WO2023069004A1 - Relaxed measurement requirements in a wireless communication network - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless communication device (12) is configured for use in a wireless communication network (10). The wireless communication device is configured with an extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, cycle (20C), and a relaxed measurement criterium (22). The wireless communication device determines that the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled and performs measurements (14) according to one or more relaxed measurement requirements (18R) when the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled. The one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on the eDRX cycle.

Description

RELAXED MEASUREMENT REQUIREMENTS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a wireless communication network, and relates more particularly to relaxed measurement requirements in such a network.

BACKGROUND

A wireless communication device in a wireless communication network performs measurements and logs or reports those measurements e.g., for device mobility and/or radio resource management in the network. The wireless communication device may for example perform and report measurements of the quality and/or strength of signals received from the device’s serving cell(s) and/or neighbor cell(s). Performing these or other measurements frequently, accurately, and on all relevant cells equips the network with information for managing radio resources and/or device mobility with high reliability, but consumes device energy, increases radio resource usage, and creates interference. Accordingly, under some circumstances when highly reliable radio resource management and/or device mobility is needed, the wireless communication network configures a wireless communication device to perform measurements according to certain measurement requirement(s), e.g., governing measurement time, periodicity, and/or accuracy. But, under other circumstances, such as when a wireless communication device is stationary, has low mobility, and/or is not close to a cell border, the wireless communication network may configure a wireless communication device to perform measurements according to measurement requirement(s) that are relaxed, e.g., so as to relax the measurement time, periodicity, and/or accuracy. For example, relaxed measurement requirement(s) may require measurements to be performed less frequently, with lower accuracy, and/or over a shorter duration of time, as compared to non-relaxed measurement requirement(s). Relaxing measurement requirement(s) in this way may advantageously conserve device energy, optimize radio resource usage, and/or minimize interference, e.g., under circumstances when measurement requirement relaxation will not have a meaningful impact on the reliability of radio resource management and/or device mobility.

Extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) is another feature that enables a wireless communication device to reduce power consumption. In eDRX operation, the wireless communication device need not receive signals from the network during certain periods of time. During these periods of time, then, the device can power down one or more of its receiver(s) and/or otherwise enter a sleep mode for conserving power. In eDRX, the duration of the periods of time when the device need not receive signals from the network, referred to as the eDRX cycle, is extended, e.g., as compared to legacy DRX operation. For example, whereas the DRX cycle in legacy DRX may be 1.28 seconds, the eDRX cycle in eDRX operation may range from 2.56 seconds up to 10485.76 seconds.

Measurement requirement relaxation and eDRX operation may be configured independently and/or separably, so as to constitute separate techniques for realizing advantages such as device power conservation.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there are provided embodiments of a method performed by a wireless communication device configured for use in a wireless communication network. The method comprises: being configured with an extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) cycle; being configured with a relaxed measurement criterium; determining that the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled; and performing measurements according to one or more relaxed measurement requirements when the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled. The one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on the eDRX cycle.

According to a second aspect, there are provided embodiments of a wireless communication device configured for use in a wireless communication network. The wireless communication device is configured to: be configured with an eDRX cycle; be configured with a relaxed measurement criterium; determine that the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled; and perform measurements according to one or more relaxed measurement requirements when the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled. The one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on the eDRX cycle.

Some embodiments herein enable and/or facilitate measurement requirement relaxation in eDRX operation, e.g., for realizing measurement requirement relaxation and eDRX operation in combination. Some embodiments in this regard enable a wireless communication device to determine relaxed measurement requirement(s) that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation. In one embodiment, for example, the wireless communication device is configured with rule(s) that govern, or otherwise make deterministic, what relaxed measurement requirement(s) are to be applied when one or more relaxed measurement criteria are configured and/or met in eDRX operation. The rule(s) may for instance be preconfigured at the wireless communication device or be configurable by the network, e.g., via RRC signaling. Regardless, enabling and/or facilitating measurement requirement relaxation in eDRX operation may advantageously improve device power conservation beyond that otherwise realizable by measurement requirement relaxation or eDRX operation individually and/or provide configuration flexibility to the network.

More particularly, embodiments herein include a method performed by a wireless communication device configured for use in a wireless communication network. The method comprises determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, operation, and performing measurements according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements.

In some embodiments, determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable while the wireless communication device is configured with an eDRX cycle, the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria, and at least one of the one or more relaxed measurement criteria is fulfilled. In one or more of these embodiments, determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable while the wireless communication device is configured with an eDRX cycle that the wireless communication device supports, the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria that the wireless communication device supports, and at least one of the one or more relaxed measurement criteria is fulfilled.

In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of a first set of one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria, and a second set of one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device operates in eDRX operation. In one or more of these embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set and the second set that relaxes measurement requirements the most. In one or more of these embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set and the second set that relaxes measurement requirements the least. In one or more of these embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the first set comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a first scaling factor, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the second set comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a second scaling factor, and the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor. In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of a length of an eDRX cycle with which the wireless communication device is configured for eDRX operation.

In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by one or more scaling factors.

In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements relax a requirement on one or more of: a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to evaluate results of measurements; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to detect a cell from measurements; or an accuracy, or a minimum accuracy, with which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; or a periodicity with which the wireless communication device is to report measurements; or a number of cells that the wireless communication device is to measure; or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement criteria include one or more of: a low mobility criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed as having low mobility; or a not-at-cell edge criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed as not being at an edge of a cell; or a stationary criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed to be stationary; or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises meeting the one or more relaxed measurement requirements when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises using results of the performed measurements to perform one or more operational tasks. In one or more of these embodiments, the one or more operational tasks include one or more of evaluating or performing one or more procedures, reporting the results of the performed measurements, or logging the results of the performed measurements.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from a network node in the wireless communication network, configuration information that configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation. In one or more of these embodiments, determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements is performed based on the one or more rules.

Other embodiments herein include a method performed by a wireless communication device configured for use in a wireless communication network. The method comprises determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, operation, and relaxing measurements according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements.

In some embodiments, relaxing measurements comprises performing measurements according to the relaxed measurement requirements, or refraining from performing measurements as allowed by the relaxed measurement requirements.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing user data, and forwarding the user data to a host computer via the transmission to a base station.

Other embodiments herein include a method performed by a network node in a wireless communication network. The method comprises transmitting, to a wireless communication device, configuration information that configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, operation.

In some embodiments, the configuration information configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable while the wireless communication device is configured with an eDRX cycle, the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria, and at least one of the one or more relaxed measurement criteria is fulfilled. In one or more of these embodiments, the configuration information configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable while the wireless communication device is configured with an eDRX cycle that the wireless communication device supports, the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria that the wireless communication device supports, and at least one of the one or more relaxed measurement criteria is fulfilled.

In some embodiments, according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of a first set of one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria, and a second set of one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device operates in eDRX operation. In one or more of these embodiments, according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set and the second set that relaxes measurement requirements the most. In one or more of these embodiments, according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set and the second set that relaxes measurement requirements the least. In one or more of these embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the first set comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a first scaling factor, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the second set comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a second scaling factor, and according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor.

In some embodiments, according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of a length of an eDRX cycle with which the wireless communication device is configured for eDRX operation.

In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by one or more scaling factors.

In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements relax a requirement on one or more of: a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; ora duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to evaluate results of measurements; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to detect a cell from measurements; or an accuracy, or a minimum accuracy, with which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; ora periodicity with which the wireless communication device is to report measurements; ora number of cells that the wireless communication device is to measure; or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement criteria include one or more of: a low mobility criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed as having low mobility; ora not-at-cell edge criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed as not being at an edge of a cell; ora stationary criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed to be stationary; or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining user data, and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

Embodiments herein also include corresponding apparatuses, computer programs, and carriers of those computer programs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication network in accordance with some embodiments.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of relaxed measurement requirement(s) according to some embodiments.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of an H-SFN cycle according to some embodiments.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of eDRX operation according to some embodiments.

Figure 5 is a block diagram of measurement requirement relaxation (UE performing relaxed measurement in eDRX mode, for DRX=0.32s) according to some embodiments.

Figure 6 is a block diagram of measurement requirement relaxation (UE performing relaxed measurement in eDRX mode, for DRX=2.56s) according to other embodiments.

Figure 7 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a wireless communication device according to some embodiments.

Figure 8 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a network node according to some embodiments.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of a wireless communication device according to some embodiments.

Figure 10 is a block diagram of a network node according to some embodiments.

Figure 11 is a block diagram of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments

Figure 12 is a block diagram of a user equipment according to some embodiments.

Figure 13 is a block diagram of a network node according to some embodiments.

Figure 14 is a block diagram of a host according to some embodiments.

Figure 15 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment according to some embodiments.

Figure 16 is a block diagram of a host communicating via a network node with a UE over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a wireless communication device 12 configured for use in a wireless communication network 10 according to some embodiments. The wireless communication device 12 may for instance be a Reduced Capability (RedCap) user equipment (UE) and/or the wireless communication network 10 may be a 5G or New Radio (NR) network. Regardless, the wireless communication device 10 is configured to perform measurements 14, e.g., on one or more downlink signals 16 received from the wireless communication network 10. The measurements 14 may for instance be signal quality measurements and/or signal strength measurements. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 12 may log and/or report the results of the measurements 14 to the network 10, e.g., for radio resource management and/or device mobility purposes.

The wireless communication device 12 more particularly is configured to perform the measurements 14 according to certain measurement requirement(s) 18. The measurement requirement(s) 18 in some embodiments, for example, govern measurement time, measurement accuracy, and/or measurement periodicity. Performing the measurements 14 according to the measurement requirement(s) 18 may thereby mean performing the measurements 14 over at least a minimum time duration, with at least a minimum accuracy, and/or periodically with a certain period dictated by the measurement requirement(s) 18. In some cases, then, such as where the measurement requirement(s) 18 dictate how often the measurements 14 are performed, performing the measurements according to the measurement requirement(s) 18 may mean that the wireless communication device 12 performs the measurements 14 less often or more often depending on the requirement(s) 18. More broadly, though, the measurement requirement(s) 18 in some embodiments may include a requirement on: (i) a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which measurements 14 are to be performed by the wireless communication device 12; or (ii) a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device 12 is to evaluate results of measurements 14; or (iii) a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device 12 is to detect a cell from measurements 14; or (iv) an accuracy, or a minimum accuracy, with which measurements 14 are to be performed by the wireless communication device 12; or (v) a periodicity with which the wireless communication device 12 is to report measurements 14; or (vi) a number of cells that the wireless communication device 12 is to measure; or (vii) any combination thereof.

In any event, by performing the measurements 14 according to the measurement requirement(s) 18, the wireless communication device 12 may be said to meet the measurement requirement(s) 18.

