Patent ID: 12262258

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

While aspects and embodiments are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovations described herein may be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, packaging arrangements. For example, embodiments and/or uses may come about via integrated chip embodiments and other non-module-component based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail/purchasing devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specifically directed to use cases or applications, a wide assortment of applicability of described innovations may occur. Implementations may range a spectrum from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations and further to aggregate, distributed, or OEM devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical settings, devices incorporating described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementation and practice of claimed and described embodiments. For example, transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily includes a number of components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antenna, RF-chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffer, processor(s), interleaver, adders/summers, etc.). It is intended that innovations described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc. of varying sizes, shapes and constitution.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, methods, and systems for performing measurements in wireless communication. In some instances, measurements may be referred to as early measurements. Early measurements may refer to measurements before, during, or after transition(s) in a wireless network (e.g., a wireless device component undergoing cell reselection). These measurements may occur at one or more times before or preceding other measurements or actions, and be used to facilitate network communications (e.g., between a UE and other devices in a communication network, such as a base station). In another example, early measurements may occur when a UE is in idle mode or inactive mode. In another example, early measurements may occur when a UE is not in a connected mode. In yet another example, a UE may perform early measurements during idle mode and not connected to a network. Still yet in other examples, a UE may autonomously perform early measurements. Flexibly employing and utilizing early measurements can enable wireless network communication components (e.g., such as UEs) to not only obtain operational performance details of network components yet also enable UEs to perform actions (e.g., such as cell re-selection, RAT re-selection, etc.) based on measured operational performance data.

As will be further discussed below, a UE may perform measurements (e.g., early measurements) according to one or more measurement configurations (e.g., a measurement configuration profile). Measurement configurations may be considered as a set of information or requests for which a UE can use to record data about a variety of network operational characteristics. Measurement configurations may also provide instructions on how a UE is to report observed/record measurements (e.g., report measurements to one or more RATs/base stations/cells). A measurement configuration may be pre-provisioned at a UE in some implementations. A UE may receive one or more measurement configurations during operation requesting the UE to conduct one or more early measurements. And in some examples, another communication network component (e.g., base station or another UE) may send a UE a measurement configuration profile for which the UE is instructed to use or leverage for performing measurements.

Measurements, such as early measurements, may be utilized and performed for a variety of uses and related to a number of factors. For example, early measurements can be used to determine a signal quality and/or coverage of cells in a network. Early measurements in a wireless network supporting multiple radio access technologies (multi-RAT) introduce new measurement reporting scenarios. Examples of radio access technology (RAT) are 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G new radio (NR). During inter-RAT reselection, a user equipment (UE) switches from one cell using a first RAT to another cell using a second RAT that is different from the first RAT (e.g., 4G transition to 5G and/or 5G transition to 4G). Aspects of the present disclosure provide various implementations of early measurements that may be used during inter-RAT cell reselection and may also be used in other operational scenarios as may be desired or depending on use cases, network design, etc.

The various concepts presented throughout this disclosure may be implemented across a broad variety of telecommunication systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Referring now toFIG.1, as an illustrative example without limitation, various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated with reference to a wireless communication system100. The wireless communication system100includes three interacting domains: a core network102, a radio access network (RAN)104, and a user equipment (UE)106. By virtue of the wireless communication system100, the UE106may be enabled to carry out data communication with an external data network110, such as (but not limited to) the Internet.

The RAN104may implement any suitable wireless communication technology or technologies to provide radio access to the UE106. As one example, the RAN104may operate according to 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) specifications, often referred to as 5G. As another example, the RAN104may operate under a hybrid of 5G NR and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (eUTRAN) standards, often referred to as LTE. The 3GPP refers to this hybrid RAN as a next-generation RAN, or NG-RAN. Of course, many other examples may be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure. In some example, the RAN104may be a multi-RAT radio access network (MR-AN) that provides one or more cells for each of a plurality of RATs, and may support inter- and intra-RAT mobility and aggregation.

As illustrated, the RAN104includes a plurality of base stations108. Broadly, a base station is a network element in a radio access network responsible for radio transmission and reception in one or more cells to or from a UE. In different technologies, standards, or contexts, a base station may variously be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), an access point (AP), a Node B (NB), an eNode B (eNB), a gNode B (gNB), master node (MN), secondary node (SN), or some other suitable terminology.

The radio access network104is further illustrated supporting wireless communication for multiple mobile apparatuses. A mobile apparatus may be referred to as user equipment (UE) in 3GPP standards, but may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile station (MS), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal (AT), a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a terminal, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. A UE may be an apparatus (e.g., a mobile apparatus) that provides a user with access to network services.

