PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11337079-B2
Application Number: US-201916557049-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: 5G new radio unlicensed band cell access

Abstract:
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a wireless device to perform methods to implement mechanisms for non-stand-alone unlicensed band cells that support single carrier capable UEs. A UE may camp on a licensed band cell of a RAN and transmit a request to connect. The UE may receive, from the licensed band cell, a connection setup message indicating a switch to an unlicensed band cell of the RAN and receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a reference signal. The UE may transmit to the unlicensed band cell and in response to confirming, based at least in part of the reference signal, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell, a connection complete/connection resume message.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A user equipment device (UE), comprising:
 at least one antenna; 
 at least one radio coupled to the at least one antenna; and 
 at least one processor coupled to the at least one radio; 
 wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to:
 camp on a licensed band cell of a radio access network (RAN); 
 transmit, to the licensed band cell and in response to receiving first information from the licensed band cell, a request to connect to the licensed band cell; 
 receive, from the licensed band cell, a connection setup message indicating a switch to an unlicensed band cell of the RAN, wherein the connection setup message includes configuration information for the unlicensed band cell, and wherein the configuration information is provided by the unlicensed band cell; 
 receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a reference signal; and 
 transmit, to the unlicensed band cell and in response to confirming, based at least in part of the reference signal, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell, a connection complete message or resume complete message. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The UE of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to transmit, to the licensed band cell and in response to confirming, based at least in part of the reference signal, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell is not satisfactory, a connection complete message or resume complete message. 
 
     
     
       3. The UE of  claim 1 ,
 wherein a base station supports both the licensed band cell and the unlicensed band cell, and wherein the RAN comprises 5G New Radio (5G NR) or E-UTRA (LTE or eLTE). 
 
     
     
       4. The UE of  claim 1 ,
 wherein switching the UE to the unlicensed band cell of the RAN is based on at least one of:
 network policy; 
 network load and/or network traffic conditions; 
 a capability of the UE; or 
 a position of the UE. 
 
 
     
     
       5. The UE of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the connection setup message indicates at least one of:
 an identifier for the unlicensed band cell; 
 a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell; or 
 configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
 
 
     
     
       6. The UE of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to:
 receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a connection release message; 
 receive, for the licensed band cell, a reference signal; and 
 camp on the licensed band cell. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The UE of  claim 6 ,
 wherein the connection release message includes an indication of redirecting the UE to licensed band cell and an identifier of the licensed band cell. 
 
     
     
       8. The UE of  claim 6 ,
 wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to:
 determine that the licensed band cell is not suitable for camping; and 
 perform a cell selection/reselection procedure limited to the licensed band. 
 
 
     
     
       9. A non-transitory computer readable memory medium comprising programming instructions executable by a processor of a user equipment device (UE) to:
 camp on a licensed band cell of a radio access network (RAN); 
 receive, from the licensed band cell, a connection setup message indicating a switch to an unlicensed band cell of the RAN, wherein the connection setup message includes configuration information for the unlicensed band cell, wherein the connection setup message is received after the UE requests connection to the licensed band cell, and wherein the configuration information is provided by the unlicensed band cell; 
 receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a reference signal; 
 initiate access with the unlicensed cell in response to confirming radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell is satisfactory, wherein the confirming is based at least in part of the reference signal; and 
 perform data transmissions with the unlicensed band cell. 
 
     
     
       10. The non-transitory computer readable memory medium of  claim 9 ,
 wherein a base station supports both the licensed band cell and the unlicensed band cell, and wherein the RAN comprises a Fifth generation (5G) RAN operating according to a 5G New Radio (5G NR) RAT or a 4G RAN operating according to an E-UTRA (LTE or eLTE) RAT. 
 
     
     
       11. The non-transitory computer readable memory medium of  claim 9 ,
 wherein the programming instructions are further executable to receive, from the licensed band cell while camping on the licensed band cell, the unlicensed band cell remaining minimum system information (RMSI). 
 
     
     
       12. The non-transitory computer readable memory medium of  claim 9 ,
 wherein the unlicensed band cell is one of a plurality of unlicensed band cells, and wherein the programming instructions are further executable to:
 receive reference signals from the plurality of unlicensed band cells; and 
 determine to access the unlicensed band cell based on a comparison of signal quality of the reference signal to a threshold. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The non-transitory computer readable memory medium of  claim 9 ,
 wherein the programming instructions are further executable to:
 receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a connection release message; 
 receive, for the licensed band cell, a reference signal; and 
 camp on the licensed band cell. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer readable memory medium of  claim 13 ,
 wherein the connection release message includes an indication of redirection to licensed band cell and optionally an identifier of the redirected licensed band cell. 
 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer readable memory medium of  claim 13 ,
 wherein the programming instructions are further executable to:
 determine that the licensed band cell is not suitable for camping; and 
 perform a cell selection (or reselection) procedure. 
 
 
     
     
       16. An apparatus, comprising:
 a memory; and 
 at least one processor in communication with the memory; 
 wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
 receive, from a user equipment device (UE) camping on a licensed band cell, a request to connect to the licensed band cell; 
 determine, based in part on one or more factors, to direct the UE to connect to an unlicensed band cell within range of the UE; 
 generate instructions to cause transmission of a request to switch the UE to the unlicensed band cell; 
 receive, from the unlicensed band cell, configuration information for the unlicensed band cell; and 
 generate instructions to cause transmission of a setup/resume message indicating the switch to the unlicensed band cell and the configuration information for the unlicensed band cell to the UE. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 16 ,
 wherein the licensed band cell and the unlicensed band cell are supported by a base station, and wherein the base station is a 5G New Radio (NR) base station. 
 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 16 ,
 wherein switching the UE to an unlicensed band cell is based on at least one of:
 network policy; 
 network load and/or network traffic conditions; 
 a capability of the UE; or 
 a position of the UE. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 16 ,
 wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of:
 an identifier for the unlicensed band cell; 
 a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell; and/or 
 configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 16 ,
 wherein the request to connect comprises a radio resource control connection request.

