Network operations for independent measurement gap configuration

A network cell is connected to a user equipment (UE) that supports an independent measurement gap configuration. The cell establishes a connection to the UE, receives an indication that the UE supports an independent measurement gap configuration for new radio in an unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) and transmits measurement gap configuration information to the UE, wherein the UE configures a measurement gap pattern based on the measurement gap configuration information.

BACKGROUND

A user equipment (UE) may camp on a cell of a corresponding network to establish a network connection. When camped, the UE may be configured with a measurement gap pattern that includes a measurement gap and a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP). The measurement gap may represent a time window during which the UE may collect measurement data corresponding to cells other than currently configured serving cells. The MGRP may represent the time duration between two consecutive measurement gaps.

Fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) coverage may be extended to the unlicensed spectrum (5G NR-U). A 5G NR-U capable UE may be configured with one or more measurement gap patterns. In some scenarios, a measurement gap may be configured for multiple different types of measurements, e.g., inter-frequency, inter-radio access technology (inter-RAT), licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, etc. For example, the UE may be configured with a measurement gap that is to be used for both 5G NR cells and 5G NR-U cells. In other scenarios, a measurement gap may be configured for a particular type of measurement. For example, the UE may be configured with an independent measurement gap for 5G NR-U cells.

SUMMARY

Some exemplary aspects are related to a method performed by a cell of a network. The method includes establishing a connection to a user equipment (UE), receiving an indication that the UE supports an independent measurement gap configuration for new radio in an unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) and transmitting measurement gap configuration information to the UE, wherein the UE configures a measurement gap pattern based on the measurement gap configuration information.

Other exemplary aspects are related to a cell having a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE). The processor is configured to perform operations that include establishing a connection to the UE, receiving an indication that the UE supports an independent measurement gap configuration for new radio in an unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) and transmitting measurement gap configuration information to the UE, wherein the UE configures a measurement gap pattern based on the measurement gap configuration information.

Still further exemplary aspects are related to an integrated circuit for use in a cell. Then integrated circuit includes circuitry configured to establish a connection to a user equipment (UE), circuitry configured to receive an indication that the UE supports an independent measurement gap configuration for new radio in the unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) and circuitry configured to transmit a measurement gap configuration information to the UE, wherein the UE configures a measurement gap pattern based on the measurement gap configuration information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with reference to the following description and the related appended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments relate to implementing an independent measurement gap configuration for a fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) in the unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) capable user equipment (UE). The exemplary embodiments provide the network and UE with mechanisms to handle situations related to measurement gaps for 5G NR-U.

When camped on a cell of a network, the UE may be configured with a measurement gap pattern that includes a measurement gap and a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP). Those skilled in the art will understand that the term “measurement gap” generally refers to a time duration during which the UE may collect measurement data corresponding to cells other than a currently configured serving cell. For example, while camped on a first cell of a first network, the UE may be configured with a measurement gap during which the UE may scan various frequencies for signals broadcast by other cells, e.g., a second cell of the first network, a first cell of a second network, etc. The UE may collect measurement data based on the signals received during the measurement gap. The measurement data collected by the UE may then be used by the UE and/or the network for a variety of different purposes including, but not limited to, cell selection, cell reselection, handover, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity, radio resource management, etc.

Those of skilled in the art will also understand that the term “MGRP” may generally refer to a time duration between two consecutive measurement gaps. For example, consider a scenario in which a measurement gap pattern is configured with a measurement gap length of (Y) seconds and a MGRP of (X) seconds. Initially, a first measurement gap is triggered. The UE may then tune its transceiver to one or more frequencies scanning for signals broadcast by one of more different types of target cells for (Y) seconds. After the expiration of the measurement gap, the UE may return tune back to its serving cell. A second measurement gap may be triggered (X) seconds after the first measurement gap. The UE may once again tune its transceiver to one or more frequencies scanning for signals broadcast by one of more different types of target cells for (Y) seconds. The above example is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments in any way. Instead, the above example is merely provided as a general example of the relationship between a measurement gap and a MGRP.

