SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-SIM

A system and method for detecting the paging of another Subscriber when one Subscriber is in a connected state. The system and method includes configuring, by a wireless communication device, a first subscriber of the wireless communication device into a connection state with a first wireless communication node; configuring, by the wireless communication device, a second subscriber of the wireless communication device into an idle state or an inactive state, wherein the second subscriber is associated with a second wireless communication node; determining, by the wireless communication device, Multi-Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) assistance Information (MAI) that is associated with the second subscriber of the first wireless communication node; and transmitting, by the wireless communication device, the MAI to the first wireless communication node.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to systems and methods for detecting the paging of another Subscriber when one Subscriber is in a connected state.

BACKGROUND

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which has developed the most successful standard technologies in the mobile communication market such as Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) and Long Term Evolution (LTE), is currently carrying out the standardization of Fifth Generation (5G) mobile communication technology. Within 3GPP, Service and System Aspects Working Group 2 (SA2) is responsible for identifying the main functions and entities of the network.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting the paging for another subscriber (e.g., Subscriber2Network B) when one Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber1/Network A) is in a connected state. In some embodiments, the method includes configuring, by a wireless communication device, a first subscriber of the wireless communication device into a connected state with a first wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the method includes configuring, by the wireless communication device, a second subscriber of the wireless communication device into an idle state or an inactive state, wherein the second subscriber is associated with a second wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the method includes determining, by the wireless communication device, Multi-Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) assistance Information (MAI) that is associated with the second subscriber of the second wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting, by the wireless communication device, the MAI to the first wireless communication node

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting the paging of another Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber2/Network B) when one Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber1/Network A) is in a connected state. In some embodiments, the method includes configuring, by a wireless communication device, a first subscriber of the wireless communication device into a connected state with a first wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the method includes configuring, by the wireless communication device, a second subscriber of the wireless communication device into an inactive state or an idle state, wherein the second subscriber is associated with a second wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, by the wireless communication device, a packet comprising a RAN or CN paging message for the second subscriber through the first wireless communication node.

The above and other aspects and their embodiments are described in greater detail in the drawings, the descriptions, and the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following acronyms are used throughout the present disclosure:

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

5G 5th Generation Mobile Networks

CCA Clean Channel Access

CCE Control Channel Element

CDRX Connected Mode Discontinuous Reception

CE Control Element

CG Configured Grant

COT Channel Occupancy Time

DCI Downlink Control Information

DG Dynamic Grant

DL Down Link or Downlink

DRX Discontinuous Reception Cycle

eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

eNB Evolved Node B

ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute

LBT Listen Before Talk/Listen Before Send

LTE Long Term Evolution

MAC Medium Access Control

MAI Multi-SIM Assistance Information

MBMS Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service

MBS Multicast and Broadcast Service

MSC Mobile Switching Center

NACK Negative Acknowledgement

NR Next Generation RAN

OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access

OSI Open Systems Interconnection

PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol

RAN Radio Access Network

RLC Radio Link Control

RNTI radio Network Temporary Identifier

RRC Radio Resource Control

RV Redundancy Version

SIM Subscriber Identification Module

TDM Time Division Mode

UE User Equipment

UL Up Link or Uplink

According to recent discussions by the SA2, the core network (CN) paging of Subscriber 1 could be sent as an internet protocol (IP) packet of Network A. From the perspective of the radio access network (RAN) side, however, even if the core network (CN) paging was sent through an IP packet, the inactive UE (e.g., UE104inFIG.1) still needs to detect the RAN paging and the Inactive/Idle UE still needs to detect the paging to check the system information modification and/or public warning system (PWS) message. That is, when the UE detects the RAN paging and/or the paging that is triggered by the system Information modification and/or PWS, the UE may need to ask (e.g., request, call, query) a time division mode (TDM) Gap from network A to receive the paging message (sometimes referred to as, “Paging Msg”). Thus, for a multi-SIM device, a mechanism is needed for detecting the paging of another Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber2/Network B) when one Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber1/Network A) is in a connected state.

Accordingly, the systems and methods discussed herein provide a mechanism for detecting the paging of another Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber2/Network B) when one Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber1/Network A) is in a connected state.

