RECEIVE TIME DIFFERENCE INFORMATION REPORTING

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The UE may receive, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band carrier aggregation (CA) of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The UE may transmit receive time difference (RTD) information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier. Numerous other aspects are provided.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication and specifically, to techniques and apparatuses for receive time difference reporting.

BACKGROUND

In some cases, a tracking reference signal can be used to facilitate UE synchronization with a secondary cell associated with a component carrier. In some cases, due to internal hardware associated with a network node, a UE can receive signals associated with different component carriers at different times in an intra-band carrier aggregation scenario in which the signals are transmitted using the same propagation channel. For example, the timing difference can result from drift between clocks associated with respective component carriers. Although the UE can be aware of the timing difference based on reception of the signals in an intra-band carrier aggregation operation associated with activation of the second cell, the timing difference is generally determined again during a subsequent activation of the second cell. In some cases, the difference in reception times can result in multiple tracking reference signal transmissions to facilitate UE timing synchronization associated with the secondary cell, thereby leading to delays and signaling overheads associated with cell access procedures.

SUMMARY

Some aspects described herein relate to a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication. The UE may include a processing system that includes processor circuitry and memory circuitry coupled with the processor circuitry. The processing system may be configured to cause the UE to receive, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The processing system may be configured to cause the UE to receive, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band carrier aggregation (CA) of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The processing system may be configured to cause the UE to transmit receive time difference (RTD) information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Some aspects described herein relate to a network node for wireless communication. The network node may include a processing system that includes processor circuitry and memory circuitry coupled with the processor circuitry. The processing system may be configured to cause the network node to transmit at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The processing system may be configured to cause the network node to transmit at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The processing system may be configured to cause the network node to receive RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus at a UE. The method may include receiving, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The method may include receiving, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The method may include transmitting RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus at a network node. The method may include transmitting at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The method may include transmitting at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The method may include receiving RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a UE. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to receive, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to receive, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to transmit RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a network node. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to transmit at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to transmit at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to receive RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The apparatus may include means for receiving, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The apparatus may include means for transmitting RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for transmitting at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The apparatus may include means for transmitting at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The apparatus may include means for receiving RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and are not to be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any quantity of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. Any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

Various aspects relate generally to reporting receive time difference (RTD) information associated with multiple component carriers. Some aspects more specifically relate to storing and/or reporting information associated with an RTD associated with multiple component carriers. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may store RTD information associated with reception of signals associated with different component carriers. In some aspects, a UE may store RTD information associated with respective component carriers based on receiving signals associated with the component carriers in an intra-band carrier aggregation (CA) communication in which the component carriers are associated with a same propagation channel. In some aspects, the RTD information may be associated with RTD measurements associated with the signals. In some aspects, the RTD measurements may be indicative of a timing difference in reception of the signals based on internal hardware components of a network node. In some aspects, the timing difference in reception of the signals may be based on a drift of a clock associated with one component carrier in relation to a clock associated with another component carrier. In some aspects, the RTD information may include an RTD value and/or one or more RTD metrics (e.g., statistics and/or trend indications) associated with the RTD value and/or any number of additional RTD values obtained in association with additional signals received from a network node. In some aspects, the UE may report the RTD information and/or may use the stored RTD information to facilitate cell access procedures associated with the network node. In some aspects, the UE may use the RTD information associated with a first component carrier relative to a second component carrier to obtain synchronization with the second component carrier. For example, in an intra-band CA scenario, in which differences in receive times associated with the first and second component carriers are due only to the internal hardware of the network node, the UE may monitor a time window for a synchronization signal, where the time window is based on the RTD information. In another example, in an inter-band CA scenario, in which differences in receive times may be due to the internal hardware of the network node in addition to propagation channel differences, the UE may monitor, based on the RTD information, a narrower time window associated only with the propagation channel differences. In some aspects, the UE may store the RTD information for any future use in association with the component carriers. In some aspects, the UE may report the RTD information to the network node and the network node may use the RTD information to better align arrival times associated with the component carriers.

Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, the described techniques can be used to provide network nodes with estimates of RTDs associated with different carriers for intra-band CA and/or inter-band CA. In some examples, reporting, to a network node, RTD information associated with intra-band CA RTD measurements of signals transmitted by the network node can be used to facilitate alignment of arrival times of future signals carried via the component carriers for intra-band CA and/or inter-band CA. In some examples, storing, by a UE, of RTD information associated with different component carriers can be used to facilitate more efficient secondary cell activation by reducing delays in acquiring synchronization in a secondary cell corresponding to one of the component carriers as a result of monitoring for the synchronization signals in time windows based on the RTD information. In some examples, the more efficient cell activation may be used to facilitate implementation of SSB-less cells and/or to reduce tracking reference signal overhead.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network in accordance with the present disclosure. The wireless network100may be or may include elements of a 5G (for example, NR) network or a 4G (for example, Long Term Evolution (LTE)) network, among other examples. The wireless network100may include one or more network nodes110(shown as a network node (NN)110a, a network node110b, a network node110c, and a network node110d), a UE120or multiple UEs120(shown as a UE120a, a UE120b, a UE120c, a UE120d, and a UE120e), or other network entities. A network node110is an entity that communicates with UEs120. As shown, a network node110may include one or more network nodes. For example, a network node110may be an aggregated network node, meaning that the aggregated network node is configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node (for example, within a single device or unit). As another example, a network node110may be a disaggregated network node (sometimes referred to as a disaggregated base station), meaning that the network node110is configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more nodes (such as one or more central units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)).

A network node110may include one or more chips, system-on-chips (SoCs), chipsets, packages, or devices that individually or collectively constitute or comprise a processing system. The processing system includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or multiple processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs) and/or digital signal processors (DSPs)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “processors” or collectively as “the processor” or “the processor circuitry”). One or more of the processors may be individually or collectively configurable or configured to perform various functions or operations described herein. A group of processors collectively configurable or configured to perform a set of functions may include a first processor configurable or configured to perform a first function of the set and a second processor configurable or configured to perform a second function of the set, or may include the group of processors all being configured or configurable to perform the set of functions.

The processing system may further include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry, each of which may include tangible storage media such as random-access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “memories” or collectively as “the memory” or “the memory circuitry”). One or more of the memories may be coupled (for example, operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, or electrically coupled) with one or more of the processors and may individually or collectively store processor-executable code (such as software) that, when executed by one or more of the processors, may configure one or more of the processors to perform various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more of the processors may be preconfigured to perform various functions or operations described herein without requiring configuration by software. The processing system may further include or be coupled with one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (for example, IEEE compliant) modem or a cellular (for example, 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modem). In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the modems. The processing system may further include or be coupled with multiple radios (collectively “the radio”), multiple radio frequency (RF) chains, or multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more of multiple antennas. In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radios, RF chains or transceivers. The network node110may include or may be included in a housing that houses components associated with the network node110including the processing system.

Each network node110may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the term “cell” can refer to a coverage area of a network node110or a network node subsystem serving this coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

A network node110may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, or another type of cell. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (for example, several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs120with service subscriptions. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs120with service subscription. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (for example, a home) and may allow restricted access by UEs120having association with the femto cell (for example, UEs120in a closed subscriber group (CSG)). A network node110for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro network node. A network node110for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico network node. A network node110for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto network node or an in-home network node.

The wireless network100may be a heterogeneous network that includes network nodes110of different types, such as macro network nodes, pico network nodes, femto network nodes, or relay network nodes. These different types of network nodes110may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, or different impacts on interference in the wireless network100. For example, macro network nodes may have a high transmit power level (for example, 5 to 40 watts) whereas pico network nodes, femto network nodes, and relay network nodes may have lower transmit power levels (for example, 0.1 to 2 watts). In the example shown inFIG.1, the network node110amay be a macro network node for a macro cell102a, the network node110bmay be a pico network node for a pico cell102b, and the network node110cmay be a femto network node for a femto cell102c. A network node may support one or multiple (for example, three) cells. In some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of the cell may move according to the location of a network node110that is mobile (for example, a mobile network node).

The wireless network100may include one or more relay stations. A relay station is an entity that can receive a transmission of data from an upstream station (for example, a network node110or a UE120) and send a transmission of the data to a downstream station (for example, a UE120or a network node110). A relay station may be a UE120that can relay transmissions for other UEs120. In the example shown inFIG.1, the network node110d(for example, a relay network node) may communicate with the network node110a(for example, a macro network node) and the UE120din order to facilitate communication between the network node110aand the UE120d. A network node110that relays communications may be referred to as a relay station, a relay network node, or a relay.

The UEs120may be dispersed throughout the wireless network100, and each UE120may be stationary or mobile. A UE120may include, for example, an access terminal, a terminal, a mobile station, or a subscriber unit. A UE120may be a cellular phone (for example, a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device, a biometric device, a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (for example, a smart ring or a smart bracelet)), an entertainment device (for example, a music device, a video device, or a satellite radio), a vehicular component or sensor, a smart meter/sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a global positioning system device, a UE function of a network node, or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless medium.

