WO2021028820A1

WO2021028820A1 - Conditional primary secondary cell access

Info

Publication number: WO2021028820A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/057515
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lars Dalsgaard; Elena Virtej; Tero Henttonen
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2019-08-09
Filing date: 2020-08-10
Publication date: 2021-02-18

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for conditional primary secondary cell (PSCell). A method may include receiving, from a network, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal. The measurement configuration signal may include one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell. The method may further include determining if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled for activating a connection in the first cell. The method may also include, initiating data transmission in the first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled. In addition, the method may include initiating data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled. The method may also include sending a scheduling request to the network to request resources for data transmission.

Description

CONDITIONAL PRIMARY SECONDARY CELL ACCESS

FIELD:

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain embodiments may relate to apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for conditional primary secondary cell (PSCell) access.

BACKGROUND:

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE- Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, and/or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. Fifth generation (5G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G is mostly built on a new radio (NR), but the 5G (or NG) network can also build on E- UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR will provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit/s or higher, and will support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra reliable low-latency-communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra- robust, low latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). With IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication becoming more widespread, there will be a growing need for networks that meet the needs of lower power, low data rate, and long battery life. It is noted that, in 5G, the nodes that can provide radio access functionality to a user equipment (i.e., similar to Node B in UTRAN or eNB in LTE) are named gNB when built on NR radio and named NG-eNB when built on E-UTRAN radio.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0003] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a procedure for user equipment initiated traffic, according to an example embodiment.

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to an example embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of another method, according to an example embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a further method, according to an example embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 5(a) illustrates an apparatus, according to an example embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 5(b) illustrates another apparatus, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0010] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for conditional primary secondary cell (PSCell) access. [0011] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0012] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or steps discussed below may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions or steps may be optional or may be combined. As such, the following description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not in limitation thereof.

[0013] The current architecture in LTE networks is fully distributed in the radio and fully centralized in the core network. The low latency applications and services in 5G require to bring the content close to the radio which leads to local breakout and multi access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analytics and knowledge generation to occur at the source of the data. This approach requires leveraging resources that may not be continuously connected to a network such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It also has the ability to store and process content in close proximity to cellular subscribers for faster response time. Edge computing covers a wide range of technologies such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, cooperative distributed peer-to-peer ad hoc networking and processing also classifiable as local cloud/fog computing and grid/mesh computing, dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlet, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomic self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, Internet of Things (massive connectivity and/or latency critical), and critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time- critical control, healthcare applications).

[0014] 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has been working on optimizing the carrier aggregation (CA) setup time in Rel-15 known as enhanced utilization of CA (euCA). This work has been continued in NR Rel- 16 known as dual connectivity carrier aggregation (DCCA). The goal of this work item is similar to euCA, and may include among other things, an objective of efficient and low latency serving cell configuration/activation/setup. For example, this focuses on minimizing signaling overhead and latency needed for the initial call setup, additional cell setup, and additional cell activation for data transmission. The objective may be applicable to multi-radio access technology (MR) dual connectivity (MR-DC), NR-NR, dual connectivity (DC), and CA. The objective may also include consideration of enhancements when starting from IDLE, INACTIVE, and CONNECTED modes. [0015] NR may include several new challenges compared to those known in LTE. One of the challenges is usage of cells in Frequency Range 2 (FR2). In, for example, FR2, both gNB as well as the device may apply beam forming in order to achieve reasonable cell coverage. Beam forming may also be applied in order to achieve a sufficient link budget. Further, applying beam forming on the user equipment (UE) side may increase the device latencies as the device in many situations may not be able to receive with all reception (Rx) beams simultaneously (e.g. due to UE implementation limitations on number of active panels). In addition, usage of UE Rx beam sweeping may increase the overall UE latencies.

