WO2021165736A1

WO2021165736A1 - Cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement in wireless commnication

Info

Publication number: WO2021165736A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/061418
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuanye WANG; Yanming Wang
Original assignee: Zeku Inc.
Priority date: 2020-02-20
Filing date: 2020-12-03
Publication date: 2021-08-26

Abstract

Apparatus and method for could-assisted cell search and cell measurement are disclosed herein. In an example, a query including a location is sent to a cloud server. A first list including information about available neighboring cells at the location is received from the cloud server. At least one of cell search or cell measurement is performed at the location based, at least in part, on the first list.

Description

CLOUD-ASSISTED CELL SEARCH AND CELL MEASUREMENT IN WIRELESS

COMMNICATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/979,041 filed February 20, 2020, entitled “CLOUD-ASSISTED CELL SEARCH AND MEASUREMENT IN WIRELESS MOBILE NETWORKS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and method for wireless communication.

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. In cellular communication, cell search is a procedure for a user equipment to acquire time and frequency synchronization with a cell and to detect the physical layer cell ID. In 5G cellular wireless technology, during the cell search operations which are carried out when the user equipment is powered ON, a base station broadcasts a list of frequencies to measure. The list of frequencies is typically configured during the radio planning phase of network deployment, covering all possible frequencies use in a network.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of apparatus and method for cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement are disclosed herein.

[0005] In one example, a terminal device includes at least one processor and memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to send a query including a location to a cloud server; receive a first list including information about available neighboring cells at the location from the cloud server; and perform at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based, at least in part, on the first list.

[0006] In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication includes a host chip configured to send a query including a location to a cloud server, and receive a first list including information about available neighboring cells at the location from the cloud server. The apparatus also includes a baseband chip configured to perform at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based, at least in part, on the first list. [0007] In still another example, a method implemented by a terminal device for wireless communication is disclosed. A query, including a location, is sent to a cloud server. A first list is received from the cloud server. The first list includes information about available neighboring cells at the location. At least one of cell search or cell measurement is performed at the location, based, at least in part, on the first list. [0008] In yet another example, a cloud server includes at least one processor and memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the cloud server at least to obtain a database including information about available neighboring cells at a plurality of locations; receive a query including one of the plurality of locations from a terminal device; determine a first list including information about available neighboring cells at the location based on the database; and send the first list to the terminal device.

[0009] In yet another example, a method implemented by a cloud server for assisting wireless communication is disclosed. A database, including information about available neighboring cells at a plurality of locations, is obtained. A query, including one of the plurality of locations, is received from a terminal device. A first list, including information about available neighboring cells at the location, is determined based on the database. The first list is sent to the terminal device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless network, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus including a baseband chip, a radio frequency

(RF) chip, and a host chip, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary apparatus for cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement, according to some embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate exemplary apparatus for could-assisted cell search and cell measurement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGs. 6A-6C illustrate flow charts of exemplary methods for cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary node, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary use case for pre-downloading list of available neighboring cells, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate flow charts of exemplary methods for cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Although specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the pertinent art that the present disclosure can also be employed in a variety of other applications.

[0022] It is noted that references in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of a person skilled in the pertinent art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. [0023] In general, terminology may be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

[0024] Various aspects of wireless communication systems will now be described with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, units, components, circuits, steps, operations, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, firmware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0025] The techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communication networks, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) system, time division multiple access (TDMA) system, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) system, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) system, and other networks. The terms “network” and “system” are often used interchangeably. A CDMA network may implement a Radio Access Technology (RAT) such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), CDMA 2000, etc. A TDMA network may implement a RAT such as GSM. An OFDMA network may implement a RAT, such as LTE or NR. The techniques described herein may be used for the wireless networks and RATs mentioned above, as well as other wireless networks and RATs.

[0026] Cell search is a procedure in which a user equipment acquires time and frequency synchronization with a neighboring cell and detects Physical layer Cell ID (PCI) of the neighboring cell. Current methods use a base station to broadcast a list of frequencies to measure. The list of frequencies is typically configured during the radio planning phase of network deployment, covering all possible frequencies use in a network. However, current techniques suffer from several deficiencies.

[0027] In some instances, despite receiving a list of available neighboring cells from the base station, the user equipment may not detect a valid cell on some of the configured frequencies. With the emerging 5G network operating on millimeter Wave (mmW, a communication carried out at high frequency, typically beyond 30 GHz, such that the wavelength is in the order of millimeter level), the cell coverage can be very small. Further, there are instances that some of the configured frequencies of the available neighboring cells appear empty to the user equipment. Thus, continuous unsuccessful cell search and cell measurement cause battery power wastage.

[0028] Even further, the available neighboring cell lists are currently configured manually in the base station, which makes the lists vulnerable to human mistakes. Additionally, outdated available neighboring cell lists (e.g., due to changes in the air interface conditions such as a new construction erected beside the base station) can adversely affect the cell search and cell measurement reliability. As a direct result of the above-mentioned deficiencies, network planning and maintenance workload increases for micro- and femto-cells.

