Patent ID: 12193093

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some wireless communications systems, a user equipment (UE) may be configured to collect and report measurements to allow wireless operators to identify the quality of communications in certain locations (e.g., where the UE may be configured to collect and report measurements for a specific area or for a specific amount of time in or around a certain location). That is, wireless operators may use subscriber devices to collect radio measurements. Such measurements may be referred to as minimization of drive test (MDT) measurements. In some cases (e.g., for single connectivity), a UE may be configured to communicate with base stations associated with a specific radio access technology (RAT). In such cases, the UE may receive a measurement configuration from a base station associated with the specific RAT, and the UE may use the measurement configuration to collect and report measurements for the specific RAT. In other cases (e.g., for multi-connectivity), however, a UE may be able to communicate with base stations associated with multiple RATs. Conventional techniques for configuring a UE to perform and report MDT measurements when the UE is able to communicate with base stations associated with the multiple RATs may be deficient.

As described herein, a wireless communications system may support efficient techniques for collecting and reporting MDT measurements for one or more RATs and/or for multiple base stations in a dual connectivity deployment. In one example, a user equipment WE) may receive an MDT measurement configuration including one or more fields indicating a common RAT type for collecting and reporting MDT measurements. In this example, the common RAT type may correspond to multiple RATs, and the UE may collect MDT measurements for the multiple RATs based on the one or more fields indicating the common RAT type. The UE may then report the MDT measurements via one of the multiple RATs based on the one or more fields indicating the common RAT type. Further techniques for efficiently collecting and reporting MDT measurements in a dual connectivity deployment are also described herein.

Particular aspects of the subject matter described herein may be implemented to realize one or more advantages. The described techniques may support improvements in system efficiency such that a device may collect measurements for one RAT and report the measurements via another RAT. This may allow a device to improve reliability of MDT reports, which may result in fewer transmissions and higher system throughput. The device may also perform measurements for multiple RATs using the same configurations, which may simplify the process of collecting and reporting MDT measurements in a wireless communications system.

Aspects of the disclosure introduced above are described below in the context of a wireless communications system. Examples of processes and signaling exchanges that support MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity are then described. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowtharts that relate to MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100includes base stations105, UEs115, and a core network130. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may be a Long-Term Evolution (UE) network, an UE-Advanced (UE-A) network, an UE-A Pro network, an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), or a New Radio (NR) network. In some cases, wireless communications system100may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission critical) communications, low latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

Base stations105may wirelessly communicate with UEs115via one or more base station antennas. Base stations105described herein may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or giga-NodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. Wireless communications system100may include base stations105of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). The UEs115described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations105and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, and the like.

Each base station105may be associated with a particular geographic coverage area110in which communications with various UEs115is supported. Each base station105may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110via communication links125, and communication links125between a base station105and a UE115may utilize one or more carriers, Communication links125shown in wireless communications system100may include uplink transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink transmissions from a base station105to a UE115. Downlink transmissions may also be called forward link transmissions while uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions.

The geographic coverage area110for a base station105may be divided into sectors making up a portion of the geographic coverage area110, and each sector may be associated with a cell. For example, each base station105may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, a hot spot, or other types of cells, or various combinations thereof. In some examples, a base station105may be movable and therefore provide communication coverage for a moving geographic coverage area110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may overlap, and overlapping geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may be supported by the same base station105or by different base stations105. The wireless communications system100may include, for example, a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A/LTE-A Pro or NR network in which different types of base stations105provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas110.

The term “cell” refers to a logical communication entity used for communication with a base station105(e.g., over a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier for distinguishing neighboring cells (e.g., a physical cell identifier (POD), a virtual cell identifier (VCID)) operating via the same or a different carrier. In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., machine-type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others) that may provide access for different types of devices. In some cases, the term “cell” may refer to a portion of a geographic coverage area110(e.g., a sector) over which the logical entity operates.

UEs115may be dispersed throughout the wireless communications system100, and each UE115may be stationary or mobile. A UE115may also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the “device” may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client. A UE115may also be a personal electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, a UE115may also refer to a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or an MTC device, or the like, which may be implemented in various articles such as appliances, vehicles, meters, or the like.

Base stations105may communicate with the core network130and with one another. For example, base stations105may interface with the core network130through backhaul links132(e.g., via an S1, N2, N3, or other interface). Base stations105may communicate with one another over backhaul links134(e.g., via an X2, Xn, or other interface) either directly (e.g., directly between base stations105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network130), The core network may be an example of an UE core network, a 5G core network (5GC), etc.

The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network130may be an evolved packet core (EPC), which may include at least one mobility management entity (MME), at least one serving gateway (S-GW), and at least one Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW). The MME may manage non-access stratum (e.g., control plane) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for UEs115served by base stations105associated with the EPC. User IP packets may be transferred through the S-GW, which itself may be connected to the P-GW. The P-GW may provide IP address allocation as well as other functions. The P-GW may be connected to the network operators IP services. The operators IP services may include access to the Internet, Intranet(s), an IP Multimedia. Subsystem (IMS), or a Packet-Switched (PS) Streaming Service.

At least some of the network devices, such as a base station105, may include subcomponents such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity may communicate with UEs115through a number of other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, or a transmission/reception point (TRP). In some configurations, various functions of each access network entity or base station105may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., a base station105).

In some cases, wireless communications system100may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, wireless communications system100may employ License Assisted Access (LAA), UE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) RAT, or NR technology in an unlicensed band (e.g, NR unlicensed (NR-U)) such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, wireless devices such as base stations105and UEs115may employ listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures to ensure a frequency channel is clear before transmitting data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carders operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA), Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, peer-to-peer transmissions, or a combination of these. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), or a combination of both.

In some cases, wireless communications system100may be a packet-based network that operate according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A Medium Access Control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE115and a base station105or core network130supporting radio bearers for user plane data. At the Physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

In some wireless communications systems, a UE may be configured to collect and report measurements to allow wireless operators to identify the quality of communications in certain locations. That is, wireless operators may use subscriber devices to collect radio measurements. Such measurements may be referred to as MDT measurements. MDT measurements may include immediate MDT measurements, where a UE115in an RRC connected state may collect and report measurements immediately. MDT measurements may also include logged MDT measurements, where a UE115in a camped normally state or a cell selection state of an idle mode may collect and log measurements and may report the logged measurements once the UE115transitions to a connected state. Further, MDT measurements may include accessibility measurements, where a UE115may log failed attempts to establish an RRC connection (e.g., for LTE and UMTS) and may report the logged failed attempts once the UE115transitions to a connected state.