[0016] During LTE euCA work, it was shown that increased latency in CA setup time (i.e., the time it takes for the network to configure and activate CA) decreases the overall system efficiency. In addition, significant gains may be achieved by reducing the setup time. Further, similar gains may be expected for NR and for both CA and DC. For instance, where this is foreseen to give gain is setting up DC (or for example DC- like/Multi-connectivity like schemes), for example Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access - NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) or NR-DC or alike, with the primary secondary cell (PSCell) in FR2.

[0017] Having added the PSCell, for example, for efficient offloading, efficient use of the PSCell may be important. For example, what may be needed is an efficient way of how to optimize the PSCell utilization in FR2, in order to increase the overall system efficiency. What may also be needed is a method that can reduce the PSCell setup time and increase the PSCell utilization time. Thus, certain example embodiments may provide a solution to achieve a fast and energy-efficient (P)SCell utilization. Currently, when new traffic arrives, and user data transfer is initiated/resumed, the routing of traffic (between primary cell (PCell) and PSCell) is quite inflexible. Thus, the network does not have much flexible control where the UE will send the data.

[0018] Discontinuous reception (DRX) for DC is described in 3GPP TS 38.321. The cell groups (Master Cell Group (MCG) and Secondary Cell Group (SCG)) have separate DRX configurations that run independently.

[0019] Certain example embodiments may provide a solution that addresses at least the various problems discussed above, and adapt the routing based on the conditions while avoiding unnecessary UE energy consumption due to multi-link communication. Certain example embodiments may provide a method including rules specifying how the UE can conditionally access (only) a PSCell independently from the primary cell (PCell). For example, in an embodiment, the UE may directly access the PSCell without accessing the PCell. This enables keeping the PCell in a DRX state. For example, it may not be necessary to wake up the PCell from DRX under certain conditions. However, the UE may be allowed/expected to only access the PSCell. [0020] According to an example embodiment, when the UE is configured with DC and has new traffic, the UE may be configured to access the network. When accessing the network, the UE may choose between two different options. As a first option, the PCell may be used for an initial access. In an example embodiment, the initial access may include a legacy procedure or a current behavior, and both the legacy procedure and current behavior may be subject to certain conditions described herein. According to an example embodiment, the legacy procedure may refer to the UE performing Random Access procedure on the PCell. Alternatively, this may be the current behavior. As a second option, the PSCell may be used for access. In an example embodiment, when the PCell is not used, it may stay in a DRX state, and this may correspond to a new behavior that may be applicable when certain conditions described herein are met. [0021] According to certain example embodiments, the UE may also be configured to decide between the first and second options based on conditions configured by the network. In certain example embodiments, the conditions may include a signal strength or quality condition (for example radio resource management (RRM) measurements). In an example embodiment, the signal strength or quality condition may consider the (absolute or relative) minimum quality of the PCell and/or PSCell including, for example, that the PSCell is better than a certain threshold, and/or if PCell quality is lower than a threshold. In an example embodiment, threshold for the PSCell and the PCell may be that the measured RxLevel (e.g., synchronization signal reference signal received power (SS-RSRP) or synchronization signal reference signal received quality (SS-RSRQ)) is better than a certain threshold. This threshold may be configurable or fixed, according to certain example embodiments. In another example embodiment, the signal strength or quality condition may also consider a (relative) minimum quality of the PSCell compared to the PCell. This may include, for example, whether the PSCell is offset better than the PCell. For example in one embodiment, the UE may have measured the RxLevel (SS-RSRP and/or SS-RSRQ) of both the PCell and PSCell. Further, having an offset better than the PCell may correspond to whether the measured quantity of the PSCell is a certain amount higher/better than the same measured quantity of the PCell. Alternatively, the signal strength or quality condition may consider a combination of the (absolute) minimum quality of the PCell and/or PSCell and the (relative) minimum quality of the PSCell compared to the PCell.