[0029] Still further, once the user equipment moves to a location without wireless service coverage, while the user equipment stays in Out-of-Service (OoS) state, the user equipment still performs search and measurement periodically. The unsuccessful cell search and cell measurement consume unnecessary battery power. On the other hand, scanning a long list of frequencies increases the latency for the user equipment to find suitable available neighboring cells, causing poor user experience such as a call drop due to late handover. [0030] To tackle the above-mentioned deficiencies, the present disclosure allows user equipment to collaboratively build a centralized database at a cloud-server. The database can consist of non-sensitive information of available neighboring cells, such as available neighboring cell’s geographical location, available neighboring cell’s identity, available neighboring cell’s operational frequency, etc.

[0031] With the cloud-based database available, a user equipment can obtain a map of available neighboring cells in its vicinity from the database. With such information, the user equipment avoids searching for unknown neighboring cells on its own. The user equipment can further reduce the measurement activity to a minimum level, measuring only the surrounding available cells. In some embodiments, the user equipment still performs cell search and cell measurement to keep the cloud database up to date; however, such cell search and cell measurement are performed at slower rates.

[0032] Various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide an apparatus that sends a request for information regarding available neighboring cells to a cloud server. The cloud server determines whether the user device is an authorized device and transmits a list of available neighboring cells to the user device. The user device then sequentially performs cell search and cell measurement based on the first list. Cell search is a procedure carried out at the user equipment side to identify wireless cells in its vicinity. Cell measurement is a procedure carried out at the user equipment side to monitor the quality of its neighbor cells and serving cell.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless network 100, in which certain aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, wireless network 100 may include a network of nodes, such as a user equipment 102, an access node 104, and a core network element 106. User equipment 102 may be any terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a vehicle computer, a gaming console, a printer, a positioning device, a wearable electronic device, a smart sensor, or any other device capable of receiving, processing, and transmitting information, such as any member of a vehicle to everything (V2X) network, a cluster network, a smart grid node, or an Intemet-of-Things (IoT) node. It is understood that user equipment 102 is illustrated as a mobile phone simply by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

[0034] Access node 104 may be a device that communicates with user equipment 102, such as a wireless access point, a base station (BS), a Node B, an enhanced Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB), a cluster master node, or the like. Access node 104 may have a wired connection to user equipment 102, a wireless connection to user equipment 102, or any combination thereof. Access node 104 may be connected to user equipment 102 by multiple connections, and user equipment 102 may be connected to other access nodes in addition to access node 104. Access node 104 may also be connected to other user equipment. It is understood that access node 104 is illustrated by a radio tower by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

[0035] Core network element 106 may serve access node 104 and user equipment 102 to provide core network services. Examples of core network element 106 may include a home subscriber server (HSS), a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (SGW), or a packet data network gateway (PGW). These are examples of core network elements of an evolved packet core (EPC) system, which is a core network for the LTE system. Other core network elements may be used in LTE and in other communication systems. In some embodiments, core network element 106 includes an access and mobility management function (AMF) device, a session management function (SMF) device, or a user plane function (UPF) device, of a core network for the NR system. It is understood that core network element 106 is shown as a set of rack -mounted servers by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

[0036] Core network element 106 may connect with a large network, such as the Internet 108, or another Internet Protocol (IP) network, to communicate packet data over any distance. In this way, data from user equipment 102 may be communicated to other user equipment connected to other access points, including, for example, a computer 110 connected to Internet 108, for example, using a wired connection or a wireless connection, or to a tablet 112 wirelessly connected to Internet 108 via a router 114. Thus, computer 110 and tablet 112 provide additional examples of possible user equipment, and router 114 provides an example of another possible access node.

[0037] A generic example of a rack -mounted server is provided as an illustration of core network element 106. However, there may be multiple elements in the core network including database servers, such as a database 116, and security and authentication servers, such as an authentication server 118. Database 116 may, for example, manage data related to user subscription to network services. A home location register (HLR) is an example of a standardized database of subscriber information for a cellular network. Likewise, authentication server 118 may handle authentication of users, sessions, and so on. In the NR system, an authentication server function (AUSF) device may be the specific entity to perform user equipment authentication. In some embodiments, a single server rack may handle multiple such functions, such that the connections between core network element 106, authentication server 118, and database 116, may be local connections within a single rack.

[0038] Each of the elements of FIG. 1 may be considered a node of wireless network 100. More detail regarding the possible implementation of a node is provided by way of example in the description of a node 700 in FIG. 7. Node 700 may be configured as user equipment 102, access node 104, or core network element 106 in FIG. 1. Similarly, node 700 may also be configured as computer 110, router 114, tablet 112, database 116, or authentication server 118 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 7, node 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a transceiver 706. These components are shown as connected to one another by a bus, but other connection types are also permitted. When node 700 is user equipment 102, additional components may also be included, such as a user interface (UI), sensors, and the like. Similarly, node 700 may be implemented as a blade in a server system when node 700 is configured as core network element 106. Other implementations are also possible.

