CN112640517B

CN112640517B - Configuring measurement gap patterns

Info

Publication number: CN112640517B
Application number: CN201880097131.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 贺敬; A·阿里; T·恩托南; 吴春丽
Original assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Priority date: 2018-09-19
Filing date: 2018-09-19
Publication date: 2024-06-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-19
Also published as: WO2020056649A1; CN112640517A

Abstract

A method (400), apparatus (800) and computer-readable medium for configuring a measurement gap pattern are provided. The method (400) includes: in response to determining that the terminal device (130) is required to perform a measurement (410) of signal quality, it is determined whether the first network device (110) has a measurement gap pattern (420) for the measurement, the terminal device (130) communicates with the first and second network devices (110, 120). The method (400) further comprises: in response to determining that the first network device (110) lacks a measurement gap pattern, the first measurement gap pattern is determined based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device (130) and the signal to be measured (430), and the first measurement gap pattern (440) is transmitted to the second network device (120).

Description

Configuring measurement gap patterns

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications and, in particular, relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for configuring a measurement gap pattern.

Background

Next generation radio (NR) is being developed in the third generation partnership project (3 GPP). In the first stage of this development, a non-independent (NSA) NR is involved. In NSA NR, a terminal device may operate in a multi-radio access technology dual connectivity (MR-DC) mode in which the terminal device may connect to nodes or network devices of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs). For example, a terminal device may have a first connection to a network device of NR (5G) and a second connection to another network device of NR (5G). This type of MR-DC may be referred to as NR-NR double connectivity (NR-NR DC). In NR-NR DC, it is still necessary to discuss which of the two network devices is responsible for deciding the measurement gap pattern configuration for the terminal device.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for configuring a measurement gap pattern.

In a first aspect, a method implemented at a first network device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: in response to determining that the terminal device is required to perform a measurement of signal quality, it is determined whether the first network device has a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device communicating with the first network device and the second network device. The method further comprises the steps of: in response to determining that the first network device lacks a measurement gap pattern, the first measurement gap pattern is determined based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and the signal to be measured, and the first measurement gap pattern is transmitted to the second network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to determining that the first network device has a measurement gap pattern, causing measurements to be performed using the measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: the first measurement gap pattern is transmitted to the terminal device in response to receiving an indication from the second network device that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: the first measurement gap pattern is transmitted to the terminal device in response to expiration of the predetermined time period.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving a second measurement gap pattern for measurement from a second network device; responsive to determining that the first network device is authorized for selection, selecting one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode; and in response to determining that the first network device is not authorized for selection, receiving an indication of selection of the first measurement gap mode or the second measurement gap mode from the second network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to determining that the first network device is authorized for selection, transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: the selected measurement gap pattern is transmitted to the terminal device.

In a second aspect, a method implemented at a second network device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first measurement gap pattern from a first network device for measurement of signal quality to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and a second network device; determining whether the second network device has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for measurement to the first network device; and in response to determining that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, storing the first measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to determining that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, transmitting an indication to the first network device that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to determining that the second network device has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, determining whether the second network device is authorized for selection; responsive to determining that the second network device is authorized for selection, selecting one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode; and in response to determining that the second network device is not authorized for selection, receiving from the first network device at least one of: an indication of a selection of the first measurement gap mode or the second measurement gap mode, and an indication that the first network device accepts or rejects the second measurement gap mode.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to determining that the second network device is authorized for selection, transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to determining that the second network device is not authorized for selection, causing the measurement to be performed using the selected measurement gap pattern.

In a third aspect, a method implemented at a terminal device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality from a first network device; determining whether the terminal device has only the first measurement gap pattern; and in response to determining that the terminal device has only the first measurement gap pattern, transmitting an indication to the first network device that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and the second network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to determining that the terminal device has a first measurement gap pattern and a second measurement gap pattern received from the second network device, one of the first measurement gap pattern and the second measurement gap pattern is selected, an indication of the selection is transmitted to the first network device, and a further indication of the selection is transmitted to the second network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to receiving the second measurement gap pattern when the indication is transmitted to the first network device or when it has been decided to transmit the indication to the first network device, transmitting an indication to the second network device that the second measurement gap pattern is not to be used.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: the first measurement gap pattern is transmitted to the second network device.

In a fourth aspect, a method implemented at a first network device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: in response to determining that the terminal device is required to perform a measurement of signal quality, determining whether the first network device has a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device communicating with the first network device and the second network device; in response to determining that the first network device lacks a measurement gap pattern, determining the first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and the signal to be measured; transmitting a first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device; transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device in response to receiving an indication from the terminal device that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used; and receiving a second measurement gap pattern from the second network device or from the terminal device in response to receiving an indication from the terminal device that the first measurement gap pattern is not to be used.