[0022] In certain example embodiments, the conditions configured by the network may also include an amount of data in the buffer. For example, the amount of data in the buffer in the device may exceed a given threshold (e.g., if the UE data buffer (data to be transmitted) is higher than a certain amount; the UE may indicate this in a Buffer Status Report in certain steps), which may include, for example, and a buffer status report (BSR) amount for one or more logical channel groups (LCGs) that is smaller/larger than a given threshold. In another example embodiment, the conditions may include an estimated power headroom (PHR) in the PSCell that is above/below a given threshold (e.g., the PHR for PSCell is more/less than a threshold).

[0023] According to another example embodiment, the conditions configured by the network may include an estimated channel quality indicator (CQI). For example, the estimated channel quality on the UE side may result in that the CQI may be smaller/larger than a reference CQI value/threshold. In a further example embodiment, the conditions configured by the network may include a traffic type dependent. This may include, for example, a situation in which a voice/interactive is sent to the PCell, the mobile broadband (MBB) is sent to the PSCell, and the Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) is sent to the PCell.

[0024] In certain example embodiments, the UE may be configured to initiate traffic directly in the PSCell/SCG without activating the MCG and the MCG may remain “inactive” - in DRX, based on certain network configured condition(s) related to signal quality and traffic amount/type or any combination of these. Furthermore, in the network side, a new signaling may be introduced to configure the desired UE behavior. [0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a procedure for UE initiated traffic, according to an example embodiment. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates an idea for UE initiated traffic based on the configured condition by the network (NW), and illustrates that the UE may conditionally access the PSCell first. Otherwise, the UE may access the PCell first. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the UE may initiate the traffic. For example, the UE may obtain its measurement configuration from the NW, including the conditional PSCell access condition(s). Once the access conditions are evaluated, the UE may access the PSCell first. Otherwise, the UE may access the PCell first.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the procedure may be initiated at 1, where the MCG may send a configuration signal to the UE that may include a reconfiguration of measurements. In an example embodiment, the configuration signal may be a radio resource control (RRC) message. At 2, the MCG may send a measurement configuration message to the UE, which may include a configuration of the PSCell (and/or SCell(s)), along with the conditional PSCell (and/or SCell(s)) access conditions. Following the configuration message, at 3, the UE may obtain measurement information from the MCG or PCell. At 4, the UE may obtain measurement information from the SCG or PSCell. In certain example embodiments, the measurements obtained from the MCG and SCG by the UE may not be known or exchanged with the network. In other example embodiments, the measurements performed on the SCG/PSCell may also be performed on the MCG/PCell. However, the measurements may also be different depending on certain network configurations. According to an example embodiment, the measurements obtained by the UE may be used by the UE, and may not be known to the network or exchanged with the network. At 5, new UE initiated traffic or data transmission may be initiated by the UE. Further, at 6, a trigger condition to activate connection in the PSCell (and/or SCell) may be fulfilled at the UE.

[0027] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, at 7, the UE may send a scheduling request to the SCG. According to an example embodiment, the scheduling request may represent a way the UE indicates to the network that it would like to request resources for data transmission. This scheduling request may also be performed using a physical random access channel (PRACH) procedure. At 8, the UE may wake up from DRX for initiating access in SCG, and at 9, the UE may continue using DRX in MCG. Finally, at 10, the UE and SCG may exchange user data between one another.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to an example embodiment. Although FIG. 2 illustrates certain positions with a PSCell, in other example embodiments, an SCell may be substituted in place of the PSCell. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the procedure may begin at 100. At 105, the UE may measure the PSCell and PCell, and obtain SS-RSRP, SS-RSRQ, or similar type of measurements. According to certain example embodiments, the UE initiated traffic/data transmission at 110 may occur after the UE has performed measurements on the PCell and the PSCell. Once traffic has started, the UE may evaluate at 115, the condition(s) 145 to activate the connection in the PSCell. In an example embodiment, the evaluation may be based on the corresponding NW condition(s) configuration. If, at 115, it is determined that the condition is fulfilled, the UE may at 125, initiate traffic in the PSCell. If, at 115, it is determined that the condition is not fulfilled, the UE may at 120, initiate the traffic in the PCell. After the traffic has been initiated at either 120 or 125, the procedure may end at 130. In an example embodiment, the required conditions may be set to require one or more conditions to be fulfilled. In another example embodiment, when there is more than one condition, and if some is/are fulfilled and some is/are not fulfilled, traffic (e.g., data transmission) may be initiated in the PCell as long as one of the conditions is not fulfilled or all the conditions are fulfilled depending on which conditions are used.

