WO2017051078A1

WO2017051078A1 - Paging for enhanced coverage user equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2017051078A1
Application number: PCT/FI2016/050666
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jussi-Pekka Koskinen; Benoist Pierre Sebire; Yan Ji ZHANG; Hai Tao Li
Original assignee: Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date: 2015-09-24
Filing date: 2016-09-23
Publication date: 2017-03-30

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for paging of UE(s) are provided. One method may include indicating to a UE the coverage enhancement (CE) level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, the method may further include indicating to the UE the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the UE should follow in idle mode.

Description

PAGING FOR ENHANCED COVERAGE USER EQUIPMENT

BACKGROUND:

Field:

[0001] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to wireless or mobile communications networks, such as, but not limited to, the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE- Advanced (LTE-A), future 5G radio access technology, and/or High Speed Packet Access (HSPA). In particular, some embodiments may relate to paging.

Description of the Related Art:

[0002] Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) refers to a communications network including base stations, or Node Bs, and for example radio network controllers (RNC). UTRAN allows for connectivity between the user equipment (UE) and the core network. The RNC provides control functionalities for one or more Node Bs. The RNC and its corresponding Node Bs are called the Radio Network Subsystem (RNS). In case of E-UTRAN (enhanced UTRAN), no RNC exists and radio access functionality is provided in the enhanced Node B (eNodeB or eNB) or many eNBs. Multiple eNBs are involved for a single UE connection, for example, in case of Coordinated Multipoint Transmission (CoMP) and in dual connectivity.

[0003] Long Term Evolution (LTE) or E-UTRAN provides a new radio access technology and refers to the improvements of UMTS through improved efficiency and services, lower costs, and use of new spectrum opportunities. In particular, LTE is a 3GPP standard that provides for uplink peak rates of at least, for example, 75 megabits per second (Mbps) per carrier and downlink peak rates of at least, for example, 300 Mbps per carrier. LTE supports scalable carrier bandwidths from 20 MHz down to 1.4 MHz and supports both Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD).

[0004] As mentioned above, LTE may also improve spectral efficiency in networks, allowing carriers to provide more data and voice services over a given bandwidth. Therefore, LTE is designed to fulfill the needs for high-speed data and media transport in addition to high-capacity voice support. Advantages of LTE include, for example, high throughput, low latency, FDD and TDD support in the same platform, an improved end- user experience, and a simple architecture resulting in low operating costs.

[0005] Certain releases of 3GPP LTE (e.g., LTE Rel-10, LTE Rel-1 1, LTE Rel-12, LTE Rel-13) are targeted towards international mobile telecommunications advanced (IMT- A) systems, referred to herein for convenience simply as LTE- Advanced (LTE-A).

[0006] LTE-A is directed toward extending and optimizing the 3GPP LTE radio access technologies. A goal of LTE-A is to provide significantly enhanced services by means of higher data rates and lower latency with reduced cost. LTE-A is a more optimized radio system fulfilling the international telecommunication union-radio (ITU-R) requirements for IMT- Advanced while keeping the backward compatibility. One of the key features of LTE-A, introduced in LTE Rel-10, is carrier aggregation, which allows for increasing the data rates through aggregation of two or more LTE carriers, e.g., to the transmission bandwidth of up to 100 MHz. LTE-A in later releases may include even wider bandwidths as specified so far. Further, aggregating or interworking on the radio access level with the wireless LAN (WLAN) access network is foreseen.

SUMMARY of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to indicate to a user equipment (UE) a coverage enhancement (CE) level that a network assumes for subsequent paging.

[0008] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the CE level may include an indication of normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage.

[0009] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus with the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to indicate to the UE at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions that the UE is to follow in idle mode.

[00010] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the indication of the at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions may be included in a radio resource control (RRC) connection release procedure.

[00011] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the paging mechanism may be a legacy paging or an enhanced coverage paging.

[00012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a node (eNB) of a network, an coverage enhancement (CE) level that the network assumes for subsequent paging; and use the received CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

[00013] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the CE level may include an indication of normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage.

[00014] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus with the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to receive at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions that the apparatus follows in idle mode.