In some example embodiments, the first network device is a primary node or a secondary node.

In some example embodiments, the second network device is a primary node or a secondary node.

In a fifth aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network device to perform the method according to the first aspect.

In a sixth aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second network device to perform the method according to the second aspect.

In a seventh aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to perform the method according to the third aspect.

In an eighth aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first network device to perform the method according to the fourth aspect.

In a ninth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The device comprises: means for determining whether the first network device has a measurement gap pattern for measurement in response to determining that the terminal device is required to perform measurement of signal quality, the terminal device in communication with the first communication device and the second network device; and in response to determining that the first network device lacks a measurement gap pattern, means for determining the first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and the signal to be measured, and means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In a tenth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The device comprises: means for receiving a first measurement gap pattern from a first network device for measurement of signal quality to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and a second network device; means for determining whether a second network device has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for measurement to the first network device; and means for storing the first measurement gap pattern in response to determining that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

In an eleventh aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The device comprises: means for receiving a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality from a first network device; means for determining whether the terminal device has only the first measurement gap pattern; and means for transmitting an indication to the first network device that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used in response to determining that the terminal device has only the first measurement gap pattern, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and the second network device.

In a twelfth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The device comprises: means for determining whether the first network device has a measurement gap pattern for measurement in response to determining that the terminal device is required to perform measurement of signal quality, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and the second network device; means for determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and the signal to be measured in response to determining that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern; means for transmitting a first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device; and means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device in response to receiving an indication from the terminal device that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used.

In a thirteenth aspect, a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon is provided. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to the first aspect.

In a fourteenth aspect, a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon is provided. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to the second aspect.

In a fifteenth aspect, a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon is provided. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to the third aspect.

In a sixteenth aspect, a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon is provided. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to the fourth aspect.

It should be appreciated that the "summary of the invention" section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more particular description of certain example embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication network in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

fig. 2 is a signaling diagram of an example process for configuring a measurement gap pattern, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 is a signaling diagram of another example process for configuring a measurement gap pattern according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a first network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a second network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a flowchart of another method implemented at a first network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure.

The same or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements.

Detailed Description

Principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these example embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and practicing the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The disclosure described herein may be implemented in various other ways, except as described below.

In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

As used herein, the term "network device" refers to any suitable device on the network side of a communication network. The network devices may include any suitable devices in an access network of a communication network, including, for example, base Stations (BSs), relays, access Points (APs), node BS (nodebs or NB), evolved nodebs (eNodeB or eNB), gigabit nodebs (gNB), remote radio modules (RRU), radio Heads (RH), remote Radio Heads (RRH), low power nodes (such as femto, pico, etc.). For discussion purposes, in some example embodiments, the gNB is taken as an example of a network device.

The network devices may also include any suitable devices in the core network, including, for example, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio devices such as MSR BS, network controllers such as Radio Network Controllers (RNC) or Base Station Controllers (BSC), multi-cell/Multicast Coordination Entities (MCEs), mobile Switching Centers (MSC) and MMEs, operations management (O & M) nodes, operations Support System (OSS) nodes, self-organizing network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes such as enhanced services mobile positioning centers (E-SMLCs), and/or Mobile Data Terminals (MDT).

As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to a device that is capable of, configured for, arranged for and/or operable for communicating with a network device or another terminal device in a communication network. Communication may involve the transmission and/or reception of wireless signals using electromagnetic signals, radio waves, infrared signals, and/or other types of signals suitable for conveying information over the air. In some example embodiments, the terminal device may be configured to transmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the terminal device may transmit information to the network device according to a predetermined scheduling plan when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network side.

Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to, user Equipment (UE), such as a smart phone, a wireless enabled tablet computer, a notebook embedded device (LEE), a notebook installed device (LME), and/or a wireless Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). For discussion purposes, some example embodiments will be described below with reference to a UE as an example of a terminal device, and the terms "terminal device" and "user equipment" (UE) may be used interchangeably in the context of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term "cell" refers to the area covered by radio signals transmitted by a network device. Terminal devices within a cell may be served by a network device and may access a communication network via the network device.

As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Pure hardware circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog and/or digital circuitry only); and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) A combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) and software/firmware, and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s), software, and memory(s) having software (including digital signal processors) that work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; and (c) hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but when software is not required for operation, software may not be present.