Description:
PRIORITY DATA 
     This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/754,647, titled “5G New Radio Unlicensed Band Cell Access”, filed Nov. 2, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully and completely set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application relates to wireless devices, and more particularly to apparatus, systems, and methods for non-stand-alone unlicensed band cells to support single carrier capable UEs in a fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Wireless communication systems are rapidly growing in usage. In recent years, wireless devices such as smart phones and tablet computers have become increasingly sophisticated. In addition to supporting telephone calls, many mobile devices now provide access to the internet, email, text messaging, and navigation using the global positioning system (GPS), and are capable of operating sophisticated applications that utilize these functionalities. 
     Long Term Evolution (LTE) has become the technology of choice for the majority of wireless network operators worldwide, providing mobile broadband data and high-speed Internet access to their subscriber base. LTE defines a number of downlink (DL) physical channels, categorized as transport or control channels, to carry information blocks received from medium access control (MAC) and higher layers. LTE also defines a number of physical layer channels for the uplink (UL). 
     For example, LTE defines a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) as a DL transport channel. The PDSCH is the main data-bearing channel allocated to users on a dynamic and opportunistic basis. The PDSCH carries data in Transport Blocks (TB) corresponding to a MAC protocol data unit (PDU), passed from the MAC layer to the physical (PHY) layer once per Transmission Time Interval (TTI). The PDSCH is also used to transmit broadcast information such as System Information Blocks (SIB) and paging messages. 
     As another example, LTE defines a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) as a DL control channel that carries the resource assignment for UEs that are contained in a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message. Multiple PDCCHs can be transmitted in the same subframe using Control Channel Elements (CCE) comprised of Resource Element Groups (REG). The PDCCH employs quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulation, with four QPSK symbols mapped to each REG. Furthermore, 1, 2, 4, or 8 CCEs can be used for a UE, depending on channel conditions, to ensure sufficient robustness. 
     Additionally, LTE defines a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) as a UL channel shared by all devices (user equipment, UE) in a radio cell to transmit user data to the network. The scheduling for all UEs is under control of the LTE base station (enhanced Node B, or eNB). The eNB uses the uplink scheduling grant (DCI format 0) to inform the UE about resource block (RB) assignment, and the modulation and coding scheme to be used. PUSCH typically supports QPSK and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). In addition to user data, the PUSCH also carries any control information necessary to decode the information, such as transport format indicators and multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) parameters. Control data is multiplexed with information data prior to digital Fourier transform (DFT) spreading. 
     A proposed next telecommunications standard moving beyond the current International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced) Standards is called 5th generation mobile networks or 5th generation wireless systems, or 5G for short (otherwise known as 5G-NR for 5G New Radio, also simply referred to as NR). 5G-NR proposes a higher capacity for a higher density of mobile broadband users, also supporting device-to-device, ultra-reliable, and massive machine communications, as well as lower latency and lower battery consumption, than current LTE standards. Further, the 5G-NR standard may allow for less restrictive UE scheduling as compared to current LTE standards as well as access to unlicensed bands (e.g., via unlicensed band cells). 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for access to unlicensed bands via cells associated with a fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network. 
     In some embodiments, a user equipment device (UE) may camp on a licensed band cell of a radio access network (RAN) and transmit, to the licensed band cell and in response to receiving first information from the licensed band cell, a request to connect to the licensed band cell. The UE may receive, from the licensed band cell, a connection setup message indicating a switch to an unlicensed band cell of the RAN and receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a reference signal. The UE may transmit to the unlicensed band cell and in response to confirming, based at least in part of the reference signal, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell, a connection complete/connection resume message. In some embodiments, the UE may perform data transmissions with the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the UE may transmit, to the licensed band cell and in response to confirming, based at least in part of the reference signal, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell is not satisfactory, a connection complete/connection resume message and perform data transmissions with the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, a base station (e.g., a 5G NR base station) may support both the licensed band cell and the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, switching the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based, at least in part, on any, any combination of, and/or all of a network policy, (current) network load and/or network traffic condition, a capability of the UE (e.g., single carrier capable), and/or a position of the UE (e.g., relative to both the licensed and unlicensed band cell). In some embodiments, the connection setup message may indicate any, any combination of, and/or all of an identifier for the unlicensed band cell, a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell, and/or configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
     In some embodiments, a network node, network entity or functional entity comprised within the network entity and/or within the network node may be configured to perform methods for UE access to unlicensed bands via cells associated with a fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network. In some embodiments, a network node (or entity) may broadcast cell information and receive, from a UE camping on a licensed band cell, a request to connect to the licensed band cell. The network node (or entity) may determine, based in part on one or more factors, to direct the UE to connect to an unlicensed band cell within range of the UE and transmit, to the unlicensed band cell, a request to switch the UE to the unlicensed band cell. The network node (or entity) may receive from the unlicensed band cell, configuration information for the unlicensed band cell and transmit, to the UE, a setup message indicating the switch to the unlicensed band cell and the configuration information for the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the network node (or entity) may receive, from the UE, a connection complete message, wherein the connection complete message indicates a failure of the UE to connect to the unlicensed band cell and perform, with the UE, data transmissions. In some embodiments, a base station (e.g., a 5G NR base station) may support both the licensed band cell and the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, switching the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based, at least in part, on any, any combination of, and/or all of a network policy, (current) network load and/or network traffic condition, a capability of the UE (e.g., single carrier capable), and/or a position of the UE (e.g., relative to both the licensed and unlicensed band cell). In some embodiments, the connection setup message may indicate any, any combination of, and/or all of an identifier for the unlicensed band cell, a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell, and/or configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
     In some embodiments, a network node (or entity) may receive, from a licensed band cell, a request to switch a UE camped on the licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell. The network node (or entity) may transmit, to the licensed band cell, configuration information for the unlicensed band cell and transmit, to the UE, a reference signal. The network node (or entity) may receive, from the UE, a connection complete/connection resume message. In some embodiments, the network node (or entity) may perform data transmissions with the UE. In some embodiments, a base station (e.g., a 5G NR base station) may support both the licensed band cell and the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, switching the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based, at least in part, on any, any combination of, and/or all of a network policy, (current) network load and/or network traffic condition, a capability of the UE (e.g., single carrier capable), and/or a position of the UE (e.g., relative to both the licensed and unlicensed band cell). In some embodiments, the connection setup message may indicate any, any combination of, and/or all of an identifier for the unlicensed band cell, a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell, and/or configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
     The techniques described herein may be implemented in and/or used with a number of different types of devices, including but not limited to cellular phones, tablet computers, wearable computing devices, portable media players, and any of various other computing devices. 
     This Summary is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the subject matter described in this document. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the present subject matter can be obtained when the following detailed description of various embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an example wireless communication system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an example of a base station (BS) and an access point in communication with a user equipment (UE) device according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example simplified block diagram of a WLAN Access Point (AP), according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example block diagram of a UE according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example block diagram of a BS according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example block diagram of cellular communication circuitry, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates an example of connections between an EPC network, an LTE base station (eNB), and a 5G NR base station (gNB). 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates an example of a protocol stack for an eNB and a gNB. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture that incorporates both 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g., non-cellular) access to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture that incorporates both dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE/eLTE and 5G NR) access and non-3GPP access to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a baseband processor architecture for a UE, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a possible deployment of licensed and unlicensed band cells. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a possible deployment of licensed and unlicensed band cells, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate signaling diagrams of examples of signaling for a licensed band cell to redirect a user equipment device to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate signaling diagrams of examples of signaling for an unlicensed band cell to release a user equipment device to a licensed band cell, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates another possible deployment of licensed and unlicensed band cells, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a signaling diagram of example of signaling for a user equipment device to initiate access to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15A  illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method for a UE to switch from a licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15B  illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method for a network to switch a UE from a licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16A  illustrates a block diagram of another example of a method for a UE to switch from a licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16B  illustrates a block diagram of another example of a method for a network to switch a UE from a licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     While the features described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to be limiting to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Terms 
     The following is a glossary of terms used in this disclosure: 
