On-demand system information

A wireless network may provide system information by either a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or in response to a request by a user equipment (UE). The wireless network may broadcast (or broad-beam transmit) a signal that indicates to the UEs within a cell or zone coverage area that system information is to be transmitted on a fixed periodic schedule or in response to a request sent by one or more UEs.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure, for example, relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to the transmission of on-demand system information in a wireless communication system, such as a wireless communication system having a user equipment (UE)-centric network.

Description of Related Art

By way of example, a wireless multiple-access communication system may include a number of base stations, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, otherwise known as user equipments (UEs). A base station may communicate with UEs on downlink channels (e.g., for transmissions from a base station to a UE) and uplink channels (e.g., for transmissions from a UE to a base station).

In a wireless multiple-access communication system, each cell of a network may broadcast synchronization signals and system information for UEs to discover. Upon discovering the synchronization signals and system information broadcast by a particular cell, a UE may perform an initial access procedure to access the network via the cell. The cell via which the UE accesses the network may become the UE's serving cell. As the UE moves within the network, the UE may discover other cells (e.g., neighboring cells) and determine whether a handover of the UE to a neighboring cell or a cell reselection is warranted.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to the transmission of on-demand system information in a wireless communication system, such as a wireless communication system having a user equipment (UE)-centric network. Wireless communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) communication systems have a network-centric network. In a wireless communication system having a network-centric network, the network perpetually broadcasts synchronization signals and system information for UEs to discover. Upon discovering the synchronization signals and system information broadcast by a particular cell, a UE may perform an initial access procedure to access the network via the cell. Once connected to the network, the UE may discover other cells as it moves within the network. The other cells may broadcast different synchronization signals or system information. A wireless communication system having a network-centric network therefore entails various signal broadcasts, which broadcasts consume power and may or may not be received or used by some or all of a cell's UEs.

A wireless communication system having a network-centric network also places relatively more of the network processing on UEs (e.g., a UE identifies a first serving cell upon initially accessing the network, and then identifies and monitors handover targets (other serving cells) as part of its mobility management). The present disclosure therefore describes a wireless communication system in which system information may be transmitted after being requested by one or more UEs. In some cases, the system information may be transmitted to a UE in a unicast or narrow-beam operation. In some cases, the wireless communication system in which the system information is transmitted may have a UE-centric network.

In a first set of illustrative examples, a method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) is described. In one configuration, the method may include receiving a first signal, where the first signal includes an indication of whether system information is to be requested by the UE, and obtaining system information in accordance with the indication.

In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information may include sending a request for system information in accordance with the indication, and receiving system information in response to the request. In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information may include receiving system information via a second signal in accordance with the indication. The second signal may be transmitted via a broadcast or broad-beam operation. In some embodiments of the method, receiving the first signal may include receiving information indicating where a request for system information is to be sent by the UE. In some embodiments of the method, receiving the first signal may include receiving information indicating a predetermined channel on which system information is to be transmitted via a second broadcast signal via a broadcast or broad-beam operation. In some embodiments of the method, the first signal may be a synchronization signal.

In some embodiments of the method, receiving the first signal may include receiving the first signal as part of a broad-beam operation in a massive multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) network. In these embodiments, obtaining system information may include receiving system information as part of a broad-beam or narrow-beam operation.

In some embodiments of the method, receiving the first signal may include receiving the first signal as part of a broadcast operation in a non-massive MIMO network. In some embodiments, obtaining system information may include receiving system information as part of a broadcast or unicast operation.

In some embodiments, the method may further include identifying one or more services for which system information is to be obtained, where obtaining the system information may include obtaining system information for the identified one or more services in accordance with the indication. In these examples, obtaining the system information may include sending a request for system information for the one or more services; and receiving the system information for the one or more services in response to the request. In some examples, obtaining the system information may include sending a separate request for system information for each of the one or more services, each request being for system information of a different service; and receiving, individually, system information for the one or more services in response to each request.

In some embodiments of the method, the indication may be a first indication, and receiving the first signal may include receiving a second indication that system information for the one or more services is to be broadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or more predetermined channels.

In some embodiments of the method, the indication may be a first indication, and receiving the first signal may include receiving a second indication that system information for the one or more services is available. In these examples, obtaining system information may include sending one or more requests for system information for the one or more services in accordance with the first indication and the second indication; and receiving system information for the one or more services in response to the one or more requests. In some of these examples, receiving the first signal may include receiving information identifying a target device where one or more requests for system information for the one or more services are to be sent. In some examples, receiving the first signal may include receiving information identifying one or more time periods corresponding to when one or more requests for system information for the one or more services are to be sent, where each time period corresponds to a separate service of the one or more services. In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information may include receiving system information for the one or more services via one or more second signals, the one or more second signals being transmitted via a broadcast or broad-beam operation.

In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information may include receiving system information for the one or more services, where the system information includes information identifying the one or more services for which the system information is valid. Additionally or alternatively, obtaining system information may include receiving system information for one of the one or more services; determining whether additional system information for the one of the one or more services is needed; and requesting additional system information for the one of the one or more services based at least in part on the determining.

In some embodiments of the method, the one or more services may include one or more of an energy efficient service, a high reliability service, a low latency service, a broadcast service, or a small data service.

In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information may include receiving system information for the one or more services, where the system information includes information identifying a validity time period; and re-obtaining system information for the one or more services upon expiration of the validity time period. The validity time period may be based on a power saving mode (PSM) time period or an amount of time to cycle through all value tags of the system information.

In a second set of illustrative examples, an apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. In one configuration, the apparatus may include means for receiving a first signal, where the first signal includes an indication of whether system information is to be requested by the UE, and means for obtaining system information in accordance with the indication. The means for obtaining system information may include means for sending a request for system information in accordance with the indication; and means for receiving system information in response to the request. In some embodiments of the method, the apparatus may further include means for identifying one or more services for which system information is to be obtained. In these cases, the means for obtaining the system information may include means for obtaining system information for the identified one or more services in accordance with the indication. In some examples, the apparatus may further include means for implementing one or more aspects of the method for wireless communication described above with respect to the first set of illustrative examples.

In a third set of illustrative examples, another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. In one configuration, the apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to receive a first signal, where the first signal includes an indication of whether system information is to be requested by the UE, and to obtain system information in accordance with the indication. In some examples, the instructions may also be executable by the processor to implement one or more aspects of the method for wireless communication described above with respect to the first set of illustrative examples.

In a fourth set of illustrative examples, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code for wireless communication at a UE is described. In one configuration, the code may be executable by a processor to receive a first signal, where the first signal includes an indication of whether system information is to be requested by the UE, and to obtain system information in accordance with the indication. In some examples, the code may also be used to implement one or more aspects of the method for wireless communication described above with respect to the first set of illustrative examples.

In a fifth set of illustrative examples, another method for wireless communication is described. In one configuration, the method may include transmitting a first signal, where the first signal includes an indication of whether system information is to be requested by a UE, and transmitting system information in accordance with the indication.

In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a request for system information in accordance with the indication, and transmitting system information in response to the request. In some embodiments of the method, transmitting system information may include transmitting system information via a second signal in accordance with the indication, where the second signal is transmitted via a broadcast or broad-beam operation. In some embodiments, the method may include including, in the first signal, information indicating where a request for system information is to be sent. In some embodiments, the method may include including, in the first signal, information indicating a predetermined channel on which system information is to be transmitted via a broadcast or broad-beam operation.

In some embodiments of the method, transmitting system information may include transmitting system information in accordance with the indication and a transmission mode. In some embodiments, the method may include changing the transmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beam mode targeting a cell edge and having fixed periodic scheduling. In some embodiments, the method may include changing the transmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beam mode targeting a cell edge and having an on-demand periodic scheduling triggered by a request for system information in accordance with the indication. In some embodiments, the method may include changing the transmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling triggered by a request for system information in accordance with the indication. In some embodiments, the method may include changing the transmission mode to be a unicast or narrow-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling triggered by a request for system information in accordance with the indication. In some embodiments, the method may include changing the transmission mode based on network load or congestion status. In some embodiments of the method, the first signal may be a synchronization signal.

In some embodiments, the method may include using a broad-beam operation to transmit the first signal in a massive MIMO network. In some of these examples, the method may include using a broad-beam or narrow-beam operation to transmit system information, in accordance with the indication and a transmission mode.

In some embodiments, the method may include using a broadcast operation to transmit the first signal in a non-massive MIMO network. In some of these examples, the method may include using a broadcast or unicast operation to transmit system information, in accordance with the indication and a transmission mode.

In some embodiments of the method, transmitting system information may include transmitting, in accordance with the indication, system information associated with services available to the UE, where separate transmissions are used to transmit the system information for different services and different configurations of services. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a request for system information for one or more services in accordance with the indication; and transmitting system information for the one or more services in response to the request. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving multiple requests for system information for one or more services in accordance with the indication, each request being from the UE and being for system information of a different service; and transmitting system information for the one or more services in response to the request. In these examples, transmitting system information in response to the request may include transmitting system information for each of the one or more services in a joint transmission. Alternatively, transmitting system information in response to the request may include transmitting system information for each of the one or more services in separate transmissions.

In some embodiments, the indication may be a first indication, and the method may further include including, in the first signal, a second indication that system information for one or more services is to be broadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or more predetermined channels. In some embodiments, the indication may be a first indication, and the method may further include including, in the first signal, a second indication that system information for one or more services is available to be requested. In some of these examples, the method may include receiving one or more requests for system information for one or more services in accordance with the first indication and the second indication. In some examples, the method may further include including, with the first signal, information indicating where and when one or more requests for system information for one or more services are to be sent.

In some embodiments, the method may further include including, in the system information, information indicating one or more services for which the system information is valid. In some embodiments, the method may further include including, in the system information, information indicating a duration of time for which the system information is valid, where the system information for different services and different configurations of services includes different durations of time. In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving one or more requests for system information for one or more services in accordance with the indication without having included in the first signal a second indication of which services system information is available. In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving one or more requests for system information in accordance with the indication; and identifying the system information to be sent pertaining to different services based at least in part on transmission resources used by the one or more requests. In some embodiments, the method may further include changing the indication to indicate that system information is to be transmitted via either a broadcast or broad-beam operation or via a unicast or narrow-beam operation.

In a sixth set of illustrative examples, another apparatus for wireless communication is described. In one configuration, the apparatus may include means for transmitting a first signal, where the first signal includes an indication of whether system information is to be requested by a UE, and means for transmitting system information in accordance with the indication. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving a request for system information in accordance with the indication; and means for transmitting system information in response to the request. In some embodiments, the means for transmitting system information may include means for transmitting, in accordance with the indication, system information associated with services available to the UE, where separate transmissions are used to transmit the system information for different services and different configurations of services. In some examples, the apparatus may further include means for implementing one or more aspects of the method for wireless communication described above with respect to the fifth set of illustrative examples.

In a seventh set of illustrative examples, another apparatus for wireless communication is described. In one configuration, the apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to transmit a first signal, where the first signal including an indication of whether system information is to be requested by a user equipment UE, and to transmit system information in accordance with the indication. In some examples, the instructions may also be executable by the processor to implement one or more aspects of the method for wireless communication described above with respect to the fifth set of illustrative examples.

In an eighth set of illustrative examples, another non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code for wireless communication is described. In one configuration, the code may be executable by a processor to transmit a first signal, where the first signal including an indication of whether system information is to be requested by a UE, and to transmit system information in accordance with the indication. In some examples, the code may also be used to implement one or more aspects of the method for wireless communication described above with respect to the fifth set of illustrative examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described features may generally be implemented in a wireless communication system having a user equipment (UE)-centric network. A UE-centric network may be deployed, in some cases: as a plurality of base stations in which each of one or more base stations are associated with a number of transceivers co-located with base station servers; as a plurality of base stations in which each of one or more base stations are associated with a number of remote transceivers (e.g., a number of remote radio heads (RRHs) located remotely from base station servers; as a number of zones in which each zone is defined by the coverage area(s) of one or more cells or base stations; or as a combination thereof. A wireless communication system having a UE-centric network may be advantageous, in some respects, in a time-division duplex (TDD) system having a large antenna array, which large antenna array may have limited coverage for broadcast channels (e.g., the channels that broadcast synchronization signals and system information in a wireless communication system having a network-centric network). As described in the present disclosure, a wireless communication system having a UE-centric network may forego the broadcast of system information. A wireless communication system having a UE-centric network may also be advantageous, in some respects, because the broadcast of system information by a base station can contribute significantly to the power consumption of the base station.

In one aspect of the disclosure, for example, a wireless network may provide system information by either a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or in response to a request by a UE. The wireless network may broadcast (or broad-beam transmit) a synchronization signal, for example, that indicates to the UEs within a cell or zone coverage area that system information is to be transmitted on a fixed periodic schedule, or in response to a request sent by one or more UEs. In an “on-demand” system, wherein the UEs request the transmission of system information, the system information may be transmitted as either a periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, as an aperiodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, or as an aperiodic unicast or narrow-beam transmission.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a wireless network may provide service-specific system information. The service-specific system information may be provided as a broadcast or upon receipt of a request from a UE. In an on-demand system, the wireless network may broadcast (or broad-beam transmit) a synchronization signal, for example, that indicates to the UEs within a cell or zone coverage area that service-specific system information is available for the UEs to request. UEs may then transmit one or more requests for service-specific system information, and may receive the system information for the identified services. Alternatively, in a broadcast system, the wireless network may broadcast (or broad-beam transmit) a synchronization signal, for example, that indicates to the UEs within a cell or zone coverage area that service-specific system information is to be transmitted on a fixed periodic schedule based on the corresponding service. Thus, a UE requiring system information for a given service can learn from the synchronization signal the time or times during which the UE may listen to receive the service-specific system information. Service-specific system information may be transmitted jointly or in separate transmissions corresponding to the service.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a wireless network may provide system information to a UE incrementally. For example, the wireless network may transmit master system information, followed by one or more transmissions of other system information (e.g., non-master system information). The master system information may include, for example, system information that allows a UE to perform an initial access of a network. The master system information or other system information may be broadcast, broad-beam transmitted, unicast, or narrow-beam transmitted to a number of UEs. In some cases, the master system information or other system information may be transmitted on a fixed periodic schedule, or in response to a request sent by one or more UEs. In various embodiments, the master system information and other system information may be transmitted in the same, similar, or different ways.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, for example, a wireless network may indicate when system information has changed or should be updated. In this manner, a UE need not update its stored system information every time system information is transmitted, but may instead update its stored system information on an “as needed” basis. A UE may also initiate an update of its stored system information upon the occurrence of one or more events, such as: a determination that the UE has moved a certain distance since last updating its stored system information, or a determination that the UE has moved into a new zone.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a wireless communication system100in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system100may include one or more base stations105, one or more UEs115, and a core network130. The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, internet protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The base stations105may interface with the core network130through backhaul links132(e.g., S1, etc.). The base stations105may perform radio configuration and scheduling for communication with the UEs115, or may operate under the control of a base station controller (not shown). In various examples, the base stations105may communicate, either directly or indirectly (e.g., through core network130), with one another over backhaul links134(e.g., X1, etc.), which may be wired or wireless communication links.

The base stations105may wirelessly communicate with the UEs115via one or more antennas. In some examples, the one or more antennas may include one or more base station antennas (and transceivers) co-located with base station servers and/or one or more RRH antennas (and transceivers) located remotely from base station servers. Each of the base stations105may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110. In some examples, base stations105may be referred to as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), Home NodeB (HNB), a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The geographic coverage area110for a base station105may be divided into sectors making up only a portion of the coverage area (not shown). The geographic coverage area(s)110of for one or more base stations105may define a zone of the wireless communication system100. The wireless communication system100may include base stations105of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas110for different technologies.

In some examples, the wireless communication system100may be or include an LTE or LTE-A network. The wireless communication system100may also be or include a next generation network, such as a 5G wireless communication network. In LTE/LTE-A and 5G networks, the term evolved node B (eNB) may be generally used to describe the base stations105, while the term UE may be generally used to describe the UEs115. The wireless communication system100may be a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A or 5G network in which different types of eNBs provide coverage for various geographical regions. For example, each eNB or base station105may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, or other types of cell. The term “cell” is a 3GPP term that can be used to describe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated with a base station, or a coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier or base station, depending on context.

A macro cell may generally cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs115with service subscriptions with the network provider. A small cell may include a lower-powered base station, as compared with a macro cell, that may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may include pico cells, femto cells, and micro cells according to various examples. A pico cell, for example, may cover a small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs115with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femto cell may also cover a small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may provide restricted access by UEs115having an association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs115in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs115for users in the home, and the like). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells.

The communication networks that may accommodate some of the various disclosed examples may be packet-based networks that operate according to a layered protocol stack and data in the user plane may be based on the IP. A radio link control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A MAC layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use HARQ to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE115and the base stations105. The RRC protocol layer may also be used for core network130support of radio bearers for the user plane data. At the physical (PHY) layer, the transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

The UEs115may be dispersed throughout the wireless communication system100, and each UE115may be stationary or mobile. A UE115may also include or be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. A UE115may be a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a data card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle, a wireless router, etc. A UE115may be able to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base stations, and the like. As a UE115moves within the wireless communication system100, the UE115may move from cell to cell or from zone to zone (with a zone including one or more cells). When the wireless communication system100is deployed as a UE-centric network, a UE115may move from cell to cell within a zone without a physical channel reconfiguration, with the network providing data transfer services via the same radio resources despite a change in the UE's serving cell.

The wireless communication links125shown in wireless communication system100may carry uplink (UL) transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink (DL) transmissions, from a base station105to a UE115. The downlink transmissions may also be called forward link transmissions while the uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions. Each of the wireless communication links125may include one or more carriers, where each carrier may be a signal made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., waveform signals of different frequencies) modulated according to the various radio technologies described above. Each modulated signal may be sent on a different sub-carrier and may carry control information (e.g., reference signals, control channels, etc.), overhead information, user data, etc. The wireless communication links125may transmit bidirectional communications using frequency division duplex (FDD) (e.g., using paired spectrum resources) or TDD operation (e.g., using unpaired spectrum resources). Frame structures may be defined for FDD (e.g., frame structure type1) and TDD (e.g., frame structure type2).

In some embodiments of the wireless communication system100, base stations105or UEs115may include multiple antennas for employing antenna diversity schemes to improve communication quality and reliability between base stations105and UEs115. Additionally or alternatively, base stations105or UEs115may employ multiple input multiple output (MIMO) techniques (e.g., any MIMO but not massive MIMO (e.g. multi-antenna MIMO and multi-user MIMO) techniques or massive MIMO techniques) that may take advantage of multi-path environments to transmit multiple spatial layers carrying the same or different coded data.

In some embodiments of the wireless communication system100, the wireless communication system100may have a UE-centric network. On the network side, the base stations105may broadcast a periodic synchronization (sync) signal. The UEs115may receive the sync signal, acquire a timing of the network from the sync signal, and in response to acquiring the timing of the network, transmit a pilot signal. The pilot signal transmitted by a UE115may be concurrently receivable by a plurality of cells (e.g., base stations105) within the network. Each of the plurality of cells may measure a strength of the pilot signal, and the network (e.g., one or more of the base stations105, each in communication with the UE115via one or more centrally-located transceivers and/or RRHs, and/or a central node within the core network130) may determine a serving cell for the UE115. As the UE115continues to transmit a pilot signal, the network may handover the UE115from one serving cell to another, with or without informing the UE115. System information (SI) may be transmitted to the UEs115in a broadcast mode (e.g., where a base station105transmits SI regardless of whether the SI is requested or needed by any UE115within the coverage area110of the base station105) or in an on-demand mode (e.g., where a base station105transmits SI in response to receiving a request for SI from one or more UEs115, which request may be included in, or be, the pilot signal of a UE115). When transmitting SI in an on-demand mode, a base station105may forego the broadcast of SI, which may conserve power.