The UE may be capable of supporting multiple concurrent independent measurement gap patterns. In some scenarios, a measurement gap may be configured for multiple different types of measurements, e.g., inter-frequency, inter-radio access technology (inter-RAT), licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, etc. For example, the UE may be configured with a measurement gap that is to be used for both 5G NR cells and 5G NR-U cells. In other scenarios, a measurement gap may be configured for a particular type of measurement. For example, the UE may be configured with an independent measurement gap for 5G NR-U cells. The exemplary embodiments provide the network and UE with mechanisms to handle situations related to measurement gaps configured for 5G NR-U.

FIG.1shows an exemplary network arrangement100according to various exemplary embodiments. The exemplary network arrangement100includes a UE110. Those skilled in the art will understand that the UE110may be any type of electronic component that is configured to communicate via a network, e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, desktop computers, smartphones, phablets, embedded devices, wearables, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc. It should also be understood that an actual network arrangement may include any number of UEs being used by any number of users. Thus, the example of a single UE110is merely provided for illustrative purposes.

The UE110may be configured to communicate with one or more networks. In the example of the network configuration100, the network with which the UE110may wirelessly communicate is a 5G NR radio access network (RAN)120, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) RAN122and a WLAN124. However, it should be understood that the UE110may also communicate with other types of networks (e.g. 5G cloud RAN, legacy cellular network, etc.) and the UE110may also communicate with networks over a wired connection. With regard to the exemplary embodiments, the UE110may establish a connection with the 5G NR RAN120, the LTE RAN122and/or the WLAN124. Therefore, the UE110may have a 5G NR chipset to communicate with the NR RAN120, an LTE chipset to communicate with the LTE-RAN122and an ISM chipset to communicate with the WLAN124.

The 5G NR RAN120and the LTE-RAN122may be portions of a cellular network that may be deployed by a network carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.). The RANs120,122may include, for example, cells or base stations (Node Bs, eNodeBs, HeNBs, eNBS, gNBs, gNodeBs, macrocells, microcells, small cells, femtocells, etc.) that are configured to send and receive traffic from UEs that are equipped with the appropriate cellular chip set. The WLAN124may include any type of wireless local area network (WiFi, Hot Spot, IEEE 802.11x networks, etc.).

In network arrangement100, the 5G NR RAN120includes a first 5G NR cell120A, a second 5G NR cell120B, a first 5G NR-U cell120C and a second 5G NR-U cell120D. Further, the LTE-RAN120includes a first LTE cell122A and a second LTE cell122B. However, an actual network arrangement may include any number of cells being deployed by any number of RANs. Thus, the example of two 5G NR cells120A,120B, two 5G NR-U cells120C,120D and two LTE cells122A,122B is merely provided for illustrative purposes.

The cells (e.g.,120A-120D,122A,122B) may include one or more communication interfaces to exchange data and/or information with UEs, the corresponding RAN, the cellular core network130, the internet140, etc. Further, the cells may include a processor configured to perform various operations. For example, the processor of the cell may be configured to perform operations related to configuring a measurement gap for a currently camped UE and transmitting signals that may be used by a UE to derive measurement data during a configured measurement gap. However, reference to a processor is merely for illustrative purposes. The operations of the cell may also be represented as a separate incorporated component of the base station or may be a modular component coupled to the base station, e.g., an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry to receive signals and processing circuitry to process the signals and other information. In addition, in some base stations, the functionality of the processor is split among two or more processors such as a baseband processor and an applications processor. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented in any of these or other configurations of a base station.

As will be described in more detail below with regard toFIG.2, the exemplary embodiments relate to scenarios that may include carrier aggregation (CA) and/or dual connectivity (DC). Thus, in some embodiments, the UE110may be connected to both the 5G NR-RAN120and the LTE-RAN122. However, reference to separate 5G NR-RAN120and LTE-RAN122is merely provided for illustrative purposes. An actual network arrangement may include a radio access network that includes architecture that is capable of providing both 5G NR RAT and LTE RAT services. For example, a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) (not pictured) may include a next generation Node B (gNB) that provides 5G NR services and a next generation evolved Node B (ng-eNB) that provides LTE services. The NG-RAN may be connected to at least one of the evolved packet core (EPC) or the 5G core (5GC). Thus, in one exemplary configuration, the UE110may achieve DC by establishing a connection to at least one cell corresponding to the 5G NR-RAN120and at least one cell corresponding to the LTE-RAN122. In another exemplary configuration, the UE110may achieve DC by establishing a connection to at least two cells corresponding to the NG-RAN or other type of similar RAN. Further, the 5G NR-RAN120is shown as supporting both 5G NR cells and 5G NR-U cells. While these cells are shown as being connected to the same RAN, this is merely for illustrative purposes. In an actual network arrangement, 5G NR cells and 5G NR-U cells may each correspond to a different RAN. Accordingly, the example of the 5G NR-RAN120and the LTE-RAN122is merely provided for illustrative purposes.