[00015] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus with the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to indicate a current CE level to a node (eNB) of the network in a radio resource control (RRC) connection release procedure, and use the indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

[00016] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus with the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to use, after receiving the CE level, a previous CE level for paging reception in idle mode, wherein the previous CE level was used for a previous random access preamble transmission.

[00017] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, wherein the preamble may be selected based on the previous CE level.

[00018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising, indicating to a user equipment (UE) a coverage enhancement (CE) level that a network assumes for subsequent paging.

[00019] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the CE level may include an indication of normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage.

[00020] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the method may further comprise indicating to the UE at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions that the UE is to follow in idle mode.

[00021] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the indication of the at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions may be included in a radio resource control (RRC) connection release procedure.

[00022] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the paging mechanism may be a legacy paging or an enhanced coverage paging.

[00023] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising receiving, from a node (eNB) of the network, a coverage enhancement (CE) level that the network assumes for subsequent paging; and use the CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

[00024] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the CE level may include an indication of normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage.

[00025] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the method may further comprise receiving at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions that an apparatus (UE) follows in idle mode. [00026] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the method may further comprise indicating a current CE level to a node of the network in a radio resource control ( C) connection release procedure, and to use the indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

[00027] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, further comprising using, after receiving the CE level, a previous CE level for paging reception in idle mode, wherein the previous CE level was used for a previous random access preamble transmission.

[00028] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the preamble may be selected based on the previous CE level.

[00029] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, further comprising using a previous CE level corresponding to a last measurement report successfully transmitted to the network in connected mode for paging reception in idle mode.

[00030] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, using the CE level further comprises using the CE level only if the CE level is better/worse than a previous CE level last indicated to the network in connected mode.

[00031] Further, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, using CE level further comprises determining by the UE at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions corresponding to each possible CE level.

[00032] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product, embodied as a computer readable medium or directly loadable into a computer, comprising a set of instructions which, when executed on an apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to at least perform the method of any of the third aspect or fourth aspect of the invention.

[00033] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for controlling an apparatus for carrying out the method according to any of the first aspect or second aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[00034] For proper understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[00035] Fig. la illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[00036] Fig. lb illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus, according to another embodiment;

[00037] Fig. 2a illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to one embodiment;

[00038] Fig. 2b illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to another embodiment;

[00039] Fig. 3a illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus, according to one embodiment; and

[00040] Fig. 3b illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[00041] It will be readily understood that the components of the invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for paging of UE(s), as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely representative of some selected embodiments of the invention.

[00042] The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[00043] Additionally, if desired, the different functions discussed below may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the described functions may be optional or may be combined. As such, the following description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.

[00044] Certain embodiments of the invention relate to paging. Paging may be used, for example, to transmit paging information to a UE in RRC IDLE mode, to inform UEs about a system information change, to inform about an ETWS primary notification and/ or ETWS secondary notification, to inform about a CMAS notification, and/ or to inform UEs in RRC IDLE about an EAB parameters modification. It may be transmitted on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) which is scheduled by the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) over air interface. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle mode uses discontinuous reception (DRX) to reduce power consumption, which determines how frequently the UE check for paging messages and wakes from specific paging occasion paging frame (PO/PF) to monitor PDCCH for potential paging message.

[00045] Embodiments of the invention relate to Machine Type Communication (MTC), also called Machine to Machine (M2M). More specifically, certain embodiments relate to coverage enhancements introduced in 3GPP Rel-13 by a work item entitled "Further LTE Physical Layer Enhancements for MTC" (RP- 150492). A purpose of this work item is to specify a new UE category / type for MTC operation in LTE, to support coverage enhancement (CE) for both Rel-13 Low-Complexity (LC) UE and UE operating in CE compared to existing LTE networks. In addition, embodiments of the invention may relate to UEs which are able to operate in enhanced coverage, i.e., not only MTC UE, but also "normal" UE.

[00046] The provision via cellular networks is proving to be a significant opportunity for new revenue generation for mobile operators. The Rel-12 work item "Low cost & enhanced coverage MTC UE for LTE" specified a low complexity LTE device for MTC with bill of material cost approaching that of an EGPRS modem using a combination of complexity reduction techniques. However, results from that study item documented in 3GPP TR 36.888 indicated that further complexity reduction of LTE devices for MTC can be achieved if additional complexity reduction techniques are supported.