In some cases (e.g., for single connectivity), a UE may be configured to communicate with base stations associated with a specific RAT (e.g., LTE). In such cases, the UE may receive a measurement configuration from a base station associated with the specific RAT, and the UE may use the measurement configuration to collect and report measurements for the specific RAT. In other cases (e.g., for multi-connectivity), however, a UTE may be able to communicate with base stations associated with multiple RATs. Conventional techniques for configuring a UE to perform and report MDT measurements for multiple RATs when the UE is able to communicate with base stations associated with the multiple RATs may be deficient. UEs115in wireless communications system100may support efficient techniques for collecting and reporting MDT measurements for one or more RATs and/or for multiple base stations in a dual connectivity deployment.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system200includes UE115-a, which may be an example of a UE115described with reference toFIG.1, Wireless communications system200also includes base station105-aand base station105-b, which may be examples of a base station105described with reference toFIG.1. Base station105-amay be associated with a first RAT and base station105-bmay be associated with a second RAT. For instance, base station105-amay be an example of an eNB in an LTE network, and base station105-bmay be an example of a gNB in an NR network. Base station105-amay provide communication coverage for a respective coverage area110-a, and base station105-amay provide communication coverage for a respective coverage area110-b. Base station105-amay communicate with UE115-aon resources of one or more carriers205, and base station105-bmay communicate with UE115-aon resources of one or more carriers210.

In the example ofFIG.2, UE115-amay be in a connected or idle mode and may support communication with base station105-aassociated with one RAT type and base station105-bassociated with another RAT type. Accordingly, it may be appropriate for UE115-ato collect and report MDT measurements (e.g., immediate or logged MDT measurements) for both RAT types. As described herein, to ensure that UE115-ais able to identify appropriate configurations for collecting and reporting MDT measurements for different RATs, a base station105(e.g., base station105-aor base station105-b) may indicate in an MDT configuration a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting MDT measurements (e.g., in one or more fields in the measurement configuration). Accordingly, a UE115may use the MDT measurement configuration for collecting MDT measurements for the RAT type for collecting MDT measurements, and the UE115may report the MDT measurements via the RAT type for reporting MDT measurements. Once base station105-aor base station105-breceives the MDT measurements, base station105-aor base station105-bmay transmit the MDT measurements to the trace collection entity215.

In some cases, the RAT type specified in a measurement configuration for collecting or reporting MDT measurements may be a specific RAT type corresponding to a single RAT type. For instance, a RAT type of LTE may correspond to an LTE network, and a RAT type of NR may correspond to an NR network. Accordingly, when a base station transmits an MDT measurement configuration to UE115-awith a RAT type of LTE E-UTRAN/5GC), for example, for collecting MDT measurements, UE115-amay use the measurement configuration for collecting MDT measurements for an LTE network. Similarly, when a base station transmits an MDT measurement configuration to UE115-awith a RAT type of NR (e.g., NR/5GC), for example, for reporting MDT measurements, UE115-amay report MDT measurements yia an NR network.

In other cases, the RAT type specified in a measurement configuration for collecting MDT measurements or for reporting MDT measurements may be a common RAT type corresponding to multiple RATs. For instance, a common RAT type of next generation radio access network (NGRAN) may correspond to an LTE network and an NR network. Accordingly, when a base station transmits an MDT measurement configuration to UE115-awith a RAT type of NG-RAN for collecting MDT measurements, UE115-amay use the measurement configuration for collecting MDT measurements for an LTE network and an NR network. Similarly, when a base station transmits an MDT measurement configuration to UE115-awith a RAT type of NG-RAN for reporting MDT measurements, UE115-amay report MDT measurements for an LTE network or an NR network via the LTE network or the NR network. For instance, UE115-amay report MDT measurements for the LTE network via the LTE network and the MDT measurements for the NR network via the NR network, or the UE115-amay couple the MDT measurements for the LTE network and the NR network and report the coupled MDT measurements via the UE network or the NR network. Although the example described above discusses a common RAT type corresponding to LTE and NR, it is to be understood that the common RAT type may correspond to other RAT types including LAA or NR-U.

Using the above techniques for specifying a common RAT in an MDT measurement configuration, an operator may be able to customize a collection of radio measurements for both LTE and NR (e.g., 5G RAT types) to optimize their 5G coverage. Further, when measurement configuration indicates a common RAT for collecting and/or reporting MDT measurements, UE115-amay collect measurements for one RAT and report the measurements via another RAT (e.g., to a base station associated with the other RAT). Such techniques for MDT reporting may improve the reliability of MDT reports. For instance, UE115-amay collect MDT measurements for base station105-afor a first RAT, and UE115-amay be configured to discard the MDT measurements after 48 hours of not reporting the measurements. Accordingly, if UE115-ais unable to access base station105-aor another base station associated with the first RAT within 48 hours, but UE115-ais able to access base station105-bor another base station associated with a second RAT, UE115-amay report the MDT measurements for the first RAT via the second RAT, and the MDT measurements may not be discarded or wasted.

FIG.3illustrates an example of a wireless communications system300that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG.3, UE115-bmay be configured to operate in a dual connectivity mode with an eNB105-cas a master node and a gNB105-das a secondary node. In this example, the master node may be associated with a different RAT than the secondary node. Accordingly, it may be appropriate for UE115-bto collect and report MDT measurements (e.g., immediate or logged MDT measurements) for LTE and NR. As described herein, to ensure that UE115-ais able to identify appropriate configurations for collecting and reporting MDT measurements for multiple RATS, a base station105may indicate in an MDT configuration a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting MDT measurements. Further, the base station105may include a field in an MDT configuration indicating whether the MDT configuration is to be applied by a UE115when the UE115is in a dual connectivity nactde or when the UE115is in a single connectivity mode (i.e., non-dual-connectivity mode).

In some cases, as described with reference toFIG.2, the RAT type specified in a measurement configuration for collecting MDT measurements or for reporting MDT measurements may be a common RAT type corresponding to multiple RATS. For instance, a common RAT type of NGRAN may correspond to an LTE network (e.g., including the master node eNB105-c) and an NR network (e.g., including the secondary node gNB105-d). Accordingly, when UE115-breceives an MDT measurement configuration with a RAT type of NG-RAN for collecting MDT measurements, UE115-amay use the measurement configuration for collecting MDT measurements for an LTE network (e.g., based on the master node eNB105-c) and an NR network (e.g., based on the secondary node gNB105-d).

