CN118120335A

CN118120335A - Communication method, apparatus, and computer readable medium

Info

Publication number: CN118120335A
Application number: CN202180103459.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·P·塞比尔; 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: 2021-10-21
Filing date: 2021-10-21
Publication date: 2024-05-31
Also published as: EP4420476A1; WO2023065246A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to communication methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media. The second device sends a first indication to the first device indicating that the secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a DRX group of a plurality of DRX groups configured for the first device. The first device starts a first timer if a predetermined condition is satisfied, and performs downlink channel monitoring for the DRX group during operation of the first timer. Or the first device starts a second timer and follows a short DRX cycle for the DRX group during operation of the second timer. In this way, an efficient mechanism may be provided for reducing delays waiting for downlink channel monitoring or transmission.

Description

Communication method, apparatus, and computer readable medium

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications and, in particular, relate to a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) operation.

Background

In general, for example, a serving cell (also referred to as FR1 cell) operating in a frequency range 1 of 450MHz to 6.0GHz and a serving cell (also referred to as FR2 cell) operating in a frequency range 2 of 24.25GHz to 52.6GHz are allowed to be configured for a terminal device via Carrier Aggregation (CA). In this case, if the same DRX parameters are used for both FR1 and FR2 cells, the power consumption at the terminal device is higher. To reduce power consumption, the serving cell may be configured in two DRX groups with separate DRX parameters.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for DRX operation. Embodiments that do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples that are helpful in understanding the present disclosure.

In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; 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 device to: receiving, from a second device, a first indication indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the secondary cell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; the subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold subcarrier spacing; the size of the bandwidth portion of the secondary cell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell; the time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset; the configured grant or semi-persistent schedule is configured for the secondary cell; the duration of the configuration of the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the secondary cell; the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or the secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells in the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to reception of the first indication; and performing downlink channel monitoring for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a second aspect, a first device is also provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; 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 device to: receiving, from a second device, a first indication indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; starting a timer; and following a short discontinuous reception period of the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a third aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; 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 device to: transmitting, to a first device, a first indication indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the secondary cell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; the subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold subcarrier spacing; the size of the bandwidth portion of the secondary cell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell; the time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset; the configured grant or semi-persistent schedule is configured for the secondary cell; the duration of the configuration for the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the secondary cell; the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or the secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells in the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to reception of the first indication; and performing downlink channel transmission for the discontinuous reception group during the running of the timer.

In a fourth aspect, a second device is also provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; 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 device to: transmitting, to a first device, a first indication indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; starting a timer; and following a short discontinuous reception period of the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a fifth aspect, a communication method implemented by a first device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: receiving, at the first device, a first indication from the second device indicating that the secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the secondary cell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; the subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold subcarrier spacing; the size of the bandwidth portion of the secondary cell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell; the time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset; the configured grant or semi-persistent schedule is configured for the secondary cell; the duration of the configuration of the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the secondary cell; the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or the secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells in the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to reception of the first indication; and performing downlink channel monitoring for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a sixth aspect, there is also provided a communication method implemented by a first device. The method comprises the following steps: at a first device, receiving a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; starting a timer; and following a short discontinuous reception period for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a seventh aspect, a communication method implemented by a second device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting, at the second device, a first indication to the first device indicating that the secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the secondary cell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; the subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold subcarrier spacing; the size of the bandwidth portion of the secondary cell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell; the time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset; the configured grant or semi-persistent schedule is configured for the secondary cell; the duration of the configuration for the timer is longer than the duration for activation of the secondary cell; the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or the secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells in the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to reception of the first indication; and performing downlink channel transmission for the discontinuous reception group during the running of the timer.

In an eighth aspect, there is also provided a communication method implemented by a second device. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting, at the second device, a first indication to the first device indicating that the secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; starting a timer; and following a short discontinuous reception period of the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The device comprises: means for receiving, at a first device, a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; and means for starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the secondary cell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; the subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold subcarrier spacing; the size of the bandwidth portion of the secondary cell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell; the time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset; the configured grant or semi-persistent schedule is configured for the secondary cell; the duration of the configuration for the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the secondary cell; the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or the secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells in the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to reception of the first indication; and means for performing downlink channel monitoring for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device comprises: means for receiving, at a first device, a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; means for starting a timer; and means for following a short discontinuous reception cycle of the discontinuous reception set during operation of the timer.