In this context, the wireless communication device 12 may support extended discontinuous reception (eDRX). In eDRX operation, the wireless communication device 12 need not receive signals from the network 10 during certain periods of time. During these periods of time, then, the device 12 can power down one or more of its receiver(s) and/or otherwise enter a sleep mode for conserving power. eDRX operation may be parameterized in terms of an eDRX cycle 20C. As shown, the eDRX cycle 20C is the duration between successive periods of active time 20-1 , 20-2 in which the wireless communication device 12 is expected to be able to receive signals from the network 10, e.g., with the wireless communication device 12 being able to sleep outside of the active times 20-1, 20-2. In eDRX, the eDRX cycle 20C is extended, e.g., as compared to legacy DRX operation. For example, whereas the DRX cycle in legacy DRX may be 1.28 seconds, the eDRX cycle 20C in eDRX operation may range from 2.56 seconds up to 10485.76 seconds. As shown in Figure 1 , the wireless communication network 10 may transmit control signaling 21 that configures the wireless communication device 12 with an eDRX cycle 20 for eDRX operation.

The wireless communication device 12 may also support so-called measurement requirement relaxation. The wireless communication network 10 in this regard may transmit control signaling 21 that alternatively or additionally configures the wireless communication device 12 with one or more relaxed measurement criteria (RMC) 22. When the one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 are met, the wireless communication device 12 is to relax the measurement requirement(s) 18 according to which the wireless communication device 12 performs the measurements 14. For example, relaxing measurement requirement(s) 18 that govern measurement time, measurement accuracy, and/or measurement periodicity may mean shortening the measurement time, decreasing the measurement accuracy, and/or prolonging the measurement period of the measurements 14. In some embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 are met, for relaxing measurement requirement(s) 18, under circumstances such as when the wireless communication device 12 is stationary, has low mobility, and/or is not close to a cell border. In these and other embodiments, then, relaxed measurement criteria 22 may include (i) a low mobility criterion that is met when the wireless communication device 12 is deemed as having low mobility, or (ii) a not-at-cell edge criterion that is met when the wireless communication device 12 is deemed as not being at an edge of a cell, or (iii) a stationary criterion that is met when the wireless communication device 12 is deemed to be stationary, or (iv) any combination thereof. Regardless, relaxing measurement requirement(s) in this way may advantageously conserve device energy, optimize radio resource usage, and/or minimize interference, e.g., under circumstances when measurement requirement relaxation will not have a meaningful impact on the reliability of radio resource management and/or device mobility.

In some embodiments, eDRX operation and measurement requirement relaxation are independently and/or separably configurable by the wireless communication network 10, e.g., as separate techniques for realizing advantages such as device power conservation. Nonetheless, some embodiments herein enable and/or facilitate measurement requirement relaxation in eDRX operation, e.g., for realizing measurement requirement relaxation and eDRX operation in combination. Some embodiments in this regard enable the wireless communication device 12 to determine relaxed measurement requirement(s) 18R that are applicable when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in eDRX operation. The relaxed measurement requirement(s) 18R may for example be relaxed as compared to other, non-relaxed measurement requirement(s) 18NR, e.g., that are applicable when relaxed measurement criteria is not met. Regardless, in one embodiment, the wireless communication device 12 is configured with rule(s) that govern, or otherwise make deterministic, what relaxed measurement requirement(s) 18R are to be applied when one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 are configured and/or met in eDRX operation. The rule(s) may for instance be preconfigured at the wireless communication device 12 or be configurable by the network 10, e.g., via control signaling from a network node 30 in the wireless communication network 10. Regardless, enabling and/or facilitating measurement requirement relaxation in eDRX operation may advantageously improve device power conservation beyond that otherwise realizable by measurement requirement relaxation or eDRX operation individually and/or provide configuration flexibility to the network 10.

Note that, in some embodiments, the wireless communication device 12 is configured with different sets of one or more relaxed measurement requirements. As shown in Figure 2, for example, in one embodiment, a first set 18R-1 is applicable when the one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 are met, e.g., outside of eDRX operation. A second set 18R-2 is applicable when none of the relaxed measurement criteria 22 are configured or met in eDRX operation, e.g., such that the second set 18R-2 is associated with configuration of an eDRX cycle 20 individually or separably from relaxed measurement criteria 22 being met. In some embodiments, the relaxed measurement criteria 18R applicable when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in eDRX operation is a function F of the first set 18R-1 and the second set 18R-2. For example, in one embodiment, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R that are applicable when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set 18R-1 and the second set 18R-2 that relaxes measurement requirements the most. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R that are applicable when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set 18R-1 and the second set 18R-2 that relaxes measurement requirements the least. In still other embodiments, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the first set 18R-1 comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a first scaling factor, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the second set 18R-2 comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a second scaling factor, and the one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R that are applicable when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in eDRX operation are a function of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor.

Consider examples of some embodiments in the following context, e.g., in a 5G network and/or for wireless communication devices that are reduced capability New Radio (NR) devices (also referred to as RedCap UEs). Alternatively or additionally, eDRX operation as referred to herein may be eDRX operation as specified for use in a 5G or NR network. RedCap

5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology and was introduced in Release 15 of the 3GPP standard. It is designed to increase speed, reduce latency, and improve flexibility of wireless services. The 5G system (5GS) includes both a new radio access network (NG-RAN) which makes use of a new air interface called New Radio (NR), and a new core network (5GC).

The initial release of 5G in Release 15 is optimized for mobile broadband (MBB) and ultra-reliable and low latency communication (LIRLLC). These services require very high data rates and/or low latency and therefore puts high requirements on the UE. To enable 5G to be used for other services with more relaxed performance requirements a new low complexity user equipment (UE) type is introduced in Release 17, called “reduced capability NR devices” or RedCap. The low complexity UE type is particularly suited for machine type communication (MTC) services such as wireless sensors or video surveillance, but it can also be used for MBB services with lower performance requirements such as wearables. The low complexity UE has reduced capabilities compared to a Release 15 NR UE such as possibility to support lower bandwidth compared to what is currently required for a NR UE and possibility to support only one reception (Rx) branch and one Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) layer, e.g., as described in 3GPP RP-210918. eDRX cycle operation

In NR, the enhanced DRX (eDRX) cycle is being specified for UEs in RRCJDLE and RRCJNACTIVE. The purpose of the eDRX cycle is to further enable UE power saving even more than achieved by the UE when configured only with a DRX cycle. The eDRX ranges between a few seconds to several minutes or even hours. In one example, the eDRX cycle may range from 5.12 seconds (shortest eDRX) up to 10485.76 s (largest eDRX). The eDRX cycle may also be multiple of 1.28 seconds which is a typical DRX cycle used in idle and inactive states. eDRX configuration parameters are negotiated between UE and the network via higher layer signaling, e.g., via non-access stratum (NAS) messages. During the negotiation, the network transmits eDRX parameters, which may comprise eDRX cycle length, paging time window (PTW), hyper system frame number (H-SFN), paging H-SFN (PH), etc.

H-SFN is comprised of multiple SFN cycles as shown in Figures 3-4. An SFN cycle is a counter which initializes after a certain number of frames. In one example, an SFN cycle comprises 1024 frames, i.e., varies from 0 to 1023. H-SFN is a frame structure on top of the legacy SFN structure, where each H-SFN value corresponds to a cycle of legacy frames (e.g., 1024 frames) and one H-SFN cycle contains X1 number of SFN cycles, e.g,. X1=1024. The network (e.g., core NW such as MMEs, BS, gNodeBs, etc.) have the same H-SFN, and cells broadcast their H-SFN via system information, e.g., SIB. The boundaries of the eDRX acquisition period are determined by H-SFN values for which H-SFN mod X1=0, e.g., X1=256.

The UE is configured with PTW by the NW (e.g., by MME) via NAS during, e.g., attach/tracking area update. The beginning of PTW is calculated by a pre-defined formula (as described below). Within a PTW, the UE is further configured with a legacy/normal DRX, as shown in Figure 4.

In one example PTW is characterized by or determined by the UE using the following mechanism:

• Paging H-SFN (PH) (calculated by a formula): o H-SFN mod TeDRX= (UE_ID mod TeDRX) o UE_ID: IMSI mod X2, e.g., X2=1024 o TeDRX: eDRX cycle of the UE, (TeDRX =1 , 2, ... , X3 in hyper-frames) and configured by upper layers e.g., X3=256.

• PTW start is calculated within PH as follows: o The start of PTW is uniformly distributed across X4 (e.g., X4=4) paging starting points within the PH. o PTW_start denotes the first radio frame of the PH that is part the paging window and has SFN satisfying the following equation: o SFN = X3* ieDRX, where ieDRX = floor (UE_ID/TeDRX,H) mod X4 o PTW_end is the last radio frame of the PTW and has SFN satisfying the following equation: o SFN = (PW_start + L*X5 - X6) mod X2, e.g., X5=100, X6=1 , where:

■ L = Paging Window length (in seconds) configured by upper layers, e.g., via RRC.

• PTW length (configured by higher layers). eDRX in eDRX in RedCap UE may operate as follows: eDRX feature is optional for any UE (including RedCap and non-RedCap UEs).

It may be considered as an invalid case where INACTIVE eDRX cycle is configured but IDLE eDRX cycle is not configured.

It may be considered as an invalid case where INACTIVE eDRX cycle is longer than IDLE eDRX cycle

The maximum PTW length is 40.96s when IDLE eDRX cycle is longer than 10.24s.

The minimum PTW length is 1.28s and the step length/granularity of PTW length is 1.28 when IDLE eDRX cycle is longer than 10.24s.

When IDLE eDRX cycle is longer than 10.24s, PH calculation formula defined in LTE is reused, i.e.:

PH_CN: H-SFN mod TeDRX,_CN,H= (UE_ID_H mod TeDRX_CN,H)

- where TeDRX_CN,H is equal to IDLE eDRX cycle.

When IDLE eDRX cycle is longer than 10.24s, CN PTW_end calculation formula defined in LTE is re-used, i.e:

PTW_end is radio frame satisfying SFN = (PTW_start + L*100 - 1) mod 1024,

- where L is PTW length configured by upper layers.

When IDLE eDRX cycle is longer than 10.24s, CN PTW_start calculation formula defined in LTE may be re-used as the baseline, as below. In some embodiments, CN PTW_start position may be configurable by network. Note: this formula would be revisited if INACTIVE eDRX cycle can be above 10.24s

UE measurements

Measurements herein may include any type of measurement performed by a UE. For example, a UE performs measurements on one or more downlink (DL) and/or uplink (UL) reference signal (RS) of one or more cells in different UE activity states, e.g., radio resource control (RRC) idle state, RRC inactive state, RRC connected state, etc. The measured cell may belong to or operate on the same carrier frequency as of the serving cell (e.g., intrafrequency carrier) or it may belong to or operate on different carrier frequency as of the serving cell (e.g., non-serving carrier frequency). The non-serving carrier may be called an inter-frequency carrier if the serving and measured cells belong to the same radio access technology (RAT) but different carriers. The non-serving carrier may be called an inter-RAT carrier if the serving and measured cells belong to different RATs. Examples of downlink RS are signals in synchronization signal block (SSB), channel state information (CSI) RS (CSI- RS), cell-specific reference signal (CRS), demodulation reference signal (DM RS), primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), signals in SS/PBCH block (SSB), discovery reference signal (DRS), positioning reference signal (PRS), etc. Examples of uplink RS are signals in sounding reference signal (SRS), DMRS, etc.