FIG. 2shows an example of UE mobility within a wireless communication system200in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. More particularly,FIG. 2shows a UE115-aas it moves to various points (e.g., point A, point B, and point C) within the coverage areas110-aand110-bof respective first and second base stations105-aand105-b. In some examples, the UE115-amay be an example of one or more aspects of the UEs115described with reference toFIG. 1, and the first and second base stations105-aand105-bmay be examples of one or more aspects of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 1.

By way of example, the UE115-amay be powered on within the coverage area110-aof the first base station105-aand may perform an initial acquisition of SI within the coverage area110-aof the first base station105-a. In some examples, the UE115-amay perform an initial acquisition of SI by receiving an instance of a periodic sync signal from the first base station105-a; determining, from the sync signal, where and when to listen for a broadcast of SI by the first base station105-a; and then listening for and receiving the SI broadcast by the first base station105-a. In other examples, the UE115-amay perform an initial acquisition of SI by receiving an instance of a periodic sync signal from the first base station105-a; determining, from the sync signal, where and when to listen for a broadcast of SI by the first base station105-aand, in some cases, where and when to transmit a request for SI; transmitting a request for SI; and then listening for and receiving the SI broadcast by the first base station105-a. In still other examples, the UE115-amay perform an initial acquisition of service-specific SI by determining from a periodic sync signal received from the first base station105-athat service-specific SI is available to receive either via broadcast or via request, and then either listening for the service-specific SI or requesting the service-specific SI.

While still at point A, the UE115-amay determine to reacquire SI based on the expiration of dynamic SI, or based on an elapsed time since last acquiring SI. The UE115-amay also reacquire SI, at point A, after receiving an instance of a sync signal indicating that SI has changed. In other embodiments, the UE115-amay not reacquire SI at point A.

Upon moving from point A to point B, the UE115-amay determine to reacquire SI. The UE115-amay determine to reacquire SI, for example, based on its movement, based on the distance between point A and point B, based on the expiration of dynamic SI, or based on an elapsed time since last acquiring SI. The UE115-amay also reacquire SI, at point B, after receiving an instance of a sync signal indicating that SI has changed. In other embodiments, the UE115-amay not reacquire SI at point B.

Upon moving from point B to point C, and into the coverage area110-bof the second base station105-b, the UE115-amay perform an initial acquisition of SI from the second base station105-b. In other embodiments, the UE115-aneed not acquire SI from the second base station105-bunless one of the reasons for reacquiring SI at point B arises. In some cases, SI may not be acquired at the coverage area110-bbecause the first coverage area110-aand the second coverage area110-bare configured to operate as members of a common zone, such that data transfer services for the UE115-aare provided by the network.

FIG. 2illustrates that SI may be acquired during various UE mobility states, and for various reasons. For example, SI may be acquired when a UE is unattached to a network (e.g., as part of an initial acquisition of SI). SI may also be acquired after a UE attaches to a network and while the UE is stationary (e.g., because a timer or SI has expired, or because the network has indicated (e.g., in an instance of a sync signal or in a paging message) that SI has changed). SI may also be acquired after a UE attaches to a network and while the UE is mobile (e.g., for any of the reasons that SI is reacquired while the UE is stationary, because the UE has moved to a new location, because the UE has moved a certain distance from a previous location at which SI was acquired, or because the UE has moved to a coverage area of a new base station or cell).

FIG. 3AandFIG. 3Billustrate example transmission/reception timelines305,320,335,350,365, and380of a respective first base station, second base station, third base station, fourth base station, fifth base station, and sixth base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The transmissions of the base stations may be received by one or more UEs and used, by the UE(s), during initial SI acquisition (e.g., SI acquisition during system selection or mobility to a new cell or zone) or an SI change acquisition (e.g., upon a change of SI, or upon expiration of dynamic SI). In some examples, the base stations may belong to respective different cells or zones of a wireless communication system, such as different cells or zones of the wireless communication system100or200described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2. In some examples, the first base station, second base station, third base station, fourth base station, fifth base station, and sixth base station may be examples of one or more aspects of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 1.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, each of the base stations may transmit a periodic sync signal (Sync)310,325,340,355,370, or385. In the examples ofFIG. 3A, each of the base stations also transmits a periodic or on-demand master system information block (MSIB)315,330,342, or358. In some cases, an instance of a sync signal and an instance of an MSIB, together, may provide information equivalent to the information included in an LTE/LTE-A master information block (MIB), system information block1(SIB1), and SIB2. In the examples ofFIG. 3B, each of the base stations transmits a service-specific SIB375,390.

In some embodiments, a sync signal transmitted by a base station may be common (e.g., non-cell-specific) to a plurality of cells within an access network (e.g., to a plurality of cells within a zone), and may be broadcast from each of the cells in the plurality of cells (e.g., from each of a plurality of base stations in the cells) in a single frequency network (SFN) manner. The sync signal need not include a cell identifier. In some embodiments, the sync signal may have a relatively short duration or be transmitted relatively infrequently. For example, the sync signal may have a duration of one symbol and be transmitted once every ten seconds. In other examples, the sync signal may be transmitted more frequently, such as once per radio frame. In some embodiments, an instance of a sync signal may carry a few bits of information. More particularly, and in some embodiments, an instance of a sync signal may include information such as: information that a UE may use to determine whether to request a subsequently transmitted MSIB, information that a UE may use to determine where and when to request the subsequently transmitted MSIB (e.g., frequency and timing information for transmitting an MSIB transmission request), information that a UE may use to determine where and when the subsequently transmitted MSIB may be received (e.g., channel, frequency, and/or timing information), information that indicates when an MSIB has changed, or information that a UE may use to distinguish the cell or zone transmitting the sync signal from one or more other cells or zones (e.g., from neighboring cells or zones). In some embodiments, an instance of a sync signal may include information that a UE may use to determine whether to request subsequently transmitted service-specific SIB, information that a UE may use to determine where and when to request the subsequently transmitted service-specific SIB (e.g., frequency and timing information for transmitting a service-specific SIB transmission request), or information that a UE may use to determine where and when the subsequently transmitted service-specific SIB may be received (e.g., channel, frequency, and/or timing information).

In some embodiments, a sync signal may indicate a PHY layer channel on which an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request is to be transmitted, or indicate a special PHY layer channel for the transmission of an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request under certain conditions. In some cases, a sync signal may also indicate how to transmit an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request (e.g., a format to be used when transmitting an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request), or how to transmit an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request under certain conditions. In other embodiments, a sync signal may specify fewer parameters for the transmission of an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request. However, this may necessitate the base station listening for MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission requests under more conditions (or always), which may impact UE relay energy efficiency.

A UE may receive an instance of a sync signal and acquire a timing of an access network based on the sync signal. In response to acquiring the timing of the access network, the UE may transmit a pilot signal. The pilot signal may be concurrently receivable by a plurality of cells within the access network (e.g., by a plurality of cells within a zone of the access network). In some embodiments, the pilot signal may include a spatial signature (e.g., a sounding reference signal (SRS)). In some embodiments, the pilot signal may be transmitted in an MSIB transmission request occasion indicated by an instance of the sync signal. In some embodiments, the pilot signal may be transmitted with a pre-determined random sequence or a random sequence generated by the UE, which random sequence may be used by the access network (e.g., a base station of the network) to temporarily identify the UE during an initial acquisition procedure. In some embodiments, the pilot signal may be or include the MSIB transmission request.

An MSIB315,330,342, or358may indicate where and when a UE may establish a connection with an access network. An MSIB may include information such as: information identifying an access network, cell, or zone; information indicating whether a UE is allowed to (or should) use the access network; or information indicating how a UE may use the access network (e.g., information indicating how a UE may use the access network when the UE powers up, or when the UE moves to a new cell or zone after detecting an out-of-service (OoS) or radio link failure (RLF) event). The information identifying an access network, cell, or zone may include a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier (ID), a tracking area code (TAC), a cell identifier (cell ID), or a zone identifier (zone ID). The information indicating whether a UE is allowed to (or should) use the access network may include system selection or access restriction information for a cell or zone (e.g., radio quality information, congestion avoidance information, or closed subscriber group (CSG) information). The information indicating how a UE may use the access network may include access configuration information (e.g., random access channel (RACH) information, or UE-timers and constants information). The MSIB may also include PHY layer configuration information such as: physical random access channel (PRACH) information, physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) information, physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) information, physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) information, physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) information, and SRS information, or other information usable to access a PHY layer of the wireless communication system.

A service-specific SIB375,390may indicate where and when a UE may establish a connection with an access network for a specific service. Specific services may include, for example, an energy efficient service, a high reliability service, a low latency service, a broadcast service, or a small data service. These services may require additional SI (e.g., SI that is not included in an MSIB) in order to allow the UE to access the network. For example, a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) in LTE may have additional configuration information in SIB13that is related to accessing an MBMS. Additionally, as radio access technologies evolve, it may be desirable to not only enable the transmission of additional SI for specific services, but to also enable the transmission of different configurations of the same service-specific SI for improving performance of the different services. The additional service-specific SI may include, for example, information on identifying the access network and cell (e.g., PLMN ID, TAC, or cell ID). The additional service-specific SI may also include information and access restrictions for a cell (including radio quality, congestion avoidance, CSG). The additional service-specific SI may further include information on access configuration (RACH, UE-timers and constraints and other 5G network equivalents).

For example, a service-specific SIB may include information to enable more efficient access configurations and longer validity timers for SI in a wide area network (WAN) internet of everything (IOE) where lower power operations may be desirable as IOE devices may not connect with the network until after long sleep periods. Additionally, services such as WAN IOE may include different information in an MSIB to avoid requiring an IOE device to read additional SI.

Turning now to the transmission/reception timeline305of the first base station (inFIG. 3A), the first base station may transmit a periodic sync signal310as previously described. Upon receiving an instance of the sync signal, a UE needing to perform initial acquisition may identify an access network associated with the first base station (and in some cases, information to differentiate the first base station, its cell, or its zone from other base stations, cells, or zones); determine whether the UE can (or should) acquire SI of the access network; and determine how the UE can acquire SI of the access network. When determining how the UE can acquire SI of the access network, the UE may determine, via signaling associated with the sync signal, that the first base station transmits an MSIB315in a broadcast (or broad-beam) transmission mode with fixed periodic signaling. The UE may also identify, from the sync signal, a time for receiving the MSIB transmission. A UE that does not need to perform initial acquisition may determine, from the sync signal, whether it has moved to a new cell or new zone. When a UE determines that it has moved to a new cell or new zone, the UE may use information included in the sync signal to acquire new or updated SI from the new cell or new zone.

With reference to the transmission/reception timeline320of the second base station (ofFIG. 3A), the second base station may transmit a periodic sync signal325as previously described. Upon receiving an instance of the sync signal, a UE needing to perform initial acquisition may identify an access network associated with the second base station (and in some cases, information to differentiate the second base station, its cell, or its zone from other base stations, cells, or zones); determine whether the UE can (or should) acquire SI of the access network; and determine how the UE can acquire SI of the access network. When determining how the UE can acquire the SI of access network, the UE may determine, via signaling associated with the sync signal, that the second base station transmits an MSIB330in an on-demand broadcast (or broad-beam) transmission mode with periodic signaling (i.e., that the second base station will start a broadcast (or broad-beam) transmission of the MSIB, with a periodic scheduling, upon receiving an MSIB transmission request signal332from the UE). The UE may also identify, from the sync signal, where and when to transmit the MSIB transmission request, and a time for receiving the MSIB transmission. A UE that does not need to perform initial acquisition may determine, from the sync signal, whether it has moved to a new cell or new zone. When a UE determines that it has moved to a new cell or new zone, the UE may use information included in the sync signal to acquire new or updated SI from the new cell or new zone.

With reference to the transmission/reception timeline335of the third base station (ofFIG. 3A), the third base station may transmit a periodic sync signal340as previously described. Upon receiving an instance of the sync signal, a UE needing to perform initial acquisition may identify an access network associated with the third base station (and in some cases, information to differentiate the third base station, its cell, or its zone from other base stations, cells, or zones); determine whether the UE can (or should) acquire SI of the access network; and determine how the UE can acquire SI of the access network. When determining how the UE can acquire SI of the access network, the UE may determine, via signaling associated with the sync signal, that the third base station transmits an MSIB342in an on-demand broadcast (or broad-beam) transmission mode with aperiodic signaling (i.e., that the third base station will schedule a broadcast (or broad-beam) transmission of the MSIB upon receiving an MSIB transmission request signal345from the UE, and that the UE may monitor a scheduling channel (e.g., a PDCCH) for scheduling information (Sched.)348to determine when the MSIB will be transmitted). The UE may also identify, from the sync signal, where and when to transmit the MSIB transmission request. A UE that does not need to perform initial acquisition may determine, from the sync signal, whether it has moved to a new cell or new zone. When a UE determines that it has moved to a new cell or new zone, the UE may use information included in the sync signal to acquire new or updated SI from the new cell or new zone.

With reference to the transmission/reception timeline350of the fourth base station (ofFIG. 3A), the fourth base station may transmit a periodic sync signal355as previously described. Upon receiving an instance of the sync signal, a UE needing to perform initial acquisition may identify an access network associated with the fourth base station (and in some cases, information to differentiate the fourth base station, its cell, or its zone from other base stations, cells, or zones); determine whether the UE can (or should) acquire SI of the access network; and determine how the UE can acquire SI of the access network. When determining how the UE can acquire SI of the access network, the UE may determine, via signaling associated with the sync signal, that the fourth base station transmits an MSIB358in a unicast (or narrow-beam) transmission mode (i.e., that the fourth base station will schedule a unicast (or narrow-beam) transmission of the MSIB upon receiving an MSIB transmission request signal360from the UE, and that the UE may monitor a scheduling channel (e.g., a PDCCH) for scheduling information (Sched.)362to determine when the MSIB will be transmitted). The UE may also identify, from the sync signal, where and when to transmit the MSIB transmission request. A UE that does not need to perform initial acquisition may determine, from the sync signal, whether it has moved to a new cell or new zone. When a UE determines that it has moved to a new cell or new zone, the UE may use information included in the sync signal to acquire new or updated SI from the new cell or new zone.

In each of the transmission/reception timelines305,320,335, and350shown inFIG. 3A, the base station transmits an MSIB315,330,342, or358. A UE may receive the MSIB, in some examples, by monitoring a System Information-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SI-RNTI) on a common physical control channel (e.g., a PDCCH), decoding a downlink assignment message associated with the SI-RNTI, and receiving the MSIB on a shared channel (e.g., a PDSCH) according to information contained in the downlink assignment message. Alternatively, when a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI; e.g., a cell-RNTI (C-RNTI) or zone-RNTI (Z-RNTI)) is assigned for the UE, the UE may monitor the RNTI on a common physical control channel (e.g., a PDCCH), decode a downlink assignment message associated with the RNTI, and receive the MSIB on a shared channel (e.g., a PDSCH) according to information contained in the downlink assignment message. In another alternative, the UE may monitor an SI-RNTI in order to receive broadcast SI, while the UE may also use an RNTI dedicatedly allocated for the UE (e.g., C-RNTI or zone RNTI) to receive unicast SI.

When camped on a cell, a UE may decode at least a portion of each instance of the periodic sync signal transmitted by the cell, to determine whether information included in the MSIB has changed. Alternatively, the UE may decode at least a portion of every Nth instance of the periodic sync signal, or may decode at least a portion of an instance of the periodic sync signal upon the occurrence of one or more events. The decoded portion of a subsequent instance of the sync signal may include information (e.g., a modification flag or value tag) which may be set to indicate whether SI for the cell has changed. Upon determining that SI for the cell has changed (e.g., after receiving the instance310-aof the sync signal310in transmission/reception timeline305), the UE may request and/or receive an MSIB (e.g., MSIB315-a) with the changed SI.

As a UE moves within the coverage area of a wireless communication system, the UE may detect sync signals of different cells (or zones), such as the sync signals of the different cells (or coverage areas110,110-a,110-bor zones) described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2, or the different cells (or base stations or zones) described with reference toFIG. 3A. Upon detecting a sync signal of a cell or zone, a UE may compare a cell global identity (CGI) (or base station identity code (BSIC) or zone identity) corresponding to a cell (or base station or zone) for which the UE last acquired SI to a CGI (or BSIC or zone identity) associated with the sync signal, to determine whether the UE has detected a new sync signal (e.g., a sync signal of a different cell, base station, or zone).

An on-demand transmission of an MSIB may be initiated by a UE (e.g., during initial access) or by an access network (e.g., when information included in the MSIB changes, or when a dedicated SIB is transmitted). In some cases, a base station transmitting and receiving signals in accord with one of the transmission/reception timelines305,320,335, or350may switch transmission/reception modes, and thereby switch from one of the transmission/reception timelines to another of the transmission/reception timelines. The switch may be made, for example, based on network loading or congestion status. In some embodiments, a base station may also or alternatively switch between an “on-demand unicast (or narrow-beam)” mode and an “always-on broadcast (or broad-beam)” mode for MSIB transmissions. In some examples, a base station may signal the mode or modes under which it is operating in its periodic sync signal.

Turning now to the transmission/reception timeline365of the fifth base station (ofFIG. 3B), the fifth base station may transmit a service-specific periodic sync signal370. The service-specific periodic sync signal370may be an example of one of the sync signals310,325,340,355, except that the service-specific periodic sync signal370may include an indication that service-specific SI is available. The service-specific periodic sync signal370may also include information as to which services the service-specific SI is available. Additionally, the service-specific periodic sync signal370may include information regarding a schedule for when the service-specific SI for different services may be requested or transmitted. As an example, certain service-specific SI may not be sent in every sync signal period. A synchronized MBMS service may only require that the service-specific SIB be transmitted on the order of seconds, for example, and thus may not be available during every sync signal period. Upon receiving an instance of the sync signal, a UE may determine that the UE has need for one or more of the available service-specific SI. In accordance with the service-specific periodic sync signal370, the UE may transmit a SIB transmit (Tx) request372. The UE may transmit a SIB Tx request372-afor transmission of SI pertaining to a specific service (e.g., service1), and may subsequently transmit a SIB Tx request372-bfor transmission of SI pertaining to a different specific service (e.g., service2). In response to the receipt of the SIB Tx requests372, one or more base stations may transmit service-specific SIBs375to the UE. The fifth base station may transmit a service-specific SIB375-ain response to the SIB Tx request372-a, and may also transmit a service-specific SIB375-bin response to the SIB Tx request372-b. Alternatively, the fifth base station may broadcast the service-specific SIBs375without waiting for a SIB Tx request372. In this alternative, the service-specific periodic sync signal370may indicate when and on what resources a UE may listen to receive the service-specific SIBs375.

With reference to the transmission/reception timeline380of the sixth base station (ofFIG. 3B), the sixth base station may transmit a service-specific periodic sync signal385. The service-specific periodic sync signal385may be an example of one of the sync signals310,325,340,355, except that the service-specific periodic sync signal385may include an indication that service-specific SI is available. However, the service-specific periodic sync signal385may not indicate the actual services for which SI is available. Instead, in the transmission/reception timeline380, the UE is required to explicitly identify in a SIB Tx request388the services for which SI is desired. The service-specific sync signal385may include information regarding when and on what resources the UE may transmit its SIB Tx request388. Thus, upon receiving an instance of the sync signal, a UE may determine that the UE has need for one or more of the available service-specific SI. In accordance with the service-specific periodic sync signal385, the UE may transmit a SIB Tx request388that identifies the requested SI. In response to the receipt of the SIB Tx request388, the sixth base station may transmit service-specific SIBs390to the UE. The service-specific SIBs390may be transmitted together, or jointly, in a single transmission, or may be transmitted separately.

