Patent Description:
These systems may employ technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM).

Some wireless communication systems may operate in coordinated configurations. For example, some wireless communication systems may operate in a dual connectivity (DC) configuration. In a DC configuration, a UE may receive data from multiple cell groups via a master base station and one or more secondary base stations. In another example, some wireless communication systems may operate in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration. In a CA configuration, a UE may receive data on multiple component carriers from one or more base stations.

<CIT> discloses a pre-5th-Generation (<NUM>) or <NUM> communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (<NUM>) communication system such as long-term evolution (LTE). A method of a terminal is provided. The method includes receiving measurement configuration information including numerology information and bandwidth information from a base station, measuring a channel state based on the measurement configuration information, and transmitting information on the measured channel state to the base station.

Further aspects are defined by the dependent claims. The techniques as described herein with reference to the amended claims relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support physical layer reporting for dual-connectivity (DC) or carrier aggregation (CA) configurations, as well as for non-serving (e.g., neighbor) cells. Generally, the described techniques provide for a user equipment (UE) to generate and transmit a physical layer report for the UE in such configurations. For example, a base station may request that a UE provide a physical layer report for a second base station. The second base station may be a base station containing a DC configuration with the first base station, a deactivated base station of a CA configuration with the first base station, or a non-serving base station of the UE (e.g., a neighboring base station). The UE may measure parameters of transmissions from the second base station. The UE may generate a physical layer report at a physical layer of the UE, and may transmit the physical layer report to the primary base station via the physical layer of the UE. In some cases, based on the physical layer report, the primary base station may determine whether to instruct the UE to initiate communications or conduct a random access channel procedure with the second base station. As a physical layer report may have shortened processing and transmission time in comparison to higher layer reports (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) reports), latency within a coordinated configuration may be reduced.

A method of wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) is described in claim <NUM>.

An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described in claim <NUM>.

A method of wireless communication at a first base station is described in claim <NUM>.

An apparatus for wireless communication at a first base station is described in claim <NUM>.

Some wireless communication systems may support one or more coordinated configurations in which base stations may coordinate with other base stations to communicate with user equipments (UEs) in the system. For example, in a dual connectivity (DC) configuration, a master base station may coordinate with a number of secondary base stations to communicate data to a UE. In a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, a primary base station may coordinate with secondary base stations to provide multiple component carriers (CCs) for transmitting data to the UE.

In some coordinated configurations, a master or primary base station may determine other secondary base stations to provide coordinated communications to a UE. The master or primary base station may in some cases rely on a higher layer measurement report (e.g., a Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) layer, or layer <NUM> (L3) report) from a UE to determine whether to coordinate communications with a secondary base station. The higher layer measurement report may include parameters processed at a higher layer (e.g., an RRC layer) of the UE or filtered based on coefficients provided by the higher layer. However, such higher layer processing or filter coefficients may increase processing time duration (e.g., may involve the use of higher-layer coefficient filters over an extended period of time, for time-averaging purposes). Additionally, a higher layer report may be transmitted over higher layer messaging, which may result in a large transmission time duration. These larger processing and transmission times may increase latency within a coordinated configuration.

Generally, aspects of the described techniques provide for a mechanism where a UE may provide a lower layer measurement report (e.g., a physical layer, or layer <NUM> (L1) report), corresponding measurements of a second base station (which may be, for example, in a DC configuration, in a CA configuration, or may be a non-serving base station), to a first base station (e.g., to determine whether to coordinate communications with the second base station) in various network configurations. A first base station may transmit a request to provide a physical layer report from a UE. The UE may perform measurements on transmissions from a second base station. The UE may perform all tasks related to the physical layer report at the physical layer of the UE. For example, measuring, generating, and transmitting (e.g., over an uplink control channel) of the physical layer report may all be performed at the physical layer of the UE. As all tasks related to the physical layer report may avoid being performed by a higher layer of the UE, the physical layer report may provide a shortened processing time and a shortened transmission time.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Aspects of the disclosure are then illustrated in the context of process flow diagrams. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to physical layer reporting by a UE.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system <NUM> includes base stations <NUM>, UEs <NUM>, and a core network <NUM>. In some examples, the wireless communications system <NUM> may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some cases, wireless communications system <NUM> may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission critical) communications, low latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