Similarly, when a base station transmits an MDT measurement configuration to UE115-awith a RAT type of NG-RAN for reporting MDT measurements, UE115-amay report MDT measurements via an LTE network (e.g., via the master node eNB105-c) or an NR network (e.g., via the secondary node gNB105-d). In some cases, if a field in the MDT configuration used to collect MDT measurements indicates that the MDT configuration is to be used when UE115-ais in a dual connectivity mode, UE.115-amay include a field in an MDT measurement report of the MDT measurements that indicates that the MDT measurements were collected when the UE115-awas in a dual connectivity mode. Alternatively, if a field in the MDT configuration used to collect MDT measurements indicates that the MDT configuration is to be used when UE115-ais in a single connectivity mode. UE115-amay include a field in an MDT measurement report of the MDT measurements that indicates that the MDT measurements were collected when the UE115-awas in a single connectivity mode.

In the example ofFIG.3, where UE115-bis configured to operate in a dual connectivity mode. UE115-bmay receive the measurement configuration including the RAT type (e.g., common RAT type) for collecting MDT measurements and the RAT type (e.g., common RAT type) for reporting MDT measurements from the master node eNB105-cor the secondary node gNB105-d(e.g., with or without Xn coordination between the master node and the secondary node). In some cases, UE115-bmay be configured to report MDT measurements via NR, and UE115-bmay report the measurement reports (e.g., LTE and/or NR measurement reports) to gNB2105-e. Such techniques for indicating a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting MDT measurements may apply to multi-RAT dual connectivity including E-UTRAN NR dual connectivity (EN-DC), next generation EN-DC (NO EN-DC), and NR E-UTRA dual connectivity (NE-DC). Further, the master node and the secondary node may be associated with the same RAT (e.g., NR-NR dual connectivity (NR-NR DC) or different RATs (e.g., EN-DC, NO EN-DC, NE-DC).

FIG.4illustrates an example of a wireless communications system400that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG.4, UE115-cmay be configured to operate in a dual connectivity mode with an MeNB105-fas a master node and an SgNB105-gas a secondary node, where the SgNB105-gis a non-standalone only base station or cell (e.g., the SgNB provides radio resources for UE115-cin a non-standalone mode). The non-standalone only base station may correspond to an NR cell that only supports work as a secondary node of EN-DC connecting to an EPC and may not support connection to a 5GC. In this example, it may be appropriate for UE115-cto indicate whether MDT measurements (e.g., logged MDT measurements) are supported for the non-standalone only base station such that UE115-cmay be configured appropriately for collecting and reporting MDT measurements.

In one aspect, UE115-cmay transmit a first indication to MeNB105-f(e.g., to a master node) of whether MDT measurements are supported for SgNB105-g(i.e., the non-standalone base station), and the UE115-cmay also transmit a second indication to MeNB105-fof whether MDT measurements are supported for MeNB105-fIn some cases, UE115-cmay transmit the first indication and the second indication in a two-bit MDT availability indication (e.g., one bit indicating whether MDT measurements are supported for SgNB105-gand another bit indicating whether MDT measurements are supported for MeNB105-f). In other cases, UE115-cmay transmit the first indication and the second indication separately (e.g., the first indication of whether MDT measurements are supported for SgNB105-gmay be transmitted in an additional NR logged measurement availability indication). UE115-cmay then collect MDT measurements for SgNB (e.g., if MDT measurements for SgNB are supported), and UE115-cmay report the MDT measurements to MeNB105-f. MeNB105-fmay then determine whether to retrieve the MDT measurements from UE115-cbased on the indication of whether MDT measurements for SgNB are supported.

In another aspect, UE115-cmay transmit an indication, in a transparent container to MeNB105-f, of whether MDT measurements are supported for SgNB105-g(i.e., the non-standalone base station). Since UE115-cmay use the transparent container, UE115-cmay not differentiate the indication of whether MDT measurements are supported for SgNB105-gfrom an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported for MeNB105-f. UE115-cmay then collect MDT measurements for SgNB105-g(e.g., if MDT measurements for SgNB105-gare supported), and UE115-cmay report the MDT measurements to MeNB105-f. MeNB105-fmay then determine whether to retrieve the MDT measurements from UE115-cbased on the indication in the transparent container of whether MDT measurements for SgNB are supported.

In yet another aspect, UE115-cmay transmit an indication, to a standalone base station associated with the same RAT as SgNB105-g(i.e., the non-standalone base station), of whether MDT measurements are supported for SgNB105-g. In this aspect, the MDT measurements fix SgNB105-gmay be reported to the standalone base station. UE115-cmay then collect MDT measurements for SgNB105-g(e.g., if MDT measurements for SgNB105-gare supported), and UE115-cmay report the MDT measurements to the standalone base station. The standalone base station may then determine whether to retrieve the MDT measurements from UE115-cbased on the indication of whether MDT measurements for SgNB are supported.

In some cases, when UE115-cis configured to operate in a dual connectivity mode, either the master node or the secondary node (e.g., MeNB and SgNB in an EN-DC deployment) may configure UE115-cfor non-standalone only MDT measurements. In other cases, when UE115-cis connected to a single base station (e.g., single connectivity), the base station may configure UE115-cfor non-standalone only MDT measurements. UE115-cmay determine that the SgNB is a non-standalone base station based on failing to receive a system information block (SIB)1broadcast from the SgNB.

An operator may leverage logged measurements received for a non-standalone only base station to collect information indicative of the cell radio environment of non-standalone only base stations (e.g., when the operator utilizes EN-DC deployments with a non-standalone gNB and standalone deployments with a standalone gNB). In some examples, the measurement configuration for the MDT measurements may indicate a RAT type (e.g., as described with reference toFIGS.2and3) and a restriction to non-standalone only base stations, standalone-only base stations, or non-standalone and standalone base stations. In such examples, UE115-cmay collect and report measurements for non-standalone only base stations, standalone-only base stations, or non-standalone and standalone base stations associated with the indicated RAT type based on the restriction in the measurement configuration.

The techniques described above with reference toFIGS.2-4are directed to collecting and reporting immediate or logged measurements (e.g., by a UE115supporting multi-RAT communications or a UE115operating in a dual connectivity mode). In some cases, however, a UE115may fail to connect to a base station when the UE115is configured to operate in a dual connectivity mode. In such cases, it may be appropriate for the UE115to report failed attempts at connecting to the base station to the network (e.g., to be forwarded to a trace collection entity).