Each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS, and NR-PBCH (NR physical broadcast channel) in 4 successive symbols. One or multiple SSBs are transmitted in one SSB burst which is repeated with certain periodicity, e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms. The UE is configured with information about SSB on cells of certain carrier frequency by one or more SS/PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration comprises parameters such as SMTC periodicity, SMTC occasion length in time or duration, SMTC time offset with respect to reference time (e.g., serving cell’s subframe number, SFN), etc. Therefore, SMTC occasion may also occur with certain periodicity, e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms.

Examples of measurements are cell identification (e.g., physical cell identity, PCI, acquisition, PSS/SSS detection, cell detection, cell search etc), Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP), Reference Symbol Received Quality (RSRQ), secondary synchronization RSRP (SS-RSRP), SS-RSRQ, signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ration (SINR), RS-SINR, SS- SINR, CSI-RSRP, CSI-RSRQ, received signal strength indicator (RSSI), acquisition of system information (SI), cell global ID (CGI) acquisition, Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), UE RX-TX time difference measurement, Radio Link Monitoring (RLM), which consists of Out of Synchronization (out of sync) detection and In Synchronization (in-sync) detection, etc. The UE is typically configured by the network (e.g., via RRC message) with measurement configuration and measurement reporting configuration, e.g., measurement gap pattern, carrier frequency information, types of measurements (e.g., RSRP etc.), higher layer filtering coefficient, time to trigger report, reporting mechanism (e.g., periodic, event triggered reporting, event triggered periodic reporting, etc.), etc.

The measurements are done for various purposes. Some example measurement purposes are: UE mobility (e.g., cell change, cell selection, cell reselection, handover, RRC connection re-establishment, etc.), UE positioning or location determination self-organizing network (SON), minimization of drive tests (MDT), operation and maintenance (O&M), network planning and optimization, etc.

UE measurement requirement for eDRX

In legacy Long Term Evolution (LTE), the UE measurement requirement when UE is configured with eDRX is shown as follows.

Table 1: Tdetect.EUTRAN, Tmeasure.EUTRAN and T_evaiuate,E-uTRAN for UE configured with eDRXJDLE cycle

Relaxed measurements

The relaxed monitoring criteria for a neighbour cell are specified in 3GPP TS 36.304 v16.6.0. In RRC idle and RRC inactive states, the UE can be configured to relax neighbour cell measurements (e.g., for cell reselection) when the UE meets one or more relaxed measurement criteria (RMC). The UE can be configured for applying relaxed measurements via higher layer signalling, e.g., in system information block (SIB) such as in SIB2. Examples of criteria are UE in low mobility, UE not-at-cell-edge, stationary, combined criterion (e.g., UE in low mobility AND not-at-cell-edge, stationary AND not-at-cell-edge), etc.

Relaxed measurement criterion for UE with low mobility

In one example, the relaxed measurement criterion for a UE with low mobility is fulfilled when the UE speed is below a certain threshold. The UE speed can be expressed in terms of distance per unit time (e.g., Y1 km/hour) and/or in Doppler frequency (e.g., Y2 Hertz). In one specific example the relaxed measurement criterion for a UE with low mobility is fulfilled if the UE is stationary or static or does not move.

In another example, the low mobility criterion is met when the received signal level at the UE wrt the cell is static or quasi-static over certain time period (Ts). The received signal from a cell (e.g., serving cell) is static or quasi-static if it does not change by more than a certain margin over certain time period, e.g., the variance of the measured signal levels is within a certain threshold. Examples of received signal are signal strength, path loss, RSRP, L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, etc. In one specific example, the relaxed measurement criterion for UE with low mobility is fulfilled when the following condition is met for the serving cell of the UE:

- (SrxleVRef ^— Srxlev) < SsearchDeltaP,

Where:

- Srxlev = current Srxlev value of the serving cell (dB).

- SrxlevRef = reference Srxlev value of the serving cell (dB), set as follows:

After selecting or reselecting a new cell, or

If (Srxlev - SrxlevRef) > 0, or

If the relaxed measurement criterion has not been met for a duration of TsearchDeitap:

• Then the UE set value of SrxlevRef to the current Srxlev value of the serving cell.

Srxlev is further defined as follows:

SrxleV — Qrxlevmeas ^— (Qrxlevmin + Qrxlevminoffset )^— P compensation " QoffSSttemp

Where:

• Srxlev: It is is the cell selection received (RX) level value (dB)

• Qrxlevmeas: It is the measured cell RX level value (RSRP)

• Qrxievmm is the minimum required RX level in the cell (dBm). It is signalled by the cell.

• Qrxlevminoffset is the offset to the signalled Qrxlevmin. It is signalled by the cell.

• Qoffsettem_P: It is the offset temporarily applied to a cell. It is signalled by the cell.

Relaxed measurement criterion for stationary UE

The relaxed measurement criterion for stationary UE is defined in a way similar to UE with low mobility. But the actual values for the thresholds for stationary UE might be different compared to those used for low mobility criterion. For example, the UE meets stationary criterion if the received signal from a cell (e.g., serving cell) does not change by more than certain margin (Hs) over certain time period (Ts). On the other hand, UE meets low mobility criterion if the received signal wrt the cell does not change by more than certain margin (Hm) over certain time period (Tm). In one example, I Hs I < I Hm I and/or Ts > Tm. In another example, I Hs I = I Hme I and/or Ts > Tm. In another example, I Hs I < I Hm I and/or Ts = Tm. Relaxed measurement criterion for UE not at cell edge

In one example, relaxed measurement criterion for UE not at cell edge is fulfilled when the received signal level at the UE from a cell (e.g., serving cell) is above threshold, e.g., signal strength is above signal strength threshold and/or signal quality is above signal quality threshold.

In another example the relaxed measurement criterion for UE not at cell edge is fulfilled when the following condition is met for the serving cell of the UE:

- SrxleV > SsearchThreshoIdP, and,

- Squal > SsearchThresholdQ, if SsearchThresholdQ is Configured,

Where:

- Srxlev = current Srxlev value of the serving cell (dB).

- Squal = current Squal value of the serving cell (dB).

Squal is further defined as follows:

• Squal ⁼ Qqualmeas ^— (Qqualmin + Qqualminoffset) - Qoffsettemp Where:

• Squal: It is the cell selection quality value (dB)

• Qquaimeas: It is the measured cell quality level value (RSRQ)

• Qquaimm is the minimum required quality level in the cell (dB). It is signalled by the cell.

Qqualminoffset is the offset to the signalled Qqualmin. It is signalled by the cell.

Combination of relaxed measurement criteria

The UE can be configured with multiple versions (e.g., rel-16 not-at-cell edge, rel-17 not- at-cell edge) of not-at-cell edge criteria in which case the actual values for thresholds might be different because the purpose would be to identify the UEs located at different ranges with respect to the cell center.

Relaxed measurement requirements

When one or more relaxed measurement criteria are met then the UE is allowed to relax measurements or perform relaxed measurements. The measurement relaxation is realized by meeting relaxed measurement requirements. For example, the UE is allowed to meet one or more relaxed measurement requirements for performing a measurement provided that it is configured with lowMobilityEvaluation IE and also meets the low mobility criterion as defined above. In another example, the UE is allowed to meet one or more relaxed measurement requirements for performing a measurement provided that it is configured with cellEdgeEvaluation IE and also meets the not at cell edge as defined above. In another example, the UE is allowed to meet one or more relaxed measurement requirements for performing a measurement provided that it is configured with combineRelaxedMeasCondition IE also meets the low mobility criterion and not at cell edge as defined above. The parameters/IE lowMobilityEvaluation, cellEdgeEvaluation, and combineRelaxedMeasCondition are defined in TS 38.331 V16.6.0.

The UE is allowed to relax one or more of neighbour cell measurements, e.g., intrafrequency measurements, inter-frequency, and inter-RAT measurements when the UE meets one or more relaxed measurement criteria.

Examples of requirements are measurement time, measurement accuracy, measurement reporting periodicity, number of cells measured over measurement time, etc. Examples of measurement time are cell identification or cell detection time, evaluation period or measurement period (e.g., L1 measurement period, L1-RSRP measurement period, L1- SINR measurement period, OOS evaluation period, IS evaluation period, beam failure detection (BFD) evaluation period, BFD evaluation period, layer 1 (L1) indication interval, IS indication interval, OOS indication interval, BFD indication interval, etc.), etc. Examples of measurement accuracy are L1-RSRP accuracy (e.g., within ± X1 dB wrt reference L1-RSRP value), L1-SINR accuracy (e.g., within ± X2 dB wrt reference L1-SINR value). For example, the measurement time of a relaxed measurement (RM) is longer than the measurement time of the corresponding normal measurement (NM) (i.e., when measurement is not relaxed). In one example the measurement time for RM (T_meas_RM) is function of K and T_meas_NM. Examples of functions are maximum, sum, product, etc. In one specific example: T_meas_RM = K*T_meas_NM: Where K > 1 .

In one example, measurement relaxation is realized by extending the measurement time compared to the measurement time when no relaxation is applied. In another example, measurement relaxation is realized by not performing any neighbour cell measurements. In another example, measurement relaxation is realized by not performing any neighbour cell measurements for a certain time period, which may be pre-defined or configured by the network node. Examples of measurement time in low RRC activity state (e.g., RRC idle, RRC inactive states, etc.) are cell detection time (Tdetect) measurement period (Tmeasure), evaluation time (Tevaluate), etc. For example, as shown in table 2 below, when UE is configured with lowMobilityEvaluation and also meets the low mobility criterion, then the UE performs intra- frequency neighbour cell measurements (e.g., Tdetect,NR_mtra, Tmeasure,NR_lntra and Tevaluate,NR_lntra) With relaxation by applying scaling factor K1 = 3 (i.e., when K1=1 when no relaxation is applied).

Some embodiments herein address certain challenge(s) in this context. The UE can be configured with an eDRX cycle for power saving. The lower bound for eDRX configuration in RRCJDLE and RRCJNACTIVE is 2.56 seconds. The UE can also be configured with at least one relaxed measurement criterion (RMCs) in a set of RMCs (Sr) for power saving too. The set Sr may comprise a plurality of relaxed measurement criteria. In one example, Sr = {RMC1 , RMC2, RMC3, RMC4 and RMC5}

Heretofore, there is no solution for a UE being configured with both eDRX and RMCs. In one example, the UE is already configured with eDRXJDLE cycle. After that, the network (NW) configures RMCs to UE. If the UE fulfills at least one of the RMC conditions, there is heretofore no related UE behaviour defined. Certain aspects of the disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. Some embodiments apply to a scenario where the UE is configured with both eDRX cycle (as an example of eDRX cycle 20C in Figure 1) and one or more RMCs (as an example of RMC 22 in Figure 1). An example of an eDRX cycle can be a value larger than 2.56s. When eDRX cycle= 2.56s/5.12s/10.24s, there is no PTW design or PTW is not supported. When eDRX cycle is larger than 10.24s, then PTW mechanism will be applied, e.g., the UE may receive paging during PTW.