In one example, a base station <NUM> may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE <NUM>. For instance, some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted by a base station <NUM> multiple times in different directions, which may include a signal being transmitted according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different directions of transmission. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by the base station <NUM> or a receiving device, such as a UE <NUM>) a beam direction for subsequent transmission and/or reception by the base station <NUM>. Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by a base station <NUM> in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with the receiving device, such as a UE <NUM>). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based at least in in part on a signal that was transmitted in different beam directions. For example, a UE <NUM> may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the base station <NUM> in different directions, and the UE <NUM> may report to the base station <NUM> an indication of the signal it received with a highest signal quality, or an otherwise acceptable signal quality. Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted in one or more directions by a base station <NUM>, a UE <NUM> may employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE <NUM>), or transmitting a signal in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

In the control plane, the RRC protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE <NUM> and a base station <NUM> or core network <NUM> supporting radio bearers for user plane data.

Devices of the wireless communications system <NUM> (e.g., base stations <NUM> or UEs <NUM>) may have a hardware configuration that supports communications over a particular carrier bandwidth, or may be configurable to support communications over one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communications system <NUM> may include base stations <NUM> and/or UEs <NUM> that can support simultaneous communications via carriers associated with more than one different carrier bandwidth.

Wireless communications systems such as an NR system may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands, among others. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow for the use of eCC across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may increase spectrum utilization and spectral efficiency, specifically through dynamic vertical (e.g., across the frequency domain) and horizontal (e.g., across the time domain) sharing of resources.

As described herein, a first base station <NUM> may transmit a request for a UE <NUM> to provide a physical layer report (e.g., an L1 report, L3 report, etc.)for a second base station <NUM>. The second base station <NUM> may be a base station of the DC configuration, a deactivated base station of the CA configuration (e.g., upon data arrival, the first base station <NUM> may schedule A-CSI-RS for deactivated second base station <NUM>), or a non-serving base station of the UE <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may measure transmissions of the second base station <NUM> and generate, at the physical layer of the UE <NUM>, a physical layer report based on the measurements. The UE <NUM> may transmit the physical layer report to the first base station <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a wireless communication system <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless communication system <NUM> may be implemented by aspects of wireless communication system <NUM>. Wireless communications system <NUM> may include a base station <NUM>-a, base station <NUM>-b, and a UE <NUM>-a. In some cases, both base station <NUM>-a and base station <NUM>-b may be NR gNBs, UE <NUM> may communicate with base station <NUM> using link <NUM> and communicate with base station <NUM>-b using link <NUM>, and UE <NUM> may be in an NR-to-NR DC mode. In other examples, wireless communications system <NUM> may support CA communications, where base station <NUM>-a, base station <NUM>-b, or both transmit communications over multiple CCs to UE <NUM>-a. In other examples, base station <NUM>-a may be a serving base station <NUM> for UE <NUM>-a, and base station <NUM>-b may (at least at the time of physical layer reporting by UE <NUM>-a) be a non-serving base station <NUM>. In the present invention, base station <NUM>-b is a base station in a DC configuration with base station <NUM>-a, a deactivated base station in a CA configuration such that base station <NUM>-b is deactivated from communicating with UE <NUM>-a, or a non-serving base station of UE <NUM>-a.

Base station <NUM>-a may attempt to coordinate transmissions to UE <NUM>-a with base station <NUM>-b (e.g., via link <NUM> and link <NUM>). In some examples, base station <NUM>-a may not be currently implementing coordinated communications with base station <NUM>-b. For example, base station <NUM>-b may be a neighboring base station that does not serve UE <NUM>-a. In another example, base station <NUM>-b may be a deactivated base station in a CA configuration, such that base station <NUM>-b is deactivated from communicating with UE <NUM>-a. In yet another example, base station <NUM>-b may be a base station that may or may not already be added to a DC configuration with base station <NUM>-a.