Within the present document, a “mobile” apparatus need not necessarily have a capability to move, and may be stationary. The term mobile apparatus or mobile device broadly refers to a diverse array of devices and technologies. UEs may include a number of hardware structural components sized, shaped, and arranged to help in communication; such components can include antennas, antenna arrays, RF chains, amplifiers, one or more processors, etc. electrically coupled to each other. For example, some non-limiting examples of a mobile apparatus include a mobile, a cellular (cell) phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), a notebook, a netbook, a smartbook, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a broad array of embedded systems, e.g., corresponding to an “Internet of things” (IoT). A mobile apparatus may additionally be an automotive or other transportation vehicle, a remote sensor or actuator, a robot or robotics device, a satellite radio, a global positioning system (GPS) device, an object tracking device, a drone, a multi-copter, a quad-copter, a remote control device, a consumer and/or wearable device, such as eyewear, a wearable camera, a virtual reality device, a smart watch, a health or fitness tracker, a digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a camera, a game console, etc. A mobile apparatus may additionally be a digital home or smart home device such as a home audio, video, and/or multimedia device, an appliance, a vending machine, intelligent lighting, a home security system, a smart meter, etc. A mobile apparatus may additionally be a smart energy device, a security device, a solar panel or solar array, a municipal infrastructure device controlling electric power (e.g., a smart grid), lighting, water, etc.; an industrial automation and enterprise device; a logistics controller; agricultural equipment; military defense equipment, vehicles, aircraft, ships, and weaponry, etc. Still further, a mobile apparatus may provide for connected medicine or telemedicine support, e.g., health care at a distance. Telehealth devices may include telehealth monitoring devices and telehealth administration devices, whose communication may be given preferential treatment or prioritized access over other types of information, e.g., in terms of prioritized access for transport of critical service data, and/or relevant QoS for transport of critical service data.

Wireless communication between a RAN104and a UE106may be described as utilizing an air interface. Transmissions over the air interface from a base station (e.g., base station108) to one or more UEs (e.g., UE106) may be referred to as downlink (DL) transmission. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the term downlink may refer to a point-to-multipoint transmission originating at a scheduling entity (described further below; e.g., base station108). Another way to describe this scheme may be to use the term broadcast channel multiplexing. Transmissions from a UE (e.g., UE106) to a base station (e.g., base station108) may be referred to as uplink (UL) transmissions. In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, the term uplink may refer to a point-to-point transmission originating at a scheduled entity (described further below; e.g., UE106).

In some examples, access to the air interface may be scheduled, wherein a scheduling entity (e.g., a base station108) allocates resources for communication among some or all devices and equipment within its service area or cell. Within the present disclosure, as discussed further below, the scheduling entity may be responsible for scheduling, assigning, reconfiguring, and releasing resources for one or more scheduled entities. That is, for scheduled communication, UEs106, which may be scheduled entities, may utilize resources allocated by the scheduling entity108.

Base stations108are not the only entities that may function as scheduling entities. That is, in some examples, a UE may function as a scheduling entity, scheduling resources for one or more scheduled entities (e.g., one or more other UEs).

As illustrated inFIG.1, a scheduling entity108may broadcast downlink traffic112to one or more scheduled entities106. Broadly, the scheduling entity108is a node or device responsible for scheduling traffic in a wireless communication network, including the downlink traffic112and, in some examples, uplink traffic116from one or more scheduled entities106to the scheduling entity108. On the other hand, the scheduled entity106is a node or device that receives downlink control information114, including but not limited to scheduling information (e.g., a grant), synchronization or timing information, or other control information from another entity in the wireless communication network such as the scheduling entity108.

In general, base stations108may include a backhaul interface for communication with a backhaul portion120of the wireless communication system. The backhaul120may provide a link between a base station108and the core network102. Further, in some examples, a backhaul network may provide interconnection between the respective base stations108. Various types of backhaul interfaces may be employed, such as a direct physical connection, a virtual network, or the like using any suitable transport network.

The core network102may be a part of the wireless communication system100, and may be independent of the radio access technology used in the RAN104. In some examples, the core network102may be configured according to 5G standards (e.g., 5GC). In other examples, the core network102may be configured according to a 4G evolved packet core (EPC), or any other suitable standard or configuration.

Referring now toFIG.2, by way of example and without limitation, a schematic illustration of a RAN200is provided. In some examples, the RAN200may be the same as the RAN104described above and illustrated inFIG.1. The geographic area covered by the RAN200may be divided into cellular regions (cells) that can be uniquely identified by a user equipment (UE) based on an identification broadcasted from one access point or base station. In some examples, the cells may operate using different RATs (e.g., LTE and 5G NR).FIG.2illustrates macrocells202,204, and206, and a small cell208, each of which may include one or more sectors (not shown). A sector is a sub-area of a cell. All sectors within one cell are served by the same base station. A radio link within a sector can be identified by a single logical identification belonging to that sector. In a cell that is divided into sectors, the multiple sectors within a cell can be formed by groups of antennas with each antenna responsible for communication with UEs in a portion of the cell.