Table 3: List of eDRX and related PTW

Examples of RMCs comprise release 16 low mobility criterion, release 16 not-at-cell edge criterion, release 16 low mobility and not-at-cell edge criterion (see rows 1-3 in Table 4 below). RMCs may also include release 17 stationary criterion, release 17 stationary and not-at- cell edge criterion, see RMCs 4 - 5 in Table 4 below. The RMCs can also be the combination of both release 16 and release 17 criteria. Table 4: List of RMCs and their requirements to be met when performing measurement

According to some embodiments, a UE determines, based on one or more rules, one or more requirements associated with one or more measurements, which (requirements) the UE may meet or is expected to meet or is required to meet or shall meet when performing the one or more measurements while a first configuration condition (FCC) is met. These requirement(s) are an example of the relaxed measurement requirement(s) 18R in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the first condition is met if the UE is configured with eDRX cycle and configured with at least one RMC and also meets the criterion for the at least one configured RMC. Regardless, the UE determines whether the UE meets the first configuration condition (FCC). If the FCC is met, the UE performs one or more measurements and meets the one or more determined requirements. Otherwise, if the FCC is not met, the UE does not meet the one or more determined requirements but may meet another set of the requirements.

In one example, if the FCC is not met, then the UE may meet requirements associated with eDRX cycle if the UE is not configured with RMC or if the UE is configured with RMC but the criterion for the configured RMC is not met.

Examples of measurements are: cell detection, RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, signal-to-noise- ratio (SNR), SSB index or identifier (or beam index), etc.

Examples of requirements (or measurement requirements) associated with measurements are: cell detection, measurement period, evaluation period, cell reselection delay, etc.

Examples of rules for determining the requirements to be met by the UE when the FCC is met are described below with examples:

In one example of a rule, if a UE has been configured with eDRX cycle and one or more RMCs, and the UE fulfills the condition for the configured one or more RMCs, then the UE may perform one or more measurements and may meet either one or more measurement requirements associated with the configured eDRX cycle or may meet one or more measurement requirements associated with the configuration or may meet one or more measurement requirements based on NW further configurations (e.g., whether to meet RMC based or eDRX cycle based requirements).

In another example of a rule, if the UE has been configured with eDRX cycle and one or more RMCs, and the UE fulfills the condition for the one or more configured RMCs, then the UE may perform one or more measurements and may apply one or more measurements requirements which are a function of or combination of requirements associated with eDRX cycle and associated with the one or more configured RMCs or may meet one or more measurement requirements based on the NW further configurations (e.g., combination of RMC based or eDRX cycle based requirements is signaled). The function of combined requirements can be determined based on one or more criteria, which can be pre-defined or configured by the network node. Examples of functions are maximum, minimum, product, sum, etc.

Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s). Some embodiments provide clear UE measurement behaviour when the UE is configured with both eDRX and RMCs. Some embodiments alternatively or additionally improve UE power saving and/or provide more flexible configurations by the NW.

Example Scenario

One example scenario comprises at least one UE which is operating in a first cell (celU) served by a network node (NW1), and performing measurements on one or more serving cell(s) and one or more neighbor cells or neighbor frequencies, e.g., on serving carrier and/or one or more additional carriers configured for measurements. Any additional carrier may belong to the RAT of the serving carrier frequency. In this case, if that carrier is a non-serving carrier then it is called as inter-frequency carrier. The additional carrier may also belong to another RAT and in which case it is called an inter-RAT carrier. The term carrier may also interchangeably be called a carrier frequency, layer, frequency layer, carrier frequency layer, etc. For consistency, the term carrier is used herein after.

The UE is configured to stay in eDRX in IDLE mode or inactive mode with an eDRX cycle. The UE will perform measurements for cell reselection to meet the measurement requirements associated with that eDRX.

The UE is further configured to evaluate one of relaxed measurement criteria (RMC) in a set of RMCs (Sr). An example of Sr is SR = {RMC 1 , RMC 2, RMC 3, RMC 4 and RMC 5}. The RMCs may correspond to different operating conditions, e.g., UEs which are configured with any combinations of: rel-16 low mobility, rel-16 not-at-cell edge, rel-16 low mobility and not-at- cell edge, rel-17 stationary and rel-17 stationary and not-at-cell edge. If the UE has evaluated and determined that it has fulfilled a criterion corresponding to a certain RMC, then it meets the set of measurement requirements associated with that RMC when performing a measurement. Methods in the UE for performing relaxed measurements in eDRX mode

According to some embodiments described herein, a UE performs one or more of the following steps:

• Step 1 : UE obtains information about eDRX cycle configuration and one or more type of configured RMCs

• Step 2: UE evaluates and determines relaxed measurement requirements associated with the configured eDRX and the one or more RMCs

• Step 3: UE performs measurements according to the determined relaxed measurement requirements. In some embodiments, the UE fulfills the determined relaxed measurement requirements

Step 1 :

In this step, the UE obtains information about the eDRX cycle and type of one or more RMCs which are configured, e.g., via higher layer signaling.

In one example, the UE is configured with one or more RMCs containing or defined by or associated with the different criteria, by the NW using signalling, e.g., via RRC signaling. In some examples, the one or more RMCs might be pre-defined and UE may select to apply one or more RMCs from the set of predefined RMCs. The conditions for selecting the one or more RMCs may depend on different factors such as mobility conditions of the UE (e.g., low mobility, stationary), location of the UE in a cell (e.g., UE is not-at-cell edge), type of cells (e.g., macro-, micro- or pico cells), interference and signal measurement results (e.g., comparison between the measurement value and a measurement threshold), etc.

Based on the obtained information the UE knows the type of one or more RMCs with which the UE is configured. One example of basic set (Sr) of individual RMCs are shown in Table 5. The UE can be configured with any one of the 5 basic types of RMCs denoted by R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5. At the same time, UE may be also configured with at least any two RMCs.

Table 5: An example of basic set (Sr) of measurement relaxation criteria (RMCs)

In one example, the eDRX cycle is configured by the NW, e.g., by NW1. The configured eDRX cycle can be grouped with at least two groups or sets of eDRX cycles based on the length of eDRX cycle. In one example, two groups of the eDRX cycles are defined: short eDRX cycles and long eDRX cycles. In another example, three sets of eDRX cycle can be defined, such as a first group (Gp1) comprising one or more short eDRX cycles, a second group (Gp2) comprising one or more intermediate DRX cycles, and a third group (Gp3) comprising one or more long eDRX cycles etc. In one example of Gp1 , Gp2, and Gp3 represented by eDRX group ID, E1 , E2, and E3 respectively is shown in Table 6. In one specific example, T1 can be 2621.44s.

Table 6: An example of basic set of eDRX cycle configuration

Furthermore, based on obtained information, the UE knows the combination of eDRX cycle and the one or more configured RMCs.

Table 7: An example of combination set of eDRX and RMCs configuration

In one embodiment, the UE may, when determining the combination of eDRX and RMC, consider only the combination of eDRX cycle and the one or more configured RMCs which the UE is capable of. The UE may in response to this consider some of the combination set of eDRX cycle and one or more RMCs not to be applicable for the UE, even if configuration parameters for such a set is provided (signaled) from the network. In the example provided in Table 7 above, the UE may for example be implementing the "Stationary" and "Low mobility" RMC, but not the "not-at-cell-edge" RMC. It means that such a UE would NOT consider C2, C10, C15, C20 to be applicable for this UE. In another example provided in Table 7 above, the UE may not implement the long eDRX(E3). It means that such a UE would NOT consider C19-C23 to be applicable for this UE. One or more rules specifying the UE behaviour can be defined for the scenario when the UE is configured with eDRX cycle and one or more RMCs, which are not supported by the UE. The rules can be pre-defined or configured by the network node. Examples of such rules are the following. In one example of the rule, the UE performs measurements associated with the configured eDRX cycle and meets requirements associated with the configured eDRX cycle. In this case, the UE may ignore the measurements associated with the configured RMCs not supported by the UE. In another example of the rule, the UE neither performs measurements associated with the configured eDRX cycle nor associated with the configured RMCs not supported by the UE. In one example, the UE may perform measurements and meet requirements associated with the configured DRX cycle. In another example, the UE may initiate the cell selection measurement procedure for the selected PLMN. Examples of cell selection procedures for the selected PLMN are: (i) UE scan all RF channels in the NR bands according to its capabilities to find or detect a suitable cell; and (ii) UE using stored information of frequencies and optionally also information on cell parameters from previously received measurement control information elements or from previously detected cells for selecting a cell.

Step 2:

In this step, the UE evaluates whether it meets the condition of the combination of RMC and eDRX. The condition is met if the UE fulfills the criterion of the configured RMC and is also configured with eDRX cycle. If this condition is met then the UE uses one or more rules to determine requirements to be met by the UE for performing the measurements while the UE is meeting the criterion for the RMC and is configured with eDRX cycle. The rules can be predefined or configured by the network node, e.g., NW1. The rules are described below with several examples.

In one example, the UE may evaluate the criterion for the one or more configured RMCs. The evaluation is based on one or more rules as described above. If the UE meets the criterion for the configured RMC and is also configured with the eDRX cycle, then the UE further determines the set of requirements (Rx) it should fulfill when performing relaxed measurements.

The determination of the requirements is further based on rules related to one or more eDRX parameters of the configured eDRX, which may be pre-defined or configured by the network. The UE performs the relaxed measurement while meeting the determined set of the requirements associated with the configured eDRX cycle. The rules for determining Rx for the configured eDRX cycle are further described with several examples.

It is assumed that every combination set is associated with a certain type of requirement. Rx information can be predefined or signaled by the network (e.g., a scaling factor to apply on the reference requirements which are the requirements when no relaxation is applied).

The requirements can be determined based on one or more rules, exemplified below.

In one example it may correspond to the requirements associated with the one or more configured RMC only. For example, if the UE is configured with C11 , and if R3 is met, then the UE meets requirements associated with R3 only.

In another example it may correspond to the requirements associated with eDRX only. For example, if the UE is configured with C9, and if R1 isn’t met, then the UE meets requirements associated with E1 only.

In another example it may correspond to the requirements associated with either the configured RMC or requirements associated with the configured eDRX cycle if the UE meets the condition/criterion of the configured RMC. In one example, the UE meets the least stringent of the two requirements. The least stringent requirement may refer the one which gives longest measurement time. For example, if the UE is configured with C19, and if R1 is met, but the UE will only meet requirements associated with E3 only because the UE had already obtained enough relaxation in E3 condition. In another example, the UE meets the most stringent of the two requirements. The most stringent requirement may refer the one which gives the shortest measurement time.

In another example it may correspond to the requirements associated with the combination of the requirements associated with the configured RMC and the requirements associated with the configured eDRX cycle to obtain further relaxation in such eDRX mode. The combination of the requirements or the combined requirements may be determined based on a function of the requirements associated with the configured RMC and the requirements associated with the configured eDRX cycle. Examples of function are minimum, maximum, sum, product, xth percentile, ceil, floor, ratio, a combination of one or more functions, etc. For example, if the UE is configured with C9, and if R1 is met, then the UE meets requirements associated with both R1 and E1.

The above general principles are described below with examples.

An example of requirements (e.g., measurement time) associated with individual RMCs in the set is shown in Table 8 below. The requirements associated with R1 , R2, R3, R4, and R5 are denoted by MR1, MR2, MR3, MR4, and MR5, respectively. Examples of measurement time are: cell detection time, measurement period, evaluation time, etc. In this example:

TNM is the measurement time over which a measurement is performed by the UE without any relaxation, i.e., normal measurement.