Base station <NUM>-a requests UE <NUM>-a to provide a physical layer report (e.g., L1 report) corresponding to measurements of transmissions from base station <NUM>-b. Base station <NUM>-a may rely on the physical layer report to determine whether coordinated communications with base station <NUM>-b is possible, advantageous, etc. For example, in a CA configuration, base station <NUM>-a may rely on the physical layer report to determine whether to activate base station <NUM>-b for communicating with UE <NUM>-a. In another example, if base station <NUM>-b is a neighboring base station, base station <NUM>-a may rely on the physical layer report to determine whether to add (e.g., configure) base station <NUM>-b to a DC configuration. In another example, in a DC configuration where base station <NUM>-b is already added, base station <NUM>-a may rely on the physical layer report to determine whether to coordinate communications with base station <NUM>-b to carry scheduled data to UE <NUM>-a. In some cases, the physical layer report may be bundled with a cell configuration message.

In the present invention, base station <NUM>-a requests a higher layer report (e.g., an L3 report) that corresponds to a RRC layer report, from UE <NUM>-b prior to requesting the physical layer report. Base station <NUM>-a may request the higher layer report prior to reception of data by base station <NUM>-a to be transmitted to UE <NUM>-a. UE <NUM>-a measures transmissions from one or more base stations <NUM> based on the received higher layer report. UE <NUM>-a generates the higher layer report at a higher layer (e.g., RRC layer) of UE <NUM>-a, and transmits the higher layer report via the higher layer to base station <NUM>-a. The base station <NUM>-a transmits the request for a physical layer report based on the higher layer report.

The request to provide the physical layer report may provide information related to transmissions of base station <NUM>-b. In some cases, the received request may indicate a measurement window for UE <NUM>-a to measure one or multiple transmissions from base station <NUM>-b. Additionally or alternatively, the received request may indicate a set of parameters for UE <NUM>-a to measure and/or report on. The indicated parameters may include: a cell identifier (ID), a reference signal type, a reference signal ID, a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource ID, a synchronization signal block (SSB) index, a rank indicator, a precoding matric index, a channel quality indicator (CQI), a reference signal receive power (RSRP), or a combination thereof. In some cases, the request may indicate for UE <NUM>-a to measure transmissions from multiple base stations <NUM> in system <NUM>, where UE <NUM>-a transmits a physical layer report on only a subset of the measured base stations <NUM> (e.g., report on base station <NUM> with highest transmission power for SSBs).

Actions by UE <NUM>-a corresponding to the requested physical layer report are performed at the physical layer of UE <NUM>-a. UE <NUM>-a measures transmissions from base station <NUM>-b based on the request to provide a physical layer report from base station <NUM>-a. The transmissions may include A-CSI-RS or SSBs. The measurements may be performed at a physical layer (e.g., Layer <NUM>) of UE <NUM>-a. Furthermore, processing of the measurements may be performed at the physical layer of the UE <NUM>-a as well. Since processing the measurements may avoid higher layer processors of UE <NUM>-a, a processing time for the physical layer report may be reduced in comparison to high layer processes.

UE <NUM>-a may transmit the physical layer report to base station <NUM>-a. UE <NUM>-a may transmit the physical layer report over a physical layer channel (e.g., PUCCH) which may include a shorter transmission time as compared to higher layer transmissions. Base station <NUM>-a may determine whether to coordinate communications with base station <NUM>-b based on the physical layer report. If base station <NUM>-a determines to coordinate transmissions, base station <NUM>-a may transmit an indication to UE <NUM>-a indicating the coordinated communications with base station <NUM>-b (e.g., transmitting a cell addition message to UE <NUM>-b, transmitting a random access configuration message to UE <NUM>-a, transmitting a cell activation message to UE <NUM>-a, etc.).