1. Mobile Communication Technology and Environment

FIG.1illustrates an example wireless communication network, and/or system,100in which techniques disclosed herein may be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network100may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of things (NB-IoT) network, and is herein referred to as “network100.” Such an example network100includes a base station102(hereinafter “BS102”; also referred to as wireless communication node) and a user equipment device104(hereinafter “UE104”; also referred to as wireless communication device) that can communicate with each other via a communication link110(e.g., a wireless communication channel), and a cluster of cells126,130,132,134,136,138and140overlaying a geographical area101. InFIG.1, the BS102and UE104are contained within a respective geographic boundary of cell126. Each of the other cells130,132,134,136,138and140may include at least one base station operating at its allocated bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage to its intended users.

For example, the BS102may operate at an allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide adequate coverage to the UE104. The BS102and the UE104may communicate via a downlink radio frame118, and an uplink radio frame124respectively. Each radio frame118/124may be further divided into sub-frames120/127which may include data symbols122/128. In the present disclosure, the BS102and UE104are described herein as non-limiting examples of “communication nodes,” generally, which can practice the methods disclosed herein. Such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and/or wired communications, in accordance with various embodiments of the present solution.

FIG.2illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless communication system200for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM/OFDMA signals) in accordance with some embodiments of the present solution. The system200may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, system200can be used to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment such as the wireless communication environment100ofFIG.1, as described above.

System200generally includes a base station202(hereinafter “BS202”) and a user equipment device204(hereinafter “UE204”). The BS202includes a BS (base station) transceiver module210, a BS antenna212, a BS processor module214, a BS memory module216, and a network communication module218, each module being coupled and interconnected with one another as necessary via a data communication bus220. The UE204includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module230, a UE antenna232, a UE memory module234, and a UE processor module236, each module being coupled and interconnected with one another as necessary via a data communication bus240. The BS202communicates with the UE204via a communication channel250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for transmission of data as described herein.

In accordance with some embodiments, the UE transceiver230may be referred to herein as an “uplink” transceiver230that includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and a RF receiver each comprising circuitry that is coupled to the antenna232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in time duplex fashion. Similarly, in accordance with some embodiments, the BS transceiver210may be referred to herein as a “downlink” transceiver210that includes a RF transmitter and a RF receiver each comprising circuitry that is coupled to the antenna212. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna212in time duplex fashion. The operations of the two transceiver modules210and230may be coordinated in time such that the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna232for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link250at the same time that the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna212. Conversely, the operations of the two transceivers210and230may be coordinated in time such that the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna212for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link250at the same time that the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna232. In some embodiments, there is close time synchronization with a minimal guard time between changes in duplex direction.

The UE transceiver230and the base station transceiver210are configured to communicate via the wireless data communication link250, and cooperate with a suitably configured RF antenna arrangement212/232that can support a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, the UE transceiver210and the base station transceiver210are configured to support industry standards such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards, and the like. It is understood, however, that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited in application to a particular standard and associated protocols. Rather, the UE transceiver230and the base station transceiver210may be configured to support alternate, or additional, wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

The network communication module218generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and/or other components of the base station202that enable bi-directional communication between base station transceiver210and other network components and communication nodes configured to communication with the base station202. For example, network communication module218may be configured to support internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment, without limitation, network communication module218provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface such that base station transceiver210can communicate with a conventional Ethernet based computer network. In this manner, the network communication module218may include a physical interface for connection to the computer network (e.g., Mobile Switching Center (MSC)). The terms “configured for,” “configured to” and conjugations thereof, as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, refer to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc., that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted and/or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model (referred to herein as, “open system interconnection model”) is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communication used by systems (e.g., wireless communication device, wireless communication node) open to interconnection and communication with other systems. The model is broken into seven subcomponents, or layers, each of which represents a conceptual collection of services provided to the layers above and below it. The OSI Model also defines a logical network and effectively describes computer packet transfer by using different layer protocols. The OSI Model may also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI Model or the seven-layer model. In some embodiments, a first layer may be a physical layer. In some embodiments, a second layer may be a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, a third layer may be a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, a fourth layer may be a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, a fifth layer may be a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, a sixth layer may be a Non Access Stratum (NAS) layer or an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer being the other layer.

