WO2023211349A1

WO2023211349A1 - Signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption

Info

Publication number: WO2023211349A1
Application number: PCT/SE2023/050393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ajit Nimbalker; Ravikiran Nory; Sina MALEKI; Andres Reial; Ali Nader; Ilmiawan SHUBHI
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2022-04-28
Filing date: 2023-04-27
Publication date: 2023-11-02

Abstract

A method, network node and wireless device (WD) for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a network node includes transmitting a first system information block, SIB, the first SIB including a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field embedded in a subsequent transmission by the network node. The method also includes embedding the power saving field in the subsequent transmission, the power saving field including power saving information configured to control a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission by the WD.

Description

SIGNALING TO REDUCE NETWORK AND WIRELESS DEVICE ENERGY

CONSUMPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption.

BACKGROUND

The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for Fourth Generation (4G) (also referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and Fifth Generation (5G) (also referred to as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Such systems provide, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes, such as base stations, and mobile wireless devices (WD), as well as communication between network nodes and between WDs. Sixth Generation (6G) wireless communication systems are also under development.

NR supports lean carrier design minimizing always-on signaling. The synchronization information is carried in a synchronization signal (SS) block that consists of primary and secondary synchronization signals and a primary broadcast channel (PBCH). See the example of FIG. 1.

The Master Information Block (MIB) is always transmitted on the PBCH with a periodicity (e.g., of 80 ms) and repetitions made within that periodicity, and includes parameters that are needed to acquire System Information Block 1 (SIB 1) from the cell, e.g., base station (herein referred to as a network node). The first transmission of the MIB is scheduled in pre- determined subframes as defined in specification and repetitions are scheduled according to the period of synchronization signal block (SSB).

The SIB1 is transmitted on the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) with a periodicity (e.g., of 160 ms) and variable transmission repetition periodicity within that periodicity. The default transmission repetition periodicity of SIB1 can be a first value (e.g., 20ms) but the actual transmission repetition periodicity is up to network implementation. In some cases, for SSB and control resource set (CORESET) multiplexing pattern 1, the SIB1 repetition transmission period is 20 ms. For SSB and CORESET multiplexing pattern 2 and 3, SIB1 transmission repetition period is the same as the SSB period (for example, 3GPP Technical Standard (TS) 38.213, clause 13 version 15.14.0 for 3GPP Rel-15 and version 16.9.0 for 3GPP Rel-16). SIB1 includes information regarding the availability and scheduling (e.g., mapping of system information blocks (SIBs) to system information (SI) messages, periodicity, SI- window size) of other SIBs with an indication whether one or more SIBs are only provided on-demand. When the SIBs are only provided on-demand, the configuration needed by the WD to perform the SI request, SIB1 is cell-specific SIB. The search space for physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) scheduling SIB1 is configured via master information block (MIB) and the search space for the PDCCH scheduling other SI (open system interconnection (OSI) or other SIBs) is configured via SIB1. Typically, the monitoring periodicity and offset can be set flexibly for the OSI scheduling including sparse scheduling in the time domain. However, in practice these search spaces may be configured with more frequency as they can also be used for other purposes such as for scheduling random access response (RAR), Paging, etc. Additionally, WDs in connected mode may monitor these search spaces for unicast PDCCH (i.e., with cyclic redundancy code (CRC) scrambled by cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), etc. An example of SI windows in shown in the example of FIG. 2. The SI windows corresponding SIB1 and other SIBs can be overlapping. For example, FIG. 2 shows an SIB-x window overlapping with SIB1 windows a,a+l ... a+Nl, and another SIB-y window overlapping with SIB1 windows a+Nl+1,... a+Nl+N2. The network node can schedule an SIB anywhere in its corresponding window. For distinguishing between SIB1 scheduling and other SIB scheduling, the PDCCH scheduling SI (i.e., DCI 1 0 with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI) includes an explicit field called system information indicator (e.g., 1 bit).