This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this disclosure, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this disclosure, the term "circuitry" also covers an implementation of a pure hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a hardware circuit or processor and a portion of its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" also covers (e.g., and if applicable to the particular claim element) a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "including" and variations thereof are to be construed as open-ended terms, meaning "including, but not limited to. The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment". Other definitions (explicit and implicit) may be included below.

As described above, the terminal device may operate in a DC mode in which the terminal device may be connected to two network devices. For example, the terminal device may have a connection with a network device of a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRA) or Long Term Evolution (LTE) and a connection with a network device of NR (5G). This type of MR-DC may be referred to as E-UTRA NR dual connectivity (EN-DC), NR E-UTRAN connectivity (NE-DC), or next generation core E-UTRA NR dual connectivity (NG-EN DC). For another example, the terminal device may have a connection with a network device of NR (5G) and another connection with a network device of NR (5G). This type of MR-DC may be referred to as NR-NR DC.

In DC mode, a network device responsible for control plane communication with a terminal device may be referred to as a primary network device or primary node (MN), and another network device may be referred to as a secondary network device or Secondary Node (SN).

For the purpose of signal quality measurement, two types of measurement gap patterns may be configured according to UE capabilities. The two types of measurement gap patterns may include a per-UE measurement gap pattern and a per-Frequency Range (FR) measurement gap pattern. The per UE measurement gap pattern indicates that the measurement gap in this pattern is a measurement gap on all serving carriers of the UE. The per FR measurement gap pattern indicates that the measurement gap in this pattern is a measurement gap for a serving carrier, e.g. in frequency range 1 (FR 1) or frequency range 2 (FR 2). FR1 includes carriers below 6GHz, while FR2 includes carriers above 6 GHz.

In EN-DC, MN decides and configures the per-UE measurement gap pattern and FR1 measurement gap pattern for the terminal device, while SN decides and configures the per-UE measurement gap pattern for the terminal device FR 2. The measurement configuration from MN to terminal device indicates whether the measurement configuration is a per UE measurement gap mode or an FR1 measurement gap mode. The MN also indicates to the SN the configured per UE measurement gap pattern or per FR1 measurement gap pattern and gap purpose (per UE or per FR 1). Assistance information may be exchanged between the MN and the SN to assist in measuring gap configurations. For a per UE measurement gap pattern or per FR1 measurement gap pattern, the SN indicates to the MN the list of frequencies configured by the SN for use by the terminal device for measurement. For each FR2 measurement gap mode, the MN indicates to the SN the list of frequencies configured by the MN for measurement by the terminal device.

For NR-NR DC, both MN and SN may have cells deployed on FR2 and FR1 frequencies. In practice, the deployment scenario of a cell may include: case 1: the MN has an FR1 cell and an FR2 cell, and the SN has an FR1 cell and an FR2 cell; case 2: MN has FR1 cell and FR2 cell, SN has only FR1 cell; case 3: MN has FR1 and FR2 cells, SN has only FR2 cells; case 4: the MN has only FR1 cells, the SN has FR1 cells and FR2 cells; case 5: MN has only FR1 cells, SN has only FR1 cells; case 6: MN has only FR1 cells and SN has only FR2 cells; case 7: the MN has only FR2 cells, the SN has FR1 cells and FR2 cells; case 8: MN has only FR2 cells and SN has only FR1 cells; case 9: the MN has only FR2 cells and the SN has only FR2 cells.

If the principle of the MR-DC architecture is applied to NR-NR DC, it is not easy to define one of MN and SN to configure the FR1 measurement gap mode or the FR2 measurement gap mode. The reason is that no node can ensure that it is able to know all locations of the measurement timing configuration and the location of the signal to be measured for each frequency.

For example, in NR-NR DC, it is not reasonable to require MN to configure FR1 measurement gap mode to the terminal device for Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) measurement in the above case 7, 8 or 9 because there is no FR1 cell in MN. The MN can configure the FR1 measurement gap mode to the terminal device if the MN can acquire all information about the measurement timing configuration of the FR1 prior to the FR1 measurement gap mode configuration via transfer or operation maintenance (O & M) from the SN to the MN. However, maintenance and management information is too complex for the MN.

Similarly, for FR2 measurement gap mode configuration, it is not reasonable to require SN to configure FR2 measurement gap mode to the terminal device for SSB measurement in case 2, 5 or 8 above, because there is no FR2 cell in SN. The SN may configure the FR2 measurement gap mode to the terminal device if the SN can acquire all information about the measurement timing configuration of FR2 prior to the FR2 measurement gap mode configuration via a transfer from the MN to the SN or O & M. But maintenance and management information is too complex for the SN.