[00047] In addition, 3 GPP TR 36.888 concluded that a coverage improvement target of 15-20 dB for both FDD and TDD in comparison to a normal LTE footprint could be achieved to support the use cases where MTC devices are deployed in challenging locations, e.g., deep inside buildings, and to compensate for gain loss caused by complexity reduction techniques. The Rel-12 work item "Low cost & enhanced coverage MTC UE for LTE" also made significant progress towards specifying solutions for enhanced coverage but due to time limitations this was removed from the Rel-12 scope. Instead, RAN#63 endorsed a way forward (RP- 140512) to continue MTC Coverage enhancements in Rel-13.

[00048] As mentioned above, a general objective of the Rel-13 work item entitled "Further LTE Physical Layer Enhancements for MTC" (RP- 150492) is to specify a new UE type / category for MTC operation in LTE that also allows for enhanced coverage compared to existing LTE networks. In particular, that work item targets a relative LTE coverage improvement - corresponding to 15 dB for FDD - for the UE category/type defined above and other UEs operating delay tolerant MTC applications with respect to their respective nominal coverage. The amount of coverage enhancement should be configurable per cell and/or per UE and/or per channel and/or group of channels. Relevant UE measurements and reporting to support this functionality should be defined.

[00049] It has been agreed in RAN2 that the UE does not inform the network about changes in coverage level in idle mode and hence the eNB cannot be certain about whether the UE is on normal coverage or enhanced coverage. Furthermore, the UE is not aware of which paging mechanism the network is using for UEs supporting both legacy and new REL-13 mechanism defined for enhanced coverage (EC).

[00050] Without the knowledge of which paging mechanism (legacy or new Rel-13 mechanism defined for enhanced coverage) the network is using the UE would need to try receive "double paging," i.e., UE would need to try to decode legacy paging and EC paging occasions, which would increase UE battery consumption. [00051] For paging, RAN2 has agreed to the following points (RAN2#91): 1) the number of M-PDCCH repetitions corresponding to each coverage level will be known to the UE, for example based on information broadcast in system information; 2) For paging, the M-PDCCH repetition pattern in both time and frequency domain is determined irrespective of the UEs coverage extension level; and 3) RAN2 agrees as a baseline that it is acceptable for a UE to receive paging based only on its current coverage level. Final confirmation of UE behaviour can be made once RAN4 have concluded whether a UE can make a reliable estimate of its current coverage level.

[00052] For further study are the following points: a non-LC UE capable of EC operation but in normal coverage on a cell that supports EC, monitors paging according to the new paging mechanism introduced for Rel- 13 LC UEs and EC if the NW expects the UE to be in extended coverage, and monitors legacy paging if the NW expects the UE to be in normal coverage. A non-LC UE capable of EC operation and in normal coverage on a cell that does not supports EC (but may support Rel- 13 LC UEs), monitors paging according to the legacy paging mechanism. Starting subframes of the Rel- 13 LC and EC paging mechanism can be determined in the same way as the paging occasion in the legacy paging mechanism. Repetitions pattern in both time and frequency should be determined and specified by RANI . As part of the ongoing work, RAN2 should consider limiting the shorter DRX cycles and supporting extended DRX in combination with enhanced coverage operation.

[00053] As mentioned above, certain embodiments relate to the paging transmission (e.g., from eNB) and reception (e.g., at UE) of the UE with (Rel- 13) coverage enhancement (CE, EC) feature.

[00054] In one embodiment, the following is provided for paging reception in idle mode for UE supporting new REL- 13 mechanism defined for enhanced coverage. In the RRC connection release procedure, the eNB may indicate to the UE the CE level (e.g., normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc.) the network will assume for subsequent paging. The UE may then use this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. Also, in an embodiment, the eNB may indicate to the UE (e.g., in RRC Connection Release procedure) the paging mechanism (i.e., legacy paging or Rel- 13 paging defined EC) and/or paging repetitions which the UE shall follow in idle mode. According to certain embodiments, the UE may indicate the current CE level to the eNB in the C Connection Release procedure and then may use this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

[00055] In an embodiment, the UE may use the previous CE level which was used for previous random access preamble transmission, i.e., when preamble was selected based on the UE CE level. In another embodiment, the UE may use the CE level corresponding to the last measurement report successfully transmitted to the network in connected mode. In some embodiments, the UE uses the current the CE level only if the current CE level is better/worse than the one last indicated to the network in connected mode. It is noted that the above alternatives (e.g., the UE using CE level from previous random access preamble or using CE level from last measurement report) could be used as backup solutions when no CE level indication is provided by the network, e.g., when radio link failure (RLF) occurs or when the eNB simply does not want to signal a CE level it is going to assume.