InFIG.2, two base stations210and212are shown in cells202and204; and a third base station214is shown controlling a remote radio head (RRH)216in cell206. That is, a base station can have an integrated antenna or can be connected to an antenna or RRH by feeder cables. In the illustrated example, the cells202,204, and126may be referred to as macrocells, as the base stations210,212, and214support cells having a large size. Further, a base station218is shown in the small cell208(e.g., a microcell, picocell, femtocell, home base station, home Node B, home eNode B, etc.) which may overlap with one or more macrocells. In this example, the cell208may be referred to as a small cell, as the base station218supports a cell having a relatively small size. Cell sizing can be done according to system design as well as component constraints. In some examples, the small cell208may be a 5G NR cell.

It is to be understood that the radio access network200may include any number of wireless base stations and cells. Further, a relay node may be deployed to extend the size or coverage area of a given cell. The base stations210,212,214,218provide wireless access points to a core network for any number of mobile apparatuses. In some examples, the base stations210,212,214, and/or218may be the same as the base station/scheduling entity108described above and illustrated inFIG.1.

FIG.2further includes a quadcopter or drone220, which may be configured to function as a base station. That is, in some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of the cell may move according to the location of a mobile base station such as the quadcopter220.

Within the RAN200, the cells may include UEs that may be in communication with one or more sectors of each cell. Further, each base station210,212,214,218, and220may be configured to provide an access point to a core network102(seeFIG.1) for all the UEs in the respective cells. For example, UEs222and224may be in communication with base station210; UEs226and228may be in communication with base station212; UEs230and232may be in communication with base station214by way of RRH216; UE234may be in communication with base station218; and UE236may be in communication with mobile base station220. In some examples, the UEs222,224,226,228,230,232,234,236,238,240, and/or242may be the same as the UE/scheduled entity106described above and illustrated inFIG.1. In some examples, some of the UEs may be in communication with a cell using multiple carriers in a carrier aggregation (CA) configuration. In some examples, some of the UEs may be in communication with multiple cells using different RATs in a dual connectivity (DC) configuration.

In some examples, a mobile network node (e.g., quadcopter220) may be configured to function as a UE. For example, the quadcopter220may operate within cell202by communicating with base station210.

In a further aspect of the RAN200, sidelink signals may be used between UEs without necessarily relying on scheduling or control information from a base station. For example, two or more UEs (e.g., UEs226and228) may communicate with each other using peer to peer (P2P) or sidelink signals227without relaying that communication through a base station (e.g., base station212). In a further example, UE238is illustrated communicating with UEs240and242. Here, the UE238may function as a scheduling entity or a primary sidelink device, and UEs240and242may function as a scheduled entity or a non-primary (e.g., secondary) sidelink device. In still another example, a UE may function as a scheduling entity in a device-to-device (D2D), peer-to-peer (P2P), or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) network, and/or in a mesh network. In a mesh network example, UEs240and242may optionally communicate directly with one another in addition to communicating with the scheduling entity238. Thus, in a wireless communication system with scheduled access to time—frequency resources and having a cellular configuration, a P2P configuration, or a mesh configuration, a scheduling entity and one or more scheduled entities may communicate utilizing the scheduled resources.

In the radio access network200, the ability for a UE to communicate while moving, independent of its location, is referred to as mobility. The various physical channels between the UE and the radio access network are generally set up, maintained, and released under the control of an access and mobility management function (AMF, not illustrated, part of the core network102inFIG.1), which may include a security context management function (SCMF) that manages the security context for both the control plane and the user plane functionality, and a security anchor function (SEAF) that performs authentication. In cell reselection, a UE may stay in an idle mode and changes the cell from which the UE is camped on. The cell reselection process lets the UE connect to the cell with the best condition among all the cells to which the UE is allowed to camp on. The UE uses a set of criteria for the reselection process. For example, the criteria may include absolute priority, radio link quality, and cell accessibility.

In various implementations, the air interface in the radio access network200may utilize licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or shared spectrum. Licensed spectrum provides for exclusive use of a portion of the spectrum, generally by virtue of a mobile network operator purchasing a license from a government regulatory body. Unlicensed spectrum provides for shared use of a portion of the spectrum without need for a government-granted license. While compliance with some technical rules is generally still required to access unlicensed spectrum, generally, any operator or device may gain access. Shared spectrum may fall between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, wherein technical rules or limitations may be required to access the spectrum, but the spectrum may still be shared by multiple operators and/or multiple RATs. For example, the holder of a license for a portion of licensed spectrum may provide licensed shared access (LSA) to share that spectrum with other parties, e.g., with suitable licensee-determined conditions to gain access.