Thus, if the principles of the MR-DC architecture are applied to NR-NR DC, it is necessary to discuss which network node is responsible for configuring the measurement gap pattern to the terminal device and how to coordinate between the node and the terminal device.

To at least partially address the above-mentioned problems and other potential problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for configuring a measurement gap pattern. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the DC mode, when there is a measurement requirement and there is no measurement gap mode locally, either one of the two network apparatuses connected to the terminal device may decide to configure the measurement gap mode. Before a network device configures a measurement gap pattern to a terminal device, the network device notifies another network device of the measurement gap pattern. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in all deployment scenarios in DC mode.

Now, some example embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the disclosure extends beyond these limited embodiments.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example communication network 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The network 100 includes a first network device 110, a second network device 120, and a terminal device 130. The first network device 110 provides wireless coverage within the cell 115. The second network device 120 provides wireless coverage within the cell 125. It should be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices is for illustration purposes only and is not meant to be limiting. Network 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure.

The terminal device 130 may operate in a DC mode. In DC mode, the terminal device 130 may be connected to and communicate with two network devices or nodes. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the terminal device 130 may have a first connection with the first network device 110 and a second connection with the second network device 120. The first network device 110 may operate using a first RAT and the second network device 120 may operate using a second RAT. The second RAT may be the same as or different from the first RAT. In some example embodiments, each of the first RAT and the second RAT includes an NR.

The communications in the network 100 may conform to any suitable standard including, but not limited to, global system for mobile communications (GSM), extended coverage global system for mobile internet of things (EC-GSM-IoT), long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-evolution, LTE-advanced (LTE-a), wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), and the like. Furthermore, the communication may be performed according to any generation communication protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in the DC mode, when there is a measurement requirement and there is no measurement gap mode locally, either one of two network devices connected to the terminal device may decide to configure the measurement gap mode. Before a network device configures a measurement gap pattern to a terminal device, the network device notifies another network device of the measurement gap pattern. Thus, configuration conflicts for the same type of measurement gap pattern may be avoided via coordination between the first network device 110 and the second network device 120. For discussion purposes, the coordination process between the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 will be described below with reference to fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a signaling diagram of an example process 200 for configuring a measurement gap pattern, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 200 may involve first network device 110, second network device 120, and terminal device 130 as shown in fig. 1. It should be appreciated that process 200 may include additional acts not shown and/or omit certain acts as shown. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

The first network device 110 determines 2010 whether the terminal device 130 is required to perform a measurement of signal quality. The terminal device 130 communicates with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120. A network device of the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 configured for control plane communication with the terminal device 130 may be referred to as MN, and the other network device may be referred to as SN.

If the first network device 110 determines that the terminal device 130 is required to perform the measurement, the first network device 110 determines 2020 if the first network device 110 has a measurement gap pattern for the measurement.

If the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 lacks a measurement gap pattern, the first network device 110 determines 2030 a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device 130 and the signal to be measured.

In some embodiments, the signal to be measured by the terminal device 130 may include at least one reference signal. In some example embodiments, the at least one reference signal may include a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). In such embodiments, the measurement timing configuration comprises a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) measurement timing configuration (SMTC).

It should be understood that SSB and SMTC are merely examples and not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way, other signals to be measured or reference signals, and other types of measurement timing configurations may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the reference signals to be measured may include channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS). Thus, in some example embodiments, a measurement timing configuration for CSI-RS may be used.

The first network device 110 transmits 2040 the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

Upon receiving the first measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110, the second network device 120 determines 2050 whether the second network device 120 has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for measurement to the first network device 110. The second measurement gap pattern may be the same as or different from the first measurement gap pattern. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, each of the first measurement gap pattern and the second measurement gap pattern may include one of: gap per UE measurement mode, gap per FR1 measurement mode, and gap per FR2 measurement mode.

If the second network device 120 determines that the second network device 120 has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 stores 2060 the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, if the second network device 120 determines that the second network device 120 has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may transmit 2070 an indication to the first network device 110 that the second network device 120 accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, acts 2060 and 2070 may be performed in parallel. In other embodiments, act 2060 may be performed prior to act 2070. Alternatively, act 2070 may be performed before act 2060.

In some embodiments, when transmitting the indication to the first network device 110, if the second network device 120 has a measurement requirement, the second network device 120 may use the first measurement gap pattern to cause measurements to be performed by the terminal device 130. In such an embodiment, the second network device 120 may transmit only the measurement related parameters to the terminal device 130 without any measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, upon receiving an indication from the second network device 120 that the second network device 120 accepts the first measurement gap pattern, the first network device 110 transmits 2080 the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130 upon expiration of the predetermined time period. Thus, configuration conflicts of measurement gap patterns from the same gap type of two network devices may be avoided via coordination between the two network devices.

