Patent ID: 12213116

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with reference to the following description and the related appended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments relate to implementing a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) for a special cell (SpCell). As will be described in more detail below, the exemplary embodiments may provide power and performance benefits for a user equipment (UE) configured with dual-connectivity (DC).

The exemplary embodiments are described with regard to a UE. However, reference to a UE is merely provided for illustrative purposes. The exemplary embodiments may be utilized with any electronic component that may establish a connection to a network and is configured with the hardware, software, and/or firmware to exchange information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any appropriate electronic component.

The UE may support DC to a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG). The MCG may include at least a master node (MN) and the SCG may include at least a secondary node (SN). In addition, the exemplary embodiments are described with regard to a special cell (SpCell). The term “SpCell” may refer to a primary cell (PCell) of the MCG or a primary secondary cell (PSCell) of the SCG. Thus, the terms “SpCell,” “MN” and “PCell” may be used interchangeably within the context of DC. Further, the terms “SpCell,” “SN” and “PSCell” may also be used interchangeably within the context of DC.

A 5G carrier may be configured with multiple BWPs. Those skilled in the art will understand that a BWP may refer to a set of physical resource blocks (PRBs) within the carrier. As will be described in more detail below, a carrier may include at least one dormant BWP and at least one non-dormant BWP. However, the configuration and arrangement of BWPs within a carrier may change from carrier to carrier. Thus, any reference to a particular configuration or arrangement of BWPs within a carrier is merely provided for illustrative purposes.

The non-dormant BWP may be used for access to network services normally available via the network connection. For example, the UE may transmit and/or receive data on the non-dormant BWP. The dormant BWP may be used to provide power saving benefits with regard to data exchange processing at the UE. Specific examples of network and UE behavior with regard to the dormant BWP will be discussed in detail below.

A BWP may transition between an activated state and a deactivated state. The UE may perform one or more operations related to data exchange processing for a BWP that is in the activated state and the UE may not perform any operations related to data exchange processing for a BWP in the deactivated state. For example, at a first time, the non-dormant BWP may be activated to enable the exchange of data between the UE and the network. At a second time, the non-dormant BWP may be deactivated, and the dormant BWP may be activated. From the perspective of the UE, there is less information and/or data to monitor for when the non-dormant BWP is in the activated state. This provides power saving benefits to the UE. At a third time, the active BWP may be switched back to the non-dormant BWP to once again enable the exchange of data between the UE and the network.

The exemplary embodiments relate to implementing a dormant BWP for a SpCell. In a first aspect, the exemplary embodiments include mechanisms for the UE and the network to handle situations related to BWP switching between the non-dormant BWP and the dormant BWP. In a second aspect, the exemplary embodiments relate to UE operation associated with a SpCell when the dormant BWP is activated. In a third aspect, the exemplary embodiments relate to UE operation associated with a SCG when the dormant BWP is activated. The examples provided throughout this description are described with regard to a SpCell that is a PSCell. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary concepts described herein may be applicable to an SpCell that is a PCell that supports multiple BWPs.

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

The UE110may be configured to communicate with one or more networks. In the example of the network configuration100, the networks with which the UE110may wirelessly communicate are a 5G New Radio (NR) radio access network (5G NR-RAN)120and an LTE radio access network (LTE-RAN)122. However, it should be understood that the UE110may also communicate with other types of networks (e.g. 5G cloud RAN, NR in the unlicensed (NR-U), a next-generations radio access network (NG-RAN), legacy cellular network, WLAN, etc.) and the UE110may also communicate with networks over a wired connection. With regard to the exemplary embodiments, the UE110may establish a connection with the 5G NR-RAN120and/or the LTE-RAN122. Therefore, the UE110may have both a 5G NR chipset to communication with the 5G NR-RAN120and an LTE chipset to communicate with the LTE-RAN122.

The 5G NR-RAN120and the LTE-RAN122may be portions of cellular networks that may be deployed by cellular providers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.). These networks120and122may include, for example, cells or base stations (Node Bs, eNodeBs, HeNBs, eNBS, gNBs, gNodeBs, macrocells, microcells, small cells, femtocells, etc.) that are configured to send and receive traffic from UEs that are equipped with the appropriate cellular chip set.

The exemplary embodiments are described with regard to a scenario in which the UE110is already configured with DC. Generally, DC includes the UE110simultaneously connected to an MCG and a SCG. In the network arrangement100, the 5G NR RAN120includes a SN120A that represents a gNB. The SN120A may be configured as a PSCell of a SCG. Thus, reference to a single cell corresponding to the 5G NR RAN120is merely provided for illustrative purposes. In an actual operating scenario, there may be multiple cells included in a SCG that is configured to serve the UE110. Further, the LTE-RAN122includes a MN122A that represents an eNB. The MN122A may be configured as a PCell of an MCG. Thus, reference to a single cell corresponding to the LTE-RAN122is merely provided for illustrative purposes. In an actual operating scenario, there may be multiple cells included in an MCG that is configured to serve the UE110.