Based on the services indicated in either the service-specific periodic sync signals370,385or the SIB Tx requests372,388, a base station may transmit service-specific SIBs375,390to the UE. The service-specific SIBs375,390may include a service-specific configuration such as SI parameters specifically configured to improve the service or meet service requirements. For example, service-specific configurations may include validity timers or SI reading requirements that require an IOE device to reacquire SI after the IOE device awakens from a power saving mode (PSM) or deep sleep. For example, an IOE device may acquire SI having a particular value tag and then may transition into a PSM for an extended period of time (as a result of the device being an IOE device, for example). By the time the IOE device awakens, the SI may have changed more than once. In fact, it may even be possible that the SI will have changed a number of times equal to a number of values usable for SI value tags, meaning that the SI acquired by the IOE device may, coincidentally, have the same value tag as an SI detected by the IOE device when the IOE device awakens. If the IOE device relies on SI value tags to determine whether the IOE device is to acquire updated SI, the IOE device may determine that no new SI is to be acquired. However, validity timers or SI reading requirements may be used to ensure that the IOE device acquires updated SI, even if an SI value tag would indicate otherwise. For example, the validity timers or SI reading requirements may require that an IOE device reacquire SI after the expiration of a specified time, which may, in one example, be equal to the PSM time for the IOE device. Alternatively, a validity timer may be received as part of a service-specific configuration of service-specific SIB375,390. In this case, the validity timer may be set to a time duration which requires the IOE device to re-acquire SI at least once during each SI value tag wrap-around. Thus, if an operator changes the SI every ten minutes, and the SI value tag range is from 0-31, then the validity timer may be set to 320 minutes. The validity timer may be based on other factors as well. The validity timer or SI reading requirements may be conveyed to the IOE device as part of a service-specific configuration in service-specific SIBS375,390.

As an example, in some LTE standards, a UE may consider stored SI to be invalid after three hours from the moment the SI was confirmed to be valid. While certain exceptions may apply in LTE (for example, csg-PhysCellIdRange, though this exception is due to the fact that updated SI may not be available if the UE is not camped on a CSG cell), the three-hour requirement may not be appropriate for many devices, including IOE devices that may either enter a PSM or where the SI value tags cycle through at different frequencies. Therefore, for WAN IOE devices, the validity timer may be extended or reduced for SI that is related to the WAN IOE network.

The service-specific SIBS375,390may also include service-specific information such as service-specific parameters like those defined for MBMS. For a WAN IOE device, a service-specific configuration may be included in a single SIB so that the IOE device need not transmit multiple requests to incrementally receive any necessary SI.

Additionally, when multiple service-specific SIs are supported corresponding to multiple services, a network may use different transmission modes to support the transmission of SI for each service. Thus, and for example, a WAN IOE SI may be periodically broadcast, whereas nominal SI may be sent on-demand.

In the on-demand scenario, if a UE requests SI for more than one service in the SIB Tx requests372,388, the responding base station may either provide separate SI for each service or provide a common SI for all the desired services, where, for example, the base station may apply the most stringent configuration value for a parameter based on the service requirements for each requested service.

In addition to a periodic or on-demand MSIB, a base station may transmit one or more periodic or on-demand other SIBs (OSIBs). An OSIB may include information equivalent to the information included in one or more of the LTE/LTE-A SIBs other than SIB1or SIB2(e.g., information to enable an operator to manage system selection intra-radio access technology (RAT) or inter-RAT, information for a UE to discover the availability and configuration(s) of one or more services). One example transmission of an OSIB is shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is a swim lane diagram400illustrating transmissions of a sync signal, an MSIB, and an OSIB by a base station105-c, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 4also illustrates requests and receptions of the MSIB and OSIB by a UE115-bperforming initial acquisition of SI of an access network. In some examples, the base station may incorporate aspects of one or more of the base stations described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2. Similarly, the UE115-bmay incorporate aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2.

At405, the base station105-cmay transmit an instance of a periodic sync signal, as described with reference toFIG. 3A. The UE115-bmay receive the instance of the sync signal and, at block410, process the instance of the sync signal and determine that it needs to transmit an MSIB transmission request, at415, to obtain an MSIB from the base station105-c. The UE115-bmay also determine, from the instance of the sync signal, where and when to transmit the MSIB transmission request and where and when to expect transmission of the MSIB by the base station105-c.

At420, the base station105-cmay transmit the MSIB. The UE115-bmay receive the MSIB and, at block425, process information included in the MSIB. The UE115-bmay also, and optionally, prepare an OSIB transmission request. In some examples, an optional OSIB transmission request may be prepared (e.g., at block425) and transmitted (e.g., at430) when the UE115-bhas not previously acquired SI from the cell or zone in which the base station105-coperates, or when cached SI for the cell or zone has expired, or when the UE determines that SI for the cell or zone has changed (e.g., from the sync signal, from information in the MSIB signaling a change in SI, or from a paging message), or when the UE determines (e.g., during RRC_IDLE) that it is in a location where new SI may be provided (e.g., a location in which new neighbor cell list equivalent information may be provided, or a location where new global positioning system (GPS) assistance information may be provided). In some cases, the OSIB transmission request may indicate what OSIB information is being requested. For example, a UE115-bmay indicate, in the OSIB transmission request, what SI (e.g., what type of SI or what SIBs) the UE would like to receive. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission request430may be transmitted, and the single OSIB transmission request430may indicate one or a plurality of elements of other SI that the UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value may be set to TRUE for each element of other SI that the UE would like to receive). In other examples, the UE115-bmay request some types of other SI in different OSIB transmission requests, and the UE may transmit a plurality of OSIB transmission requests to the base station.

The base station105-cmay receive the OSIB transmission request (or OSIB transmission requests) and, at block435, prepare one or more OSIBs for transmission to the UE at440or445. In some embodiments, the base station may prepare one or more OSIBs including the SI requested by the UE in the OSIB transmission request. Additionally or alternatively, the base station105-c(and/or another network node with which the base station communicates) may determine what SI should be transmitted to the UE115-bin an OSIB. The base station105-cand/or other network node may determine what SI to transmit to the UE115-bbased on, for example, a UE identity, a UE type, capabilities information the base station has acquired for the UE, or other information known about (and potentially acquired from) the UE. In this manner, the amount of SI transmitted to the UE115-bmay be optimized, which may help to conserve power, to free up resources, etc.

As previously indicated, an OSIB may include information equivalent to the information included in one or more of the LTE/LTE-A SIBs other than SIB1or SIB2(e.g., information to enable an operator to manage system selection intra-RAT or inter-RAT, information for a UE to discover the availability and configuration(s) of one or more services). The information included in an OSIB may be numbered and organized based on SI function, in order to enable a base station to deliver information to a UE based on a subset of UE functions, based on UE capabilities, or based on UE service requirements (e.g., a base station may not deliver MBMS information to a UE when the UE is not capable of using MBMS services). In some cases, information included in an OSIB may be numbered and organized the same or similar to information included in LTE/LTE-A SIBs.

Information included in an OSIB may be organized so that it may be efficiently received or processed by a UE. For example, the information may be organized so that a UE can read the information as infrequently as possible. In some embodiments, the information may be organized based on the scope of the information; based on whether the information applies system wide, intra-constellation, per cell or per zone; based on the duration for which information remains valid (e.g., validity time); or based on whether the information is semi-static or dynamic. When information changes very dynamically, the information may be organized so that it can be transmitted with reduced latency.

An on-demand transmission of an OSIB may be initiated by a UE (e.g., during initial access) or by an access network (e.g., when information included in the OSIB changes, or when a dedicated SIB is transmitted).

As previously described, a base station may in some cases switch between an “on-demand unicast (or narrow-beam)” mode and an “always-on broadcast (or broad-beam)” or an “on-demand broadcast (or broad-beam)” mode for MSIB transmissions. A base station may also switch between an “on-demand unicast (or narrow-beam)” mode and an “always-on broadcast (or broad-beam)” or an “on-demand broadcast (or broad-beam)” mode for OSIB transmissions. For “always-on broadcast (or broad-beam)” OSIB transmissions, an OSIB transmission schedule may be signaled in an MSIB transmission.

In some cases, a UE may receive and process an MSIB or OSIB based on a change in location of the UE. In some cases, the MSIB or OSIB may be received and processed after transmitting a respective MSIB transmission request or OSIB transmission request. In this regard,FIG. 5illustrates a Venn diagram500of respective coverage areas for a first zone505, a second zone510, a third zone515, and a fourth zone520. In some embodiments, the first zone505may include a 5G wireless communication network, the second zone510may include a first neighbor RAT (e.g., a neighbor RAT1), the third zone515may include a second neighbor RAT (e.g., a neighbor RAT2), and the fourth zone520may include a third neighbor RAT (e.g., a neighbor RAT3), in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. By way of example, the 5G wireless communication network may incorporate aspects of the wireless communication system100or200described with reference toFIG. 1 or 2. Each of the first neighbor RAT, the second neighbor RAT, and the third neighbor RAT may also incorporate aspects of the wireless communication system100or200. The 5G wireless communication network, first neighbor RAT, second neighbor RAT, and third neighbor RAT may also take different forms.

When a UE initially acquires access to a 5G wireless communication network in the first zone505, or as a UE moves within the 5G wireless communication network, the UE may acquire SI for the first neighbor RAT, the second neighbor RAT, or the third neighbor RAT. In some cases, a UE may acquire SI for the neighbor RATs using distance-based SI acquisition. A UE may employ distance-based SI acquisition by determining (e.g., calculating) a distance between the current location of the UE and a location of the UE when the UE last acquired neighbor RAT SI. When the determined distance exceeds a threshold distance, the UE may initiate a SI acquisition procedure (e.g., the UE may receive an OSIB containing the neighbor RAT SI, or the UE may transmit an OSIB transmission request in which the UE requests the neighbor RAT SI). The threshold distance may be configured by the network and may be indicated in an MSIB (e.g., as part of a measurement configuration indicated in the MSIB).

In some embodiments, distance-based SI acquisition may be employed on a per neighbor RAT basis. In other embodiments, distance-based SI acquisition may be employed on a collective neighbor RAT basis.

In some cases, a UE may receive and process an MSIB or OSIB based on a change in SI signaled in a periodic sync signal. In some cases, the MSIB or OSIB may be received and processed after transmitting a respective MSIB transmission request or OSIB transmission request.

FIG. 6is a swim lane diagram600illustrating transmissions of a sync signal, an MSIB, and an OSIB by a base station105-d, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 6also illustrates requests and receptions of the MSIB and OSIB by a UE115-cperforming a system information update. In some examples, the base station105-dmay incorporate aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 1, 2, or4. Similarly, the UE115-cmay incorporate aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIG. 1, 2, or4.

At605, the base station105-dmay transmit an instance of a periodic sync signal, as described with reference toFIG. 3A, or a paging message. The instance of the sync signal or paging message may include information (e.g., a modification flag or value tag) indicating that SI for a cell including the base station has changed.

In some embodiments, the instance of the sync signal or paging message may include a general indicator that SI has changed (e.g., a modification flag). The general indicator or modification flag may include, for example, a counter value that is incremented when SI has changed, or a Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value) that is set to TRUE (e.g., a logic “1”) when SI included in an MSIB has changed (or when the network expects a UE to re-acquire the MSIB) or FALSE (e.g., a logic “0”) when SI included in an MSIB has not changed (or when the network does not expect a UE to re-acquire the MSIB). The instance of the sync signal or paging message may also or alternatively indicate whether certain elements of SI have changed. For example, the instance of the sync signal or paging message may indicate whether SI for services such as Public Warning System (PWS; e.g., the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) or the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS)) has changed, which may simplify decoding and improve battery life when such information is changing more frequently.

The UE115-cmay receive the instance of the sync signal or paging message and, at block610, process the instance of the sync signal or paging message (e.g., compare a counter value associated with the sync signal or paging message with a previously received counter value, or determine whether a modification flag is set to TRUE or FALSE); determine that SI for the cell or zone including the base station has changed; and (in some cases) determine that the changed SI is relevant to the UE. The UE may also determine that it needs to transmit an MSIB transmission request, at615, to obtain an MSIB including the changed SI from the base station. The UE may also determine, from the instance of the sync signal or paging message, where and when to transmit the MSIB transmission request and where and when to expect transmission of the MSIB by the base station.

At620, the base station105-dmay transmit the MSIB. In some cases, the MSIB may include information indicating whether other SI has changed. For example, the MSIB may include a general indicator that other SI has changed (e.g., a modification flag). The general indicator or modification flag may include, for example, a counter value that is incremented when SI included in an OSIB has changed, or a Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value) that is set to TRUE (e.g., a logic “1”) when SI included in an OSIB has changed (or when the network expects a UE to re-acquire the OSIB) and to FALSE (e.g., a logic “0”) when SI included in an OSIB has not changed (or when the network does not expect a UE to re-acquire the OSIB). The MSIB may also or alternatively indicate whether certain elements of other SI have changed. For example, the MSIB may include a value tag per type of SI or equivalent LTE/LTE-A SIB (e.g., a first Boolean variable set to TRUE or FALSE to indicate whether SI for MBMS services has changed, a second Boolean variable set to TRUE or FALSE based on whether SI for PWS services (e.g., CMAS services or ETWS services) has changed, etc.).

The UE115-cmay receive the MSIB and, at block625, process information included in the MSIB. The UE may use information indicating what SI has changed to determine whether other SI useful to the UE (e.g., SI monitored by the UE) has changed and needs to be requested. For example, the UE may compare an OSIB counter value included in the MSIB with a previously received OSIB counter value, or determine whether an OSIB modification flag is set to TRUE or FALSE, or compare value tags for one or more monitored elements of other SI to previously received value tags for the one or more monitored elements of other SI, to determine with an OSIB needs to be requested. When other SI useful to the UE has not changed, the UE need not transmit an OSIB transmission request. However, when other SI useful to the UE has changed, the UE may prepare (e.g., at block625) and transmit (e.g., at630) an OSIB transmission request. In some cases, the OSIB transmission request may be a generic request (e.g., a request that causes the base station to return all other SI, or a request that allows the base station to return whatever SI the base station deems useful to the UE). In other cases, the OSIB transmission request may indicate what OSIB information is being requested. For example, a UE may indicate, in the OSIB transmission request, what SI (e.g., what type of SI or what SIBs) the UE would like to receive.

The base station105-dmay receive the OSIB transmission request and, at block635, prepare one or more OSIBs for transmission to the UE at640or645. In some embodiments, the base station may prepare an OSIB including the SI requested by the UE in the OSIB transmission request. Additionally or alternatively, the base station (and/or another network node with which the base station communicates) may determine what SI should be transmitted to the UE in an OSIB. The base station and/or other network node may determine what SI to transmit to the UE based on, for example, a UE identity, a UE type, capabilities information the base station has acquired for the UE, or other information known about (and potentially acquired from) the UE. In this manner, the amount of SI transmitted to the UE may be optimized, which may help to conserve power, to free up resources, etc.

The below table provides an example allocation of SI between an MSIB and an OSIB in a 5G wireless communication system:

Although each ofFIGS. 4-6, and to some extent the remainder of the present disclosure, focused primarily on the transmission of an MSIB or an OSIB, any number of MSIBs or OSIBs may be transmitted—either individually or in groups, and in response to a singular MSIB transmission request and/or OSIB transmission request, or in response to a plurality of MSIB transmission requests and/or OSIB transmission requests. In some cases, master system information may distributed among one or more of an MSIB, an MTC_SIB, or other SIBs carrying master information. In some cases, other system information may be distributed among one or more of an OSIB1 carrying neighbor cell/zone information, an OSIB2 carrying MBMS related information, an OSIB3 carrying PWS related information, or other SIBs carrying other information. An MSIB or OSIB may also include one or more elements. When SI changes, a modification flag or value tag may be transmitted or received, for example, per MSIB, per element within an MSIB, per OSIB, or per element within an OSIB.

FIG. 7shows a block diagram700of a UE115-dfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-dmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-6. The UE115-dmay also be or include a processor. The UE115-dmay include a UE receiver module710, an SI acquisition module720, or a UE transmitter module730. The SI acquisition module720may include an SI acquisition mode module735, a UE SI request module740, or an SI receipt module745. Each of these modules may be in communication with each other.

In some examples, the UE receiver module710may include at least one radio frequency (RF) receiver. The UE receiver module710or RF receiver may be used to receive various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as one or more communication links of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the UE receiver module710may be used to receive a periodic sync signal, as described with reference toFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The UE receiver module710may also be used to receive various signals that include one or more forms of SI, as also described with reference toFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The receipt and processing of the synchronization signals and the SI signals (for example, the periodic sync signals310,325,340, or355ofFIG. 3A, and the broadcast MSIBs315,330,342, or the unicast MSIB358ofFIG. 3A) may be additionally facilitated through the SI acquisition module720, as described in greater detail below.

In some examples, the UE transmitter module730may include at least one RF transmitter. The UE transmitter module730or RF transmitter may be used to transmit various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as one or more communication links of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the UE transmitter module730may be used to transmit an MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360, as described with reference toFIG. 3A. The transmission of the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360, for example, may be additionally facilitated through the SI acquisition module720, as described in greater detail below.

The SI acquisition module720may be used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for the UE115-d. In particular, in the UE115-d, the SI acquisition module720may be used to facilitate the acquisition of SI from a base station105, in accordance to aspects of some of the embodiments described above. The SI acquisition module720may include an SI acquisition mode module735, a UE SI request module740, or an SI receipt module745.

The SI acquisition mode module735may be used by the UE115-dto facilitate receipt by the UE115-dof a periodic sync signal310,325,340,355, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, for example. The received periodic sync signal310,325,340,355may indicate to the UE115-dwhether the UE115-dis to transmit a request signal, such as an MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360, for example, in order to receive a transmission of SI. For example, the UE115-dmay receive a periodic sync signal310that indicates to the UE115-dthat SI may be broadcast by a base station105regardless of any requests sent by the UE115-d. In this instance, the SI acquisition mode module735may determine that no request is necessary in order for the UE115-dto receive SI. In another example, however, the UE115-dmay receive a periodic sync signal325,340,355, which may each indicate that the UE115-dis to transmit a request for SI (in the form of an MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360, for example) in order to receive SI. In this instance, the SI acquisition mode module735may determine that a request is necessary in order for the UE115-dto receive SI. Thus, the SI acquisition mode module735may be configured to determine whether the UE115-dis operating in a network having a broadcast SI mode or an on-demand SI mode.

In the event that the UE115-dis operating in a network using an on-demand SI mode, meaning that the UE115-dis to transmit a request to receive SI, the UE SI request module740may be used to facilitate the creation of such a request. As an example, the UE SI request module740may be used to formulate any one of the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360ofFIG. 3A. The UE SI request module740may use information included with the periodic sync signal325,340,355to determine how to formulate the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360. For example, the periodic sync signal325,340,355may include information indicating where the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360should be sent, as well as the timing of such signals.

The SI receipt module745may be used to facilitate the receipt of SI transmitted to the UE115-d. The SI may be transmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent by the UE115-d. In this example, the SI acquisition mode module735may indicate to the SI receipt module745that SI is to be received via a broadcast. The SI receipt module745may then facilitate receipt of the SI using information included with the periodic sync signal310, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast. In another example. the SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request sent by the UE115-d. In these examples, the SI acquisition mode module735may indicate to the SI receipt module745that SI is to be received as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI receipt module745may then facilitate receipt of the SI using information included with the periodic sync signals325,340,355, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast.

FIG. 8shows a block diagram800of a UE115-efor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various examples. The UE115-emay be an example of one or more aspects of a UE115described with reference toFIGS. 1-7. The UE115-emay include a UE receiver module710-a, an SI acquisition module720-a, and/or a UE transmitter module730-a, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of UE115-d(ofFIG. 7). The UE115-emay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisition module720-amay include an SI acquisition mode module735-a, a UE SI request module740-a, and/or an SI receipt module745-a. The SI acquisition mode module735-amay further include a sync signal receipt module805and/or an SI acquisition mode determination module810. The UE receiver module710-aand the UE transmitter module730-amay perform the functions of the UE receiver module710and the UE transmitter module730, ofFIG. 7, respectively.