TRM is the measurement time over which a measurement is performed by the UE with relaxation, i.e., relaxed measurement.

TRE is the evaluation time over which a measurement evaluation is performed by the UE with relaxation, i.e., relaxed evaluation.

TRD is the detection time over which a cell detection is performed by the UE with relaxation, i.e., relaxed cell detection.

Gi is scaling factor associated with RMCi; where Gi= {G1 , G2, G3, G4 and G5}. Gi is used for determining measurement time for relaxed measurement from the normal measurement time for certain RMC. The values of Gi may be pre-defined or configured by the network node. In one example, G1=G2=3, G3= infinity, G4=4 and G5=infinity. In another example, G1=G2=G4=3, G3=infinity if no neighbor cell measurement is done over the last X1 time period otherwise G3=1 and G5=infinity if no neighbor cell measurement is done over the last X2 time period otherwise G5=1. In one example X1 = X2. In another example X1 > X2. In another example X1 < X2.

Table 8: An example of requirement associated with RMCs in set Sr

Table 8 is further used for determining the requirements to be met by the UE for performing the measurement when the UE is configured with the RMC and also meets conditions for the RMC. Table 8 can be further enlarged to cover any combination of two RMCs in the table and UE meets the conditions for both RMCs.

An example of requirements (e.g., measurement time) associated with individual eDRXs in the set is shown in Table 9. The requirements associated with E1 , E2, and E3 are denoted by ME1 , ME2, and ME3, respectively. Examples of measurement time are: cell detection time, measurement period, evaluation time, etc. In this example:

TEM is the measurement time over which a measurement is performed by the UE with eDRX cycle i.e. measurement in eDRX mode.

TEE is the evaluation time over which a measurement evaluation is performed by the UE with eDRX cycle i.e. evaluation in eDRX mode.

TED is the detection time over which a cell detection is performed by the UE with eDRX cycle i.e. cell detection in eDRX mode.

Si is scaling factor associated with eDRX cycle #i; where Si= {S1 , S2 and S3}. Si is used for determining measurement time for certain eDRX. The values of Si may be pre-defined or configured by the network node. In one example, S1, S2, S3= 1. In another example, S1=3, S2=2, S3=1

Table 9: An example of requirement associated with eDRX in set Sr

In another example, requirements (e.g., measurement time) associated with individual eDRXs in the set is shown in Table 10.

Table 10: An example of requirement associated with eDRX in set Sr

In one embodiment, UE is configured with eDRX cycle and with at least one RMC. The UE determines whether it meets at least one of the configured RMC:

If the UE does NOT meet any of the configured RMCs, then UE performs a first set of measurements (ME1) associated with eDRX. The UE may determine and meet requirements associated ME1.

If the UE meets at least one RMC, then based on one or more rules, the UE determines whether to perform MEi associated with eDRX cycle or a second set of measurements (MRi) associated with the RMC. The UE may further determine and meet requirements associated with the determine MEi or MRi. The rule to determine MEi or MRi may further be associated with or depend on one or more of: the eDRX configuration (e.g., eDRX length, PTW length, etc.), type of RMCs, number of configured RMCs, etc.

For example, if the UE is configured with eDRX cycle below a threshold (e.g., 20.48s) then the UE performs measurements with a function of {ME1 , MRi} and meet requirements associated with a function of {ME1 , MRi}. The measurement time is expressed by a general function as follows:

Tmeas ⁼ f11(Gi, Si, eDRX cycle)

Tdetect = f 12(Gi , Si, eDRX cycle)

Tevai = f 13(Gi, Si, eDRX cycle)

Examples of functions are maximum, average, sum, product, minimum, ceil, floor, etc., and any combinations of such functions. In one specific example, the UE is configured with eDRX cycle =10.24s(E1) with low mobility RMC(R1). The UE performs measurements to meet the following requirements:

Tmeas = 3*1*e DRX cycle

Tdetect = 3*23*eDRX cycle

Tevai = 3*2*eDRX cycle where, G1 = 3 and S1 = 1. In another specific example, the UE is configured with eDRX cycle =10.24s(E1) with low mobility and Not-at-cell edge RMC(R3). If UE follows eDRX criteria, the requirement will be Tmeas = eDRX cycle. If UE follows low mobility and Not-at-cell edge criteria, the UE won’t meet measurements requirements up to 1 hour. Thus, the final requirements will follow R3.

As another example, if the UE is configured with eDRX above a threshold (e.g., 2621.44 s), then the UE performs ME3 and meet requirements associated with ME3. The measurement time is expressed by a general function as follows:

Tmeas = f21(Gi, Si, eDRX cycle)

Tdetect = f22(Gi, Si, eDRX cycle)

Tevai = f23(Gi, Si, eDRX cycle)

Examples of functions are maximum, average, sum, product, minimum, ceil, floor, etc., and any combinations of such functions. In one specific example, the UE is configured with eDRX=10485.76s(E3) and low mobility RMC(R1). The UE performs measurements to meet the following requirements. Tmeas =1*DRX cycle per eDRX cycle cycle

Tevai = 2*DRX cycle per eDRX cycle where, G3 = 1 and S3 = 1 .

As still another example, if the UE is configured with eDRX between thresholds (e.g., 20.48s~ 2621.44 s), then the UE performs measurements with a function of {ME2, MRi} and meets requirements associated with a function of {ME2, MRi}. The measurement time is expressed by a general function as follows:

Tmeas = f31 (Gi, Si, eDRX cycle)

Tdetect = f32(Gi, Si, eDRX cycle) Tevai = f33(Gi, Si, eDRX cycle)

Examples of functions are maximum, average, sum, product, division, minimum, ceil, floor, etc., and any combinations of such functions. In one specific example, the UE is configured with eDRX=2621.44s with low mobility and Not-at-cell edge RMC(R3). Even if UE follows low mobility and Not-at-cell edge criteria, the UE won’t meet measurements requirements up to 1 hour, 2*eDRX will be larger than 1 hour. Thus, UE shall still follow a measurement requirement.

T meas ^— 2* 1*eDRX cycle

where, G2 = 2 and S2 = 1 .

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate various aspects of these examples.

In another example, the UE is configured with eDRX=2621 ,44s with low mobility and Not-at-cell edge RMC(R3). UE shall follow a measurement requirement.

Tmeas = 3*1*e DRX cycle cycle

Tevai = 3*2*DRX per eDRX cycle where, G2 = 3 and S2 = 1 .

Step 3:

In this step, the UE uses the selected or determined requirements (Rx) for performing relaxed measurement and meeting those requirements. The UE may then use the results of the performed measurements for one or more operational tasks. The operational task(s) may comprise, using the measurement results for evaluating or performing one or more procedures (e.g., for different types of cell change such as cell re-selection, handover, RRC reestablishment, RRC release with redirection etc.), reporting those measurement results to different nodes (e.g., NW1 , another UE), logging the measurement results for minimization of drive test (MDT), etc.

During the configured eDRX cycle, the UE continues to evaluate the configured one or more RMCs and perform measurements. The UE can change the requirements (Rx) according to the configured eDRXs and RMCs and fulfilled RMCs. For example, assume the UE is configured with C9 and fulfilled both R1 (Low mobility) and E1 (short eDRX) and then performs f{ME1, MR1}. During the measurement if R1 is not satisfied, then the UE switches the measurement algorithm to satisfy ME1 and then performs measurements within scenario C6. After that when UE meets both R1 and E1 again, then the UE switches the measurement algorithm to scenario C9.

Some embodiments herein may be captured in 3GPP specifications as follows: Example 3GPP Specification Addition/Revision:

This clause contains requirements for measurements on intra-frequency NR cells provided that:

UE is configured with lowMobilityEvalutation criterion and with eDRX cycle, and UE has fulfilled the lowMobilityEvalutation criterion.

The requirements defined in clause x.x.x [defined for eDRX] shall apply for this clause.

Generalization and Terminology

Examples of network nodes are NodeB, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, MeNB, SeNB, location measurement unit (LMU), integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), Central Unit (e.g., in a gNB), Distributed Unit (e.g., in a gNB), Baseband Unit, Centralized Baseband, C-RAN, access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, transmission reception point (TRP), RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g., MSC, MME, etc.), O&M, OSS, SON, positioning node (e.g., E-SMLC), etc.

The non-limiting term UE refers to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and/or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device to device (D2D) UE, vehicular to vehicular (V2V), machine type UE, MTC UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, etc.

The term radio access technology, or RAT, may refer to any RAT, e.g., UTRA, E-UTRA, narrow band internet of things (NB-loT), WiFi, Bluetooth, next generation RAT, New Radio (NR), 4G, 5G, etc. Any of the equipment denoted by the term node, network node or radio network node may be capable of supporting a single or multiple RATs.

The term signal or radio signal used herein can be any physical signal or physical channel. Examples of DL physical signals are reference signal (RS) such as PSS, SSS, CSI- RS, DMRS signals in SS/PBCH block (SSB), discovery reference signal (DRS), CRS, PRS, etc. RS may be periodic, e.g., RS occasion carrying one or more RSs may occur with certain periodicity, e.g., 20 ms, 40 ms, etc. The RS may also be aperiodic. Each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS and NR-PBCH in 4 successive symbols. One or multiple SSBs are transmit in one SSB burst which is repeated with certain periodicity, e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms. The UE is configured with information about SSB on cells of certain carrier frequency by one or more SS/PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration comprising parameters such as SMTC periodicity, SMTC occasion length in time or duration, SMTC time offset wrt reference time (e.g., serving cell’s SFN) etc. Therefore, SMTC occasion may also occur with certain periodicity, e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms. Examples of UL physical signals are reference signal such as SRS, DMRS, etc. The term physical channel refers to any channel carrying higher layer information, e.g., data, control, etc. Examples of physical channels are PBCH, NPBCH, PDCCH, PDSCH, sPUCCH, sPDSCH, sPUCCH, sPUSCH, MPDCCH, NPDCCH, NPDSCH, E-PDCCH, PUSCH, PUCCH, NPUSCH, etc.

In view of the modifications and variations herein, Figure 7 depicts a method performed by a wireless communication device 12 configured for use in a wireless communication network 10 in accordance with particular embodiments. The method includes determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R that are applicable when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, operation (Block 105). The method may also comprise performing measurements 14 according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R (Block 110).

In some embodiments, the method also comprises meeting the one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in eDRX operation (Block 115).

In some embodiments, the method alternatively or additionally comprises using results of the performed measurements 14 to perform one or more operational tasks (Block 120).

Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise receiving, from a network node in the wireless communication network 10, configuration information that configures the wireless communication device 12 with one or more rules for determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R that are applicable when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in eDRX operation (Block 100).

Additional aspects of the method in Figure 7 are enumerated in GROUP A Embodiments herein.

Figure 8 depicts a method performed by a network node 30 in a wireless communication network 10 in accordance with other particular embodiments. The method includes transmitting, to a wireless communication device 12, configuration information that configures the wireless communication device 12 with one or more rules for determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R that are applicable when the wireless communication device 12 is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria 22 in extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, operation (Block 200).

In some embodiments, the method also comprises receiving, from the wireless communication device 12, a report of measurements 14 performed by the wireless communication device 12 according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements 18R (Block 210).