Returning to the exemplary network arrangement100, the UE110may connect to the 5G NR-RAN120via at least one of the cells120A-120D. The UE110may connect to the LTE-RAN122via at least one of the cells122A-122B. Those skilled in the art will understand that any association procedure may be performed for the UE110to connect to the 5G NR-RAN120or the LTE-RAN122. For example, as discussed above, the 5G NR-RAN120may be associated with a particular cellular provider where the UE110and/or the user thereof has a contract and credential information (e.g., stored on a SIM card). Upon detecting the presence of the 5G NR-RAN120, the UE110may transmit the corresponding credential information to associate with the 5G NR-RAN120. More specifically, the UE110may associate with a specific cell (e.g., the cells120A-120D). Similarly, for access to LTE services, the UE110may associate with cell122A. However, as mentioned above, reference to the 5G NR-RAN120and the LTE-RAN122is merely for illustrative purposes and any appropriate type of RAN may be used.

In addition to the networks120-124the network arrangement100also includes a cellular core network130, the Internet140, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)150, and a network services backbone160. The cellular core network130may be considered to be the interconnected set of components that manages the operation and traffic of the cellular network. The cellular core network130also manages the traffic that flows between the cellular network and the Internet140. The IMS150may be generally described as an architecture for delivering multimedia services to the UE110using the IP protocol. The IMS150may communicate with the cellular core network130and the Internet140to provide the multimedia services to the UE110. The network services backbone160is in communication either directly or indirectly with the Internet140and the cellular core network130. The network services backbone160may be generally described as a set of components (e.g., servers, network storage arrangements, etc.) that implement a suite of services that may be used to extend the functionalities of the UE110in communication with the various networks.

As mentioned above, the exemplary embodiments provide the network and UE with mechanisms to handle situations related to measurement gaps for 5G NR-U.FIG.2shows a table200that describes various example scenarios for the deployment of a system that includes 5G NR-U. The table200will be described with regard to the network arrangement100ofFIG.1. Throughout this description, some of the exemplary embodiments may reference the example scenarios of the table200.

Scenario A of the table200relates to CA with one or more 5G NR cells and one or more 5G NR-U cells. CA may include a primary component carrier (PCC) and at least one secondary component carrier (SCC) being used to facilitate communication with the network. The PCC may be used, in part, for control information such as scheduling requests, uplink grants, downlink grants, etc. CA functionality enables the network to use the PCC and at least one SCC to combine bandwidths to exchange data with the UE110. Thus, with CA, the PCC may provide a first portion of a total bandwidth for data to be exchanged while the SCC may provide a second portion of the total bandwidth. The combination of a PCC and a single SCC may be characterized as a CC combination that includes two carriers. To further increase the total available bandwidth for data to be exchanged with the UE110, additional SCCs may be incorporated. For example, there may be CC combinations that include, but are not limited to, two carriers, five carriers, ten carriers, twelve carriers, sixteen carriers, twenty carriers, twenty-five carriers, thirty-two carriers, sixty-four carriers, etc.

To provide an example of scenario A within the context of the network arrangement100, the UE110may be configured with a PCC to communicate with a primary cell (PCell) that operates in the licensed spectrum (e.g., 5G NR cell120A or 5G NR cell120B) and a SCC to communicate with a secondary cell (SCell) that operates in the unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5G NR-U cell122A or 5G NR-U cell122B). In this example, the 5G NR-U cell operating as the SCell may be used for both uplink and downlink communications or only downlink communications. This example is not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments and instead is used to demonstrate a general example in which 5G NR-U and 5G NR may be used to provide CA.