[0029] According to certain example embodiments, the UE may access and/or prioritize access directly on the PSCell when the PSCell is “good enough” and/or certain conditions are fulfilled. For example, the reference signal received power (e.g., SS-RSRP)_PScell may be greater than a threshold or the RSRP_PSCell may be greater than the RSRP_PCell. In another example embodiment, the UE may access and/or prioritize access directly on the PSCell when the PSCell is “good enough,” and at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled. According to certain example embodiments, the conditions may include: BSR is above/below a certain threshold for configured LCGs; estimated PHR is smaller/larger than a threshold (i.e., leaves enough PHR to transmit in PSCell and/or PCell); estimated CQI is higher/lower than a reference CQI value (i.e., channel quality is better/worse than a threshold value); and the traffic type matches configured condition(s) (e.g., traffic type for accessing PSCell matches the traffic type triggering the access towards the network).

[0030] In another example embodiment, the UE may access and/or prioritize access to PCells. However, the PSCell may be activated as well. For example, in one embodiment, the PSCell may be woken from the DRX at the same time as the UE initiates an access procedure towards the PCell.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to an example embodiment. In certain example embodiments, the flow diagram of FIG. 3 may be performed by a mobile station and/or UE, for instance similar to apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 5(a). According to one example embodiment, the method of FIG. 3 may include initially, at 300, receiving, from a network, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal. In an example embodiment, the configuration signal may be an RRC configuration signal, and the measurement configuration signal may include one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell. The method may also include, at 305, determining if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled for activating a connection in the first cell. Further, at 310, the method may include initiating data transmission in the first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled. In addition, at 315, the method may include initiating data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled. Further, at 320, the method may include sending a scheduling request to the network to request resources for data transmission.

[0032] According to an example embodiment, the first cell may be a primary secondary cell, and the second cell may be a primary cell. According to another example embodiment, the measurement configuration signal may include at least one of a configuration of the primary secondary cell and/or one or more conditional primary secondary cell access conditions. In another example embodiment, the initiating data transmission in the first cell may include accessing the first cell, and the initiating data transmission in the second cell may include accessing the second cell. According to a further example embodiment, at least one of the first cell or the second cell may be in a discontinuous reception state before data transmission is initiated in the first cell or in the second cell. In a further example embodiment, if data transmission in the first cell is initiated, the first cell may be woken from the discontinuous reception state while the second cell remains in the discontinuous reception state. According to an example embodiment, when the data transmission in the second cell is initiated, both the first cell and the second cell may be woken from the discontinuous reception state. In another example embodiment, the one or more conditional cell access conditions may include at least one of a signal strength condition, a signal quality condition, an amount of data in a buffer condition, an estimated power headroom condition, estimated channel quality indicator condition, or a traffic type dependent condition. In a further example embodiment, the method may be performed by a UE, and the UE may be in a connected mode with the primary cell.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of another method, according to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 4 may be performed by a telecommunications network, network entity or network node in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 4 may be performed by a base station, eNB, or gNB, MCG, SCG, PCell, or PSCell for instance similar to apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 5(b).

[0034] According to an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 4 may include initially, at 400, sending to a user equipment, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal. In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration signal may include one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell. The method may also include, at 405, receiving, from the UE, data transmission in a first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled. In addition, the method may include, at 410, receiving, from the UE, data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled. Further, the method may include, at 415, waking the first cell from a discontinuous reception state when the data transmission is received in the first cell while the second cell remains in a discontinuous reception state. In addition, the method may include, at 420, waking the first cell and the second cell from a discontinuous reception state when the data transmission is received in the second cell.