[0039] Transceiver 706 may include any suitable device for sending and/or receiving data. Node 700 may include one or more transceivers, although only one transceiver 706 is shown for simplicity of illustration. An antenna 708 is shown as a possible communication mechanism for node 700. Multiple antennas and/or arrays of antennas may be utilized. Additionally, examples of node 700 may communicate using wired techniques rather than (or in addition to) wireless techniques. For example, access node 104 may communicate wirelessly to user equipment 102 and may communicate by a wired connection (for example, by optical or coaxial cable) to core network element 106. Other communication hardware, such as a network interface card (NIC), may be included as well.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, node 700 may include processor 702. Although only one processor is shown, it is understood that multiple processors can be included. Processor 702 may include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout the present disclosure. Processor 702 may be a hardware device having one or many processing cores. Processor 702 may execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Software can include computer instructions written in an interpreted language, a compiled language, or machine code. Other techniques for instructing hardware are also permitted under the broad category of software.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, node 700 may also include memory 704. Although only one memory is shown, it is understood that multiple memories can be included. Memory 704 can broadly include both memory and storage. For example, memory 704 may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferro-electric RAM (FRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, hard disk drive (HDD), such as magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, Flash drive, solid-state drive (SSD), or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions that can be accessed and executed by processor 702. Broadly, memory 704 may be embodied by any computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0042] In some embodiments, processor 702, memory 704, and transceiver 706 of node 700 are implemented (e.g., integrated) on a system -on-chip (SoC). For example, processor 702, memory 704, and transceiver 706 may be integrated on a baseband SoC (also known as a modem SoC, or a baseband model chipset), which can run an operating system (OS), such as a real-time operating system (RTOS) as its firmware. Various aspects of the present disclosure related to cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement may be implemented as software and/or firmware elements in a baseband SoC of user equipment 102. It is understood that in some examples, one or more of the software and/or firmware elements may be implemented as dedicated hardware elements in the SoC as well.

[0043] FIG 2. illustrates an exemplary structure of a cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement in wireless mobile networks, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, a terminal device 202 (e.g., a user equipment) includes at least one processor 207, and memory 208 storing instruction that, when executed by at least one processor 207, causes terminal device 202 to perform one or more actions. Generally, in wireless networks, prior to network connection, terminal device 202 needs to search to find out a serving cell 206 from a list of neighboring cells, e.g., 210a, 210b, 210c, to attach to. In Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) systems, once terminal device 202 powers up (i.e., terminal device 202 turns ON or leaves the airplane mode), terminal device 202 scans a list of frequency bands to find serving cell 206. Upon camping on serving cell 206, terminal device 202 receives System Information Block (SIB). SIB includes a list of measurement objects, each of which corresponding to one frequency. 3GPP defines, in “Technical Specification 36.133” (for LTE) and “Technical Specification 38.133” (for NR), the search measurement requirement, which mandates a minimum rate at which terminal device 202 should perform search and measurement on each configured frequency. The periodic search measurement consumes a significant amount of terminal device 202 battery power, especially in IDLE mode, when terminal device 202 is asleep most of the time.

[0044] In some embodiments, terminal device 202 performs cell search and/or cell measurement for procedures, such as handover to a stronger cell or adding a new carrier component in the case of carrier aggression. To that end, terminal device 202 measures the signal strength or signal quality matrix of serving cell 206 and available neighboring cells 210a, 210b, and 210c, which enable the cell measurement process to be executed appropriately, maintaining the radio link quality. Terminal device 202 performs cell measurement by using Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB), which is composed of Synchronization Signal (SS) and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) having longer transmission periodicity than Cell Reference Signal (CRS). The number of SSB in one burst depends on the operational frequency. For example, if the operational frequency is below 3 GHz, the number of SSB is 4; for operational frequency between about 3 GHz to about 6 GHz, the number of SSB is 8; and for operational frequency above 6 GHz (e.g., mm Wave), the number of SSB is 64 within one burst. SSB periodicity can be configured for each cell in the range of 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 milliseconds. However, the terminal device does not need to perform cell measurement with periodicity, since the SSB and the appropriate measurement periodicity can be configured according to the channel condition. [0045] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, terminal device 202 sends a query to a cloud server

204. The query may include a location of terminal device 202. In some embodiments, in response to receiving the query, cloud server 204 determines whether terminal device 202 is an authorized device. Terminal device 202 receives a first list from cloud server 204 that can include information about available neighboring cells, e.g., 210a, 210b, 210c, at the location. Once terminal device 202 receives the first list, terminal device 202 performs at least one of cell search and or cell measurement based at least in part on the first list. The terminal device carries out the cell search to identify available wireless cells in its vicinity, such as neighboring cells 210a, 210b, and 210c, as indicated in FIG. 2. Similarly, terminal device 202 performs the cell measurement to monitor the quality of neighboring cells 210a, 210b, and 210c and a serving cell 206.

[0046] In some embodiments, terminal device 202 sends a second list to cloud server 204. The second list can include the location and a set of results of performing the cell search or cell measurement at the location. The location can include the current location of terminal device 202. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the location includes a future location provided by a user of terminal device 202. As a non limiting example, the user of terminal device 202 may plan to visit another location, such as traveling to another country. In such an instance, the user can send a query with the location of the destination country and pre downloads a first list including information about the neighboring cells in the destination country.

[0047] In some embodiments, terminal device 202 connects to the base station of serving cell 206.