The air interface in the radio access network200may utilize one or more multiplexing and multiple access algorithms to enable simultaneous communication of the various devices. For example, 5G NR specifications provide multiple access for UL transmissions from UEs222and224to base station210, and for multiplexing for DL transmissions from base station210to one or more UEs222and224, utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP). In addition, for UL transmissions, 5G NR specifications provide support for discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) with a CP (also referred to as single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA)). However, within the scope of the present disclosure, multiplexing and multiple access are not limited to the above schemes, and may be provided utilizing time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), sparse code multiple access (SCMA), resource spread multiple access (RSMA), or other suitable multiple access schemes. Further, multiplexing DL transmissions from the base station210to UEs222and224may be provided utilizing time division multiplexing (TDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), sparse code multiplexing (SCM), or other suitable multiplexing schemes.

In order for a UE to gain initial access to a cell, the RAN (NG-RAN104) may provide system information (SI) characterizing the cell. This system information may be provided utilizing minimum system information (MSI), and other system information (OSI). The MSI may be periodically broadcast over the cell to provide the most basic information required for initial cell access, and for acquiring any OSI that may be broadcast periodically or sent on-demand. In some examples, the MSI may be provided over two different downlink channels. For example, the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) may carry a master information block (MIB), and the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) may carry a system information block type 1 (SIB1). In the art, SIB1 may be referred to as the remaining minimum system information (RMSI). OSI may include any SI that is not broadcast in the MSI. In some examples, the PDSCH may carry a plurality of SIBs, not limited to SIB1, discussed above. Here, the OSI may be provided in these SIBs, e.g., SIB2 and above.

The channels or carriers described above and illustrated inFIGS.1and2are not necessarily all the channels or carriers that may be utilized between a scheduling entity108and scheduled entities106, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other channels or carriers may be utilized in addition to those illustrated, such as other traffic, control, and feedback channels.

FIG.3is a diagram conceptually illustrating exemplary signaling for performing early measurements involving inter-RAT reselection in a wireless network according to some aspects of the disclosure. Initially, a UE302is in wireless communication with a first cell304(Cell1) using a first RAT (e.g., LTE or 5G NR). The first cell may provide the UE302with early measurement configuration306to facilitate the quick and efficient setup of CA and/or DC operations. Early measurements may include measuring the signal quality of the current cell and neighboring cells. Examples of signal quality measurements are reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and received signal strength indicator (RSSI). In one example, the first cell may transmit the early measurement configuration306in a radio resource configuration (RRC) release message, system information block (SIB), or other suitable messages. The early measurement configuration306may indicate the frequencies and RATs to be measured by the UE in a validity area that may include cells of different RATs. The validity area may include a list of frequencies to be measured per RAT.

The early measurement configuration306may indicate the validity area where the UE performs early measurements. In some aspects of the disclosure, the validity area can include multiple RATs (e.g., LTE and 5G NR). For example, the validity area may include a list of LTE and NR cells per carrier frequency. The list may provide the physical cell identifiers of the cells per RAT frequency. When the UE reselects to a cell with different RAT outside of the list (i.e., outside the validity area), the UE does not perform early measurements.

Based on the early measurement configuration306, the UE may perform early measurements307of cells configured in the validity area. While the UE is in an idle mode, the UE may reselect to a second cell308(Cell2) of a second RAT that is different from the first RAT used by the first cell304. In one example, the first RAT may be 5G NR, and the second RAT may be LTE. In another example, the first RAT may be LTE, and the second RAT may be 5G NR. When the first RAT (source RAT) is different from the second RAT (target RAT), the reselection may be called an inter-RAT reselection. After inter-RAT reselection, the UE may continue to perform early measurements310according to different criteria that will be described in detail below. The UE302may transmit a message312to indicate the availability of early measurements to the second cell308. For example, the UE302may transmit an RRC setup complete message that includes an indication of the availability of early measurements. If early measurements are available, the second cell308may transmit a message314to request the early measurements from the UE. For example, the second cell308may transmit the request in a UE information request message. In response, the UE302may transmit the early measurements316to the second cell308in a UE information response message.

FIG.4is a flow chart conceptually illustrating a process400for performing early measurements involving inter-RAT reselection according to some aspects of the disclosure. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process400may be carried out by a UE, for example, the scheduled entity1000illustrated inFIG.10. In some examples, the process400may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

At block402, the UE302configures early measurements for multiple RATs. For example, the UE may configure early measurements for LTE and 5G NR based on the early measurement configuration306received from a source cell (e.g., first cell304). At block404, the UE302reselects from a target cell (e.g., second cell308) that is configured with different RAT. In one example, the source cell may be an LTE cell, and the target cell may be a 5G NR cell. In another example, the source cell may be a 5G NR cell, and the target cell may be an LTE cell. However, the process400is not limited to only LTE and 5G NR, and the process may be implemented using other RATs.