A UE120may include one or more chips, SoCs, chipsets, packages, or devices that individually or collectively constitute or comprise a processing system. The processing system includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or multiple processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as CPUs, GPUs, NPUs and/or DSPs), processing blocks, ASIC, PLDs (such as FPGAs), or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “processors” or collectively as “the processor” or “the processor circuitry”). One or more of the processors may be individually or collectively configurable or configured to perform various functions or operations described herein. A group of processors collectively configurable or configured to perform a set of functions may include a first processor configurable or configured to perform a first function of the set and a second processor configurable or configured to perform a second function of the set, or may include the group of processors all being configured or configurable to perform the set of functions.

The processing system may further include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry, each of which may include tangible storage media such as RAM or ROM, or combinations thereof (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “memories” or collectively as “the memory” or “the memory circuitry”). One or more of the memories may be coupled (for example, operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, or electrically coupled) with one or more of the processors and may individually or collectively store processor-executable code (such as software) that, when executed by one or more of the processors, may configure one or more of the processors to perform various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more of the processors may be preconfigured to perform various functions or operations described herein without requiring configuration by software. The processing system may further include or be coupled with one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (for example, IEEE compliant) modem or a cellular (for example, 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modem). In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the modems. The processing system may further include or be coupled with multiple radios (collectively “the radio”), multiple RF chains, or multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more of multiple antennas. In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radios, RF chains or transceivers. The UE120may include or may be included in a housing that houses components associated with the UE120including the processing system.

Some UEs120may be considered machine-type communication (MTC) or evolved or enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) UEs. An MTC UE or an eMTC UE may include, for example, a robot, a drone, a remote device, a sensor, a meter, a monitor, or a location tag, that may communicate with a network node, another device (for example, a remote device), or some other entity. Some UEs120may be considered Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, or may be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband IoT) devices. Some UEs120may be considered a Customer Premises Equipment. A UE120may be included inside a housing that houses components of the UE120, such as processor components or memory components. In some examples, the processor components and the memory components may be coupled together. For example, the processor components (for example, one or more processors) and the memory components (for example, a memory) may be operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, or electrically coupled.

In general, any quantity of wireless networks100may be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network100may support a particular RAT and may operate on one or more frequencies. A RAT may be referred to as a radio technology or an air interface. A frequency may be referred to as a carrier or a frequency channel. Each frequency may support a single RAT in a given geographic area in order to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks may be deployed.

In some examples, two or more UEs120(for example, shown as UE120aand UE120e) may communicate directly using one or more sidelink channels (for example, without using a network node110as an intermediary to communicate with one another). For example, the UEs120may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, device-to-device (D2D) communications, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocol (for example, which may include a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocol, a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocol, or a vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) protocol), or a mesh network. In such examples, a UE120may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, or other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by the network node110.

In some aspects, the UE120may include a communication manager140. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager140may receive, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier; receive, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier; and transmit RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager140may perform one or more other operations described herein.

In some aspects, the network node110may include a communication manager150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager150may transmit at least one signal associated with a first component carrier; transmit at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier; and receive RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager150may perform one or more other operations described herein.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example network node in communication with a UE in a wireless network in accordance with the present disclosure. The network node may correspond to the network node110ofFIG.1. Similarly, the UE may correspond to the UE120ofFIG.1. The network node110may be equipped with a set of antennas234athrough234t, such as T antennas (T≥1). The UE120may be equipped with a set of antennas252athrough252r, such as R antennas (R≥1). The network node110of depicted inFIG.2includes one or more radio frequency components, such as antennas234and a modem232. In some examples, a network node110may include an interface, a communication component, or another component that facilitates communication with the UE120or another network node. Some network nodes110may not include radio frequency components that facilitate direct communication with the UE120, such as one or more CUs, or one or more DUs.

At the network node110, a transmit processor220may receive data, from a data source212, intended for the UE120(or a set of UEs120). The transmit processor220may select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) for the UE120based at least in part on one or more channel quality indicators (CQIs) received from that UE120. The network node110may process (for example, encode and modulate) the data for the UE120based at least in part on the MCS(s) selected for the UE120and may provide data symbols for the UE120. The transmit processor220may process system information (for example, for semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI)) and control information (for example, CQI requests, grants, or upper layer signaling) and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor220may generate reference symbols for reference signals (for example, a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS)) and synchronization signals (for example, a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or a secondary synchronization signal (SSS)). A transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor230may perform spatial processing (for example, precoding) on the data symbols, the control symbols, the overhead symbols, or the reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide a set of output symbol streams (for example, T output symbol streams) to a corresponding set of modems232(for example, T modems), shown as modems232athrough232t. For example, each output symbol stream may be provided to a modulator component (shown as MOD) of a modem232. Each modem232may use a respective modulator component to process a respective output symbol stream (for example, for OFDM) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modem232may further use a respective modulator component to process (for example, convert to analog, amplify, filter, or upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The modems232athrough232tmay transmit a set of downlink signals (for example, T downlink signals) via a corresponding set of antennas234(for example, T antennas), shown as antennas234athrough234t.