In an eleventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The device comprises: means for transmitting, at the second device, a first indication to the first device indicating that the secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; means for starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the secondary cell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; the subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold subcarrier spacing; the size of the bandwidth portion of the secondary cell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell; the time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset; the configured grant or semi-persistent schedule is configured for the secondary cell; the duration of the configuration for the timer is longer than the duration for activation of the secondary cell; the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or the secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells in the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to reception of the first indication; and means for performing downlink channel transmissions for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device comprises: means for transmitting, at the second device, a first indication to the first device indicating that the secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; means for starting a timer; and means for following a short discontinuous reception period for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

In a thirteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided. The non-transitory computer readable medium includes program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method according to the fifth or sixth aspect.

In a fourteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided. The non-transitory computer readable medium comprises program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method according to the seventh or eighth aspect.

It should be understood that the summary 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

Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram showing a communication process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram showing a communication process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an example communication method implemented at a first device, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of another example communication method implemented at a first device, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example communication method implemented at a second device, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of another example communication method implemented at a second device according to an example embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer-readable medium, according to some embodiments of the 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 embodiments are described merely for the purpose of illustrating and helping those skilled in the art understand and practice the present disclosure and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The disclosure described herein may be implemented in various other ways besides those 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.

In this disclosure, references to "one embodiment," "an example embodiment," 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 are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. 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. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "including," "includes" and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

(a) A pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and/or digital circuitry), and

(B) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable):

(i) Combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) and software/firmware, and

(Ii) Any portion of the hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor (s)), software, and memory(s) with software 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 a portion of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware)

The operation is performed, but software may not exist when the operation is not required.

The definition of circuitry is applicable to all uses of that term in the present application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuitry also encompasses hardware-only circuits or processors (or multiple processors) or an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor portion and its accompanying software and/or firmware. For example, if applicable to the particular claim elements, the term circuitry also encompasses a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-a), wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), high Speed Packet Access (HSPA), narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT), and the like. Furthermore, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including, but not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), future sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and/or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communications, there will of course also be future types of communication technologies and systems that can be used to embody the present disclosure. It should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the above-described systems.

As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from the network. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may refer to a Base Station (BS) or Access Point (AP), e.g., a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, a low power node (such as femto, pico), etc.

The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example, and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user Equipment (UE), subscriber Station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile Station (MS), or Access Terminal (AT). The terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable terminal devices, personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer devices (CPE), internet of things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head Mounted Displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., tele-surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and/or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and/or automated processing chain environment), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and/or industrial wireless networks, and the like. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

Power saving at the terminal device has been a concern. In general, DRX operation is performed to reduce Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring that consumes a large amount of power. In Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected mode, DRX is based on two periods, namely a short DRX period and a long DRX period.

The serving cell of a Medium Access Control (MAC) entity may be configured by RRC in two DRX groups with separate DRX parameters. When the RRC does not configure the secondary DRX group, there is only one DRX group, and all the serving cells belong to the one DRX group. When two DRX groups are configured, each serving cell is uniquely assigned to either of the two groups. The DRX parameters configured separately for each DRX group are: drx-ondurationTimer and drx-InactivityTimer. When DRX is configured, the active time of the serving cell in the DRX group includes the time when the DRX-onduration timer or DRX-incaactytimer configured for the DRX group is running.

In general, if a terminal device is configured with both a long DRX cycle and a short DRX cycle, the short DRX cycle is used after a DRX-inactivity timer timeout, or after a DRX command Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) is received during an active time. Finally, after the short DRX timer times out, a long DRX cycle is entered.

As described above, in the case where both FR1 and FR2 cells are configured for the terminal device, waiting for the next on-duration opportunity will result in a long delay when the FR2 cell is to transmit a data burst and the FR2 cell is in a long DRX cycle, and this long delay will negatively impact throughput. For example, when using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), there is a risk that congestion avoidance or slow start is triggered.

The above problem is exacerbated in cases where Logical Channel (LCH) mapping restrictions are configured such that some of the LCHs are transmitted only through FR2 cells. In fact, FR2 cells may be deactivated or enter long DRX when there is no traffic for those LCHs. Waiting for the next on-duration opportunity will result in a long delay when new data bursts for these LCHs arrive and the FR2 cell is in a long DRX cycle.