The SI acquisition mode module735-amay include a sync signal receipt module805and/or an SI acquisition mode determination module810. The sync signal receipt module805may be used by the UE115-eto facilitate receipt by the UE115-eof a periodic sync signal310,325,340,355, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, for example. The received periodic sync signal310,325,340,355may indicate to the UE115-ewhether the UE115-eis to transmit a request signal, such as an MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360, for example, in order to receive a transmission of SI. Thus, the SI acquisition mode determination module810may be used to determine, from the received periodic sync signal310,325,340,355, whether an SI acquisition mode is fixed or on-demand. For example, the UE115-e, through the sync signal receipt module805, may receive a periodic sync signal310that indicates to the UE115-ethat SI may be broadcast by a base station105regardless of any requests sent by the UE115-e. In this instance, the SI acquisition mode determination module810may determine that no request is necessary in order for the UE115-eto receive SI. In another example, however, the UE115-emay receive, via the sync signal receipt module805, a periodic sync signal325,340,355, which may each indicate that the UE115-eis to transmit a request for SI (in the form of an MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360, for example) in order to receive SI. In this instance, the SI acquisition mode determination module810may determine that a request is necessary in order for the UE115-eto receive SI. Thus, the SI acquisition mode determination module810may be configured to determine whether the UE115-eis operating in a network having a fixed broadcast SI mode or an on-demand SI mode.

In the event that the UE115-eis operating in a network using an on-demand SI mode, meaning that the UE115-eis to transmit a request to receive SI, the UE SI request module740-amay be used to facilitate the creation of such a request. As an example, the UE SI request module740-amay be used to formulate any one of the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360ofFIG. 3A. The UE SI request module740-amay use information included with the periodic sync signal325,340,355to determine how to formulate the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360. For example, the periodic sync signal325,340,355may include information indicating where the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360should be sent, as well as the timing of such signals.

The SI receipt module745-amay be used to facilitate the receipt of SI transmitted to the UE115-e. The SI may be transmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent by the UE115-e. In this example, the SI acquisition mode module735-amay indicate to the SI receipt module745-athat SI is to be received via a broadcast. The SI receipt module745-amay then facilitate receipt of the SI using information included with the periodic sync signal310, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast. The UE115-emay receive the SI, in some examples, by monitoring an SI-RNTI on a common physical control channel (e.g., a PDCCH), decoding a downlink assignment message associated with the SI-RNTI, and receiving the SI on a shared channel (e.g., a PDSCH).

In another example. the SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request sent by the UE115-e. In these examples, the SI acquisition mode module735-amay indicate to the SI receipt module745-athat SI is to be received as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI receipt module745-amay then facilitate receipt of the SI using information included with the periodic sync signals325,340,355, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast. The UE115-emay receive the SI, in some examples, by monitoring an SI-RNTI on a common physical control channel (e.g., a PDCCH), decoding a downlink assignment message associated with the SI-RNTI, and receiving the MSIB on a shared channel (e.g., a PDSCH). Alternatively, when an RNTI; (e.g., a C-RNTI or Z-RNTI) is assigned for the UE115-e, the UE115-emay monitor the RNTI on a common physical control channel (e.g., a PDCCH), decode a downlink assignment message associated with the RNTI, and receive the SI on a shared channel (e.g., a PDSCH) according to information contained in the downlink assignment message. In another alternative, the UE115-emay monitor an SI-RNTI in order to receive broadcast SI, while the UE may also use an RNTI dedicatedly allocated for the UE (e.g., C-RNTI or zone RNTI) to receive unicast SI.

In each of the examples described above with respect to the UEs115-d,115-eofFIGS. 7 and 8, the terms broadcast operation and broad-beam operation may be used interchangeably, at the level at which operations of UEs115-d,115-ehave been described. Similarly, the terms unicast operation and narrow-beam operation may be used interchangeably, at the level at which operations of UEs115-d,115-ehave been described. In general, if the UE115-d,115-eis operating in a massive MIMO network, the UE115-d,115-emay receive the periodic sync signal310,325,340,355as part of a broad-beam operation, and may receive the SI as part of either a broad-beam or a narrow-beam operation. On the other hand, if the UE115-d,115-eis operating in a non-massive MIMO network, the UE115-d,115-emay receive the periodic sync signal310,325,340,355as part of a broadcast operation, and may receive the SI as part of either a broadcast or a unicast operation.

FIG. 9shows a block diagram900of a UE115-ffor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-fmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-8. The UE115-fmay also be or include a processor. The UE115-fmay include a UE receiver module710-b, an SI acquisition module720-b, or a UE transmitter module730-b, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of UE115-d(ofFIG. 7). The SI acquisition module720-bmay include a service-specific SI acquisition mode module905, a UE service-specific SI request module910, or an SI receipt module745-b. The SI receipt module745-bmay be an example of the SI receipt module745ofFIG. 7 or 8. Each of these modules may be in communication with each other.

In some examples, the UE receiver module710-bmay include at least one RF receiver. The UE receiver module710-bor RF receiver may be used to receive various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as one or more communication links of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the UE receiver module710-bmay be used to receive a service-specific periodic sync signal, as described with reference toFIG. 3B. The UE receiver module710-bmay also be used to receive various signals that include one or more forms of SI, as also described with reference toFIG. 3B. The receipt and processing of the service-specific synchronization signals and the SI signals (for example, the service-specific periodic sync signals370,385ofFIG. 3B, and the service-specific SIBs375,390(ofFIG. 3B)) may be additionally facilitated through the SI acquisition module720-b, as described in greater detail below.

In some examples, the UE transmitter module730-bmay include at least one RF transmitter. The UE transmitter module730-bor RF transmitter may be used to transmit various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as one or more communication links of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the UE transmitter module730-bmay be used to transmit a SIB Tx request372,388, as described with reference toFIG. 3B. The transmission of the SIB Tx request372,388, for example, may be additionally facilitated through the SI acquisition module720-b, as described in greater detail below.

The SI acquisition module720-bmay be used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for the UE115-f. In particular, in the UE115-f, the SI acquisition module720-bmay be used to facilitate the acquisition of service-specific SI from a base station105, in accordance to aspects of some of the embodiments described above. The SI acquisition module720-bmay include a service-specific SI acquisition mode module905, a UE service-specific SI request module910, or an SI receipt module745-b.

The service-specific SI acquisition mode module905may be used by the UE115-fto facilitate receipt by the UE115-fof a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, for example. The received service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may indicate to the UE115-fthat service-specific SI is available for the UE115-f. The service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may also indicate whether the UE115-fis to transmit one or more request signals, such as an SIB Tx request372,388, for example, in order to receive a service-specific SIB375,390. For example, the UE115-fmay receive a service-specific periodic sync signal370that indicates to the UE115-fthat service-specific SI is available. The service-specific periodic sync signal370may indicate that the service-specific SI is to be broadcast at a specific time and using specific resources. In that case, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905may determine that, in order to obtain the service-specific SI, the UE115-fmust listen for the service-specific SI at the designated times. Alternatively, the service-specific periodic sync signal370may indicate that the service-specific SI is to be requested in accordance with a schedule. In this instance, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905may determine that, in order to obtain the service-specific SI, the UE115-fmust transmit one or more requests for service-specific SI in accordance with the schedule identified by the serviced-specific periodic sync signal370. In yet another embodiment, a service-specific periodic sync signal385may indicate that service-specific SI is available by request but that the UE115-fmust explicitly request the service-specific SI. In this case, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905may determine that the UE115-fmust identify which services it requires SI and then include that identification in a request.

In the event that the UE115-fis operating in a network using an on-demand service-specific SI mode, meaning that the UE115-fis to transmit a request to receive service-specific SI, the UE service-specific SI request module910may be used to facilitate the creation of such a request. As an example, the UE service-specific SI request module910may be used to formulate any one of the SIB Tx requests372,388ofFIG. 3B. The UE service-specific SI request module910may use information included with the service-specific periodic sync signals370,385to determine how to formulate the SIB Tx requests372,388. For example, the service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may include information indicating where the SIB Tx requests372,388should be sent, as well as the timing of such signals.

The SI receipt module745-bmay be used to facilitate the receipt of service-specific SI transmitted to the UE115-f. The service-specific SI may be transmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent by the UE115-f. In this example, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905may indicate to the SI receipt module745-bthat service-specific SI is to be received via a broadcast. The SI receipt module745-bmay then facilitate receipt of the service-specific SI using information included with the service-specific periodic sync signal370, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the service-specific SI broadcasts. In another example. the service-specific SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request sent by the UE115-f. In these examples, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905may indicate to the SI receipt module745-bthat service-specific SI is to be received as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI receipt module745-bmay then facilitate receipt of the service-specific SI using information included with the service-specific periodic sync signal370,385, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast.

FIG. 10shows a block diagram1000of a UE115-gfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various examples. The UE115-gmay be an example of one or more aspects of a UE115described with reference toFIGS. 1-9. The UE115-gmay include a UE receiver module710-c, an SI acquisition module720-c, and/or a UE transmitter module730-c, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of UE115-f(ofFIG. 9). The UE115-gmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisition module720-cmay include a service-specific SI acquisition mode module905-a, a UE service-specific SI request module910-a, and/or an SI receipt module745-c. The service-specific SI acquisition mode module905-amay further include a sync signal receipt module1005and/or a service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010. The UE receiver module710-cand the UE transmitter module730-cmay perform the functions of the UE receiver module710and the UE transmitter module730, ofFIG. 7, respectively.

The service-specific SI acquisition mode module905-amay include a sync signal receipt module1005and/or a service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010. The sync signal receipt module1005may be used by the UE115-gto facilitate receipt by the UE115-gof a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, for example. The received service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may indicate to the UE115-gwhether service-specific SI is available for the UE115-g, and whether the UE115-gis to transmit a request signal, such as SIB Tx requests372,388, for example, in order to receive a transmission of service-specific SI. Thus, the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010may be used to determine, from the received service-specific periodic sync signal370,385, whether service-specific SI may be received as one or more broadcasts, may be explicitly requested, or may be requested in accordance with a schedule. For example, the UE115-gmay receive a service-specific periodic sync signal370that indicates to the UE115-gthat service-specific SI is to be broadcast at a specific time and using specific resources. In that case, the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010may determine that, in order to obtain the service-specific SI, the UE115-gmust listen for the service-specific SI at the designated times. Alternatively, the service-specific periodic sync signal370may indicate that the service-specific SI is to be requested in accordance with a schedule. In this instance, the service-specific SI acquisition determination mode module1010may determine that, in order to obtain the service-specific SI, the UE115-gmust transmit one or more requests for service-specific SI in accordance with the schedule identified by the serviced-specific periodic sync signal370. In yet another embodiment, a service-specific periodic sync signal385may indicate that service-specific SI is available by request but that the UE115-gmust explicitly request the service-specific SI. In this case, the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010may determine that the UE115-gmust identify which services it requires SI and then include that identification in a request.

In the event that the UE115-gis operating in a network using an on-demand service-specific SI mode, the UE service-specific SI request module910-amay be used to facilitate the creation of such a request. As an example, the UE service-specific SI request module910-amay be used to formulate any one of the SIB Tx requests372,388ofFIG. 3B. The UE service-specific SI request module910-amay use information included with the service-specific periodic sync signals370,385to determine how to formulate the SIB Tx requests372,388. For example, the service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may include information indicating where the SIB Tx requests372,388should be sent, as well as the timing of such signals.

The SI receipt module745-cmay be used to facilitate the receipt of service-specific SI transmitted to the UE115-g. The service-specific SI may be transmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent by the UE115-g. In this example, the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010may indicate to the SI receipt module745-cthat service-specific SI is to be received via a broadcast. The SI receipt module745-cmay then facilitate receipt of the service-specific SI using information included with the service-specific periodic sync signal370, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the service-specific SI broadcasts. In another example. the service-specific SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request sent by the UE115-g. In these examples, the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010may indicate to the SI receipt module745-cthat service-specific SI is to be received as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI receipt module745-cmay then facilitate receipt of the service-specific SI using information included with the service-specific periodic sync signal370,385, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast.

FIG. 11shows a block diagram1100of a UE115-hfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-hmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-10. The UE115-hmay include a UE receiver module710-d, an SI acquisition module720-d, and/or a UE transmitter module730-d, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of UE115-d(ofFIG. 7). The UE115-hmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisition module720-dmay include a master SI acquisition module1105, an SI processing module1110, a UE SI request module1115, and/or an other SI acquisition module1120. The UE receiver module710-dand the UE transmitter module730-dmay perform the functions of the UE receiver module710and the UE transmitter module730, ofFIG. 7, respectively. In addition, the UE receiver module710-dmay be used to receive SI signals such as the OSIB440,445,640, or645ofFIGS. 4 and 6; and the UE transmitter module730-dmay be used to transmit SI signals such as the MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360,415, or615ofFIGS. 3A, 4, and 6, or the OSIB transmission request430or630ofFIGS. 4 and 6.

The master SI acquisition module1105may be used to receive a first set of system information (e.g., master system information, such as the master system information included in the MSIB received at420inFIG. 4).

The SI processing module1110may be used to determine, based at least in part on the first set of system information, that additional system information (e.g., non-master system information, such as the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4) is available.

The UE SI request module1115may be used to transmit a request (e.g., the OSIB transmission request transmitted at430inFIG. 4) for the additional system information. In some examples, the UE SI request module1115may transmit a plurality of requests for the additional system information. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission request may indicate one or a plurality of elements of additional system information that the UE115-hwould like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additional system information that the UE115-hwould like to receive). In other examples, the UE115-hmay request some types of additional system information in different OSIB transmission requests, and the UE SI request module1115may be used to transmit a plurality of OSIB transmission requests.

The other SI acquisition module1120may be used to receive the additional system information (e.g., to receive the other system information included in the OSIB received at440or445inFIG. 4).

In some embodiments, receiving the first set of system information using the master SI acquisition module1105may include receiving an indication of one or more sets of additional system information that are available. In some embodiments, transmitting the request for the additional system information using the SI request module1115may include identifying, in the request for the additional system information, one or more sets of additional system information. In some embodiments, the one or more sets of additional system information identified in the request for the additional system information may include one or more sets of additional system information indicated in the first set of system information.

In some embodiments, receiving the additional system information using the other SI acquisition module1120may include at least one of: receiving system information indicating which RATs are available in a region and how the UE115-his to select an available RAT (e.g., UE mobility rules and policies); receiving system information indicating which services are available in a region and how the UE115-his to obtain an available service; receiving system information relating to an MBMS or a PWS service; receiving system information relating to location, positioning, or navigation services; or receiving system information based at least in part on a determined location of the UE115-h.

In some embodiments, transmitting the request for additional system information using the UE SI request module1115may include including one or more capabilities of the UE in the request. In these embodiments, receiving the additional system information using the other SI acquisition module1120may include receiving system information based at least in part on the one or more capabilities of the UE115-hincluded in the request.

In some embodiments, transmitting the request for additional system information using the UE SI request module1115may include including a location of the UE115-hin the request. In these embodiments, receiving the additional system information using the other SI acquisition module1120may include receiving system information based at least in part on the location of the UE115-hincluded in the request.

In some embodiments, transmitting the request for additional system information using the UE SI request module1115may include including an identification of the UE115-hin the request. In these embodiments, receiving the additional system information using the other SI acquisition module1120may include receiving system information based at least in part on the identification of the UE115-hincluded in the request.

FIG. 12shows a block diagram1200of a UE115-ifor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-imay be an example of aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-11. The UE115-imay include a UE receiver module710-e, an SI acquisition module720-e, and/or a UE transmitter module730-e, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of UE115-d,115-for115-h(ofFIG. 7, 9, or11). The UE115-imay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisition module720-emay include a sync signal processing module1205, a master SI acquisition module1105-a, an SI processing module1110-a, a UE SI request module1115-a, or an other SI acquisition module1120-a. The UE receiver module710-eand the UE transmitter module730-emay perform the functions of the UE receiver module710and the UE transmitter module730, ofFIG. 7, 9, or11.

The sync signal processing module1205may be used to decode information received from a downlink channel. The decoded information may indicate that master system information (e.g., an MSIB) is received in response to a master system information request (e.g., an MSIB transmission request such as the MSIB transmission request transmitted at415inFIG. 4). In some examples, the downlink channel may include a synchronization signal (e.g., the instance of the periodic sync signal received at405inFIG. 4). The decoded information may include information decoded from the synchronization signal.

The UE SI request module1115-amay be used to transmit a master system information request in accordance with the information decoded from the downlink channel by the sync signal processing module1205.

The master SI acquisition module1105-amay be used to receive the master system information (e.g., the master system information included in the MSIB received at420inFIG. 4). The master system information may include system information that allows the UE115-ito perform an initial access of a network using one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or a network access configuration.

The SI processing module1110-amay be used to determine, based at least in part on the master system information, that additional system information (e.g., non-master system information, such as the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4) is available.

The UE SI request module1115-amay also be used to transmit a request (e.g., the OSIB transmission request transmitted at430inFIG. 4) for the additional system information. In some examples, the UE SI request module1115-amay transmit a plurality of requests for the additional system information. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission request may indicate one or a plurality of elements of additional system information that the UE115-iwould like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additional system information that the UE115-iwould like to receive). In other examples, the UE115-imay request some types of additional system information in different OSIB transmission requests, and the UE SI request module1115-amay be used to transmit a plurality of OSIB transmission requests.

The other SI acquisition module1120-amay be used to receive the additional system information (e.g., to receive the other system information included in the OSIB received at440or445inFIG. 4).

In some embodiments, receiving the master system information using the master SI acquisition module1105-amay include receiving an indication of one or more sets of additional system information that are available. In some embodiments, transmitting the request for the additional system information using the UE SI request module1115-amay include identifying, in the request for the additional system information, one or more sets of additional system information. In some embodiments, the one or more sets of additional system information identified in the request for the additional system information may include one or more sets of additional system information indicated in the master system information.

FIG. 13shows a block diagram1300of a UE115-jfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-jmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-12. The UE115-jmay include a UE receiver module710-f, an SI acquisition module720-f, or a UE transmitter module730-f, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of UE115-d(ofFIG. 7). The UE115-jmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisition module720-fmay include a signal processing module1305or a UE SI request module1310. The UE receiver module710-fand the UE transmitter module730-fmay perform the functions of the UE receiver module710and the UE transmitter module730, ofFIG. 7, respectively. In addition, the UE receiver module710-fmay be used to receive SI signals such as the OSIB440,445,640, or645ofFIGS. 4 and 6, a value tag associated with SI, or a zone identifier; and the UE transmitter module730-fmay be used to transmit SI signals such as the MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360,415, or615ofFIGS. 3A, 4, and 6, or the OSIB transmission request430or630ofFIGS. 4 and 6.

The signal processing module1305may be used to receive a first signal (e.g., a sync signal or paging message such as the instance of the periodic sync signal or paging message received at605inFIG. 6or the MSIB received at620inFIG. 6). In some cases, the signal processing module1305may receive the first signal while the UE115-jis communicating with a network using first system information. The signal processing module1305may also be used to determine, based at least in part on the first signal, to request updated system information.

The UE SI request module1310may be used to request updated system information (e.g., to transmit the MSIB transmission request transmitted at615inFIG. 6or the OSIB transmission request transmitted at630inFIG. 6) based at least in part on the determination made by the signal processing module1305.

In some embodiments, determining to request the updated system information using the signal processing module1305may include at least one of: identifying that the UE115-jhas moved into a zone using second system information that is different from the first system information; identifying that the network has changed at least a portion of the first system information; or identifying that the UE115-jhas moved more than a predetermined distance from a location where the UE115-jobtained the first system information a previous time (e.g., from the location where the UE obtained the first system information last time).

In some embodiments, receiving the first signal using the signal processing module1305may include receiving a zone identifier (e.g., an area code, a BSIC, or another cell identifier). In some cases, the zone identifier may be received as part of a synchronization signal. In some cases, the zone identifier may be transmitted as part of a synchronization signal. In some cases, the zone identifier may identify one of the neighbor RATs of zones510,515, or520described with reference toFIG. 5. In these embodiments, the signal processing module1305may use the zone identifier to identify that the UE115-jhas moved from a first zone to a second zone. In some embodiments, determining to request updated system information using the signal processing module1305may include identifying a distance between a current location of the UE115-jand a location where the UE115-jobtained the first system information a previous time (e.g., the last time), and determining that the identified distance exceeds a predetermined threshold. In some cases, the predetermined threshold may be received from the network. In some cases, a location signal identifying a location of the UE115-jmay also be received. The location signal may be received, for example, as part of receiving the first signal. The location signal may also be received in other ways, such as via a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS; e.g., GPS, Galileo, GLONASS or BeiDou).