     Memory Medium—Any of various types of non-transitory memory devices or storage devices. The term “memory medium” is intended to include an installation medium, e.g., a CD-ROM, floppy disks, or tape device; a computer system memory or random-access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc.; a non-volatile memory such as a Flash, magnetic media, e.g., a hard drive, or optical storage; registers, or other similar types of memory elements, etc. The memory medium may include other types of non-transitory memory as well or combinations thereof. In addition, the memory medium may be located in a first computer system in which the programs are executed, or may be located in a second different computer system which connects to the first computer system over a network, such as the Internet. In the latter instance, the second computer system may provide program instructions to the first computer for execution. The term “memory medium” may include two or more memory mediums which may reside in different locations, e.g., in different computer systems that are connected over a network. The memory medium may store program instructions (e.g., embodied as computer programs) that may be executed by one or more processors. 
     Carrier Medium—a memory medium as described above, as well as a physical transmission medium, such as a bus, network, and/or other physical transmission medium that conveys signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals. 
     Programmable Hardware Element—includes various hardware devices comprising multiple programmable function blocks connected via a programmable interconnect. Examples include FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPOAs (Field Programmable Object Arrays), and CPLDs (Complex PLDs). The programmable function blocks may range from fine grained (combinatorial logic or look up tables) to coarse grained (arithmetic logic units or processor cores). A programmable hardware element may also be referred to as “reconfigurable logic”. Computer System—any of various types of computing or processing systems, including a personal computer system (PC), mainframe computer system, workstation, network appliance, Internet appliance, personal digital assistant (PDA), television system, grid computing system, or other device or combinations of devices. In general, the term “computer system” can be broadly defined to encompass any device (or combination of devices) having at least one processor that executes instructions from a memory medium. 
     User Equipment (UE) (or “UE Device”)—any of various types of computer systems devices which are mobile or portable and which performs wireless communications. Examples of UE devices include mobile telephones or smart phones (e.g., iPhone™, Android™-based phones), portable gaming devices (e.g., Nintendo DS™ Play Station Portable™, Gameboy Advance™, iPhone™), laptops, wearable devices (e.g. smart watch, smart glasses), PDAs, portable Internet devices, music players, data storage devices, or other handheld devices, etc. In general, the term “UE” or “UE device” can be broadly defined to encompass any electronic, computing, and/or telecommunications device (or combination of devices) which is easily transported by a user and capable of wireless communication. 
     Base Station—The term “Base Station” has the full breadth of its ordinary meaning, and at least includes a wireless communication station installed at a fixed location and used to communicate as part of a wireless telephone system or radio system. 
     Processing Element—refers to various elements or combinations of elements that are capable of performing a function in a device, such as a user equipment or a cellular network device. Processing elements may include, for example: processors and associated memory, portions or circuits of individual processor cores, entire processor cores, processor arrays, circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), programmable hardware elements such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), as well any of various combinations of the above. 
     Channel—a medium used to convey information from a sender (transmitter) to a receiver. It should be noted that since characteristics of the term “channel” may differ according to different wireless protocols, the term “channel” as used herein may be considered as being used in a manner that is consistent with the standard of the type of device with reference to which the term is used. In some standards, channel widths may be variable (e.g., depending on device capability, band conditions, etc.). For example, LTE may support scalable channel bandwidths from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz. In contrast, WLAN channels may be 22 MHz wide while Bluetooth channels may be 1 Mhz wide. Other protocols and standards may include different definitions of channels. Furthermore, some standards may define and use multiple types of channels, e.g., different channels for uplink or downlink and/or different channels for different uses such as data, control information, etc. 
     Band—The term “band” has the full breadth of its ordinary meaning, and at least includes a section of spectrum (e.g., radio frequency spectrum) in which channels are used or set aside for the same purpose. 
     Automatically—refers to an action or operation performed by a computer system (e.g., software executed by the computer system) or device (e.g., circuitry, programmable hardware elements, ASICs, etc.), without user input directly specifying or performing the action or operation. Thus, the term “automatically” is in contrast to an operation being manually performed or specified by the user, where the user provides input to directly perform the operation. An automatic procedure may be initiated by input provided by the user, but the subsequent actions that are performed “automatically” are not specified by the user, i.e., are not performed “manually”, where the user specifies each action to perform. For example, a user filling out an electronic form by selecting each field and providing input specifying information (e.g., by typing information, selecting check boxes, radio selections, etc.) is filling out the form manually, even though the computer system must update the form in response to the user actions. The form may be automatically filled out by the computer system where the computer system (e.g., software executing on the computer system) analyzes the fields of the form and fills in the form without any user input specifying the answers to the fields. As indicated above, the user may invoke the automatic filling of the form, but is not involved in the actual filling of the form (e.g., the user is not manually specifying answers to fields but rather they are being automatically completed). The present specification provides various examples of operations being automatically performed in response to actions the user has taken. 
     Approximately—refers to a value that is almost correct or exact. For example, approximately may refer to a value that is within 1 to 10 percent of the exact (or desired) value. It should be noted, however, that the actual threshold value (or tolerance) may be application dependent. For example, in some embodiments, “approximately” may mean within 0.1% of some specified or desired value, while in various other embodiments, the threshold may be, for example, 2%, 3%, 5%, and so forth, as desired or as required by the particular application. 
     Concurrent—refers to parallel execution or performance, where tasks, processes, or programs are performed in an at least partially overlapping manner. For example, concurrency may be implemented using “strong” or strict parallelism, where tasks are performed (at least partially) in parallel on respective computational elements, or using “weak parallelism”, where the tasks are performed in an interleaved manner, e.g., by time multiplexing of execution threads. 
     Various components may be described as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is a broad recitation generally meaning “having structure that” performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the component can be configured to perform the task even when the component is not currently performing that task (e.g., a set of electrical conductors may be configured to electrically connect a module to another module, even when the two modules are not connected). In some contexts, “configured to” may be a broad recitation of structure generally meaning “having circuitry that” performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the component can be configured to perform the task even when the component is not currently on. In general, the circuitry that forms the structure corresponding to “configured to” may include hardware circuits. 
     Various components may be described as performing a task or tasks, for convenience in the description. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase “configured to.” Reciting a component that is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) interpretation for that component. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B —Communication Systems 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a simplified example wireless communication system, according to some embodiments. It is noted that the system of  FIG. 1  is merely one example of a possible system, and that features of this disclosure may be implemented in any of various systems, as desired. 
     As shown, the example wireless communication system includes a base station  102 A which communicates over a transmission medium with one or more user devices  106 A,  106 B, etc., through  106 N. Each of the user devices may be referred to herein as a “user equipment” (UE). Thus, the user devices  106  are referred to as UEs or UE devices. 
     The base station (BS)  102 A may be a base transceiver station (BTS) or cell site (a “cellular base station”) and may include hardware that enables wireless communication with the UEs  106 A through  106 N. 
     The communication area (or coverage area) of the base station may be referred to as a “cell.” The base station  102 A and the UEs  106  may be configured to communicate over the transmission medium using any of various radio access technologies (RATs), also referred to as wireless communication technologies, or telecommunication standards, such as GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), eLTE, 5G new radio (5G NR), HSPA, 3 GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1×RTT, 1×EV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc. Note that if the base station  102 A is implemented in the context of LTE, it may alternately be referred to as an ‘eNodeB’ or ‘eNB’. Note that if the base station  102 A is implemented in the context of 5G NR, it may alternately be referred to as ‘gNodeB’ or ‘gNB’. 
     As shown, the base station  102 A may also be equipped to communicate with a network  100  (e.g., a core network of a cellular service provider, a telecommunication network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and/or the Internet, among various possibilities). Thus, the base station  102 A may facilitate communication between the user devices and/or between the user devices and the network  100 . In particular, the cellular base station  102 A may provide UEs  106  with various telecommunication capabilities, such as voice, SMS and/or data services. 
     Base station  102 A and other similar base stations (such as base stations  102 B . . .  102 N) operating according to the same or a different cellular communication standard may thus be provided as a network of cells, which may provide continuous or nearly continuous overlapping service to UEs  106 A-N and similar devices over a geographic area via one or more cellular communication standards. 
     Thus, while base station  102 A may act as a “serving cell” for UEs  106 A-N as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each UE  106  may also be capable of receiving signals from (and possibly within communication range of) one or more other cells (which might be provided by base stations  102 B-N and/or any other base stations), which may be referred to as “neighboring cells”. Such cells may also be capable of facilitating communication between user devices and/or between user devices and the network  100 . Such cells may include “macro” cells, “micro” cells, “pico” cells, and/or cells which provide any of various other granularities of service area size. For example, base stations  102 A-B illustrated in  FIG. 1  might be macro cells, while base station  102 N might be a micro cell. Other configurations are also possible. 
     In some embodiments, base station  102 A may be a next generation base station, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or “gNB”. In some embodiments, a gNB may be connected to a legacy evolved packet core (EPC) network and/or to a NR core (NRC) network. In addition, a gNB cell may include one or more transition and reception points (TRPs). In addition, a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR may be connected to one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs. 
