource element of the downlink transmit beam where the wake-up signal was detected for a paging indication based on the detected at least one wake-up signal, wherein the detected at least one wake-up signal enables the wireless communication device to receive the paging indication without first monitoring for a synchronization signal block.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments relate to a method of operating a wireless communication device, a wireless communication device and a base station. Various embodiments relate in particular to operation of wireless communication devices in relation to paging in a disconnected operational mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless communication is widespread. There is a common concern to reduce the power consumption at wireless communication devices.

Some wireless communication system enable wireless communication devices to reduce their power consumption by not maintaining a persistent connection to the respective serving network. The serving network may use paging to notify disconnected devices, such as devices in idle or inactive mode, of events which may require their return to a connected operational mode.

Some wireless communication systems operate in a millimeter wave frequency range. FR2, or Frequency Range2, refers to a millimeter wave frequency range from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz having relatively high attenuation, i.e., path loss. This power loss is at least partly overcome by beamforming. At base stations, RF-based analog beamforming may be employed to this end. In such cases, only one beam can be formed per set of antenna elements at a time, and comprehensive cell coverage requires a multi-beam operation such as beam sweeping, in which a burst of multiple beams is periodically transmitted, each beam having a predefined direction and covering a part of the cell.

It has been observed that paging operation can require significant power consumption at the wireless communication device when operating in FR2, for example.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, there is a continued need in the art for methods and devices which address some of the above needs.

This need is met by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims define embodiments.

Various techniques are based on the finding that often before a wireless communication device (UE) can receive a paging signal, the device may require to synchronize with the communications network. For example, the synchronization can generally refer to aligning the local timing reference with a timing reference at the communications network. The timing reference may be aligned with a periodic frame structure of the wireless link. Synchronization can enable a clock of the device to lock into the correct frequency and time of the periodic frame structure.

To provide the synchronization, typically, a base station (BS) of the communications network repeatedly and/or periodically transmits synchronization signal blocks (SSBs).

It is possible that a beam-swept burst of multiple SSBs is transmitted. Each of the multiple SSBs may be associated with a corresponding paging occasion (PO) in a beam-swept burst of multiple POs. Upon synchronization, the device may thus know which PO to listen to, i.e., at which PO the device should monitor for the paging signal.

It has been found that the monitoring for the SSB prior to the PO can require significant power at the device. According to various examples, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required to prepare for the PO.

According to various examples, this is achieved by using so-called wake-up signal (WUS) operation. More specifically, the device may monitor for a WUS and derive a time-frequency position of one or more paging signals from reading the WUS.

This underlying principle is not limited to any particular frequency range, and is suitable for various scenarios where beamforming is needed having relatively high associated power cost.

A method of operating a wireless communication device (or, simply device) is provided. The wireless communication device is configured for communication with a wireless communications network in a disconnected operational mode. The method comprises: monitoring for at least one wake-up signal included in a beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals in the disconnected operational mode prior to a paging occasion included in a beam swept burst of multiple paging occasions, wherein the at least one wake-up signal enables the wireless communication device to synchronize with the wireless communications network, and wherein the at least one wake-up signal is indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion allocated to a paging indication that is transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam as the at least one wake-up signal; and responsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal, monitoring the at least one time-frequency resource element of the downlink transmit beam where the wake-up signal was detected for a paging indication based on the detected at least one wake-up signal, wherein the detected at least one wake-up signal enables the wireless communication device to receive the paging indication without first monitoring a synchronization signal block.

A computer program or a computer-program product or a computer-readable storage medium including program code is provided. The program code can be loaded and executed by at least one processor. Upon loading and executing the program code, the at least one processor performs a method of operating a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is configured for communication with a wireless communications network in a disconnected operational mode. The method comprises: monitoring for at least one wake-up signal in the disconnected operational mode prior to a paging occasion; and responsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal, monitoring for a paging indication in the paging occasion. The at least one wake-up signal is indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion allocated to the paging indication.

The at least one wake-up signal may be included in a beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals, wherein the paging indication is included in a beam-swept burst of multiple paging occasions, and wherein the at least one wake-up signal and the paging indication are transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam.

The method may further comprise: responsive to the detection of at least two wake-up signals of the beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals, selecting one of the at least two wake-up signals and monitoring for the paging indication at the at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion indicated by the selected wake-up signal.

The wake-up signal may relatively indicate the at least one time-frequency resource element with respect to a reference.

The reference may comprise at least one of a timing of the at least one wake-up signal, a frequency of the at least one wake-up signal, or a timing of the paging occasion.

The wake-up signal may be indicative of an index of a frame element of transmission protocol implemented by the wireless communications network. The frame element may comprise the at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion.

The wake-up signal may comprise an explicit indicator of the at least one time-frequency resource element or comprising a codebook index associated with a codebook of candidate time-frequency resource elements.

The method may further comprise determining at least one further time-frequency resource element of a random-access occasion based on the at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion, and responsive to a detection of the paging indication, accessing the random-access occasion.

The method may further comprise: responsive to a failed detection of the at least one wake-up signal, monitoring for a synchronization signal block broadcasted by the wireless communications network prior to the paging occasion, and responsive to the detection of the at least one wake-up signal, skipping the monitoring for the synchronization signal block broadcasted by the wireless communications network prior to the paging occasion.

The method may further comprise: based on a receive property of the wake-up signal, determining a receive beam, wherein the monitoring for the paging occasion is using the receive beam.

The method may further comprise: synchronizing with the wireless communications network based on the detection of the wake-up signal.

The monitoring for the wake-up signal may comprise non-coherent demodulation of the wake-up signal or coherent demodulation of the wake-up signal.

A wireless communication device for communication with a wireless communications network in a disconnected operational mode is provided. The wireless communication device comprises a wireless interface and a processing unit which are configured for:

monitoring for at least one wake-up signal in the disconnected operational mode prior to a paging occasion; and responsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal, monitoring for a paging indication in the paging occasion. The at least one wake-up signal is indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion allocated to the paging indication.

The wireless communication device may be configured for performing the method according to various embodiments.

A method of operating a base station configured for communication with a wireless communication device is provided. The base station is part of a wireless communications network. The method includes transmitting at least one wake-up signal prior to a paging occasion. The method further includes, responsive to said transmitting of the at least one wake-up signal, transmitting a paging indication in the paging occasion. The at least one wake-up signal is indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion allocated to the paging indication.