At decision block406, the UE determines whether or not to the target cell is in a validity area. In some aspects of the disclosure, the source cell may configure the UE to perform early measurements for multiple RATs (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) in a validity area. In this case, the validity area includes cells of different RATs. If the target cell is within the validity area, the UE may continue early measurements after reselection to the target cell of different RAT; otherwise, the UE stops performing early measurements after reselection. At block408, the UE continues to perform early measurements based on an early measurement configuration. For example, the UE may measure the signal quality (e.g., RSSI, RSRQ, and RSRP) of each frequency or band of each RAT configured for the validity area. At block410, the UE may end early measurements when the target cell is not in the validity area.

In one implementation, the UE maintains one log file (e.g., VarMeasEarlyReport) to store the early measurements of multiple RATs (e.g., LTE and 5G NR). After inter-RAT cell reselection, the UE may report measurements of both LTE and 5G NR to the network as early measurements316(e.g., UEInformationResponse) upon reception of an early measurements request314(e.g., UEInformationRequest). In another implementation, the network may configure the UE to maintain two separate log files to store the early measurements results of different RATs. For example, the UE may store LTE measurements in a first log file named VarLTEMeasEarlyReport and NR measurements in a second log file named VarNRMeasEarlyReport. After inter-RAT cell reselection, the network may include an indication in the early measurements request (e.g., UEInformationRequest) to request the UE to report measurements for a single RAT (e.g., LTE results only or 5G NR results only) or both RATs.

FIG.5is a flow chart conceptually illustrating a process500for performing early measurements after inter-RAT reselection according to some aspects of the disclosure. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process500may be carried out by a UE, for example, the scheduled entity1000illustrated inFIG.10at block408ofFIG.4. In some examples, the process500may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

At block502, the UE continues a validity timer configured for inter-RAT cell reselection. The UE may start the validity timer when the UE reselects from the source cell to the target cell. The UE may configure the validity timer to expire after a predetermined time interval. Before the validity timer expires, the UE may perform early measurements. At decision block504, the UE determines whether the UE can support carrier aggregation (CA) or multi-RAT dual connectivity (MR-DC) using the frequencies or bands supported by from the source cell and the target cell (reselected cells). The UE needs to recheck the measurement frequencies after cell reselection because the network may not support the same band combinations for MR-DC (e.g., LTE anchored MR-DC (EN-DC) or NR anchored MR-DC (NE-DC)) as the UE.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the network may provide assistance for determining CA and MR-DC support during inter-RAT reselection. The network may support certain CA and MR-DC band combinations that are different from UE capability. Thus, the network may indicate its capability on CA and MR-DC band combinations in dedicated signaling. In one aspect of the disclosure, the network (e.g., source cell or target cell) may indicate in an RRC release or RRC reconfiguration message the applicability of a multi-RAT (e.g., LTE and NR) frequency list while the UE is served in LTE or in NR, depending on the MR-DC and CA band combinations that the network supports. With the network assistance, the UE can find a common set of frequencies that are supported by both the network and the UE for band combination in CA or MR-DC. In another aspect of the disclosure, the network may indicate the applicability of a multi-RAT (e.g., LTE and NR) frequency list while the UE is served in LTE or in NR, depending on the MR-DC and CA band combinations that are supported by both the network and the UE.

At block506, if the UE determines that the UE can support CA or MR-DC using the frequencies or bands supported by the source cell and the target cell (reselected cells), the UE may continue early measurements.

FIG.6is a flow chart conceptually illustrating a process600for terminating early measurements after inter-RAT reselection according to some aspects of the disclosure. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process600may be carried out by a UE, for example, the scheduled entity1000illustrated inFIG.10at block410ofFIG.4. In some examples, the process600may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

At block602, the UE stops a validity timer configured for inter-RAT cell reselection if the target cell is outside the configured validity area. For example, the target cell is outside the validity area if the frequency or band of the target cell is not included in a list of frequencies to be measured per RAT according to the early measurement configuration. At block604, the UE may stop early measurements after inter-RAT reselection. At block606, the UE may delete the stored early measurement configuration. In other aspects of the disclosure, the UE may perform the above described processes ofFIG.6in different orders or simultaneously. In some aspects of the disclosure, the UE may still report stored early measurements, if available, after stopping early measurements in response to a request from the network to facilitate the fast setup of MR-DC (e.g., EN-DC or NE-DC).