As described herein, a UE115may support efficient techniques for logging failed attempts at connecting to a base station and transmitting accessibility reports to the network including the logs of the failed attempts at connecting to the base station. For instance, the UE115may log failed attempts at establishing RRC connections with a master node or a secondary node in a dual-connectivity mode. In some cases, the UE115may log failed attempts at establishing RRC connections without prior configuration by the network. The trigger for creating a log of a failed attempt to access a master node may be the expiration of a timer (e.g., when a T300 timer expires during a random-access procedure due to the failed completion of the random-access procedure) for LTE (e.g., E-UTRAN/5GC) and NR. Similarly, the trigger for creating a log of a failed attempt to access a secondary node may be the expiration of a timer (e.g., when a T304 timer expires during a random-access procedure due to the failed completion of the random-access procedure (e.g., for a special cell (SpCell))).

In some cases, a base station105may indicate, in an MDT configuration or some other configuration, a RAT type for accessibility reports. The RAT type may be a common RAT type corresponding to multiple RAT types or a specific RAT type corresponding to a single RAT type. Accordingly, a UE115may log failed attempts at connecting to base stations associated with the one or more RAT types indicated in the MDT configuration. For instance, if the MDT measurement configuration or other configuration indicates a RAT type of NG-RAN, the UE115may log failed attempts at establishing an RRC connection with base stations associated with NR and LTE (e.g., E-UTRAN/5GC). If the UE115is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity mode, the UE115may log failed attempts at establishing an RRC connection with the master node and secondary node (e.g., including NE-DC, NG EN-DC, NR-NR DC, and NE-DC).

For each failed attempt at establishing an RRC connection with a base station, the UE115may store a time stamp of the elapsed time between logging the failed connection with the base station and reporting the log, a global cell identity of the base station when the connection fails (i.e., the base station that the UE115attempted to access), the latest available radio measurements for any frequency or RAT, the latest detailed location information (e.g., if available), the number of random access preambles transmitted, an indication of whether the maximum transmission power was used (e.g., in the attempt), the number of attempted beams, the beam indices, or the beam qualities (e.g., used in the attempt), an indication of whether contention was detected, the latest wireless local area network (WLAN) measurement results (e.g., if available), or the latest Bluetooth measurement results (e.g., if available).

Once the UE115logs the failed attempts at establishing RRC connections with a master node and a secondary node, for example, in one or more accessibility reports, it may be appropriate for the UE115to report the accessibility reports to the network (e.g., to be forwarded to the trace collection entity). In one example, the UE115may transmit the accessibility reports for the master node to the master node via a signaling radio bearer (SRB)1, and the UE115may transmit the accessibility reports for the secondary node to the secondary node via an SRB3. In another example, the UE115may transmit the accessibility reports for the master node and the secondary node to the master node via an SRB1(e.g., when there is no SRB3in the secondary node).

FIG.5shows a block diagram500of a device505that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device505may be an example of aspects of a UE115as described herein. The device505may include a receiver510, a communications manager515, and a transmitter520. The device505may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver510may 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 MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device505. The receiver510may be an example of aspects of the transceiver820described with reference toFIG.8. The receiver510may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager515may receive a measurement configuration for collecting and reporting MDT measurements, identify one or more fields in the measurement configuration that indicate at least one of a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting MDT measurements, collect MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration, and transmit one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration.

The communications manager515may also identify that the UE is operating in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station, where the second base station includes a non-standalone base station, transmit an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station, and collect and report MDT measurements based on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

The communications manager515may also identify that the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station, determine that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both, generate one or more accessibility reports, where the generating of the one or more accessibility reports is triggered by failure of the UE to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both, and transmit the one or more accessibility reports indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both. The communications manager515may be an example of aspects of the communications manager810described herein.

The communications manager515, or its sub-components, may be implemented in hardware, code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager515, or its sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

The communications manager515, or its sub-components, may be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations by one or more physical components. In some examples, the communications manager515, or its sub-components, may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the communications manager515, or its sub-components, may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an input/output (I/O) component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

The transmitter520may transmit signals generated by other components of the device505. In some examples, the transmitter520may be collocated with a receiver510in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter520may be an example of aspects of the transceiver820described with reference toFIG.8. The transmitter520may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager515as described herein may be implemented to realize one or more potential advantages. One implementation may allow the device505to collect measurements for one RAT and report the measurements via another RAT. Such techniques may improve reliability of MDT reports, which may result in fewer transmissions. The device505may also perform measurements for multiple RATs using the same configurations, which may simplify the process of collecting and reporting MDT measurements in a wireless communications system.

Based on improved reliability and efficiency, a processor of the device505may reduce a number of processing operations and may spend less time transmitting, which may result in increased power savings and improved battery life of the device505.

FIG.6shows a block diagram600of a device605that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device605may be an example of aspects of a device505, or a UE115as described herein. The device605may include a receiver610, a communications manager615, and a transmitter660. The device605may also include a processor, Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver610may 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 MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity, etc.) Information may be passed on to other components of the device605. The receiver610may be an example of aspects of the transceiver820described with reference toFIG.8. The receiver610may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager615may be an example of aspects of the communications manager515as described herein. The communications manager615may include an MDT measurement configuration manager620, an MDT RAT manager625, an MDT measurement collector630, an MDT measurement reporter635, a dual-connectivity manager640, an MDT non-standalone manager645, a connection manager650, and an MDT accessibility report manager655. The communications manager615may be an example of aspects of the communications manager810described herein.

The MDT measurement configuration manager620may receive a measurement configuration for collecting and reporting MDT measurements. The MDT RAT manager625may identify one or more fields in the measurement configuration that indicate at least one of a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting MDT measurements. The MDT measurement collector630may collect MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration. The MDT measurement reporter635may transmit one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration.

The dual-connectivity manager640may identify that the UE is operating in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station, where the second base station includes a non-standalone base station. The MDT non-standalone manager645may transmit an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. The MDT measurement collector630and the MDT measurement reporter635may collect and report MDT measurements based on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

The dual-connectivity manager640may identify that the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station. The connection manager650may determine that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both. The MDT accessibility report manager655may generate one or more accessibility reports, where the generating of the one or more accessibility reports is triggered by failure of the UE to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both and transmit the one or more accessibility reports indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both.