Scenario B of the table200relates to DC with one or more LTE cells and one or more 5G NR-U cells. Throughout this description, DC may generally refer to a UE110that is configured to transmit and receive on a plurality of CCs corresponding to cells associated with different RATs (e.g., 5G NR, 5G NR-U, LTE, etc.). The UE may achieve DC via one or more cells of a master cell group (MCG) and one or more cells of a secondary cell group (SCG). Like CA, DC may include various different types of CC combinations.

To provide an example of scenario B within the context of the network arrangement100, the UE110may be configured with an MCG that includes one or more LTE cells (e.g., LTE cell122A,122B) and a SCG that includes one or more 5G NR-U cells (e.g., 5G NR-U cells120C,120D). From a protocol stack perspective, in some embodiments, the UE110may have a control plane and a user plane with the LTE-RAN122via the MCG and a control plane and a user plane with the 5G NR-RAN120via the SCG. In other embodiments, the UE110have a control plane with the LTE-RAN122via the MCG and a user plane with the 5G NR-RAN120via the SCG (or vice versa). This example is not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments and instead is used to demonstrate a general example in which LTE and 5G NR-U may be used to provide DC.

Scenario C of the table200relates to standalone 5G NR-U. In this type of scenario, the UE110may access network services from 5G NR-U cells (e.g., 5G NR-U cells120C,120D) without the use of any licensed carrier. The UE110may communicate with the 5G NR-U cells in both the uplink and the downlink. Standalone 5G NR-U may also encompass a CA scenario that includes multiple 5G NR-U cells.

Scenario D of the table200relates to standalone 5G NR-U with an uplink in the licensed spectrum. In this type of scenario, the UE110may access network services from 5G NR-U cells (e.g., 5G NR-U cells120C,120D). The UE110may also be configured to transmit information and/or data to the network using an uplink to a cell that operates in the licensed spectrum (e.g., 5G NR cell120A, 5G NR cell120B, LTE cell122A, LTE cell122B). The scope of the exemplary scenario D may overlap with the scope of exemplary scenario A and scenario B.

Scenario E of the table200relates to DC with one or more 5G NR cells and one or more 5G NR-U cells. For example, the UE110may be configured with an MCG that includes one or more 5G NR cells (e.g., 5G NR cells120A,120B) and a SCG that includes one or more 5G NR-U cells (e.g., 5G NR-U cells120C,120d). From a protocol stack perspective, in some embodiments, the UE110may have a control plane and a user plane via the MCG and a control plane and a user plane with via SCG. In other embodiments, the UE110have a control plane with the via the MCG and a user plane via the SCG (or vice versa). This example is not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments and instead is used to demonstrate a general example in which 5G NR and 5G NR-U may be used to provide DC.

FIG.3shows an exemplary UE110according to various exemplary embodiments. The UE110will be described with regard to the network arrangement100ofFIG.1. The UE110may represent any electronic device and may include a processor305, a memory arrangement310, a display device315, an input/output (I/O) device320, a transceiver325and other components330. The other components330may include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a battery that provides a limited power supply, a data acquisition device, ports to electrically connect the UE110to other electronic devices, etc.

The processor305may be configured to execute a plurality of engines of the UE110. For example, the engines may include a measurement gap configuration engine335. The measurement gap configuration engine335may perform operations associated with configuring a measurement gap and collecting measurement data in accordance with a corresponding measurement gap pattern.

The memory310may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by the UE110. The display device315may be a hardware component configured to show data to a user while the I/O device320may be a hardware component that enables the user to enter inputs. The display device315and the I/O device320may be separate components or integrated together such as a touchscreen. The transceiver325may be a hardware component configured to establish a connection with the 5G NR-RAN120, the LTE-RAN122, the WLAN124, etc. Accordingly, the transceiver325may operate on a variety of different frequencies or channels (e.g., set of consecutive frequencies).

The UE110may be equipped with multiple radio frequency (RF) chains. For example, the transceiver325may include one or more RF chains that may be used for receiving and/or transmitting an over the air (OTA) signal. In some embodiments, to facilitate concurrent independent measurement gap patterns, a first RF chain may be used for operations corresponding to a first measurement gap pattern and a second RF chain may be used for operations corresponding to a second measurement gap pattern. Those skilled in the art will understand the type of hardware, software and/or firmware components that may be used to operate an RF chain. The exemplary embodiments may apply to an RF chain that is implemented using any appropriate set of components. In addition, the use of one or two RF chains is only exemplary, the UE110may have any number of RF chains.