A cell (e.g., MN122A, SN120A) may include one or more communication interfaces to exchange data and/or information with UEs, a RAN, the cellular core network130, other cells, the internet140, etc. Further, a cell may include a processor configured to perform various operations. For example, the processor of the cell may be configured to perform operations related to DC, BWP activation/deactivation, BWP switching, etc. However, reference to a processor is merely for illustrative purposes. The operations of the cell may also be represented as a separate incorporated component of the cell or may be a modular component coupled to the cell, e.g., an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry to receive signals and processing circuitry to process the signals and other information. In addition, in some examples, the functionality of the processor is split among two or more processors such as a baseband processor and an applications processor. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented in any of these or other configurations of a cell.

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

To provide an example of DC within the context of the network arrangement100, the UE110may be connected to both the 5G NR-RAN120and the LTE-RAN122. However, reference to an independent 5G NR-RAN120and an independent LTE-RAN122is merely provided for illustrative purposes. An actual network arrangement may include a RAN that includes architecture that is capable of providing both 5G NR RAT and LTE RAT services. For example, a next-generations radio access network (NG-RAN) (not pictured) may include a next generation Node B (gNB) that provides 5G NR services and a next generation evolved Node B (ng-eNB) that provides LTE services. The NG-RAN may be connected to at least one of the evolved packet core (EPC) or the 5G core (5GC). Thus, in one exemplary configuration, the UE110may achieve DC by establishing a connection to at least one cell corresponding to the 5G NR-RAN120and at least one cell corresponding to the LTE-RAN122. In another exemplary configuration, the UE110may achieve DC by establishing a connection to at least two cells corresponding to the NG-RAN or any other type of similar RAN that supports DC. To provide another example of DC, the UE110may connect to one or more RANs that provide 5G NR services. For example, a NG-RAN may support multiple nodes that each provide 5G new radio (NR) access, e.g., NR-NR DC. Similarly, the UE110may connect to a first RAN that provides 5G NR services and a second different RAN that also provides 5G NR services. Accordingly, the example of a single independent 5G NR-RAN120and a single independent LTE-RAN122is merely provided for illustrative purposes.

The network arrangement100also includes a cellular core network130, the Internet140, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)150, and a network services backbone160. The cellular core network130may be considered to be the interconnected set of components that manages the operation/traffic of the cellular network and may include the EPC and/or the 5GC. The cellular core network130also manages the traffic that flows between the cellular network and the Internet140. The IMS150may be generally described as an architecture for delivering multimedia services to the UE110using the IP protocol. The IMS150may communicate with the cellular core network130and the Internet140to provide the multimedia services to the UE110. The network services backbone160is in communication either directly or indirectly with the Internet140and the cellular core network130. The network services backbone160may be generally described as a set of components (e.g., servers, network storage arrangements, etc.) that implement a suite of services that may be used to extend the functionalities of the UE110in communication with the various networks.

FIG.2shows an exemplary UE110according to various exemplary embodiments. The UE110will be described with regard to the network arrangement100ofFIG.1. The UE110may include a processor205, a memory arrangement210, a display device215, an input/output (I/O) device220, a transceiver225and other components230. The other components230may include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a power supply, a data acquisition device, ports to electrically connect the UE110to other electronic devices, etc.

The processor205may be configured to execute a plurality of engines of the UE110. For example, the engines may include a SpCell dormant BWP engine235. The SpCell dormant BWP engine235may be configured to perform operations related to BWP activation, BWP deactivation, BWP switching, monitoring a dormant BWP and exchanging information associated the SCG when the dormant BWP is activated for a PSCell of the SCG (e.g., SN120A).

The above referenced engine being an application (e.g., a program) executed by the processor205is only exemplary. The functionality associated with the engine may also be represented as a separate incorporated component of the UE110or may be a modular component coupled to the UE110, e.g., an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry to receive signals and processing circuitry to process the signals and other information. The engines may also be embodied as one application or separate applications. In addition, in some UEs, the functionality described for the processor205is split among two or more processors such as a baseband processor and an applications processor. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented in any of these or other configurations of a UE.

The memory arrangement210may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by the UE110. The display device215may be a hardware component configured to show data to a user while the I/O device220may be a hardware component that enables the user to enter inputs. The display device215and the I/O device220may be separate components or integrated together such as a touchscreen. The transceiver225may be a hardware component configured to establish a connection with the 5G NR-RAN120, the LTE-RAN122, a legacy RAN (not pictured), a WLAN (not pictured), etc. Accordingly, the transceiver225may operate on a variety of different frequencies or channels (e.g., set of consecutive frequencies).