The embodiments of the present disclosure do not require that a network device without any FR1 cells determine an FR1 measurement gap pattern for a terminal device nor that a network device without any FR2 cells determine an FR2 measurement gap pattern for a terminal device. Therefore, the network device without any FR1 cell does not need to acquire information on the measurement timing configuration of FR1 for determining the FR1 measurement gap mode from another network device. Similarly, a network device without any FR2 cell does not need to acquire information about the measurement timing configuration of FR2 that determines the FR2 measurement gap mode from another network device. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are readily implemented.

In some embodiments, if the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 have requirements for the same type of measurement at the same time, the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 may determine their respective measurement gap patterns. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 may transmit their respective measurement gap patterns simultaneously with each other.

Consider the following example: wherein the second network device 120 does not receive the first measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110 until the second network device 120 has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110. In this case, the second network device 120 has a first measurement gap pattern and a second measurement gap pattern before configuring the terminal device 130. To configure the terminal device 130 with only one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode, coordination may be performed between the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

For example, in some embodiments, if the second network device 120 determines 2050 that the second network device 120 has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 determines whether the second network device 120 is authorized to select one of the first measurement gap pattern and the second measurement gap pattern. In some embodiments, the authorization may be performed by an operator of the communication network 100.

If the second network device 120 determines that the second network device 120 is authorized for selection, the second network device 120 selects one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode. The second network device 120 may then transmit the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110.

On the other hand, if the second network device 120 determines that the second network device 120 is not authorized for selection, i.e., the first network device 110 is authorized for selection, the second network device 120 may receive the selection result from the first network device 110.

In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may receive an indication of a selection of the first measurement gap mode or the second measurement gap mode from the first network device 110. In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may receive a selected measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110 indicating a selection made by the first network device 110. For example, if the second network device 120 receives the first measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110, it indicates that the first network device 110 selects the first measurement gap pattern to configure the terminal device 130. If the second network device 120 receives the second measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110, it indicates that the first network device 110 selects the second measurement gap pattern to configure the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may receive an indication from the first network device 110 that the first network device 110 accepts or rejects the second measurement gap pattern. For example, the second network device 120 may receive a positive acknowledgement from the first network device 110 indicating that the first network device 110 accepts the second measurement gap pattern. The second network device 120 may receive a negative acknowledgement from the first network device 110 indicating that the first network device 110 refuses the second measurement gap pattern. This means that the first network device 110 selects the first measurement gap pattern to configure the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, whether the second network device 120 is authorized for selection or not authorized for selection, the second network device 120 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern directly to the terminal device 130. Similarly, whether the first network device 110 is authorized for selection or not authorized for selection, the first network device 110 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern directly to the terminal device 130.

In embodiments where the second network device 120 is not authorized for selection, the second network device 120 may use the measurement gap pattern selected by the first network device 110 to cause measurements to be performed by the terminal device 130. Similarly, in embodiments in which the first network device 110 is not authorized for selection, the first network device 110 may use the measurement gap pattern selected by the second network device 120 to cause measurements to be performed by the terminal device 130.

Instead of coordination between two network devices, configuration conflicts for measurement gap patterns of the same gap type may be avoided via selection by the terminal device, as will be described below with reference to fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a signaling diagram of another example process for configuring a measurement gap pattern according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 300 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120, and the terminal device 130 as shown in fig. 1. It should be appreciated that process 300 may include additional acts not shown and/or omit certain acts as shown. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Acts 2010, 2020, and 2030 in fig. 3 are the same as acts in fig. 2, and thus their description is omitted for clarity.

The first network device 110 transmits 3040 a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality to the terminal device 130.

Upon receiving the first measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110, the terminal device 130 determines 3050 whether the terminal device 130 has only the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, a timer defining a time period may be used. The time period may be configured by one of the first network device and the second network device. Alternatively, the time period may be determined by the terminal device 130. In some embodiments, the time period may be determined to be less than a time for processing the first measurement gap pattern or the second measurement gap pattern.

Upon receiving the first measurement gap pattern, a timer may be started. If the terminal device 130 does not receive the second measurement gap pattern from the second network device 120 before expiration of the time period, the terminal device 130 may determine to have only the first measurement gap pattern.

If the terminal device 130 determines to have only the first measurement gap pattern, the terminal device 130 transmits 3060 to the first network device 110 an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used.