Terminal device 202 receives a configuration message including one or more operational frequencies from the base station of serving cell 206. Subsequently, terminal device 202 performs, at the location, the cell search and/or cell measurement. Terminal device 202 performs the cell search and/or cell measurement based on the configuration message and the first list. The configuration message may include a set of operational frequencies of one or more available neighboring cells. Terminal device 202 determines whether each of the operational frequencies in the configuration message corresponds to the available neighboring cells on the first list. That is, terminal device 202 determines whether one or more of the operational frequencies of the available neighboring cells on the first list overlaps with any operational frequencies in the configuration message from the base station. Then, at each of the operational frequencies in the configuration message that corresponds to the available neighboring cells on the first list, terminal device 202 performs the cell measurement at a standard rate and the cell search at a reduced rate that is lower than the standard rate. That standard rate may be defined by the 3GPP standards. Similarly, at each of the operational frequencies in the configuration message that does not correspond to the available neighboring cells on the first list, terminal device 202 performs the cell measurement at the reduced rate. That is, at each operational frequency in the first list that does not overlap with any operational frequency in the configuration message, terminal device 202 performs the cell measurement at the reduced rate.

[0048] In some embodiments, terminal device 202, prior to connecting to the base station of serving cell 206, performs the cell search at each of one or more operational frequencies that corresponds to the available neighboring cells on the first list at the standard rate. In some embodiments, in response to the information in the first list indicative of no available neighboring cells, terminal device 202, prior to connecting to the base station of serving cell 206, performs the cell search at an operational frequency at the reduced rate. In some embodiments, terminal device 202 connects to the base station of serving cell 206 based on the set of results of performing the cell search.

[0049] In some embodiments, cloud server 204 may authenticate terminal device 202. Any suitable authentication method known in the art can be used to authenticate terminal device 202. The authentication procedure can be performed based on a set of criteria. As a non-limiting example, cloud server 204 may authenticate terminal device 202 based on a determination that terminal device 202 uses a particular service provider.

[0050] In some embodiments, terminal device 202 is in communication with cloud server 204 manually and via an Application Program Interface (API). In such embodiments, the user may be required to enter credentials to verify that terminal device 202 is an authorized user equipment. Alternatively, terminal device 202 can be in communication with cloud server 204 automatically.

[0051] In some embodiments, terminal device 202, upon performing the cell search and cell measurement, reports the results along terminal device 202 ’s current geographical location to cloud server 204. Subsequently, cloud server 204 may create a map of available neighboring cells at different locations and store the map in a centralized database. Afterward, other terminal devices can send requests to cloud server 204 along with their respective geographical locations. Upon determining an authorized terminal device, cloud server 204 replies with the first list. In some embodiments, the first list is indicated as “invalid,” which means cloud server 204 does not have enough data regarding available neighboring cells for the requested location. In such embodiments, terminal device 202 may perform cell search and/or cell measurement based on any procedure previously-stored in terminal device 202. In some embodiments, where the first list is valid, terminal device 202 performs the cell search and cell measurement by using the additional cell list information provided by cloud server 204 in the first list.

[0052] In some embodiments, in order to build the database, cloud server 204 collects data from participating terminal devices. Afterward, cloud server 204 calculates and creates the database. Cloud server 204 uses a terminal device’s location and prepares a list of available neighboring cells in the vicinity of the terminal device. The first list of available neighboring cells is stored in the database. Alternatively, the requesting terminal device can select a specific geographical area and request cloud server 204 to prepare a list of available neighboring cells in that specific geographical area, which does not have to be the same as the terminal device’s current location. As a non-limiting example, once a user plans to visit another country, state, city, etc. terminal device 202 can select the destination country, state, city, etc. and request to receive a list of available neighboring cells in the destination country, state, city, etc.

[0053] Terminal device 202 can perform cell search and/or cell measurement at the physical (PHY) layer of the terminal device 202 and transmit feedback search and measurement data to cloud server 204. In some embodiments, terminal device 202 can pass the data from the application layer of terminal device t202 o the protocol stack and PHY layer, which controls the actual cell search and cell measurement activity.

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 300 includes a baseband chip 302, an RF chip 304, and a host chip 306, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Host chip 304 (sometimes known as a “host”), including an application processor (AP), can handle application processing in an operating system environment, including sending query to the cloud server and receiving information about available neighboring cells as disclosed herein. Baseband chip 302 (sometimes known as a “modem”), including a baseband processor (BP), can perform cell search and cell measurement, as disclosed herein. The physical layer (PHY) of terminal device 202, as shown in FIG. 2, can be a part of baseband chip 302 shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, the application layer (of terminal device 202, as shown in FIG. 2, can be a part of host chip 306 shown in FIG. 3. Apparatus 300 may be an example of any suitable node of wireless network 100 in FIG. 1, such as user equipment 102. As shown in FIG. 3, apparatus 300 may include baseband chip 302, RF chip 304, host chip 306, and one or more antennas 310. In some embodiments, baseband chip 302 is implemented by processor 702 and memory 704, and RF chip 304 is implemented by processor 702, memory 704, and transceiver 706, as described above with respect to FIG. 7. Besides the on-chip memory (also known as “internal memory,” e.g., registers, buffers, or caches) on each chip 302, 304, or 306, apparatus 300 may further include an external memory 308 (e.g., the system memory or main memory) that can be shared by each chip 302, 304, or 306 through the system/main bus. Although baseband chip 302 is illustrated as a standalone SoC in FIG. 3, it is understood that in one example, baseband chip 302 and RF chip 304 may be integrated as one SoC; in another example, baseband chip 302 and host chip 306 may be integrated as one SoC; in still another example, baseband chip 302, RF chip 304, and host chip 306 may be integrated as one SoC, as described above.