FIG.3illustrates an example of a carrier310that includes multiple BWPs. The carrier310may be used for uplink and/or downlink communications between the UE110and the SN120A. In this example, the carrier310includes a non-dormant BWP312that represents a first set of PRBs and a dormant BWP314that represents a second set of PRBs. The arrangement and configurations of BWPs within a carrier may vary from carrier to carrier. Thus, the example illustrated inFIG.3is just one possible configuration of BWPs and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments in any way. The exemplary embodiments are applicable to a dormant BWP and a non-dormant BWP being arranged within the carrier310in any appropriate manner.

A BWP may transition between an activated state and a deactivated state. When in the activated state, a BWP may be used for uplink and/or downlink communications. For example, the UE110may receive physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) information dedicated to the UE110, PDCCH information in the common search space and/or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) data from the SN120A on the BWP configured in the activated state. The UE110may also transmit control information and/or data to the SN120A on the BWP configured in the activated state.

To provide an example within the context ofFIG.3, when the non-dormant BWP312is configured in the activated state, the UE110may exchange information and/or data with the SN120A on the non-dormant BWP312. When the non-dormant BWP314is configured in the deactivated state, the network may not assign resources to the UE110on the non-dormant BWP312.

The UE110may receive power saving benefits with regard to data exchange processing when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state. Compared to the non-dormant BWP312, the dormant BWP314is not used for as many types of data and/or information. Thus, there is less monitoring performed by the UE110when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state. For example, the SN120A may transmit reference signals to the UE110on the dormant BWP314to ensure that the UE110remains synchronized with the SN120A. However, when data is to be exchanged between the UE110and the SN120A, the UE110or the network may trigger a switch of the activated BWP from the dormant BWP314to the non-dormant BWP312. Specific examples of network and UE110behavior when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state will be described in more detail below.

FIG.4shows a method400for dormant BWP and non-dormant BWP switching from the perspective of the UE110according to various exemplary embodiments. The method400will be described with regard to the network arrangement100ofFIG.1, the UE110ofFIG.2and the carrier310ofFIG.3.

Initially, consider a scenario in which the UE110is connected to the MN122A of the LTE-RAN122. To provide the UE110with 5G NR services, the UE110may be configured with DC. Accordingly, the UE110may establish a connection to the SN120A of the 5G NR RAN120.

In405, the UE110identifies a non-dormant BWP and a dormant BWP for a carrier corresponding to the SN120A. For example, the UE110may receive information that indicates that the SN120A supports the carrier310that includes non-dormant BWP312and dormant BWP314. The UE110may receive this information from the network before, during or after the establishment of DC. In some embodiments, this information may be received during a radio resource control (RRC) signaling exchange between the UE110and either the MN122A or between the UE110and the SN120A. In other embodiments, this information may be broadcast by the SN120in a system information block (SIB) or any other similar type of mechanism.

In410, the UE110receives an indication that the non-dormant BWP312is configured in the activated state. As will be described in more detail below, this indication may be received from the MN122A, the SN120A and/or a process being executed locally at the UE110.

In415, the UE110operates on the non-dormant BWP312. For example, the UE110may tune its transceiver225to the non-dormant BWP312. The non-dormant BWP312may be used to transport a variety of different types of information and/or data. For example, when the non-dormant BWP312is in the activated state, the UE110may receive PDCCH information dedicated for the UE110, PDCCH information in the common search space, PDSCH data and/or reference signals from the SN120A on the non-dormant BWP312. These types of communications may be associated with mechanisms such as, but not limited to, PDCCH monitoring, sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission and reception, PUSCH transmissions, PDSCH reception, a random access channel (RACH procedure, channel state information (CSI) measurement and reporting, automatic gain control (AGC), beam management, etc.

As indicated above, the non-dormant BWP312may be used for a wide variety of different types of communications and be associated with a wide variety of different types of procedures. Accordingly, the UE110may expend a significant amount of power when the non-dormant BWP312is configured in the activated state even when there is no data being transmitted or received on the non-dormant BWP312. To provide power saving benefits to the UE110and to ensure that the SN120A remains in the activated state, BWP switching may be implemented.

In420, the UE110receives an indication that the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state. In some embodiments, this indication may be received via the SCG link or via the MCG link. Specific examples of this type of signaling will be described in more detail below with regard toFIGS.5-7c. In other embodiments, this indication may be received from a process running locally at the UE110. Specific examples of these types of mechanisms will be described in more detail below with regard toFIGS.8-9.

In425, the UE110operates the dormant BWP314. Generally, the dormant BWP314is utilized to provide the UE110with power saving benefits while also ensuring fast SN120A activation. The operations supported by the UE110and/or the network when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state may be preconfigured or indicated to the UE110by the network via RRC signaling or in any other appropriate manner.