A computer program or a computer-program product or a computer-readable storage medium including program code is provided. The program code can be loaded and executed by at least one processor. Upon loading and executing the program code, the at least one processor performs a method of operating a base station configured for communication with a wireless communication device is provided. The base station is part of a wireless communications network. The method includes transmitting at least one wake-up signal prior to a paging occasion. The method further includes, responsive to said transmitting of the at least one wake-up signal, transmitting a paging indication in the paging occasion. The at least one wake-up signal is indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion allocated to the paging indication.

For instance, the at least one wake-up signal can be transmitted to one or more wireless communication devices that operate in a disconnected operational mode.

A base station is provided. The base station comprises a wireless interface and a processing unit which are configured for: transmitting at least one wake-up signal prior to a paging occasion; and responsive to transmitting the at least one wake-up signal, transmitting a paging indication in the paging occasion. The at least one wake-up signal is indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion allocated to the paging indication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. While some embodiments will be described in the context of specific fields of application, the embodiments are not limited to this field of application. Further, the features of the various embodiments may be combined with each other unless specifically stated otherwise.

The drawings are to be regarded as being schematic representations and elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements are represented such that their function and general purpose become apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Hereinafter, techniques are described that facilitate an efficient preparation for a PO at a wireless communication device operating in a disconnected mode. The wireless communication device can obtain information regarding a timing and a frequency to be monitored for one or more paging signals transmitted by a communications network (NW). The wireless communication device can, in particular, use a WUS prior to the PO to obtain an indication of at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO allocated to a paging signal, e.g., a paging indication. Alternatively or additionally, the WUS can be used to synchronize with the communications NW. This can help to skip, e.g., monitoring for a further synchronization signal prior to the PO.

According to examples, a method of operating a wireless communication device (or, simply device) is provided. The wireless communication device is configured for communication with a wireless communications network in a disconnected operational mode. The method comprises: monitoring for at least one wake-up signal included in a beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals in the disconnected operational mode prior to a paging occasion included in a beam swept burst of multiple paging occasions, wherein the at least one wake-up signal enables the wireless communication device to synchronize with the wireless communications network, and wherein the at least one wake-up signal is indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion allocated to a paging indication that is transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam as the at least one wake-up signal; and responsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal, monitoring the at least one time-frequency resource element of the downlink transmit beam where the wake-up signal was detected for a paging indication based on the detected at least one wake-up signal, wherein the detected at least one wake-up signal enables the wireless communication device to receive the paging indication without first monitoring for a synchronization signal block, in particular a burst of multiple synchronization signal blocks. In other words, the wake-up signal may enable the wireless communication device to receive the paging indication without first reading or first listening to a synchronization signal burst.

Monitoring for at least one wake-up signal included in a beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals may be more power efficient than monitoring for a synchronization signal block. In some examples, the wake-up signal may be detectable by a lower power receiver. Thus, additional power savings may be obtained.

The synchronization requirements for detecting the wake-up signal may be lighter than for detecting the paging indication. For example, the synchronization requirements for detecting the wake-up signal may be less strict than for detecting the paging indication. Accordingly, faster synchronization may be obtained.

Moreover, the paging cycle may be shorter as monitoring for a synchronization signal block may be skipped. Thus, paging may be more efficient if the proposed method is performed.

According to various examples, the paging operation and the WUS operation as described above can be combined with a multi-beam operation. In particular, it would be possible to use multiple transmit beams at a BS of the communications NW to transmit the WUS. A respective downlink beam sweep can be defined. A beam-swept burst of the WUS can be implemented. In a similar manner, it is possible to use multiple transmit beams at the BS to transmit the one or more paging signals. Thus, the multiple instances of the one or more paging signals being transmitted using a respective transmit beam can define a beam-swept burst of multiple paging occasions. It would be possible that the multiple transmit beams used at the BS to transmit the WUS are correlated with the multiple transmit beams used to transmit the one or more paging signals. There can be an association between the particular instance of the WUS in the beam-swept burst and the particular instance of the one or more paging signals of the beam-swept burst of POs. Then, the wireless communication device can determine an appropriate receive beam to monitor for the one or more paging signals based on a detection of the WUS. The wireless communication device can select the appropriate PO to monitor based on the detection of the WUS.

Thus, generally speaking, the WUS being indicative of at least one time-frequency resource element of a PO facilitates formation of a beam pair at the wireless communication device and the BS for monitoring for one or more paging signals, in a multi-beam operation.

FIG.1schematically illustrates, in accordance with various examples, a functional architecture of a wireless communications network100, and in particular of a cellular network100.

The example ofFIG.1illustrates the wireless communications network100according to the 3GPP NR/5G architecture. The term “New Radio” (NR) as used herein refers to a radio access technology (RAT) specifically standardized by the 3GPP for the fifth generation (5G) mobile network. Details of the 3GPP NR/5G architecture are described in 3GPP TS 23.501, version 16.3.0 (2019-12).

WhileFIG.1and further parts of the following description illustrate techniques in the 3GPP NR/5G framework of a wireless communications network, similar techniques may be readily applied to other communication protocols. Examples include 3GPP LTE 4G—e.g., in the MTC or NB-IoT framework—and even non-cellular wireless systems, e.g., an IEEE Wi-Fi technology.

In the scenario ofFIG.1, a wireless communication device101is connectable to the wireless communications network100via a data connection. For example, the wireless communication device101, also known as User Equipment (UE), may be one of the following: a cellular phone; a smart phone; an IoT device; a MTC device; a sensor; an actuator; etc.

The wireless communication device101is connectable to a core NW (CN)115of the wireless communications network100via a RAN111, typically formed by one or more BSs (BS)112(only a single BS112is illustrated inFIG.1for sake of simplicity). In the 3GPP NR/5G networks, a BS is abbreviated as gNB. A wireless link114is established between the RAN111—specifically between one or more of the BSs112of the RAN111—and the wireless communication device101. The wireless link114implements a time-frequency resource grid. Typically, OFDM is used: here, a carrier includes multiple subcarriers. The subcarriers (in frequency domain) and the symbols (in time domain) then define time-frequency resource elements of the time-frequency resource grid. Thereby, a protocol time base is defined, e.g., by the duration of frames and subframes including multiple symbols and the start and stop positions of the frames and subframes. Different time-frequency resource elements can be allocated to different logical channels or reference signals (RSs) of the wireless link114. Examples include: Physical DL Shared Channel (PDSCH); Physical DL Control Channel (PDCCH); Physical UL Shared Channel (PUSCH); Physical UL Control Channel (PUCCH); channels for random access; etc.