In some embodiments, upon receiving the indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, the first network device 110 transmits 3070 the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, if the terminal device 130 determines that the terminal device 130 has a second measurement gap pattern received from the second network device 120 in addition to the first measurement gap pattern, the terminal device 130 may select one of the first measurement gap and the second measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, after selecting one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode, the terminal device 130 may transmit an indication of the selection to the first network device 110 and transmit a further indication of the selection to the second network device 120. For example, if the terminal device 130 selects a measurement gap pattern from the network device, the terminal device 130 may transmit an indication to the network device that the measurement gap pattern is to be used. As an example, the indication that the measurement gap pattern is to be used may be positive feedback. If the terminal device 130 does not select (i.e., reject) the measurement gap pattern from the network device, the terminal device 130 may transmit an indication to the network device that the measurement gap pattern will not be used. As an example, the indication that the measurement gap pattern is not to be used may be negative feedback.

In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120 after receiving an indication from the terminal device 130 that the measurement gap pattern is to be used. Alternatively, in some embodiments, after selecting the first measurement gap pattern, the terminal device 130 may transmit the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, after receiving the first measurement gap pattern, if the second network device 120 has a measurement requirement, the second network device 120 may use the first measurement gap pattern to cause measurements to be performed by the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may receive the second measurement gap configuration from the second network device 120 after transmitting an indication to the first network device 110 that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, or after having decided to transmit an indication to the first network device 110. In such embodiments, after receiving the second measurement gap pattern, the terminal device 130 may transmit an indication to the second network device 120 that the second measurement gap pattern is not to be used.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 implemented at a first network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The method 400 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120, and the terminal device 130 of fig. 1. For example, the method 400 may be implemented at the first network device 110 shown in fig. 1. It should be understood that method 400 may include additional blocks not shown, and/or that some of the blocks shown may be omitted, and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

At block 410, the first network device 110 determines whether the terminal device 130 is required to perform a measurement of signal quality. The terminal device 130 communicates with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

If it is determined at block 410 that the terminal device 130 is required to perform a measurement of signal quality, the first network device 110 determines at block 420 whether the first network device 110 has a measurement gap pattern for the measurement.

On the other hand, if it is determined at block 410 that the terminal device 130 is not required to perform a measurement of signal quality, then at block 450 the first network device 110 performs any suitable action.

Referring again to block 420, if the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 does not have a measurement gap pattern, i.e., the first network device 110 lacks a measurement gap pattern, the first network device 110 determines a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device 130 and the signal to be measured at block 430.

At block 440, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 420 that the first network device 110 has a measurement gap pattern, at block 460 the first network device 110 may cause measurements to be performed using the measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, after transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120, the first network device 110 may receive an indication from the second network device 120 that the second network device 120 accepts the first measurement gap pattern. The first network device 110 then transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130. Alternatively, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130 upon expiration of the predetermined time period.

In some embodiments, the first network device 110 receives a second measurement gap pattern for measurement from the second network device 120. If the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 is authorized for selection, the first network device 110 selects one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode. On the other hand, if the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 is not authorized for selection, the first network device 110 receives an indication of a selection of the first measurement gap mode or the second measurement gap mode from the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, if the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 is authorized for selection, the first network device 110 transmits the selected measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, the first network device 110 transmits the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 implemented at a second network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The method 500 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120, and the terminal device 130 of fig. 1. For example, the method 500 may be implemented at the second network device 120 shown in fig. 1. It should be understood that method 500 may include additional blocks not shown, and/or that some blocks shown may be omitted, and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

At block 510, the second network device 120 receives a first measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110 for measurement of signal quality to be performed by the terminal device 130. The terminal device 130 communicates with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

At block 520, the second network device 120 determines whether the second network device 120 has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for measurement to the first network device 110.

If it is determined at block 520 that the second network device 120 has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 stores the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 520 that the second network device 120 has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may transmit an indication to the first network device 110 that the second network device 120 accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

On the other hand, if it is determined at block 520 that the second network device 120 has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may perform any suitable action.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 520 that the second network device 120 has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may determine whether the second network device 120 is authorized for selection.

If it is determined that the second network device 120 is authorized for selection, the second network device 120 selects one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode. In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the second network device 120 is not authorized for selection, at least one of the following is received from the first network device 110: an indication of the selection of the first measurement gap or the second measurement gap, and an indication that the first network device 110 accepts or rejects the second measurement gap mode.