To provide an example, when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state, the reception and transmission of dedicated data (e.g., PDSCH, PUSCH) and dedicated PDCCH may not be supported on the dormant BWP314. This may provide a power saving benefit to the UE110with regard to data exchange processing because the UE110does not have to monitor or process these types of data and/or information. However, the UE110may still monitor the common search space for an indication to switch the active BWP back to the non-dormant BWP312.

To provide further examples, in some embodiments, a RACH procedure may not be supported when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state. In other embodiments, a RACH procedure may be supported when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state. In some embodiments, radio resource management (RRM) measurements, radio link monitoring (RLM) measurements, channel state information (CSI) measurements and/or beam management procedures (e.g., beam failure detection (BFD), beam failure recovery (BFR), etc.) may not be supported when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state. In other embodiments, RRM measurements, RLM measurements, CSI measurements and/or beam management procedures may be supported when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state. In some embodiments, SRS transmission may not be supported when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state. In other embodiments, SRS transmission may be supported may be supported when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state.

In430, the UE110performs an operation associated with the SCG. For example, when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state, the SCells of the SCG may be configured in the deactivated state or may also be configured with a dormant BWP in the activated state. In this type of scenario, the exchange of data and/or information associated with the SCG between the UE110and the SN120A may be facilitated by the MN122A. Thus, performing an operation associated with the SCG may include transmitting a signal to the SN120A via the MCG link. Specific examples of the types of operations that may be performed with regard to the SCG when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state will be described in more detail below with regard toFIGS.10-15.

As indicated above, when the SN120A is configured with a dormant BWP314in the activated state, the SCells of the SCG may be placed in the deactivated state. Throughout this description, the term “SCG dormant state” may refer to a scenario in which the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state and the SCells of the SCG are configured in the deactivated state. The term “SCG non-dormant state” may refer to a scenario in which the non-dormant BWP312is configured in the activated state and the SCells of the SCG are also configured in the activated state.

In435, the UE110receives an indication that the active BWP is to be switched back to the non-dormant BWP312. This indication may be a signal received from the MN122A, the SN120A and/or a process being executed locally at the UE110(e.g., a timer, identifying a predetermined condition, etc.).

The method400provides a general overview of dormant BWP and non-dormant BWP switching from the perspective of the UE110. As mentioned above, specific examples of the signaling exchanges that may be used to trigger dormant BWP and non-dormant BWP switching will be described in more detail below with regard toFIGS.5-9. Further, specific examples of the signaling exchanges that may be used to exchange SCG associated information when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state will be described in more detail below with regard toFIGS.10-15.

FIG.5shows a signaling diagram500for non-dormant BWP and dormant BWP switching via a SCG link according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram500includes the UE110and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the non-dormant BWP312is currently configured in the activated state. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In505, the UE110receives a signal from the SN120A via the SCG link. For example, the signal may be a PSCell dormancy indication that indicates the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched to the dormant BWP314. The signal may be a layer 1 (L1) command transmitted in the common search space associated with the SN120A. The monitoring search space and control resource set (CORSET) of the dormant BWP314may be configured with a longer interval compared to the non-dormant BWP312to provide power saving benefits to the UE110.

To facilitate this type of signaling, a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) for non-dormant BWP and dormant BWP switching may be implemented or an RNTI intended for a different purpose may be used. For example, the network may associate the UE110(or a group of UEs) with the RNTI. The network may then indicate to the UE110that the UE110is associated with the RNTI. In response, the UE110may monitor for DCI that includes an RNTI associated with the UE110. The presence of the RNTI may indicate that the UE110is the intended recipient of the DCI. In some embodiments, DCI formant 2_6 may be utilized for the L1 command. Further, as indicated above, the RNTI may be associated with a group of UEs. Thus, the SN120A may implement group based signaling for non-dormant BWP and dormant BWP switching of multiple UEs.

In510, the UE110operates on the dormant BWP314. As indicated above in the method400, when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state the UE110may not transmit or receive dedicated data but the UE110may still monitor for common control information.

In515, the UE110receives a signal from the SN120A via the SCG link. The signal may be a PSCell resume indication configured to indicate that the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched out of the dormant BWP314to the non-dormant BWP312. For example, the SN120A may initiate the switch when there is data to be exchanged with the UE110in the uplink and/or downlink. Those skilled in the art will understand that this indication may be delivered to the UE110in a substantially manner to the indication delivered in505.

In520, a RACH procedure may be performed. Generally, the RACH procedure may be performed to ensure that the uplink to the SN120A is not out of synchronization. In some embodiments, the UE110may only perform the RACH procedure when the UE110identifies or assumes that the uplink with the SN120A is out of synchronization. Alternatively, any other appropriate type of mechanism may be utilized to ensure that the uplink is not out of synchronization.