Furthermore, the delay caused by the activation of scells may be long. For example, if the SCell is unknown (i.e., the network side has not recently received a Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement report for the SCell), the delay may be up to tens of milliseconds (ms). Even though scells are known, delays may be up to 8ms, considering the processing time for activating MAC CEs and sending Acknowledgements (ACKs) from the terminal devices.

In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved solution for DRX operation when two DRX groups are configured. In one aspect, a timer (also referred to herein as a first timer for convenience) is started when the SCell is activated and only when the SCell actually improves throughput in advance and PDCCH monitoring is performed during the running of the timer. This ensures a long delay without waiting for PDCCH monitoring for the SCell and the timer is started only when needed to avoid unnecessary power wastage. On the other hand, when SCell is activated, a timer (also referred to herein as a second timer for convenience) is started, and a short DRX cycle is followed during the running of the timer. This also ensures that there is no need to wait for a long delay for PDCCH monitoring.

The principles and implementations of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the 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.

Examples of communication networks

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example communication network 100 in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown in fig. 1, the communication network 100 may include a first device 110 and a second device 120. The second device 120 may provide serving cells 121, 122, and 123 for the first device 110. It is assumed that serving cell 121 is a primary cell (PCell) and serving cells 122 and 123 are scells. The first device 110 is in an RRC connected state. In some embodiments, at least one of serving cells 122 and 123 may be activated or deactivated.

For illustration purposes only, and without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, some embodiments will be described in the context of the first device 110 being a terminal device and the second device 120 being a network device. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first device 110 may be a network device and the second device 120 may be a terminal device. In other words, the principles and spirit of the present disclosure may be applied to uplink and downlink transmissions.

It should be understood that the number and type of first and second devices shown in fig. 1 are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Network 100 may include any suitable number and type of first devices and second devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should also be understood that the number of serving cells and the number of scells as shown in fig. 1 are for illustration purposes only and are not limiting in any way. The network 100 may include any suitable number of serving cells and scells suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 1, a first device 110 may communicate with a second device 120 in one or more serving cells via a channel, such as a wireless communication channel. Communications in communication network 100 may conform to any suitable standard including, but not limited to, global system for mobile communications (GSM), long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE evolution, LTE-advanced (LTE-a), NR, wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), machine Type Communications (MTC), 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), and sixth generation (6G) communication protocols.

In some embodiments, the second device 120 may configure multiple DRX groups for the serving cell of the first device 110.

For illustration, assume that two DRX groups are configured, and cell 121 is configured in the DRX group (DRX group 1), and cells 122 and 123 are configured in the other DRX group (DRX group 2). It should be appreciated that any other suitable grouping is possible for the DRX group. In some embodiments, the DRX group may include one or more serving cells. In some embodiments, the DRX group may include one or more types of serving cells. For example, the DRX group may include a PCell or an SCell, or both. The present disclosure does not limit the number and type of serving cells in the DRX group.

Although not shown, embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to Dual Connectivity (DC), such as New Radio (NR) -DC, EUTRA-NR (EN) -DC, or Next Generation (NG) EN-DC. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) or a primary cell group (MCG). It should be appreciated that any other suitable applicable scenario is also possible.

Example implementation of DRX with first timer

Fig. 2A shows a schematic diagram illustrating a communication process 200A according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For discussion purposes, process 200A will be described with reference to fig. 1. Process 200A may involve first device 110 and second device 120 as shown in fig. 1. It is assumed that serving cell 121 as a PCell is in an active state and serving cell 122 as an SCell is in a deactivated state and in DRX group 2.

As shown in fig. 2A, the second device 120 sends 201 an indication (also referred to herein as a first indication for convenience) to the first device 110 indicating that the SCell (e.g., serving cell 122) of DRX group 2 is to be activated. For example, the second device 120 may send a first indication when a new data burst arrives. It should be understood that this is merely an example and that the second device 120 may send the first indication as desired.

In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the first indication via a MAC CE. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the first indication via RRC signaling. The first indication may also be sent in any other suitable way.