The PBCH payload in NR includes both physical layer generated signals and MIB information scheduled from higher layers. The contents of NR-PBCH can be as follows: System frame number;

Pdcch-ConfigSIB 1 ;

Subcarrier spacing common; SS/PBCH block index; cellBarred; intraFreqRes el ection; spare (or unused bit); Half-frame indication; Dmrs-TypeA-Position; Ssb-SubcarrierOffset;

BCCH-BCH-MessageType; and CRC bits.

The following information is transmitted by means of the DCI format 1 0 with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI:

- Frequency domain resource assignment - Zo.g'₂(lV_BB ^L’^BWP(lV_Bg’^BWP + l)/2) bits: R^D _R ^L'^BWP is the size of CORESET 0;

- Time domain resource assignment - 4 bits, for example as defined in Clause 5.1.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.214 (version 15.16.0 for Rel-15 and version 16.9.0 for Rel- 16);

- VRB-to-PRB mapping - 1 bit according to Table 7.3.1.2.2-5;

- Modulation and coding scheme - 5 bits as defined in Clause 5.1.3 of 3GPP TS 38.214, using Table 5.1.3.1-1 (version 15.16.0 for Rel-15 and version 16.9.0 for Rel-16);;

- Redundancy version - 2 bits as defined in Table 7.3.1.1.1-2;

- System information indicator - 1 bit as defined in Table 7.3.1.2.1-2; and

- Reserved bits - 17 bits for operation in a cell with shared spectrum channel access in frequency range 1 or for operation in a cell in frequency range 2-2; otherwise 15 bits.

Random access channel (RACH) resources are configured via higher layers (e.g., system information) and typical RACH resources may occur periodically as shown in FIG. 3, where each cell corresponds to a slot or a subframe. After sending a RACH transmission, the WD monitors for a RACH response in a search space (e.g., ra-searchSpace, that is configured by higher layers). If the WD does not receive a response within a predetermined amount of time, the WD tries to send the RACH transmission again.

A WD’s uplink L1/L2 control information (i.e., channel state information (CSI) reports, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback, and Scheduling Requests (SR)) is transmitted on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) of the Primary Cell (PCell). PUCCH resources are typically configured at the edges of the bandwidth of the cell. The reason for this is twofold: first, to maximize the frequency diversity during the frequency hopping and second, to ensure that the resource blocks available for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) are not fragmented which allows for maximum contiguous resource block assignment for WDs. An example of a PUCCH configuration is depicted in the example of FIG. 3.

WDs in connected mode can be configured with WD-specific PUCCH resources via dedicated radio resource control (RRC) messages. WDs in idle state acquire the PUCCH configuration from pucch-ConfigCommon in SIB1 which holds the cell-specific configuration. Before the WD has received any dedicated configuration, during the establishment of an RRC connection, the WD from idle mode has to transmit the HARQ acknowledgement for MSG4 on resources pointed out by pucch-ConfigCommon in SIB1. To provide frequency diversity for PUCCH transmissions, frequency hopping can be used, i.e., parts of the PUCCH are transmitted on one set of resource blocks (RBs) and the other part is transmitted on the other set. Frequency hopping for PUCCH transmission is always used by WDs in Idle mode.

The remaining system information or SIB1 is periodically broadcasted, and the other system information blocks (SIB2, etc.) are periodically broadcasted and/or transmitted on demand, and the schedule for the OSI transmission is indicated via SIB1. The SI windows are configured by the SIB1 and the corresponding SI message (PDCCH and associated physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)) can be transmitted anywhere in the SI window including multiple repetitions (e.g., to improve coverage). The system information indicator bit is used to identify whether the SI message scheduled by a PDCCH is for SIB1 or for other SI message.

The allowed RNTIs are as follows :

A WD in connected mode can be configured to monitor PDCCH with downlink control information (DCI) format 2-0 with CRC scrambled by slot format indicator (SFI)- RNTI, and the DCI format can indicate the slot format to the WD. A slot format includes downlink symbols, uplink symbols, and flexible symbols. The SFI carries an index to a table that is WD-specifically configured via RRC, and each entry can indicate a slot format, including symbols that are downlink, uplink, and flexible, respectively. A dedicated search space (type-3 common search space (CSS)) can be configured for monitoring of the DCI format 2-0. As seen in the table of allowed RNTI values, the SFI-RNTI cannot be same as SI-RNTI, and this means the network node must transmit an additional PDCCH with CRC scrambled by SFI-RNTI every time it wishes to transmit slot format indication, implying increased network (NW) energy consumption.