Additional aspects of the method in Figure 8 are enumerated in GROUP B Embodiments herein.

Embodiments herein also include corresponding apparatuses. Embodiments herein for instance include a wireless communication device 12 configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the wireless device.

Embodiments also include a wireless communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry and power supply circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the wireless communication device 12. The power supply circuitry is configured to supply power to the wireless communication device 12.

Embodiments further include a wireless communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the wireless communication device 12. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 12 further comprises communication circuitry.

Embodiments further include a wireless communication device 12 comprising processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the wireless communication device 12 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the wireless communication device 12. Embodiments moreover include a user equipment (UE). The UE comprises an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals. The UE also comprises radio front-end circuitry connected to the antenna and to processing circuitry, and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the wireless communication device 12. In some embodiments, the UE also comprises an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow input of information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry. The UE may comprise an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry. The UE may also comprise a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

Embodiments herein also include a network node 30 configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 30.

Embodiments also include a network node 30 comprising processing circuitry and power supply circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 30. The power supply circuitry is configured to supply power to the network node 30.

Embodiments further include a network node 30 comprising processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 30. In some embodiments, the network node 30 further comprises communication circuitry.

Embodiments further include a network node 30 comprising processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the network node 30 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 30.

More particularly, the apparatuses described above may perform the methods herein and any other processing by implementing any functional means, modules, units, or circuitry. In one embodiment, for example, the apparatuses comprise respective circuits or circuitry configured to perform the steps shown in the method figures. The circuits or circuitry in this regard may comprise circuits dedicated to performing certain functional processing and/or one or more microprocessors in conjunction with memory. For instance, the circuitry may include one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In embodiments that employ memory, the memory stores program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, carries out the techniques described herein.

Figure 9 for example illustrates a wireless communication device 12 as implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the wireless communication device 12 includes processing circuitry 910 and communication circuitry 920. The communication circuitry 920 (e.g., radio circuitry) is configured to transmit and/or receive information to and/or from one or more other nodes, e.g., via any communication technology. Such communication may occur via one or more antennas that are either internal or external to the wireless communication device 12. The processing circuitry 910 is configured to perform processing described above, e.g., in Figure 7, such as by executing instructions stored in memory 930. The processing circuitry 910 in this regard may implement certain functional means, units, or modules.

Figure 10 illustrates a network node 30 as implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the network node 30 includes processing circuitry 1010 and communication circuitry 1020. The communication circuitry 1020 is configured to transmit and/or receive information to and/or from one or more other nodes, e.g., via any communication technology. The processing circuitry 1010 is configured to perform processing described above, e.g., in Figure 8, such as by executing instructions stored in memory 1030. The processing circuitry 1010 in this regard may implement certain functional means, units, or modules.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that embodiments herein further include corresponding computer programs.

A computer program comprises instructions which, when executed on at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out any of the respective processing described above. A computer program in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

Embodiments further include a carrier containing such a computer program. This carrier may comprise one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable (storage or recording) medium and comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform as described above.

Embodiments further include a computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the steps of any of the embodiments herein when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. This computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

Additional embodiments will now be described. At least some of these embodiments may be described as applicable in certain contexts and/or wireless network types for illustrative purposes, but the embodiments are similarly applicable in other contexts and/or wireless network types not explicitly described.

Figure 11 shows an example of a communication system 1100 in accordance with some embodiments.

In the example, the communication system 1100 includes a telecommunication network 1102 that includes an access network 1104, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 1106, which includes one or more core network nodes 1108. The access network 1104 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 1110a and 1110b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 1110), or any other similar 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access node or non-3GPP access point. The network nodes 1110 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 1112a, 1112b, 1112c, and 1112d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 1112) to the core network 1106 over one or more wireless connections.

Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and/or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 1100 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and/or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and/or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 1100 may include and/or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and/or other similar type of system.

The UEs 1112 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and/or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 1110 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 1110 are arranged, capable, configured, and/or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 1112 and/or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 1102 to enable and/or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and/or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 1102.

In the depicted example, the core network 1106 connects the network nodes 1110 to one or more hosts, such as host 1116. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 1106 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 1108) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and/or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 1108. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (ALISF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and/or a User Plane Function (UPF).

The host 1116 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 1104 and/or the telecommunication network 1102, and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The host 1116 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio/video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

As a whole, the communication system 1100 of Figure 11 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and/or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and/or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and/or any low- power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

In some examples, the telecommunication network 1102 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 1102 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 1102. For example, the telecommunications network 1102 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and/or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC)/Massive loT services to yet further UEs.

In some examples, the UEs 1112 are configured to transmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 1104 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 1104. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi-RAT or multi-standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

In the example, the hub 1114 communicates with the access network 1104 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 1112c and/or 1112d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 1110b). In some examples, the hub 1114 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 1114 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 1106 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 1114 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 1110, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 1114. As another example, the hub 1114 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 1114 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, loudspeaker or other media delivery device, the hub 1114 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 1114 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and/or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 1114 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular in if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

The hub 1114 may have a constant/persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 1110b. The hub 1114 may also allow for a different communication scheme and/or schedule between the hub 1114 and UEs (e.g., UE 1112c and/or 1112d), and between the hub 1114 and the core network 1106. In other examples, the hub 1114 is connected to the core network 1106 and/or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 1114 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 1104 and/or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 1110 while still connected via the hub 1114 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 1114 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to/from the UEs from/to the network node 1110b. In other embodiments, the hub 1114 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 1110b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and/or end point for certain data channels.

Figure 12 shows a UE 1200 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, a UE refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and/or other UEs. Examples of a UE include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music storage device, playback appliance, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded/integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB-loT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and/or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

A UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to-everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and/or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

The UE 1200 includes processing circuitry 1202 that is operatively coupled via a bus 1204 to an input/output interface 1206, a power source 1208, a memory 1210, a communication interface 1212, and/or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 12. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

The processing circuitry 1202 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 1210. The processing circuitry 1202 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 1202 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

In the example, the input/output interface 1206 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and/or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into the UE 1200. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

In some embodiments, the power source 1208 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 1208 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 1208 itself, and/or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE 1200 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source 1208. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source 1208 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE 1200 to which power is supplied.

The memory 1210 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 1210 includes one or more application programs 1214, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 1216. The memory 1210 may store, for use by the UE 1200, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

The memory 1210 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and/or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUlCC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 1210 may allow the UE 1200 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 1210, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

The processing circuitry 1202 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 1212. The communication interface 1212 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 1222. The communication interface 1212 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1218 and/or a receiver 1220 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 1218 and receiver 1220 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 1222) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 1212 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in according to one or more communication protocols and/or standards, such as IEEE 802.11 , Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

Regardless of the type of sensor, a UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface 1212, via a wireless connection to a network node. Data captured by sensors of a UE can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another UE. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

As another example, a UE comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, the UE may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input.

A UE, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, city wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such an loT device are a device which is or which is embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door/window sensor, a flood/moisture sensor, an electrical door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system like a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, a head-mounted display for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), a wearable for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal- or item-tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and any kind of medical device, like a heart rate monitor or a remote controlled surgical robot. A UE in the form of an loT device comprises circuitry and/or software in dependence of the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the UE 1200 shown in Figure 12.

As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, a UE may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and/or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and/or measurements to another UE and/or a network node. The UE may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the UE may implement the 3GPP NB-loT standard. In other scenarios, a UE may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and/or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

In practice, any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second UE that is a remote controller operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first UE may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and/or the second UE can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a UE might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

Figure 13 shows a network node 1300 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and/or with other network nodes or equipment, in a telecommunication network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NR NodeBs (gNBs)).

Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units and/or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

Other examples of network nodes include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cel l/multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and/or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

The network node 1300 includes a processing circuitry 1302, a memory 1304, a communication interface 1306, and a power source 1308. The network node 1300 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 1300 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 1300 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 1304 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 1310 may be shared by different RATs). The network node 1300 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 1300, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 1300.

The processing circuitry 1302 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 1300 components, such as the memory 1304, to provide network node 1300 functionality.

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1302 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1302 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1312 and baseband processing circuitry 1314. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1312 and the baseband processing circuitry 1314 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1312 and baseband processing circuitry 1314 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

The memory 1304 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1302. The memory 1304 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and/or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 1302 and utilized by the network node 1300. The memory 1304 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 1302 and/or any data received via the communication interface 1306. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1302 and memory 1304 is integrated.

The communication interface 1306 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and/or data between a network node, access network, and/or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 1306 comprises port(s)/terminal(s) 1316 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 1306 also includes radio front-end circuitry 1318 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 1310. Radio front-end circuitry 1318 comprises filters 1320 and amplifiers 1322. The radio front-end circuitry 1318 may be connected to an antenna 1310 and processing circuitry 1302. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 1310 and processing circuitry 1302. The radio front-end circuitry 1318 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuitry 1318 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1320 and/or amplifiers 1322. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1310. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1310 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 1318. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 1302. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components.

In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 1300 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 1318, instead, the processing circuitry 1302 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 1310. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 1312 is part of the communication interface 1306. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 1306 includes one or more ports or terminals 1316, the radio front-end circuitry 1318, and the RF transceiver circuitry 1312, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 1306 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 1314, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

The antenna 1310 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and/or receive wireless signals. The antenna 1310 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 1318 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and/or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 1310 is separate from the network node 1300 and connectable to the network node 1300 through an interface or port.

The antenna 1310, communication interface 1306, and/or the processing circuitry 1302 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and/or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and/or signals may be received from a UE, another network node and/or any other network equipment.

Similarly, the antenna 1310, the communication interface 1306, and/or the processing circuitry 1302 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and/or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and/or any other network equipment.

The power source 1308 provides power to the various components of network node 1300 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 1308 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 1300 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 1300 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 1308. As a further example, the power source 1308 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

Embodiments of the network node 1300 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 13 for providing certain aspects of the network node’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and/or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1300 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 1300 and to allow output of information from the network node 1300. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 1300.

Figure 14 is a block diagram of a host 1400, which may be an embodiment of the host 1116 of Figure 11 , in accordance with various aspects described herein. As used herein, the host 1400 may be or comprise various combinations hardware and/or software, including a standalone server, a blade server, a cloud4mplemented server, a distributed server, a virtual machine, container, or processing resources in a server farm. The host 1400 may provide one or more services to one or more UEs.

The host 1400 includes processing circuitry 1402 that is operatively coupled via a bus 1404 to an input/output interface 1406, a network interface 1408, a power source 1410, and a memory 1412. Other components may be included in other embodiments. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the devices of previous figures, such as Figures 12 and 13, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of host 1400. The memory 1412 may include one or more computer programs including one or more host application programs 1414 and data 1416, which may include user data, e.g., data generated by a UE for the host 1400 or data generated by the host 1400 for a UE. Embodiments of the host 1400 may utilize only a subset or all of the components shown. The host application programs 1414 may be implemented in a container-based architecture and may provide support for video codecs (e.g., Versatile Video Coding (WC), High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), Advanced Video Coding (AVC), MPEG, VP9) and audio codecs (e.g., FLAG, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), MPEG, G.711), including transcoding for multiple different classes, types, or implementations of UEs (e.g., handsets, desktop computers, wearable display systems, heads-up display systems). The host application programs 1414 may also provide for user authentication and licensing checks and may periodically report health, routes, and content availability to a central node, such as a device in or on the edge of a core network. Accordingly, the host 1400 may select and/or indicate a different host for over-the-top services for a UE. The host application programs 1414 may support various protocols, such as the HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol, Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (MPEG-DASH), etc.

Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1500 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 1500 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized.

Applications 1502 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment Q400 to implement some of the features, functions, and/or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Hardware 1504 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and/or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and/or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input/output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 1506 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 1508a and 1508b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 1508), and/or perform any of the functions, features and/or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 1506 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 1508.

The VMs 1508 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1506. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 1502 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 1508, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

In the context of NFV, a VM 1508 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 1508, and that part of hardware 1504 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and/or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 1508 on top of the hardware 1504 and corresponds to the application 1502.

Hardware 1504 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 1504 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1504 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 1510, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 1502. In some embodiments, hardware 1504 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 1512 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

Figure 16 shows a communication diagram of a host 1602 communicating via a network node 1604 with a UE 1606 over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments. Example implementations, in accordance with various embodiments, of the UE (such as a UE 1112a of Figure 11 and/or UE 1200 of Figure 12), network node (such as network node 1110a of Figure 11 and/or network node 1300 of Figure 13), and host (such as host 1116 of Figure 11 and/or host 1400 of Figure 14) discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to Figure 16.

Like host 1400, embodiments of host 1602 include hardware, such as a communication interface, processing circuitry, and memory. The host 1602 also includes software, which is stored in or accessible by the host 1602 and executable by the processing circuitry. The software includes a host application that may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as the UE 1606 connecting via an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1650 extending between the UE 1606 and host 1602. In providing the service to the remote user, a host application may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTT connection 1650.

The network node 1604 includes hardware enabling it to communicate with the host 1602 and UE 1606. The connection 1660 may be direct or pass through a core network (like core network 1106 of Figure 11) and/or one or more other intermediate networks, such as one or more public, private, or hosted networks. For example, an intermediate network may be a backbone network or the Internet.

The UE 1606 includes hardware and software, which is stored in or accessible by UE 1606 and executable by the UE’s processing circuitry. The software includes a client application, such as a web browser or operator-specific “app” that may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via UE 1606 with the support of the host 1602. In the host 1602, an executing host application may communicate with the executing client application via the OTT connection 1650 terminating at the UE 1606 and host 1602. In providing the service to the user, the UE's client application may receive request data from the host's host application and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 1650 may transfer both the request data and the user data. The UE's client application may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides to the host application through the OTT connection 1650.

The OTT connection 1650 may extend via a connection 1660 between the host 1602 and the network node 1604 and via a wireless connection 1670 between the network node 1604 and the UE 1606 to provide the connection between the host 1602 and the UE 1606. The connection 1660 and wireless connection 1670, over which the OTT connection 1650 may be provided, have been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between the host 1602 and the UE 1606 via the network node 1604, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices.

As an example of transmitting data via the OTT connection 1650, in step 1608, the host 1602 provides user data, which may be performed by executing a host application. In some embodiments, the user data is associated with a particular human user interacting with the UE 1606. In other embodiments, the user data is associated with a UE 1606 that shares data with the host 1602 without explicit human interaction. In step 1610, the host 1602 initiates a transmission carrying the user data towards the UE 1606. The host 1602 may initiate the transmission responsive to a request transmitted by the UE 1606. The request may be caused by human interaction with the UE 1606 or by operation of the client application executing on the UE 1606. The transmission may pass via the network node 1604, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. Accordingly, in step 1612, the network node 1604 transmits to the UE 1606 the user data that was carried in the transmission that the host 1602 initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 1614, the UE 1606 receives the user data carried in the transmission, which may be performed by a client application executed on the UE 1606 associated with the host application executed by the host 1602.

In some examples, the UE 1606 executes a client application which provides user data to the host 1602. The user data may be provided in reaction or response to the data received from the host 1602. Accordingly, in step 1616, the UE 1606 may provide user data, which may be performed by executing the client application. In providing the user data, the client application may further consider user input received from the user via an input/output interface of the UE 1606. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, the UE 1606 initiates, in step 1618, transmission of the user data towards the host 1602 via the network node 1604. In step 1620, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the network node 1604 receives user data from the UE 1606 and initiates transmission of the received user data towards the host 1602. In step 1622, the host 1602 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the UE 1606.

One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to the UE 1606 using the OTT connection 1650, in which the wireless connection 1670 forms the last segment.

In an example scenario, factory status information may be collected and analyzed by the host 1602. As another example, the host 1602 may process audio and video data which may have been retrieved from a UE for use in creating maps. As another example, the host 1602 may collect and analyze real-time data to assist in controlling vehicle congestion (e.g., controlling traffic lights). As another example, the host 1602 may store surveillance video uploaded by a UE. As another example, the host 1602 may store or control access to media content such as video, audio, VR or AR which it can broadcast, multicast or unicast to UEs. As other examples, the host 1602 may be used for energy pricing, remote control of non-time critical electrical load to balance power generation needs, location services, presentation services (such as compiling diagrams etc. from data collected from remote devices), or any other function of collecting, retrieving, storing, analyzing and/or transmitting data.

In some examples, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1650 between the host 1602 and UE 1606, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection may be implemented in software and hardware of the host 1602 and/or UE 1606. In some embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with other devices through which the OTT connection 1650 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection 1650 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not directly alter the operation of the network node 1604. Such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like, by the host 1602. The measurements may be implemented in that software causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using the OTT connection 1650 while monitoring propagation times, errors, etc.

Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes, hosts) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and/or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and/or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and/or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and/or by end users and a wireless network generally.

Example embodiments of the techniques and apparatus described herein include, but are not limited to, the following enumerated examples:

Group A Embodiments

A1 . A method performed by a wireless communication device configured for use in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, operation; and performing measurements according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements.

A2. The method of embodiment A1 , wherein determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable while: the wireless communication device is configured with an eDRX cycle; and the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria; and at least one of the one or more relaxed measurement criteria is fulfilled.

A3. The method of embodiment A2, wherein determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable while: the wireless communication device is configured with an eDRX cycle that the wireless communication device supports; and the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria that the wireless communication device supports; and at least one of the one or more relaxed measurement criteria is fulfilled.

A4. The method of any of embodiments A1-A3, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of: a first set of one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria; and a second set of one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device operates in eDRX operation.

A5. The method of embodiment A4, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set and the second set that relaxes measurement requirements the most.

A6. The method of embodiment A4, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set and the second set that relaxes measurement requirements the least.

A7. The method of embodiment A4, wherein: the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the first set comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a first scaling factor; the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the second set comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a second scaling factor; and the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor.

A8. The method of any of embodiments A1-A7, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of a length of an eDRX cycle with which the wireless communication device is configured for eDRX operation.

A9. The method of any of embodiments A1-A8, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by one or more scaling factors.

A10. The method of any of embodiments A1-A9, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements relax a requirement on one or more of: a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to evaluate results of measurements; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to detect a cell from measurements; or an accuracy, or a minimum accuracy, with which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; or a periodicity with which the wireless communication device is to report measurements; or a number of cells that the wireless communication device is to measure; or any combination thereof.

A11. The method of any of embodiments A1-A10, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement criteria include one or more of: a low mobility criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed as having low mobility; or a not-at-cell edge criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed as not being at an edge of a cell; or a stationary criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed to be stationary; or any combination thereof.

A12. The method of any of embodiments A1-A11 , further comprising meeting the one or more relaxed measurement requirements when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation.

A13. The method of any of embodiments A1-A12, further comprising using results of the performed measurements to perform one or more operational tasks.

A14. The method of embodiment A13, wherein the one or more operational tasks include one or more of: evaluating or performing one or more procedures; reporting the results of the performed measurements; or logging the results of the performed measurements.

A15. The method of any of embodiments A1-A14, further comprising receiving, from a network node in the wireless communication network, configuration information that configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation.

A16. The method of embodiment A15, wherein said determining is performed based on the one or more rules.

A17. The method of any of embodiments A1-A16, wherein determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements as being one of different sets of one or more relaxed measurement requirements applicable for different combinations of one or more relaxed measurement criteria and eDRX operation parameter value(s).

AA1 . A method performed by a wireless communication device configured for use in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, operation; and relaxing measurements according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements.

AA2. The method of embodiment AA1 , wherein said relaxing comprises: performing measurements according to the relaxed measurement requirements; or refraining from performing measurements as allowed by the relaxed measurement requirements.

AA. The method of any of the previous embodiments, further comprising: providing user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer via the transmission to a base station.

Group B Embodiments

B1. A method performed by a network node in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: transmitting, to a wireless communication device, configuration information that configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, operation.

B2. The method of embodiment B1 , wherein the configuration information configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable while: the wireless communication device is configured with an eDRX cycle; and the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria; and at least one of the one or more relaxed measurement criteria is fulfilled.

B3. The method of embodiment B2, wherein the configuration information configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable while: the wireless communication device is configured with an eDRX cycle that the wireless communication device supports; and the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria that the wireless communication device supports; and at least one of the one or more relaxed measurement criteria is fulfilled.

B4. The method of any of embodiments B1-B3, wherein, according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of: a first set of one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria; and a second set of one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device operates in eDRX operation.

B5. The method of embodiment B4, wherein, according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set and the second set that relaxes measurement requirements the most.

B6. The method of embodiment B4, wherein, according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are whichever of the first set and the second set that relaxes measurement requirements the least.

B7. The method of embodiment B4, wherein: the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the first set comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a first scaling factor; the one or more relaxed measurement requirements in the second set comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a second scaling factor; and according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor.

B8. The method of any of embodiments B1-B7, wherein, according to the one or more rules, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements that are applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with one or more relaxed measurement criteria in eDRX operation are a function of a length of an eDRX cycle with which the wireless communication device is configured for eDRX operation.

B9. The method of any of embodiments B1-B8, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprise reference measurement requirements that are scaled by one or more scaling factors.

B10. The method of any of embodiments B1-B9, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements relax a requirement on one or more of: a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to evaluate results of measurements; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to detect a cell from measurements; or an accuracy, or a minimum accuracy, with which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; or a periodicity with which the wireless communication device is to report measurements; or a number of cells that the wireless communication device is to measure; or any combination thereof.

B11. The method of any of embodiments B1-B10, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement criteria include one or more of: a low mobility criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed as having low mobility; or a not-at-cell edge criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed as not being at an edge of a cell; or a stationary criterion that is met when the wireless communication device is deemed to be stationary; or any combination thereof.

B12. The method of any of embodiments B1-B11 , further comprising receiving, from the wireless communication device, a report of measurements performed by the wireless communication device according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements.

BB. The method of any of the previous embodiments, further comprising: obtaining user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

Group C Embodiments C1 . A wireless communication device configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

C2. A wireless communication device comprising processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

C3. A wireless communication device comprising: communication circuitry; and processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

C4. A wireless communication device comprising: processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; and power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the wireless communication device.