In some cases, base station <NUM>-a may forward the physical layer report to base station <NUM>-b. Base station <NUM>-a may then receive a random access channel configuration in response to the physical layer report. In some cases, random access channel configuration may be CSI-RS based. Base station <NUM>-a may forward the random access channel configuration to UE <NUM>-a which may use the random access channel configuration to perform a random access channel procedure with base station <NUM>-b. UE <NUM>-a may measure CSI-RSs as part of UE measurements of base station <NUM>-b transmissions. UE <NUM>-a may select a random access channel occasion of a set of occasions based on the measured CSI-RSs. The random access channel occasion may be used by base station <NUM>-b to transmit a random access channel preamble.

<FIG> illustrates a process flow <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow <NUM> may be implemented by aspects of wireless communication system <NUM> or wireless communication system <NUM>. Process flow <NUM> may include a UE <NUM>-b, base station <NUM>-c, and base station <NUM>-d, which may be examples of UE <NUM> and base station <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In some cases, base station <NUM>-c and base station <NUM>-d may be activated and configured base stations of a DC configuration.

In some cases, one or more operations of process flow <NUM> may be performed in different orders or at different times. Further, in some cases, certain operations may be left out of process flow <NUM>, or other operations may be added to process flow <NUM>.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-c transmits, and UE <NUM>-b receives, a request for a higher layer (RRC layer) report request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b measures transmissions from base station <NUM>-d based on the higher layer request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b transmits a higher layer report to base station <NUM>-c based on the measurements.

In some cases, at <NUM>, data may arrive at base station <NUM>-c to be scheduled for transmission to UE <NUM>-b. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-c transmits, and UE <NUM>-b receives, a physical layer report request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b measures transmissions of base station <NUM>-d at the physical layer of UE <NUM>-b. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b transmits, and base station <NUM>-c receives, the physical layer report.

Base station <NUM>-c may determine to coordinate communications with base station <NUM>-d to carry scheduled data to UE <NUM>-b. In some cases, at <NUM>, base station <NUM>-c may forward the physical layer report to base station <NUM>-d. In some cases, at <NUM>, base station <NUM>-d may transmit, and base station <NUM>-c may receive, a configuration message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure coverage enhancement (e.g., a CSI-RS based RACH configuration message, dedicated RACH resources for SSBs, etc.). In some cases, at <NUM>, base station <NUM>-c may forward the configuration message to UE <NUM>-b. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b and base station <NUM>-d may perform a random access channel procedure. In some cases, the random access channel procedure may be based on the configuration message.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a process flow <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow <NUM> may be implemented by aspects of wireless communication system <NUM> or wireless communication system <NUM>. Process flow <NUM> may include UE <NUM>-c, base station <NUM>-e, and base station <NUM>-f, which may be examples of UE <NUM> and base station <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In some cases, base station <NUM>-e may be a serving base station for UE <NUM>-c, and base station <NUM>-f may be a non-serving (e.g., neighboring) for UE <NUM>-c. For example, in some cases, base station <NUM>-e may be an activated and configured base station in a dual connectivity configuration, and base station <NUM>-f may be an active but not configured base station of the dual connectivity configuration.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-e may transmit, and UE <NUM>-c may receive, a request for a higher layer (e.g., RRC layer) report request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-c may measure transmissions from base station <NUM>-f based on the higher layer request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-c may transmit a higher layer report to base station <NUM>-e based on the measurements.

In some cases, at <NUM>, data may arrive at base station <NUM>-e to be scheduled for transmission to UE <NUM>-c. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-e may transmit, and UE <NUM>-c may receive, a physical layer report request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-c may measure transmissions of base station <NUM>-f at the physical layer of UE <NUM>-c. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-c may transmit, and base station <NUM>-c may receive, the physical layer report.