Upon receiving the first indication, the first device 110 may determine 202 whether a timer (i.e., a first timer) is to be started such that downlink channel monitoring (e.g., PDCCH monitoring) for DRX group 2 is performed during operation of the timer. In other words, the first device 110 may determine whether a condition for starting the timer is satisfied. This is to avoid unnecessary timer starts and corresponding downlink channel monitoring to reduce the power consumption of the first device.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether the serving cell 122 is to be activated quickly. If the serving cell 122 is to be activated quickly, the first device 110 may determine that a timer is to be started. In some embodiments, if the first device 110 receives an indication (also referred to herein as a second indication) from the second device 120 indicating that the temporary reference signal is triggered for the serving cell 122, the first device 110 may determine that the serving cell 122 is to be quickly activated. Any other suitable indication may also be used to indicate that the serving cell 122 is to be activated quickly. This embodiment may ensure that the timer is useful for scheduling of the serving cell, as the serving cell may be activated before the timer expires, and then data may be transmitted via the serving cell 122 during operation of the timer.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether a Temporary Reference Signal (TRS) is triggered for the serving cell 122. If the temporary reference signal is triggered, the first device 110 may determine that a timer is to be started. In some embodiments, if the first device 110 receives a second indication from the second device 120 indicating that the temporary reference signal is triggered for the serving cell 122, the first device 110 may determine that the timer is to be started. In some embodiments, the second indication and the first indication may be received from the second device in the same message (e.g., a MAC message). Any other suitable manner of determining whether a temporary reference signal is triggered for serving cell 122 may also be employed. The triggered TRS may enable the first device 110 to quickly achieve synchronization on the serving cell 122, and then the running duration of the timer may be efficiently used for downlink channel monitoring for DRX group 2. In some embodiments, the temporary reference signals include one or more reference signals that are temporarily triggered upon activation of the serving cell 122, and/or one or more reference signals that are temporarily triggered for activation of the serving cell.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the serving cell 122 is above a threshold SCS. If the SCS of the serving cell 122 is above the threshold SCS, the first device 110 may determine that a timer is to be started. It should be understood that the threshold SCS may be predefined or configured. If the SCS of serving cell 122 is too low, it may not provide a sufficiently high useful bit rate.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether the size of the bandwidth portion (BWP) of the serving cell 122 is above a threshold size. If the BWP size of the serving cell 122 is higher than the threshold size, the first device 110 may determine that the timer is to be started. It should be appreciated that the threshold size may be predefined or configured. If the BWP size of the serving cell 122 is too low, a sufficiently high useful bit rate may not be provided.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether an uplink transmission is configured for the serving cell 122. If the uplink transmission is configured for the serving cell 122, the first device 110 may determine that a timer is to be started.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether a Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration of the serving cell 122 matches a configured criterion. If the TDD configuration of the serving cell 122 matches the configured criteria, the first device 110 may determine that a timer is to be started. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the criteria of configuration. In some embodiments, the criteria of the configuration may indicate the TDD configuration, the number of downlink or uplink slots included in the TDD configuration, and/or the ratio of downlink/uplink slots. For example, TDD configurations with a large number of downlinks or uplinks may be indicated depending on the expected traffic.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether the frame timing offset of the serving cell 122 relative to the PCell (e.g., serving cell 121) in DRX group 2 is below a threshold offset. If the frame timing offset of the serving cell 122 is below the threshold offset, the first device 110 may determine that a timer is to be started. In some embodiments, the frame timing offset may be a timing offset relative to a System Frame Number (SFN). It should be appreciated that timing offsets relative to any other suitable time unit are also possible.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether a Configured Grant (CG) or semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) is configured for the serving cell 122. If the CG or SPS is configured for the serving cell 122, the first device 110 may determine that a timer is to be started. In this way, scheduling without PDCCH overhead may be achieved.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether the duration of the configuration for the timer is longer than the duration (i.e., time delay) for activation of the serving cell 122. If the duration of the configuration of the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the serving cell 122, the first device 110 may determine that the timer is to be started. This example ensures that the serving cell can be activated before the timer expires and can be used for communication with the first device 110 and that downlink channel monitoring during the running of the timer is then not wasted.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether DRX group 2 is in a long DRX cycle. If DRX group 2 is in a long DRX cycle, the first device 110 may determine that a timer is to be started. Since a long DRX cycle results in a long latency for the on duration, and thus in this case it is very beneficial to start a timer to trigger downlink channel monitoring.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether the serving cell 122 is the first cell in DRX group 2 that was activated, and all serving cells within DRX group 2 are deactivated prior to receipt of the first indication. When all the serving cells within this DRX group 2 are deactivated, a timer that is not running is used for downlink channel monitoring, and then in this case the starting of the timer is very useful for reducing the delay of communication via the serving cell 122.

It should be appreciated that the above conditions for starting the timer and any other suitable conditions may be used in any suitable combination.

Returning to fig. 2A, after determining that the timer is to be started, the first device 110 starts 203 the timer. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may start a DRX inactivity timer (e.g., DRX-INACTIVITYTIMER). Any other suitable timer is also possible.