[0035] According to an example embodiment, the first cell may be a primary secondary cell and the second cell may be a primary cell. According to a further example embodiment, the measurement configuration signal may include a at least one of configuration of the primary secondary cell or one or more conditional primary secondary cell access conditions. In another example embodiment, the receiving user equipment data transmission in the first cell may include allowing access to the first cell, and the receiving user equipment data transmission in the second cell may include allowing access to the second cell. According to a further example embodiment, the one or more conditional cell access conditions may include at least one of a signal strength condition, a signal quality condition, an amount of data in a buffer condition, an estimated power headroom condition, an estimated channel quality indicator condition, or a traffic type dependent condition

[0036] FIG. 5(a) illustrates an apparatus 10 according to an example embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a node or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, IoT device, or other device. As described herein, UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smart phone, IoT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, or the like. As one example, apparatus 10 may be implemented in, for instance, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, or the like.

[0037] In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and/or a user interface. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and/or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0038] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 5(a), apparatus 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processor 12 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 5(a), multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0039] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes illustrated in FIGs. 1-3.

[0040] Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0041] In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 12 and/or apparatus 10 to perform any of the methods illustrated in FIGs. 1-3.

[0042] In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an uplink from apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDM A symbols, carried by a downlink or an uplink.

[0043] For instance, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device). In certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0044] In an embodiment, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10. The components of apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, apparatus 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with apparatus 10 via a wireless or wired communications link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0045] According to certain example embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0046] As discussed above, according to certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be a UE for example. According to certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform the functions associated with example embodiments described herein. For instance, in one embodiment, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive, from a network, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal. In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration signal may include one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled for activating a connection in the first cell. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to initiate data transmission in the first cell if the one or more conditional cell access condition is fulfilled. Further, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to initiate data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access condition is not fulfilled. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to send a scheduling request to the network to request resources for data transmission. [0047] FIG. 5(b) illustrates an apparatus 20 according to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be a RAT, node, host, or server in a communication network or serving such a network. For example, apparatus 20 may be an MCG, SCG, PCell, PSCell, a satellite, base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and/or WFAN access point, associated with a radio access network (RAN), such as an FTE network, 5G or NR. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0048] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 5(b), apparatus 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. For example, processor 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application- specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 5(b), multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. In certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster.

[0049] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 20, including processes illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. [0050] Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0051] In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 22 and/or apparatus 20 to perform the methods illustrated in FIGs. 1, 2, and 4. [0052] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultrawideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to- analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an uplink).

[0053] As such, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 20. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, apparatus 20 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device).

[0054] In an embodiment, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0055] According to some embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0056] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to hardware-only circuitry implementations (e.g., analog and/or digital circuitry), combinations of hardware circuits and software, combinations of analog and/or digital hardware circuits with software/firmware, any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) that work together to cause an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and/or hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), or portions thereof, that use software for operation but where the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” may also cover an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0057] As introduced above, in certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may be a radio resource manager, RAT, node, host, or server in a communication network or serving such a network. For example, apparatus 20 may be a satellite, base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG- NB or gNB), and/or WLAN access point, associated with a radio access network (RAN), such as an LTE network, 5G or NR. According to certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform the functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein.

[0058] For instance, in one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to send to a user equipment, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal. In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration signal may include one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive user equipment data transmission in a first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled. In addition, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive user equipment data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled. Further, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to wake the first cell from a discontinuous reception state when the user equipment data transmission is received in the first cell while the second cell remains in a discontinuous reception state. In addition, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to wake the first cell and the second cell from a discontinuous reception state when the user equipment data transmission is received in the second cell.