     Note that a UE  106  may be capable of communicating using multiple wireless communication standards. For example, the UE  106  may be configured to communicate using a wireless networking (e.g., Wi-Fi) and/or peer-to-peer wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi peer-to-peer, etc.) in addition to at least one cellular communication protocol (e.g., GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-A, eLTE, 5G NR, HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1×RTT, 1×EV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc.). The UE  106  may also or alternatively be configured to communicate using one or more global navigational satellite systems (GNSS, e.g., GPS or GLONASS), one or more mobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M/H or DVB-H), and/or any other wireless communication protocol, if desired. Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including more than two wireless communication standards) are also possible. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates user equipment  106  (e.g., one of the devices  106 A through  106 N) in communication with a base station  102  and an access point  112 , according to some embodiments. The UE  106  may be a device with both cellular communication capability and non-cellular communication capability (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and so forth) such as a mobile phone, a hand-held device, a computer or a tablet, or virtually any type of wireless device. 
     The UE  106  may include a processor that is configured to execute program instructions stored in memory. The UE  106  may perform any of the method embodiments described herein by executing such stored instructions. Alternatively, or in addition, the UE  106  may include a programmable hardware element such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) that is configured to perform any of the method embodiments described herein, or any portion of any of the method embodiments described herein. 
     The UE  106  may include one or more antennas for communicating using one or more wireless communication protocols or technologies. In some embodiments, the UE  106  may be configured to communicate using, for example, CDMA2000 (1×RTT/1×EV-DO/HRPD/eHRPD), LTE/LTE-Advanced, eLTE, or 5G NR using a single shared radio and/or GSM, LTE, LTE-Advanced, eLTE or 5G NR using the single shared radio. The shared radio may couple to a single antenna, or may couple to multiple antennas (e.g., for MIMO) for performing wireless communications. In general, a radio may include any combination of a baseband processor, analog RF signal processing circuitry (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.), or digital processing circuitry (e.g., for digital modulation as well as other digital processing). Similarly, the radio may implement one or more receive and transmit chains using the aforementioned hardware. For example, the UE  106  may share one or more parts of a receive and/or transmit chain between multiple wireless communication technologies, such as those discussed above. 
     In some embodiments, the UE  106  may include separate transmit and/or receive chains (e.g., including separate antennas and other radio components) for each wireless communication protocol with which it is configured to communicate. As a further possibility, the UE  106  may include one or more radios which are shared between multiple wireless communication protocols, and one or more radios which are used exclusively by a single wireless communication protocol. For example, the UE  106  might include a shared radio for communicating using either of LTE/eLTE or 5G NR (or LTE or 1×RTT or LTE or GSM), and separate radios for communicating using each of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other configurations are also possible. 
       FIG. 2 —Access Point Block Diagram 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an access point (AP)  112 . It is noted that the block diagram of the AP of  FIG. 2  is only one example of a possible system. As shown, the AP  112  may include processor(s)  204  which may execute program instructions for the AP  112 . The processor(s)  204  may also be coupled (directly or indirectly) to memory management unit (MMU)  240 , which may be configured to receive addresses from the processor(s)  204  and to translate those addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory  260  and read only memory (ROM)  250 ) or to other circuits or devices. 
     The AP  112  may include at least one network port  270 . The network port  270  may be configured to couple to a wired network and provide a plurality of devices, such as UEs  106 , access to the Internet. For example, the network port  270  (or an additional network port) may be configured to couple to a local network, such as a home network or an enterprise network. For example, port  270  may be an Ethernet port. The local network may provide connectivity to additional networks, such as the Internet. 
     The AP  112  may include at least one antenna  234 , which may be configured to operate as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured to communicate with UE  106  via wireless communication circuitry  230 . The antenna  234  communicates with the wireless communication circuitry  230  via communication chain  232 . Communication chain  232  may include one or more receive chains, one or more transmit chains or both. The wireless communication circuitry  230  may be configured to communicate via Wi-Fi or WLAN, e.g.,  802 . 11 . The wireless communication circuitry  230  may also, or alternatively, be configured to communicate via various other wireless communication technologies, including, but not limited to, 5G NR, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), eLTE, Global System for Mobile (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), CDMA2000, etc., for example when the AP is co-located with a base station in case of a small cell, or in other instances when it may be desirable for the AP  112  to communicate via various different wireless communication technologies. 
     In some embodiments, as further described below, an AP  112  may be configured to implement methods for non-stand-alone unlicensed band cells that support single carrier capable UEs, e.g., as further described herein. 
       FIG. 3 —Block Diagram of a UE 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example simplified block diagram of a communication device  106 , according to some embodiments. It is noted that the block diagram of the communication device of  FIG. 3  is only one example of a possible communication device. According to embodiments, communication device  106  may be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet and/or a combination of devices, among other devices. As shown, the communication device  106  may include a set of components  300  configured to perform core functions. For example, this set of components may be implemented as a system on chip (SOC), which may include portions for various purposes. Alternatively, this set of components  300  may be implemented as separate components or groups of components for the various purposes. The set of components  300  may be coupled (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to various other circuits of the communication device  106 . 
     For example, the communication device  106  may include various types of memory (e.g., including NAND flash  310 ), an input/output interface such as connector I/F  320  (e.g., for connecting to a computer system; dock; charging station; input devices, such as a microphone, camera, keyboard; output devices, such as speakers; etc.), the display  360 , which may be integrated with or external to the communication device  106 , and cellular communication circuitry  330  such as for 5G NR, eLTE, LTE, GSM, etc., and short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329  (e.g., Bluetooth™ and WLAN circuitry). In some embodiments, communication device  106  may include wired communication circuitry (not shown), such as a network interface card, e.g., for Ethernet. 
     The cellular communication circuitry  330  may couple (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as antennas  335  and  336  as shown. The short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329  may also couple (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as antennas  337  and  338  as shown. Alternatively, the short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329  may couple (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to the antennas  335  and  336  in addition to, or instead of, coupling (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to the antennas  337  and  338 . The short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329  and/or cellular communication circuitry  330  may include multiple receive chains and/or multiple transmit chains for receiving and/or transmitting multiple spatial streams, such as in a multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) configuration. 
     In some embodiments, as further described below, cellular communication circuitry  330  may include dedicated receive chains (including and/or coupled to, e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly dedicated processors and/or radios) for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receive chain for LTE/eLTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR). In addition, in some embodiments, cellular communication circuitry  330  may include a single transmit chain that may be switched between radios dedicated to specific RATs. For example, a first radio may be dedicated to a first RAT, e.g., LTE/eLTE, and may be in communication with a dedicated receive chain and a transmit chain shared with an additional radio, e.g., a second radio that may be dedicated to a second RAT, e.g., 5G NR, and may be in communication with a dedicated receive chain and the shared transmit chain. 
     The communication device  106  may also include and/or be configured for use with one or more user interface elements. The user interface elements may include any of various elements, such as display  360  (which may be a touchscreen display), a keyboard (which may be a discrete keyboard or may be implemented as part of a touchscreen display), a mouse, a microphone and/or speakers, one or more cameras, one or more buttons, and/or any of various other elements capable of providing information to a user and/or receiving or interpreting user input. 
     The communication device  106  may further include one or more smart cards  345  that include SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) functionality, such as one or more UICC(s) (Universal Integrated Circuit Card(s)) cards  345 . 
     As shown, the SOC  300  may include processor(s)  302 , which may execute program instructions for the communication device  106  and display circuitry  304 , which may perform graphics processing and provide display signals to the display  360 . The processor(s)  302  may also be coupled to memory management unit (MMU)  340 , which may be configured to receive addresses from the processor(s)  302  and translate those addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory  306 , read only memory (ROM)  350 , NAND flash memory  310 ) and/or to other circuits or devices, such as the display circuitry  304 , short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329 , cellular communication circuitry  330 , connector I/F  320 , and/or display  360 . The MMU  340  may be configured to perform memory protection and page table translation or set up. In some embodiments, the MMU  340  may be included as a portion of the processor(s)  302 . 
     As noted above, the communication device  106  may be configured to communicate using wireless and/or wired communication circuitry. The communication device  106  may be configured to perform methods to improve dual-registration in a 5G NR network, including notification procedure enhancements, dual-registration enhancements, and paging enhancements as further described herein. 
     As described herein, the communication device  106  may include hardware and software components for implementing the above features for a communication device  106  to communicate a scheduling profile for power savings to a network. The processor  302  of the communication device  106  may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), processor  302  may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or in addition) the processor  302  of the communication device  106 , in conjunction with one or more of the other components  300 ,  304 ,  306 ,  310 ,  320 ,  329 ,  330 ,  340 ,  345 ,  350 ,  360  may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein. 
     In addition, as described herein, processor  302  may include one or more processing elements. Thus, processor  302  may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of processor  302 . In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor(s)  302 . 