The CN115includes a user plane (UP)191and a control plane (CP)192. Application data—e.g., of a data service—is typically routed via the UP191. For this, there is provided a UP function (UPF)121. The UPF121may implement router functionality. Application data may pass through one or more UPFs121. In the scenario ofFIG.1, the UPF121acts as a gateway towards a data NW (DN)180, e.g., the Internet or a Local Area NW. Application data can be communicated between the wireless communication device101and one or more servers181(not shown inFIG.1) of the data NW180.

The wireless communications network100also includes a mobility control node, here implemented by an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)131. The wireless communications network100also includes a session-control node, here implemented by a Session Management Function (SMF)132. The wireless communications network100further includes a Policy Control Function (PCF)133; a NW Slice Selection Function (NSSF)135; an Authentication Server Function (AUSF)136; and a Unified Data Management (UDM)137.FIG.1also illustrates the protocol reference points N1-N22 between these nodes. The AMF131provides one or more of the following functionalities: connection management sometimes also referred to as registration management; NAS termination for communication between the CN115and the wireless communication device101; connection management; reachability management; mobility management; connection authentication; and connection authorization.

After wireless communication device registration to the NW, the AMF131creates a wireless communication device context and keeps this wireless communication device context, typically at least as long as the wireless communication device101is registered to the wireless communications network100. The wireless communication device context can hold one or more identities of the wireless communication device101(UE ID), e.g., temporary identities. The SMF132supports a data connection189(not shown inFIG.1). The data connection189is established by the SMF132if the respective wireless communication device101operates in a connected mode. When the wireless communication device101operates in a disconnected mode, the data connection is released, at least along the wireless link114between the wireless communication device101and the RAN111. The data connection189is established on the wireless link114. The wireless link114can pertain to the underlying physical medium and the data connection189can include a set of logical channels, scheduling rules, etc. The data connection189may include one or more data flows or bearers such as a dedicated data flow/bearer or a default data flow/bearer. The state of the data connection is also defined on the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, e.g., generally Layer 3 of the OSI model. The SMF132provides one or more of the following functionalities: session management including session establishment, modify and release, including data flow/bearer set up of UP data flows/bearers between the RAN111and the UPF121; selection and control of UPFs; configuring of traffic steering; etc.

FIG.2schematically illustrates, in accordance with various examples, different operational modes201-203of the wireless communication device101.

Example implementations of the operational modes201-202are described, e.g., in 3GPP TS 38.300, e.g., version 15.0.0.

When operating in a connected mode201, the data connection189is set up. For example, a default bearer and optionally one or more dedicated bearers may be set up between the wireless communication device101and the wireless communications network100. A wireless interface1011(cf.FIG.11) of the wireless communication device101may persistently operate in an active state, or may employ a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle that defines repetitive transitions to an inactive state in which at least some components of the wireless interface are shut down.

FIG.2also illustrates an idle mode202in which the data connection189is released. The idle mode202is a possible implementation of a disconnected mode. In the idle mode202the data connection189is released also towards the CN115. When operating in the idle mode202, the wireless communication device101may be configured to monitor for WUSs and paging signals, e.g., paging indications and, optionally, paging messages. The paging signals can be transmitted in accordance with a timing of POs. The timing of the POs may be aligned with a DRX cycle, which defines alternating periods of receptivity (ON-period) and non-receptivity (OFF-period) of the device101. During the ON-period, the wireless interface may be operated in an active state; and during the OFF-period the wireless interface may be operated in an inactive state.

FIG.2also illustrates an inactive mode203. The inactive mode203is a possible implementation of a disconnected mode. The inactive mode203is associated with a suspended data connection189, e.g., after an inactivity timer expiry. The data connection189can be quickly resumed by transitioning to connected mode201. For example, the AMF131may not be involved using NAS control signaling to transition from the connected mode201to the inactive mode203; thus, the connected mode201vs. inactive mode203may be transparent to the CN115including the AMF131. The data connection189may be selectively released or suspended along the wireless link114; but not towards the CN115.

WUS operation has become a popular method for reducing power spent by wireless communication devices on monitoring paging in a disconnected operational mode. Conventionally, devices associated with a same PO needed to monitor the paging channels periodically to learn whether they are being paged. WUS has been introduced to trigger the devices associated with a same PO as needed to obtain some knowledge whether they are being paged or likely to be paged, prior to the PO.

A WUS is typically identical for one or more (i.e., a group of) wireless communication devices listening to the same PO, meaning that if one device of the group is paged, all devices of that group will be awaken. This implies that a device that is woken by WUS is most likely not actually paged. To find out, the device reads the actual paging signal.

In NR connected operation mode, PDCCH-based WUS has been introduced in NR Release 16, which assumes a suitable beam pair has already been established. For WUS detection the device already needs to be fully synchronized.

In LTE-MTC and LTE-NB-IoT idle operational modes, WUS has been introduced in LTE Release 15. MTC and NB-IoT devices are low power devices and operate in FR1, i.e., sub-millimeter wave frequency range, where multi-beam operation is not needed.

“Paging” as used herein may refer to a mechanism used by the wireless communication network100, and in particular by its BSs112, to notify devices101operating in disconnected operational modes202,203of events which may require a return to a connected mode201.

A “paging signal” as used herein may refer to a combination of a paging indication and a paging message.

A “paging indication” as used herein may refer to a paging identifier (P-RNTI) transmitted in a PDCCH of a PO. The paging identifier may refer to a group of wireless communication devices101.

A “PO” (PO) as used herein may refer to a slot or subframe or slots or subframes of the time-frequency resource grid implemented by the wireless link114.

A “paging message” as used herein may refer to an RRC paging message transmitted in a PDSCH and potentially comprising a device identifier (UE identity) of a paged device101. More specifically, a serving BS112allocates a PDSCH to a paged device101and uses PDCCH to transmit downlink control information (DCI) addressing the PDSCH. The wireless communication device101may monitor the PDCCH, and subsequently monitor the PDSCH based on this DCI in the PDCCH.