[0055] In the uplink, host chip 306 may generate raw data and send it to baseband chip 302 for encoding, modulation, and mapping. Baseband chip 302 may also access the raw data generated by host chip 306 and stored in external memory 308, for example, using the direct memory access (DMA). Baseband chip 302 may first encode (e.g., by source coding and/or channel coding) the raw data and modulate the coded data using any suitable modulation techniques, such as multi - phase pre-shared key (MPSK) modulation or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Baseband chip 302 may perform any other functions, such as symbol or layer mapping, to convert the raw data into a signal that can be used to modulate the carrier frequency for transmission. In the uplink, baseband chip 302 may send the modulated signal to RF chip 304. RF chip 304, through the transmitter (Tx), may convert the modulated signal in the digital form into analog signals, i.e., RF signals, and perform any suitable front-end RF functions, such as filtering, up -conversion, or sample-rate conversion. Antenna 310 (e.g., an antenna array) may transmit the RF signals provided by the transmitter of RF chip 304.

[0056] In the downlink, antenna 310 may receive RF signals and pass the RF signals to the receiver

(Rx) of RF chip 304. RF chip 304 may perform any suitable front-end RF functions, such as filtering, down- conversion, or sample-rate conversion, and convert the RF signals into low-frequency digital signals (baseband signals) that can be processed by baseband chip 302. In the downlink, baseband chip 302 may demodulate and decode the baseband signals to extract raw data that can be processed by host chip 306. Baseband chip 302 may perform additional functions, such as error checking, de-mapping, channel estimation, descrambling, etc. The raw data provided by baseband chip 302 may be sent to host chip 306 directly or stored in external memory 308.

[0057] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurements in wireless mobile networks, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the terminal device performs the cell search and cell measurement based on the first list. The cell search and cell measurement can be performed at PHY layer 402 of the terminal device. Once the cell search and cell measurement are complete, PHY layer 402 of the terminal device transmits the results to an Application Layer (AP) 404 of the terminal device. AP layer 404 can prepare a report based on the results. The report, through AP layer 404, is transmitted to cloud server 406. Cloud server 406 may first authenticate the terminal device. In some embodiments, upon receiving the report from AP layer 404 of the terminal device, cloud server 406 builds the database based on the results in the report. Additionally, cloud server 406 may update the first list based on the report received from AP layer 404 of the terminal device. Referring now to FIG. 4B, cloud server 406, upon authenticating the terminal device, transmits the first list to AP layer 404 of the terminal device. In other words, AP layer 404 of the terminal device reads the information about the available neighboring cells from cloud server 406. AP layer 404 of the terminal device transmits the information about available neighboring cells to PHY layer 402 of the terminal device where the cell search and cell measurement is performed. In some embodiments, the cell search and cell measurement are performed at reduced rates. [0058] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are used for executing cell search and cell measurement procedures at RRC-IDLE mode and RRC-Connected/Inactive modes. FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure where the terminal device is in RRC-IDLE or RRC-Connected/Inactive modes. Referring to FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the terminal device is in RRC-Connected mode (i.e., a terminal device 502 is connected to a serving cell 510) or RRC-Inactive mode (e.g., a terminal device 502is in cell re-selection mobility to switch from serving cell 510 to another available neighboring cell, 512a, 512b, 514a or 514b). In some embodiments, when the first list is valid (i.e., the first list includes at least one available neighboring cell), terminal device 502 performs cell search and cell measurement based on the first list provided by cloud server 504.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5 A, in some embodiments, when terminal device 502 is already attached to the network, terminal device 502 determines frequencies configured by serving cell 510 and included in cloud server-provided first list (e.g., frequencies associated with cells 512a and 512b) and prioritizes the cell search and cell measurement based on such frequencies. In other words, terminal device 502, upon determining that a frequency is commonly associated with the first list and serving cell 510, performs cell measurement based on the common frequency. Terminal device 502 may perform the cell measurement based on the common frequency at a rate such that there is no prioritized frequency. As a non-limiting example, terminal device 502 may perform the cell measurement at the same rate as the first measurement. Subsequently, terminal device 502 performs cell search based on the common frequency. Terminal device 502 performs the cell search at a rate which is slower compared to the first cell search.

[0060] In some embodiments, when terminal device 502 is already attached to the network, terminal device 502 determines frequencies configured by serving cell 510, which are not included in the cloud server- provided first list (e.g., frequencies associated with cells 514a and 514b). In other words, terminal device 502, upon determining that a frequency is only associated with serving cell 510, and is not included in the first list, performs cell search and cell measurement based on the frequency. In such embodiments, terminal device 502 performs the cell search and cell measurement based on the frequency at reduced rates.