In some alternative embodiments, if the first device 110 receives an indication (also referred to herein as a third indication) indicating that the timer is to be started after activation, the first device 110 may determine that the timer is to be started. In other words, it may be configured whether the timer is always started after activation of the SCell, or only when one or more of the above conditions are met. For example, the third indication may be configured in MAC CE or RRC signaling or in any other suitable manner. In this way, an improvement in throughput can be flexibly achieved.

During the running of the timer, the first device 110 performs 204 downlink channel monitoring for DRX group 2. In this way, delays in communication with the serving cell 122 are reduced and resources are efficiently used. In some embodiments, the overall system may be improved efficiently.

Similarly, in response to sending the first indication to activate the serving cell 122, the second device 120 may determine 205 whether the first timer is to be started. The operation of determination 205 is similar to the operation of determination 202 and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity. If the first timer is to be started, the second device 120 starts 206 the first timer and performs 207 downlink channel transmission using the serving cell 122 during operation of the first timer.

It should be noted that the acts illustrated in fig. 2A are not always necessary to implement embodiments of the present disclosure, and that more or fewer acts may be adapted as desired.

Example implementation of DRX with second timer

Fig. 2B shows a schematic diagram illustrating a communication process 200B according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For discussion purposes, process 200B will be described with reference to fig. 1. Process 200B may involve first device 110 and second device 120 as shown in fig. 1. It is assumed that the serving cell 121 as a PCell is in an active state with the first device 110, and the serving cell 122 as an SCell is in a deactivated state and in DRX group 2.

As shown in fig. 2B, the second device 120 sends 211 an indication (also referred to herein as a first indication for convenience) to the first device 110 indicating that the SCell (e.g., serving cell 122) is to be activated. The operation of transmission 211 is similar to that of transmission 201 and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Upon receiving the first indication, the first device 110 starts 212 a timer (i.e., a second timer) such that a short DRX cycle is followed during operation of the timer. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may start a DRX short cycle timer (e.g., DRX-ShortCycleTimer). Any other suitable timer is also possible.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may initiate DRX-ShortCycleTimer if the DRX group is in a long DRX cycle. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may restart DRX-ShortCycleTimer if the DRX group is in a short DRX cycle. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may initiate DRX-ShortCycleTimer only when the DRX group is in a long DRX cycle. In these embodiments, the first device 110 may not activate DRX-ShortCycleTimer if the DRX group is in a short DRX cycle.

Then, the first device 110 follows 213 a short DRX cycle to perform DRX operation for DRX group 2. In this way, the delay waiting for channel monitoring can be reduced.

Similarly, in response to sending the first indication, the second device 120 also starts 214 a second timer and follows 215 a short DRX cycle of DRX group 2 during operation of the timer.

It should be noted that the acts illustrated in fig. 2B are not always necessary to implement embodiments of the present disclosure, and that more or fewer acts may be adapted as desired.

Example implementation of the method

Corresponding to the processes described in fig. 2A and 2B, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method implemented at a first device and a second device. These methods will be described below with reference to fig. 3 to 6. 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. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a communication method 300 implemented at a first device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 300 may be implemented at the first device 110 shown in fig. 1. For discussion purposes, the method 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 300 may also include additional blocks not shown and/or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

As shown in fig. 3, at block 310, the first device 110 receives a first indication from the second device 120 indicating that an SCell (e.g., serving cell 122) is to be activated. The SCell is in a DRX group of a plurality of DRX groups configured for the first device 110. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive the first indication in a MAC CE. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive the first indication in RRC signaling. Any other suitable means are also possible.

At block 320, the first device 110 determines whether at least one of the following conditions is met: SCell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the SCell; the SCS of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold SCS; the size of BWP of the SCell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for scells; the TDD configuration of the SCell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the SCell relative to the PCell in the DRX group is below a threshold offset; CG or SPS is configured for SCell; the duration of the configuration of the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the SCell; the DRX group is in a long DRX cycle; or SCell is the first cell in the DRX group that is activated, all serving cells within the DRX group are deactivated prior to the reception of the first indication.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a second indication from the second device 120 indicating that the temporary reference signal is triggered for the SCell, and determine that the SCell is to be quickly activated based on receipt of the second indication.