     Further, as described herein, cellular communication circuitry  330  and short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329  may each include one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements may be included in cellular communication circuitry  330  and, similarly, one or more processing elements may be included in short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329 . Thus, cellular communication circuitry  330  may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of cellular communication circuitry  330 . In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of cellular communication circuitry  330 . Similarly, the short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329  may include one or more ICs that are configured to perform the functions of short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329 . In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of short to medium range wireless communication circuitry  329 . 
       FIG. 4 —Block Diagram of a Base Station 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example block diagram of a base station  102 , according to some embodiments. It is noted that the base station of  FIG. 4  is merely one example of a possible base station. As shown, the base station  102  may include processor(s)  404  which may execute program instructions for the base station  102 . The processor(s)  404  may also be coupled to memory management unit (MMU)  440 , which may be configured to receive addresses from the processor(s)  404  and translate those addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory  460  and read only memory (ROM)  450 ) or to other circuits or devices. 
     The base station  102  may include at least one network port  470 . The network port  470  may be configured to couple to a telephone network and provide a plurality of devices, such as UE devices  106 , access to the telephone network as described above in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The network port  470  (or an additional network port) may also or alternatively be configured to couple to a cellular network, e.g., a core network of a cellular service provider. The core network may provide mobility related services and/or other services to a plurality of devices, such as UE devices  106 . In some cases, the network port  470  may couple to a telephone network via the core network, and/or the core network may provide a telephone network (e.g., among other UE devices serviced by the cellular service provider). 
     In some embodiments, base station  102  may be a next generation base station, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or “gNB”. In such embodiments, base station  102  may be connected to a legacy evolved packet core (EPC) network and/or to a NR core (NRC) network. In addition, base station  102  may be considered a 5G NR cell and may include one or more transition and reception points (TRPs). In addition, a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR may be connected to one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs. 
     The base station  102  may include at least one antenna  434 , and possibly multiple antennas. The at least one antenna  434  may be configured to operate as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured to communicate with UE devices  106  via radio  430 . The antenna  434  communicates with the radio  430  via communication chain  432 . Communication chain  432  may be a receive chain, a transmit chain or both. The radio  430  may be configured to communicate via various wireless communication standards, including, but not limited to, 5G NR, eLTE, LTE, LTE-A, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc. 
     The base station  102  may be configured to communicate wirelessly using multiple wireless communication standards. In some instances, the base station  102  may include multiple radios, which may enable the base station  102  to communicate according to multiple wireless communication technologies. For example, as one possibility, the base station  102  may include an LTE radio for performing communication according to LTE as well as a 5G NR radio for performing communication according to 5G NR. In such a case, the base station  102  may be capable of operating as both an LTE base station and a 5G NR base station. As another possibility, the base station  102  may include a multi-mode radio which is capable of performing communications according to any of multiple wireless communication technologies (e.g., 5G NR and Wi-Fi, LTE and Wi-Fi, LTE and UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, UMTS and GSM, etc.). 
     As described further subsequently herein, the BS  102  may include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting implementation of features described herein. The processor  404  of the base station  102  may be configured to implement or support implementation of part or all of the methods described herein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively, the processor  404  may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof. Alternatively (or in addition) the processor  404  of the BS  102 , in conjunction with one or more of the other components  430 ,  432 ,  434 ,  440 ,  450 ,  460 ,  470  may be configured to implement or support implementation of part or all of the features described herein. 
     In addition, as described herein, processor(s)  404  may be comprised of one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements may be included in processor(s)  404 . Thus, processor(s)  404  may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of processor(s)  404 . In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor(s)  404 . 
     Further, as described herein, radio  430  may be comprised of one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements may be included in radio  430 . Thus, radio  430  may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of radio  430 . In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of radio  430 . 
       FIG. 5 : Block Diagram of Cellular Communication Circuitry 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example simplified block diagram of cellular communication circuitry, according to some embodiments. It is noted that the block diagram of the cellular communication circuitry of  FIG. 5  is only one example of a possible cellular communication circuit. According to embodiments, cellular communication circuitry  330  may be include in a communication device, such as communication device  106  described above. As noted above, communication device  106  may be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet and/or a combination of devices, among other devices. 
     The cellular communication circuitry  330  may couple (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as antennas  335   a - b  and  336  as shown (in  FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, cellular communication circuitry  330  may include dedicated receive chains (including and/or coupled to, e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly dedicated processors and/or radios) for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR). For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , cellular communication circuitry  330  may include a modem  510  and a modem  520 . Modem  510  may be configured for communications according to a first RAT, e.g., such as eLTE, LTE or LTE-A, and modem  520  may be configured for communications according to a second RAT, e.g., such as 5G NR. 
     As shown, modem  510  may include one or more processors  512  and a memory  516  in communication with processors  512 . Modem  510  may be in communication with a radio frequency (RF) front end  530 . RF front end  530  may include circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, RF front end  530  may include receive circuitry (RX)  532  and transmit circuitry (TX)  534 . In some embodiments, receive circuitry  532  may be in communication with downlink (DL) front end  550 , which may include circuitry for receiving radio signals via antenna  335   a.    
     Similarly, modem  520  may include one or more processors  522  and a memory  526  in communication with processors  522 . Modem  520  may be in communication with an RF front end  540 . RF front end  540  may include circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, RF front end  540  may include receive circuitry  542  and transmit circuitry  544 . In some embodiments, receive circuitry  542  may be in communication with DL front end  560 , which may include circuitry for receiving radio signals via antenna  335   b.    
     In some embodiments, a switch  570  may couple transmit circuitry  534  to uplink (UL) front end  572 . In addition, switch  570  may couple transmit circuitry  544  to UL front end  572 . UL front end  572  may include circuitry for transmitting radio signals via antenna  336 . Thus, when cellular communication circuitry  330  receives instructions to transmit according to the first RAT (e.g., as supported via modem  510 ), switch  570  may be switched to a first state that allows modem  510  to transmit signals according to the first RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain that includes transmit circuitry  534  and UL front end  572 ). Similarly, when cellular communication circuitry  330  receives instructions to transmit according to the second RAT (e.g., as supported via modem  520 ), switch  570  may be switched to a second state that allows modem  520  to transmit signals according to the second RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain that includes transmit circuitry  544  and UL front end  572 ). 
     In some embodiments, the cellular communication circuitry  330  may be configured to perform methods to improve dual-registration in a 5G NR network, including notification procedure enhancements, dual-registration enhancements, and paging enhancements as further described herein. 
     As described herein, the modem  510  may include hardware and software components for implementing the above features or for time division multiplexing UL data for NSA NR operations, as well as the various other techniques described herein. The processors  512  may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), processor  512  may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or in addition) the processor  512 , in conjunction with one or more of the other components  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  550 ,  570 ,  572 ,  335  and  336  may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein. 
     In addition, as described herein, processors  512  may include one or more processing elements. Thus, processors  512  may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of processors  512 . In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processors  512 . 
     As described herein, the modem  520  may include hardware and software components for implementing the above features for communicating a scheduling profile for power savings to a network, as well as the various other techniques described herein. The processors  522  may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), processor  522  may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or in addition) the processor  522 , in conjunction with one or more of the other components  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  550 ,  570 ,  572 ,  335  and  336  may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein. 
     In addition, as described herein, processors  522  may include one or more processing elements. Thus, processors  522  may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of processors  522 . In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processors  522 . 
     5G NR Architecture with LTE 
     In some implementations, fifth generation (5G) wireless communication will initially be deployed concurrently with current wireless communication standards (e.g., LTE). For example, dual connectivity between LTE and 5G new radio (5G NR or NR) has been specified as part of the initial deployment of NR. Thus, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-B , evolved packet core (EPC) network  600  may continue to communicate with current LTE base stations (e.g., eNB  602 ) and/or an evolution of an LTE base station (e.g., an eLTE eNB  602 ). In addition, eNB  602  may be in communication with a 5G NR base station (e.g., gNB  604 ) and may pass data between the EPC network  600  and gNB  604 . Thus, EPC network  600  may be used (or reused) and gNB  604  may serve as extra capacity for UEs, e.g., for providing increased downlink throughput to UEs. In other words, LTE/eLTE may be used for control plane signaling and NR may be used for user plane signaling. Thus, LTE/eLTE may be used to establish connections to the network and NR may be used for data services. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a proposed protocol stack for eNB  602  and gNB  604 . As shown, eNB  602  may include a medium access control (MAC) layer  632  that interfaces with radio link control (RLC) layers  622   a - b . RLC layer  622   a  may also interface with packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer  612   a  and RLC layer  622   b  may interface with PDCP layer  612   b . Similar to dual connectivity as specified in LTE-Advanced Release 12, PDCP layer  612   a  may interface via a master cell group (MCG) bearer to EPC network  600  whereas PDCP layer  612   b  may interface via a split bearer with EPC network  600 . 