[0061] In some embodiments, when terminal device 502 is already attached to the network, terminal device 502 determines frequencies that are neither configured by serving cell 510, nor are included in the cloud server-provided first list. In such embodiments, terminal device 502, upon determining that a frequency is not associated with serving cell 510, and is not included in the first list, stops performing cell search and cell measurement.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5B now, in some embodiments, terminal device 522 is in IDLE mode (e.g., power up or exiting the airplane mode). In such embodiments, terminal device 522 upon determining that the first list provided by cloud server 524 is not empty, prioritizes scanning (i.e., searching) the frequencies available in the first list and attempts to attach to such available neighboring cells (e.g., 542a, 542b, 544a, and 544b). Next, if terminal device 522 fails to attach to any of the available neighboring cells in the cloud server-provided first list, terminal device 522 starts the normal frequency scan procedure. In some embodiments, although the first list is valid, the first list is empty. In such embodiments, terminal device 522 performs the cell search and cell measurement at reduced rates in the OoS state, e.g., when terminal device 522 is in the middle of a desert area.

[0063] FIGs. 6A-6C illustrate flow charts of exemplary methods 600A-600C for cloud-assisted cell measurement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Examples of the apparatus that can perform operations of methods 600A-600C include, for example, terminal device 202 depicted in FIG. 2 or any other apparatus disclosed herein. It is understood that the operations shown in methods 600A-600C are not exhaustive and that other operations can be performed as well before, after, or between any of the illustrated operations. Further, some of the operations may be performed simultaneously, or in a different order than shown in FIGs. 6A-6C. It should be noted that the entire process of methods 600A-600C including operations 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626, 628, 630, and 632 described below may be performed in the either idle state or connected state of user equipment.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6A, method 600A starts at operation 602, in which a query is sent to a cloud server. The query may include a location of a terminal device.

[0065] Method 600A proceeds to operation 604, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, in which, in response to receiving the query, a first list is received from the cloud server. The first list may include information about available neighboring cells at the location. The information about available neighboring cells may include non sensitive information of available neighboring cells, such as available neighboring cell’s geographical location, available neighboring cell’s identity, available neighboring cell’s operational frequency, etc.

[0066] Method 600A proceeds to operations 606 and 608, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, in which at least one of cell search (represented in operation 606) or cell measurement (represented in operation 608) is performed. It is understood that although both operations 606 and 608 are shown in FIG. 6A, in some examples, only one of operations 606 or 608 may be performed, skipping the other one of operations 606 or 608. It is further understood that the sequence of performing operations 606 or 608 is not limited by the example of FIG. 6A and may be switched in some examples. The terminal device carries out the cell search to identify available wireless cells in its vicinity, and the cell measurement to monitor the quality of its neighbor cells and serving cell. The cell search and cell measurement are performed based, at least in part, on the first list.

[0067] Method 600A proceeds to operation 610, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, in which, upon completion of performing the at least one of cell search and cell measurement, a second list is sent to the cloud server. The second list may include the location and a set of results of performing the cell search or cell measurement at the location.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 6B now, method 600B starts with operation 612, in which, upon connecting to a base station, a configuration message is received from the base station. The configuration message may include one or more operational frequencies

[0069] Method 600B proceeds to operations 614 and 616, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, in which the cell search, as represented in operation 614, or cell measurement, as represented in operation 616, is performed based on the configuration message and the first list.

[0070] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, in some embodiments, a query is sent, as represented in operation 618, in response to receiving the query, a first list is received, as represented in operation 620, and at least one of cell search, represented in operation 622, and cell measurement, represented in operation 624, is performed. It is understood that although both operations 622 and 624 are shown in FIG. 6C, in some examples, only one of operations 622 and 624 may be performed, skipping the other one of operations 622 and 624. It is further understood that the sequence of performing operations 622 and 624 is not limited by the example of FIG. 6C and may be switched in some examples. Further, upon connecting to a base station, as represented in operation 626, a configuration message is received from the base station, as illustrated in operation 628. At least one of cell search, as represented in operation 630, and cell measurement, as represented in operation 632, is performed, based on the configuration message. It is understood that although both operations 630 and 632 are shown in FIG. 6C, in some examples, only one of operations 630 and 632 may be performed, skipping the other one of operations 630 and 632. It is further understood that the sequence of performing operations 630 and 632 is not limited by the example of FIG. 6C and may be switched in some examples. In some embodiments, the performance of operations 630 and 632 (e.g., whether to skip one of operations 630 and 632 or the sequence thereof) is the same as the performance of operations 622 and 624. In some embodiments, the performance of operations 630 and 632 (e.g., whether to skip one of operations 630 and 632 or the sequence thereof) is determined based on the configuration message received in operation 628.

[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary use case for cloud-assisted cell search and cell measurement in wireless mobile networks, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the user of the user equipment plans to move to another geographical area. Such geographical area can be far from the current location of the user equipment. In such embodiments, the user equipment can request and receive a list of available neighboring cells in the geographical area. As a non-limiting example, the user may plan to travel from country A to country B, as shown in FIG. 8. While still in country A, the user equipment may select country B as a destination and receives (e.g., pre-downloads) a list of available neighboring cells in country B. Once the user equipment arrives in country B and is turned ON, the user equipment prioritizes cell search and cell measurement based on the pre-downloaded list.