[0059] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and /or advantages. In some example embodiments, it may be possible to optimize DC functionality and PSCell usage. According to other example embodiments, it may be possible to achieve better UE power consumption, and reduce latency in usage of the PSCell. Further, according to other example embodiments, it may be possible to enable UE power saving by allowing/enabling the UE to use a PSCell (which may be a small cell) over the PCell.

[0060] A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of an example embodiment may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0061] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0062] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0063] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation. [0064] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and/or fourth generation (4G) technology.

[0065] Partial Glossary [0066] CA Carrier Aggregation

[0067] CQI Channel Quality Indicator

[0068] DC Dual Connectivity

[0069] DRX Discontinuous Reception

[0070] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0071] FR2 Frequency Range 2

[0072] gNB 5G or NR Base Station

[0073] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0074] NR New Radio

[0075] PCell Primary Cell

[0076] PSCell Primary Secondary Cell [0077] SCell Secondary Cell

[0078] RX Reception

[0079] TX Transmission

[0080] UE User Equipment

[0081] A first embodiment is directed to a method that may include receiving, from a network, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal. In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration signal may include one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell. The method may also include determining if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled for activating a connection in the first cell. The method may further include initiating data transmission in the first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled. The method may also include initiating data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled. In addition, the method may include sending a scheduling request to the network to request resources for data transmission.

[0082] In a variant, the first cell may be a primary secondary cell or a secondary cell. The second cell may be a primary cell. In another variant, the primary cell may be the second cell.

[0083] In a variant, the measurement configuration signal may include at least one of a configuration of the primary secondary cell or one or more conditional primary secondary cell access conditions.

[0084] In a variant, the initiating data transmission in the first cell may include accessing the first cell. The initiating data transmission in the second cell may include accessing the second cell.

[0085] In a variant, at least one of the first cell or the second cell may be in a discontinuous reception state before data transmission is initiated in the at least one of the first cell or the second cell.

[0086] In a variant, if data transmission in the first cell is initiated, the first cell may be woken from the discontinuous reception state while the second cell remains in the discontinuous reception state.

[0087] In a variant, when the traffic in the second cell is initiated, both the first cell and the second cell are woken from the discontinuous reception state.

[0088] In a variant, the one or more conditional cell access conditions may include at least one of a signal strength condition, a signal quality condition, an amount of data in a buffer condition, an estimated power headroom condition, an estimated channel quality indicator condition, or a traffic type dependent condition.

[0089] In a variant, the method may be performed by a user equipment. The user equipment may be in a connected mode with the second cell. In other words, the user equipment may be in a connected mode with the primary cell.

[0090] A second embodiment may be directed to a method that may include sending to a user equipment, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal. In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration signal comprises one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell. The method may further include receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in a first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled. In addition, the method may include receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled. Further, the method may include waking the first cell from a discontinuous reception state when the data transmission is received in the first cell while the second cell remains in a discontinuous reception state. [0091] In a variant, the method may also include waking the first cell and the second cell from a discontinuous reception state when the user equipment data transmission is received in the second cell.

[0092] In a variant, the first cell is a primary secondary cell and the second cell is a primary cell. In another variant, the primary cell may be the second cell.

[0093] In a variant, the measurement configuration signal comprises at least one of a configuration of the primary secondary cell or one or more conditional primary secondary cell access conditions.

[0094] In a variant, the measurement configuration signal may include at least one of a configuration of a secondary cell or one or more conditional secondary cell access conditions.

[0095] In a variant, the receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in the first cell may include allowing access to the first cell, and the receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in the second cell may include allowing access to the second cell.

[0096] In a variant, the one or more conditional primary secondary cell access conditions comprises at least one of a signal strength condition, a signal quality condition, an amount of data in a buffer condition, an estimated power headroom condition, an estimated channel quality indicator condition, or a traffic type dependent condition.

[0097] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants discussed above.

[0098] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to perform the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants.

[0099] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include means for performing the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants. [0100] Another embodiment is directed to a computer readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants.

[0101] Another embodiment is directed to a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants.