FIG.4shows a signaling diagram400for independent measurement gap configuration for 5G NR-U according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram400will be described with regard to the network arrangement100ofFIG.1and the UE110ofFIG.2.

The signaling diagram400includes the UE110, a first cell402and a second cell404. In this example, the first cell402represents a currently camped cell and the second cell404represents any type of neighbor cell, e.g., inter-frequency, inter-RAT, licensed access, unlicensed access, etc. The signaling diagram400provides a general overview of the type of signaling that may occur before and after the configuration of a measurement gap. However, throughout the description of the signaling diagram400, specific examples may reference the scenarios of the table200. Accordingly, in some examples, the first cell402and/or the second cell404may be characterized by specific properties.

In410, the UE110is camped on the first cell402. To provide some examples, within the context of scenarios A and E of the table200, the first cell402may be an 5G NR cell (e.g., 5G NR cell120A,120B). Within the context of scenario B of the table200, the first cell402may be an LTE cell (e.g., LTE cells,122A,122B). Within the context of scenarios A-E of the table200, the first cell402may be a 5G NR-U cell (e.g., 5G NR-U cells120C,120D). Thus, the first cell402may be a 5G NR-U cell or a cell of a different RAT. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the first cell402being any particular type of cell and may apply to the UE110being camped on any appropriate type of cell in410.

In415, the UE110may transmit an indication of one or more capabilities related to an independent measurement gap for 5G NR-U. For example, capability information may be transmitted to the first cell402in response to a capability query during radio resource control (RRC) signaling. However, this example is merely provided for illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiments may transmit this indication at any appropriate time using any appropriate mechanism. Further, as will be described in more detail below, the network may configure the UE110with one or more measurement gaps based on the indication transmitted in415.

In some embodiments, the capability information may include an information element (IE) that may be used to indicate one or more UE110capabilities related to an independent measurement gap for 5G NR-U. In this example, this IE (or field) may be referred to as “independentGapConfigCCA” where CCA stands for clear channel assessment. The independentGapConfigCCA IE may indicate whether the UE110supports two independent measurement gaps, one independent measurement gap for licensed band cell measurements and one independent measurement gap for NR-U cell measurements. The independentGapConfigCCA IE may also indicate whether the UE110supports licensed band cell measurements without gaps when the UE110is configured with only 5G NR-U serving cells. The independentGapConfigCCA IE may further indicate whether the UE110supports the 5G NR-U cell measurements without gaps when the UE10is configured with only licensed band serving cells. Thus, using one or more bits, the UE110may implicitly indicate to the network one or more capabilities related to an independent measurement gap for 5G NR-U.

As mentioned above, the UE110may be equipped with multiple RF chains. The RF chains may enable the UE110to support two or more independent measurement gaps and gapless measurements. For example, a first RF chain may be used for collecting measurement data in accordance with one of the independent measurement gap configurations and a second RF chain may be used for collecting measurement data in accordance with the other independent measurement gap configuration. Further, since one RF chain may be used for licensed band cells and one RF chain may be used for 5G NR-U cells, the UE110may support measurements without gaps. For example, when the UE110is configured with only 5G NR-U serving cells, the UE110may implement measurement gaps to measure other 5G NR-U cells. However, since the UE110is not configured with any licensed band serving cells, there is no licensed band serving cell to tune away from during a measurement gap. Accordingly, the UE110may support measurements without gaps for licensed band cells when configured with only 5G NR-U serving cells or vice versa.

For CA and DC, the UE110may be configured to advertise supported band combinations. In some embodiments, the UE110may include an indication that is specific to one or more particular band combinations. Thus, the indication in415may represent one or more indications, each specific to one or more particular band combinations.

In420, the network configures one or more measurement gaps for the UE110. Although this operation is shown as being specific to the first cell402in the signaling diagram400, this operation may be performed by any appropriate set of one or more network components (e.g., the first cell402, the corresponding RAN, the core network130, a network function, a master node, a secondary node, a SCell, a PSCell, etc.).