If at block 320 it is determined that at least one condition is satisfied, the process 300 proceeds to block 330. At block 330, the first device 110 starts a timer (i.e., a first timer). In some embodiments, the timer may be a DRX inactivity timer. Any other suitable timer is also possible.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a third indication from the second device 120 indicating that the timer is to be started upon activation, and start the timer upon activation based on the third indication.

At block 340, the first device 110 performs downlink channel monitoring on the DRX group during operation of the timer. For example, the first device 110 may begin PDCCH monitoring of the serving cell 122 when a timer starts. With the solution of fig. 3, timers are applied efficiently to reduce the delay waiting for channel monitoring.

Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of another communication method 400 implemented at a first device according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. The method 400 may be implemented at the first device 110 shown in fig. 1. For discussion purposes, the method 400 will be described with reference to fig. 1. It should be understood that method 400 may also include additional blocks not shown and/or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

As shown in fig. 4, at block 410, the first device 110 receives a first indication from the second device 120 indicating that an SCell (e.g., serving cell 122) is to be activated. The SCell is in a DRX group of a plurality of DRX groups configured for the first device 110. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive the first indication in a MAC CE. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may receive the first indication in RRC signaling. Any other suitable means are also possible.

At block 420, the first device 110 starts a timer (i.e., a second timer). In some embodiments, the timer may be a DRX short cycle timer. Any other suitable timer is also possible.

At block 430, the first device 110 follows a short DRX cycle of the DRX group during the running of the timer. For example, the first device 110 may perform DRX operation on the serving cell 122 in a short DRX cycle mode. With the solution of fig. 4, the delay waiting for channel monitoring can also be reduced.

Fig. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method 500 implemented at a second device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 500 may be implemented at the second device 120 shown in fig. 1. For discussion purposes, the method 500 will be described with reference to fig. 1. It should be understood that method 500 may also include additional blocks not shown and/or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

As shown in fig. 5, at block 510, the second device 120 sends a first indication to the first device 110 indicating that the SCell (e.g., serving cell 122) is to be activated. The SCell is in a DRX group of a plurality of DRX groups configured for the first device 110. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the first indication in a MAC CE. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the first indication in RRC signaling. Any other suitable means are also possible.

At block 520, the second device 120 determines whether at least one of the following conditions is met: SCell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the SCell; the SCS of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold SCS; the size of BWP of the SCell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for scells; the TDD configuration of the SCell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the SCell relative to the PCell in the DRX group is below a threshold offset; CG or SPS is configured for SCell; the duration of the configuration of the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the SCell; the DRX group is in a long DRX cycle; or SCell is the first cell in the DRX group that is activated, all serving cells within the DRX group are deactivated prior to the reception of the first indication.

In some embodiments, the second device 120 may determine whether a temporary reference signal is triggered for the SCell. If the temporary reference signal is triggered, the second device 120 may determine that the SCell will be activated quickly. In these embodiments, the second device 120 may also send a second indication to the first device 110 indicating that the temporary reference signal is triggered for the SCell.

If at block 520 it is determined that at least one condition is satisfied, then the process 500 proceeds to block 530. At block 530, the second device 120 starts a timer (i.e., a first timer). In some embodiments, the timer may be a DRX inactivity timer. Any other suitable timer is also possible.

In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send a third indication to the first device 110 indicating that the timer is to be started upon activation of the SCell.

At block 540, the second device 120 performs downlink channel transmission for the DRX group during the running of the timer. For example, the second device 120 may send data to the first device 110 via the serving cell 122. With the solution of fig. 5, timers are applied efficiently to reduce the delay of waiting for channel transmissions.

Fig. 6 illustrates a flow chart of another communication method 600 implemented at a second device according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. The method 600 may be implemented at the second device 120 shown in fig. 1. For discussion purposes, the method 600 will be described with reference to fig. 1. It should be understood that method 600 may also include additional blocks not shown and/or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

As shown in fig. 6, at block 610, the second device 120 sends a first indication to the first device 110 indicating that the SCell (e.g., serving cell 122) is to be activated. The SCell is in a DRX group of a plurality of DRX groups configured for the first device 110. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the first indication in a MAC CE. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may send the first indication in RRC signaling. Any other suitable means are also possible.

At block 620, the second device 120 starts a timer (i.e., a second timer). In some embodiments, the timer may be a DRX short cycle timer. Any other suitable timer is also possible. In some embodiments, the timer is started after activation of the SCell, regardless of whether the DRX group is in a long discontinuous reception period or a short discontinuous reception period. In some embodiments, the timer is started upon activation of the SCell only when the DRX group is in a long discontinuous reception period.