     Additionally, as shown, gNB  604  may include a MAC layer  634  that interfaces with RLC layers  624   a - b . RLC layer  624   a  may interface with PDCP layer  612   b  of eNB  602  via an X2 interface for information exchange and/or coordination (e.g., scheduling of a UE) between eNB  602  and gNB  604 . In addition, RLC layer  624   b  may interface with PDCP layer  614 . Similar to dual connectivity as specified in LTE-Advanced Release 12, PDCP layer  614  may interface with EPC network  600  via a secondary cell group (SCG) bearer. Thus, eNB  602  may be considered a master node (MeNB) while gNB  604  may be considered a secondary node (SgNB). In some scenarios, a UE may be required to maintain a connection to both an MeNB and a SgNB. In such scenarios, the MeNB may be used to maintain a radio resource control (RRC) connection to an EPC while the SgNB may be used for capacity (e.g., additional downlink and/or uplink throughput). 
     5G Core Network Architecture—Interworking with Wi-Fi 
     In some embodiments, the 5G core network (CN) may be accessed via (or through) a cellular connection/interface (e.g., via a 3GPP communication architecture/protocol) and a non-cellular connection/interface (e.g., a non-3GPP access architecture/protocol such as Wi-Fi connection).  FIG. 7A  illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture that incorporates both 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g., non-cellular) access to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments. As shown, a user equipment device (e.g., such as UE  106 ) may access the 5G CN through both a radio access network (RAN, e.g., such as gNB or base station  604 ) and an access point, such as AP  112 . The AP  112  may include a connection to the Internet  700  as well as a connection to a non-3GPP inter-working function (N3IWF)  702  network entity. The N3IWF may include a connection to a core access and mobility management function (AMF)  704  of the 5G CN. The AMF  704  may include an instance of a 5G mobility management (5G MM) function associated with the UE  106 . In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB  604 ) may also have a connection to the AMF  704 . Thus, the 5G CN may support unified authentication over both connections as well as allow simultaneous registration for UE  106  access via both gNB  604  and AP  112 . As shown, the AMF  704  may include one or more functional entities associated with the 5G CN (e.g., network slice selection function (NSSF)  720 , short message service function (SMSF)  722 , application function (AF)  724 , unified data management (UDM)  726 , policy control function (PCF)  728 , and/or authentication server function (AUSF)  730 ). Note that these functional entities may also be supported by a session management function (SMF)  706   a  and an SMF  706   b  of the 5G CN. The AMF  706  may be connected to (or in communication with) the SMF  706   a . Further, the gNB  604  may in communication with (or connected to) a user plane function (UPF)  708   a  that may also be communication with the SMF  706   a . Similarly, the N3IWF  702  may be communicating with a UPF  708   b  that may also be communicating with the SMF  706   b . Both UPFs may be communicating with the data network (e.g., DN  710   a  and  710   b ) and/or the Internet  700  and IMS core network  710 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture that incorporates both dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) access and non-3GPP access to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments. As shown, a user equipment device (e.g., such as UE  106 ) may access the 5G CN through both a radio access network (RAN, e.g., such as gNB or base station  604  or eNB or base station  602 ) and an access point, such as AP  112 . The AP  112  may include a connection to the Internet  700  as well as a connection to the N3IWF  702  network entity. The N3IWF may include a connection to the AMF  704  of the 5G CN. The AMF  704  may include an instance of the 5G MM function associated with the UE  106 . In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB  604 ) may also have a connection to the AMF  704 . Thus, the 5G CN may support unified authentication over both connections as well as allow simultaneous registration for UE  106  access via both gNB  604  and AP  112 . In addition, the 5G CN may support dual-registration of the UE on both a legacy network (e.g., LTE via base station  602 ) and a 5G network (e.g., via base station  604 ). As shown, the base station  602  may have connections to a mobility management entity (MME)  742  and a serving gateway (SGW)  744 . The MME  742  may have connections to both the SGW  744  and the AMF  704 . In addition, the SGW  744  may have connections to both the SMF  706   a  and the UPF  708   a . As shown, the AMF  704  may include one or more functional entities associated with the 5G CN (e.g., NSSF  720 , SMSF  722 , AF  724 , UDM  726 , PCF  728 , and/or AUSF  730 ). Note that UDM  726  may also include a home subscriber server (HSS) function and the PCF may also include a policy and charging rules function (PCRF). Note further that these functional entities may also be supported by the SMF 706   a  and the SMF  706   b  of the 5G CN. The AMF  706  may be connected to (or in communication with) the SMF  706   a . Further, the gNB  604  may in communication with (or connected to) the UPF  708   a  that may also be communication with the SMF  706   a . Similarly, the N3IWF  702  may be communicating with a UPF  708   b  that may also be communicating with the SMF  706   b . Both UPFs may be communicating with the data network (e.g., DN  710   a  and  710   b ) and/or the Internet  700  and IMS core network  710 . 
     Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above described network entities may be configured to perform methods to implement mechanisms for non-stand-alone unlicensed band cells that support single carrier capable UEs, e.g., as further described herein. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a baseband processor architecture for a UE (e.g., such as UE  106 ), according to some embodiments. The baseband processor architecture  800  described in  FIG. 8  may be implemented on one or more radios (e.g., radios  329  and/or  330  described above) or modems (e.g., modems  510  and/or  520 ) as described above. As shown, the non-access stratum (NAS)  810  may include a 5G NAS  820  and a legacy NAS  850 . The legacy NAS  850  may include a communication connection with a legacy access stratum (AS)  870 . The 5G NAS  820  may include communication connections with both a 5G AS  840  and a non-3GPP AS  830  and Wi-Fi AS  832 . The 5G NAS  820  may include functional entities associated with both access stratums. Thus, the 5G NAS  820  may include multiple 5G MM entities  826  and  828  and 5G session management (SM) entities  822  and  824 . The legacy NAS  850  may include functional entities such as short message service (SMS) entity  852 , evolved packet system (EPS) session management (ESM) entity  854 , session management (SM) entity  856 , EPS mobility management (EMM) entity  858 , and mobility management (MM)/GPRS mobility management (GMM) entity  860 . In addition, the legacy AS  870  may include functional entities such as LTE AS  872 , UMTS AS  874 , and/or GSM/GPRS AS  876 . 
     Thus, the baseband processor architecture  800  allows for a common 5G-NAS for both 5G cellular and non-cellular (e.g., non-3GPP access). Note that as shown, the 5G MM may maintain individual connection management and registration management state machines for each connection. Additionally, a device (e.g., UE  106 ) may register to a single PLMN (e.g., 5G CN) using 5G cellular access as well as non-cellular access. Further, it may be possible for the device to be in a connected state in one access and an idle state in another access and vice versa. Finally, there may be common 5G-MM procedures (e.g., registration, de-registration, identification, authentication, as so forth) for both accesses. 
     Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above described functional entities of the 5G NAS and/or 5G AS may be configured to perform methods to implement mechanisms for non-stand-alone unlicensed band cells that support single carrier capable UEs, e.g., as further described herein. 
     5G NR Unlicensed Band Cell Access and Deployment 
     As noted above, 5G NR may allow interworking with unlicensed bands via Wi-Fi access (e.g., via a Wi-Fi access point). Thus, in some contemplated implementations, one or more unlicensed band cells (e.g., providing access to unlicensed bands) may be co-located within a licensed band cell (e.g., providing access to licensed bands). For example, as illustrated by  FIG. 9 , a device may, such as device  900 , may be located in an unlicensed band cell  902   a , which may be encompassed by a licensed band cell  906 . In addition, licensed band cell  906  may also encompass unlicensed band cell  902   b . In such scenarios, multiple deployments have been contemplated to allow the device  900  to access both the licensed band cell  906  and the unlicensed band cell  902   a . For example, in one scenario, device  900  may use carrier aggregation between the licensed band cell  906  and the unlicensed band cell  902   a . As another example, device  900  may connect to both the licensed band cell  906  and the unlicensed band cell  902   a  (e.g., dual connectivity). As a further example, the unlicensed band cell  902   a  may be a stand-alone cell and the device  900  may register with unlicensed band cell  902   a  to gain access to the unlicensed bands. As yet another example, a 5G NR cell may be implemented such that downlink connections use unlicensed bands and uplink connections use licensed bands. As another example, device  900  may connect to a legacy cell (e.g., LTE licensed bands) and the unlicensed band cell  902   a  (e.g., dual connectivity). However, for scenarios that would implement carrier aggregation and/or dual connectivity, a device that is not capable of carrier aggregation would not be able to access the unlicensed bands. In other words, a device with single carrier capability would not be able to access the unlicensed bands. Additionally, for other scenarios (e.g., stand-alone and/or downlink in unlicensed bands) the unlicensed band cell may be required to support idle reference signals, system information transmissions, and/or paging transmissions. However, supporting such channel access mechanisms may require compliance with certain regulations and listen before talk mechanisms (which may delay access to the unlicensed bands) may be applied to such channel access transmissions leading to additional design complexity. Further, transmissions for idle mode (e.g., SI and/or paging transmissions) may increase signaling overhead in the unlicensed band cell and increase collision probabilities. 
     Embodiments described herein provided mechanisms for deployment of non-stand-alone unlicensed band cells that support single carrier capable UEs (e.g., such as UE  106 ). In some embodiments, support for single carrier capable UEs may be limited to UEs working in a connected mode. In some embodiments, an unlicensed band cell may not support paging and system information transmission. In some embodiments, an unlicensed band cell may support RACH procedures. In some embodiments, a UE, such as UE  106 , may camp on a licensed band cell in an IDLE/INACTIVE state and may access an unlicensed band cell upon entering a CONNECTED state. In some embodiments, a UE, such as UE  106  may access a licensed band cell and the licensed band cell may redirect the UE to connect to the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the redirection (or switching) of the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based on any, any combination of, and/or all of a network policy, network load (and/or network traffic conditions), a capability of the UE, and/or position (e.g., geographic location) of the UE. In some embodiments, a UE, such as UE  106  may (also or additionally) access an unlicensed band cell directly, e.g., without intervention and/or support from a licensed band cell. 
     For example,  FIG. 10  illustrates a possible deployment of licensed and unlicensed band cells, according to some embodiments. As shown, base station  604  may be in communication (or supporting) licensed band cell  1004  as well as unlicensed band cells  1012   a  and  1012   b . Note that licensed band cell  1004  may provide connections in a licensed spectrum whereas unlicensed band cells  1012   a  and  1012   b  may provide connections in an unlicensed spectrum. Further, UE  1006 , which may be a UE  106 , may be located within unlicensed band cell  1012   a  as well as licensed band cell  1004 . Licensed band cell  1004  may broadcast master information block (MIB)  1010 , cell RMSI  1012 , and other system information blocks (SIBs)  1014 . Similarly, unlicensed band cells  1012   a  and  1012   b  may also broadcast respective MIBs  1010 . Thus, the UE  1006  may camp on the licensed band cell  1004  (e.g., via communications with base station  604 ) and may remain in an idle or inactive state. Upon entering a connected state, licensed band cell  1004  may direct (or redirect) the UE  1006  to unlicensed band cell  1012   a.    