In525, a data exchange between the UE110and the SN120A may occur. At this time, the non-dormant BWP312is configured in the activated state and thus, the UE110may transmit and/or receive dedicated UE data with the SN120A.

FIG.6shows a signaling diagram600for non-dormant BWP and dormant BWP switching via an MCG link according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram600includes the UE110, the MN122A and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the non-dormant BWP312is currently configured in the activated state. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In605, the SN120A may transmit a PSCell dormancy indication to the MN122A that indicates the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched to the dormant BWP314. In610, the MN122A may transmit a PSCell dormancy indication to the UE110that indicates the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched to the dormant BWP314. Thus, the MN122A may transmit BWP switching information for the SN120A to the UE110via the MCG link.

As will be described in more detail below with regard toFIG.7, in some embodiments, the SN120A may generate the indication and the MN122A may include the indication in its container for transmission. In other embodiments, the SN120A determines the dormancy state for the SN120A and send an indication to the MN122A. In response, the MN120A may generate a message that is to be transmitted to the UE110that indicates that the active BWP for SN120A is to be switched to the dormant BWP312. In further, embodiments, the MN122A may determine the SN120A dormancy state and transmit an indication to both the SN120A and the UE110.

In615, the UE110may transmit an acknowledgement (ACK) to the MN122A in response to the PSCell dormancy indication. In620, MN122A may then transmit an indication of the ACK to the SN120A.

In625, the UE110operates on the dormant BWP314. As mentioned above, operating on the dormant BWP314may include monitoring the common search space. However, in these types of scenarios where BWP switching on the SN120A may be facilitated via the MN122A, it may be unnecessary to monitor the common search space for the switching indication because it may be received via the MN122A.

In630, SN120A may transmit a PSCell resume indication to the MN122A that indicates the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched to the non-dormant BWP314. In635, the MN122A may transmit a PSCell resume indication to the UE110that indicates the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched to the non-dormant BWP312. In640, the UE110may transmit an ACK to the MN122A in response to the PSCell resume indication. In645, the MN122A may then transmit an indication of the ACK to the SN120A. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the UE110may transmit the ACK directly to the SN120A via the SCG link (not pictured).

In650, a data exchange between the UE110and the SN120A may occur. At this time, the non-dormant BWP312is configured in the activated state and thus, the UE110may transmit and/or receive dedicated UE data with the SN120A.

FIGS.7a-7cshow signaling diagrams700-740for providing a PSCell dormancy indication via an MCG link according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagrams700-740show examples of different types of SN120A and MN122A interactions that may occur when providing a PSCell dormancy indication via the MCG link.

In the signaling diagram700, the SN120A generates the message that is to be delivered to the UE110. This message may be transparent to the MN122A. For example, in701, the SN120A may transmit the PSCell dormancy indication to the MN122A via an RRC transfer message. In702, the MN122A may for the PSCell dormancy indication to the UE110. Thus, the MN122A may insert the PSCell dormancy indication into the container of the MN message. In703, the UE110may transmit a message to the MN122A confirming that the UE110is aware of the BWP switching. In704, the MN122A may then transmit an RRC transfer message to the SN120A that includes the indication from the UE110.

In the signaling diagram720, the MN122A may control BWP switching for the SN120A. For example, in721, the SN120A may transmit a SN modification request to the MN122A indicating that the SN120A wants to switch its active BWP to the dormant BWP314. In722, the MN122A determines whether the BWP switching is permitted. The MN122A may make this determination on any appropriate basis.

723-725provide an example of the type of signaling that may occur when the MN122A permits the SN120A to activate the dormant BWP314. In723, the MN122A transmits a PSCell dormancy indication to the UE110using an RRC reconfiguration message. In724, the UE110may transmit an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the MN122A. In725, the MN122A may transmit a SN modification confirm message indicating that the UE110has been informed that the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched to the dormant BWP312.

726provides an example of the type of signaling that may occur when the MN122A does not permit the SN120A to activate the dormant BWP314. In726, the MN122A discards the SN modification request received in721and transmits an SN modification refuse message to the SN120A. This message may indicate to the SN120A that the non-dormant BWP312is to remain configured in the activate state. Thus, in the signaling diagram720, the SN120A may make suggestions regarding which BWP is to be utilized by the SN120A. However, the MN122A has control over whether or not the BWP switch is performed.

In the signaling diagram740, the MN122A may control the dormancy state of the SN120A. In741, the MN122A determines that the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched to the dormant BWP314. In742, the MN122A may transmit a SN modification request to the SN120A. In743, the SN120A may transmit an ACK to the MN122A in response to the request. In744, the MN122A may transmit an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE110indicating that the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched to the dormant BWP314. In745, the UE110may transmit an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the MN122A. In746, the MN122A may transmit an SN modification confirm message to the SN120A indicating the RRC reconfiguration procedure is complete and the UE110is ready to utilize dormant BWP314.