Base station <NUM>-e may determine to coordinate communications with base station <NUM>-f to carry scheduled data to UE <NUM>-c. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-e may transmit, and UE <NUM>-c may receive, a cell addition message indicating base station <NUM>-f has been added to the DC configuration. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-c and base station <NUM>-f may perform a random access channel procedure. The random access channel procedure may be based on the cell addition message from base station <NUM>-e.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a process flow <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow <NUM> may be implemented by aspects of wireless communication system <NUM> or wireless communication system <NUM>. Process flow <NUM> may include a UE <NUM>-c, base station <NUM>-g, and base station <NUM>-h, which may be examples of UE <NUM> and base station <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In some cases, base station <NUM>-g may be an activated and configured base station in a carrier aggregation configuration, and base station <NUM>-h may be a deactivated and configured base station in the carrier aggregation configuration.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-g may transmit, and UE <NUM>-d may receive, a request for a higher layer (e.g., RRC layer) report request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-d may measure transmissions from base station <NUM>-h based on the higher layer request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-d may transmit a higher layer report to base station <NUM>-g based on the measurements.

In some cases, at <NUM>, data may arrive at base station <NUM>-g to be scheduled for transmission to UE <NUM>-d. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-g may transmit, and UE <NUM>-d may receive, a physical layer report request. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-d may measure transmissions of base station <NUM>-h at the physical layer of UE <NUM>-d. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-d may transmit, and base station <NUM>-g may receive, the physical layer report.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-g may transmit, and UE <NUM>-c may receive, a cell activation message. The cell activation message may indicate that base station <NUM>-h may be activated to communicate with UE <NUM>-c, and may be transmitted based at least in part on the physical layer report. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-c and base station <NUM>-h may initiate communications based on the cell activation message.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a device <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a UE <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, and a transmitter <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to physical layer reporting by a UE, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The receiver <NUM> may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager <NUM> may receive, from a first base station, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE, measure a set of physical layer parameters associated with a set of transmissions from the second base station, the measuring based on the request, generate the physical layer report based on the measured set of parameters, and transmit, via a physical layer message, the physical layer report to the first base station in response to the request. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described herein.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a device <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a device <NUM> or a UE <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, and a transmitter <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> as described herein. The communications manager <NUM> may include a UE reception component <NUM>, a measurement component <NUM>, a L1 report generation component <NUM>, and a UE transmission component <NUM>. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described herein.

The UE reception component <NUM> may receive, from a first base station, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE.

The measurement component <NUM> may measure a set of physical layer parameters associated with a set of transmissions from the second base station, the measuring based on the request.

The L1 report generation component <NUM> may generate the physical layer report based on the measured set of parameters.

The UE transmission component <NUM> may transmit, via a physical layer message, the physical layer report to the first base station in response to the request.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a communications manager <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a communications manager <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, or a communications manager <NUM> described herein. The communications manager <NUM> may include a UE reception component <NUM>, a measurement component <NUM>, a L1 report generation component <NUM>, a UE transmission component <NUM>, a L3 report generation component <NUM>, a window identifier <NUM>, and a RACH component <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The UE reception component <NUM> may receive, from a first base station, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station. In some cases, the second base station is in a DC configuration with the first base station. In some cases, the second base station is a deactivated base station in a CA configuration. In some cases, the second base station is a non-serving base station of the UE.

In some examples, the UE reception component <NUM> may receive, from the first base station, a request to provide an RRC layer report for the second base station.

In some examples, the UE reception component <NUM> may receive, from the first base station, an indication that the second base station is added to the DC configuration prior to measuring the set of physical layer parameters.

In some examples, the UE reception component <NUM> may receive a random access configuration message from the first base station based on the physical layer report.

In some examples, the UE reception component <NUM> may receive a cell activation message from the first base station based on the physical layer report, where the cell activation message indicates the second base station is activated for communications.