If the UE110indicates that the UE110does not support an independent measurement gap for 5G NR-U in415, the network may configure a legacy measurement gap that may be used for both licensed band cell measurements and 5G NR-U cell measurements. Alternatively, if the UE110indicates that the UE110is capable of supporting an independent measurement gap for 5G NR-U in415, the network may configure i) a legacy measurement gap that may be used for both licensed band cell measurements and 5G NR-U cell measurements or ii) a legacy measurement gap that may be used for licensed band cell measurements and an independent measurement gap for 5G NR-U cell measurements.

Within the context of scenarios B and E of the table200, in some embodiments, a master node may configure one or more measurement gaps for both licensed band cell measurement and 5G NR-U cell measurement. In other embodiments, the master node may configure a measurement gap for licensed band cell measurement and a secondary node may configure a measurement gap for 5G NR-U cell measurement.

In425, the first cell402may transmit measurement gap configuration information to the UE110. Like the indication transmitted in415, the measurement gap configuration information may be transmitted during RRC signaling. However, this example is merely provided for illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiments may transmit this indication at any appropriate time using any appropriate mechanism.

The measurement gap configuration information may include information such as, but not limited to, a measurement gap length, a MGRP, a timing offset, a gap pattern ID, subframe information, relevant CC, relevant target cells, etc. If the measurement gap configuration information is for both licensed band cell measurement and 5G NR-U cell measurement, the measurement gap configuration information will include an explicit or implicit indication. Similarly, if the measurement gap configuration information is for licensed band cell measurement only or 5G NR-U cell measurement only, the measurement gap configuration information will include an explicit or implicit indication. Based on the measurement gap configuration information, the UE110may be able to determine the timing of the assigned measurement gap pattern. At this time, both the UE110and the network are synchronized with regard to the measurement gap pattern, e.g., the UE110knows when to monitor for signals that may be used to derive measurement data for cells other than the cell402.

In430, a measurement gap is scheduled to occur. In435, the second cell404transmits a signal during the measurement gap in430. For example, in435, the second cell404may transmit a reference signal or any other appropriate signal. In response, the UE110may derive measurement data such as, reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), etc. As mentioned above, the measurement data collected by the UE110may then be used by the UE and/or the network for a variety of different purposes including, but not limited to, cell selection, cell reselection, handover, carrier aggregation, dual connectivity, radio resource management, etc. Thus, the measurement data may trigger subsequent operations at the UE110side and/or may be transmitted to the network for subsequent processing. However, the type of measurement data collected and the type of behavior that may be triggered by the measurement data is beyond the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Instead, the exemplary embodiments are directed towards UE110and network behavior with regard to configuring and implementing a measurement gap that may be used for 5G NR-U. Specific examples of UE110and network behavior during the measurement gap will be described in more detail below.

Initially, consider a scenario in which the UE110is currently configured with only one or more licensed band serving cells. For example, the cell402may be one of the 5G NR cells120A,120B, or the LTE cells122A,122B. If the network indicates that the measurement gap configuration information in425applies to both licensed band cell measurement and unlicensed band cell measurement, the measurement gap of430may be used for both licensed band cell measurement and unlicensed band cell measurement. In another example, if the network indicates that the measurement gap configuration information in425applies to only licensed band cell measurement, the measurement gap of430may be used for licensed band cell measurement. The UE110may then perform 5G NR-U cell measurements based on an effective MGRP of (X). For example, X may be equal to 40 milliseconds (ms) or any other appropriate time duration. Since there is no 5G NR-U serving cell, the corresponding RF chain does not need to tune away from a 5G NR-U serving cell. Thus, the UE110may attempt to collect measurement data from 5G NR-U cells based on the effective MGRP of (X), however, a measurement gap may not be utilized because there is no tuning away from a serving cell.

Next, consider a scenario in which the UE110is currently configured with both one or more licensed band serving cells and one or more 5G NR-U serving cell. If the network indicates that the measurement gap configuration information in425applies to both licensed band cell measurement and unlicensed band cell measurement, the measurement gap of430may be used for both licensed band cell measurement and unlicensed band cell measurement.