The transmitter660may transmit signals generated by other components of the device605. In some examples, the transmitter660may be collocated with a receiver610in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter660may be an example of aspects of the transceiver820described with reference toFIG.8. The transmitter660may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.7shows a block diagram700of a communications manager705that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager705may be an example of aspects of a communications manager515, a communications manager615, or a communications manager810described herein. The communications manager705may include an MDT measurement configuration manager710, an MDT RAT manager715, an MDT measurement collector720, an MDT measurement reporter725, an MDT common RAT manager730, an MDT specific RAT manager735, a dual-connectivity manager740, a connection manager745, an MDT non-standalone manager750, an MDT accessibility report manager755, and a random-access manager760. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The MDT measurement configuration manager710may receive a measurement configuration for collecting and reporting MDT measurements. In some examples, the MDT measurement configuration manager710may receive a measurement configuration for collecting and reporting MDT measurements, the measurement configuration indicating a RAT type with a restriction to non-standalone base stations, standalone base stations, or both. In some examples, the MDT measurement configuration manager710may identify an indication in the measurement configuration of whether the measurement configuration applies when the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity mode (e.g., or whether the measurement configuration applies when the UE is configured to operate in a single-connectivity mode). In some cases, the measurement configuration may include a logged MDT measurement configuration, and the one or more reports may include logged measurement reports. In some cases, the measurement configuration includes an immediate MDT measurement configuration, and the one or more reports include immediate measurement reports.

The MDT RAT manager715may identify one or more fields in the measurement configuration that indicate at least one of a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting MDT measurements. The MDT measurement collector720may collect MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration, in some examples, the MDT measurement collector720and the MDT measurement reporter725may collect and report MDT measurements based on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

In some examples, the MDT measurement collector720and the MDT measurement reporter725may collect and report MDT measurements for the first RAT and the second RAT based on the measurement configuration. In some examples, the MDT measurement collector720may collect a first set of MDT measurements for a first RAT, or a second set of MDT measurements for a second RAT, or both based on the one or more fields within the measurement configuration.

In some examples, the MDT measurement collector720may collect MDT measurements for the non-standalone base station. In some examples, the MDT measurement collector720and the MDT measurement reporter725may collect and report MDT measurements for the RAT type based on the restriction. In some cases, the MDT measurements include logged MDT measurements. The MDT measurement reporter725may transmit one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration.

In some examples, the MDT measurement reporter725may transmit a report including MDT measurements associated with a second RAT to the base station associated with the first RAT. In some examples, the MDT measurement reporter725may report the MDT measurements to the first base station. In some examples, the MDT measurement reporter725may report the MDT measurements to the standalone base station. In some examples, the MDT measurement reporter725may indicate, in the one or more reports, whether the MDT measurements were collected in a dual-connectivity mode. The dual-connectivity manager740may identify that the UE is operating in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station, where the second base station includes a non-standalone base station.

In some examples, the dual-connectivity manager740may identify that the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station. In some examples, the dual-connectivity manager740may identify that the UE is operating in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station associated with a first RAT and a second base station associated with a second RAT. In some cases, the first base station is a master node and the second base station is a secondary node. In some cases, the first RAT or the second RAT includes NR, LTE, LTE LAA, or NR-U.

The connection manager745may determine that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both. In some examples, the connection manager745may connect to a base station associated with a first RAT. The MDT non-standalone manager750may transmit an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. In some examples, the MDT non-standalone manager750may transmit, to the first base station, the first indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. In some examples, the MDT non-standalone manager750may transmit, to the first base station, a second indication of Whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the first base station.

In some examples, the MDT non-standalone manager750may transmit, in a transparent container to the first base station, the indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. In some examples, the MDT non-standalone manager750may transmit, to a standalone base station associated with a same RAT as the non-standalone base station, the indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE fir the non-standalone base station. In some examples, determining that the second base station includes a non-standalone base station may be based on failing to receive a SIB1broadcast from the second base station.

In some cases, the first indication and the second indication may be transmitted in a two-bit MDT availability indication. In some cases, the first indication and the second indication are transmitted separately. The MDT accessibility report manager755may generate one or more accessibility reports, where the generating of the one or more accessibility reports may be triggered by failure of the UE to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both. In some examples, the MDT accessibility report manager755may transmit the one or more accessibility reports indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both. In some examples, the MDT accessibility report manager755may transmit, to the first base station, a first accessibility report indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station.

In some examples, the MDT accessibility report manager755may transmit, to the second base station, a second accessibility report indicating that the UE failed to connect to the second base station. In some examples, the MDT accessibility report manager755may transmit, to the first base station, an accessibility report indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station or that the UE failed to connect to the second base station. In some cases, the first accessibility report is transmitted in an SRB1, and the second accessibility report is transmitted in an SRB3. In some cases, the accessibility report is transmitted in an SRB1.

In some examples, the MDT accessibility report manager755may store a time stamp of the elapsed time between logging the failed connection to the first base station or the second base station and reporting the log, a global cell identity of the first base station or the second base station, an indication of latest available radio measurements for any frequency or RAT, an indication of latest detailed location information, a number of random access preambles transmitted, an indication of whether the maximum transmission power was used, an indication of a number of attempted beams, an indication of whether contention was detected, an indication of latest wireless local area network measurement results, an indication of latest Bluetooth measurement results, or a combination thereof.

The MDT common RAT manager730may determine that the one or more fields within the measurement configuration indicate a common RAT type for collecting or reporting MDT measurements, where the common RAT type includes measurement configurations for multiple RAT types. In some examples, the MDT common RAT manager730may determine that the one or more fields within the measurement configuration indicate a common RAT type for collecting or reporting MDT measurements, where the common RAT type indicates that the measurement configuration is to be used for collecting or reporting measurements for the first RAT and the second RAT (e.g., the MDT applies when the UE is connected to the first RAT and second RAT in a dual connectivity operation).

In some cases, the common RAT type may include an NGRAN. The MDT specific RAT manager735may determine that the one or more fields within the measurement configuration indicate a specific RAT type for collecting or reporting MDT measurements. The random-access manager760may attempt to gain access to the first base station or the second base station via a random-access procedure. In some examples, the random-access manager760may determine that the random-access procedure failed.

FIG.8shows a diagram of a system800including a device805that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device805may be an example of or include the components of device505, device605, or a UE115as described herein. The device805may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager810, an I/O controller815, a transceiver820, an antenna825, memory830, and a processor840. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus845).

The communications manager810may receive a measurement configuration for collecting and reporting MDT measurements, identify one or more fields in the measurement configuration that indicate at least one of a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting MDT measurements, collect MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration, and transmit one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration.

The communications manager810may also identify that the UE is operating in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station, where the second base station includes a non-standalone base station, transmit an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station, and collect and report MDT measurements based on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

The communications manager810may also identify that the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station, determine that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both, generate one or more accessibility reports, where the generating of the one or more accessibility reports is triggered by failure of the UE to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both, and transmit the one or more accessibility reports indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both.