A network (e.g., BS102inFIG.1), in some embodiments, may send RAN paging (sometimes referred to as, “a paging message”) of the Subscriber2/Network B through an IP packet of the Subscriber1/Network A. For the paging that is triggered by the system Information modification and/or PWS, the UE (e.g., UE104inFIG.1) can monitor (e.g., detect, observe, etc.) the paging in any paging occasion at least once in one modification period.

In some embodiments, for the RAN paging, a UE (non-access stratum) NAS indicates the application service (AS) that CN paging and/or RAN paging was sent through an IP packet. In some embodiments, the AS does not detect the CN/RAN paging. In some embodiments, once the RAN paging is triggered at the network side, the gNB (e.g., BS102inFIG.1) may send paging related information to the CN (e.g., the RAN paging info can be a container which includes the ASN.1 encoded Paging Msg), then the CN may send it as an IP packet through the other network (e.g., under which the UE is at the connected state). In some embodiments, at the UE side, the upper layer (e.g., Application layer or the NAS layer) may indicate (e.g., transmit, notify, send, etc.) the paging to the AS. In some embodiments, the AS may process the paging that it receives via the Air Interface.

FIG.3illustrates a timing diagram of an example paging procedure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The timing diagram300includes a Subscrber2 NAS302, a Subscrber2 AS304, a Subscrber1 NAS306, a Subscrber1 AS308, a Subscrber1 gNB310, a Subscrber1 CN312, a Subscrber2 gNB314, and/or a Subscrber2 CN316.

At step0, in some embodiments, the Subscriber1 and/or the Subscriber2 finish the registration procedure, and the CN paging can sent through the IP packet of the other network. In some embodiments, the Subscriber1 enters into the connected state and/or the Subscriber2 enters into the inactive state. The subscriber can be a SIM/USIM(Universal Subscriber Identity Module)/eSIM(Embedded-SIM)/iSIM (IP Multimedia Subsystem-SIM) or the subscriber with the subscription data saved in a separate entity.

At step1, in some embodiments, the NAS layer of the Subscriber2 (shown inFIG.3as, “Subscriber2 NAS302”) may indicate the AS layer of Subscriber2 (shown inFIG.3as, “Subscriber2 AS304”) that the RAN/CN paging will be sent through the IP packet of the Subscriber1, then the AS layer of Subscriber 2 may stop monitoring the Ran/CN paging from the air interface.

At step2, in some embodiments, at the network side, the gNB2 (shown inFIG.3as, “Subscriber2 gNB314”) triggers the RAN paging responsive to receiving the user plane data. In some embodiments, the UE is at the inactive state of the AS layer and/or the UE is at the CN-connected state of the CN layer.

At step3, in some embodiments, the gNB2 sends the RAN paging information to the CN2 (shown inFIG.3as, “Subscriber2 CN316”). In some embodiments, the RAN paging info can be a container which includes the ASN.1 encoded Paging Msg.

At step4, in some embodiments, the CN2 of the Subscriber2 sends the paging as an IP packet to the CN of the Subscriber1 (shown inFIG.3as, “Subscriber2 CN312”).

At step5, in some embodiments, the CN1 sends the paging packet as an IP packet. In some embodiments, the UE decodes (e.g., translates, interprets, decrypts, etc.) the IP packet and/or determines (e.g., identifies, etc.) that the paging packet is for the Subscriber2.

At step6, in some embodiments, the UE sends the Paging Msg internally to the Subscriber2 and/or the UE upper layer (e.g., Application layer, NAS layer) may indicate the paging to the AS layer. In some embodiments, the UE upper layer may be an application layer (shown inFIG.3as, “Subscriber2 AS304”) or a NAS layer (shown inFIG.3as, “Subscriber2 NAS302”).

At step7, in some embodiments, the UE may process this RAN paging just as it was received from the Air Interface.

In some embodiments, the second core network (corresponding to the CN of the second subscriber) indicates the second wireless communication node in a Ng/S1 message that it supports to send Ran Paging through an IP packet of the first network, in which, the Ng interface is between RAN and SGC, while the S1 interface is between RAN and EPC. The Ng/S1 interface message can be an NgSetup/S1Setup message or an initialcontextsetup message.

In some embodiments, the Ran paging is triggered by the second wireless communication node when data from the second core network node arrived.