A technique where the WD can save power without unnecessary increase in NW energy consumption is desirable. Additionally, a technique wherein a network node that is reducing NW energy consumption can also provide additional assistance to WDs so that they can reduce power consumption is also desirable.

The SI transmission windows are typically long (e.g., 100’s of ms) and the typical search space configuration used for SI transmissions may also be frequent (e.g., every slot) since it may be used for other purposes such as for scheduling PDCCH containing RAR response, paging, etc. Using a semi-static sparse search space configuration for SI transmissions may be undesirable as it can reduce NW flexibility. Bandwidth part (BWP) switching framework requires the network node to adapt the BWP for WDs on an individual basis, which can also increase NW energy consumption and overall system overhead.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, network nodes and wireless devices for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption. Some embodiment provide an arrangement where the network code can indicate the network power saving setting or an implied configuration/scheduling restriction to the WD so that the WD can also save power.

In some embodiments, the PDCCH that carries DCI with CRC scrambled by SI- RNTI or reserved/spare fields in PBCH is used to dynamically indicate one or more of the following: 1) indication related to PDCCH monitoring associated with OSI, 2) the network node transmission/reception activity (including no transmission/no reception, operating within a limited bandwidth, operating within a limited set of time domain symbols, limited number of antenna ports). Some embodiments include a method in a WD wherein the WD receives a PDCCH that carries DCI with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI or reserved/spare fields in PBCH that indicates one or more of the following: 1) indication related to PDCCH monitoring associated with OSI, 2) network node transmission/reception activity (including no transmission/no reception, operating within a limited bandwidth in DL/uplink (UL), operating within a limited set of time domain symbols). The WD may the adapt its transmission/reception activity accordingly based on the indication.

Some embodiments provide a PDCCH carrying DCI with CRC scrambled by SI- RNTI or reserved/spare fields in PBCH that can be used for reducing WD power consumption without unnecessarily increasing network overhead and energy consumption.

According to one aspect, a wireless device, WD, configured to communicate with a network node is provided. The WD includes a radio interface configured to receive a synchronization signal block, SSB, and a first system information block, SIB, from the network node. The WD also includes processing circuitry in communication with the radio interface and configured to determine, from the first SIB, a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field to be embedded in a subsequent transmission from the network node. The radio interface is further configured to receive the subsequent transmission and acquire power saving information from a power saving field embedded in the subsequent transmission. The processing circuitry is further configured to adapt a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission, the adapting being based at least in part on the power saving formation.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the subsequent transmission is one of a physical broadcast channel, PBCH, transmission and a PDCCH transmission associated with a system information radio network temporary identifier, SI-RNTI. In some embodiments, the PDCCH monitoring activity includes waiting a specified duration of time after the subsequent transmission before monitoring for the later PDCCH transmission to acquire a second SIB. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates whether system information, SI, is scheduled in a predetermined window of time. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates that the later PDCCH transmission is not scheduled during a remaining system information, SI, transmission window. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates whether the later PDCCH transmission schedules at least one of a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates a particular pattern of system information in the later PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes information concerning a periodicity and duration of the later PDCCH. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication to restrict an uplink transmission by the WD to at least one of a limited set of time and frequency resources, a limited set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and a limited set of PUCCH formats. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication of at least one of a limited set of paging occasions to be used by the network node and a limited set of time and frequency resources to by omitted from use by the network node.

According to another aspect, method in a wireless device, WD, configured to communicate with a network node is provided. The method includes: receiving a synchronization signal block, SSB, and a first system information block, SIB, from the network node; and determining from the first SIB a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field to be embedded in a subsequent transmission from the network node. The method also includes receiving the subsequent transmission and acquire power saving information from a power saving field embedded in the subsequent transmission; and adapting a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission, the adapting being based at least in part on the power saving formation.