The I/O controller815may manage input and output signals for the device805. The I/O controller815may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device805. In some cases, the I/O controller815may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I/O controller815may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, the I/O controller815may represent or interact with a modern, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I/O controller815may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the device805via the I/O controller815or via hardware components controlled by the I/O controller815.

The transceiver820may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver820may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver820may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna825. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna825, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

The memory830may include RAM and ROM. The memory830may store computer-readable, computer-executable code835including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory830may contain, among other things, a basic I/O system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor840may 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 processor840may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor840. The processor840may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory830) to cause the device805to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity).

The code835may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The code835may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code835may not be directly executable by the processor840but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

FIG.9shows a block diagram900of a device905that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device905may be an example of aspects of a base station105as described herein. The device905may include a receiver910, a communications manager915, and a transmitter920. The device905may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver910may 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 MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device905. The receiver910may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220described with reference toFIG.12. The receiver910may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager915may identify at least one of a RAT type for a UE to use to collect MDT measurements and a RAT type for the UE to use to report MDT measurements, generate a measurement configuration including one or more fields that indicate the at least one of a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and the RAT type for reporting MDT measurements, transmit the measurement configuration, and receive one or more reports including information indicative of MDT measurements in accordance with the measurement configuration.

The communications manager915may also identify that the base station is a master node and that a non-standalone base station is a secondary node for a UE operating in a dual-connectivity deployment, receive an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station, and receive MDT measurements based on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. The communications manager915may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1210described herein.

The communications manager915, or its sub-components, may be implemented in hardware, code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager915, or its sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

The communications manager915, or its sub-components, may be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations by one or more physical components. In some examples, the communications manager915, or its sub-components, may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the communications manager915, or its sub-components, may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an I/O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

The transmitter920may transmit signals generated by other components of the device905. In some examples, the transmitter920may be collocated with a receiver910in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter920may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220described with reference toFIG.12. The transmitter920may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.10shows a block diagram1000of a device1005that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1005may be an example of aspects of a device905, or a base station105as described herein. The device1005may include a receiver1010, a communications manager1015, and a transmitter1045. The device1005may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1010may 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 MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1005. The receiver1010may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220described with reference toFIG.12. The receiver1010may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager1015may be an example of aspects of the communications manager915as described herein. The communications manager1015may include an MDT RAT manager1020, an MDT measurement configuration manager1025, an MDT measurement report manager1030, a dual-connectivity manager1035, and an MDT non-standalone manager1040. The communications manager1015may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1210described herein.

The MDT RAT manager1020may identify at least one of a RAT type for a UE to use to collect MDT measurements and a RAT type for the UE, to use to report MDT measurements. The MDT measurement configuration manager1025may generate a measurement configuration including one or more fields that indicate the at least one of a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and the RAT type for reporting MDT measurements and transmit the measurement configuration. The MDT measurement report manager1030may receive one or more reports including information indicative of MDT measurements in accordance with the measurement configuration.

The dual-connectivity manager1035may identify that the base station is a master node and that a non-standalone base station is a secondary node for a UE operating in a dual-connectivity deployment. The MDT non-standalone manager1040may receive an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. The MDT measurement report manager1030may receive MDT measurements based on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

The transmitter1045may transmit signals generated by other components of the device1005. In some examples, the transmitter1045may be collocated with a receiver1010in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1045may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220described with reference toFIG.12. The transmitter1045may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.11shows a block diagram1100of a communications manager1105that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager1105may be an example of aspects of a communications manager915, a communications manager1015, or a communications manager1210described herein. The communications manager1105may include an MDT RAT manager1110, an MDT measurement configuration manager1115, an MDT measurement report manager1120, an MDT common RAT manager1125, an MDT specific RAT manager1130, a dual-connectivity manager1135, and an MDT non-standalone manager1140. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The MDT RAT manager1110may identify at least one of a RAT type for a UE to use to collect MDT measurements and a RAT type for the UE to use to report MDT measurements. The MDT measurement configuration manager1115may generate a measurement configuration including one or more fields that indicate the at least one of a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and the RAT type for reporting MDT measurements. In some examples, the MDT measurement configuration manager1115may transmit the measurement configuration.

In some examples, the MDT measurement configuration manager1115may transmit a measurement configuration to be used by the UE for collecting and reporting MDT measurements, the measurement configuration indicating a RAT type with a restriction to non-standalone base stations, standalone base stations, or both. In some examples, the MDT measurement configuration manager1115may transmit an indication in the measurement configuration of whether the measurement configuration applies when the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity mode (e.g., or whether the measurement configuration applies when the UE is configured to operate in a single-connectivity mode). In some cases, the measurement configuration includes a logged MDT measurement configuration, and the one or more reports include logged measurement reports. In some cases, the measurement configuration includes an immediate MDT measurement configuration, and the one or more reports include immediate measurement reports.

The MDT measurement report manager1120may receive one or more reports including information indicative of MDT measurements in accordance with the measurement configuration. In some examples, the MDT measurement report manager1120may receive MDT measurements based on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. In some examples, the MDT measurement report manager1120may receive a report including MDT measurements associated with a second RAT. In some examples, the MDT measurement report manager1120may receive MDT measurements for the non-standalone base station from the UE. In some examples, the MDT measurement report manager1120may receive MDT measurements for the RAT type based on the restriction. In some cases, the MDT measurements include logged MDT measurements. In some examples, the MDT measurement report manager1120may receive, in the one or more reports, an indication of whether the MDT measurements were collected in a dual-connectivity mode.

The dual-connectivity manager1135may identify that the base station is a master node and that a non-standalone base station is a secondary node for a UE operating in a dual-connectivity deployment. The MDT non-standalone manager1140may receive an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. In some examples, the MDT non-standalone manager1140may receive, from the UE, the first indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. In some examples, the MDT non-standalone manager1140may receive, from the UE, a second indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the base station.

In some examples, the MDT non-standalone manager1140may receive, in a transparent container from the UE, the indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. In some cases, the first indication and the second indication are received in a two-bit MDT availability indication. In some cases, the first indication and the second indication are received separately. The MDT common RAT manager1125may identify a common RAT type for the UE to use to collect or report MDT measurements, where the common RAT type includes measurement configurations for multiple RAT types. In some cases, the common RAT type includes a NGRAN. The MDT specific RAT manager1130may identify a specific RAT type for the UE to use to collect or report MDT measurements.