At the UE120, a set of antennas252(shown as antennas252athrough252r) may receive the downlink signals from the network node110or other network nodes110and may provide a set of received signals (for example, R received signals) to a set of modems254(for example, R modems), shown as modems254athrough254r. For example, each received signal may be provided to a demodulator component (shown as DEMOD) of a modem254. Each modem254may use a respective demodulator component to condition (for example, filter, amplify, downconvert, or digitize) a received signal to obtain input samples. Each modem254may use a demodulator component to further process the input samples (for example, for OFDM) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector256may obtain received symbols from the modems254, may perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and may provide detected symbols. A receive processor258may process (for example, demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, may provide decoded data for the UE120to a data sink260, and may provide decoded control information and system information to a controller/processor280. The term “controller/processor” may refer to one or more controllers and/or one or more processors. A channel processor may determine a reference signal received power (RSRP) parameter, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) parameter, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) parameter, or a CQI parameter, among other examples. In some examples, one or more components of the UE120may be included in a housing284.

One or more antennas (for example, antennas234athrough234tor antennas252athrough252r) may include, or may be included within, one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more sets of antenna elements, or one or more antenna arrays, among other examples. An antenna panel, an antenna group, a set of antenna elements, or an antenna array may include one or more antenna elements (within a single housing or multiple housings), a set of coplanar antenna elements, a set of non-coplanar antenna elements, or one or more antenna elements coupled to one or more transmission or reception components, such as one or more components ofFIG.2.

On the uplink, at the UE120, a transmit processor264may receive and process data from a data source262and control information (for example, for reports that include RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, or CQI) from the controller/processor280. The transmit processor264may generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor264may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor266if applicable, further processed by the modems254(for example, for DFT-s-OFDM or CP-OFDM), and transmitted to the network node110. In some examples, the modem254of the UE120may include a modulator and a demodulator. In some examples, the UE120includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of the antenna(s)252, the modem(s)254, the MIMO detector256, the receive processor258, the transmit processor264, or the TX MIMO processor266. The transceiver may be used by a processor (for example, the controller/processor280) and the memory282to perform aspects of any of the methods described herein.

The controller/processor240of the network node110, the controller/processor280of the UE120, or any other component(s) ofFIG.2may perform one or more techniques associated with RTD reporting, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller/processor240of the network node110, the controller/processor280of the UE120, or any other component(s) ofFIG.2may perform or direct operations of, for example, process600ofFIG.6, process700ofFIG.7, or other processes as described herein. The memory242and the memory282may store data and program codes for the network node110and the UE120, respectively. In some examples, the memory242or the memory282may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions (for example, code or program code) for wireless communication. For example, the one or more instructions, when executed (for example, directly, or after compiling, converting, or interpreting) by one or more processors of the network node110or the UE120, may cause the one or more processors, the UE120, or the network node110to perform or direct operations of, for example, process600ofFIG.6, process700ofFIG.7, or other processes as described herein. In some examples, executing instructions may include running the instructions, converting the instructions, compiling the instructions, or interpreting the instructions, among other examples.

The terms “processor,” “controller,” or “controller/processor” may refer to one or more controllers and/or one or more processors. For example, reference to “a/the processor,” “a/the controller/processor,” or the like (in the singular) should be understood to refer to any one or more of the processors described in connection withFIG.2, such as a single processor or a combination of multiple different processors. Reference to “one or more processors” should be understood to refer to any one or more of the processors described in connection withFIG.2. For example, one or more processors of the network node110may include transmit processor220, TX MIMO processor230, MIMO detector236, receive processor238, and/or controller/processor240. Similarly, one or more processors of the UE120may include MIMO detector256, receive processor258, transmit processor264, TX MIMO processor266, and/or controller/processor280.

In some aspects, a UE (e.g., the UE120) includes means for receiving, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier; means for receiving, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier; and/or means for transmitting RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier. The means for the UE to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager140, antenna252, modem254, MIMO detector256, receive processor258, transmit processor264, TX MIMO processor266, controller/processor280, or memory282.

In some aspects, a network node (e.g., the network node110) includes means for transmitting at least one signal associated with a first component carrier; means for transmitting at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier; and/or means for receiving RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier. The means for the network node to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager150, transmit processor220, TX MIMO processor230, modem232, antenna234, MIMO detector236, receive processor238, controller/processor240, memory242, or scheduler246.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating examples400of CA in accordance with the present disclosure.