According to yet another aspect, a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, WD, is provided. The network node includes a radio interface configured to transmit a first system information block, SIB, the first SIB including a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field embedded in a subsequent transmission by the network node. The network node also includes processing circuitry in communication with the radio interface and configured to embed the power saving field in the subsequent transmission, the power saving field including power saving information configured to control a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission by the WD.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the subsequent transmission is one of a physical broadcast channel, PBCH, transmission and a PDCCH transmission associated with a system information radio network temporary identifier, SI-RNTI. In some embodiments, the PDCCH monitoring activity includes waiting a specified duration of time after the subsequent transmission before monitoring for the later PDCCH transmission to acquire a second SIB. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates whether system information, SI, is to be scheduled in a predetermined window of time. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates that the later PDCCH transmission is not to be scheduled during a remaining system information, SI, transmission window. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates whether the later PDCCH transmission schedules at least one of a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates a particular pattern of system information in the later PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes information concerning a periodicity and duration of the later PDCCH. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication to restrict an uplink transmission by the WD to at least one of a limited set of time and frequency resources, a limited set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and a limited set of PUCCH formats. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication of at least one of a limited set of paging occasions to be used by the network node and a limited set of time and frequency resources to by omitted from use by the network node.

According to another aspect, a method in a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, WD, is provided. The method includes transmitting a first system information block, SIB, the first SIB including a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field embedded in a subsequent transmission by the network node. The method also includes embedding the power saving field in the subsequent transmission, the power saving field including power saving information configured to control a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission by the WD.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates different signals/channels on different layers;

FIG. 2 illustrates SIBs

FIG. 3 illustrates PUCCH resources;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example network architecture illustrating a communication system connected via an intermediate network to a host computer according to the principles in the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating via a network node with a wireless device over an at least partially wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating example methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node and a wireless device for executing a client application at a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating example methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node and a wireless device for receiving user data at a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating example methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node and a wireless device for receiving user data from the wireless device at a host computer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating example methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node and a wireless device for receiving user data at a host computer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example process in a wireless device for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of another example process in a network node for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of another example process in a wireless device for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is first example of scheduling SIBs;

FIG. 15 is second example of scheduling SIBs;

FIG. 16 is flowchart of an example process in a wireless device according to principles set forth herein;

FIG. 17 is an example of SIBs;

FIG. 18 is another example of SIBs;

FIG. 19 is another example of scheduling SIBs;

FIG. 20 is an example of PDSCH timing;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of another example process in a WD according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of yet another example process in a WD according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail example embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and/or wireless connections.

The term “network node” used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell/multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or a user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The WD herein can be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another WD over radio signals, such as wireless device (WD). The WD may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) WD, machine type WD or WD capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low-cost and/or low-complexity WD, a sensor equipped with WD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, or a Narrowband loT (NB-IOT) device, etc.

Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi-cell/multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and/or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of wireless devices and/or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and wireless device described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Some embodiments provide signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption.

Returning now to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 4 a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a 3 GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and/or NR (5G), which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. The access network 12 comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired or wireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second WD 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole WD is in the coverage area or where a sole WD is connecting to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

Also, it is contemplated that a WD 22 can be in simultaneous communication and/or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, a WD 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supports NR. As an example, WD 22 can be in communication with an eNB for LTE/E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR/NG-RAN.

The communication system 10 may itself be connected to a host computer 24, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of a standalone server, a cloud- implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 24 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The connections 26, 28 between the communication system 10 and the host computer 24 may extend directly from the core network 14 to the host computer 24 or may extend via an optional intermediate network 30. The intermediate network 30 may be one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private or hosted network. The intermediate network 30, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet. In some embodiments, the intermediate network 30 may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

The communication system of FIG. 4 as a whole enables connectivity between one of the connected WDs 22a, 22b and the host computer 24. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection. The host computer 24 and the connected WDs 22a, 22b are configured to communicate data and/or signaling via the OTT connection, using the access network 12, the core network 14, any intermediate network 30 and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection may be transparent in the sense that at least some of the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, a network node 16 may not or need not be informed about the past routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originating from a host computer 24 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected WD 22a. Similarly, the network node 16 need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the WD 22a towards the host computer 24.