[0072] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate flow charts of exemplary methods 900A and 900B for cloud-assisted cell measurement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood that the operations shown in methods 900A and 900B are not exhaustive and that other operations can be performed as well before, after, or between any of the illustrated operations. Further, some of the operations may be performed simultaneously, or in a different order than shown in FIGs. 9 A and 9B. It should be noted that the entire process of methods 900A and 900B including operations 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, 918, and 920, described below may be performed in the either idle state or connected state of user equipment.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 9A, method 900A starts at operation 902, in which the cloud server obtains a database. The database may include information about available neighboring cells at a plurality of locations. [0074] Method 900A proceeds to operation 904, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, in which the cloud server receives a query. The cloud server may receive the query from a terminal device. The query may include one of the set of locations.

[0075] Method 900A proceeds to operation 906, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, in which the cloud server authenticates the terminal device.

[0076] Method 900A proceeds to operation 908, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, in which the cloud server determines a first list. The first list may include information about available neighboring cells at the location based on the database.

[0077] Method 900A proceeds to operation 910, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, in which the cloud server sends the first list to the terminal device.

[0078] Method 900A proceeds to operation 912, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, in which the cloud server receives a second list from the terminal device. The second list can include the location and a set of results of performing cell search or cell measurement by the terminal device at the location, which is performed based, at least in part, on the first list.

[0079] Method 900A proceeds to operation 914, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, in which the cloud server updates the database based on the second list.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 9B, method 900B starts at operation 916 in which the cloud server receives a plurality of lists from a plurality of terminal devices. In some embodiments, the cloud server builds the database. To that end, the cloud server receives a set of lists from a set of terminal devices. Each list can include information about available neighboring cell at a respective location.

[0081] Method 900B proceeds to operation 918, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, in which the cloud server authenticates each terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices.

[0082] Method 900B proceeds to operation 920, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, in which the cloud server builds the database based on the plurality of lists. It should be noted that, although in some embodiments, the same cloud server builds and updates the database, in some embodiments, another cloud server builds the database and sends the database to the cloud server.

[0083] In various aspects of the present disclosure, the functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or encoded as instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Computer- readable media includes computer storage media. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computing device. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, HDD, such as magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, Flash drive, SSD, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a processing system, such as a mobile device or a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes CD, laser disc, optical disc, DVD, and floppy disk where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0084] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal device includes at least one processor and memory including storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to send a query including a location to a cloud server; receive a first list including information about available neighboring cells at the location from the cloud server; and perform at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based, at least in part, on the first list.

[0085] In some embodiments, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to send a second list including the location, and a set of results of performing the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location to the cloud server.

[0086] In some embodiments, the location includes a current location of the terminal device or a future location provided by a user of the terminal device.

[0087] In some embodiments, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to, upon connecting to a base station, receive a configuration message including one or more operational frequencies from the base station, and perform the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based on the configuration message and the first list.

[0088] In some embodiments, to perform the at least one of cell search or cell measurement, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the terminal device to at each of the operational frequencies in the configuration message that corresponds to the available neighboring cells on the first list, perform the cell measurement at a standard rate and the cell search at a reduced rate and at each of the operational frequencies in the configuration message that does not correspond to the available neighboring cells on the first list, perform the cell measurement at a reduced rate.

[0089] In some embodiments, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to prior to connecting to a base station, perform the cell search at each of one or more operational frequencies that corresponds to the available neighboring cells on the first list at a standard rate.

[0090] In some embodiments, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to prior to connecting to a base station, perform the cell search at an operational frequency at a reduced rate in response to the information in the first list indicative of no available neighboring cells.

[0091] In some embodiments, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to connect to the base station based on a set of results of performing the cell search.

[0092] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for wireless communication includes a host chip configured to send a query including a location to a cloud server; and receive a first list including information about available neighboring cells at the location from the cloud server. The apparatus also includes a baseband chip configured to perform at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based, at least in part, on the first list.

[0093] In some embodiments, the host chip is further configured to send a second list comprising the location, and a set of results of performing the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location to the cloud server.

[0094] In some embodiments, the baseband chip is further configured to upon connecting to a base station, receive a configuration message including one or more operational frequencies from the base station, and perform the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based on the configuration message and the first list.

[0095] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method implemented by a terminal device for wireless communication is disclosed. A query is sent to a cloud server. The query includes a location. A first list is received from the cloud server. The first list includes information about available neighboring cells at the location. At least one of cell search or cell measurement is performed at the location, based, at least in part, on the first list.

[0096] In some embodiments, a second list is sent to the cloud server. The second list includes the location, and a set of results of performing the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location. [0097] In some embodiments, upon connecting to a base station, a configuration message is received from the base station. The configuration message includes one or more operational frequencies. The at least one of cell search or cell measurement is performed at the cloud server based on the configuration message and the first list.

[0098] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cloud server is disclosed. The cloud server is comprising at least one processor, and memory storing instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the cloud server at least to obtain a database including information about available neighboring cells at a plurality of locations; receive a query including one of the plurality of locations from a terminal device; determine a first list including information about available neighboring cells at the location based on the database; and send the first list to the terminal device.

[0099] In some embodiments, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the cloud server to receive a second list including the location, and a set of results of performing at least one of cell search or cell measurement by the terminal device at the location based, at least in part, on the first list from the terminal device; and update the database based on the second list.

[00100] In some embodiments, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the cloud server to authenticate the terminal device upon receiving the query or the second list from the terminal device.