CA is a technology that enables two or more component carriers (CCs, sometimes referred to as carriers) to be combined (e.g., into a single channel) for a single UE120to enhance data capacity. As shown, carriers can be combined in the same or different frequency bands. Additionally, or alternatively, contiguous or non-contiguous carriers can be combined. A network node110may configure carrier aggregation for a UE120, such as in an RRC message, downlink control information (DCI), and/or another signaling message.

In a first operation405, in some aspects, CA may be configured in an intra-band contiguous mode where the aggregated carriers are contiguous to one another and are in the same band. In a second operation410, in some aspects, carrier aggregation may be configured in an intra-band non-contiguous mode where the aggregated carriers are non-contiguous to one another and are in the same band. In a third operation415, in some aspects, carrier aggregation may be configured in an inter-band non-contiguous mode where the aggregated carriers are non-contiguous to one another and are in different bands.

In carrier aggregation, a UE120may be configured with a primary carrier or primary cell (PCell) and one or more secondary carriers or secondary cells (SCells). In some aspects, the primary carrier may carry control information (e.g., downlink control information and/or scheduling information) for scheduling data communications on one or more secondary carriers, which may be referred to as cross-carrier scheduling. In some aspects, a carrier (e.g., a primary carrier or a secondary carrier) may carry control information for scheduling data communications on the carrier, which may be referred to as self-carrier scheduling or carrier self-scheduling.

In some cases, due to internal hardware associated with a network node, a UE can receive a signal associated with a first component carrier at a different time than the UE receives a signal associated with a second component carrier. The difference in time between the two receptions can be referred to as receive time difference (RTD). The RTD in intra-band CA can be due to internal network node hardware. For example, in some cases, an RTD in intra-band CA can be due to clock drifting that can occur between clocks associated with the respective carriers. The RTD in inter-band CA can be due to the internal network node hardware in addition to propagation delay (e.g., differences in the propagation channels associated with the respective component carriers). RTD in both intra-band CA and inter-band CA can result in delays in the UE acquiring timing synchronization, and therefore cell access, in a secondary cell (e.g., a cell associated with the second component carrier) and/or unnecessary overhead due to tracking reference signal (TRS) bursts used to acquire the timing synchronization.

Various aspects relate generally to reporting RTD information associated with multiple component carriers. Some aspects more specifically relate to receiving a first signal associated with a first component carrier and a second signal associated with a second component carrier. In some aspects, a UE may store RTD information associated with reception of the two signals. In some aspects, the RTD information may include an RTD value and/or one or more RTD metrics (e.g., statistics and/or trend indications) associated with the RTD value and/or any number of additional RTD values obtained in association with additional signals received from a network node associated with the first component carrier and the second component carrier. In some aspects, the UE may report the RTD information and/or may use the stored RTD information to facilitate cell access procedures associated with the network node.

Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, the described techniques can be used to provide network nodes with estimates of RTDs associated with different carriers in intra-band CA. In some examples, the described techniques can be used to facilitate alignment of arrival time of signals from different component carriers in intra-band CA and/or inter-band CA. In some examples, the described techniques can be used to facilitate more efficient secondary cell activation by reducing delays in acquiring synchronization in a secondary cell. In some examples, the more efficient cell activation may be used to facilitate implementation of SSB-less cells (e.g., cells that do not transmit cell defining SSBs) and/or to reduce tracking reference signal overhead.

FIG.5is a flow diagram illustrating an example500of RTD reporting, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.5, a UE502and a network node504may communicate with one another.

In a first operation506, the network node504may transmit, and the UE502may receive, measurement configuration information. The measurement configuration information may be associated with one or more RTD measurements. In some aspects, the measurement configuration information may be transmitted using a configuration communication indicating the measurement configuration information. The configuration communication may include an RRC message, a medium access control control element (MAC CE), and/or DCI.

In a second operation508, the network node504may transmit, and the UE502may receive, reporting configuration information. The reporting configuration information may be associated with reporting the RTD information. The reporting configuration information may be transmitted using a configuration communication indicating the reporting configuration information. The configuration communication may include an RRC message, a MAC CE, and/or DCI.

In a third operation510, the network node504may transmit, and the UE502may receive, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. In a fourth operation512, the network node504may transmit, and the UE502may receive, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The UE502may obtain RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

The one or more RTD measurements may be based on a drift of a first clock associated with the first component carrier at the network node in relation to a second clock associated with the second component carrier at the network node. In some aspects, the RTD information may indicate at least one RTD metric associated with a sample window associated with the one or more RTD measurements. The sample window may include a time period within which the one or more RTD measurements are obtained.