In some examples, the UE reception component <NUM> may communicate with the second base station based a t least in part on the cell activation message.

In some examples, the UE reception component <NUM> may receive, from the first base station, an indication that the second base station is added as a primary secondary base station.

In some examples, the measurement component <NUM> may measure another set of parameters associated with another set of transmissions from the second base station. In some cases, the set of transmissions from the second base station includes one or more synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). In some cases, the set of transmissions from the second base station includes one or more aperiodic channel state information (A-CSI) reference signals (A-CSI-RS).

The L1 report generation component <NUM> may generate the physical layer report based on the measured set of parameters. In some cases, the physical layer report includes information on a measured cell identifier (ID), a reference signal type, a reference signal ID, a CSI reference signal (CSI-RS) resource ID, a synchronization signal index, a rank indicator, a precoding matrix index, a channel quality indicator (CQI), a reference signal receive power (RSRP), or a combination thereof.

The UE transmission component <NUM> may transmit, via a physical layer message, the physical layer report to the first base station in response to the request. In some examples, the UE transmission component <NUM> may transmit, via an RRC message, the RRC layer report to the first base station in response to the request to provide the RRC layer report for the second base station, where receiving the request to provide the physical layer report for the second base station is based on transmitting the RRC layer report.

The L3 report generation component <NUM> may generate the RRC layer report based on the measured another set of parameters.

The window identifier <NUM> may identify a window for measuring the set of transmissions from the second base station based on the request to provide the physical layer report for the second base station.

The RACH component <NUM> may perform a random access channel procedure with the second base station based on the random access configuration message. In some examples, the RACH component <NUM> may perform a random access channel procedure with the second base station based on the indication.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of device <NUM>, device <NUM>, or a UE <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager <NUM>, an I/O controller <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus <NUM>).

The communications manager <NUM> may receive, from a first base station, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE, measure a set of physical layer parameters associated with a set of transmissions from the second base station, the measuring based on the request, generate the physical layer report based on the measured set of parameters, and transmit, via a physical layer message, the physical layer report to the first base station in response to the request.

The memory <NUM> may include RAM and ROM.

The processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM>) to cause the device <NUM> to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting physical layer reporting by a UE).

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a device <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a base station <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, and a transmitter <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager <NUM> may transmit, to a UE, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE and receive, via a physical layer message from the UE, the physical layer report for the second base station. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described herein.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a device <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a device <NUM> or a base station <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, and a transmitter <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> as described herein. The communications manager <NUM> may include a gNB transmission component <NUM> and a gNB reception component <NUM>. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described herein.

The gNB transmission component <NUM> may transmit, to a UE, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE.

The gNB reception component <NUM> may receive, via a physical layer message from the UE, the physical layer report for the second base station.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a communications manager <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a communications manager <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, or a communications manager <NUM> described herein. The communications manager <NUM> may include a gNB transmission component <NUM>, a gNB reception component <NUM>, and a parameter identifier <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The gNB transmission component <NUM> may transmit, to a UE, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station. In some cases, the second base station is in a DC configuration with the first base station. In some cases, the second base station is a deactivated base station in a CA configuration. In some cases, the second base station is a non-serving base station of the UE.

In some examples, the gNB transmission component <NUM> may transmit, from the first base station to the UE, an indication that the second base station is added to the dual connectivity configuration prior to receiving the physical layer report.

In some examples, the gNB transmission component <NUM> may transmit, from the first base station to the second base station, the physical layer report.

In some examples, the gNB transmission component <NUM> may forward, from the first base station to the UE, the random access channel configuration message for the second base station.

In some examples, the gNB transmission component <NUM> may include in the request to provide the physical layer report an indication of the set of physical layer parameters for the UE to measure.

In some examples, the gNB transmission component <NUM> may transmit, from the first base station to the UE, a request to provide an RRC layer report for the second base station.

In some examples, the gNB transmission component <NUM> may transmit a cell activation message to the UE based on the physical layer report, where the cell activation message indicates the second base station is activated for communications.