FIG.12shows a diagram of a system1200including a device1205that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1205may be an example of or include the components of device905, device1005, or a base station105as described herein. The device1205may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager1210, a network communications manager1215, a transceiver1220, an antenna1225, memory1230, a processor1240, and an inter-station communications manager1245. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus1250).

The communications manager1210may identify at least one of a RAT type for a UE to use to collect MDT measurements and a RAT type for the UE to use to report MDT measurements, generate a measurement configuration including one or more fields that indicate the at least one of a RAT type for collecting MDT measurements and the RAT type for reporting MDT measurements, transmit the measurement configuration, and receive one or more reports including information indicative of MDT measurements in accordance with the measurement configuration.

The communications manager1210may also identify that the base station is a master node and that a non-standalone base station is a secondary node for a UE operating in a dual-connectivity deployment, receive an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station, and receive MDT measurements based on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

The network communications manager1215may manage communications with the core network (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager1215may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs115.

The transceiver1220may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver1220may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate hi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1220may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna1225. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna1225, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

The memory1230may include RAM, ROM, or a combination thereof. The memory1230may store computer-readable code1235including instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor1240) cause the device to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1230may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor1240may include an intelligent hardware device. (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, apt ASIC, air FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor1240may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor1240. The processor1240may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory1230) to cause the device1205to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity).

The inter-station communications manager1245may manage communications with other base station105and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs115in cooperation with other base stations105. For example, the inter-station communications manager1245may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs115for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communications manager1245may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations105.

The code1235may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The code1235may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code1235may not be directly executable by the processor1240but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

FIG.13shows a flowchart illustrating a method1300that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1300may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1300may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally, or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1305, the UE may receive a measurement configuration for collecting and reporting MDT measurements. The operations of1305may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1305may be performed by an MDT measurement configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1310, the UE may identify one or more fields in the measurement configuration that indicate at least one of a RAT type for collecting the MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting the MDT measurements. The operations of1310may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1310may be performed by an MDT RAT manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1315, the UE may collect the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration. The operations of1315may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1315may be performed by an MDT measurement collector as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1320, the UE may transmit one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration. The operations of1320may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1320may be performed by an MDT measurement reporter as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

FIG.14shows a flowchart illustrating a method1400that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1400may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1400may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12. 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 below. Additionally, or alternatively, a base station may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1405, the base station may identify at least one of a RAT type for a UE to use to collect MDT measurements and a RAT type for the UE to use to report the MDT measurements. The operations of1405may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1405may be performed by an MDT RAT manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

At1410, the base station may generate a measurement configuration including one or more fields that indicate the at least one of a RAT type for collecting the MDT measurements and the RAT type for reporting the MDT measurements. The operations of1410may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1410may be performed by an MDT measurement configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

At1415, the base station may transmit the measurement configuration. The operations of1415may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1415may be performed by an MDT measurement configuration manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

At1420, the base station may receive one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements in accordance with the measurement configuration. The operations of1420may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1420may be performed by an MDT measurement report manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

FIG.15shows a flowchart illustrating a method1500that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1500may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1500may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally, or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1505, the UE may identify that the UF, is operating in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station, where the second base station includes a non-standalone base station. The operations of1505may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1505may be performed by a dual-connectivity manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1510, the UE may transmit an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. The operations of1510may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1510may be performed by an MDT non-standalone manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1515, the UE may collect and report the MDT measurements based on whether the MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. The operations of1515may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1515may be performed by an MDT measurement collector as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

FIG.16shows a flowchart illustrating a method1600that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1600may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1600may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12. 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 below. Additionally, or alternatively, a base station may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1605, the base station may identify that the base station is a master node and that a non-standalone base station is a secondary node for a UE operating in a dual-connectivity deployment. The operations of1605may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1605may be performed by a dual-connectivity manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

At1610, the base station may receive an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. The operations of1610may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1610may be performed by an MDT non-standalone manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

At1615, the base station may receive the MDT measurements based on whether the MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station. The operations of1615may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1615may be performed by an MDT measurement report manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

FIG.17shows a flowchart illustrating a method1700that supports MDT for multi-RAT dual connectivity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1700may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1700may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally, or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1705, the UE may identify that the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station. The operations of1705may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1705may be performed by a dual-connectivity manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1710, the UE may determine that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both. The operations of1710may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1710may be performed by a connection manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1715, the UE may generate one or more accessibility reports, where the generating of the one or more accessibility reports is triggered by failure of the UE to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both. The operations of1715may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1715may be performed by an MDT accessibility report manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1720, the UE may transmit the one or more accessibility reports indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both. The operations of1720may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1720may be performed by an MDT accessibility report manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Further, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

EXAMPLE 1

A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: receiving a measurement configuration for collecting and reporting MDT measurements; identifying one or more fields in the measurement configuration that indicate at least one of a RAT type for collecting the MDT measurements and a RAT type for reporting the MDT measurements; collecting the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration; and transmitting one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration.

EXAMPLE 2

The method of example 1, further comprising: determining that the one or more fields within the measurement configuration indicate a common RAT type for collecting or reporting the MDT measurements, wherein the common RAT type includes measurement configurations for multiple RAT types.

EXAMPLE 3

The method of any of example 1, further comprising: determining that the one or more fields within the measurement configuration indicate a specific RAT type for collecting or reporting the MDT measurements.

EXAMPLE 4

The method of any of examples 1 to 3, further comprising: identifying that the UE is operating in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station associated with a first RAT and a second base station associated with a second RAT; determining that the one or more fields within the measurement configuration indicate a common RAT type for collecting or reporting the MDT measurements, wherein the common RAT type indicates that the measurement configuration is to be used for collecting or reporting measurements for the first RAT and the second RAT; and collecting and reporting MDT measurements for the first RAT and the second RAT based at least in part on the measurement configuration.

EXAMPLE 5

The method of example 4, wherein the first base station is a master node and the second base station is a secondary node.

EXAMPLE 6

The method of any of examples 4 or 5, wherein the first RAT or the second RAT comprises NR, LTE, LTE-LAA, or NR-U.

EXAMPLE 7

The method of any of examples 1 to 6, further comprising: identifying an indication in the measurement configuration of whether the measurement configuration applies when the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity mode, wherein transmitting the one or more reports comprises: indicating, in the one or more reports, whether the MDT measurements were collected in the dual-connectivity mode.

EXAMPLE 8

The method of any of examples 1 to 7, wherein collecting the MDT measurements in accordance with the one or more fields within the measurement configuration comprises: collecting a first set of MDT measurements for a first RAT, or a second set of MDT measurements for a second RAT, or both based at least in part on the one or more fields within the measurement configuration.