As a general rule, WUSs may be employed in connected mode201and/or idle mode202and/or the inactive mode203. For example, in connected mode201, a wireless communication device context for the data connection189may be buffered and may be reloaded upon communicating the WUS. In connected mode, instead of constantly monitoring the control channel, the device may be configured to monitor the WUS prior to any potential subsequent control channel or prior to the ON-period of a DRX-cycle. Typically, a modulation scheme of the WUS is comparably simple. A simple waveform results in a WUS that may be detected comparably with a lower device processing complexity than other signals such as data reception. In particular, a sequence-based WUS may be used. The waveform of such a sequence-based WUS may be detectable using time-domain processing. Synchronization (e.g., in time domain) between a transmitter and a receiver may not be required or can be coarse. Yet, in other examples, synchronization may be required, e.g., if the WUS is transmitted using a connection control channel that uses, e.g., Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) modulation. Then, frequency-domain processing is required, including demodulation and decoding. In further detail, reception of a WUS may, in some examples, help to avoid blind decoding of a control channel during a PO. Since typically such blind decoding is comparably energy inefficient, thereby, power consumption can be reduced by using WUSs. This is explained in greater detail hereinafter: For example, in the 3GPP scenario, during POs, the wireless communication device is expected to blind decode the control channel, specifically the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). The blind decoding during the POs is for a paging radio NW temporary identifier (P-RNTI) as paging identity, typically transmitted in as a so-called paging indicator. If presence of a paging indicator including the P-RNTI is detected, the wireless communication device continues to decode a subsequent data shared channel (e.g., Physical Downlink Shared Channel, PDSCH) for a paging message. The blind decoding is comparably energy inefficient and can be conditionally triggered by means of the WUS operation. i.e., by a preceding WUS. In other examples, the WUS can also be transmitted on a control channel, e.g., PDCCH. This is sometimes referred to as PDCCH-based WUS.

FIG.3schematically illustrates, in accordance with an example, a transmit beam sweep500of a BS112of the wireless communications network100and receive beams901-903of the wireless communication device101.

While inFIG.3transmit beams501-508at the BS112and receive beams901-903at the device101are shown, it is possible that the device101uses transmit beams and the BS112uses receive beams, as well.

In the various examples described herein, signals may be transmitted on the wireless link114in a millimeter wave frequency range from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz known as FR2 and having relatively high attenuation. This power loss is at least partly overcome by beamforming.

“Beamforming” or spatial filtering as used herein may refer to a signal processing technique used in connection with antenna arrays for directional signal transmission or reception, by means of controlling the phase and amplitude of the signal at each antenna in order to create a pattern of constructive and destructive interference in the wavefront.

BSs may employ RF-based analog beamforming. If so, only one beam can be formed per set of antenna elements at a time, and comprehensive cell coverage requires a multi-beam operation such as beam sweeping, in which a burst of multiple beams is periodically transmitted, each beam having a predefined direction.

FIG.3shows an exemplary transmit beam sweep500of the BS112that comprises multiple transmit beams501-508. An illustrative subset503-506of the multiple transmit beams501-508of the BS112as well as receive beams901-903of the wireless communication device101will be used to illustrate various examples in subsequent FIGs.

FIG.4schematically illustrates, in accordance with an example, a method300of operating the wireless communication device101, the wireless communication device101, and a BS112.

The wireless communication device101is configured for communication with a wireless communications network100via a wireless link114(seeFIG.1). The BS112can be part of a wireless communications network100, in particular a cellular NW100(seeFIG.1), and is configured for communication with the wireless communication device101via the wireless link114. As illustrated in between the nodes101,112, communication on the wireless link114may be directed uplink (UL) towards the BS112, or downlink (DL) towards the wireless communication device101.

The method300comprises a step of monitoring3001for at least one WUS402in the disconnected operational mode202,203prior to a PO403associated with the wireless communication device101. The wireless communication device101may transition its wireless interface from the inactive state to the active state, in preparation of the PO403. This can include, e.g., switching on a high-frequency clock, powering up an analog frontend, etc. This transition can be in accordance with a DRX cycle associated with the operation in the respective disconnected operational mode202,203.

Monitoring3001for the at least one WUS402can correspond to attempting to receive the at least one WUS402. This can include time-domain signal processing. For instance, based on On-Off-Keying or Frequency Shift Keying demodulation and comparison of the demodulation result with a reference sequence, it is possible to detect the WUS402on the wireless link114.

The at least one WUS402, if any, is transmitted6001by the BS112prior to one or more POs403, when the wireless communication device101is in a disconnected operational mode202,203. Sometimes, the WUS402is shared by multiple wireless communication devices of a WUS group: then, the WUS402is transmitted if the device101is a member of the WUS group of wireless communication devices to be awakened.

Responsive to transmitting6001the at least one WUS402, the BS112further transmits6005a paging indication405in the PO403.

Based on WUS operation, wireless communication devices101associated with a same PO403may be triggered as needed to learn whether they will be paged or are likely to be paged. WUSs402are identical for a group of devices listening to the same PO403, meaning that if one device101of the group is paged, all devices101of that group will be awaken. This implies that a device101that is woken up by a WUS402may not actually be paged. To find out, the wireless communication device101attempts to receive (monitors for) the paging signal, upon detection of the WUS. This comprises reading the PDCCH of the PO403for the paging indication405, and subsequently reading the PDSCH for its UE identity in the corresponding RRC paging message.

Conventionally, the wireless communication device101would not know yet the particular BS transmit beam, say transmit beam501out of multiple BS transmit beams501-508, to listen to as well as the precise “location” of the paging indication405within the NR frame structure when transitioning from the inactive state to the active state in preparation of the PO. The wireless communication device101may thus determine which BS transmit beam501-508to listen to before being able to read the actual paging signal405,406.

Sometimes, this beam establishment may be more power consuming that the actual reading of the paging information. The techniques described herein facilitate reducing the power consumption of the beam establishment.

According to the various examples described herein, after waking up from the WUS, the wireless communication device101selects a spatial filter for receiving the BS transmit beam501on which it received the WUS for the paging signal, too. In addition, the wireless communication device101also knows where in the NR frame structure to listen to the paging, because the at least one WUS402is indicative404of at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403transmitted with the same transmit beam501as for the WUS. The PO403is allocated to the paging indication405.

Thus, the method300further comprises a step of monitoring3005for a paging indication405in the PO403in response to detection of the at least one WUS402. The wireless communication device attempts to receive the paging indication405. This can include blind decoding of the PDCCH.

As a result of making use of the indication provided by the at least one WUS402, the wireless communication device101does not have to learn which PO403to listen to, as the paging indication405will be available at the indicated404at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403. As learning which PO403to listen to becomes obsolete, a power consumption of the wireless communication device101is reduced.

FIG.5schematically illustrates, in accordance with various examples, a beam-swept burst of multiple WUSs402respectively being indicative of a corresponding PO403in a beam-swept burst of multiple POs403.