[0102] Another embodiment is directed to a computer readable medium of wireless communication storing a program of instructions, execution of which by a processor configures an apparatus to at least perform the method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment or any of their variants.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method comprising: receiving, from a network, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell; determining whether the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled for activating a connection in the first cell; initiating data transmission in the first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled; initiating data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a scheduling request to the network to request resources for data transmission.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cell comprises a primary secondary cell or a secondary cell.

4. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second cell comprises a primary cell.

5. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises at least one of a configuration of the primary secondary cell or one or more conditional primary secondary cell access conditions.

6. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises at least one of a configuration of the secondary cell or one or more conditional secondary cell access conditions.

7. The method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the initiating data transmission in the first cell comprises accessing the first cell.

8. The method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the initiating data transmission in the second cell comprises accessing the second cell.

9. The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the first cell or the second cell is in a discontinuous reception state before data transmission is initiated in the at least one of the first cell or the second cell.

10. The method of claim 9, if data transmission in the first cell is initiated, the first cell is woken from the discontinuous reception state while the second cell remains in the discontinuous reception state.

11. The method of claim 9, if data transmission in the second cell is initiated, both the first cell and the second cell are woken from the discontinuous reception state.

12. The method of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the one or more conditional cell access conditions comprise at least one of a signal strength condition, a signal quality condition, an amount of data in a buffer condition, an estimated power headroom condition, an estimated channel quality indicator condition, or a traffic type dependent condition.

13. The method of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the method is performed by a user equipment.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the user equipment is in a connected mode with the second cell.

15. A method comprising: sending, to a user equipment, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell; receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in a first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled; receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising waking the first cell from a discontinuous reception state when the data transmission is received in the first cell while the second cell remains in a discontinuous reception state.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising waking the first cell and the second cell from a discontinuous reception state when the data transmission is received in the second cell.

18. The method of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the first cell comprises a primary secondary cell or a secondary cell.

19. The method of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the second cell comprises a primary cell.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises at least one of a configuration of the primary secondary cell or one or more conditional primary secondary cell access conditions.

21. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises at least one of a configuration of the secondary cell or one or more conditional secondary cell access conditions.

22. The method of any of claims 15 to 21, wherein the receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in the first cell comprises allowing access to the first cell.

23. The method of any of claims 15 to 21, wherein the receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in the second cell comprises allowing access to the second cell.

24. The method of any of claims 15 to 23, wherein the one or more conditional cell access conditions comprises at least one of a signal strength condition, a signal quality condition, an amount of data in a buffer condition, an estimated power headroom condition, an estimated channel quality indicator condition, or a traffic type dependent condition.

25. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a network, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell; determine whether the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled for activating a connection in the first cell; initiate data transmission in the first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled; initiate data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled.

26. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to send, to a user equipment, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell; receive, from the user equipment, data transmission in a first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled; and receive, from the user equipment, data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled.

27. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform a method according to any of claims 1 to 14.

28. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform a method according to any of claims 15 to 24.

29. An apparatus comprising means for performing: receiving, from a network, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell; determining whether the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled for activating a connection in the first cell; initiating data transmission in the first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled; initiating data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled.

30. An apparatus comprising means for performing: sending, to a user equipment, a configuration signal and a measurement configuration signal, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises one or more conditional cell access conditions of a first cell; receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in a first cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is fulfilled; receiving, from the user equipment, data transmission in a second cell if the one or more conditional cell access conditions is not fulfilled.

31. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method according to any of claims 1 to 14.

32. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method according to any of claims 15 to 24.

33. A computer readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for performing at least a method according to any of claims 1 to 14 or according to any of claims 15 to 24.

34. A computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least a method according to any of claims 1 to 14 or according to any of claims 15 to 24.

35. A computer readable medium of wireless communication storing a program of instructions, execution of which by a processor configures an apparatus to at least perform a method according to any of claims 1 to 14 or according to any of claims 15 to 24.