As indicated above, the signaling for dormant BWP and non-dormant BWP switching may include the exchange of RRC messages between the UE110and the MN122A. In this type of scenario, the legacy MCG standard radio bearer 1 (SRB1) RRCReconfiguration and RRCReconfigurationComplete messages may be used to carry SCG information that corresponds to dormant BWP and non-dormant BWP switching for the SN120A. For example, the SCG portion of these RRC messages may be configured to include a dormancy indication associated with the SN120A. Similarly, if measurement reporting is supported for the SN120A when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state, the SN120A triggered measurement report may be provided to the MN122A via MCG SRB1 ULInformationTransferMRDC message. This information may then be forwarded to the SN120A and/or used by the MCG for other operations.

Alternatively, the MCG SRB1 RRC message may be configured to carry a new type of message. For example, the SCG dormancy indication may be provided in a “DLInformationTransferMRDC” message or an “ULInformationTransferMRDC” message portion of an RRC message. If a SCG layer 2 (L2) medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) is transmitted via the MN RRC message, the SCG L2 MAC CE may be provided in a “DLInformationTransferMRDC” message or an “ULInformationTransferMRDC” message portion of the RRC message.

In further embodiments, an MCG uplink/downlink MAC CE may be implemented to carry the container of SCG uplink/downlink MAC CE. This MCG L2 MAC CE may have a subheader variable length. The MCG MAC CE content is the SCG L2 MAC CE where the MAC CE type is indicated via the logical channel ID (LCID). The length may be calculated based on the L parameter in the header of the message.

FIG.8shows a signaling diagram800for timer based non-dormant BWP and dormant BWP switching according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram800includes the UE110and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the non-dormant BWP312is currently configured in the activated state. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

As mentioned above, the UE110may determine that the active BWP is to be switched based on a process being executed locally at the UE110. In this example, the network may configure the UE110with a PSCell dormancy timer.

In805, the UE110starts (or restarts) the PSCell dormancy timer in response to dedicated scheduling received from the SCG. In some embodiments, the PSCell dormancy timer may also be started (or restarted) in response to performing a transmission to the SCG (not pictured).

Both the network and the UE110are aware of the parameters for the PSCell dormancy timer. Thus, in810, both the UE110and the SN120A are aware that the PSCell inactivity timer has expired. In815, the UE110operations on the dormant BWP314because based on the expiration of the timer the UE110may assume that the active bandwidth part has been switched from the non-dormant BWP312to the dormant BWP314. Thus, without any explicit signaling from the SN120A or the MN122A, the active BWP for the SN120A may be switched to the dormant BWP314.

FIG.9shows a signaling diagram900for threshold based non-dormant BWP and dormant BWP switching according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram900includes the UE110and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the dormant BWP314is currently configured in the activated state for the SN120A. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In this example, the network may configure the UE110with a threshold value that may be used to trigger BWP switching. In905, the UE110determines that the available data amount for SCG transmission is greater than the threshold value.

In910, the UE110performs a RACH procedure with the SN120A via the SCG link. Alternatively, the UE110may transmit a scheduling request to the SN120A (not pictured). For example, if the UE110identifies or assumes that the UE110is out of synchronization in the uplink with the SN120A, the UE110may transmit the RACH. If the UE110identifies or assumes that the UE110is in synchronization in the uplink with the SN120A, the UE110may transmit the scheduling request.

FIG.10shows a signaling diagram1000for SCell activation and deactivation according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram1000includes the UE110, the MN122A and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the non-dormant BWP312is currently configured in the activated state. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In1005, the UE110may receive a PSCell dormancy indicating that the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched from the non-dormant BWP312to the dormant BWP314. In this example, the PSCell dormancy indication is shown as being received from the SN120A. However, as demonstrated above, this type of indication may also be received from the MN122A or via a process being executed locally at the UE110.

As mentioned above, when the active BWP for the SN120A is the dormant BWP314, all SCells within the SCG may be switched to the deactivated state. Accordingly, in1010, the UE110may operate on the dormant BWP314and the SCG may be configured in the SCG dormant state.

In1015, the UE110receives a PSCell resume indication that indicates the active BWP for the SN120A is to be switched the from the dormant BWP312to the non-dormant BWP314. In this example, the PSCell resume indication is shown as being received from the SN120A. However, as demonstrated above, this type of indication may also be received from the MN122A or via a process being executed locally at the UE110.

At this time, the SCells of the SCG are still configured in the deactivate state. In1020, the SN120A may transmit an SCell activation command via the SCG link to the UE110. This command may indicate to the UE110that one or more SCells currently configured in the deactivated state are to transition to the activated state. Thus, in some embodiments, the network may provide explicit signaling for which SCells are to be reactivated. In other embodiments, explicit signaling may not be utilized. Instead, in response to the PSCell resume indication1015, the UE110may assume that initial SCell activated state configured by RRC signaling is to resume.