[00056] It is noted that reference to "Using CE level" above may mean that, based on CE level, the UE determines the paging mechanism (legacy paging vs. Rel-13 paging defined for EC) and/or UE determines number of M-PDCCH repetitions corresponding to each coverage level. In some embodiments, the above-described functionality could be (but not necessarily) for non-low-cost-UE (i.e., normal UE) supporting enhanced coverage functionality.

[00057] Thus, in certain embodiments, the CE level to be used for subsequent paging is defined by either the eNB sending the CE level to the UE or by the UE sending the CE level to the eNB, for example, at the connection release phase. Alternatively or additionally, the UE assumes that the paging is sent with the CE level used on the previous RACH procedure or when the last measurement report was sent.

[00058] As a result, embodiments allow the UE and eNB to have the same understanding as to which paging mechanism is used. This eliminates the need for the CE UE to decode legacy paging and EC paging occasions. A resulting technical benefit or improvement is that the UE is not mandated to receive double paging, i.e., using legacy and CE paging mechanism, which prevents unnecessary power consumption and saves UE battery. Also, signaling (related to paging) is optimized as transmission of paging messages is minimized.

[00059] Fig. la illustrates an example of an apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a node, host, or server in a communications network or serving such a network. For example, in certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may be a network node or access node for a radio access network, such as a base station in UMTS or eNB in LTE or LTE-A. However, in other embodiments, apparatus 10 may be other components within a radio access network. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in Fig. la.

[00060] As illustrated in Fig. la, apparatus 10 includes a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. While a single processor 22 is shown in Fig. la, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. In fact, processor 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples.

[00061] Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and removable memory. For example, memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, or any other type of non- transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein. [00062] In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. For instance, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly.

[00063] Processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[00064] In an embodiment, memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10. The components of apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[00065] In one embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a network node or access node, such as a base station in UMTS or an eNB in LTE or LTE-A, for example. According to certain embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 22 to indicate to a UE the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. The UE may then use this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc.

[00066] In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 22 to indicate to the UE the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the UE should follow in idle mode. According to one embodiment, the indication of the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions may be included in a C connection release procedure. In certain embodiments, the paging mechanism may be legacy paging or el-13 paging defined enhanced coverage.

[00067] Fig. lb illustrates an example of an apparatus 20 according to another embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a node or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile device, mobile unit, a machine type UE or other device. For instance, in some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be UE in LTE or LTE-A. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in Fig. lb.

[00068] As illustrated in Fig. lb, apparatus 20 includes a processor 32 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 32 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. While a single processor 32 is shown in Fig. lb, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. In fact, processor 32 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples.

[00069] Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 34 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 32, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 32. Memory 34 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and removable memory. For example, memory 34 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, or any other type of non- transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 34 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 32, enable the apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein. [00070] In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 35 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include a transceiver 38 configured to transmit and receive information. For instance, transceiver 38 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 35 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 35 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 20. In other embodiments, transceiver 38 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly.

[00071] Processor 32 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20 including, without limitation, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 20, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[00072] In an embodiment, memory 34 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 32. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[00073] As mentioned above, according to one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a mobile device, such as a UE in LTE or LTE-A. In one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive, from an eNB, the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. Apparatus 20 may then be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to use the received CE level for paging reception in idle mode. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to receive the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that apparatus 20 should follow in idle mode.

[00074] In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to indicate the current CE level to an eNB, for example, in a C connection release procedure, and then to use this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. According to an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to use the previous CE level which was used for previous random access preamble transmission, i.e., when preamble was selected based on the UE CE level.

[00075] In one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to use the CE level corresponding to the last measurement report successfully transmitted to the network in connected mode. In certain embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 34 and processor 32 to use the current the CE level only if the current CE level is better/worse than the one last indicated to the network in connected mode.

[00076] Fig. 2a illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to one embodiment. In certain embodiments, the method of Fig. 2a may be performed by a network node, such as a base station or eNB. As illustrated in Fig. 2a, the method may include, at 200, indicating to a UE the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. The UE may then use this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, the method may also include, at 210, indicating to the UE the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the UE should follow in idle mode. According to one embodiment, the indication of the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions may be included in a C connection release procedure. In certain embodiments, the paging mechanism may be legacy paging or Rel-13 paging defined enhanced coverage.

[00077] Fig. 2b illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to another embodiment of the invention. In certain embodiments, the method of Fig. 2b may be performed by a device, such as a UE in LTE or LTE-A. As illustrated in Fig. 2b, the method may include, at 250, receiving, from an eNB, the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. The method may also include, at 260, using the received CE level for paging reception in idle mode. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, the method may also include, at 270, receiving the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the UE should follow in idle mode.

[00078] In an embodiment, the method of Fig. 2b may also include, at 280, indicating the current CE level to an eNB, for example, in a C connection release procedure, and, at 290, using this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. According to an embodiment, the method may include using the previous CE level which was used for previous random access preamble transmission, i.e., when preamble was selected based on the UE CE level.

[00079] In one embodiment, the method may include using the CE level corresponding to the last measurement report successfully transmitted to the network in connected mode. In certain embodiments, the method may include using the current the CE level only if the current CE level is better/worse than the one last indicated to the network in connected mode.

[00080] Fig. 3a illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 300, according to one embodiment. As illustrated in the example of Fig. 3a, apparatus 300 may include a processing unit or means 301 for controlling apparatus 300 and for carrying out instructions of a computer program, for example, by performing arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. Apparatus 300 may also include a storage unit or means 303 for storing information including, but not limited to, computer program instructions or software modules that provide functionality when executed by processing unit 301. Apparatus 300 may further include a transceiving unit or means 302 for receiving or transmitting information. In an embodiment, transceiving unit or means 302 may indicate to a UE the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. The UE may then use this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, transceiving unit or means 302 may also indicate to the UE the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the UE should follow in idle mode. According to one embodiment, the indication of the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions may be included in a RRC connection release procedure. In certain embodiments, the paging mechanism may be legacy paging or el-13 paging defined enhanced coverage.

[00081] Fig. 3b illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 350, according to one embodiment. As illustrated in the example of Fig. 3b, apparatus 350 may include a processing unit or means 351 for controlling apparatus 350 and for carrying out instructions of a computer program, for example, by performing arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. Apparatus 350 may also include a storage unit or means 353 for storing information including, but not limited to, computer program instructions or software modules that provide functionality when executed by processing unit 351. Apparatus 350 may further include a transceiving unit or means 352 for receiving or transmitting information. In an embodiment, transceiving unit or means 352 may receive, from an eNB, the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. In one embodiment, processing unit or means 351 may use the received CE level for paging reception in idle mode. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, transceiving unit or means 352 may receive the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the UE should follow in idle mode.

[00082] In an embodiment, transceiving unit or means 352 may indicate the current CE level to an eNB, for example, in a RRC connection release procedure. Processing unit or means 351 may use this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. According to an embodiment, processing unit or means 351 may use the previous CE level which was used for previous random access preamble transmission, i.e., when preamble was selected based on the UE CE level.

[00083] In one embodiment, processing unit or means 351 may use the CE level corresponding to the last measurement report successfully transmitted to the network in connected mode. In certain embodiments, processing unit or means 351 may use the current the CE level only if the current CE level is better/worse than the one last indicated to the network in connected mode.

[00084] One embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to indicate to a UE the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to indicate to the UE the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the UE should follow in idle mode. According to one embodiment, the indication of the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions may be included in a RRC connection release procedure. In certain embodiments, the paging mechanism may be legacy paging or Rel-13 paging defined enhanced coverage.

[00085] Another embodiment is directed to a method, which may include indicating to a UE the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, the method may further include indicating to the UE the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the UE should follow in idle mode. According to one embodiment, the indication of the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions may be included in a RRC connection release procedure. In certain embodiments, the paging mechanism may be legacy paging or Rel-13 paging defined enhanced coverage.

[00086] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive, from an eNB, the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging, and to use the received CE level for paging reception in idle mode. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the apparatus should follow in idle mode. [00087] In another embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to indicate the current CE level to an eNB, for example, in a C connection release procedure, and then to use this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. According to an embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to use the previous CE level which was used for previous random access preamble transmission, i.e., when preamble was selected based on the UE CE level.

[00088] Another embodiment is directed to a method, which may include receiving, from an eNB, the CE level that the network will assume for subsequent paging, and using the received CE level for paging reception in idle mode. In certain embodiments, the CE level may include, for example, normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage, etc. In an embodiment, the method may include receiving the paging mechanism and/or paging repetitions that the apparatus should follow in idle mode.

[00089] In another embodiment, the method may include indicating the current CE level to an eNB, for example, in a RRC connection release procedure, and then using this indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode. According to an embodiment, the method may include using the previous CE level which was used for previous random access preamble transmission, i.e., when preamble was selected based on the UE CE level.

[00090] According to embodiments, programs, also called program products or computer programs, including software routines, applets and macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they include program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of an embodiment may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus. [00091] Software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non- transitory medium.

[00092] In other embodiments, the functionality of any method or apparatus described herein may be performed by hardware, for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non- tangible means that may be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[00093] According to an embodiment, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[00094] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein

the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to

indicate to a user equipment (UE) a coverage enhancement (CE) level that a network assumes for subsequent paging.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the CE level includes an indication of normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to

indicate to the UE at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions that the UE is to follow in idle mode.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the indication of the at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions is included in a radio resource control ( C) connection release procedure.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the paging mechanism is a legacy paging or an enhanced coverage paging.

6. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a node (eNB) of a network, a coverage enhancement (CE) level that the network assumes for subsequent paging; and

use the received CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the CE level includes an indication of normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to

receive at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions that the apparatus follows in idle mode.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to

indicate a current CE level to a node of the network in a radio resource control ( C) connection release procedure, and to

use the indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to

use, after receiving the CE level, a previous CE level for paging reception in idle mode, wherein the previous CE level was used for a previous random access preamble transmission.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the preamble is selected based on the previous CE level.

12. A method comprising, indicating to a user equipment (UE) a coverage enhancement (CE) level that a network assumes for subsequent paging.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the CE level includes an indication of normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprises

indicating to the UE at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions that the UE is to follow in idle mode.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the indication of the at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions is included in a radio resource control (RRC) connection release procedure.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the paging mechanism is a legacy paging or an enhanced coverage paging.

17. A method comprising,

receiving, from a node (eNB) of a network , a coverage enhancement (CE) level that the network assumes for subsequent paging; and

use the CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the CE level includes an indication of normal coverage, extended coverage, or deep extended coverage.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising

receiving at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions that an apparatus (UE) follows in idle mode.

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising

indicating a current CE level to a node of the network in a radio resource control (RRC) connection release procedure, and to

use the indicated CE level for paging reception in idle mode.

21. The method according to claim 17, further comprising

using, after receiving the CE level, a previous CE level for paging reception in idle mode, wherein the previous CE level was used for a previous random access preamble transmission.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the preamble is selected based on the previous CE level.

23. The method according to claim 17further comprising

using a previous CE level corresponding to a last measurement report

successfully transmitted to the network in connected mode for paging reception in idle mode.

24. The method according to claim 17, wherein using the CE level further comprises using the CE level only if the CE level is better/worse than a previous CE level last indicated to the network in connected mode.

25. The method according to any one of claims 17 - 24, wherein using CE level further comprises

determining by the UE at least one of a paging mechanism and paging repetitions corresponding to each possible CE level.

26. A computer program product, embodied as a computer readable medium or directly loadable into a computer, comprising a set of instructions which, when executed on an apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to at least to perform the method of any of claims 12-25.

27. An apparatus comprising means for controlling an apparatus for carrying out the method according to any of claims 1-5 or 6-1 1.