In some embodiments, if it is determined that the second network device 120 is not authorized for selection, the second network device 120 may cause the measurement to be performed using the selected measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 implemented at a terminal device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The method 600 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120, and the terminal device 130 of fig. 1. For example, the method 600 may be implemented at the terminal device 130 shown in fig. 1. It should be understood that method 600 may include additional blocks not shown, and/or that some blocks shown may be omitted, and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

In block 610, the terminal device 130 receives a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality from the first network device 110. The terminal device 130 communicates with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

In block 620, the terminal device 130 determines whether the terminal device 130 has only the first measurement gap pattern.

If it is determined at block 620 that only the first measurement gap pattern is present, the terminal device 130 transmits an indication to the first network device 110 that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used.

On the other hand, if it is determined at block 620 that the terminal device 130 has a first measurement gap pattern and a second measurement gap pattern received from the second network device 120, the terminal device 130 selects one of the first measurement gap pattern and the second measurement gap pattern. In turn, the terminal device 130 transmits an indication of the selection to the first network device 110 and transmits a further indication of the selection to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, if the terminal device 130 receives the second measurement gap pattern after transmitting the indication to the first network device 110 or after having decided to transmit the indication to the first network device 110, the terminal device 130 transmits an indication to the second network device 120 that the second measurement gap pattern will not be used.

In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method 700 implemented at a first network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 700 will be described with reference to fig. 1. Method 700 may involve first network device 110, second network device 120, and terminal device 130 of fig. 1. For example, the method 700 may be implemented at the first network device 110 shown in fig. 1. It should be understood that method 700 may include additional blocks not shown, and/or that some of the blocks shown may be omitted, and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

At block 710, the first network device 110 determines whether the terminal device 130 is required to perform a measurement of signal quality. The terminal device 130 communicates with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

If it is determined at block 710 that the terminal device 130 is required to perform a measurement of signal quality, the first network device 110 determines at block 720 whether the first network device 110 has a measurement gap pattern for the measurement.

On the other hand, if it is determined at block 710 that the terminal device 130 is not required to perform a measurement of signal quality, at block 770 the first network device 110 performs any suitable action.

Referring again to block 720, if the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 does not have a measurement gap pattern, the first network device 110 determines a first measurement gap pattern based on the measurement timing configuration for the terminal device 130 and the signal to be measured at block 730.

At block 740, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 720 that the first network device 110 has a measurement gap pattern, at block 780, the first network device 110 may cause measurements to be performed using the measurement gap pattern.

At block 750, the first network device 110 determines whether the first network device 110 receives an indication from the terminal device 130 that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used or an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is not to be used. For ease of discussion, the indication that the first measurement gap mode will be used is referred to as positive feedback, while the indication that the first measurement gap mode will not be used is referred to as negative feedback.

If it is determined at block 750 that the first network device 110 receives positive feedback from the terminal device 130, the first network device 110 transmits a first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 750 that the first network device 110 received negative feedback from the terminal device 130, then at block 790 the first network device 110 receives a second measurement gap pattern from the second network device 120 or from the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., first network device 110) capable of performing method 400 may include means for performing the respective steps of method 400. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes means for determining whether the first network device has a measurement gap pattern for measurement in response to determining that the terminal device is required to perform measurement of signal quality, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and the second network device; and in response to determining that the first network device lacks a measurement gap pattern, means for determining the first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and the signal to be measured, and means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: in response to determining that the first network device has a measurement gap pattern, means for causing measurements to be performed using the measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: the apparatus further includes means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device in response to receiving an indication from the second network device that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting a first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device in response to expiration of the predetermined time period.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for receiving a second measurement gap pattern for measurement from a second network device; means for selecting one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode in response to determining that the first network device is authorized for selection; and means for receiving an indication of a selection of the first measurement gap mode or the second measurement gap mode from the second network device in response to determining that the first network device is not authorized for selection.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the second network device in response to determining that the first network device is authorized for selection.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.

In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., second network device 120) capable of performing method 500 may include means for performing the respective steps of method 500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes means for receiving a first measurement gap pattern from a first network device for measurement of signal quality to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and a second network device; means for determining whether a second network device has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for measurement to the first network device; and means for storing the first measurement gap pattern in response to determining that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting an indication to the first network device that the second network device accepted the first measurement gap pattern in response to determining that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for determining whether the second network device is authorized for selection in response to determining that the second network device has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device; means for selecting one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode in response to determining that the second network device is authorized for selection; and means for receiving, from the first network device, at least one of the following in response to determining that the second network device is not authorized for selection: an indication of a selection of the first measurement gap mode or the second measurement gap mode, and an indication of acceptance or rejection of the second measurement gap mode by the first network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device in response to determining that the second network device is authorized for selection.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for causing measurements to be performed using the selected measurement gap pattern in response to determining that the second network device is not authorized for selection.