A network node 16 is configured to include a configuration unit 32 which may be configured to configure in a first system information block, SIB1, a power saving parameter indicating a power saving information field having power saving information that is embedded in a downlink control information, DCI, format, the DCI configured to schedule the SIB1. The configuration unit 32 may be configured to embed the power saving field in the subsequent transmission, the power saving field including power saving information configured to control a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission by the WD. A wireless device 22 is configured to include an adaptation unit 34 which is configured to adapt WD transmission and reception activity based at least in part on the power saving information. The adaptation unit 34 may be configured to adapt a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission, the adapting being based at least in part on the power saving formation.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the WD 22, network node 16 and host computer 24 discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 5. In a communication system 10, a host computer 24 comprises hardware (HW) 38 including a communication interface 40 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 10. The host computer 24 further comprises processing circuitry 42, which may have storage and/or processing capabilities. The processing circuitry 42 may include a processor 44 and memory 46. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 42 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 44 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) memory 46, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Processing circuitry 42 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by host computer 24. Processor 44 corresponds to one or more processors 44 for performing host computer 24 functions described herein. The host computer 24 includes memory 46 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 48 and/or the host application 50 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 44 and/or processing circuitry 42, causes the processor 44 and/or processing circuitry 42 to perform the processes described herein with respect to host computer 24. The instructions may be software associated with the host computer 24.

The software 48 may be executable by the processing circuitry 42. The software 48 includes a host application 50. The host application 50 may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a WD 22 connecting via an OTT connection 52 terminating at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. In providing the service to the remote user, the host application 50 may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTT connection 52. The “user data” may be data and information described herein as implementing the described functionality. In one embodiment, the host computer 24 may be configured for providing control and functionality to a service provider and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe, monitor, control, transmit to and/or receive from the network node 16 and or the wireless device 22.

The communication system 10 further includes a network node 16 provided in a communication system 10 and including hardware 58 enabling it to communicate with the host computer 24 and with the WD 22. The hardware 58 may include a communication interface 60 for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 10, as well as a radio interface 62 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with a WD 22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers. The communication interface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 to the host computer 24. The connection 66 may be direct or it may pass through a core network 14 of the communication system 10 and/or through one or more intermediate networks 30 outside the communication system 10.

In the embodiment shown, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may include a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 68 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) the memory 72, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the network node 16 further has software 74 stored internally in, for example, memory 72, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 74 may be executable by the processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node 16. Processor 70 corresponds to one or more processors 70 for performing network node 16 functions described herein. The memory 72 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 74 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 70 and/or processing circuitry 68, causes the processor 70 and/or processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 68 of the network node 16 may include a configuration unit 32 which is configured to configure in a first system information block, SIB1, a power saving parameter indicating a power saving information field having power saving information that is embedded in a downlink control information, DCI, format, the DCI configured to schedule the SIB1. The configuration unit 32 may be configured to embed the power saving field in the subsequent transmission, the power saving field including power saving information configured to control a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission by the WD.

The communication system 10 further includes the WD 22 already referred to. The WD 22 may have hardware 80 that may include a radio interface 82 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 64 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 is currently located. The radio interface 82 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers. The hardware 80 of the WD 22 further includes processing circuitry 84. The processing circuitry 84 may include a processor 86 and memory 88. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 84 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) memory 88, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the WD 22 may further comprise software 90, which is stored in, for example, memory 88 at the WD 22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the WD 22. The software 90 may be executable by the processing circuitry 84. The software 90 may include a client application 92. The client application 92 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the WD 22, with the support of the host computer 24. In the host computer 24, an executing host application 50 may communicate with the executing client application 92 via the OTT connection 52 terminating at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. In providing the service to the user, the client application 92 may receive request data from the host application 50 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 52 may transfer both the request data and the user data. The client application 92 may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

The processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by WD 22. The processor 86 corresponds to one or more processors 86 for performing WD 22 functions described herein. The WD 22 includes memory 88 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 90 and/or the client application 92 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 86 and/or processing circuitry 84, causes the processor 86 and/or processing circuitry 84 to perform the processes described herein with respect to WD 22. For example, the processing circuitry 84 of the wireless device 22 may include an adaptation unit 34 which is configured to adapt WD transmission and reception activity based at least in part on the power saving information. The adaptation unit 34 may be configured to adapt a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission, the adapting being based at least in part on the power saving formation.