In a beam sweeping operation in accordance withFIG.3, the at least one WUS402may be included in a beam-swept burst of multiple WUSs402, and the paging indication405may be included in a beam-swept burst of multiple POs403.

In the example ofFIG.5, each of the multiple WUSs402relates to one of the exemplary multiple transmit beams503-506of the BS112, and similarly each of the POs403relates to one of the multiple transmit beams503-506of the BS112.

A respective association between the WUS402of the burst500and the POs403is illustrated inFIG.5by the arrows. In principle, this association can be diverse, the main restriction being that normally all WUS402are indicative of at least one PO403, and that normally all POs403are referred to by at least one WUS402. In particular, the mapping between WUS402and POs403need not be one-to-one, nor can wireless communication devices assume a priori that indices of WUS402are related to indices of POs403in any particular way. The design of the WUS uses this degree of freedom to, e.g., maximize power saving of the wireless communication devices101.

As indicated by the arrows inFIG.5, each of the multiple beam-swept WUSs402is indicative404of a respective one of the beam-swept multiple POs403, and more particularly of at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403. In other words, the at least one WUS402and the paging indication405may be transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam503-506.

As a result of relating WUSs402and time-frequency resource elements of corresponding POs403of the same BS transmit beams503-506, the wireless communication device101does not have to separately learn which PO403to listen to, as the paging indication405will be available at the indicated404at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403of the same beam503-506that was used to wake up the wireless communication device101being paged. As learning which PO403to listen to within the same beam503-506becomes obsolete, a power consumption of the wireless communication device101is reduced. For instance, the wireless communication device101may skip monitoring for the SSBs prior to the POs403.

In accordance withFIG.5, the WUS402may also be indicative404of an index of a frame element of transmission protocol implemented by the communications network100, the frame element comprising the at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403.

In such cases, each WUS402included in a beam-swept burst of multiple WUSs402may be identified by a periodically recurring index, which may in turn indicate404an index of a frame element of transmission protocol comprising the at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403. In other words, a kthtransmitted WUS402included in a beam-swept burst of multiple WUSs402may be indicative of a kthPDCCH monitoring occasion of a PO403included in a beam-swept burst of multiple POs403.

As a result, a correspondence of WUSs402and time-frequency resource elements of corresponding POs403is established within respective BS transmit beams503-506.

FIG.6schematically illustrates, in accordance with various examples, relative indications404of a frame element in a time-frequency resource grid.

As already mentioned in connection withFIG.1, the time-frequency resource grid is implemented by the wireless link114. The exemplary time-frequency resource grid inFIG.6extends (vertically) in a frequency dimension and (horizontally) in a time dimension. The OFDM subcarriers (in frequency domain) and the symbols (in time domain) then define time-frequency resource elements (i.e., the small boxes) of the time-frequency resource grid. Thereby, a protocol time base is defined. Different time-frequency resource elements can be allocated to different logical channels or reference signals of the wireless link114.

As an example,FIG.6indicates time-frequency resource elements being allocated to a WUS402. This exemplary and non-binding WUS402is for coherent demodulation as it is part of the NR frame structure.

FIG.6further indicates time-frequency resource elements being allocated to a PO403, and at least one time-frequency resource element of this PO403being allocated to a paging indication405, or more specifically, to a PDCCH that may comprise the paging indication405.

The WUS402may relatively indicate404the at least one time-frequency resource element with respect to a reference. This reference may comprise at least one of a timing of the at least one WUS402, a frequency of the at least one WUS402, or a timing of the PO403.

A “timing” as used herein may refer to the previously mentioned protocol time base (see section relating toFIG.1) and in particular to time boundaries of the frames and subframes of the time-frequency resource grid implemented by the wireless link114. The timing may be defined with respect to a symbol time duration.

A “frequency” as used herein may refer to frequency boundaries of elements of the time-frequency resource grid, and in particular to indices for frequency values of OFDM subcarriers.

InFIG.6, a timing of the at least one WUS402and a frequency of the at least one WUS402are respectively indicated by dashed vertical and horizontal lines extending from the time-frequency resource elements allocated to the WUS402. Corresponding horizontal and vertical arrows relatively indicate404the at least one time-frequency resource element with respect to these references. These relative indicators may be time and/or frequency offsets relative to the chosen reference. Alternatively, these relative indicators may be slot and/or physical resource block (PRB) indices relative to the chosen reference, wherein a slot may comprise 14 OFDM symbols and a PRB may comprise 12 OFDM subcarriers, for example.

Similar relative indications404of the at least one time-frequency resource element may be provided based on references which do not form part of the NR frame structure, such as WUS for non-coherent demodulation, provided that a form of synchronization to the NR frame structure is accomplished.

FIG.6further indicates that the timing of the PO403may also serve as a reference for a relative indication404of the at least one time-frequency resource element. In accordance with this example, a form of synchronization to the NR frame structure needs to be accomplished, and the PO403needs to be determined so that its timing may serve as the reference.

Additionally, the WUS402may comprise an explicit indicator404of the at least one time-frequency resource element or comprise a codebook index404associated with a codebook of candidate time-frequency resource elements. Possible explicit indicators have already been mentioned above, while implicit indicators become explicit via a codebook lookup which may be pre-agreed in a standard.

As a result, a flexible correspondence of WUSs402and time-frequency resource elements of corresponding POs403is established.

FIG.7schematically illustrates, in accordance with various examples, a beam-swept burst of multiple synchronization signal blocks (SSB)800respectively being indicative of a corresponding PO403in a beam-swept burst of multiple POs403.

An SSB800can, e.g., include a primary synchronization signal (SS) and a secondary SS, and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The primary SS and the secondary SS implement reference signals (RS). The primary SS and the secondary SS are for the wireless communication device101to lock into the correct frequency and time.

Conventionally, the wireless communication device101needs to listen to one or more of burst of SSBs800to acquire time-frequency synchronization and determine a high-quality beam pair, which includes finding a DL transmit beam503-506. Therefore, an FR2 device101in prior art might need to wake up tens or hundreds of ms before a burst of POs403is expected, thereby increasing power consumption.

The wireless communication device knows the actual number of beams only by accessing ssb_PositionsInBurst in SIB1. For this the device101needs to decode a master information block (MIB) in PBCH and SIB1 in PDSCH.

The device101then listens to PDCCH monitoring occasions of a PO403included in the found transmit beam503-506.

This need for listening to SSBs800is eliminated by enabling the device101to read the paging information anyway, as has been described in more detail in connection withFIG.4. An alternative solution (not shown) is to skip listening to SSBs800and to directly proceed with paging and listening to all PDCCH monitoring occasions in the PO403.