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate signaling diagrams of examples of signaling for a licensed band cell to redirect a user equipment device to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. The signaling shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above Figures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the signaling shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional signaling may also be performed as desired. As shown, the signaling may flow as follows. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11A , at  1102 , a UE, such as UE  1006  may camp (e.g., via a RACH procedure) on a licensed band cell, such as licensed band cell  1004 . Licensed band cell  1004  may be supported by a base station, such as base station  604  (which may be a gNB, e.g., a 5G NR base station as described above). At  1104 , licensed band cell  1004  may broadcast cell information, e.g., as described above. Based on the broadcasted cell information, at  1106  the UE  1006  may decide to access the network and may, at  1108 , transmit an RRC connection request and/or an RRC resume connection request to the licensed band cell  1004 . At  1110 , the licensed band cell  1004  may transmit a request to switch the UE  1006  to an unlicensed band cell, such as unlicensed band cell  1012   a . In some embodiments, the redirection (or switching) of the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based on any, any combination of, and/or all of a network policy, network load (and/or network traffic conditions), a capability of the UE, and/or position (e.g., geographic location) of the UE. At  1112 , unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may transmit a cell configuration to licensed band cell  1004 . Note that unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may also be supported by base station  604 . Upon receipt of the unlicensed band cell configuration, the licensed band cell  1004  may, at  1114 , transmit an RRC setup message to the UE  1006 . In some embodiments, the RRC setup message may include an indication of a switch to the unlicensed band cell (e.g., unlicensed band cell  1012   a ). In some embodiments, the RRC setup message may also include an identifier for the unlicensed band cell (e.g., a U-Cell ID), the unlicensed band cell&#39;s cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) as well as the unlicensed band cell&#39;s configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode. Upon receipt of the RRC setup message, the UE  1006  may, at  1116 , acquire downlink timing from the unlicensed band cell  1012   a  and also perform a radio quality check at  1118 . Further, upon confirming the radio quality and/or downlink timing, the UE  1006  may, at  1120 , transmit an RRC connection complete message to the unlicensed band cell  1012   a . In response, the unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may transmit, at  1112 , a confirmation of the switch of the UE  1006  to the licensed band cell  1004 . At  1124 , the UE  1006  and the unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may then commence data transmissions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11B , at  1102 , a UE, such as UE  1006  may camp on a licensed band cell, such as licensed band cell  1004 . Licensed band cell  1004  may be supported by a base station, such as base station  604  (which may be a gNB, e.g., a 5G NR base station as described above). At  1104 , licensed band cell  1004  may broadcast cell information, e.g., as described above. Based on the broadcasted cell information, the UE  1006  may decide, at  1106 , to access the network and may transmit, at  1108 , an RRC connection request and/or an RRC resume connection request to the licensed band cell  1004 . At  1110 , the licensed band cell  1004  may transmit a request to switch the UE  1006  to an unlicensed band cell such as unlicensed band cell  1012   a . In some embodiments, the redirection (or switching) of the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based on any, any combination of, and/or all of a network policy, network load (and/or network traffic conditions), a capability of the UE, and/or position (e.g., geographic location) of the UE. At  1112 , unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may transmit a cell configuration to licensed band cell  1004 . Note that unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may also be supported by base station  604 . Upon receipt of the unlicensed band cell configuration, the licensed band cell  1004  may transmit,  1114 , an RRC setup message to the UE  1006 . In some embodiments, the RRC setup message may include an indication of a switch to the unlicensed band cell (e.g., unlicensed band cell  1012   a ). In some embodiments, the RRC setup message may also include an identifier for the unlicensed band cell (e.g., a U-Cell ID), the unlicensed band cell&#39;s cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) as well as the unlicensed band cell&#39;s configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode. Upon receipt of the RRC setup message, the UE  1006  may, at  1116 , acquire downlink timing from the unlicensed band cell  1012   a  and also perform a radio quality check at  1118 . Further, upon confirming that the radio quality and/or downlink timing are not sufficient for transmissions, the UE  1006  may transmit, at  1126 , an RRC connection failure message to the licensed band cell  1012   a . The RRC connection failure message may indicate that the connection to unlicensed band cell  1012   a  failed. In some embodiments, the RRC connection failure message may indicate a cause of the failure, e.g., unlicensed band cell not found, unlicensed band cell found but signaling timeout, and so forth. In response, the licensed band cell  1004  may transmit, at  1128 , an indication of failure of the switch of the UE to the unlicensed band cell  1012   a . The UE  1006  and the licensed band cell  1004  may then commence data transmissions at  1130 . 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate signaling diagrams of examples of signaling for an unlicensed band cell to release a user equipment device to a licensed band cell, according to some embodiments. The signaling shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above Figures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the signaling shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional signaling may also be performed as desired. As shown, the signaling may flow as follows. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12A , a UE, such as UE  1006 , may be, at  1202 , camped on an unlicensed band cell, such as unlicensed band cell  1012   a  and may be performing data transmissions  1124  with the unlicensed band cell  1012   a . Note that unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may also be supported by base station  604  (which may be a gNB, e.g., a 5G NR base station as described above). The unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may transmit, at  1204 , an RRC connection release to the UE  1006 . The RRC connection release may include an indication or identifier for licensed band cell  1004 , which may also be supported by base station  604 . The UE  1006  may, at  1206 , receive a reference signal from licensed band cell  1004 . At  1208 , the UE  1006  may use the reference signal to acquire timing and check radio quality on the licensed band cell  1004 . At  1210 , the UE  1006  may camp (e.g., camping criteria are satisfied) on licensed band cell  1004  and monitor paging and/or system information received from broadcasts by licensed band cell  1004  at  1212 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12B , a UE, such as UE  1006 , may be, at  1202 , camped on an unlicensed band cell, such as unlicensed band cell  1012   a  and may be performing data transmissions  1124  with the unlicensed band cell  1012   a . Note that unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may also be supported by base station  604  (which may be a gNB, e.g., a 5G NR base station as described above). The unlicensed band cell  1012   a  may transmit, at  1204 , an RRC connection release to the UE  1006 . The RRC connection release may include an indication or identifier for licensed band cell  1004 , which may also be supported by base station  604 . The UE  1006  may, at  1206 , receive a reference signal from licensed band cell  1004 . At  1208 , the UE  1006  may use the reference signal to acquire timing and check radio quality. Upon confirming that the radio quality and/or downlink timing are not sufficient for transmissions, the UE  1006  may initiate cell reselection at  1214 . In some embodiments, the cell reselection and/or a new cell selection may not be restricted to a licensed band cell on the 5G NR RAT and may include eLTE and/or any legacy RAT such as LTE-A, LTE, WCDMA, GSM, and so forth. 
     As another example,  FIG. 13  illustrates another possible deployment of licensed and unlicensed band cells, according to some embodiments. As shown, base station  604  may be in communication (or supporting) licensed band cell  1304  but not unlicensed band cells  1312   a  and  1312   b . Note that licensed band cell  1304  may provide connections in a licensed spectrum whereas unlicensed band cells  1312   a  and  1312   b  may provide connections in an unlicensed spectrum. Further, UE  1006 , which may be a UE  106 , may be located within unlicensed band cell  1312   a  as well as licensed band cell  1304 . Licensed band cell  1304  may broadcast master information block (MIB)  1310 , cell RMSI  1312 , other system information blocks (SIBs)  1314 , as well as cell RMSIs  1316  associated with unlicensed band cells (e.g., unlicensed band cells  1312   a  and  1312   b ) within licensed band cell  1304 . Similarly, unlicensed band cells  1312   a  and  1312   b  may also broadcast respective MIBs  1310  and cell RMSIs  1316 . Thus, the UE  1006  may camp on the licensed band cell  1304  (e.g., via communications with base station  604 ) and may remain in an idle or inactive state. In some embodiments, the UE  1006  may detect a suitable unlicensed band cell for access. Further, upon initiating access with the network, the UE  1006  may detect an unlicensed band cell (e.g., unlicensed band cell  1312 ) with sufficient signal quality and initiate access with the detected unlicensed band cell. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a signaling diagram of example of signaling for a user equipment device to initiate access to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. The signaling shown in  FIG. 14  may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above Figures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the signaling shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional signaling may also be performed as desired. As shown, the signaling may flow as follows. 
     As shown, a UE, such as UE  1006 , may, at  1404 , receive a broadcast message from a licensed band cell, such as licensed band cell  1304 . At  1406 , based on information in or indicated by the broadcast message, the UE  1006  may determine to access the network. At  1418 , the UE  1006  may receive a reference signal for unlicensed band cell  1312   a . At  1420 , the UE  1006  may determine signal quality based on the received reference signal. At  1422 , in response to determining that the signal quality is sufficient (e.g., greater than a threshold), the UE  1006  may initiate access with the unlicensed band cell  1312   a . The UE  1006  and the unlicensed band cell  1312   a  may then commence data transmissions at  1424 . 
       FIG. 15A  illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method for a UE to switch from a licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. The method shown in  FIG. 15A  may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above Figures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. As shown, this method may operate as follows. 
     At  1502 , a UE, such as UE  106 , may camp on a licensed band cell, such as licensed band cell  1004 , of a radio access network (RAN). In some embodiments, the RAN may operate according to Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR) protocol. In some embodiments, the RAN may operate according E-UTRA, e.g., LTE and/or LTE-A, protocol. 
     At  1504 , the UE may transmit a request to connect to the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, the request may be transmitted in response to receiving first information from the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, a request to connect/resume may include a radio resource control connection/resume request. In some embodiments, the connection setup/resume message may indicate at least one of (and/or any, any combination of, and/or all of) an identifier for the unlicensed band cell, a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell, and/or configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
     At  1506 , the UE may receive, from the licensed band cell, a connection setup message indicating that the UE switch to an unlicensed band cell, such as unlicensed band cell  1012   a , of the RAN. In some embodiments, a base station, such as base station  604  may support both the licensed band cell and the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, switching the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based on at least one of (and/or any, any combination of, and/or all of) network policy, network load and/or network traffic conditions, a capability of the UE, and/or a position (or geographic location) of the UE, e.g., relative to the unlicensed band cell. 