In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16, WD 22, and host computer 24 may be as shown in FIG. 5 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5, the OTT connection 52 has been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between the host computer 24 and the wireless device 22 via the network node 16, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from the WD 22 or from the service provider operating the host computer 24, or both. While the OTT connection 52 is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

The wireless connection 64 between the WD 22 and the network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to the WD 22 using the OTT connection 52, in which the wireless connection 64 may form the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve the data rate, latency, and/or power consumption and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc.

In some embodiments, 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 52 between the host computer 24 and WD 22, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 may be implemented in the software 48 of the host computer 24 or in the software 90 of the WD 22, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which the OTT connection 52 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 48, 90 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection 52 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect the network node 16, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the network node 16. Some such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary WD signaling facilitating the host computer’s 24 measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. In some embodiments, the measurements may be implemented in that the software 48, 90 causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using the OTT connection 52 while it monitors propagation times, errors, etc.

Thus, in some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 configured to provide user data and a communication interface 40 that is configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to the WD 22. In some embodiments, the cellular network also includes the network node 16 with a radio interface 62. In some embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to, and/or the network node’s 16 processing circuitry 68 is configured to perform the functions and/or methods described herein for preparing/initiating/maintaining/ supporting/ending a transmission to the WD 22, and/or preparing/terminating/ maintaining/ supporting/ ending in receipt of a transmission from the WD 22.

In some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 and a communication interface 40 that is configured to a communication interface 40 configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a WD 22 to a network node 16. In some embodiments, the WD 22 is configured to, and/or comprises a radio interface 82 and/or processing circuitry 84 configured to perform the functions and/or methods described herein for preparing/initiating/maintaining/ supporting/ending a transmission to the network node 16, and/or preparing/ terminating/maintaining/supporting/ending in receipt of a transmission from the network node 16.

Although FIGS. 4 and 5 show various “units” such as configuration unit 32, and adaptation unit 34 as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system of FIGS. 4 and 2, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may be those described with reference to FIG. 5. In a first step of the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (Block SI 00). In an optional substep of the first step, the host computer 24 provides the user data by executing a host application, such as, for example, the host application 50 (Block SI 02). In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the WD 22 (Block SI 04). In an optional third step, the network node 16 transmits to the WD 22 the user data which was carried in the transmission that the host computer 24 initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (Block SI 06). In an optional fourth step, the WD 22 executes a client application, such as, for example, the client application 92, associated with the host application 50 executed by the host computer 24 (Block SI 08).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system of FIG. 4, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In a first step of the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (Block SI 10). In an optional substep (not shown) the host computer 24 provides the user data by executing a host application, such as, for example, the host application 50. In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the WD 22 (Block SI 12). The transmission may pass via the network node 16, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional third step, the WD 22 receives the user data carried in the transmission (Block SI 14).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system of FIG. 4, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In an optional first step of the method, the WD 22 receives input data provided by the host computer 24 (Block SI 16). In an optional substep of the first step, the WD 22 executes the client application 92, which provides the user data in reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer 24 (Block SI 18). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step, the WD 22 provides user data (Block S120). In an optional substep of the second step, the WD provides the user data by executing a client application, such as, for example, client application 92 (Block SI 22). In providing the user data, the executed client application 92 may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, the WD 22 may initiate, in an optional third substep, transmission of the user data to the host computer 24 (Block SI 24). In a fourth step of the method, the host computer 24 receives the user data transmitted from the WD 22, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (Block S126).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system, such as, for example, the communication system of FIG. 4, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may be those described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In an optional first step of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the network node 16 receives user data from the WD 22 (Block S128). In an optional second step, the network node 16 initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer 24 (Block SI 30). In a third step, the host computer 24 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the network node 16 (Block SI 32).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16 for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 68 (including the configuration unit 32), processor 70, radio interface 62 and/or communication interface 60. Network node 16 such as via processing circuitry 68 and/or processor 70 and/or radio interface 62 and/or communication interface 60 is configured to configure in a first system information block, SIB1, a power saving parameter indicating a power saving information field having power saving information that is embedded in a downlink control information, DCI, format, the DCI configured to schedule the SIB1 (Block SI 34). The process also includes transmitting the SIB1 to the WD (Block S136).