FIG.7is a flow chart conceptually illustrating a process700for performing early measurements involving inter-RAT reselection according to some aspects of the disclosure. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process700may be carried out by a UE, for example, the scheduled entity1000illustrated inFIG.10. In some examples, the process700may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

At block702, the UE302configures early measurements for the RAT used by a source cell. For example, the UE may configure early measurements for LTE or 5G NR based on the early measurement configuration306received from a source cell (e.g., first cell304). In one example, if the source cell uses LTE, the UE configures early measurements for LTE. In another example, if the source cell uses 5G NR, the UE configures early measurements for 5G NR. At block704, the UE reselects to a target cell of different RAT. For example, the UE may reselect from a source cell to a target cell if the UE determines that the target cell can provide better coverage or signal quality than the source cell. At block706, the UE may stop a validity timer after inter-RAT cell reselection. In this case, the UE stops the validity timer when the UE determines that the RAT of the target cell is different from the RAT of the source cell. At block708, the UE may stop performing early measurements after inter-RAT cell reselection. At block710, the UE may delete the stored early measurement configuration. In some aspects of the disclosure, the UE may still report any stored early measurement results, if available, to the network upon reception of a request to facilitate the fast setup of MR-DC (e.g., EN-DC or NE-DC).

FIG.8is a flow chart conceptually illustrating a process800for performing early measurements involving inter-RAT reselection according to some aspects of the disclosure. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process800may be carried out by a UE, for example, the scheduled entity1000illustrated inFIG.10. In some examples, the process800may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

At block802, the UE302configures early measurements for the RAT used by a source cell. For example, the UE may configure early measurements for LTE or 5G NR based on the early measurement configuration306received from a source cell (e.g., first cell304). In one example, if the source cell uses LTE, the UE configures early measurements for LTE. In another example, if the source cell uses 5G NR, the UE configures early measurements for 5G NR. At block804, the UE reselects to a target cell of different RAT. For example, the UE may reselect from a source cell to a target cell if the UE determines that the target cell can provide better coverage or signal quality than the source cell.

At decision block806, the UE determines whether or not the target cell is in the configured validity area. For example, the target cell is inside the validity area if the frequency or band of the target cell is included in a list of frequencies to be measured per RAT according to the early measurement configuration. At block808, the UE may update the measurement frequencies or bands if the target cell is within the configured validity area. For example, the UE may update the stored early measurement configuration to add the measurement frequencies indicated in an SIB received from the target cell after reselection. At decision block810, the UE determines whether or not the UE can support CA or MR-DC using the frequencies or bands available from the source cell and the target cell.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the network may provide assistance for determining CA and MR-DC support during inter-RAT reselection. The network may support certain CA and MR-DC band combinations that are different from UE capability. Thus, the network may indicate its capability on CA and MR-DC band combinations in dedicated signaling. In one aspect of the disclosure, the network (e.g., target cell) may indicate in an RRC release or RRC reconfiguration message the applicability of a multi-RAT frequency list while the UE is served in LTE or in NR, depending on the MR-DC and CA band combinations that the network supports. With the network assistance, the UE can find a common set of frequencies that are supported by both the network and the UE for band combination in CA or MR-DC. In another aspect of the disclosure, the network may indicate the applicability of a multi-RAT frequency list while the UE is served in LTE or in NR, depending on the MR-DC and CA band combinations that are supported by both the network and the UE.

At block812, the UE may continue early measurements if the UE can support CA or MR-DC using the frequencies or bands available from the source cell and the target cell. At block814, the UE may stop early measurements if the UE cannot support CA or MR-DC using the frequencies or bands available from the source cell and the target cell. After inter-RAT reselection, the UE needs to check measurement frequencies because the network (e.g., target cell) may not support the same frequency or band combinations for MR-DC (e.g., EN-DC and NE-DC) as the UE.

FIG.9is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for a scheduling entity900employing a processing system914. For example, the scheduling entity900may be a user equipment (UE) as illustrated in any one or more ofFIGS.1,2, and/or3. In another example, the scheduling entity900may be a base station (e.g., gNB or eNB) as illustrated in any one or more ofFIGS.1,2, and/or3.

The scheduling entity900may be implemented with a processing system914that includes one or more processors904. Examples of processors904include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, the scheduling entity900may be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, the processor904, as utilized in a scheduling entity900, may be used to implement any one or more of the processes and procedures described and illustrated inFIGS.3-8and11.