In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., terminal device 130) capable of performing method 600 may include means for performing the respective steps of method 600. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for receiving a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality from a first network device; means for determining whether the terminal device has only the first measurement gap pattern; and means for transmitting an indication to the first network device that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used in response to determining that the terminal device has only the first measurement gap pattern, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and the second network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: in response to determining that the terminal device has a first measurement gap pattern and a second measurement gap pattern received from the second network device, means for selecting one of the first measurement gap pattern and the second measurement gap pattern, means for transmitting an indication of the selection to the first network device, and means for transmitting a further indication of the selection to the second network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: in response to receiving the second measurement gap pattern when transmitting the indication to the first network device or when it has been decided to transmit the indication to the first network device, means for transmitting an indication to the second network device that the second measurement gap pattern is not to be used.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: the apparatus includes means for transmitting a first measurement gap pattern to a second network device.

In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., first network device 110) capable of performing method 700 may include means for performing the respective steps of method 700. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for determining whether the first network device has a measurement gap pattern for measurement in response to determining that the terminal device is required to perform measurement of signal quality, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and the second network device; means for determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and the signal to be measured in response to determining that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern; means for transmitting a first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device; means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device in response to receiving an indication from the terminal device that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used; and means for receiving a second measurement gap pattern from the second network device or from the terminal device in response to receiving an indication from the terminal device that the first measurement gap pattern is not to be used.

Fig. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 800 may be considered another example implementation of network devices 110 and 120 as shown in fig. 1. Thus, device 800 may be implemented at network device 110 or 120 or as at least a portion of network device 110 or 120.

As shown, device 800 includes a processor 810, a memory 820 coupled to processor 810, suitable Transmitters (TX) and Receivers (RX) 840 coupled to processor 810, and a communication interface coupled to TX/RX 840. Memory 820 stores at least a portion of program 830. TX/RX 840 is used for two-way communication. TX/RX 840 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, although in practice the access node referred to in the present application may have several antennas. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements, such as an X2 interface for bi-directional communication between enbs, an S1 interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME)/serving gateway (S-GW) and an eNB, a Un interface for communication between an eNB and a Relay Node (RN), or a Uu interface for communication between an eNB and a UE.

Program 830 is considered to include program instructions that, when executed by an associated processor 810, enable device 800 to operate in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed herein with reference to fig. 1-10. The embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 810 of the device 800, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 810 may be configured to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, the combination of processor 810 and memory 820 may form a processing module 850 suitable for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Memory 820 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. Although only one memory 820 is shown in device 800, there may be several physically distinct memory modules in device 800. The processor 810 may be of any type suitable to the local technology network and may include one or more of the following: one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital Signal Processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 800 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock that is synchronized to the master processor.

In general, the various example embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. While various aspects of the embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product comprises computer executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, that are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the methods 400, 500, 600, 700 described above with reference to fig. 3 and 4. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data types, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage media.

Program code for carrying out the methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, causes the functions/operations specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on the machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable an apparatus, device or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, a computer-readable medium.

The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

Moreover, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Also, while the above discussion contains several specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1.A method for communication, comprising:

Receiving, by a second network device, a first measurement gap pattern from a first network device, the first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device in communication with the first network device and the second network device;

determining whether the second network device has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement to the first network device;

In response to determining that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, storing the first measurement gap pattern and transmitting an indication to the first network device that the second network device accepted the first measurement gap pattern;

Transmitting, by the second network device, a parameter related to the measurement to the terminal device without transmitting a parameter related to a measurement gap pattern, if the second network device has a measurement requirement, such that the second network device uses the first measurement gap pattern to cause a measurement to be performed by the terminal device;

in response to determining that the second network device has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, determining whether the second network device is authorized for selection;

In response to determining that the second network device is authorized for the selection, selecting one of the first measurement gap mode and the second measurement gap mode; and

In response to determining that the second network device is not authorized for the selection, at least one of:

An indication of the selection of the first measurement gap mode or the second measurement gap mode, and

The first network device accepts or rejects an indication of the second measurement gap pattern.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

In response to determining that the second network device is authorized for the selection, transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

in response to determining that the second network device is not authorized for the selection, causing the measurement to be performed using the selected measurement gap pattern.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

Transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.

5. A network device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

At least one memory including computer program code;

The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first network device to perform the method of any of claims 1-4.

6. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

means for performing a process comprising the method according to any one of claims 1-4.

7. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to any of claims 1-4.