FIG. 14shows a block diagram1400of a UE115-kfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-kmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-13. The UE115-kmay include a UE receiver module710-g, an SI acquisition module720-g, or a UE transmitter module730-g, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of UE115-dor115-j(ofFIG. 7, 9, or11). The UE115-kmay also be or include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisition module720-gmay include a signal processing module1305-aor a UE SI request module1310-a. The UE receiver module710-gand the UE transmitter module730-gmay perform the functions of the UE receiver module710and the UE transmitter module730, ofFIG. 7, 9, or11.

The signal processing module1305-amay be used to receive a first signal (e.g., a sync signal or paging message such as the instance of the periodic sync signal or paging message received at605inFIG. 6or the MSIB received at620inFIG. 6). In some cases, the signal processing module1305-amay receive the first signal while the UE115-kis communicating with a network using first system information, and the first signal may include an indication that at least a portion of the first system information has changed.

The signal processing module1305-amay include a modification flag or value tag processing module1405. The modification flag or value tag processing module1405may be used, in some examples, to receive one or more modification flags, each of which indicates, by a counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that a corresponding portion of the first system information has changed. In some examples, the corresponding portion of the first system information may include a portion of master system information, such as an MSIB or element of an MSIB, In other examples, the corresponding portion of the first system information may include additional non-master system information, such as an OSIB or element of an OSIB. The master system information may include one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or network access configuration information. The master system information may also or alternatively include, for example, one or more other elements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one or more elements of the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, the modification flag may be received with (or as a part of) the first signal.

The modification flag or value tag processing module1405may also be used, in some examples, to receive one or more value tags corresponding to at least a portion (or different portions) of the first system information that has/have changed. In some examples, the one or more value tags may correspond to one or more portions of master system information (e.g., one or more MSIBs, or one or more elements of one or more MSIBs), one or more portions of additional non-master system information (e.g., one or more OSIBs, or one or more elements of one or more OSIBs), or a combination thereof. The master system information may include one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or network access configuration information. The master system information may also or alternatively include, for example, one or more other elements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one or more elements of the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, one or more value tags may be received with (or as part of) the first signal.

The signal processing module1305-aor modification flag or value tag processing module1405may also be used to determine, based at least in part on the first signal, a modification flag included in the first signal, or one or more value tags included in the first signal, to request updated system information. In some cases, determining to request updated system information may include determining a received modification flag is set to TRUE. In some cases, determining to request updated system information may include comparing a received value tag with a previously received value tag), and determining to request the updated system information based at least in part on the comparison (e.g., determining to request the updated system information when the value tags do not match).

The UE SI request module1310-amay be used to request updated system information based at least in part on the determination made by the signal processing module1305-a(e.g., to transmit the MSIB transmission request at615inFIG. 6or to transmit the OSIB transmission request at630inFIG. 6).

FIG. 15shows a block diagram1500of a UE115-lfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-lmay have various configurations and may be included or be part of a personal computer (e.g., a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, etc.), a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a PDA, a wireless modem, a USB dongle, a wireless router, a digital video recorder (DVR), an internet appliance, a gaming console, an e-reader, etc. The UE115-lmay, in some examples, have an internal power supply (not shown), such as a small battery, to facilitate mobile operation. In some examples, the UE115-lmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-14. The UE115-lmay be configured to implement at least some of the UE features and functions described with reference toFIGS. 1-14.

The UE115-lmay include a UE processor module1510, a UE memory module1520, at least one UE transceiver module (represented by UE transceiver module(s)1530), at least one UE antenna (represented by UE antenna(s)1540), or SI acquisition module720-h. Each of these components may be in communication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one or more buses1535.

The UE memory module1520may include random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). The UE memory module1520may store computer-readable, computer-executable code1525containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the UE processor module1510to perform various functions described herein related to wireless communication, including, for example, transmissions of a pilot signal. Alternatively, the code1525may not be directly executable by the UE processor module1510but be configured to cause the UE115-l(e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform various of the functions described herein.

The UE processor module1510may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. The UE processor module1510may process information received through the UE transceiver module(s)1530or information to be sent to the UE transceiver module(s)1530for transmission through the UE antenna(s)1540. The UE processor module1510may handle various aspects of communicating over (or managing communications over) a wireless medium.

The UE transceiver module(s)1530may include a modem configured to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the UE antenna(s)1540for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the UE antenna(s)1540. The UE transceiver module(s)1530may, in some examples, be implemented as one or more UE transmitter modules and one or more separate UE receiver modules. The UE transceiver module(s)1530may support communications on one or more wireless channels. The UE transceiver module(s)1530may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via the UE antenna(s)1540, with one or more base stations, such as one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 1, 2, 4, or6. While the UE115-lmay include a single UE antenna, there may be examples in which the UE115-lmay include multiple UE antennas1540.

The UE state module1550may be used, for example, to manage transitions of the UE115-lbetween RRC connected states, and may be in communication with other components of the UE115-l, directly or indirectly, over the one or more buses1535. The UE state module1550, or portions of it, may include a processor, and/or some or all of the functions of the UE state module1550may be performed by the UE processor module1510or in connection with the UE processor module1510.

The SI acquisition module720-hmay be configured to perform or control some or all of the system information acquisition features or functions described with reference toFIGS. 1-14. The SI acquisition module720-h, or portions of it, may include a processor, or some or all of the functions of the SI acquisition module720-hmay be performed by the UE processor module1510or in connection with the UE processor module1510. In some examples, the SI acquisition module720-hmay be an example of the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIGS. 7-14.

FIG. 16shows a block diagram1600of a base station105-efor wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station105-emay be an example of one or more aspects of a base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6. The base station105-emay also be or include a processor. The base station105-emay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module1610, an SI transmission module1620, or a base station (or RRH) transmitter module1630. The SI transmission module1620may include an SI transmission mode module1635, a base station SI request module1640, or an SI transmit module1645. Each of these modules may be in communication with each other. In configurations of the base station105-eincluding one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610,1620, or1630may be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The base station105-e, through the base station receiver module1610, the SI transmission module1620, and/or the base station transmitter module1630, may be configured to perform aspects of the functions described herein. For example, the base station105-emay be configured to determine an SI transmission mode, receive requests for SI (from a UE115, for example), and transmit the SI in accordance with one or more of the received requests and the determined transmission modes, as described in greater detail herein.

In some examples, the base station receiver module1610may include at least one RF receiver. The base station receiver module1610or RF receiver may be used to receive various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as one or more communication links of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the base station receiver module1610may be used to receive an MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360, as described with reference toFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The receipt and processing of the SI request signals (for example, the MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360ofFIG. 3A) may be additionally facilitated through the SI transmission module1620, as described in greater detail below.

In some examples, the base station transmitter module1630may include at least one RF transmitter. The base station transmitter module1630or RF transmitter may be used to transmit various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as one or more communication links of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the base station transmitter module1630may be used to transmit a periodic sync signal310,325,340, or355, as described with reference toFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The base station transmitter module1630may also be used to transmit various signals that include one or more forms of SI, such as the broadcast MSIBs315,330,342, or the unicast MSIB358, as also described with reference toFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The transmission of the synchronization signals and the SI signals may be additionally facilitated through the SI transmission module1620, as described in greater detail below.

The SI transmission module1620may be used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for the base station105-e. In particular, the SI transmission module1620may be used to facilitate the transmission of SI from the base station105-e, in accordance to aspects of some of the embodiments described above. The SI transmission module1620may include an SI transmission mode module1635, a base station SI request module1640, or an SI transmit module1645.

The SI transmission mode module1635may be used by the base station105-eto facilitate determination by the base station105-eof an SI transmission mode and transmission by the base station105-eof a periodic sync signal310,325,340,355, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A, and 4, for example. Examples of the different transmission modes may be illustrated and described above with relation toFIG. 3A. For example, one transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having fixed periodic scheduling and targeting a cell edge, as illustrated in the transmission/reception timeline305ofFIG. 3A. In this example, the base station105-emay transmit a periodic sync signal310which may indicate to UEs115that SI information is to be periodically broadcast without the need for the UEs115to transmit a specific request for SI. This SI transmission mode may be beneficially used when many UEs115are requesting SI. Because the SI transmission is a broadcast, the number of UEs115requiring SI will have no effect on the transmission of SI. However, this SI transmission mode may also include some drawbacks. Namely, a broadcast that targets a cell edge may require a significant transmission power and thus may result in radio resource wastage if the number of UEs115camped on the cell or zone is low. Additionally, in this transmission mode, the base station105-emay broadcast SI regardless of the number of UEs115camped on the cell or zone. Even if no UEs115are camped on the cell or zone, the base station105-emay continue to broadcast SI, thus resulting in resource wastage and possible interference.

Another transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having an on-demand periodic scheduling and that targets a cell edge, as illustrated in the transmission/reception timeline320ofFIG. 3A. In this example, the base station105-emay transmit a periodic sync signal325which may indicate to UEs115that SI information is to be periodically broadcast in response to an MSIB transmission request signal332. This SI transmission mode may be beneficially used such that the base station105-eis not required to perform resource allocation and data scheduling on a per UE basis but can just continue a periodic broadcast. Additionally, if no UEs115are requesting SI, the base station105-emay discontinue its broadcasts in order to save energy and reduce interference. Conversely, the broadcast targeting of a cell edge may still require a significant power usage, which may still result in power wastage and possible interference.

Yet another transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling and that targets a group of UEs115, as illustrated in the transmission/reception timeline335ofFIG. 3A. In this example, the base station105-emay transmit a periodic sync signal340which may indicate to UEs115that SI information is to be aperiodically broadcast in response to an MSIB transmission request signal345. This SI transmission mode may be beneficially used such that the base station105-eis able to stop SI broadcasts when no UEs are requesting SI, thus saving energy and reducing possible interference. Additionally, because the base station105-eis targeting only a group of UEs115(instead of a cell edge), less transmission power is required. However, in this transmission mode, the base station105-emay be required to optimize SI transmission for groups of UEs, thus potentially levying a higher processing load. Additionally, this mode is still not as efficient as unicast transmission, though efficiency may depend on a number of UEs115requesting SI.

A fourth transmission mode may include an SI unicast having on-demand aperiodic scheduling and that targets a single UE115, as illustrated in the transmission/reception timeline350ofFIG. 3A. In this example, the base station105-emay transmit a periodic sync signal355which may indicate to UEs115that SI information is to be aperiodically unicast in response to an MSIB transmission request signal360. This SI transmission mode has benefits of allowing the base station105-eto stop SI transmission when no UEs115are requesting SI, and can provide high efficiency in providing SI to UEs115. This mode may, however, have an accompanying increase in processing loads at the base station105-e.

The transmission modes described above have been generally described using the terms broadcast and unicast, which may be most appropriately used when the network in which the base station105-eis participating is a non-massive MIMO network. On the other hand, if a massive MIMO environment is configured, broad-beam and narrow-beam transmissions may be used in place of broadcast or unicast transmissions. A broad-beam transmission may provide wide coverage which can serve more than one UE115, though a broad-beam transmission may require additional radio resources with respect to a narrow-beam transmission which serves only a single UE115.

In general, a broad-beam or broadcast operation offers better efficiency in situations where there are many UEs115attempting to acquire SI, while a narrow-beam or unicast operation offers better efficiency in situations where there are a smaller number of UEs115attempting to acquire SI.

The SI transmission mode module1635may facilitate a transition between transmission modes, for example. One implementation may include the changing of transmission modes based on a number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition, network load, congestion status, or available radio resources.

For example, in a non-massive MIMO situation, if the number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition is greater than a predetermined threshold number N, then the SI transmission mode module1635may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal310that indicates that the SI will be periodically broadcast (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is fixed). In this situation, the base station105-emay periodically broadcast the SI without requiring a specific SI request from a UE115, and UEs115may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above.

If, however, in the non-massive MIMO situation, the number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition is not greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold number N or is smaller than the predetermined the threshold number N2, the SI transmission mode module1635may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal325,340,355that indicates that the SI will be transmitted in response to a request (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is on-demand). In this situation, the base station105-emay transmit the SI in response to a specific SI request from a UE115, and UEs115may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above. In this situation, the base-station105-emay transmit the SI by either broadcasting the SI in accordance with on-demand periodic scheduling targeting a cell edge, broadcasting the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a group of UEs115, or unicasting the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a single UE115.

In a massive MIMO situation, if the number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition is greater than a predetermined threshold number N, then the SI transmission mode module1635may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal310that indicates that the SI will be periodically transmitted via a broad-beam operation (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is fixed). In this situation, the base station105-emay periodically transmit via broad-beam the SI without requiring a specific SI request from a UE115, and UEs115may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above.

If, however, in the massive MIMO situation, the number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition is not greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold number N, or is smaller than the predetermined threshold number N2, the SI transmission mode module1635may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal325,340,355that indicates that the SI will be transmitted in response to a request (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is on-demand). The SI transmission may be either broad-beam or narrow-beam. In this situation, the base station105-emay transmit the SI in response to a specific SI request from a UE115, and UEs115may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above. In this situation, the base-station105-emay transmit the SI by either using a broad-beam transmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand periodic scheduling targeting a cell edge, using a broad-beam transmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a group of UEs115, or by using a narrow-beam transmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a single UE115.

In the event that the base station105-eis operating in a network using an on-demand SI mode, meaning that the base station105-eis to receive a request from a UE115prior to the base station105-etransmitting SI, the base station SI request module1640may be used to facilitate the receipt of such a request. As an example, the base station SI request module1640may be used to receive any one of the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360ofFIG. 3A. The MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360may be sent in accordance with information included with the periodic sync signals325,340,355, such as destination and/or timing to be used for the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360.

The SI transmit module1645may be used to facilitate the transmission of SI to the UEs115. The SI may be transmitted as a broadcast or broad-beam operation without any need for a request sent by a UE115. In this example, the SI transmission mode module1635may indicate to the SI transmit module1645that SI is to be transmitted via a broadcast or a broad-beam operation. The SI transmit module1645may then facilitate transmission of the SI in accordance with information included with the periodic sync signal310, such as on a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast. In another example. the SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast (or a broad-beam operation or a narrow-beam operation) in response to a request sent by a UE115. In these examples, the SI transmission mode module1635may indicate to the SI transmit module1645that SI is to be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast (or a broad-beam operation or a narrow-beam operation) in response to a request. The SI transmit module1645may then facilitate transmission of the SI in accordance with information included with the periodic sync signals325,340,355, such as use of a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast (or broad-beam operation or narrow-beam operation).

FIG. 17shows a block diagram1700of a base station105-ffor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various examples. The base station105-fmay be an example of one or more aspects of a base station105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 14. The base station105-fmay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module1610-a, an SI transmission module1620-a, or a base station (or RRH) transmitter module1630-a, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of base station105-e(ofFIG. 16). The base station105-fmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI transmission module1620-amay include an SI transmission mode module1635-a, a base station SI request module1640-a, or an SI transmit module1645-a. The SI transmission mode module1635-amay further include a sync signal transmit module1705or an SI transmission mode determination module1710. The base station receiver module1610-aand the base station transmitter module1630-amay perform the functions of the base station receiver module1610and the base station transmitter module1630, ofFIG. 16, respectively. In configurations of the base station105-fincluding one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610-a,1620-a, or1630-amay be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The sync signal transmit module1705of the SI transmission mode module1635-amay be used by the base station105-fto transmit a periodic sync signal to indicate to UEs115whether SI acquisition is to be performed via a fixed periodic mode or via an on-demand mode. The sync signal transmit module1705may transmit a periodic sync signal310,325,340,355, as illustrated inFIG. 3A, for example.

The base station105-fmay further operate in a specific SI transmission mode, which may be determined through the use of the SI transmission mode determination module1710. Examples of the different transmission modes may be illustrated and described above with relation toFIG. 3A. For example, one transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having fixed periodic scheduling and targeting a cell edge, as illustrated in the transmission/reception timeline305ofFIG. 3A. In this example, the base station105-fmay transmit a periodic sync signal310which may indicate to UEs115that SI information is to be periodically broadcast without the need for the UEs115to transmit a specific request for SI.

Another transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having an on-demand periodic scheduling and that targets a cell edge, as illustrated in the transmission/reception timeline320ofFIG. 3A. In this example, the base station105-fmay transmit a periodic sync signal325which may indicate to UEs115that SI information is to be periodically broadcast in response to an MSIB transmission request signal332.

Yet another transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling and that targets a group of UEs115, as illustrated in the transmission/reception timeline335ofFIG. 3A. In this example, the base station105-fmay transmit a periodic sync signal340which may indicate to UEs115that SI information is to be aperiodically broadcast in response to an MSIB transmission request signal345.

A fourth transmission mode may include an SI unicast having on-demand aperiodic scheduling and that targets a single UE115, as illustrated in the transmission/reception timeline350ofFIG. 3A. In this example, the base station105-fmay transmit a periodic sync signal355which may indicate to UEs115that SI information is to be aperiodically unicast in response to an MSIB transmission request signal360.

The transmission modes described above have been generally described using the terms broadcast and unicast, which may be most appropriately used when the network in which the base station105-fis participating is a non-massive MIMO network. On the other hand, if a massive MIMO environment is configured, broad-beam and narrow-beam transmissions may be used in place of broadcast or unicast transmissions. A broad-beam transmission may provide wide coverage which can serve more than one UE115, though a broad-beam transmission may require additional radio resources with respect to a narrow-beam transmission which serves only a single UE115.

In general, a broad-beam or broadcast operation offers better efficiency in situations where there are many UEs115attempting to acquire SI, while a narrow-beam or unicast operation offers better efficiency in situations where there are a smaller number of UEs115attempting to acquire SI.

The SI transmission mode determination module1710may facilitate a transition between transmission modes, for example. One implementation may include the changing of transmission modes based on a number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition, network load, congestion status, or available radio resources.

For example, in a non-massive MIMO situation, if the number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition is greater than a predetermined threshold number N, then the SI transmission mode determination module1710may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal310that indicates that the SI will be periodically broadcast (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is fixed). In this situation, the base station105-fmay periodically broadcast the SI without requiring a specific SI request from a UE115, and UEs115may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above.

If, however, in the non-massive MIMO situation, the number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition is not greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold number N, or is smaller than the predetermined threshold number N2, the SI transmission mode determination module1710may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal325,340,355that indicates that the SI will be transmitted in response to a request (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is on-demand). In this situation, the base station105-fmay transmit the SI in response to a specific SI request from a UE115, and UEs115may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above. In this situation, the base-station105-fmay transmit the SI by either broadcasting the SI in accordance with on-demand periodic scheduling targeting a cell edge, broadcasting the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a group of UEs115, or unicasting the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a single UE115.

In a massive MIMO situation, if the number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition is greater than a predetermined threshold number N, then the SI transmission mode determination module1710may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal310that indicates that the SI will be periodically transmitted via a broad-beam operation (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is fixed). In this situation, the base station105-fmay periodically transmit via broad-beam the SI without requiring a specific SI request from a UE115, and UEs115may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above.

If, however, in the massive MIMO situation, the number of UEs115requesting SI acquisition is not greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold number N, or is smaller than the predetermined threshold number N2, the SI transmission mode determination module1710may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal325,340,355that indicates that the SI will be transmitted in response to a request (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is on-demand). The SI transmission may be either broad-beam or narrow-beam. In this situation, the base station105-fmay transmit the SI in response to a specific SI request from a UE115, and UEs115may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above. In this situation, the base-station105-fmay transmit the SI by either using a broad-beam transmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand periodic scheduling targeting a cell edge, using a broad-beam transmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a group of UEs115, or by using a narrow-beam transmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a single UE115.