In this example, the processing system914may be implemented with a bus architecture, represented generally by the bus902. The bus902may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing system914and the overall design constraints. The bus902communicatively couples together various circuits including one or more processors (represented generally by the processor904), a memory905, and computer-readable media (represented generally by the computer-readable medium906). The bus902may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further. A bus interface908provides an interface between the bus902and a transceiver910. The transceiver910provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium using one or more radio access technologies (e.g., LTE and 5G NR). Depending upon the nature of the apparatus, a user interface912(e.g., keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick) may also be provided. Of course, such a user interface912is optional, and may be omitted in some examples, such as a base station.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the processor904may include circuitry configured for various functions, including, for example, wireless communication involving inter-RAT reselection. For example, the circuitry may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described in relation toFIGS.3-8and11. The circuitry may include a processing circuit940and a communication circuit942. The processing circuit940may be configured to perform various data processing, computing, and logical functions, including, for example, functions used in wireless communication. The communication circuit942may be configured to perform various communication functions, including, transmission and reception of wireless communication signals. For example, the communication circuit942together with the transceiver910may be configured to establish communication with a scheduled entity (e.g., UE) described in this disclosure using a wireless network that supports multiple radio access technologies. The communication circuit942may be configured to control and configure cell reselection in a network as described in relation toFIGS.3-8and11.

The processor904is responsible for managing the bus902and general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium906. The software, when executed by the processor904, causes the processing system914to perform the various functions described below for any particular apparatus. The computer-readable medium906and the memory905may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processor904when executing software.

One or more processors904in the processing system may execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. The software may reside on a computer-readable medium906. The computer-readable medium906may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes, by way of example, a magnetic storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, or a key drive), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a register, a removable disk, and any other suitable medium for storing software and/or instructions that may be accessed and read by a computer. The computer-readable medium906may reside in the processing system914, external to the processing system914, or distributed across multiple entities including the processing system914. The computer-readable medium906may be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

In one or more examples, the computer-readable storage medium906may include software configured for various functions, including, for example, wireless communication involving inter-RAT reselection. For example, the software may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described in relation toFIGS.3-8and11. The software may include processing instructions950and communication instructions952. The scheduling entity900when executing the processing instructions950may perform various data processing, computing, and logical functions, including, for example, functions used in wireless communication. The scheduling entity900when executing the communication instructions952may perform various communication functions, including, transmission and reception of wireless communication signals. For example, the scheduling entity900when executing the communication instructions952may establish communication with a scheduled entity (e.g., UE) described in this disclosure using a wireless network that supports multiple radio access technologies. The scheduling entity900when executing the communication instructions952may control and configure cell reselection in a network as described in relation toFIGS.3-8and11.

FIG.10is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an exemplary scheduled entity1000employing a processing system1014. In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented with a processing system1014that includes one or more processors1004. For example, the scheduled entity1000may be a user equipment (UE) as illustrated in any one or more ofFIGS.1,2, and/or3.

The processing system1014may be substantially the same as the processing system914illustrated inFIG.9, including a bus interface1008, a bus1002, memory1005, a processor1004, and a computer-readable medium1006. Furthermore, the scheduled entity1000may include a user interface1012and a transceiver1010substantially similar to those described above inFIG.9. That is, the processor1004, as utilized in a scheduled entity1000, may be used to implement any one or more of the functions and processes described and illustrated in relation toFIGS.3-8and11.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the processor1004may include circuitry configured for various functions, including, for example, wireless communication involving inter-RAT reselection. For example, the circuitry may be configured to implement one or more of the functions and processes described in relation toFIGS.3-8and11. The circuitry may include a processing circuit1040, a communication circuit1042, and a measurement circuit1044. The processing circuit1040may be configured to perform various data processing, computing, and logical functions, including, for example, functions used in wireless communication. The communication circuit1042may be configured to perform various communication functions, including, transmission and reception of wireless communication signals. For example, the communication circuit1042together with the transceiver1010may be configured to establish communication with a scheduling entity (e.g., eNB or gNB) described in this disclosure using a wireless network that supports multiple radio access technologies (e.g., LTE and 5G NR). The communication circuit1042may be configured to control and configure cell reselection in a network. The measurement circuit1044may be configured to perform network measurements based on a measurement configuration1020stored in the memory1005. The scheduled entity may receive the measurement configuration1020from the network (e.g., a scheduling entity). In one example, the measurement circuit1044together with the transceiver1010may measure the signal quality (e.g., RSSI, RSRQ, and RSRP) of different frequencies or bands of a network that supports multiple radio access technologies (e.g., LTE and 5G NR). The scheduled entity may store the measurement results1022in the memory1005, for example, as one or more log files.