In some aspects, the at least one RTD metric may indicate a maximum RTD value, a minimum RTD value, an average RTD value, a standard deviation value, and/or a time-based trend, among other examples. In some aspects, the at least one RTD metric may indicate a time-based trend based on indicating one or more time-based characteristics associated with the one or more RTD measurements. For example, the at least one RTD metric may indicate an evolution, over time, of RTD measurements by indicating a set of RTD values, each RTD value being associated with a different time of measurement. In some aspects, the at least one RTD metric may indicate an evolution, over time, of RTD measurements by indicating whether RTD measurements increased or decreased during the sample window and/or a rate of change of RTD measurements during the sample window, among other examples.

For example, in some aspects, the UE502may obtain a number of RTD measurements associated with a first component carrier and a second component carrier, respectively, during a sample window and may generate the RTD information based on the RTD measurements. The sample window may be any period of time during which carrier aggregated signals associated with the carriers may be received. In some aspects, a length of the sample window may be configured via the measurement configuration information and/or the reporting configuration information. In some aspects, a length of the sample window may be based on one or more channel and/or device characteristics. In a fifth operation514, the UE502may store the RTD information in a memory of the UE502.

In a sixth operation516, the UE502may transmit, and the network node504may receive, the RTD information. In a seventh operation518, the UE502may perform a cell access procedure associated with the network node504. For example, In some aspects, the UE502may perform the cell access procedure based on the RTD information. In some aspects, the cell access procedure may be associated with inter-band CA at the network node and/or intra-band CA at the network node. In some aspects, the cell access procedure may be associated with a synchronization signal block (SSB)-less cell provided by the network node.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an example process600performed, for example, by a UE that supports CA in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process600is an example where the UE (for example, UE502) performs operations associated with RTD reporting.

As shown inFIG.6, in some aspects, process600may include receiving, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier (block610). For example, the UE (such as by using communication manager808or reception component802, depicted inFIG.8) may receive, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.6, in some aspects, process600may include receiving, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier (block620). For example, the UE (such as by using communication manager808or reception component802, depicted inFIG.8) may receive, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.6, in some aspects, process600may include transmitting RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier (block630). For example, the UE (such as by using communication manager808or transmission component804, depicted inFIG.8) may transmit RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier, as described above.

In a first additional aspect, the one or more RTD measurements are based on a drift of a first clock associated with the first component carrier at the network node in relation to a second clock associated with the second component carrier at the network node.

In a second additional aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the RTD information indicates at least one RTD metric associated with a sample window associated with the one or more RTD measurements, the sample window comprising a time period within which the one or more RTD measurements are obtained, the at least one RTD metric indicating at least one of a maximum RTD value, a minimum RTD value, an average RTD value, a standard deviation value, or a time-based trend.

In a third additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, process600includes receiving measurement configuration information associated with the one or more RTD measurements.

In a fourth additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, receiving the measurement configuration information comprises receiving a configuration communication indicating the measurement configuration information, the configuration communication comprising at least one of an RRC message, a MAC CE, or DCI.

In a fifth additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, process600includes receiving reporting configuration information associated with reporting the RTD information, wherein transmitting the RTD information comprises transmitting the RTD information based on the reporting configuration information.

In a sixth additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, process600includes storing the RTD information in a memory of the UE, and performing, based on the RTD information, a cell access procedure associated with the network node.

In a seventh additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the cell access procedure is associated with at least one of inter-band CA at the network node or intra-band CA at the network node.

In an eighth additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the cell access procedure is associated with an SSB-less cell provided by the network node.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating an example process700performed, for example, by a network node that supports CA in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process700is an example where the network node (for example, network node504) performs operations associated with RTD reporting.

As shown inFIG.7, in some aspects, process700may include transmitting at least one signal associated with a first component carrier (block710). For example, the network node (such as by using communication manager908or transmission component904, depicted inFIG.9) may transmit at least one signal associated with a first component carrier, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.7, in some aspects, process700may include transmitting at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier (block720). For example, the network node (such as by using communication manager908or transmission component904, depicted inFIG.9) may transmit at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.7, in some aspects, process700may include receiving RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier (block730). For example, the network node (such as by using communication manager908or reception component902, depicted inFIG.9) may receive RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier, as described above.

Process700may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

In a first additional aspect, the one or more RTD measurements are based on a drift of a first clock associated with the first component carrier at the network node in relation to a second clock associated with the second component carrier at the network node.

In a second additional aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the RTD information indicates at least one RTD metric associated with a sample window associated with the one or more RTD measurements, the sample window comprising a time period within which the one or more RTD measurements are obtained, the at least one RTD metric indicating at least one of a maximum RTD value, a minimum RTD value, an average RTD value, a standard deviation value, or a time-based trend.

In a third additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, process700includes transmitting measurement configuration information associated with the one or more RTD measurements.