In some embodiments, the power saving information field indicates a scheduling gap, the scheduling gap being a time after which a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH scheduling a subsequent system information block, SIB-x will be transmitted. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, configured to schedule a portion of system information, SI, is scheduled within a predetermined duration. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication that a first portion of system information is not scheduled during a remainder of a system information transmission window associated with the first portion of system information. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication that a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling one of an uplink grant and a downlink grant is not scheduled within a predetermined duration. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling a first portion of system information, SI, is scheduled in a pattern that is different from a pattern of a previous PDCCH. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication that network node transmission and reception activity is restricted to at least one of a bandwidth, a number of time domain symbols, a set of channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, ports and reduced output power. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication that WD transmission activity is restricted to at least one of an uplink bandwidth, a set of time domain resources, a set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and formats. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication that only a limited set of paging occasions may be used by the network node. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication that network node transmission and reception activity is omitted for a set of time and frequency domain resources.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example process in a wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of wireless device 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 84 (including the adaptation unit 34), processor 86, radio interface 82 and/or communication interface 60. Wireless device 22 such as via processing circuitry 84 and/or processor 86 and/or radio interface 82 is configured to receive a first system information block, SIB1, having a power saving parameter indicating a power saving information field having power saving information that is embedded in a downlink control information, DCI, format, the DCI configured to schedule the SIB1 (Block S138). The process also includes adapting WD transmission and reception activity based at least in part on the power saving information (Block S140).

In some embodiments, the power saving information field indicates a scheduling gap, the scheduling gap being a time after which a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH scheduling a subsequent system information block, SIB-x will be transmitted. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, configured to schedule a portion of system information, SI, is scheduled within a predetermined duration. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication that a first portion of system information is not scheduled during a remainder of a system information transmission window associated with the first portion of system information. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication that a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling one of an uplink grant and a downlink grant is not scheduled within a predetermined duration.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example process in a wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of wireless device 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 84 (including the adaptation unit 34), processor 86, radio interface 82 and/or communication interface 60. Wireless device 22 such as via processing circuitry 84 and/or processor 86 and/or radio interface 82 is configured to receive a synchronization signal block, SSB, and a first system information block, SIB, from the network node (Block SI 42). The process also includes determining from the first SIB a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field to be embedded in a subsequent transmission from the network node 16 (Block S144). The method also includes receiving the subsequent transmission and acquire power saving information from a power saving field embedded in the subsequent transmission (Block S146); and adapting a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission, the adapting being based at least in part on the power saving formation (Block S148).