In one or more examples, the computer-readable storage medium1006may include software configured for various functions, including, for example, wireless communication involving inter-RAT reselection. For example, the software may be configured to implement one or more of the functions described in relation toFIGS.3-8and11. The software may include processing instructions1050, communication instructions1052, and measurement instructions1054. The scheduled entity1000when executing the processing instructions1050may perform various data processing, computing, and logical functions, including, for example, functions used in wireless communication. The scheduled entity1000when executing the communication instructions1052may perform various communication functions, including, transmission and reception of wireless communication signals. For example, the scheduled entity1000when executing the communication instructions1052may establish communication with a scheduling entity (e.g., eNB or gNB) described in this disclosure using a wireless network that supports multiple radio access technologies (e.g., LTE and 5G NR). The scheduled entity1000when executing the communication instructions1052may control and configure cell reselection in a network. The scheduled entity1000when executing the measurement instructions1054may measure the signal quality (e.g., RSSI, RSRQ, and RSRP) of different frequencies of a network that supports multiple radio access technologies (e.g., LTE and 5G NR).

FIG.11is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process1100for reporting early measurements during inter-RAT reselection according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process1100may be carried out by the scheduled entity1000(e.g., UE) illustrated inFIG.10. In some examples, the process1100may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

At block1102, the scheduled entity receives a measurement configuration from a first cell using a first RAT. For example, the scheduled entity may use the communication circuit1042and transceiver1010to receive an early measurement configuration from a first cell (a source cell). The measurement configuration configures the scheduled entity to generate early measurements for at least one RAT including the first RAT. In some examples, the measurement configuration configures the scheduled entity to measure the first RAT and a second RAT that is different from the first RAT. In some examples, the scheduled entity may use the measurement circuit1044and transceiver1010to measure the signal quality (e.g., RSSI, RSRQ, and RSRP) of different frequencies or bands of the network indicated in the measurement configuration.

At block1104, the scheduled entity reselects to a second cell (target cell) configured to use a second RAT. For example, the scheduled entity may use the communication circuit1042and transceiver1010to reselect to the second cell. The second RAT may be different from the first RAT. In one example, the first RAT may be LTE and the second RAT may be 5G NR. In another example, the first RAT may be 5G NR and the second RAT may be LTE. At block1106, the scheduled entity determines whether to continue the early measurements after reselecting to the second cell based on the measurement configuration. For example, the scheduled entity may use the measurement circuit1044to determine whether or not to continue early measurements after reselection using any of the processes described above in relation toFIGS.3-8.

In one example, the scheduled entity may determine that the second cell is inside a validity area configured for inter-RAT reselection according to the measurement configuration. In that case, the scheduled entity continues a validity timer associated with the early measurements. In one example, the scheduled entity may determine to end the early measurements when the second cell is outside a validity area configured for inter-RAT reselection according to the measurement configuration. To that end, the scheduled entity may stop a validity timer associated with the early measurements and discard the measurement configuration. In another example, the scheduled entity may pause the validity timer and keep the measurement configuration. Then, the scheduled entity may resume the early measurements and the validity timer after reselecting to a cell in the validity area.

At block1108, the scheduled entity may report the early measurements to the second cell if requested. For example, the scheduled entity may use the communication circuit1042and transceiver1010to transmit the stored early measurements, if any, to the second cell.

In one configuration, the apparatus1000for wireless communication includes means for controlling, configuring and performing early measurements during inter-RAT reselection. In one aspect, the aforementioned means may be the processor(s)1004and/or other circuitry described in relation toFIG.10configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. In another aspect, the aforementioned means may be a circuit or any apparatus configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

Of course, in the above examples, the circuitry included in the processor1004is merely provided as an example, and other means for carrying out the described functions may be included within various aspects of the present disclosure, including but not limited to the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium1006, or any other suitable apparatus or means described in any one of theFIGS.1,2, and/or3, and utilizing, for example, the processes and/or algorithms described herein in relation toFIGS.3-8and/or11.

Several aspects of a wireless communication network have been presented with reference to an exemplary implementation. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, various aspects described throughout this disclosure may be extended to other telecommunication systems, network architectures and communication standards.

By way of example, various aspects may be implemented within other systems defined by 3GPP, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), the Evolved Packet System (EPS), the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), and/or the Global System for Mobile (GSM). Various aspects may also be extended to systems defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), such as CDMA2000 and/or Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO). Other examples may be implemented within systems employing IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and/or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunication standard, network architecture, and/or communication standard employed will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

Within the present disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another—even if they do not directly physically touch each other. For instance, a first object may be coupled to a second object even though the first object is never directly physically in contact with the second object. The terms “circuit” and “circuitry” are used broadly, and intended to include both hardware implementations of electrical devices and conductors that, when connected and configured, enable the performance of the functions described in the present disclosure, without limitation as to the type of electronic circuits, as well as software implementations of information and instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the performance of the functions described in the present disclosure.

One or more of the components, steps, features and/or functions illustrated inFIGS.1-11may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, step, feature or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and/or functions may also be added without departing from novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and/or components illustrated inFIGS.1-11may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and/or embedded in hardware.

It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed is an illustration of exemplary processes. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods may be rearranged. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically recited therein.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.