In a fourth additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, transmitting the measurement configuration information comprises transmitting a configuration communication indicating the measurement configuration information, the configuration communication comprising at least one of an RRC message, a MAC CE, or DCI.

In a fifth additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, process700includes transmitting reporting configuration information associated with reporting the RTD information, wherein receiving the RTD information comprises receiving the RTD information based on the reporting configuration information.

In a sixth additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, process700includes performing, based on the RTD information, a cell access procedure associated with a UE.

In a seventh additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the cell access procedure is associated with at least one of inter-band CA at the network node or intra-band CA at the network node.

In an eighth additional aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the cell access procedure is associated with an SSB-less cell provided by the network node.

FIG.8is a diagram of an example apparatus800for wireless communication that supports CA in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus800may be a UE, or a UE may include the apparatus800. In some aspects, the apparatus800includes a reception component802, a transmission component804, and a communication manager808, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses). As shown, the apparatus800may communicate with another apparatus806(such as a UE, a network node, or another wireless communication device) using the reception component802and the transmission component804.

In some aspects, the apparatus800may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection withFIG.5. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus800may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process600ofFIG.6. In some aspects, the apparatus800may include one or more components of the UE described above in connection withFIG.2.

The reception component802may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, and/or data communications, from the apparatus806. The reception component802may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus800, such as the communication manager140. In some aspects, the reception component802may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, de-mapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples), and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components. In some aspects, the reception component802may include one or more antennas, a modem, a demodulator, a MIMO detector, a receive processor, a controller/processor, and/or a memory of the UE described above in connection withFIG.2.

The communication manager808may receive or may cause the reception component802to receive, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The communication manager808may receive or may cause the reception component802to receive, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The communication manager808may transmit or may cause the transmission component804to transmit RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier. In some aspects, the communication manager808may perform one or more operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by one or more components of the communication manager808.

The communication manager808may include a controller/processor, and/or a memory, of the UE described above in connection withFIG.2. In some aspects, the communication manager808may be, be similar to, include, or be included in, the communication manager140described above in connection withFIG.2. In some aspects, the communication manager808includes a set of components. Alternatively, the set of components may be separate and distinct from the communication manager808. In some aspects, one or more components of the set of components may include or may be implemented within a controller/processor, and/or a memory, of the UE described above in connection withFIG.2. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or a processor to perform the functions or operations of the component.

The reception component802may receive, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The reception component802may receive, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The transmission component804may transmit RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

The reception component802may receive measurement configuration information associated with the one or more RTD measurements. The reception component802may receive reporting configuration information associated with reporting the RTD information, wherein transmitting the RTD information comprises transmitting the RTD information based on the reporting configuration information. The communication manager808, the reception component802, and/or the transmission component804may store the RTD information in a memory of the UE.

The communication manager808, the reception component802, and/or the transmission component804may perform, based on the RTD information, a cell access procedure associated with the network node.

FIG.9is a diagram of an example apparatus900for wireless communication that supports CA in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus900may be a network node, or a network node may include the apparatus900. In some aspects, the apparatus900includes a reception component902, a transmission component904, and a communication manager908, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses). As shown, the apparatus900may communicate with another apparatus906(such as a UE, a network node, or another wireless communication device) using the reception component902and the transmission component904.

In some aspects, the apparatus900may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection withFIG.5. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus900may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process700ofFIG.7. In some aspects, the apparatus900may include one or more components of the network node described above in connection withFIG.2.

The reception component902may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, and/or data communications, from the apparatus906. The reception component902may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus900, such as the communication manager150. In some aspects, the reception component902may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, de-mapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples), and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components. In some aspects, the reception component902may include one or more antennas, a modem, a demodulator, a MIMO detector, a receive processor, a controller/processor, and/or a memory of the network node described above in connection withFIG.2.

The communication manager908may transmit or may cause the transmission component904to transmit at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The communication manager908may transmit or may cause the transmission component904to transmit at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The communication manager908may receive or may cause the reception component902to receive RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier. In some aspects, the communication manager908may perform one or more operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by one or more components of the communication manager908.

The communication manager908may include a controller/processor, a memory, a scheduler, and/or a communication unit of the network node described above in connection withFIG.2. In some aspects, the communication manager908may be, be similar to, include, or be included in, the communication manager150described above in connection withFIG.2. In some aspects, the communication manager908includes a set of components. Alternatively, the set of components may be separate and distinct from the communication manager908. In some aspects, one or more components of the set of components may include or may be implemented within a controller/processor, a memory, a scheduler, and/or a communication unit of the network node described above in connection withFIG.2. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or a processor to perform the functions or operations of the component.