In the event that the base station105-fis operating in a network using an on-demand SI mode, meaning that the base station105-fis to receive a request from a UE115prior to the base station105-ftransmitting SI, the base station SI request module1640-amay be used to facilitate the receipt of such a request. As an example, the base station SI request module1640-amay be used to receive any one of the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360ofFIG. 3A. The MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360may be sent in accordance with information included with the periodic sync signals325,340,355, such as destination and/or timing to be used for the MSIB transmission request signals332,345,360.

The SI transmit module1645-amay be used to facilitate the transmission of SI to the UEs115. The SI may be transmitted as a broadcast or broad-beam operation without any need for a request sent by a UE115. In this example, the SI transmission mode module1635-amay indicate to the SI transmit module1645-athat SI is to be transmitted via a broadcast or a broad-beam operation. The SI transmit module1645-amay then facilitate transmission of the SI in accordance with information included with the periodic sync signal310, such as on a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast. In another example. the SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast (or a broad-beam operation or a narrow-beam operation) in response to a request sent by a UE115. In these examples, the SI transmission mode module1635-amay indicate to the SI transmit module1645-athat SI is to be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast (or a broad-beam operation or a narrow-beam operation) in response to a request. The SI transmit module1645-amay then facilitate transmission of the SI in accordance with information included with the periodic sync signals325,340,355, such as use of a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast (or broad-beam operation or narrow-beam operation).

FIG. 18shows a block diagram1800of a base station105-gfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station105-gmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6, 16, and 17. The base station105-gmay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module1610-b, an SI transmission module1620-b, or a base station (or RRH) transmitter module1630-b, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of base station105-e(ofFIG. 16). The base station105-gmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI transmission module1620-bmay include a service-specific SI transmission mode module1805, a base station service-specific SI request module1810, or an SI transmit module1645-b. The base station receiver module1610-band the base station transmitter module1630-bmay perform the functions of the base station receiver module1610and the base station transmitter module1630, ofFIG. 16, respectively. In addition, the base station receiver module1610-bmay be used to receive SI signals such as the SIB Tx requests372,388ofFIG. 3B; and the base station transmitter module1630-bmay be used to transmit service-specific SIBs375,390ofFIG. 3B. In configurations of the base station105-gincluding one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610-b,1620-b, or1630-bmay be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

In some examples, the base station receiver module1610-bmay include at least one RF receiver. The base station receiver module1610-bor RF receiver may be used to receive various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as one or more communication links of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the base station receiver module1610-bmay be used to receive a request for service-specific SI, as described with reference toFIG. 3B. The receipt and processing of the service-specific SI requests (for example, the SIB Tx requests372,388ofFIG. 3B) may be additionally facilitated through the SI transmission module1620-b, as described in greater detail below.

In some examples, the base station transmitter module1630-bmay include at least one RF transmitter. The base station transmitter module1630-bor RF transmitter may be used to transmit various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as one or more communication links of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the base station transmitter module1630-bmay be used to transmit a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385and service-specific SIBs375,390, as described with reference toFIG. 3B. The transmission of the service-specific periodic sync signals370,385and service-specific SIBs375,390, for example, may be additionally facilitated through the SI transmission module1620-b, as described in greater detail below.

The SI transmission module1620-bmay be used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for the base station105-g. In particular, in the base station105-g, the SI transmission module1620-bmay be used to facilitate the transmission of service-specific SI to a UE115, in accordance to aspects of some of the embodiments described above. The SI transmission module1620-bmay include a service-specific SI transmission mode module1805, a base station service-specific SI request module1810, or an SI transmit module1645-b.

The service-specific SI transmission mode module1805may be used by the base station105-gto facilitate transmission by the base station105-gof a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, for example. The transmitted service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may indicate to a UE115that service-specific SI is available for the UE115. The service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may also indicate whether the UE115is to transmit one or more request signals, such as an SIB Tx request372,388, for example, in order to receive a service-specific SIB375,390. A service-specific periodic sync signal370may indicate that the service-specific SI is to be broadcast at a specific time and using specific resources. Alternatively, a service-specific periodic sync signal370may indicate that the service-specific SI is to be requested in accordance with a schedule. In yet another embodiment, a service-specific periodic sync signal385may indicate that service-specific SI is available by request but that a UE115must explicitly request the service-specific SI.

In the event that the service-specific SI transmission mode module1805indicates in a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385that a UE115is to transmit a request for service-specific SI, the base station service-specific SI request module1810may be used by the base station105-gto receive any such requests. Requests for service-specific SI may be in the form of SIB Tx requests372,288, as described inFIG. 3B. An SIB Tx request372may be received by the base station service-specific SI request module1810at a time indicated in a schedule included with the service-specific periodic sync signal370, and may thus indicate to the base station105-gthat a corresponding service-specific SI is to be transmitted to the requesting UE115. Alternatively, the base station105-gmay receive an SIB Tx request388which explicitly requests service-specific SI.

The SI transmit module1645-bmay be used to facilitate the transmission of service-specific SI to a UE115. The service-specific SI may be transmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent by a UE115. In this example, the service-specific SI transmission mode module1805may indicate to the SI transmit module1645-bthat service-specific SI is to be transmitted via a broadcast. The SI transmit module1645-bmay then facilitate transmission of the service-specific SI in accordance with a service-specific periodic sync signal370, for example, using a predetermined channel or timing of the service-specific SI broadcasts. In another example. the service-specific SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request sent by a UE115. In these examples, the service-specific SI transmission mode module1805may indicate to the SI transmit module1645-bthat service-specific SI is to be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI transmit module1645-bmay then facilitate transmission of the service-specific SI in accordance with information included with the service-specific periodic sync signal370,385and in accordance with a received SIB Tx request372,388.

FIG. 19shows a block diagram1900of a base station105-hfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station105-hmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-18. The base station105-hmay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module1610-c, an SI transmission module1620-c, or a base station (or RRH) transmitter module1630-c, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of base station105-e(ofFIG. 16). The base station105-hmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI transmission module1620-cmay include a service-specific SI transmission mode module1805-a, a base station service-specific SI request module1810-a, or an SI transmit module1645-c. The service-specific SI transmission mode module1805-amay further include a sync signal transmit module1905and/or a service-specific SI transmission mode determination module1910. The base station receiver module1610-cand the base station transmitter module1630-cmay perform the functions of the base station receiver module1610and the base station transmitter module1630, ofFIG. 16, respectively. In addition, the base station receiver module1610-cmay be used to receive SI signals such as the SIB Tx requests372,388ofFIG. 3B; and the base station transmitter module1630-cmay be used to transmit service-specific SIBs375,390ofFIG. 3B. In configurations of the base station105-hincluding one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610-c,1620-c, or1630-cmay be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The SI transmission module1620-cmay be used to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication for the base station105-h. In particular, in the base station105-h, the SI transmission module1620-cmay be used to facilitate the transmission of service-specific SI to a UE115, in accordance to aspects of some of the embodiments described above.

The service-specific SI transmission mode module1805-amay include a sync signal transmit module1905and/or a service-specific SI transmission mode determination module1910. The sync signal transmit module1905may be used by the base station105-hto facilitate transmission by the base station105-hof a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, for example. The transmitted service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may indicate to a UE115whether service-specific SI is available for the UE115, and whether the UE115may obtain the service-specific SI through broadcast or request. Thus, the service-specific SI transmission mode determination module1910may be used to determine how a UE115is to obtain service-specific SI, and then the service-specific SI transmission mode determination module1910can include that indication within a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385. Therefore, a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385may indicate whether a UE115is to transmit one or more request signals, such as an SIB Tx request372,388, for example, in order to receive a service-specific SIB375,390. A service-specific periodic sync signal370may indicate that the service-specific SI is to be broadcast at a specific time and using specific resources. Alternatively, a service-specific periodic sync signal370may indicate that the service-specific SI is to be requested in accordance with a schedule. In yet another embodiment, a service-specific periodic sync signal385may indicate that service-specific SI is available by request but that a UE115must explicitly request the service-specific SI.

In the event that the service-specific SI transmission mode determination module1910indicates in a service-specific periodic sync signal370,385that a UE115is to transmit a request for service-specific SI, the base station service-specific SI request module1810-amay be used by the base station105-hto receive any such requests. Requests for service-specific SI may be in the form of SIB Tx requests372,288, as described inFIG. 3B. An SIB Tx request372may be received by the base station service-specific SI request module1810-aat a time indicated in a schedule included with the service-specific periodic sync signal370, and may thus indicate to the base station105-hthat a corresponding service-specific SI is to be transmitted to the requesting UE115. Alternatively, the base station105-hmay receive an SIB Tx request388which explicitly requests service-specific SI.

The SI transmit module1645-cmay be used to facilitate the transmission of service-specific SI to a UE115. The service-specific SI may be transmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent by a UE115. In this example, the service-specific SI transmission mode determination module1910may indicate to the SI transmit module1645-cthat service-specific SI is to be transmitted via a broadcast. The SI transmit module1645-cmay then facilitate transmission of the service-specific SI in accordance with a service-specific periodic sync signal370, for example, using a predetermined channel or timing of the service-specific SI broadcasts. In another example. the service-specific SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request sent by a UE115. In these examples, the service-specific SI transmission mode determination module1910may indicate to the SI transmit module1645-cthat service-specific SI is to be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI transmit module1645-cmay then facilitate transmission of the service-specific SI in accordance with information included with the service-specific periodic sync signal370,385and in accordance with a received SIB Tx request372,388.

FIG. 20shows a block diagram2000of a base station105-ifor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station105-imay be an example of aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-19. The base station105-imay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module1610-d, an SI transmission module1620-d, or a base station (or RRH) transmitter module1630-d, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of base station105-e(ofFIG. 16). The base station105-imay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI transmission module1620-dmay include a master SI transmission management module2005, an SI request processing module2010, or an other SI transmission management module2015. The base station receiver module1610-dand the base station transmitter module1630-dmay perform the functions of the base station receiver module1610and the base station transmitter module1630, ofFIG. 16, respectively. In addition, the base station receiver module1610-dmay be used to receive SI signals such as the MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360,415, or615ofFIGS. 3A, 4, and 6, or the OSIB transmission request430or630ofFIGS. 4 and 6; and the base station transmitter module1630-dmay be used to transmit SI signals such as the OSIB440,445,640, or645ofFIGS. 4 and 6. In configurations of the base station105-iincluding one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610-d,1620-d, or1630-dmay be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The master SI transmission management module2005may be used to transmit a first set of system information (e.g., master system information, such as the master system information included in the MSIB transmitted at420inFIG. 4).

The SI request processing module2010may be used to receive a request (e.g., the OSIB transmission request received at430inFIG. 4) for additional system information (e.g., non-master system information, such as the other information described with reference toFIG. 4).

The other SI transmission management module2015may be used to transmit the additional system information based at least in part on the request (e.g., to transmit the other system information included in the OSIB transmitted at440or445inFIG. 4).

In some embodiments, transmitting the first set of system information using the master SI transmission management module2005may include transmitting an indication of one or more sets of additional system information that are available. In some embodiments, receiving the request for the additional system information using the SI request processing module2010may include receiving one or multiple requests for additional system information corresponding to multiple sets of additional system information to be transmitted. For example, the SI request processing module2010may receive a single OSIB transmission request indicating one or a plurality of elements of additional system information that a UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additional system information that the UE would like to receive). In other examples, a UE may request some types of additional system information in different OSIB transmission requests, and the SI request processing module2010may receive a plurality of OSIB transmission requests.

In some embodiments, transmitting the additional system information using the other SI transmission management module2015may include at least one of: transmitting system information indicating which RATs are available in a region and how a UE is to select an available RAT; transmitting system information indicating which services are available in a region and how a UE is to obtain an available service; transmitting system information relating to an MBMS or a PWS service; transmitting system information relating to location, positioning, or navigation services; or transmitting system information based at least in part on a determined location of a UE.

In some embodiments, receiving the request for additional system information using the SI request processing module2010may include receiving, in the request, one or more capabilities of a UE transmitting the request. In these embodiments, transmitting the additional system information using the other SI transmission management module2015may include transmitting system information based at least in part on the one or more capabilities of the base station105-iincluded in the request.

In some embodiments, receiving the request for additional system information using the SI request processing module2010may include receiving, in the request, a location of a UE transmitting the request. In these embodiments, the other SI transmission management module2015may identify the additional system information to transmit based at least in part on the location of the UE included in the request. Alternatively, the other SI transmission management module2015may determine a location of the UE transmitting the request, and identify the additional system information to transmit based at least in part on the location of the UE.

In some embodiments, receiving the request for additional system information using the SI request processing module2010may include receiving, in the request, an identification of a UE transmitting the request. In these embodiments, the other SI transmission management module2015may identify the additional system information to transmit based at least in part on the identification of the UE included in the request. In some cases, the additional system information may be identified by accessing a database that includes the identification of the UE transmitting the request and one or more capabilities of the UE.

FIG. 21shows a block diagram2100of a base station105-jfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station105-jmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-20. The base station105-jmay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module1610-e, an SI transmission module1620-e, or a base station (or RRH) transmitter module1630-e, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of base station105-e,105-g, or105-i(ofFIG. 16, 18, or20). The base station105-jmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI transmission module1620-emay include a sync signal transmission management module2105, a master SI transmission management module2005-a, an SI request processing module2010-a, or an other SI transmission management module2015-a. The base station receiver module1610-eand the base station transmitter module1630-emay perform the functions of the base station receiver module1610and the base station transmitter module1630, ofFIG. 16, 18, or20. In configurations of the base station105-jincluding one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610-e,1620-e, or1630-emay be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The sync signal transmission management module2105may be used to broadcast information on a downlink channel. The information may indicate that master system information (e.g., an MSIB) is transmitted in response to a master system information request (e.g., an MSIB transmission request such as the MSIB transmission request received at415inFIG. 4) received from a UE. In some examples, the downlink channel may include a synchronization signal (e.g., the instance of the periodic sync signal transmitted at405inFIG. 4). The information may be included in (or associated with) the synchronization signal.

The SI request processing module2010-amay be used to receive a master system information request (e.g., in accordance with the information broadcast on the downlink channel). In some cases, receiving the master system information request may include receiving, in the request, an identification of one or more capabilities of a UE transmitting the request.

The master SI transmission management module2005-amay be used to transmit, in response to receiving the master system information request, the master system information (e.g., the master system information included in the MSIB received at420inFIG. 4). In some cases, the master system information may include system information that allows a UE to perform an initial access of a network using one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of the base station, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or a network access configuration.

The SI request processing module2010-amay also be used to receive a request for additional system information (e.g., the OSIB transmission request received at430inFIG. 4).

In some examples, the other SI transmission management module2015-amay be used to transmit the additional system information (e.g., non-master system information, such as the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4) based at least in part on the request. In some cases, the additional system information may be identified based at least in part on one or more capabilities of the UE identified in the master system information request. The additional system information may also be identified based at least in part on information received in the request.

In some embodiments, transmitting the first set of system information using the master SI transmission management module2005-amay include transmitting an indication of one or more sets of additional system information that are available. In some embodiments, receiving the request for the additional system information by the SI request processing module2010-amay include receiving multiple requests for additional system information corresponding to multiple sets of additional system information to be transmitted. For example, the SI request processing module2010-amay receive a single OSIB transmission request indicating one or a plurality of elements of additional system information that a UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additional system information that the UE would like to receive). In other examples, a UE may request some types of additional system information in different OSIB transmission requests, and the SI request processing module2010-amay receive a plurality of OSIB transmission requests.

FIG. 22shows a block diagram2200of a base station105-kfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station105-kmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-21. The base station105-kmay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module1610-f, an SI transmission module1620-f, or a base station (or RRH) transmitter module1630-f, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of base station105-e(ofFIG. 16). The base station105-kmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI transmission module1620-fmay include an SI transmission management module2205or an SI request processing module2210. The base station receiver module1610-fand the base station transmitter module1630-fmay perform the functions of the base station receiver module1610and the base station transmitter module1630, ofFIG. 16, respectively. In addition, the base station receiver module1610-fmay be used to receive SI signals such as the MSIB transmission request signal332,345,360,415, or615ofFIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 6, or the OSIB transmission request430or630ofFIGS. 4 and 6; and the base station transmitter module1630-fmay be used to transmit SI signals such as the OSIB440,445,640, or645ofFIGS. 4 and 6, a value tag associated with SI, or a zone identifier. In configurations of the base station105-kincluding one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610-f,1620-f, or1630-fmay be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The SI transmission management module2205may be used to transmit a first signal (e.g., a sync signal or paging message such as the instance of the periodic sync signal or paging message transmitted at605inFIG. 6or the MSIB transmitted at620inFIG. 6) from a base station to a UE. At the time of transmission of the first signal, the UE may communicate with a network using first system information. The first signal may include information to allow the UE to determine to request updated system information.

The SI request processing module2210may be used to receive a request from the UE for updated system information (e.g., the MSIB transmission request received at615inFIG. 6or the OSIB transmission request received at630inFIG. 6).

The SI transmission management module2205may also be used to transmit the updated system information (e.g., the MSIB transmitted at620inFIG. 6or the OSIB transmitted at640or645inFIG. 6) based at least in part on the request.

In some embodiments, transmitting the first signal using the SI transmission management module2205may include transmitting a zone identifier (e.g., an area code, a BSIC, or another cell identifier). In some cases, the zone identifier may be transmitted as part of a synchronization signal. In some cases, the zone identifier may identify one of the neighbor RATs of zones510,515, or520described with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 23shows a block diagram2300of a base station105-lfor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station105-lmay be an example of aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-22. The base station105-lmay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module1610-g, an SI transmission module1620-g, or a base station (or RRH) transmitter module1630-g, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of base station105-e,105-g, or105-k(ofFIG. 16, 18, or20). The base station105-lmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The SI transmission module1620-gmay include an SI transmission management module2205-aor an SI request processing module2210-a. The base station receiver module1610-gand the base station transmitter module1630-gmay perform the functions of the base station receiver module1610and the base station transmitter module1630, ofFIG. 16, 18, 20, or22. In configurations of the base station105-lincluding one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610-g,1620-g, or1630-gmay be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The SI transmission management module2205-amay be used to transmit a first signal (e.g., a sync signal or paging message such as the instance of the periodic sync signal or paging message transmitted at605inFIG. 6, or the MSIB transmitted at620inFIG. 6) from a base station to a UE. At the time of transmission of the first signal, the UE may communicate with a network using first system information. The first signal may include information to allow the UE to determine to request updated system information. The first signal may also include an indication that at least a portion of the first system information has changed.

The SI transmission management module2205-amay include a modification flag or value tag transmission management module2305. The modification flag or value tag transmission management module2305may be used, in some examples, to transmit one or more modification flags, each of which indicates, by a counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that a corresponding portion of the first system information has changed. In some examples, the corresponding portion of the first system information may include a portion of master system information, such as an MSIB or element of an MSIB, In other examples, the corresponding portion of the first system information may include additional non-master system information, such as an OSIB or element of an OSIB. The master system information may include one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or network access configuration information. The master system information may also or alternatively include, for example, one or more other elements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one or more elements of the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, the modification flag may be transmitted with (or as a part of) the first signal.

The modification flag or value tag transmission management module2305may also be used, in some examples, to transmit one or more value tags corresponding to at least a portion (or different portions) of the first system information that has/have changed. In some examples, the one or more value tags may correspond to one or more portions of master system information (e.g., one or more MSIBs, or one or more elements of one or more MSIBs), one or more portions of additional non-master system information (e.g., one or more OSIBs, or one or more elements of one or more OSIBs), or a combination thereof. The master system information may include one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or network access configuration information. The master system information may also or alternatively include, for example, one or more other elements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one or more elements of the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, one or more value tags may be transmitted with (or as a part of) the first signal.

The SI request processing module2210-amay be used to receive a request from the UE for updated system information (e.g., to receive the MSIB transmission request at615inFIG. 6, to receive the OSIB transmission request at630inFIG. 6).

The SI transmission management module2205-amay also be used to transmit the updated system information (e.g., the MSIB transmitted at620inFIG. 6or the OSIB transmitted at640or645inFIG. 6) based at least in part on the request.