At block 630, the second device 120 follows the short DRX cycle of the DRX group during the running of the timer. For example, the second device 120 may transmit data to the first device 110 via the serving cell 122 during an on-duration phase in the short DRX cycle. With the solution of fig. 6, the delay of waiting for channel transmissions can be reduced.

The operations of the methods 300-600 correspond to the processes 200A and 200B described in connection with fig. 2A-2B, and some details are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Example implementation of apparatus and devices

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing method 300 may include means for performing the respective steps of method 300. 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 component may include at least one processor and at least one memory.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes means for receiving, at a first device, a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; and means for starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied: the secondary cell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; the subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold subcarrier spacing; the size of the bandwidth portion of the secondary cell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell; the time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset; the configured grant or semi-persistent schedule is configured for the secondary cell; the duration of the configuration of the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the secondary cell; the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or the secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells in the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to reception of the first indication; and means for performing downlink channel monitoring for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer. The apparatus may be implemented as or in a first device.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from a second device, a second indication indicating that the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; and means for determining that the secondary cell is to be quickly activated based on receipt of the second indication.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving a third indication from the second device indicating that the timer is to be started after activation; and means for starting a timer after activation based on the third indication. In some example embodiments, the timer is a discontinuous reception inactivity timer.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., first 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 component may include at least one processor and at least one memory.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes means for receiving, at a first device, a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; means for starting a timer; and means for following a short discontinuous reception cycle of the discontinuous reception set during operation of the timer. In some example embodiments, the timer is a discontinuous reception short period timer. The apparatus may be implemented as or in a first device.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., second 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 component may include at least one processor and at least one memory.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes means for transmitting, at a second device, a first indication to a first device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; and means for starting the timer if at least one of: the secondary cell will be activated quickly; the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; the subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than the threshold subcarrier spacing; the size of the bandwidth portion of the secondary cell is above a threshold size; uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell; the time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard; the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset; the configured grant or semi-persistent schedule is configured for the secondary cell; the duration of the configuration of the timer is longer than the duration of the activation of the secondary cell; the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or the secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells in the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to reception of the first indication; and means for performing downlink channel transmissions for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer. The apparatus may be implemented as or in a second device.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining whether a temporary reference signal is triggered for a secondary cell; and means for determining that the secondary cell is to be activated quickly based on the determination that the temporary reference signal is triggered.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting a second indication to the first device indicating that the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell. In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for sending a third indication to the first device indicating that the timer is to be started upon activation. In some example embodiments, the timer is a discontinuous reception inactivity timer.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., second device 120) 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 component may include at least one processor and at least one memory.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes means for transmitting, at a second device, a first indication to a first device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; means for starting a timer; and means for following a short discontinuous reception cycle of the discontinuous reception set during operation of the timer. In some example embodiments, the timer is a discontinuous reception short period timer. The apparatus may be implemented as or in a second device. In some example embodiments, the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device.

Fig. 7 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus 700 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be provided to implement a first device or a second device, such as the first device 110 or the second device 120 shown in fig. 1. As shown, the device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 720 coupled to the processors 710, and one or more communication modules 740 (such as a transmitter and/or receiver) coupled to the processors 710.

The communication module 740 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 740 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements.

Processor 710 may be of any type suitable to the local technology network and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital Signal Processors (DSPs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 700 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.

Memory 720 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact Disks (CDs), digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), and other magnetic and/or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random Access Memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memory that does not persist during power outages.

The computer program 730 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 710. Program 730 may be stored in ROM 724. Processor 710 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 730 into RAM 722.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by the program 730 such that the device 700 may perform any of the processes of the present disclosure discussed with reference to fig. 2A-6. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

In some embodiments, program 730 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in device 700 (such as in memory 720) or other storage device that device 700 may access. The device 700 may load the program 730 from a computer readable medium into the RAM 722 for execution. The computer readable medium may include any type of tangible, non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Fig. 8 shows an example of a computer readable medium 800 in the form of a CD or DVD. The computer readable medium has stored thereon the program 730.

In general, the various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented using 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 instructions included in program modules, that are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the methods 300-600 described above with reference to fig. 3-6. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired. Machine-executable instructions of program modules may be executed within local or distributed devices. In a distributed device, 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 carriers include signals, computer readable media, and the like.

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, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium would 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 of the foregoing.