In accordance with the example ofFIG.7, SSBs800can be repeatedly or periodically transmitted by the BS112, e.g., on predefined time-frequency resources of the time-frequency resource grid. It is possible that a burst of SSBs800is transmitted, employing a beam sweep500including the DL transmit beams503-506, seeFIG.7. Similarly, it is possible that a burst of multiple POs403is transmitted, employing a same beam sweep500including the DL transmit beams503-506, seeFIG.7. Thereby, spatial coverage can be increased.

Typically, the burst of multiple SSBs800may have a duration of, e.g., up to 5 ms. The periodicity with which the bursts are transmitted may be 20 ms to 160 ms.

The SSBs800transmitted on different DL transmit beams503-506can have a different SSB time index. Thus, different SSBs800—i.e., having different SSB time indices—are associated with different POs403.

As indicated by the arrows inFIG.7, each of the multiple beam-swept SSBs800may be indicative of a respective one of the beam-swept multiple POs403.

As a result of relating SSBs800and corresponding POs403of a same BS transmit beam503-506, the device101does not have to learn which PO403to listen to, as the paging indication405will be available at the PO403of the same beam503-506indicated by a respective SSB time index. As learning which PO403to listen to within the same beam503-506becomes obsolete, a power consumption of the device101is reduced.

FIG.8schematically illustrates, in accordance with another example, a method300of operating a wireless communication device101.

The example ofFIG.8illustrates a fallback to a known paging technique whenever the step of monitoring3001for at least one WUS402fails.

After an initial access and possibly some transfer of user data has taken place, the wireless communication device101enters a disconnected operational mode202,203in which a monitoring3001for at least one WUS402is performed. The disconnected mode202,203is also associated with paging operation.

In particular, the device101may enter an idle mode202after expiry of an inactivity timer400that is reset upon each transfer of user data. When operating in the idle mode202, the device101is configured to monitor for the at least one WUS402.

In particular, a detection of the at least one WUS402may be deemed to have failed after expiry of an inactivity timer401that is reset upon each reception of a WUS402or in accordance with a DRX cycle, e.g., when not detecting the WUS402for a certain time period after transitioning the wireless interface from an inactive state to an active state prior to one or more POs403.

For such cases, the method300may further comprise a step of monitoring3002for a synchronization signal block, SSB,800broadcasted by the wireless communications network100prior to the PO403, in response to a failed detection of the at least one WUS402.

Conventionally, the wireless communication device101would have to listen to SSBs800to find a DL transmit beam503-506, synchronize to the NR frame structure and then listen to PDCCH monitoring occasions of a PO403included in the found transmit beam503-506.

However, in accordance with the example ofFIG.7, each of the multiple beam-swept SSBs800may be indicative of a respective one of the beam-swept multiple POs403.

So the wireless communication device learns which PO403to listen to from successfully receiving an SSB part of an SS burst.

If so, the method300may further comprise skipping the step of monitoring3002for the synchronization signal block800broadcasted by the wireless communications network100prior to the PO403, in response to the detection of the at least one WUS402.

As a result, learning which PO403to listen to becomes obsolete, a power consumption of the wireless communication device101is reduced.

As a further result, a fallback is available whenever and as long as the step of monitoring3001for at least one WUS402fails.

FIG.9schematically illustrates, in accordance with various examples, a beam-swept burst of multiple POs403respectively being indicative of a corresponding random access occasion700in a beam-swept burst of multiple random access occasions700.

In a beam sweeping operation in accordance withFIG.3, the paging indication405may be included in a beam-swept burst of multiple POs403.

In the example ofFIG.9, each of the multiple POs403relates to one of the exemplary multiple transmit beams503-506of the BS112, and similarly each of the multiple random access occasions700relates to one of the multiple transmit beams503-506of the BS112.

As indicated by the arrows inFIG.9, each of the multiple beam-swept POs403is indicative of a respective one of the beam-swept multiple random access occasions700. In other words, the paging indication405and the corresponding random access occasion700may be transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam503-506.

As a result of relating POs403and random access occasions700within respective BS transmit beams503-506, the wireless communication device101does not have to learn which random access occasion700to use for a random access407, as the random access occasion700is implied. This further reduces a power consumption of the wireless communication device101.

Each of the multiple POs403may also be indicative of an index of a frame element of transmission protocol implemented by the communications network100, the frame element comprising the corresponding random access occasion700.

In such cases, each PO403included in a beam-swept burst of multiple POs403may be identified by a periodically recurring index, which may in turn indicate an index of a frame element comprising the corresponding random access occasion700. In other words, a kthtransmitted PO403included in a beam-swept burst of multiple POs403may be indicative of a kthrandom access occasion700included in a beam-swept burst of random access occasions700.

As a result, a straightforward correspondence of POs403and corresponding random access occasions700is established within respective BS transmit beams503-506.

FIG.10schematically illustrates, in accordance with yet another example, a method300of operating a wireless communication device101.

An initial access and a possible transfer of user data may have taken place as described in connection withFIG.8before the wireless communication device101enters a disconnected operational mode202,203in which a monitoring3001for at least one WUS402is performed.

When monitoring3001for at least one WUS402in the disconnected operational mode202,203prior to a PO403, chances are that more than one, i.e., at least two, WUSs402of the beam-swept burst of multiple WUSs402are detected by the wireless communication device101.

For such cases, the method300may further comprise a step of selecting3003one of the at least two WUSs402in response to the detection of at least two WUSs402of the beam-swept burst of multiple WUSs402.

If selected3003, the subsequent monitoring3005for the paging indication405is then performed at the at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403indicated404by the selected WUS402.

The at least two WUSs402transmitted using different BS transmit beams501-508will typically have different signal amplitudes at the location of the wireless communication device101. As a result of a selection3003of one of the at least two WUSs402, e.g., the strongest one of the at least two WUSs402, the detection reliability of the paging signal can be increased. This is because the signal propagation for the WUS402having a strong signal amplitude is likely to correspond to the signal propagation of the paging signal transmitted using the same BS transmit beam501-508.

Before being able to read the actual paging signal, the wireless communication device101may establish1) which BS transmit beam501-508to listen to,2) which device receive beam901-903to use, and3) time-frequency synchronization with the NR frame structure.

As for establishment of which of the BS transmit beam501-508to listen to, after waking up from WUS, the wireless communication device101can assume that the BS transmit beam501via which it just received WUS is good enough to receive paging on, as already mentioned in connection withFIG.4.