In some embodiments, the second wireless communication node indicates the second core network node the Ran paging message in an Ng/S1 message. The Ran paging message includes the Inactive RNTI (Radio Network Temporary Identity), which indicates the inactive state Identity of the wireless communication device. The Ran paging message can be included in a container of the Ng/S1 message

In some embodiments, the second core network send the ran paging to the first core network of the firs subscriber, and the first core network send this IP packet to the first wireless communication node, and the first wireless communication node send this IP packet to the wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, this method can also be applied for the CN paging for the second subscriber when it was sent through the first network as an IP packet.

In some embodiments, for the paging that was triggered by the system information modification and/or PWS, the UE can check any of the paging occasion (PO) at least once in one system information modification period at idle state and/or inactive state. In some embodiments, the UE can determine how to select the PO.

As discussed in the embodiments below, the UE can negotiate the TDM Gap from network A to receive the Paging Msg. While the following embodiments relate to the assistance information, the UE may instead use a new RRC message to request the TDM Gap and/or to define a new response message for this request.

In some embodiments, the UE can inform the Multi-SIM assistance Information (MAI) of second subscriber to the wireless communication node of the first network. For example,FIG.4illustrates an example structure for UEAssistanceInformation message, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments (sometimes referred to as, “Option 1”), the preferred DRX cycle may be indicated. That is, the UE may determine the preferred DRX cycle based on the Subscriber2 Paging occasion. For example,FIG.5illustrates an example structure for Multi SIMAssistance, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments (sometimes referred to as, “Option 2”), the UE indicates the sfn-offset/frameBoundaryOffset between the network 1 and network 2, and the TDM gap or PO start SFN/FN/symbol, the TDM gap or PO duration, the TDM gap or PO period, and or the SCS. In some embodiments, the start frame number, the start sub-frame number, the start symbol, the duration, the period, and/or the SCS may be based on the configuration of the second network or second wireless communication node.

As another example,FIG.6illustrates an example structure for MultiSIMAssistance, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

3.2 Exemplary Embodiment(s): Determining when and/or how to Indicate MAI

In some embodiments, the UE and/or the network (e.g., network A, network 1, BS102inFIG.1) may need to determine when the UE should indicate the assistance information and/or how to send the assistance information. In some embodiments, the UE indicates the assistance information when the UE needs the TDM Gap to monitor paging and/or the other Subscriber is at active state.

FIG.7illustrates a timing diagram of an example paging procedure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The timing diagram700includes a Subscriber2 NAS702, a Subscriber2 AS704, a Subscriber1 NAS706, a Subscriber1 AS708, a Subscriber1 gNB710, a Subscriber1 CN712, a Subscriber2 gNB714, and/or a Subscriber2 CN716.

At step0, in some embodiments, the UE can indicate it is working at the Multi-SIM card mode during the registration procedure by a NAS message and/or an AS message.

At step1, in some embodiments, if by the NAS message, the CN can indicate the Multi-SIM info to the gNB.

At step2, in some embodiments, the gNB can ask (e.g., request, query, etc.) the UE to report the Multi-SIM assistance information by the indication “MultiSimConfig” in the “otherconfig” element in the RRCConnection Reconfiguration Msg.

At step3, in some embodiments, the UE determines (e.g., decides, defines, etc.) the MAI info by internal coordination.

At step4, in some embodiments, the UE reports the MAI in the UE assistance information Msg.

At step5, in some embodiments, the UE can start (e.g., trigger, initiate, begin, etc.) the Subscriber2 paging monitoring with or without waiting for a response message (sometimes referred to as, “Response Msg”), as in step4. In some embodiments, if the Network1want to modify (e.g., adjust, change, alter, etc.) the TDM Gap, it can also indicate the modified TDM Gap in the Response Msg as in step4.

In some embodiments, the second Subscriber of the wireless communication device can start detecting with or without receiving the response from the first wireless communication node. The response from the first wireless communication node is triggered after the first wireless communication node receiving the MAI. The first wireless communication node can include a TDM Gap information that reserved for the second subscriber in the response message and the Subscriber 2 should take the TDM Gap information into consideration when detecting paging on the second wireless communication network node.

3.3 Exemplary Embodiment(s): Impact of a Change in MAI

When the assistance information changed, how does the UE report to the network? In some embodiments, when the MAI information changed (e.g., a system information change that affects the MAI, a beam change that affects the MAI, or the UE Subscriber2 reselect to other Cell), then the UE can send the corresponding UE assistance information again (e.g., repeats, twice, etc.) to indicate the new MAI. In some embodiments, the UE may use a delta configuration method.