Further, consider a scenario in which the UE110is currently configured with one or more 5G NR-U serving cells and there is no currently configured licensed band serving cell. In some embodiments, regardless of whether an explicit legacy measurement gap is configured for licensed band 5G NR cells, a preconfigured effective MGRP may be used for collecting measurement data corresponding to licensed band 5G NR cells. For example, the UE110may implement a 20 ms effective MGRP for frequency range 2 (FR2) 5G NR measurements, a 40 ms effective MGRP for frequency range 1 (FR1) 5G NR measurements, a 40 ms effective MGRP for LTE measurements and/or a 40 ms effective MGRP FR1 5G NR measurements and LTE measurements. As indicated above, since there is no licensed band serving cell an actual measurement gap may not be utilized because there is no serving cell to tune away from. Further, reference to 20 ms and 40 ms is merely provided for illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiments may apply to any appropriate time duration for this effective MGRP.

The following examples describe the behavior of the UE110during the measurement gap430within the context of the exemplary scenarios of the table200when the measurement gap430is dedicated for 5G NR-U cell measurement. Within the context of scenario A of the table200, the UE110may not be required to perform reception from or transmission to 5G NR-U serving SCells during the measurement gap dedicated for 5G NR-U except for the reception of signals used for radio resource management measurements and signals used for a random access procedure. In other words, the UE110may tune away from 5G NR-U serving SCells for the reception of signals from 5G NR-U neighbor cells during the measurement gap. However, the UE110may omit tuning away from or may tune back to 5G NR-U serving SCells during the measurement gap for radio resource management or for a random access procedure corresponding to the 5G NR-U serving SCells.

Within the context of scenario B and E of the table200, the UE110may not be required to perform reception from or transmission to 5G NR-U cells of the SCG (e.g., a primary secondary cell (PSCell), one or more SCells, etc.) during the measurement gap dedicated for 5G NR-U except for the reception of signals used for radio resource management measurements and signals used for a random access procedure. In other words, the UE110may tune away from 5G NR-U cells of the SCG for the reception of signals from 5G NR-U neighbor cells during the measurement gap. However, the UE110may omit tuning away from or may tune back to 5G NR-U cells of the SCG during the measurement gap for radio resource management or for a random access procedure corresponding to the 5G NR-U cells of the SCG.

Within the context of scenarios C and D of the table200, the UE110may not be required to perform reception from or transmission to 5G NR-U serving cells during the measurement gap dedicated for 5G NR-U except for the reception of signals used for radio resource management measurements and signals used for a random access procedure. In other words, the UE110may tune away from 5G NR-U serving cells for the reception of signals from 5G NR-U neighbor cells during the measurement gap. However, the UE110may omit tuning away from or may tune back to 5G NR-U serving cells during the measurement gap for radio resource management or for a random access procedure corresponding to the 5G NR-U serving cells.

The following examples describe situations related to 5G NR-U measurement during which interruptions to one of licensed band cells or 5G NR-U cells may occur. Generally, in this context, an interruption may refer to an interruption to the data or control channel connection or an interruption to reference signal transmission/reception.

In a first example, consider a scenario in which the UE110does not support an independent measurement gap configuration for 5G NR-U. In this example, interruptions to licensed band serving cells may be caused by UE110activities on its 5G NR-U cells such as, but not limited to, 5G NR-U SCell addition, 5G NR-U SCell release, 5G NR-U SCell activation, 5G NR-U SCell deactivation and 5G NR-U bandwidth part (BWP) switching.

In a second example, consider a scenario in which the UE110is not configured with an independent measurement gap configuration for 5G NR-U. In this example, interruptions to 5G NR-U serving cells may be caused by UE110activities on its licensed band cells such as, but not limited to, 5G NR SCell addition, 5G NR SCell release, 5G NR SCell activation, 5G NR SCell deactivation and 5G NR BWP switching.

In a third example, consider a scenario in which the UE110does support an independent measurement gap configuration for 5G NR-U. In this example, interruptions to licensed band serving cells may only be caused by UE110activities on its licensed band serving cells such as, but not limited to, 5G NR SCell addition, 5G NR SCell release, 5G NR SCell activation, 5G NR SCell deactivation and 5G NR BWP switching.

In a fourth example, consider a scenario in which the UE110does support an independent measurement gap configuration for 5G NR-U. In this example, interruptions to 5G NR-U serving cells may only be caused by UE110activities on its 5G NR-U serving cells such as, but not limited to, 5G NR-U SCell addition, 5G NR-U SCell release, 5G NR-U SCell activation, 5G NR-U SCell deactivation and 5G NR-U BWP switching.