[00101] In some embodiments, to obtain the database, the memory storing instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the cloud server to receive a plurality of lists each including information about available neighboring cell at a respective location from a plurality of terminal devices, and build the database based on the plurality of lists.

[00102] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method implemented by a cloud server for assisting wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a database comprising information about available neighboring cells at a plurality of locations; receiving a query including one of the plurality of locations from a terminal device; determining a first list including information about available neighboring cells at the location based on the database; and sending the first list to the terminal device.

[00103] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a second list including the location, and a set of results of performing at least one of cell search or cell measurement by the terminal device at the location based, at least in part, on the first list from the terminal device, and updating the database based on the second list.

[00104] In some embodiments, the method further includes authenticating the terminal device upon receiving the query or the second list from the terminal device.

[00105] In some embodiments, obtaining the database includes receiving a plurality of lists each including information about available neighboring cell at a respective location from a plurality of terminal devices, and building the database based on the plurality of lists.

[00106] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so reveal the general nature of the present disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

[00107] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[00108] The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

[00109] Various functional blocks, modules, and steps are disclosed above. The particular arrangements provided are illustrative and without limitation. Accordingly, the functional blocks, modules, and steps may be re-ordered or combined in different ways than in the examples provided above. Likewise, certain embodiments include only a subset of the functional blocks, modules, and steps, and any such subset is permitted.

[00110] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above- described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A terminal device, comprising : at least one processor; and memory storing instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the terminal device at least to: send a query comprising a location to a cloud server; receive a first list comprising information about available neighboring cells at the location from the cloud server; and perform at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based, at least in part, on the first list.

2. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to send a second list comprising the location, and a set of results of performing the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location to the cloud server.

3. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the location comprises a current location of the terminal device or a future location provided by a user of the terminal device.

4. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to: upon connecting to a base station, receive a configuration message comprising one or more operational frequencies from the base station, and perform the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based on the configuration message and the first list.

5. The terminal device of claim 4, wherein to perform the at least one of cell search or cell measurement, the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, causes the terminal device to: at each of the operational frequencies in the configuration message that corresponds to the available neighboring cells on the first list, perform the cell measurement at a standard rate and the cell search at a reduced rate; and at each of the operational frequencies in the configuration message that does not correspond to the available neighboring cells on the first list, perform the cell measurement at a reduced rate.

6. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to: prior to connecting to a base station, perform the cell search at each of one or more operational frequencies that corresponds to the available neighboring cells on the first list at a standard rate.

7. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to: prior to connecting to a base station, perform the cell search at an operational frequency at a reduced rate in response to the information in the first list indicative of no available neighboring cells.

8. The terminal device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the terminal device to: connect to the base station based on a set of results of performing the cell search.

9. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a host chip configured to: send a query comprising a location to a cloud server; and receive a first list comprising information about available neighboring cells at the location from the cloud server; and a baseband chip configured to perform at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based, at least in part, on the first list.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the host chip is further configured to send a second list comprising the location, and a set of results of performing the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location to the cloud server.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the baseband chip is further configured to: upon connecting to a base station, receive a configuration message comprising one or more operational frequencies from the base station, and perform the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based on the configuration message and the first list.

12. A method implemented by a terminal device for wireless communication, comprising: sending a query comprising a location to a cloud server; receiving a first list comprising information about available neighboring cells at the location from the cloud server; and performing at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based, at least in part, on the first list.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising sending a second list comprising the location, and a set of results of performing the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location to the cloud server.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: upon connecting to a base station, receiving a configuration message comprising one or more operational frequencies from the base station, and performing the at least one of cell search or cell measurement at the location based on the configuration message and the first list.

15. A cloud server, comprising : at least one processor; and memory storing instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the cloud server at least to: obtain a database comprising information about available neighboring cells at a plurality of locations; receive a query comprising one of the plurality of locations from a terminal device; determine a first list comprising information about available neighboring cells at the location based on the database; and send the first list to the terminal device.

16. The cloud server of claim 15, wherein the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the cloud server to: receive a second list comprising the location, and a set of results of performing at least one of cell search or cell measurement by the terminal device at the location based, at least in part, on the first list from the terminal device; and update the database based on the second list.

17. The cloud server of claim 15 or 16, wherein the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the cloud server to: authenticate the terminal device upon receiving the query or the second list from the terminal device.

18. The cloud server of claim 15, wherein to obtain the database, the memory storing instruction when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the cloud server to: receive a plurality of lists each comprising information about available neighboring cells at a respective location from a plurality of terminal devices; and build the database based on the plurality of lists.

19. A method implemented by a cloud server for assisting wireless communication, comprising: obtaining a database comprising information about available neighboring cells at a plurality of locations; receiving a query comprising one of the plurality of locations from a terminal device; determining a first list comprising information about available neighboring cells at the location based on the database; and sending the first list to the terminal device.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: receiving a second list comprising the location, and a set of results of performing at least one of cell search or cell measurement by the terminal device at the location based, at least in part, on the first list from the terminal device; and updating the database based on the second list.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, further comprising authenticating the terminal device upon receiving the query or the second list from the terminal device.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein obtaining the database comprises: receiving a plurality of lists each comprising information about available neighboring cells at a respective location from a plurality of terminal devices; and building the database based on the plurality of lists.