FIG. 24Ashows a block diagram2400of a base station105-m(e.g., a base station forming part or all of an eNB) for use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the base station105-mmay be an example of one or more aspects of the base station105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-23. The base station105-mmay be configured to implement or facilitate at least some of the base station features and functions described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 14-19.

The base station105-mmay include a base station processor module2410, a base station memory module2420, at least one base station transceiver module (represented by base station transceiver module(s)2450), at least one base station antenna (represented by base station antenna(s)2455), or a base station SI transmission module1620-h. The base station105-mmay also include one or more of a base station communications module2430or a network communications module2440. Each of these components may be in communication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one or more buses2435.

The base station memory module2420may include RAM or ROM. The base station memory module2420may store computer-readable, computer-executable code2425containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the base station processor module2410to perform various functions described herein related to wireless communication, including, for example, transmission of a synchronization signal. Alternatively, the code2425may not be directly executable by the base station processor module2410but be configured to cause the base station105-m(e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform various of the functions described herein.

The base station processor module2410may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. The base station processor module2410may process information received through the base station transceiver module(s)2450, the base station communications module2430, or the network communications module2440. The base station processor module2410may also process information to be sent to the transceiver module(s)2450for transmission through the base station antenna(s)2455, to the base station communications module2430, for transmission to one or more other base stations105-nand105-o, or to the network communications module2440for transmission to a core network130-a, which may be an example of one or more aspects of the core network130described with reference toFIG. 1. The base station processor module2410may handle, alone or in connection with the base station SI transmission module1620-h, various aspects of communicating over (or managing communications over) a wireless medium.

The base station transceiver module(s)2450may include a modem configured to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the base station antenna(s)2455for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the base station antenna(s)2455. The base station transceiver module(s)2450may, in some examples, be implemented as one or more base station transmitter modules and one or more separate base station receiver modules. The base station transceiver module(s)2450may support communications on one or more wireless channels. The base station transceiver module(s)2450may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via the base station antenna(s)2455, with one or more UEs, such as one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIG. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or15. The base station105-mmay, for example, include multiple base station antennas2455(e.g., an antenna array). The base station105-mmay communicate with the core network130-athrough the network communications module2440. The base station105-mmay also communicate with other base stations, such as the base stations105-nand105-o, using the base station communications module2430.

The base station SI transmission module1620-hmay be configured to perform or control some or all of the base station features or functions described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 14-19related to transmission of system information. The base station SI transmission module1620-h, or portions of it, may include a processor, or some or all of the functions of the base station SI transmission module1620-hmay be performed by the base station processor module2410or in connection with the base station processor module2410. In some examples, the base station SI transmission module1620-hmay be an example of the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIGS. 16-19.

FIG. 24Bshows a block diagram2405of a base station105-p(e.g., a base station forming part or all of an eNB) for use in wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the base station105-pmay be an example of one or more aspects of the base station105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-23. The base station105-pmay be configured to implement or facilitate at least some of the base station features and functions described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-23.

The base station105-pmay include a central node (or base station server)2415and one or more RRHs2445. The central node2415may include a central node processor module2410-a, a central node memory module2420-a, a central node SI transmission module1620-i, or a RRH interface module2495. In some cases, the central node memory module2420-amay include code2425-a. The central node2415may also include one or more of a central node communications module2430-athat may communicate with one or more other central nodes or base stations, such as base stations105-qor105-r, or a network communications module2440-athat may communicate with a core network130-b. Each of these components may be in communication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one or more buses2435-a. The central node processor module2410-a, central node memory module2420-a, central node SI transmission module1620-i, central node communications module2430-a, network communications module2440-a, and one or more buses2435-amay perform the functions of the base station processor module2410, base station memory module2420, base station SI transmission module1620, base station communications module2430, network communications module2440, and buses2435, ofFIG. 24A, respectively.

Each of the one or more RRHs2445may include a central node interface module2490, at least one RRH transceiver module (represented by RRH transceiver module(s)2480), and at least one RRH antenna (represented by RRH antenna(s)2485), Each of these components may be in communication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one or more RRH buses2475. The RRH transceiver module(s)2480and RRH antenna(s)2485may perform the functions of the base station transceiver module(s)2450and base station antenna(s)2455, ofFIG. 24A, respectively.

The RRH2445may also include one or more of a RRH processor module2460, a RRH memory module2465(possibly storing code2470), or a RRH SI transmission module1620-j. Each of the RRH processor module2460, RRH memory module2465, and RRH SI transmission module1620-jmay communicate with other modules of the RRH2445via the one or more buses2475. In some examples, some of the functions of the central node processor module2410-a, central node memory module2420-a, or central node SI transmission module1620-imay be offloaded to (or replicated in) the RRH processor module2460, RRH memory module2465, or RRH SI transmission module1620-j, respectively.

The RRH interface module2495and central node interface module2490may provide a communications interface, between the central node2415and RRH2445, and establish a bi-directional communication link2498between the central node2415and RRH2445. The communication link2498may in some cases be an optical communication link, but may also take other forms.

The deployment of one or more RRHs2445in communication with central node2415may be used, for example, to increase the coverage area of the base station105-por position the central node2415and RRHs2445in more useful locations. For example, the RRH2445may be positioned at a location free of RF obstructions or on a smaller cell tower.

FIG. 25is a block diagram of a MIMO communication system2500including a base station105-sand a UE115-m, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The MIMO communication system2500may illustrate aspects of the wireless communication system100described with reference toFIG. 1. The base station105-smay be an example of aspects of the base station105described with reference toFIG. 1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or24. The base station105-smay be equipped with antennas2534through2535, and the UE115-mmay be equipped with antennas2552through2553. In the MIMO communication system2500, the base station105-smay be able to send data over multiple communication links at the same time. Each communication link may be called a “layer” and the “rank” of the communication link may indicate the number of layers used for communication. For example, in a 2×2 MIMO communication system where base station105-stransmits two “layers,” the rank of the communication link between the base station105-sand the UE115-mis two. In some examples, the MIMO communication system2500may be configured for communication using non-massive MIMO techniques. In other examples, the MIMO communication system2500may be configured for communication using massive MIMO techniques.

At the base station105-s, a Tx processor2520may receive data from a data source. The transmit processor2520may process the data. The transmit processor2520may also generate control symbols or reference symbols. A transmit MIMO processor2530may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide output symbol streams to the transmit modulators2532through2533. Each modulator2532through2533may process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator2532through2533may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink (DL) signal. In one example, DL signals from modulators2532through2533may be transmitted via the antennas2534through2535, respectively.

The UE115-mmay be an example of aspects of the UEs115described with reference toFIG. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or15. At the UE115-m, the UE antennas2552through2553may receive the DL signals from the base station105-sand may provide the received signals to the modulator/demodulators2554through2555, respectively. Each modulator/demodulator2554through2555may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a respective received signal to obtain input samples. Each modulator/demodulator2554through2555may further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector2556may obtain received symbols from all the modulator/demodulators2554through2555, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols, if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive (Rx) processor2558may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, providing decoded data for the UE115-mto a data output, and provide decoded control information to a processor2580, or memory2582.

The processor2580may in some cases execute stored instructions to instantiate an SI acquisition module720-i. The SI acquisition module720-imay be an example of aspects of the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIGS. 7-15.

On the uplink (UL), at the UE115-m, a transmit processor2564may receive and process data from a data source. The transmit processor2564may also generate reference symbols for a reference signal. The symbols from the transmit processor2564may be precoded by a transmit MIMO processor2566if applicable, further processed by the modulator/demodulators2554through2555(e.g., for SC-FDMA, etc.), and be transmitted to the base station105-sin accordance with the communication parameters received from the base station105-s. At the base station105-s, the UL signals from the UE115-mmay be received by the antennas2534through2535, processed by the demodulators2532through2533, detected by a MIMO detector2536if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor2538. The receive processor2538may provide decoded data to a data output and to the processor2540or memory2542.

The processor2540may in some cases execute stored instructions to instantiate an SI transmission module1620-k. The SI transmission module1620-kmay be an example of aspects of the SI transmission1620module described with reference toFIGS. 16-24.

The components of the UE115-mmay, individually or collectively, be implemented with one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the noted modules may be a means for performing one or more functions related to operation of the MIMO communication system2500. Similarly, the components of the base station105-smay, individually or collectively, be implemented with one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the noted components may be a means for performing one or more functions related to operation of the MIMO communication system2500.

FIG. 26is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method2600for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method2600is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIG. 1-8, 15, or25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method2600may be performed by a UE during an initial access procedure.

At block2605, a UE may receive a first signal, the first signal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by the UE. The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and may indicate to the UE that SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or through an on-demand broadcast, unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission. The operations at block2605may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 7, 8, 15, or25, the SI acquisition mode module735described with reference toFIG. 7 or 8, or the sync signal receipt module805described with reference toFIG. 8.

At block2610, a UE may obtain SI in accordance with the indication. Thus, if the indication indicates that SI is to be broadcast without the UE requesting the SI, then the UE may receive the SI in a periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission. If the indication indicates that SI is to be transmitted in response to a UE request, then the UE may receive the SI after the UE has submitted a request for the SI. The operations at block2610may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 7, 8, 15, or25, or the SI receipt module745described with reference toFIG. 7 or 8.

Thus, the method2600may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for SI acquisition. It should be noted that the method2600is just one implementation and that the operations of the method2600may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 27is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method2700for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method2700is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIG. 1-8, 15, or25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method2700may be performed by a UE during an initial access procedure.

At block2705, a UE may receive a first signal, the first signal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by the UE. The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and may indicate to the UE that SI is to be acquired through an on-demand broadcast, unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission. The operations at block2705may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 7, 8, 15, or25, the SI acquisition mode module735described with reference toFIG. 7 or 8, or the sync signal receipt module805described with reference toFIG. 8.

At block2710, a UE may send a request for SI in accordance with the indication. The request may be sent in accordance to information included within the first signal, such as destination and/or timing information. The operations at block2710may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 7, 8, 15, or25, or the UE SI request module740described with reference toFIG. 7 or 8.

At block2715, a UE may receive SI in response to the request. The SI may be received as an on-demand periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, an on-demand aperiodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, or an on-demand aperiodic unicast or narrow-beam transmission. The operations at block2715may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 7, 8, 15, or25, or the SI receipt module745described with reference toFIG. 7 or 8.

Thus, the method2700may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for SI acquisition. It should be noted that the method2700is just one implementation and that the operations of the method2700may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 28is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method2800for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method2800is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIG. 1-8, 15, or25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method2800may be performed by a UE during an initial access procedure.

At block2805, a UE may receive a first signal, the first signal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by the UE. The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and may indicate to the UE that SI is to be transmitted without a need for the UE to request the SI. The operations at block2805may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 7, 8, 15, or25, the SI acquisition mode module735described with reference toFIG. 7 or 8, or the sync signal receipt module805described with reference toFIG. 8.

At block2810, a UE may receive SI via a second signal in accordance with the indication, the second signal being transmitted via a broadcast or broad-beam operation. The SI may be received as a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission. The operations at block2810may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 7, 8, 15, or25, or the SI receipt module745described with reference toFIG. 7 or 8.

Thus, the method2800may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for SI acquisition. It should be noted that the method2800is just one implementation and that the operations of the method2800may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 29is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method2900for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method2900is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method2900may be performed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block2905, a base station may transmit a first signal, the first signal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by a UE. The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and may indicate to a UE that SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or through an on-demand broadcast, unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission. The operations at block2905may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 75, 24A, 24B, or25, the SI transmission mode module1635described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17, or the sync signal transmit module1705described with reference toFIG. 17.

At block2910, a base station may transmit SI in accordance with the indication. Thus, if the indication indicates that SI is to be broadcast without a UE requesting the SI, then the base station may transmit the SI in a periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission. If the indication indicates that SI is to be transmitted in response to a UE request, then the base station may transmit the SI after a UE has submitted a request for the SI. The operations at block2910may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmit module1645described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

Thus, the method2900may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for SI transmission. It should be noted that the method2900is just one implementation and that the operations of the method2900may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 30is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3000for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3000is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3000may be performed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block3005, a base station may transmit a first signal, the first signal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by a UE. The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and may indicate to a UE that SI is to be acquired through an on-demand broadcast, unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission. The operations at block3005may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, the SI transmission mode module1635described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17, or the sync signal transmit module1705described with reference toFIG. 17.

At block3010, a base station may receive a request for SI in accordance with the indication. The request may be received in accordance to information included within the first signal, such as destination and/or timing information. The operations at block3010may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, or the base station SI request module1640described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

At block3015, a base station may transmit SI in response to the request. The SI may be transmitted as an on-demand periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, an on-demand aperiodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, or an on-demand aperiodic unicast or narrow-beam transmission. The operations at block3015may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmit module1645described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

Thus, the method3000may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for SI transmission. It should be noted that the method3000is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3000may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 31is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3100for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3100is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3100may be performed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block3105, a base station may transmit a first signal, the first signal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by a UE. The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and may indicate to a UE that SI is to be transmitted without a need for the UE to request the SI. The operations at block3105may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, the SI transmission mode module1635described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17, or the sync signal transmit module1705described with reference toFIG. 17.

At block3110, a base station may transmit SI via a second signal in accordance with the indication, the second signal being transmitted via a broadcast or broad-beam operation. The SI may be transmitted as a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission. The operations at block3110may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmit module1645described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

Thus, the method3100may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for SI transmission. It should be noted that the method3100is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3100may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 32is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3200for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3200is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3200may be performed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block3205, a base station may transmit a first signal, the first signal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by a UE. The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and may indicate to a UE that SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or through an on-demand broadcast, unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission. The operations at block3205may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, the SI transmission mode module1635described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

At block3210, a base station may transmit SI in accordance with the indication and a transmission mode. Thus, if the indication and transmission mode indicates that SI is to be broadcast without a UE requesting the SI, then the base station may transmit the SI in a periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission. If the indication and transmission mode indicates that SI is to be transmitted in response to a UE request, then the base station may transmit the SI after a UE has submitted a request for the SI. Depending on the transmission mode, the base station may transmit the SI as either a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, an on-demand periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, an on-demand aperiodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, or an on-demand aperiodic unicast or narrow-beam transmission. The operations at block3210may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmit module1645described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

At blocks3215,3220,3225, or3230, the base station may change its transmission mode. Thus, the base station may perform any one or more of blocks3215,3220,3225, or3230. Changes in transmission mode may be made in response to, for example, changes in the numbers of UEs requesting SI from the base station, network load, congestion status or available radio resources.

At block3215, a base station may change the transmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beam mode targeting a cell edge and having fixed periodic scheduling. Changing of the transmission mode may be based on one or more of a number of UEs requesting SI acquisition, network load, congestion status, or available radio resources. The operations at block3215may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, the SI transmission mode module1635described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17, or the SI transmission mode determination module1710described with reference toFIG. 17.

At block3220, a base station may change the transmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beam mode targeting a cell edge and having an on-demand periodic scheduling triggered by a request for system information in accordance with the indication. Changing of the transmission mode may be based on one or more of a number of UEs requesting SI acquisition, network load, congestion status, or available radio resources. The operations at block3220may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, the SI transmission mode module1635described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17, or the SI transmission mode determination module1710described with reference toFIG. 17.

At block3225, a base station may change the transmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling triggered by a request for system information in accordance with the indication. Changing of the transmission mode may be based on one or more of a number of UEs requesting SI acquisition, network load, congestion status, or available radio resources. The operations at block3225may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or25, the SI transmission mode module1635described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17, or the SI transmission mode determination module1710.

At block3230, a base station may change the transmission mode to be a unicast or narrow-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling triggered by a request for system information in accordance with the indication. Changing of the transmission mode may be based on one or more of a number of UEs requesting SI acquisition, network load, congestion status, or available radio resources. The operations at block3230may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 16, 17,24A,24B, or25, the SI transmission mode module1635described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17, or the SI transmission mode determination module1710described with reference toFIG. 17.

The operations at blocks3215,3220,3225,3230may all be performed by a base station. Alternatively, a base station may perform any one or more of the operations described at blocks3215,3220,3225,3230.

Thus, the method3200may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for SI transmission. It should be noted that the method3200is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3200may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 33is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3300for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3300is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3300may be performed by a UE receiving system information in a unicast, narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block3305, a UE may receive a first signal comprising a first indication, the first indication associated with obtaining system information. The first indication may indicate that system information is to be obtained via request or via broadcast, for example. The operation(s) at block3305may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905described with reference toFIG. 9 or 10, or the sync signal receipt module1005described with reference toFIG. 10.

At block3310, a UE may identify one or more services for which system information is to be obtained. The service-specific system information that is available may be identified in the first signal. Nevertheless, the UE may determine which of the identified service-specific system information is needed. Alternatively, the UE may determine in the absence of any identification of available service-specific system information which system information is needed. The operation(s) at block3310may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905described with reference toFIG. 9 or 10, or the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010described with reference toFIG. 10.

At block3315, a UE may obtain system information for the identified one or more services in accordance with the first indication. The system information may be obtained by either listening to a broadcast or by requesting service-specific system information. The operation(s) at block3315may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, or the UE service-specific SI request module910and the SI receipt module745described with reference toFIG. 9 or 10.

In some embodiments of the method3300, obtaining system information may include sending a request for system information for the one or more services, and receiving the system information for the one or more services in response to the request. In other embodiments, obtaining system information may include sending a separate request for system information for each of the one or more services, each request being for system information of a difference service, and receiving, individually, system information for the one or more services in response to each of the requests.

In some embodiments, receiving the first signal may include receiving a second indication that system information for the one or more services is to be broadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or more predetermined channels. Receiving the first signal may also include receiving a second indication that system information for the one or more services is available.

Thus, the method3300may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method3300is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3300may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 34is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3400for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3400is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3400may be performed by a UE receiving system information in a unicast, narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block3405, a UE may receive a first signal comprising a first indication, the first indication associated with obtaining system information. The first indication may indicate that system information is to be obtained via request or via broadcast, for example. The operation(s) at block3405may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905described with reference toFIG. 9 or 10, or the sync signal receipt module1005described with reference toFIG. 10.

At block3410, a UE may identify one or more services for which system information is to be obtained. The service-specific system information that is available may be identified in the first signal. Nevertheless, the UE may determine which of the identified service-specific system information is needed. Alternatively, the UE may determine in the absence of any identification of available service-specific system information which system information is needed. The operation(s) at block3410may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module905described with reference toFIG. 9 or 10, or the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module1010described with reference toFIG. 10.

Any one of blocks3415,3420, or3425may follow after block3410, depending on the first indication included in the first signal. At block3415, a UE may obtain system information for the identified one or more services by sending a request that explicitly identifies the one or more services for which system information is to be obtained. The operation(s) at block3415may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, or the UE service-specific SI request module910and the SI receipt module745described with reference toFIG. 9 or 10.

At block3420, a UE may obtain system information for the identified one or more services by sending separate requests for system information for each of the one or more services for which system information is to be obtained. The operation(s) at block3420may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, or the UE service-specific SI request module910and the SI receipt module745described with reference toFIG. 9 or 10.

At block3425, a UE may obtain system information for the identified one or more services by listening for one or more broadcasts that include the system information for the one or more services for which system information is to be obtained. The operation(s) at block3425may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, or the SI receipt module745described with reference toFIG. 9 or 10.

Thus, the method3400may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method3400is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3400may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 35is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3500for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3500is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3500may be performed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block3505, a base station may transmit a first signal comprising a first indication associated with obtaining system information by a UE for one or more services. The first signal may, in some examples, be a service-specific periodic sync signal, and may indicate to a UE that service-specific SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or by request. The operations at block3505may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or25, or the service-specific SI transmission mode module1805described with reference toFIG. 18 or 19.

At block3510, a base station may transmit, in accordance with the first indication, system information associated with services available to the UE, wherein separate transmission are used to transmit the system information for different services and different configurations of services. These service-specific SI transmissions may be either periodically broadcast or may be transmitted in response to the receipt of a request from a UE. The operations at block3510may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or25, or the base station service-specific SI request module1810and SI transmit module1645described with reference toFIG. 18 or 19.