As indicated above, SCG associated information may be exchanged between the UE110and the SN120A via the MN122A when the dormant BWP314is configured in the activated state. In some embodiments, the SCG associated information may be transmitted by the UE110in the container of the ULInformationTransferMRDC to the MN122A and then forwarded to the SN120A by the MN122A. Similarly, SCG associated information may be forwarded to the UE110by the MN122A in the container of DLInformationTransferMRDC. Alternatively, the SCG associated information may be transmitted in a layer 2 (L2) cross cell group MAC CE.

The SCG associated information may include, but is not limited to, CSI reporting, SCG specific RRC messages transmitted via SRB3 or SRB1 (e.g., measurement reports, UE assistance information, RRCreconfiguration, RRCreconfiguration complete, etc.), uplink MAC CEs (e.g., buffer status report (BSR) MAC CE, BFR MAC CE, listen-before-talk MAC CE, etc.), a tracking area (TA) command, a discontinuous reception (DRX) command, etc.

FIG.11shows a signaling diagram1100for exchanging SCG associated information via the MN122A according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram1100includes the UE110, the MN122A and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the dormant BWP314is currently configured in the activated state for the SN120A. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In1105, the UE110receives a reference signal from the SN120A. For example, the UE110may monitor the common search space when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state. The UE110may collect CSI measurement data based on measuring one or more reference signals.

Next, the UE110may transmit a CSI report to the SN120A via the MN122A. For example, the CSI measurement data may satisfy a predetermined condition and trigger the transmission of the CSI measurement report to the SN120A. Thus, in1110the UE110may transmit the CSI measurement data to the MN122A and in1115the MN122A may forward the CSI measurement data to the SN120A.

The UE110may transmit an indication of the CSI measurement data to the MN122A in the ULinformationTransferMRDC container. The MN122A may then forward the CSI measurement data to the SN120A. Alternatively, the UE110may transmit an indication of the CSI measurement data to the MN122A in a L2 MAC CE. The MN122A may then forward the CSI measurement data to the SN120A.

In1120, the SN120A may determine that the active BWP is to be switched from the dormant BWP314to the non-dormant BWP312. This determination may be based on factors such as, but not limited to, an amount of data that is to be received and/or transmitted by the UE110and the CSI measurement data. Although not show in the signaling diagram1100, a scenario may occur where the CSI report indicates that the SN120A is not capable of providing an adequate network connection and thus, the network may determine that the SN120A is to be released and/or a different one or more SNs are configured.

In1125, the SN120A may transmit a PSCell dormancy command to switch out of the dormant BWP314to the non-dormant BWP312. As mentioned above, this type of message may be provided to the UE110in any of a variety of different ways. Thus, the message in1125being shown as being provided directly to the UE110via the SCG link is merely provided for illustrative purposes.

FIG.12shows a signaling diagram1200for exchanging SCG associated information via the MN122A according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram1200includes the UE110, the MN122A and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the dormant BWP314is currently configured in the activated state for the SN120A. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In1205, the UE110receives a reference signal from the SN120A. For example, the UE110may monitor the common search space when the dormant BWP314is in the activated state. In1210, the UE110may perform BFD based on measuring one or more reference signals. In response to the BFD procedure, the UE110may be triggered to send a BFR report to the SN120A and stop the BFD procedure on the SN120A.

In1215, the UE110may transmit the BFR report to the MN122A. In addition, the UE110may also terminate the BFD procedure at the UE110. In1220the MN122A may forward the BFR report to the SN120A. The UE110may transmit an indication of the BFR report to the MN122A in the ULinformationTransferMRDC container. The MN122A may then forward the indication of the BFR report to the SN120A. Alternatively, the UE110may transmit the indication of the BFR report data to the MN122A in the L2 MAC CE. The MN122A may then forward the indication of the BFR report to the SN120A.

In response, the SN120A may trigger RRCReconfiguration to reconfigure the beam. Thus, in1225, SCG specific RRC reconfiguration information may be sent to the UE110in the SRB3 or SRB1 container. As mentioned above, this type of message may be provided to the UE110in any of a variety of different ways. Thus, the message in1230shown as being provided directly to the UE110via the SCG link is merely provided for illustrative purposes.

In1230, an RRCReconfiguration complete message may be transmitted by the UE110to the SN120A in the SRB3 or SRB1 container.

In other embodiments, instead of transmitting the BFR report to the SN120A, the UE110may trigger a RACH procedure on the SN120A to switch the active BWP from the dormant BWP314to the non-dormant BWP312based on the BFD procedure.