C5. A wireless communication device comprising: processing circuitry and memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the wireless communication device is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

C6. A user equipment (UE) comprising: an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; radio front-end circuitry connected to the antenna and to processing circuitry, and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuitry; the processing circuitry being configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow input of information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry; an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry; and a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

C7. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a wireless communication device, causes the wireless communication device to carry out the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

C8. A carrier containing the computer program of embodiment C7, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

C9. A network node configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

C10. A network node comprising processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

C11 . A network node comprising: communication circuitry; and processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

C12. A network node comprising: processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments; power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the network node.

C13. A network node comprising: processing circuitry and memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the network node is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

C14. The network node of any of embodiments C9-C13, wherein the network node is a base station.

C15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node, causes the network node to carry out the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

C16. The computer program of embodiment C14, wherein the network node is a base station. C17. A carrier containing the computer program of any of embodiments C15-C16, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

Group D Embodiments

D1. A communication system including a host computer comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and processing circuitry, the base station’s processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

D2. The communication system of the previous embodiment further including the base station.

D3. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, further including the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

D4. The communication system of the previous 3 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and the UE comprises processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

D5. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, providing user data; and at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base station, wherein the base station performs any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

D6. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising, at the base station, transmitting the user data.

D7. The method of the previous 2 embodiments, wherein the user data is provided at the host computer by executing a host application, the method further comprising, at the UE, executing a client application associated with the host application.

D8. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE comprising a radio interface and processing circuitry configured to perform any of the previous 3 embodiments.

D9. A communication system including a host computer comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry, the UE’s components configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

D10. The communication system of the previous embodiment, wherein the cellular network further includes a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

D11. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and the UE’s processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

D12. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, providing user data; and at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base station, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

D13. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising at the UE, receiving the user data from the base station.

D14. A communication system including a host computer comprising: communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry, the UE’s processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

D15. The communication system of the previous embodiment, further including the UE.

D16. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, further including the base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward to the host computer the user data carried by a transmission from the UE to the base station.

D17. The communication system of the previous 3 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and the UE’s processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing the user data.

D18. The communication system of the previous 4 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing request data; and the UE’s processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing the user data in response to the request data.

D19. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, receiving user data transmitted to the base station from the UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

D20. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising, at the UE, providing the user data to the base station.

D21. The method of the previous 2 embodiments, further comprising: at the UE, executing a client application, thereby providing the user data to be transmitted; and at the host computer, executing a host application associated with the client application.

D22. The method of the previous 3 embodiments, further comprising: at the UE, executing a client application; and at the UE, receiving input data to the client application, the input data being provided at the host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application, wherein the user data to be transmitted is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

D23. A communication system including a host computer comprising a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry, the base station’s processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments.

D24. The communication system of the previous embodiment further including the base station.

D25. The communication system of the previous 2 embodiments, further including the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

D26. The communication system of the previous 3 embodiments, wherein: the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing the user data to be received by the host computer.

D27. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, receiving, from the base station, user data originating from a transmission which the base station has received from the UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments.

D28. The method of the previous embodiment, further comprising at the base station, receiving the user data from the UE.

D29. The method of the previous 2 embodiments, further comprising at the base station, initiating a transmission of the received user data to the host computer.

ABBREVIATIONS

At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in this disclosure. If there is an inconsistency between abbreviations, preference should be given to how it is used above. If listed multiple times below, the first listing should be preferred over any subsequent listing(s).

1x RTT CDMA2000 1x Radio Transmission Technology

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

5G 5th Generation

5GS 5G system

6G 6^th Generation

ABS Almost Blank Subframe

ARQ Automatic Repeat Request

AWGN Additive White Gaussian Noise

BCCH Broadcast Control Channel

BCH Broadcast Channel

CA Carrier Aggregation

CC Carrier Component

CCCH SDU Common Control Channel SDU

CDMA Code Division Multiplexing Access

CGI Cell Global Identifier

CIR Channel Impulse Response

CP Cyclic Prefix

CPICH Common Pilot Channel

CPICH Ec/No CPICH Received energy per chip divided by the power density in the band

CQI Channel Quality information

C-RNTI Cell RNTI CSI Channel State Information DCCH Dedicated Control Channel DL Downlink DM Demodulation DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal DRX Discontinuous Reception DTX Discontinuous Transmission DTCH Dedicated Traffic Channel DUT Device Under Test E-CID Enhanced Cell-ID (positioning method) eDRX Extended DRX eMBMS evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services E-SMLC Evolved-Serving Mobile Location Centre ECGI Evolved CGI eNB E-UTRAN NodeB ePDCCH Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel E-SMLC Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center E-UTRA Evolved UTRA E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN FDD Frequency Division Duplex FFS For Further Study gNB Base station in NR GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

HO Handover

HSPA High Speed Packet Access HRPD High Rate Packet Data

LOS Line of Sight

LPP LTE Positioning Protocol

LTE Long-Term Evolution

MAC Medium Access Control MAC Message Authentication Code

MBB Mobile Broadband

MBSFN Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency Network

MBSFN ABS MBSFN Almost Blank Subframe

MDT Minimization of Drive Tests MIB Master Information Block MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output MME Mobility Management Entity MSC Mobile Switching Center MTC Machine Type Communication NG Next Generation NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel NR New Radio OCNG OFDMA Channel Noise Generator OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access OSS Operations Support System OTDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival O&M Operation and Maintenance PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel P-CCPCH Primary Common Control Physical Channel PCell Primary Cell PCFICH Physical Control Format Indicator Channel PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDP Power Delay Profile PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel PGW Packet Gateway PHICH Physical Hybrid-ARQ Indicator Channel PLMN Public Land Mobile Network PM I Precoder Matrix Indicator

PRACH Physical Random Access Channel

PRS Positioning Reference Signal

PSS Primary Synchronization Signal PTW Paging Timing Window PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel RACH Random Access Channel QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation RAN Radio Access Network RAT Radio Access Technology

RedCap Reduced Capability

RLC Radio Link Control RLM Radio Link Management RMC Relaxed Measurement Criteria RNC Radio Network Controller RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier RRC Radio Resource Control RRM Radio Resource Management RS Reference Signal RSCP Received Signal Code Power RSRP Reference Symbol Received Power OR Reference Signal Received Power

RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality OR Reference Symbol Received Quality

RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator RSTD Reference Signal Time Difference SCH Synchronization Channel SCell Secondary Cell SDAP Service Data Adaptation Protocol SDU Service Data Unit SFN System Frame Number

SGW Serving Gateway SI System Information SIB System Information Block SNR Signal to Noise Ratio SON Self Optimized Network SS Synchronization Signal SSS Secondary Synchronization Signal

TDD Time Division Duplex TDOA Time Difference of Arrival TOA Time of Arrival TSS Tertiary Synchronization Signal TTI Transmission Time Interval UE User Equipment UL Uplink

UR LLC Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module UTDOA Uplink Time Difference of Arrival WCDMA Wide CDMA WLAN Wide Local Area Network

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless communication device (12) configured for use in a wireless communication network (10), the method comprising: being configured with an extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, cycle (20C); being configured with a relaxed measurement criterium (22); determining that the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled; and performing (110) measurements (14) according to one or more relaxed measurement requirements (18R) when the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined (105) based on the eDRX cycle.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on whether the eDRX cycle exceeds a first threshold.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first threshold is 10.24s.

4. The method of any of claims 2-3, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on whether the eDRX cycle exceeds a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is larger than the first threshold.

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the relaxed measurement criterium is associated with a first relaxed measurement requirement (18R-1), and wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on the eDRX cycle and the first relaxed measurement requirement.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first relaxed measurement requirement is scaled by a first scaling factor, and wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on the eDRX cycle and the first scaling factor.

7. The method of claim 6, the one or more relaxed measurement requirements includes a relaxed measurement requirement that is scaled by a product of the eDRX cycle and the first scaling factor.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the relaxed measurement criterium includes: a low mobility criterion; or

68 a not-at-cell edge criterion; or a stationary criterion; or any combination thereof.

9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication device is a Reduced Capability, RedCap, user equipment, UE.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the relaxed measurement criterium is a stationary criterion or a stationary and not-at-cell-edge criterion, and wherein performing measurements according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises: if the DRX cycle exceeds a threshold, performing measurements according to a first relaxed measurement criterium; and if the DRX cycle is below a threshold, performing measurements according to a second relaxed measurement criterium.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the relaxed measurement criterium is associated with a first relaxed measurement requirement, and wherein performing measurements according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises: if the DRX cycle is below a threshold, performing measurements according to the first relaxed measurement criterium.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the relaxed measurement criterium is associated with a first relaxed measurement requirement, and wherein performing measurements according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises: if the DRX cycle is below a threshold, satisfying the first relaxed measurement criterium by not performing any neighbour cell measurements or by not performing any neighbour cell measurements for a certain time period.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein performing measurements according to the one or more relaxed measurement requirements comprises: if the DRX cycle exceeds a threshold, performing measurements according to a measurement criterium (18R-2) applicable in eDRX operation.

14. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements based on the eDRX cycle.

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15. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are a function of: a first set of at least one relaxed measurement requirement (18R-1) that is applicable when the wireless communication device is configured with relaxed measurement criteria; and a second set of at least one relaxed measurement requirement (18R-2) that is applicable when the wireless communication device operates in eDRX operation.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the at least one relaxed measurement requirement in the first set comprises reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a first scaling factor; the at least one relaxed measurement requirement in the second set comprises reference measurement requirements that are scaled by a second scaling factor; and the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are a function of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor.

17. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements relax a requirement on one or more of: a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to evaluate results of measurements; or a duration of time, or a maximum duration of time, over which the wireless communication device is to detect a cell from measurements; or an accuracy, or a minimum accuracy, with which measurements are to be performed by the wireless communication device; or a periodicity with which the wireless communication device is to report measurements; or a number of cells that the wireless communication device is to measure; or any combination thereof.

18. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising using (120) results of the performed measurements to perform one or more operational tasks.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more operational tasks include one or more

70 of: evaluating or performing one or more procedures; reporting the results of the performed measurements; or logging the results of the performed measurements.

20. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: receiving (100), from a network node (30) in the wireless communication network, configuration information that configures the wireless communication device with one or more rules for determining the one or more relaxed measurement requirements.

21. A wireless communication device (12) configured for use in a wireless communication network (10), the wireless communication device being configured to: be configured with an extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, cycle (20C); be configured with a relaxed measurement criterium (22); determine that the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled; and perform measurements (14) according to one or more relaxed measurement requirements (18R) when the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on the eDRX cycle.

22. The wireless device of claim 21 , configured to perform the method of any of claims 2-20.

23. A wireless communication device (12) configured for use in a wireless communication network (10), the wireless communication device comprising: processing circuitry (910) and memory (930), the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the wireless communication device is configured to: be configured with an extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, cycle (20C); be configured with a relaxed measurement criterium (22); determine that the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled; and perform measurements (14) according to one or more relaxed measurement requirements (18R) when the relaxed measurement criterium is fulfilled, wherein the one or more relaxed measurement requirements are determined based on the eDRX cycle.

24. The wireless device of claim 23, the memory containing instructions executable by the

71 processing circuitry whereby the wireless communication device is configured to perform the method of any of claims 2-20.

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