As for establishment of the device receive beam901-903to use, when the wireless communication device101listens for the WUS, the method300may further comprise a step of determining3004a receive beam902based on a receive property of the WUS402.

For example, the receive property of the WUS402may be a receive power or an analog or digital figure of merit of the WUS402, such as a signal to noise ratio (SNR) or a bit error ratio (BER).

If determined3004, the subsequent monitoring3005for the PO403then uses the determined receive beam902.

As a result, the wireless communication device101knows right after wake-up which receive beam902it should use when reading the paging information405,406.

As for establishment of time-frequency synchronization with the NR frame structure, the method300may further comprise synchronizing with the wireless communications network100based on the detection of the WUS402.

The detection of the WUS402may take advantage of the existing coherent receiver of the wireless communication device101, which involves a local oscillator (LO) at the receiver. This implies that the WUS402may be integrated in the time-frequency resource grid implemented by the wireless link114. In other words, the WUS402is a part of the NR frame structure, in particular an FR2 NR signal, and may thus appear at certain points in time only.

Alternatively, the detection of the WUS402may be based on very low power receivers for non-coherent demodulation, such as, for example, direct detection (DD) of On-Off Keying (OOK) modulated WUSs402. As such, these receivers may be provided in addition to the coherent receiver of the wireless communication device101and may be operated in an always-on manner, having no timing constraint.

Accordingly, the monitoring3001for the WUS402may comprise non-coherent demodulation of the WUS402or coherent demodulation of the WUS402.

As a result, monitoring of WUSs402may be implemented in dependence of an application or a required level of mobility.

In accordance with the example ofFIG.9, the method300may further comprise a step of determining3006at least one further time-frequency resource element of a random-access occasion700based on the at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403, and accessing3007the random-access occasion700responsive to a detection of the paging indication405.

A “random access occasion” (RO) as used herein may refer to a frame element of the time frequency resource grid implemented by the wireless link114and comprising at least one time-frequency resource element. Wireless communication devices101may attempt a random access by transmitting, uplink to the serving BS112, a Random Access Preamble in a random access occasion.

Different random-access occasions700are associated with different BS transmit beams503-506. Thus, by selecting the appropriate random-access occasion700, the wireless communication device101can indicate—according to reference implementations—which BS transmit beam503-506was best.

As a result, establishment of an appropriate beam pair during random access is facilitated.

Typically, the BS112monitors the random-access occasions700using BS receive beams, which may correspond to the BS transmit beams503-506used for transmitting the SSBs800, as illustrated inFIG.9. For example, the same spatial filter may be used. It would be possible to use the same antenna weights or a scaled version of these antenna weights.

FIG.11schematically illustrates, in accordance with an example, a wireless communication device101.

The wireless communication device101is configured for communication with a wireless communications network100in a disconnected operational mode202,203.

The wireless communication device101may be configured for performing the method300of various embodiments. As a result, the technical effects and advantages described above in relation with the method300equally apply to the wireless communication device101having corresponding features.

The wireless communication device101comprises a wireless interface1011that is configured to access and control multiple antennas.

The wireless communication device101further comprises a processing unit1012that can load and subsequently execute program code that is stored in a memory. Executing the program code causes the processor to perform techniques as described herein, e.g.: communicating with a wireless communication network100on a wireless link114; performing beam sweeps; monitoring for reference signals, i.e., attempting to receive reference signals; selecting one or more random-access occasions700; etc.

The wireless communication device101is configured for monitoring3001for at least one WUS402in the disconnected operational mode202,203prior to a PO403; and attempting to receive (monitoring)3005for a paging indication405in the PO403in response to detection of the at least one WUS402. The at least one WUS402is indicative404of at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403allocated to the paging indication405.

FIG.12schematically illustrates, in accordance with an example, a BS112.

The BS112is configured for communication with a wireless communication device101in a wireless communications network100in a disconnected operational mode202,203.

The BS112comprises a wireless interface1121that is configured to access and control multiple antennas.

The BS112further comprises a processing unit1122that can load and subsequently execute program code that is stored in a memory. Executing the program code causes the processor to perform techniques as described herein, e.g.: communicating with a wireless communication device101on a wireless link114; performing beam sweeps; transmitting signals such as reference signals; scheduling signals for transmission on the wireless link; participating in initial access of devices101; monitoring for devices101accessing random-access occasions700; etc.

The BS112is configured for transmitting6001at least one WUS402in the disconnected operational mode202,203prior to a PO403; and transmitting6005a paging indication405in the PO403in response to transmitting the at least one WUS402. The at least one WUS402is indicative404of at least one time-frequency resource element of the PO403allocated to the paging indication405.

As a general rule, the techniques described herein could be used for various types of wireless communications networks, e.g., also for peer-to-peer communication, etc. For sake of simplicity, however, hereinafter, various techniques will be described in the context of a wireless communications network that is implemented by a BS of a cellular NW and a wireless communication device.

Summarizing, at least the following examples have been described above:

EXAMPLE 1. A method (300) of operating a wireless communication device (101) configured for communication with a wireless communications network (100) in a disconnected operational mode (202,203), the method (300) comprising:monitoring (3001) for at least one wake-up signal (402) in the disconnected operational mode (202,203) prior to a paging occasion (403); andresponsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal (402), monitoring (3005) for a paging indication (405) in the paging occasion (403);the at least one wake-up signal (402) being indicative (404) of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403) allocated to the paging indication (405).

EXAMPLE 2. The method (300) of EXAMPLE 1,wherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) is included in a beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals (402),wherein the paging indication (405) is included in a beam-swept burst of multiple paging occasions (403),wherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) and the paging indication (405) are transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam (501-508).

EXAMPLE 3. A method (300) of operating a wireless communication device (101) configured for communication with a wireless communications network (100) in a disconnected operational mode (202,203), the method (300) comprising:monitoring (3001) for at least one wake-up signal (402) included in a beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals (402) in the disconnected operational mode (202,203) prior to a paging occasion (403) included in a beam swept burst of multiple paging occasions (403),wherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) enables the wireless communication device (101) to synchronize with the wireless communications network (100), andwherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) is indicative (404) of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403) allocated to a paging indication (405) that is transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam as the at least one wake-up signal (402); andresponsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal (402), monitoring (3005) the at least one time-frequency resource element of the downlink transmit beam where the wake-up signal (402) was detected for a paging indication (405) based on the detected at least one wake-up signal (402), wherein the detected at least one wake-up signal (402) enables the wireless communication device (101) to receive the paging indication (405) without first monitoring, in particular reading, a synchronization signal block, in particular a burst of multiple synchronization signal blocks.