FIG.13shows a signaling diagram1300for exchanging SCG associated information via the MN122A according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram1300includes the UE110, the MN122A and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the dormant BWP314is currently configured in the activated state for the SN120A. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In1305, the UE110may determine that data from the SCG only dedicated radio bearer (DRB) is to be received by the UE110. This determination may be based on a schedule, a previously received indication or any other appropriate type of indication.

In1310, the UE110may initiate a RACH procedure (or send a scheduling request) to trigger the switch of the active BWP from the dormant BWP314to the non-dormant BWP312.

Alternatively, in1315, the UE110may transmit a SCG buffer status report (BSR) MAC CE to the MN122A. In1320, the MN122A may forward the BSR MAC CE to the SN120A. For example, the UE110may transmit the BSR MAC CE to the MN122A in the ULinformationTransferMRDC container. The MN122A may then forward the BSR MAC CE to the SN120A. Alternatively, the UE110may transmit the BSR MAC CE to the MN122A as a L2 MAC CE (e.g., cross cell group MAC CE). The MN122A may then forward the BSR MAC CE to the SN120A.

In other embodiments, there may be different procedures for different data types. For example, if the available data is from the SCG only DRB, the UE110may initiate BWP switching via RACH procedure or a scheduling request. If the available data is only from the split DRB, the UE110may transmit the SCG MAC CE to the SN120A via the MN122A or the UE110may cancel the BSR.

In another example, if the available data is only for the split DRB, the data amount and the data delivery will not inform to the suspected SCG link and the UE110packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) can only deliver the data amount information to the MCG link and only trigger the MCG BSR MAC CE. With this enhancement, the UE110does not need to trigger the SCG BSR reporting to the SN120A and will not trigger the data transmission via the SCG link to the SN120A and the SCG may remain in the dormant state. In some embodiments, this exemplary technique may be selectively implemented based on a comparison of the available data to a threshold value.

FIG.14shows a signaling diagram1400for exchanging SCG associated information via the MN122A according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram1400includes the UE110, the MN122A and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the dormant BWP314is currently configured in the activated state for the SN120A. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In1405, the UE110may transmit an SRS to the SN120A. In1410, the SN120A may transmit a tracking area (TA) command to the MN122A. IN1415, the MN122A may forward the TA command the UE110.

In1420, the UE110may adjust the PSCell uplink TA and restart the time alignment adjustment timer (TAT). if the TAT is still running, the UE110may assume the UE110is still synchronized in the uplink. Thus, in1425, the UE110may transmit a scheduling request initiate the switch of the active BWP from the dormant BWP314to the non-dormant BWP312and facilitate the exchange of data between the UE110and the SN120A. Alternatively, if the TAT expires, in1430, a RACH procedure may be performed to synchronize with the SN120A and switch the active BWP from the dormant BWP314to the non-dormant BWP314. Alternatively,

FIG.15shows a signaling diagram1500for exchanging SCG associated information via the MN122A according to various exemplary embodiments. The signaling diagram1500includes the UE110, the MN122A and the SN120A.

Initially, consider a scenario in which DC is established and the dormant BWP314is currently configured in the activated state for the SN120A. Further, the UE110is configured to switch to the non-dormant BWP312when the UE110is triggered to switch out from the dormant BWP314.

In1505, the UE110may receive a reference signal from the SN120A. The UE110may generate measurement data based on one or more reference signal. In this example, when the measurement data satisfies a threshold value a measurement report may be transmitted to the SN120A via the MN122A.

In1510, the UE110may transmit an indication of the measurement report in an ULInformationTransferMRDC container to the MN122A. In1515, the MN122A may forward an indication of the measurement report to the SN120A. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the measurement report, the UE110may also transmit a request for the network to perform dormant BWP to non-dormant BWP switching on the SN120A. Thus, in response to the SN120A radio quality exceeding a threshold the UE110may trigger dormant BWP to non-dormant BWP switching via the request.

In other embodiments, instead of a request, the UE110may initiate the dormant BWP to non-dormant BWP switching. For example, the UE110may initiate a RACH procedure to trigger the BWP switching. In this type of scenario, the UE110may also send data, a BSR and/or a measurement report associated with the SN120A to the network.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments may be implemented in any suitable software or hardware configuration or combination thereof. An exemplary hardware platform for implementing the exemplary embodiments may include, for example, an Intel x86 based platform with compatible operating system, a Windows OS, a Mac platform and MAC OS, a mobile device having an operating system such as iOS, Android, etc. The exemplary embodiments of the above described method may be embodied as a program containing lines of code stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium that, when compiled, may be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

Although this application described various embodiments each having different features in various combinations, those skilled in the art will understand that any of the features of one embodiment may be combined with the features of the other embodiments in any manner not specifically disclaimed or which is not functionally or logically inconsistent with the operation of the device or the stated functions of the disclosed embodiments.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalent.