WO2020014876A1

WO2020014876A1 - Synchronization signal block and remaining minimum system information location reporting in nr measurement

Info

Publication number: WO2020014876A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/096014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Li Zhang; Jing He; Guillaume DECARREAU; Dawid Koziol; Lars Dalsgaard
Original assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co., Ltd.; Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date: 2018-07-17
Filing date: 2018-07-17
Publication date: 2020-01-23
Also published as: CN112425247A

Abstract

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity. The apparatus may further detect at least one synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further read at least one physical broadcast channel. The apparatus may further transmit one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.

Description

SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL BLOCK AND REMAINING MINIMUM SYSTEM INFORMATION LOCATION REPORTING IN NR MEASUREMENT

BACKGROUND: Field:

Certain embodiments may relate to communication systems. For example, some embodiments may relate to radio resource management measurements.

Description of the Related Art:

New radio radio resource management (NR RRM) is defined by synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) . Configuring RRM measurement for a target frequency layer requires a serving cell to have knowledge about a synchronization signal block (SSB) location associated with the serving cell timing of the target frequency layer.

One challenge with current RRM techniques is that the SSB location with a reference to the serving cell timing of the target layer may be unknown to the serving cell. One example would be inter-radio access technology (RAT) NR measurements before configuration with E-UTRAN New Radio -Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) . In this example, the SSB location with reference to the target layer timing is provided to the serving cell via an X2 interface. However, the serving cell does not know the timing difference with the target layer. Thus, before configuration with EN-DC, subframe and frame timing difference (SFTD) measurements in NR prior to configuration would encompass wasteful SSB searches.

Similarly, for inter-frequency RRM measurements in standalone (SA) NR, SSB locations with reference to the serving cell or target layer timing are assumed to be known to the serving cell using OAM. However, using OAM restricts network implementation. Thus, a serving cell obtaining the SSB location information from the user equipment using blind SSB searching would provide additional flexibility in network deployment, while simultaneously reducing the requirement of the OAM. Thus, it is desirable to enable a serving cell to know an SSB location with reference to the serving cell timing from user equipment in order to configure normal RRM measurements.

Another challenge with current RRM techniques relates to readings of CGI (which is contained in RMSI) in ANR measurements. Specifically, opportunities arise with utilizing PBCH characteristics, which are transmitted with synchronization signals, and RMSI locations in MIB, which reduce the serving cell data interruption in ANR measurements. For example, in LTE ANR, user equipment is assumed to use autonomous gaps to read master information blocks (MIBs) and system information blocks (SIBs) , resulting in high interruption times. In contrasting NR with LTE, PBCH, which contains MIB data, is always transmitted with synchronization signals. Once user equipment determines the SSB location of the target cell and has read MIB from the SSB, user equipment will know exactly where the RMSI is located in time domain. Thus, it is desirable to utilize such information to reduce the autonomous gap and/or length of inactive time for ANR measurements.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include receiving, by user equipment, configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity. The method may further include detecting, by the user equipment, at least one synchronization signal block. The method may further include upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, transmit the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to a network entity. The method may further include searching, by the user equipment, at least one SSB of a target layer. The method may further include reading, by the user equipment at least one physical broadcast channel. The method may further include transmitting, by the user equipment, one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity. The apparatus may further include means for detecting at least one synchronization signal block. The apparatus may further include means for upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, transmitting the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to a network entity. The apparatus may further include means for searching at least one SSB of a target layer. The apparatus may further include means for reading at least one physical broadcast channel. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least detect at least one synchronization signal block. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, transmit the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to a network entity. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least search at least one SSB of a target layer. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least read at least one physical broadcast channel. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.

In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may receive configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity. The method may further detect at least one synchronization signal block. The method may further upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, transmit the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to a network entity. The method may further search at least one SSB of a target layer. The method may further read at least one physical broadcast channel. The method may further transmit one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may receive configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity. The method may further detect at least one synchronization signal block. The method may further upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, transmit the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to a network entity. The method may further search at least one SSB of a target layer. The method may further read at least one physical broadcast channel. The method may further transmit one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to receive configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity. The circuitry may further detect at least one synchronization signal block. The circuitry may further upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, transmit the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to a network entity. The circuitry may further search at least one SSB of a target layer. The circuitry may further read at least one physical broadcast channel. The circuitry may further transmit one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include receiving, by user equipment, configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting. The method may further include reading, by the user equipment, at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement. The method may further include transmitting, by the user equipment, at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting. The apparatus may further include means for reading at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least read at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity.

In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may receive configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting. The method may further read at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement. The method may further transmit at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may receive configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting. The method may further read at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement. The method may further transmit at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to receive configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting. The circuitry may further read at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement. The circuitry may further transmit at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include transmitting, by a network entity, configuration of at least one measurement type to user equipment. The method may further include receiving, by the network entity, one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment. The method may further include exchanging, by the network entity, the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for transmitting configuration of at least one measurement type to user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for receiving one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for exchanging the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least exchange the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.

In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may transmit configuration of at least one measurement type to user equipment. The method may further receive one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment. The method may further exchange the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may transmit configuration of at least one measurement type to user equipment. The method may further receive one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment. The method may further exchange the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to transmit the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface. The circuitry may further receive one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment. The circuitry may further exchange the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include transmitting, by the network entity, configuration of a new ANR measurement type to user equipment, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location to be used for ANR measurement. The method may further include receiving, by the network entity, at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment. The method may further include transmitting, by the network entity, configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include means for transmitting configuration of a new ANR measurement type to user equipment, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location to be used for ANR measurement. The apparatus may further include means for receiving at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit configuration of a new ANR measurement type to user equipment, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location to be used for ANR measurement. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment.

In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium can be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may transmit configuration of a new ANR measurement type to user equipment, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location to be used for ANR measurement. The method may further receive at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment. The method may further transmit configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may transmit configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment. The method may further receive at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment. The method may further transmit configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to transmit configuration of a new ANR measurement type to user equipment, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location to be used for ANR measurement. The circuitry may further receive at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment. The circuitry may further transmit configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

For proper understanding of this disclosure, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a method performed by user equipment according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a method performed by user equipment according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method performed by a network entity according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of another method performed by a network entity according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a system according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

Certain embodiments described herein may enable serving cells to configure normal radio resource management measurements with other user equipment on a frequency layer without requiring a separate interface connection to exchange the synchronization signal block location between the serving cell and a target cell. The example embodiments described herein may have various benefits and/or advantages. For example, some embodiments may eliminate the need to have target cell synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration information available through OAM. As another example, in embodiments where user equipment reports RMSI timing locations as part of an RRM measurement report, serving cells may configure measurement gaps with known interruption timing for measuring cell global identities for automatic neighbor relations. As a result, total interruption periods with an unknown timing may be reduced. For example, by separating RMSI readings from ANR measurements, the total unknown interruption time may remain unchanged. Certain embodiments are, therefore, directed to improvements in computer-related technology, specifically, by conserving network resources and reducing power consumption of network entities and/or user equipment located within the network.

The triggering can be one of the RRM measurement is without synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) or with incomplete SMTC information, the RRM measurement is associated with a reportTimingInformation report type, and a measurement configuration is associated with at least one timer. In some embodiments, SMTC information may include period, offset, and/or duration of SMTC windows, while incomplete SMTC information may indicate that one of more of these three elements are missing. The one or more RRM measurements may be associated with at least one physical cell identifier (PCI) and/or at least one reference signal received power (RSRP) .

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a method performed by user equipment, such as user equipment 510 in Figure 5. In step 101, the user equipment may receive configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity, such as network entity 520 in Figure 5. In some embodiments, the user equipment is configured with at least one radio resource management (RRM) measurement in at least one layer to trigger the transmitting of the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location. The RMSI timing location may be associated with PDCCH-ConfigSIB1 in MIB. Furthermore, the location may be determined by the four least significant bits in PDCCH-ConfigSIB1, and the mapping, from the four bits to the exact frame, slot, and symbol where RMSI is transmitted.

In certain embodiments, the triggering can be one of the RRM measurement is without synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) or with incomplete SMTC information, the RRM measurement is associated with a reportTimingInformation report type, and/or a measurement configuration is associated with at least one timer. In some embodiments, SMTC information may include period, offset, and/or duration of SMTC windows, while incomplete SMTC information may indicate that one of more of these three elements are missing. The one or more RRM measurements may be associated with at least one physical cell identifier (PCI) and/or at least one reference signal received power (RSRP) . In step 103, the user equipment may detect at least one synchronization signal block. In step 105, upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, the user equipment may transmit the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to the network entity. In step 107, the user equipment may search at least one SSB of a target layer. In some embodiments, the searching may be performed with an autonomous gap and/or with data dropping. For example, the data dropping may be associated with entering an idle or inactive mode, or with discontinuous reception (DRX) . In step 109, the user equipment may read at least one physical broadcast channel.

In step 111, the user equipment may transmit one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing. In some embodiments, at least one configurable timer defines when to terminate searching for at least one cell on the configured frequency layer. In various embodiments, the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one target cell timing and at least one timing difference between a serving cell and a target cell. In further embodiments, the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one serving cell timing.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a method performed by user equipment, such as user equipment 510 in Figure 5. In step 201, the user equipment may receive configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity, such as network entity 520 in Figure 5, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting. In step 203, the user equipment may read at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement. In step 205, the user equipment may transmit at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity. In some embodiments, the user equipment may receive configuration of at least one measurement gap, and read the CGI information within at least one configured gap. At least one measurement gap corresponding to the RMSI timing location may be configured to be used for ANR measurement. UE configured to read RMSI will not cause additional data interruption than the configured gap pattern.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method performed by a network entity according to certain embodiments, such as network entity 520 in Figure 5. In step 301, the network entity may transmit configuration of at least one measurement type to user equipment, such as user equipment 510 in Figure 5. In step 303, the network entity may receive one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment. In step 305, the network entity may exchange the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface. In some embodiments, at least one radio resource management (RRM) measurement in at least one layer may trigger the transmitting of the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location. The RMSI timing location may be associated with PDCCH-ConfigSIB1 in MIB. Furthermore, the location may be determined by the four least significant bits in PDCCH-ConfigSIB1, and the mapping, from the four bits to the exact frame, slot, and symbol where RMSI is transmitted.

In some embodiments, at least one configurable timer may define when to terminate searching for at least one cell on the configured frequency layer. The one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location may be based on at least one timing difference between a serving cell and a target cell. The one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location may be with reference to at least one serving cell timing.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of another method performed by a network entity, such as network entity 520 in Figure 5. In step 401, the network entity may transmit configuration of a new ANR measurement type to user equipment, such as user equipment 510 in Figure 5 wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location to be used for ANR measurement. In step 403, the network entity may receive at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment. In step 405, the network entity may transmit configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment. In step 407, the network entity may exchange the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a system according to certain embodiments. In one embodiment, a system may include multiple devices, such as, for example, user equipment 510 and/or network entity 520.

User equipment 510 may include one or more of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) , tablet, or portable media player, digital camera, pocket video camera, video game console, navigation unit, such as a global positioning system (GPS) device, desktop or laptop computer, single-location device, such as a sensor or smart meter, or any combination thereof.

Network entity 520 may be one or more of a base station, such as an evolved node B (eNB) or 5G or New Radio node B (gNB) , a serving gateway, a server, and/or any other access node or combination thereof. Furthermore, user equipment 510 and/or network entity 520 may be one or more of a citizens broadband radio service device (CBSD) .

One or more of these devices may include at least one processor, respectively indicated as 511 and 521.

Processors

511 and 521 may be embodied by any computational or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU) , application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , or comparable device. The processors may be implemented as a single controller, or a plurality of controllers or processors.

At least one memory may be provided in one or more of devices indicated at 512 and 522. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein.

Memories

512 and 522 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A hard disk drive (HDD) , random access memory (RAM) , flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memories may be combined on a single integrated circuit as the processor, or may be separate from the one or more processors. Furthermore, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and which may be processed by the processors may be any suitable form of computer program code, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language. Memory may be removable or non-removable.

Processors

511 and 521 and

memories

512 and 522 or a subset thereof, may be configured to provide means corresponding to the various blocks of FIGS. 1-4. Although not shown, the devices may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which may be used to determine a location of the device. Other sensors are also permitted and may be included to determine location, elevation, orientation, and so forth, such as barometers, compasses, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 5,

transceivers

513 and 523 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, respectively illustrated as 514 and 524. The device may have many antennas, such as an array of antennas configured for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communications, or multiple antennas for multiple radio access technologies. Other configurations of these devices, for example, may be provided.

Transceivers

513 and 523 may be a transmitter, a receiver, or both a transmitter and a receiver, or a unit or device that may be configured both for transmission and reception.

The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured, with the processor for the particular device, to cause a hardware apparatus such as user equipment to perform any of the processes described below (see, for example, FIGS. 1-4) . Therefore, in certain embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, certain embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to perform any of the processes or functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. For example, circuitry may be hardware-only circuit implementations, such as analog and/or digital circuitry. In another example, circuitry may be a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit (s) with software or firmware, and/or any portions of hardware processor (s) with software (including digital signal processor (s) ) , software, and at least one memory that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various processes or functions. In yet another example, circuitry may be hardware circuit (s) and or processor (s) , such as a microprocessor (s) or a portion of a microprocessor (s) , that include software, such as firmware for operation. Software in circuitry may not be present when it is not needed for the operation of the hardware.

The features, structures, or characteristics of certain embodiments 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, ” “other 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, appearance of the phrases “in certain embodiments, ” “in some embodiments, ” “in other embodiments, ” or other similar language, throughout this specification does not necessarily 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.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that certain embodiments 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, 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. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

Partial Glossary

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

5G 5th Generation Wireless System

ANR Automatic Neighbor Relation

CGI Cell Global Identifier

eNB evolved Node B

EN-DC E-UTRAN NR Dual

MIB Master Information Block

MTC Measurement Timing Configuration

E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network

gNB Next Generation Node B

LTE Long Term Evolution

MTC Measurement Timing Configuration

NE Network Entity

NR New Radio

OAM Operations, Administration, and Management

PCI Physical Cell Identity

RAT Radio Access Technology

RMSI Remaining Minimum System Information

RRM Radio Resource Management

SA Standalone

SFN System Frame Number

SFTD Subframe and Frame Timing Difference

SIB System Information Block

SMTC Synchronization Signal Block Measurement Timing Configuration

SSB Synchronization Signal Block

UE User Equipment

Claims

An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code,

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

receive configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity;

detect at least one synchronization signal block;

read at least one physical broadcast channel; and

transmit one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured with at least one radio resource management (RRM) measurement in at least one layer to trigger the transmitting of the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location, and wherein the triggering can be one of:

the RRM measurement is without synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) or with incomplete SMTC information,

the RRM measurement is associated with a reportTimingInformation report type, and/or

a measurement configuration is associated with at least one timer.
The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

search at least one SSB of a target layer, wherein the searching is performed with an autonomous gap and/or with data dropping.
The apparatus according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, transmit the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to a network entity.
The apparatus according to any of claims 1-4, wherein at least one configurable timer defines when to terminate searching for at least one cell on the configured frequency layer.
The apparatus according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one target cell timing and at least one timing difference between a serving cell and a target cell.
The apparatus according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one serving cell timing.
An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code,

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

receive configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity;

read at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement; and

transmit at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity,

wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting.
The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive configuration of at least one measurement gap; and

read the CGI information within at least one configured gap,

wherein at least one measurement gap corresponding to the RMSI timing location is configured to be used for ANR measurement.
An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code,

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

transmit configuration of at least one measurement type to user equipment; and

receive one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment.
The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is configured with at least one radio resource management (RRM) measurement in at least one layer to trigger the transmitting of the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location, and wherein the triggering can be one of:

the RRM measurement is without synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) or with incomplete SMTC information,

the RRM measurement is associated with a reportTiminglnformation report type, and/or

a measurement configuration is associated with at least one timer.
The apparatus according to any of claims 10 or 11, wherein at least one configurable timer defines when to terminate searching for at least one cell on the configured frequency layer.
The apparatus according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one target cell timing and at least one timing difference between a serving cell and a target cell.
The apparatus according to any of claims 10-13, wherein the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one serving cell timing.
The apparatus according to any of claims 10-14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

exchange the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.
An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code,

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

transmit configuration of a new ANR measurement type to user equipment, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location to be used for ANR measurement; and

receive at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment.
The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

transmit configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment,

wherein at least one measurement gap corresponding to at least one RMSI timing location is configured to be used for ANR measurement.
The apparatus according to any of claims 16 or 17, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

exchange the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.
A method, comprising:

receiving, by user equipment, configuration of at least one measurement type from a network entity;

detecting, by the user equipment, at least one synchronization signal block;

reading, by the user equipment at least one physical broadcast channel; and

transmitting one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing.
The method according to claim 19, wherein at least one radio resource management (RRM) measurement in at least one layer triggers the transmitting of the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location, and wherein the triggering can be one of:

the RRM measurement is without synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) or with incomplete SMTC information,

the RRM measurement is associated with a reportTimingInformation report type, and/or

a measurement configuration is associated with at least one timer.
The method according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising:

searching, by the user equipment, at least one SSB of the target layer, wherein the searching is performed with an autonomous gap and/or with data dropping.
The method according to any of claims 19-21, further comprising:

upon failing to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer, transmitting, by the user equipment, the failure to detect a cell on a requested frequency layer to a network entity.
The method according to any of claims 19-22, wherein at least one configurable timer defines when to terminate searching for at least one cell on the configured frequency layer.
The method according to any of claims 19-23, wherein the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one target cell timing and at least one timing difference between a serving cell and a target cell.
The method according to any of claims 19-24, wherein the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one serving cell timing.
A method, comprising:

receiving, by user equipment, configuration of a new ANR measurement type from a first network entity;

reading, by the user equipment, at least one CGI of the target cell configured for ANR measurement; and

transmitting, by the user equipment, at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement to a second network entity,

wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location configured to be used for ANR measurement reporting.
The method according to claim 26, further comprising:

receiving configuration of at least one measurement gap; and

reading the CGI information within at least one configured gap,

wherein at least one measurement gap corresponding to the RMSI timing location is configured to be used for ANR measurement.
A method, comprising:

transmitting, by a network entity, configuration of at least one measurement type to user equipment; and

receiving, by a network entity, one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location associated with at least one cell timing from the user equipment.
The method according to claim 28, wherein at least one radio resource management (RRM) measurement in at least one layer triggers the transmitting of the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location, and wherein the triggering can be one of:

the RRM measurement is without synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) or with incomplete SMTC information,

the RRM measurement is associated with a reportTimingInformation report type, and/or

a measurement configuration is associated with at least one timer.
The method according to any of claims 28 or 29, wherein at least one configurable timer defines when to terminate searching for at least one cell on the configured frequency layer.
The method according to any of claims 28-30, wherein the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one target cell timing and at least one timing difference between a serving cell and a target cell.
The method according to any of claims 28-31, wherein the one or more of at least one synchronization signal timing location and at least one remaining minimum system information (RMSI) timing location are with reference to at least one serving cell timing.
The method according to any of claims 28-32, further comprising:

exchanging, by the network entity, the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.
A method, comprising:

transmitting, by the network entity, configuration of a new ANR measurement type to user equipment, wherein the configuration includes at least one RMSI timing location to be used for ANR measurement; and

receiving, by the network entity, at least one CGI information of the target cell configured for ANR measurement from user equipment.
The method according to claim 34, further comprising:

transmitting, by the network entity, configuration of at least one measurement gap to user equipment,

wherein at least one measurement gap corresponding to at least one RMSI timing location is configured to be used for ANR measurement.
The method according to any of claims 34 or 35, further comprising:

exchanging, by the network entity, the SSB and RMSI timing location via an X2 interface.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoding instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process according to any of claims 1-36.
An apparatus comprising means for performing a process according to any of claims 1-36.
An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform a process according to any of claims 1-36.
A computer program product encoded with instructions for performing a process according to any of claims 1-36.