The transmission component904may transmit at least one signal associated with a first component carrier. The transmission component904may transmit at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band CA of the first component carrier and the second component carrier. The reception component902may receive RTD information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

The transmission component904may transmit measurement configuration information associated with the one or more RTD measurements. The transmission component904may transmit reporting configuration information associated with reporting the RTD information, wherein receiving the RTD information comprises receiving the RTD information based on the reporting configuration information. The communication manager908, the reception component902, and/or the transmission component904, may perform, based on the RTD information, a cell access procedure associated with a UE.

Aspect 1: A method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus at a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving, from a network node, at least one signal associated with a first component carrier; receiving, from the network node, at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band carrier aggregation (CA) of the first component carrier and the second component carrier; and transmitting receive time difference (RTD) information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein the one or more RTD measurements are based on a drift of a first clock associated with the first component carrier at the network node in relation to a second clock associated with the second component carrier at the network node.

Aspect 3: The method of either of claim 1 or 2, wherein the RTD information indicates at least one RTD metric associated with a sample window associated with the one or more RTD measurements, the sample window comprising a time period within which the one or more RTD measurements are obtained, the at least one RTD metric indicating at least one of: a maximum RTD value, a minimum RTD value, an average RTD value, a standard deviation value, or a time-based trend.

Aspect 4: The method of any of Aspects 1-3, further comprising receiving measurement configuration information associated with the one or more RTD measurements.

Aspect 5: The method of Aspect 4, wherein receiving the measurement configuration information comprises receiving a configuration communication indicating the measurement configuration information, the configuration communication comprising at least one of: a radio resource control (RRC) message, a medium access control control element (MAC CE), or downlink control information (DCI).

Aspect 6: The method of any of Aspects 1-5, further comprising receiving reporting configuration information associated with reporting the RTD information, wherein transmitting the RTD information comprises transmitting the RTD information based on the reporting configuration information.

Aspect 7: The method of any of Aspects 1-6, further comprising: storing the RTD information in a memory of the UE; and performing, based on the RTD information, a cell access procedure associated with the network node.

Aspect 8: The method of Aspect 7, wherein the cell access procedure is associated with at least one of inter-band CA at the network node or intra-band CA at the network node.

Aspect 9: The method of either of claim 7 or 8, wherein the cell access procedure is associated with a synchronization signal block (SSB)-less cell provided by the network node.

Aspect 10: A method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus at a network node, comprising: transmitting at least one signal associated with a first component carrier; transmitting at least one signal associated with a second component carrier associated with an intra-band carrier aggregation (CA) of the first component carrier and the second component carrier; and receiving receive time difference (RTD) information associated with one or more RTD measurements based on the at least one signal associated with the first component carrier and the at least one signal associated with the second component carrier.

Aspect 11: The method of Aspect 10, wherein the one or more RTD measurements are based on a drift of a first clock associated with the first component carrier at the network node in relation to a second clock associated with the second component carrier at the network node.

Aspect 12: The method of either of claim 10 or 11, wherein the RTD information indicates at least one RTD metric associated with a sample window associated with the one or more RTD measurements, the sample window comprising a time period within which the one or more RTD measurements are obtained, the at least one RTD metric indicating at least one of: a maximum RTD value, a minimum RTD value, an average RTD value, a standard deviation value, or a time-based trend.

Aspect 13: The method of any of Aspects 10-12, further comprising transmitting measurement configuration information associated with the one or more RTD measurements.

Aspect 14: The method of Aspect 13, wherein transmitting the measurement configuration information comprises transmitting a configuration communication indicating the measurement configuration information, the configuration communication comprising at least one of: a radio resource control (RRC) message, a medium access control control element (MAC CE), or downlink control information (DCI).

Aspect 15: The method of any of Aspects 10-14, further comprising transmitting reporting configuration information associated with reporting the RTD information, wherein receiving the RTD information comprises receiving the RTD information based on the reporting configuration information.

Aspect 16: The method of any of Aspects 10-15, further comprising performing, based on the RTD information, a cell access procedure associated with a user equipment (UE).

Aspect 17: The method of Aspect 16, wherein the cell access procedure is associated with at least one of inter-band CA at the network node or intra-band CA at the network node.

Aspect 18: The method of either of claim 16 or 17, wherein the cell access procedure is associated with a synchronization signal block (SSB)-less cell provided by the network node.

Aspect 20: A device for wireless communication, comprising a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors operable to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-9.

Aspect 25: A device for wireless communication, comprising a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors operable to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 10-18.

As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construed as hardware or a combination of hardware and software. “Software” shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, or functions, among other examples, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. As used herein, a “processor” is implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. It will be apparent that systems or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems or methods is not limiting of the aspects. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, because those skilled in the art will understand that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems or methods based, at least in part, on the description herein.