     At  1508 , the UE may transmit a connection message and/or a resume complete message to the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the connection message and/or resume complete message may be transmitted in response to confirming based, at least in part on a reference signal received from the unlicensed band cell, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the UE may perform data transmissions with the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the connection/resume complete message may include a radio resource control connection complete message. 
     In some embodiments, the UE may transmit a connection message and/or a resume complete message to the licensed band cell in response to confirming, based at least in part of the reference signal, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell is not satisfactory. In such embodiments, the UE may perform data transmissions with the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, the connection/resume complete message may include a radio resource control connection complete message. 
     In some embodiments, the UE may receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a connection release message. Additionally, the UE may receive a reference signal from the licensed band cell and determine, based at least in part on the reference signal, to camp on the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, the connection release message may include an indication of redirecting the UE to licensed band cell and may optionally include an identifier of the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, the UE may determine that the licensed band cell is not suitable for camping and may perform a cell selection (or reselection) procedure. In some embodiments, the cell selection (or reselection) procedure may be limited on (or to) the licensed band. 
       FIG. 15B  illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method for a network to switch a UE from a licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. The method shown in  FIG. 15B  may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above Figures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. As shown, this method may operate as follows. 
     At  1522 , a network entity, such as licensed band cell  1004  and/or base station  604 , may receive a request to connect to a licensed band cell from a user equipment device (UE), such as UE  106 . In some embodiments, the network entity may broadcast cell information and the request to connect may be responsive to the UE receiving the cell information. In some embodiments, base station may operate according to Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR) protocol. In some embodiments, the base station may operate according E-UTRA, e.g., LTE and/or LTE-A, protocol. In some embodiments, the request to connect may include a radio resource control connection request. 
     At  1524 , the network entity may transmit, after determining to direct the UE to connect to an unlicensed band cell within range of the UE, a request to switch the UE to the unlicensed band cell, such as unlicensed band cell  1006 . In some embodiments, a base station, such as base station  604 , may support the licensed band cell and the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, switching the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based on at least one of (and/or any, any combination of, and/or all of) network policy, network load and/or network traffic conditions, a capability of the UE, and/or a position (or geographic location) of the UE, e.g., relative to the unlicensed band cell. 
     At  1526 , the network entity may receive, from the unlicensed band cell, configuration information for the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of (and/or any, any combination of, and/or all of) an identifier for the unlicensed band cell, a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell, and/or configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
     At  1528 , the network entity may transmit, to the UE, a setup/resume message indicating the switch to the unlicensed band cell to the UE. In some embodiments, the connection setup/resume message may indicate at least one of (and/or any, any combination of, and/or all of) the identifier for the unlicensed band cell, the cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell, and/or configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
     In some embodiments, the network entity may receive, from the UE, a connection/resume complete message that may indicate a failure of the UE to connect to the unlicensed band cell. In such embodiments, the network entity may perform, with the UE, data transmissions via the licensed band cell. 
       FIG. 16A  illustrates a block diagram of another example of a method for a UE to switch from a licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. The method shown in  FIG. 16A  may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above Figures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. As shown, this method may operate as follows. 
     At  1602 , a UE, such as UE  106 , may camp on a licensed band cell, such as licensed band cell  1004 , of a radio access network (RAN). In some embodiments, the RAN may operate according to Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR) protocol. In some embodiments, the RAN may operate according E-UTRA, e.g., LTE and/or LTE-A, protocol. In some embodiments, the UE may acquire paging and system information on the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, the UE may receive, from the licensed band cell while camping on the licensed band cell, the unlicensed band cell remaining minimum system information (RMSI). 
     At  1604 , the UE may receive a reference signal from an unlicensed band cell, such as unlicensed band cell  1006 . In some embodiments, the unlicensed band cell may be one of a plurality of unlicensed band cells. In such embodiments, the UE may receive reference signals from the plurality of unlicensed band cells and determine to access the unlicensed band cell based on a comparison of signal quality of the reference signal to a threshold. 
     At  1606 , the UE may assess radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell based, at least in part, on the reference signal. In some embodiments, the UE may transmit a connection message and/or a resume complete message to the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the connection message and/or resume complete message may be transmitted in response to confirming based, at least in part on a reference signal received from the unlicensed band cell, radio quality and/or downlink timing of the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the connection/resume complete message may include a radio resource control connection complete message. 
     At  1608 , the UE may perform data transmissions with the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the UE may receive, from the unlicensed band cell, a connection release message. Additionally, the UE may receive a reference signal from the licensed band cell and determine, based at least in part on the reference signal, to camp on the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, the connection release message may include an indication of redirecting the UE to licensed band cell and may optionally include an identifier of the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, the UE may determine that the licensed band cell is not suitable for camping and may perform a cell selection (or reselection) procedure. In some embodiments, the cell selection (or reselection) procedure may be limited on (or to) the licensed band. 
       FIG. 16B  illustrates a block diagram of another example of a method for a network to switch a UE from a licensed band cell to an unlicensed band cell, according to some embodiments. The method shown in  FIG. 16B  may be used in conjunction with any of the systems or devices shown in the above Figures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. As shown, this method may operate as follows. 
     At  1622 , a network entity, such as unlicensed band cell  1006  and/or base station  604 , may receive, from a licensed band cell, such as licensed band cell  1004 , a request to switch a UE, such as UE  106 , camped on the licensed band to the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the base station may support the unlicensed band cell and the licensed band cell. In some embodiments, base station may operate according to Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR) protocol. In some embodiments, the base station may operate according E-UTRA, e.g., LTE and/or LTE-A, protocol. In some embodiments, the request to connect may include a radio resource control connection request. In some embodiments, switching the UE to the unlicensed band cell may be based on at least one of (and/or any, any combination of, and/or all of) network policy, network load and/or network traffic conditions, a capability of the UE, and/or a position (or geographic location) of the UE, e.g., relative to the unlicensed band cell. 
     At  1624 , the network entity may transmit, to the licensed band cell, configuration information for the unlicensed band cell. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of (and/or any, any combination of, and/or all of) an identifier for the unlicensed band cell, a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for the unlicensed band cell, and/or configuration requirements for CONNECTED mode on the unlicensed band cell. 
     At  1626 , the network entity may transmit a reference signal for the unlicensed band cell to the UE. 
     At  1628 , the network entity may receive a connection complete message from the UE. In some embodiments, the connection complete message may include a radio resource control connection complete message 
     In some embodiments, the network entity may perform data transmissions with the UE. In some embodiments, the network entity may transmit, to the UE, a connection release message. In some embodiments, the connection release message may include an indication of redirecting the UE to licensed band cell and may optionally include an identifier of the licensed band cell. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may be realized in any of various forms. For example, some embodiments may be realized as a computer-implemented method, a computer-readable memory medium, or a computer system. Other embodiments may be realized using one or more custom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. Still other embodiments may be realized using one or more programmable hardware elements such as FPGAs. 
     In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium may be configured so that it stores program instructions and/or data, where the program instructions, if executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform a method, e.g., any of the method embodiments described herein, or, any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or, any combination of such subsets. 
     In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a UE  106 ) may be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium, where the memory medium stores program instructions, where the processor is configured to read and execute the program instructions from the memory medium, where the program instructions are executable to implement any of the various method embodiments described herein (or, any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or, any combination of such subsets). The device may be realized in any of various forms. 
     Although the embodiments above have been described in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190830
Publication Date: 20220517
Grant Date: 20220517
Priority Date: 20181102
Inventors: XU, FANGLI
ZHANG, DAWEI
HU, HAIJING
XING, LONGDA
SHIKARI, MURTAZA A.
Gurumoorthy, Sethuraman
KODALI, Sree Ram
NIMMALA, SRINIVASAN
LOVLEKAR, SRIRANG A.
OU, XU
CHEN, YUQIN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04W36/00698", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W76/11", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W8/26", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W76/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W76/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W16/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W16/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W8/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W48/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W88/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L5/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L5/0051", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W88/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W76/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W16/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W76/11", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L5/0051", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W8/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W36/00698", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 70459158