In some examples, the gNB transmission component <NUM> may transmit an indication that the second base station is added as a primary secondary base station.

In some examples, the gNB reception component <NUM> may receive, at the first base station from the second base station, a random access channel configuration message for the second base station, where the random access channel configuration message is based on the physical layer report.

In some examples, the gNB reception component <NUM> may receive, via an RRC message from the UE, the RRC layer report for the second base station; where transmitting the request to provide the physical layer report for the second base station is based on receiving the RRC layer report.

The parameter identifier <NUM> may identify a set of physical layer parameters for the UE to measure for the physical layer report, where the set of physical layer parameters are associated with a set of transmissions by the second base station.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of device <NUM>, device <NUM>, or a base station <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager <NUM>, a network communications manager <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, memory <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and an inter-station communications manager <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus <NUM>).

The communications manager <NUM> may transmit, to a UE, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE and receive, via a physical layer message from the UE, the physical layer report for the second base station.

The processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM>) to cause the memory controller to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting physical layer reporting by a UE).

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a UE <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described herein using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive, from a first base station, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may measure a set of physical layer parameters associated with a set of transmissions from the second base station, the measuring based on the request. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a measurement component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may generate the physical layer report based on the measured set of parameters. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a L1 report generation component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may transmit, via a physical layer message, the physical layer report to the first base station in response to the request. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE transmission component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive, from a first base station, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive, from the first base station, an indication that the second base station is added to the DC configuration prior to measuring the set of physical layer parameters. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive a random access configuration message from the first base station based on the physical layer report. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may perform a random access channel procedure with the second base station based on the random access configuration message. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a RACH component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive, from a first base station, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive a cell activation message from the first base station based on the physical layer report, where the cell activation message indicates the second base station is activated for communications. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may communicate with the second base station based a t least in part on the cell activation message. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive, from a first base station, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a non-serving base station of the UE. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive, from the first base station, an indication that the second base station is added as a primary secondary base station. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE may perform a random access channel procedure with the second base station based on the indication. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a RACH component as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> that supports physical layer reporting by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a base station <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, a base station may perform aspects of the functions described herein using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM>, the base station may transmit, to a UE, a request to provide a physical layer report for a second base station, where the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration, or a non-serving base station of the UE. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a gNB transmission component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the base station may receive, via a physical layer message from the UE, the physical layer report for the second base station. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a gNB reception component as described with reference to <FIG>.

By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

Claim 1:
A method for wireless communication at a user equipment, UE (<NUM>-b, <NUM>-c), comprising:
receiving (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), from a first base station (<NUM>-c, <NUM>-e, <NUM>), a request to provide a radio resource control, RRC, layer report corresponding to measurements of transmissions from a second base station (<NUM>-d, <NUM>-f, <NUM>-h) wherein the second base station is a base station in a dual-connectivity, DC, configuration with the first base station (<NUM>-c), a deactivated base station in a carrier aggregation, CA, configuration such that the second base station is deactivated from communicating with the UE, or a non-serving base station of the UE;
measuring (<NUM>) transmissions from the second base station (<NUM>-d) based on the request;
transmitting (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), via an RRC message, the RRC layer report to the first base station in response to the request to provide the RRC layer report for the second base station;
receiving (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), from the first base station (<NUM>-c, <NUM>-e), a request to provide a physical layer report corresponding to measurements of transmissions from the second base station (<NUM>-d, <NUM>-f) wherein receiving the request to provide the physical layer report for the second base station is based at least in part on transmitting the RRC layer report;
measuring (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) a set of physical layer parameters associated with a set of transmissions from the second base station (<NUM>-d), the measuring based at least in part on the request;
generating the physical layer report (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) based at least in part on the measured set of parameters; and
transmitting (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), via a physical layer message, the physical layer report to the first base station (<NUM>-c) in response to the request to provide a physical layer report.