In some embodiments, the base station may further receive a request for system information for one or more services in accordance with the first indication, and may then transmit system information for the one or more services in response to the request. In other embodiments, the base station may receive multiple requests for system information for one or more services in accordance with the first indication, each request being from the UE and being for system information of a different service, and then may transmit system information for the one or more services in response to the request. Service-specific system information may be transmitted as either a joint transmission or separately.

In some embodiments, the base station may include, in the first signal, a second indication that system information for one or more services is to be broadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or more predetermined channels. Additionally, the base station may include, in the first signal, a second indication that system information for one or more services is available to be requested.

Thus, the method3500may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for service-specific SI transmission. It should be noted that the method3500is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3500may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 36is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3600for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3600is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3600may be performed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block3605, a base station may transmit a first signal comprising a first indication associated with obtaining system information by a UE for one or more services. The first signal may, in some examples, be a service-specific periodic sync signal, and may indicate to a UE that service-specific SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or by request. The operations at block3605may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or25, or the service-specific SI transmission mode module1805described with reference toFIG. 18 or 19.

Any one of blocks3610,3615, or3620may follow after block3605, depending on the first indication included in the first signal. At block3610, a base station may receive a request that explicitly identifies one or more services for which system information is to be obtained. The base station may then transmit the requested system information. The operations at block3610may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or25, or the base station service-specific SI request module1810and SI transmit module1645described with reference toFIG. 18 or 19.

At block3615, a base station may receive separate requests for system information for each of one or more services for which system information is to be obtained. The base station may then transmit the requested system information. The operations at block3615may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or25, or the base station service-specific SI request module1810and SI transmit module1645described with reference toFIG. 18 or 19.

At block3620, a base station may periodically broadcast service-specific system information. The periodic broadcast may be in accordance with information included in the first signal. The operations at block3620may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmit module1645described with reference toFIG. 18 or 19.

Thus, the method3600may provide for wireless communication, and in particular, for service-specific SI transmission. It should be noted that the method3600is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3600may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 37is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3700for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3700is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3700may be performed by a UE receiving system information in a unicast, narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block3705, a UE may receive a first set of system information (e.g., master system information, such as master system information included in an MSIB). The operation(s) at block3705may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the master SI acquisition module1105described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

At block3710, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the first set of system information, that additional system information (e.g., non-master system information, such as information included in an OSIB) is available. The operation(s) at block3710may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the SI processing module1110described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

At block3715, the UE may transmit a request (e.g., an OSIB transmission request) for the additional system information. In some examples, the UE may transmit a plurality of requests for the additional system information. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission request may indicate one or a plurality of elements of additional system information that the UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additional system information that the UE would like to receive). In other examples, the UE may request some types of additional system information in different OSIB transmission requests, a plurality of OSIB transmission requests may be transmitted. The operation(s) at block3715may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the UE SI request module1115described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

At block3720, the UE may receive the additional system information. The operation(s) at block3720may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the other SI acquisition module1120described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

In some embodiments of the method3700, receiving the first set of system information may include receiving an indication of one or more sets of additional system information that are available. In some embodiments of the method3700, transmitting the request for the additional system information may include identifying, in the request for the additional system information, one or more sets of additional system information. In some embodiments, the one or more sets of additional system information identified in the request for the additional system information may include one or more sets of additional system information indicated in the first set of system information.

In some embodiments of the method3700, receiving the additional system information, at block3720, may include at least one of: receiving system information indicating which RATs are available in a region and how the UE is to select an available RAT; receiving system information indicating which services are available in a region and how the UE is to obtain an available service; receiving system information relating to an MBMS or a PWS service; receiving system information relating to location, positioning, or navigation services; or receiving system information based at least in part on a determined location of the UE.

In some embodiments of the method3700, transmitting the request for the additional system information may include including one or more capabilities of the UE in the request. In these embodiments, receiving the additional system information may include receiving system information based at least in part on the one or more capabilities of the UE included in the request.

In some embodiments of the method3700, transmitting the request for the additional system information may include including a location of the UE in the request. In these embodiments, receiving the additional system information may include receiving system information based at least in part on the location of the UE included in the request.

In some embodiments of the method3700, transmitting the request for the additional system information may include including an identification of the UE in the request. In these embodiments, receiving the additional system information may include receiving the additional system information based at least in part on the identification of the UE included in the request.

Thus, the method3700may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method3700is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3700may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 38is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3800for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3800is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3800may be performed by a UE receiving system information in a unicast, narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block3805, a UE may decode information received from a downlink channel. The decoded information may indicate that master system information (e.g., an MSIB) is received in response to a master system information request (e.g., an MSIB transmission request). In some examples, the downlink channel may include a synchronization signal. The decoded information may include information decoded from the synchronization signal. The operation(s) at block3805may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the sync signal processing module1205described with reference toFIG. 12.

At block3810, the UE may transmit a master system information request in accordance with the information decoded from the downlink channel. The operation(s) at block3810may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the UE SI request module1115described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

At block3815, the UE may receive the master system information. The master system information may include system information that allows the UE to perform an initial access of a network using one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or a network access configuration. The operation(s) at block3815may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the master SI acquisition module1105described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

At block3820, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the master system information, that additional system information is available. The operation(s) at block3820may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the SI processing module1110described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

At block3825, the UE may transmit a request (e.g., an OSIB transmission request) for the additional system information. In some examples, the UE may transmit a plurality of requests for the additional system information. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission request may indicate one or a plurality of elements of additional system information that the UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additional system information that the UE would like to receive). In other examples, the UE may request some types of additional system information in different OSIB transmission requests, a plurality of OSIB transmission requests may be transmitted. The operation(s) at block3825may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the UE SI request module1115described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

At block3830, the UE may receive the additional system information. The operation(s) at block3830may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the other SI acquisition module1120described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

In some embodiments of the method3800, receiving the master system information may include receiving an indication of one or more sets of additional system information that are available. In some embodiments of the method3800, transmitting the request for the additional system information may include identifying, in the request for the additional system information, one or more sets of additional system information. In some embodiments, the one or more sets of additional system information identified in the request for the additional system information may include one or more sets of additional system information indicated in the master system information.

Thus, the method3800may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method3800is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3800may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 39is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method3900for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method3900is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method3900may be performed by a base station transmitting system information in a unicast, narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block3905, a base station may transmit a first set of system information (e.g., master system information, such as master system information included in an MSIB). The operation(s) at block3905may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or25, or the master SI transmission management module2005described with reference toFIG. 20 or 21.

At block3910, the base station may receive a request for additional system information (e.g., non-master system information, such as information included in an OSIB). The operation(s) at block3910may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI request processing module2010described with reference toFIG. 20 or 21.

At block3915, the base station may transmit the additional system information based at least in part on the request. The operation(s) at block3915may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or25, or the other SI transmission management module2015described with reference toFIG. 20 or 21.

In some embodiments of the method3900, transmitting the first set of system information may include transmitting an indication of one or more sets of additional system information that are available. In some embodiments of the method3900, receiving the request for the additional system information may include receiving multiple requests for additional system information corresponding to multiple sets of additional system information to be transmitted. For example, the method3900may include receiving a single OSIB transmission request indicating one or a plurality of elements of additional system information that a UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additional system information that the UE would like to receive). In other examples, the method3900may include receiving requests for some types of additional system information in different OSIB transmission requests.

In some embodiments of the method3900, transmitting the additional system information, at block3915, may include at least one of: transmitting system information indicating which RATs are available in a region and how a UE is to select an available RAT; transmitting system information indicating which services are available in a region and how a UE is to obtain an available service; transmitting system information relating to an MBMS or a PWS service; transmitting system information relating to location, positioning, or navigation services; or transmitting system information based at least in part on a determined location of a UE.

In some embodiments of the method3900, receiving the request for the additional system information may include receiving, in the request, one or more capabilities of a UE transmitting the request. In these embodiments, transmitting the additional system information may include transmitting system information based at least in part on the one or more capabilities of the UE included in the request.

In some embodiments of the method3900, receiving the request for the additional system information may include receiving, in the request, a location of a UE transmitting the request. In these embodiments, the method3900may include identifying the additional system information to transmit based at least in part on the location of the UE included in the request. Alternatively, the method3900may include determining a location of a UE transmitting the request, and identifying the additional system information to transmit based at least in part on the location of the UE.

In some embodiments of the method3900, receiving the request for the additional system information may include receiving, in the request, an identification of a UE transmitting the request. In these embodiments, the method3900may include identifying the additional system information to transmit based at least in part on the identification of the UE included in the request. In some cases, the additional system information may be identified by accessing a database that includes the identification of the UE transmitting the request and one or more capabilities of the UE.

Thus, the method3900may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method3900is just one implementation and that the operations of the method3900may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 40is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method4000for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method4000is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. In some examples, the method4000may be performed by a base station transmitting system information in a unicast, narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block4005, the base station may broadcast information on a downlink channel. The information may indicate that master system information (e.g., an MSIB) is transmitted in response to a master system information request (e.g., an MSIB transmission request) received from a UE. In some examples, the downlink channel may include a synchronization signal. The information may be included in (or associated with) the synchronization signal. The operation(s) at block4005may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or25, or the sync signal transmission management module2105described with reference toFIG. 21.

At block4010, the base station may receive a master system information request (e.g., in accordance with the information broadcast on the downlink channel). In some cases, receiving the master system information request may include receiving, in the request, an identification of one or more capabilities of a UE transmitting the request. The operation(s) at block4010may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI request processing module2010described with reference toFIG. 20 or 21.

At block4015, the base station may transmit, in response to receiving the master system information request, the master system information. In some cases, the master system information may include system information that allows a UE to perform an initial access of a network using one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of the base station, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or a network access configuration. The operation(s) at block4015may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or25, or the master SI transmission management module2005described with reference toFIG. 20 or 21.

At block4020, the base station may receive a request for additional system information. The operation(s) at block4020may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI request processing module2010described with reference toFIG. 20 or 21.

At block4025, the base station may transmit the additional system information based at least in part on the request for the additional system information. In some cases, the additional system information may be identified based at least in part on one or more capabilities of the UE identified in the master system information request. The additional system information may also be identified based at least in part on information received in the request for additional system information, or in other ways (e.g., as described with reference toFIG. 38). The operation(s) at block4025may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or25, or the other SI transmission management module2015described with reference toFIG. 20 or 21.

In some embodiments of the method4000, transmitting the master system information may include transmitting an indication of one or more sets of additional system information that are available. In some embodiments of the method4000, receiving the request for the additional system information may include receiving multiple requests for additional system information corresponding to multiple sets of additional system information to be transmitted. For example, the method4000may include receiving a single OSIB transmission request indicating one or a plurality of elements of additional system information that a UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additional system information that the UE would like to receive). In other examples, the method4000may include receiving requests for some types of additional system information in different OSIB transmission requests.

Thus, the method4000may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method4000is just one implementation and that the operations of the method4000may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 41is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method4100for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method4100is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below.

At block4105, a UE may receive a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)). At the time of receiving the first signal, the UE may communicate with a network using first system information. The operation(s) at block4105may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the signal processing module1305described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

At block4110, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the first signal, to request updated system information. The operation(s) at block4110may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the signal processing module1305described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

At block4115, the UE may request updated system information based at least in part on the determining. The operation(s) at block4115may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the UE SI request module1310described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

In some embodiments of the method4100, receiving the first signal may include receiving an indication that at least a portion of the first system information has changed. In some examples, the indication may include a modification flag. The modification flag may indicate, by a counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that a corresponding portion of system information has changed. In some examples, the indication may include one or more value tags, as described in more detail with reference toFIG. 6 or 43.

In some embodiments of the method4100, determining to request updated system information, at block4110, may include at least one of: identifying that the UE has moved into a zone using second system information that is different from the first system information; identifying that the network has changed at least a portion of the first system information; or identifying that the UE has moved more than a predetermined distance from a location where the UE obtained the first system information a previous time (e.g., from the location where the UE obtained the first system information last time).

In some embodiments of the method4100, receiving the first signal, at block4105, may include receiving a zone identifier (e.g., an area code, a BSIC, or another cell identifier). In some cases, the zone identifier may be received as part of a synchronization signal. In these embodiments, the method4100may include using the zone identifier to identify that the UE has moved from a first zone to a second zone.

In some embodiments of the method4100, determining to request updated system information, at block4110, may include identifying a distance between a current location of the UE and a location where the UE obtained the first system information a previous time (e.g., the last time), and determining that the identified distance exceeds a predetermined threshold. In some cases, the predetermined threshold may be received from the network. In some cases, a location signal identifying a location of the UE may also be received. The location signal may be received, for example, as part of receiving the first signal. The location signal may also be received in other ways, such as via a GNSS (e.g., GPS, Galileo, GLONASS or BeiDou).

Thus, the method4100may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method4100is just one implementation and that the operations of the method4100may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 42is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method4200for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method4200is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below.

At block4205, a UE may receive a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)). At the time of receiving the first signal, the UE may communicate with a network using first system information. The first signal may include an indication that at least a portion of the first system information has changed. The operation(s) at block4205may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the signal processing module1305described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

At block4210, the UE may receive one or more modification flags, each of which indicates, by a counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that a corresponding portion of the first system information has changed. In some examples, the corresponding portion of the first system information may include a portion of master system information, such as an MSIB or element of an MSIB, In other examples, the corresponding portion of the first system information may include additional non-master system information, such as an OSIB or element of an OSIB. The master system information may include one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or network access configuration information. The master system information may also or alternatively include, for example, one or more other elements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one or more elements of the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, the modification flag received at block4210may be received with (or as part of) the first signal received at block4205. The operation(s) at block4210may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, the signal processing module1305described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14, or the modification flag or value tag processing module1405described with reference toFIG. 14.

At block4215, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the first signal or a modification flag (e.g., when a modification flag is set to TRUE), to request updated system information. The operation(s) at block4215may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, the signal processing module1305described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14, or the modification flag or value tag processing module1405described with reference toFIG. 14.

At block4220, the UE may request updated system information (e.g., an updated MSIB or OSIB) based at least in part on the determining. The operation(s) at block4220may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the UE SI request module1310described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

Thus, the method4200may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method4200is just one implementation and that the operations of the method4200may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 43is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method4300for wireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method4300is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs115described with reference toFIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below.

At block4305, a UE may receive a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)). At the time of receiving the first signal, the UE may communicate with a network using first system information. The first signal may include an indication that at least a portion of the first system information has changed. The operation(s) at block4305may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the signal processing module1305described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

At block4310, the UE may receive one or more value tags corresponding to at least a portion (or different portions) of the first system information that have changed. In some examples, the one or more value tags may correspond to one or more portions of master system information, one or more portions of additional non-master system information, or a combination thereof. The master system information may include one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or network access configuration information. The master system information may also or alternatively include, for example, one or more other elements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one or more elements of the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, one or more value tags received at block4310may be received with (or as part of) the first signal received at block4305. The operation(s) at block4310may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, the signal processing module1305described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14, or the modification flag or value tag processing module1405described with reference toFIG. 14.

At block4315, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the first signal or the one or more value tags, to request updated system information. In some cases, determining to request updated system information may include comparing a received value tag (e.g., a received value tag associated with an element of non-master system information included in an OSIB) with a previously received value tag (e.g., a previously received value tag for the element of non-master system information), and determining to request the updated system information based at least in part on the comparison (e.g., determining to request the updated system information when the value tags do not match). When a received value tag corresponds to an element of system information that the UE is not monitoring, the UE may not compare the value tag to a previously received value tag, or may not request the element of system information. The operation(s) at block4315may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, the signal processing module1305described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14, or the modification flag or value tag processing module1405described with reference toFIG. 14.

At block4320, the UE may request updated system information (e.g., a particular OSIB or element of an OSIB) based at least in part on the determining. The operation(s) at block4320may be performed using the SI acquisition module720described with reference toFIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the UE SI request module1310described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

Thus, the method4300may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method4300is just one implementation and that the operations of the method4300may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 44is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method4400for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method4400is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below.

At block4405, the method4400may include transmitting a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)) from a base station to a UE. At the time of transmission of the first signal, the UE may communicate with a network using first system information. The first signal may include information to allow the UE to determine to request updated system information. The operation(s) at block4405may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmission management module2205described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

At block4410, the method4400may include receiving a request from the UE for updated system information. The operation(s) at block4410may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI request processing module2210described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

At block4415, the method4400may include transmitting the updated system information based at least in part on the request. The operation(s) at block4415may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmission management module2205described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

In some embodiments of the method4400, transmitting the first signal may include transmitting an indication that at least a portion of the first system information has changed. In some examples, the indication may include a modification flag. The modification flag may indicate, by a counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that a corresponding portion of system information has changed. In some examples, the indication may include one or more value tags, as described in more detail with reference toFIG. 46.

In some embodiments of the method4400, transmitting the first signal, at block4305, may include transmitting a zone identifier (e.g., an area code, a BSIC, or another cell identifier). In some cases, the zone identifier may be transmitted as part of a synchronization signal.

Thus, the method4400may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method4400is just one implementation and that the operations of the method4400may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 45is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method4500for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method4500is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24A.24B, or25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below.

At block4505, the method4500may include transmitting a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)) from a base station to a UE. At the time of transmission of the first signal, the UE may communicate with a network using first system information. The first signal may include information to allow the UE to determine to request updated system information. The first signal may also include an indication that at least a portion of the first system information has changed. The operation(s) at block4505may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmission management module2205described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

At block4510, the method4500may include transmitting one or more modification flags, each of which indicates, by a counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that a corresponding portion of the first system information has changed. In some examples, the corresponding portion of the first system information may include a portion of master system information, such as an MSIB or element of an MSIB, In other examples, the corresponding portion of the first system information may include additional non-master system information, such as an OSIB or element of an OSIB. The master system information may include one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or network access configuration information. The master system information may also or alternatively include, for example, one or more other elements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one or more elements of the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, the modification flag transmitted at block4510may be transmitted with (or as a part of) the first signal transmitted at block4505. The operation(s) at block4510may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference to FIG.22,23,24A.24B, or25, the SI transmission management module2205described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23, or the modification flag or value tag transmission management module2305described with reference toFIG. 23.

At block4515, the method4500may include receiving a request from the UE for updated system information (e.g., an updated MSIB or OSIB). The operation(s) at block4515may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI request processing module2210described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

At block4520, the method4500may include transmitting the updated system information based at least in part on the request. The operation(s) at block4520may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A.24B, or25, or the SI transmission management module2205described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

Thus, the method4500may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method4500is just one implementation and that the operations of the method4500may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 46is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method4600for wireless communication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method4600is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the base stations105described with reference toFIG. 1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25. In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below.

At block4605, the method4600may include transmitting a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)) from a base station to a UE. At the time of transmission of the first signal, the UE may communicate with a network using first system information. The first signal may include information to allow the UE to determine to request updated system information. The first signal may also include an indication that at least a portion of the first system information has changed. The operation(s) at block4605may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmission management module2205described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

At block4610, the method4600may include transmitting one or more value tags corresponding to at least a portion (or different portions) of the first system information that has/have changed. In some examples, the one or more value tags may correspond to one or more portions of master system information, one or more portions of additional non-master system information, or a combination thereof. The master system information may include one or more of an identification of the network, an identification of a base station in the network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or network access configuration information. The master system information may also or alternatively include, for example, one or more other elements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one or more elements of the other system information described with reference toFIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, one or more value tags transmitted at block4610may be transmitted with (or as a part of) the first signal transmitted at block4605. The operation(s) at block4610may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, the SI transmission management module2205described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23, or the modification flag or value tag transmission management module2305described with reference toFIG. 23.

At block4615, the method4600may include receiving a request from the UE for updated system information (e.g., a particular OSIB or element of an OSIB). The operation(s) at block4615may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI request processing module2210described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

At block4620, the method4600may include transmitting the updated system information based at least in part on the request. The operation(s) at block4620may be performed using the SI transmission module1620described with reference toFIG. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or25, or the SI transmission management module2205described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

Thus, the method4600may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method4600is just one implementation and that the operations of the method4600may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.