Further, while operations are described in a particular order, this should not be construed 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 several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be 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 first 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 device to:

receiving, from a second device, a first indication indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device;

starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied:

the secondary cell will be activated quickly;

a temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell;

The subcarrier spacing of the secondary cell is higher than a threshold subcarrier spacing;

the size of the bandwidth part of the secondary cell is higher than a threshold size;

uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell;

The time division duplex configuration of the auxiliary cell is matched with the configured standard;

the frame timing offset of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell in the discontinuous reception group is below a threshold offset;

configured grant or semi-persistent scheduling is configured for the secondary cell;

The duration of the configuration for the timer is longer than the duration of the activation for the secondary cell;

the discontinuous reception group is in a long discontinuous reception cycle; or alternatively

The secondary cell is a first cell in the discontinuous reception group that is activated, all serving cells within the discontinuous reception group being deactivated prior to the reception of the first indication; and

During operation of the timer, downlink channel monitoring for the discontinuous reception group is performed.

2. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is further caused to:

Receiving a second indication from the second device, the second indication indicating that the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; and

Based on the receipt of the second indication, it is determined that the secondary cell is to be quickly activated.

3. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is further caused to:

receiving a third indication from the second device, the third indication indicating that the timer is to be started after the activation; and

Based on the third indication, the timer is started after the activation.

4. The first device of claim 1, wherein the timer is a discontinuous reception inactivity timer.

5. A first device, comprising:

At least one processor; and

At least one memory including computer program code;

Starting a timer; and

During the running of the timer, a short discontinuous reception period for the discontinuous reception group is followed.

6. The first device of claim 5, wherein the timer is a discontinuous reception short period timer.

7. The first device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device.

8. A second 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 second device to:

Transmitting, to a first device, a first indication indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device;

starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied:

the secondary cell will be activated quickly;

a temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell;

uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell;

During the running of the timer, downlink channel transmissions for the discontinuous reception group are performed.

9. The second device of claim 8, wherein the second device is further caused to:

Determining whether the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell;

determining that the secondary cell is to be activated quickly in accordance with determining that the temporary reference signal is triggered; and

A second indication is sent to the first device, the second indication indicating that the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell.

10. The second device of claim 8, wherein the second device is further caused to:

A third indication is sent to the first device, the third indication indicating that the timer is to be started after the activation.

11. The second device of claim 8, wherein the timer is a discontinuous reception inactivity timer.

12. A second device, comprising:

At least one processor; and

At least one memory including computer program code;

Starting a timer; and

13. The second device of claim 12, wherein the timer is a discontinuous reception short period timer.

14. The second device according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device.

15. A method of communication, comprising:

receiving, at a first device, a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device;

starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied:

the secondary cell will be activated quickly;

a temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell;

uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell;

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

Based on the third indication, the timer is started after the activation.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the timer is a discontinuous reception inactivity timer.

19. A method of communication, comprising:

At a first device, receiving a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device;

Starting a timer; and

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the timer is a discontinuous reception short period timer.

21. A method of communication, comprising:

at a second device, sending a first indication to a first device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device;

starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied:

the secondary cell will be activated quickly;

a temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell;

uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell;

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

Determining whether the temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell; and

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the timer is a discontinuous reception inactivity timer.

25. A method of communication, comprising:

Starting a timer; and

During the running of the timer, a short discontinuous reception period of the discontinuous reception group is followed.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the timer is a discontinuous reception short period timer.

27. The method of any of claims 15 to 26, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device.

28. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

means for receiving, at a first device, a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device; and

Means for starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied:

the secondary cell will be activated quickly;

a temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell;

uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell;

Means for performing downlink channel monitoring for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

29. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

Means for receiving, at a first device, a first indication from a second device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device;

Means for starting a timer; and

Means for following a short discontinuous reception cycle for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

30. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

means for transmitting, at a second device, a first indication to a first device indicating that a secondary cell is to be activated, the secondary cell being in a discontinuous reception group of a plurality of discontinuous reception groups configured for the first device;

means for starting a timer if at least one of the following is satisfied:

the secondary cell will be activated quickly;

a temporary reference signal is triggered for the secondary cell;

uplink transmissions are configured for the secondary cell;

Means for performing downlink channel transmissions for the discontinuous reception group during operation of the timer.

31. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

Means for starting a timer; and

32. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 15 to 18 or any one of claims 19 to 20.

33. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 21 to 24 or any one of claims 25 to 27.