3.4 Exemplary Embodiment(s): Indicating MAI During a Connected State

How does the source gNB indicate the target gNB with the MAI during the connected state mobility? In some embodiments, when the UE moves (e.g., transitions, etc.) from the gNB1 to the gNB2 under the network A of Subscriber1, the UE may indicate the Multi-SIM assistance information from the gNB1 to the gNB2 through the Xn or Ng interface. In some embodiments, the gNB2 may take the Multi-SIM assistance into consideration. In some embodiments, the Multi-SIM assistance information may be sent through the central unit (CU) to the distribution unit (DU) for the DU to reserve the TDM Gap.

FIG.8illustrates an example structure for a HandoverPreparationInformation message, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the Xn interface may be included in the HandoverPreparationInformation message. In some embodiments, the Ng interface may be included in the “Source to Target Transparent Container” of the “HANDOVER REQUIRED’ Msg.

3.4 Exemplary Embodiment(s): Determining when and/or how to Indicate MAI

In some embodiments, for the Dual Rx, the UE can split (e.g., divided, separated, partitioned, etc.) part of PHY/RF resources to detect paging on Subscriber2. In some embodiments (sometimes referred to as, “Option A”), the UE reserves (e.g., allocates, assigns, etc.) part of a RF/PHY resource for the Paging receiving. In some embodiments, the UE may have 2 UE capability sets, one for the single SIM card mode and one for the Multiple-SIM mode.

In some embodiments (sometimes referred to as, “Option B”), the UE reserves part of a RF/PHY resource for the Paging receiving only during the TDM Gap. In some embodiments, the UE sends the TDM gap related info (as discussed herein) of Subscriber2 and/or reduced capability to the network A of Subscriber1. In some embodiments, the Network A may take this reduced capability into consideration, especially for the TDM Gap.

In some embodiments, the MAI information may include the reduced cap info and/or the requested TDM gap information. For example,FIG.9illustrates an example structure for a Multi SIMAssistance message, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

4. Methods for Implementing Exemplary Embodiments from Groups 1-2

FIG.10is a flow diagram depicting a method for detecting the paging of another Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber2/Network B) when one Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber1/Network A) is in a connected state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in the method depending on the particular embodiment. In some embodiments, some or all operations of method1000may be performed by a wireless communication node, such as BS102inFIG.1. In some operations, some or all operations of method1000may be performed by a wireless communication device, such as UE104inFIG.1. Each operation may be re-ordered, added, removed, or repeated.

As shown, the method1000includes, in some embodiments, the operation1002of configuring, by a wireless communication device, a first subscriber of the wireless communication device into a connection state with a first wireless communication node. The method includes, in some embodiments, the operation1004of configuring, by the wireless communication device, a second subscriber of the wireless communication device into an idle state or an inactive state, wherein the second subscriber is associated with a second wireless communication node. The method includes, in some embodiments, the operation1006of determining, by the wireless communication device, Multi-Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) assistance Information (MAI) that is associated with the second subscriber of the first wireless communication node. The method includes, in some embodiments, the operation1008of transmitting, by the wireless communication device, the MAI to the first wireless communication node.

FIG.11is a flow diagram depicting a method for detecting the paging of another Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber2Network B) when one Subscriber (e.g., Subscriber1/Network A) is in a connected state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in the method depending on the particular embodiment. In some embodiments, some or all operations of method1100may be performed by a wireless communication node, such as BS102inFIG.1. In some operations, some or all operations of method1100may be performed by a wireless communication device, such as UE104inFIG.1. Each operation may be re-ordered, added, removed, or repeated.

As shown, the method1100includes, in some embodiments, the operation1102of configuring, by a wireless communication device, a first subscriber of the wireless communication device into a connection state with a first wireless communication node. The method includes, in some embodiments, the operation1104of configuring, by the wireless communication device, a second subscriber of the wireless communication device into an inactive state or an idle state, wherein the second subscriber is associated with a second wireless communication node. The method includes, in some embodiments, the operation1106of receiving, by the wireless communication device, a packet comprising a paging message for the second subscriber through the first wireless communication node.

Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as recited in the claims below.