EXAMPLE 9

The method of any of examples 1 to 8, further comprising: connecting to a base station associated with a first RAT; and transmitting a report including MDT measurements associated with a second RAT to the base station associated with the first RAT.

EXAMPE 10

A method for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: identifying at least one of a RAT type for a UE to use to collect MDT measurements and a RAT type for the UE to use to report the MDT measurements; generating a measurement configuration including one or Mire fields that indicate the at least one of a RAT type for collecting the MDT measurements and the RAT type for reporting the MDT measurements; transmitting the measurement configuration; and receiving one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements in accordance with the measurement configuration.

EXAMPLE 11

The method of example 10, wherein the identifying comprises: identifying a common RAT type for the UE to use to collect or report the MDT measurements, wherein the common RAT type includes measurement configurations for multiple RAT types.

EXAMPLE 12

The method of any of example 10, wherein the identifying comprises: identifying a specific RAT type for the UE to use to collect or report the MDT measurements.

EXAMPLE 13

The method of any of examples 10 to 12, wherein the base station is associated with a first RAT, and wherein receiving the one or more reports including information indicative of the MDT measurements comprises: receiving a report including MDT measurements associated with a second RAT.

EXAMPLE 14

A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: identifying that the UE is operating in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station, wherein the second base station comprises a non-standalone base station; transmitting an indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station; and collecting and reporting MDT measurements based at least in part on whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

EXAMPLE 15

The method of example 14, wherein the indication comprises a first indication, the method further comprising: transmitting, to the first base station, the first indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station; and transmitting, to the first base station, a second indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the first base station.

EXAMPLE 16

The method of example 15, wherein collecting and reporting MDT measurements comprises: collecting MDT measurements for the non-standalone base station; and reporting the MDT measurements to the first base station.

EXAMPLE 17

The methods of any of examples 15 or 16, wherein the first indication and the second indication are transmitted in a two-bit MDT availability indication.

EXAMPLE 18

The methods of any of examples 15 to 17, wherein the first indication and the second indication are transmitted separately.

EXAMPLE 19

The methods of any of examples 14 to 18, wherein transmitting the indication comprises: transmitting, in a transparent container to the first base station, the indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

EXAMPLE 20

The method of example 19, wherein collecting and reporting MDT measurements comprises: collecting MDT measurements for the non-standalone base station; and reporting the MDT measurements to the first base station.

EXAMPLE 21

The method of any of examples 14 to 20, wherein transmitting the indication comprises: transmitting, to a standalone base station associated with a same RAT as the non-standalone base station, the indication of whether MDT measurements are supported by the UE for the non-standalone base station.

EXAMPLE 22

The method of example 21, wherein collecting and reporting MDT measurements comprises: collecting MDT measurements for the non-standalone base station; and reporting the MDT measurements to the standalone base station.

EXAMPLE 23

The methods of any of examples 14 to 22, further comprising: receiving a measurement configuration for collecting and reporting MDT measurements, the measurement configuration indicating a RAT type with a restriction to non-standalone base stations, standalone base stations, or both; and collecting and reporting MDT measurements for the RAT type based at least in part, on the restriction.

EXAMPLE 24

A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: identifying that the UE is configured to operate in a dual-connectivity deployment with a first base station and a second base station; determining that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both; generating one or more accessibility reports, wherein the generating of the one or more accessibility reports is triggered by failure of the UE to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both; and transmitting the one or more accessibility reports indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both.

EXAMPLE 25

The method of example 24, wherein determining that the UE failed to connect to the first base station, the second base station, or both comprises: attempting to gain access to the first base station or the second base station via a random-access procedure; and determining that the random-access procedure failed.

EXAMPLE 26

The methods of examples 24 or 25, wherein transmitting one or more accessibility reports comprises: transmitting, to the first base station, a first accessibility report indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station; and transmitting, to the second base station, a second accessibility report indicating that the UE failed to connect to the second base station.

EXAMPLE 27

The method of example 26, wherein the first accessibility report is transmitted in an SRB1, and the second accessibility report is transmitted in an SRB3.

EXAMPLE 28

The methods of any of examples 24 to 27, wherein transmitting one or more accessibility reports comprises: transmitting, to the first base station, an accessibility report indicating that the UE failed to connect to the first base station or that the UE failed to connect to the second base station.

EXAMPLE 29

The method of example 28, wherein the accessibility report is transmitted in an SRB1.

EXAMPLE 30

The methods of any of examples 24 to 29, further comprising: storing a time stamp of elapsed time between logging a failed connection to the first base station or the second base station and reporting a log, a global cell identity of the first base station or the second base station, an indication of latest available radio measurements for any frequency or RAT, an indication of latest detailed location information, a number of random access preambles transmitted, an indication of whether a maximum transmission power was used, an indication of a number of attempted beams, an indication of whether contention was detected, an indication of latest wireless local area network measurement results, an indication of latest Bluetooth measurement results, or a combination thereof.

EXAMPLE 31

An apparatus for wireless communications comprising a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of examples 1 to 9.

EXAMPLE 32

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of examples 1 to 9.

EXAMPLE 33

An apparatus, comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 1 to 9.

EXAMPLE 34

An apparatus for wireless communications comprising a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of examples 10 to 13.

EXAMPLE 35

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of examples 10 to 13.

EXAMPLE 36

An apparatus, comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 10 to 13.

EXAMPLE 37

An apparatus for wireless communications comprising a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of examples 14 to 23.

EXAMPLE 38

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of examples 14 to 23.

EXAMPLE 39

An apparatus, comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 14 to 23.

EXAMPLE 40

An apparatus for wireless communications comprising a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of examples 24 to 30.

EXAMPLE 41

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of examples 24 to 30.

EXAMPLE 42

An apparatus, comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 24 to 30.

Techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communications systems such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. A CDMA system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 Releases may be commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1×, 1×, etc. IS-856 (IIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1×EV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

An OFDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UIRA), institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). UE, UE-A, and UE-A Pro are releases of UNITS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE. UE-A, UE-A Pro, NR, and GSM are described in documents from the organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2). The techniques described herein may be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned herein as well as other systems and radio technologies. While aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, UE-A Pro, or NR system may be described for purposes of example, and UE, UE-A, UE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE, UE-A, UE-A Pro, or NR applications.

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

The wireless communications systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the base stations may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the base stations may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operations.

Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. Fax example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. 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 ROM (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. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, hut is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.