EXAMPLE 4. The method (300) of operating the wireless communication device (101) of EXAMPLE 1,wherein synchronization requirements for detecting the wake-up signal (402) are lighter than for detecting the paging indication (405).

EXAMPLE 5. The method (300) of operating the wireless communication device (101) of EXAMPLE 3 or 4, wherein the method further comprises synchronizing with the wireless communications network (100) based on the detection of the wake-up signal (402).

EXAMPLE 6. The method (300) of operating a wireless communication device (101) of any one of EXAMPLEs 3 to 5,wherein the wake-up signal is detectable by a lower power receiver.

EXAMPLE 7. The method (300) of any one of EXAMPLEs 2 to 6, further comprising:responsive to the detection of at least two wake-up signals (402) of the beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals (402), selecting (3003) one of the at least two wake-up signals (402) and monitoring (303) for the paging indication (405) at the at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403) indicated (404) by the selected wake-up signal (402).

EXAMPLE 8. The method (300) of any one of the preceding EXAMPLEs,the wake-up signal (402) relatively indicating (404) the at least one time-frequency resource element with respect to a reference.

EXAMPLE 9. The method (300) of EXAMPLE 8,wherein the reference comprises at least one of a timing of the at least one wake-up signal (402), a frequency of the at least one wake-up signal (402), or a timing of the paging occasion (403).

EXAMPLE 10. The method (300) of any one of the preceding EXAMPLEs,the wake-up signal (402) being indicative (404) of an index of a frame element of transmission protocol implemented by the wireless communications network (100), the frame element comprising the at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403).

EXAMPLE 11. The method (300) of any one of the preceding EXAMPLEs,the wake-up signal (402) comprising an explicit indicator (404) of the at least one time-frequency resource element or comprising a codebook index (404) associated with a codebook of candidate time-frequency resource elements.

EXAMPLE 12. The method (300) of any one of the preceding EXAMPLEs, further comprisingdetermining (3006) at least one further time-frequency resource element of a random-access occasion (700), based on the at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403), andresponsive to a detection of the paging indication (405), accessing (3007) the random-access occasion (700).

EXAMPLE 13. The method (300) of any one of the preceding EXAMPLEs, further comprising:responsive to a failed detection of the at least one wake-up signal (402), monitoring (3002) for a synchronization signal block, SSB (800), broadcasted by the wireless communications network (100) prior to the paging occasion (403),responsive to the detection of the at least one wake-up signal (402), skipping the monitoring (3002) for the synchronization signal block (800) broadcasted by the wireless communications network (100) prior to the paging occasion (403).

EXAMPLE 14. The method (300) of any one of the preceding EXAMPLEs, further comprising:based on a receive property of the wake-up signal (402), determining (3004) a receive beam (902),wherein the monitoring (3005) for the paging occasion (403) is using the receive beam (902).

EXAMPLE 15. The method (300) of any one of the preceding EXAMPLEs, further comprising:synchronizing with the wireless communications network (100) based on the detection of the wake-up signal (402).

EXAMPLE 16. The method (300) of any one of the preceding EXAMPLEs,the monitoring (3005) for the wake-up signal (402) comprising non-coherent demodulation of the wake-up signal (402) or coherent demodulation of the wake-up signal (402).

EXAMPLE 17. A wireless communication device (101) for communication with a wireless communications network (100) in a disconnected operational mode (202,203), the device (101) comprising:a wireless interface (1011) and a processing unit (1012) being configured formonitoring (3001) for at least one wake-up signal (402) in the disconnected operational mode (202,203) prior to a paging occasion (403); andresponsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal (402), monitoring (3005) for a paging indication (405) in the paging occasion (403);the at least one wake-up signal (402) being indicative (404) of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403) allocated to the paging indication (405).

EXAMPLE 18. A wireless communication device (101) for communication with a wireless communications network (100) in a disconnected operational mode (202,203), the device (101) comprising:a wireless interface (1011) and a processing unit (1012) being configured for monitoring (3001) for at least one wake-up signal (402) included in a beam-swept burst of multiple wake-up signals (402) in the disconnected operational mode (202,203) prior to a paging occasion (403) included in a beam swept burst of multiple paging occasions (403),wherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) enables the wireless communication device (101) to synchronize with the wireless communications network (100), and wherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) is indicative (404) of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403) allocated to a paging indication (405) that is transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam as the at least one wake-up signal (402); andresponsive to detection of the at least one wake-up signal (402), monitoring (3005) the at least one time-frequency resource element of the downlink transmit beam where the wake-up signal (402) was detected for a paging indication (405) based on the detected at least one wake-up signal (402), wherein the detected at least one wake-up signal (402) enables the wireless communication device (101) to receive the paging indication (405) without first monitoring for a synchronization signal block in the paging occasion (403);the at least one wake-up signal (402) being indicative (404) of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403) allocated to the paging indication (405).

EXAMPLE 19. The wireless communication device (101) of EXAMPLE 17 or 18,the wireless communication device (101) being configured for performing the method (300) of any one of EXAMPLEs 2-16.

EXAMPLE 20. A base station (112) in a wireless communications network (100), the base station (112) comprising:a wireless interface (1121) and a processing unit (1122) being configured for transmitting (6001) at least one wake-up signal (402) prior to a paging occasion (403); andresponsive to transmitting the at least one wake-up signal (402), transmitting (6005) a paging indication (405) in the paging occasion (403);
the at least one wake-up signal (402) being indicative (404) of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403) allocated to the paging indication (405).

EXAMPLE 21. A base station (112) in a wireless communications network (100), the base station (112) comprising:a wireless interface (1121) and a processing unit (1122) being configured for transmitting (6001) at least one wake-up signal (402) in a beam-swept burst prior to a paging occasion (403) included in a beam swept burst of multiple paging occasions (403)wherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) enables a wireless communication device (101) to synchronize with the wireless communications network (100), and wherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) is indicative (404) of at least one time-frequency resource element of the paging occasion (403) allocated to a paging indication (405) that is transmitted using the same downlink transmit beam as the at least one wake-up signal (402); andresponsive to transmitting the at least one wake-up signal (402), transmitting (6005) a paging indication (405) using the at least one time-frequency resource element of the downlink transmit beam which was used for transmitting the at least one wake-up signal (402), wherein the at least one wake-up signal (402) enables the wireless communication device (101) to receive the paging indication (405) without first monitoring for a synchronization signal block.