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the subsequent transmission is one of a physical broadcast channel, PBCH, transmission and a PDCCH transmission associated with a system information radio network temporary identifier, SI-RNTI. In some embodiments, the PDCCH monitoring activity includes waiting a specified duration of time after the subsequent transmission before monitoring for the later PDCCH transmission to acquire a second SIB. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates whether system information, SI, is scheduled in a predetermined window of time. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates that the later PDCCH transmission is not scheduled during a remaining system information, SI, transmission window. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates whether the later PDCCH transmission schedules at least one of a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates a particular pattern of system information in the later PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes information concerning a periodicity and duration of the later PDCCH. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication to restrict an uplink transmission by the WD 22 to at least one of a limited set of time and frequency resources, a limited set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and a limited set of PUCCH formats. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication of at least one of a limited set of paging occasions to be used by the network node 16 and a limited set of time and frequency resources to by omitted from use by the network node 16.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16 for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 68 (including the configuration unit 32), processor 70, radio interface 62 and/or communication interface 60. Network node 16 such as via processing circuitry 68 and/or processor 70 and/or radio interface 62 and/or communication interface 60 is configured to transmit a first system information block, SIB, the first SIB including a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field embedded in a subsequent transmission by the network node 16. The method also includes embedding the power saving field in the subsequent transmission, the power saving field including power saving information configured to control a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission by the WD 22.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the subsequent transmission is one of a physical broadcast channel, PBCH, transmission and a PDCCH transmission associated with a system information radio network temporary identifier, SI-RNTI. In some embodiments, the PDCCH monitoring activity includes waiting a specified duration of time after the subsequent transmission before monitoring for the later PDCCH transmission to acquire a second SIB. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates whether system information, SI, is to be scheduled in a predetermined window of time. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates that the later PDCCH transmission is not to be scheduled during a remaining system information, SI, transmission window. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates whether the later PDCCH transmission schedules at least one of a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the power saving information indicates a particular pattern of system information in the later PDCCH transmission. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes information concerning a periodicity and duration of the later PDCCH. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication to restrict an uplink transmission by the WD 22 to at least one of a limited set of time and frequency resources, a limited set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and a limited set of PUCCH formats. In some embodiments, the power saving information includes an indication of at least one of a limited set of paging occasions to be used by the network node 16 and a limited set of time and frequency resources to by omitted from use by the network node 16.

Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for signaling to reduce network and wireless device energy consumption.

Consider the following configuration. A WD 22 is served by a network node 16. The WD 22 acquires at least one SSB that includes synchronization signals, and at least a PBCH. The WD 22 receives and decodes a PDCCH according to a search space configured by the PBCH. The WD 22 receives and decodes a first system information block (RMSI/SIB1) based at least in part on the decoded PDCCH.

In some embodiments, the first system information block includes at least one parameter indicating a power saving information field that is embedded in a DCI format, the DCI format scheduling at least the first system information block (e.g., a repetition of the first system information block or a DCI format with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI). The WD 22 may decode at least a second PDCCH according to the search space configured by the PBCH, the second PDCCH indicating power saving information. The second PDCCH can be a subsequent PDCCH that appears later than the first PDCCH. An advanced WD 22 can identify the power saving information piggy-backed onto the first PDCCH (e.g., by storing the first PDCCH, decoding and parsing the first system information block, identifying the parameter associated with the power saving information field and applying it to the first PDCCH). Alternately, the indication for power saving signal/information is carried in the PBCH/MIB, for example in the spare bit or reserved bit.

An example is shown in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, the WD 22 first detects SIB1 based at least in part on decoding PDCCH1 and PDSCH1. From the decoded SIB1, the WD 22 obtains a parameter indicating a power saving field embedded in a DCI format. The WD 22 then monitors for a PDCCH scheduling SI (e.g., PDCCH2) and from that PDCCH, the WD 22 can obtain the power saving field that indicates a scheduling gap or the time after which the PDCCH scheduling SIB-x is to be transmitted (e.g., cell-specific SI scheduling gap), and the WD 22 can use this information to reduce PDCCH monitoring for SIB-x reception.

An example where the power saving field is carried in PBCH is shown in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, the WD 22 first detects SIB1 based at least in part on decoding PDCCH1 and PDSCH1. From the decoded SIB1, the WD 22 obtains a parameter indicating a power saving field embedded in a DCI format. The WD 22 then monitors for a PBCH and from the PBCH, the WD 22 can obtain the power saving field that indicates a scheduling gap or the time after which the PDCCH scheduling SIB-x is to be transmitted (e.g., cell-specific SI scheduling gap). The WD 22 can use this information to reduce PDCCH monitoring for SIB-x reception. Since a WD 22 knows most of PBCH content already, the WD 22 can use that information to improve performance when detecting PBCH to obtain the power saving field.

The power saving information can be at least one of the following:

1) An indication that a third PDCCH scheduling a first portion of other system information (OSI/SIBn where n>l) is scheduled/not scheduled within a next predetermined or pre-configured duration. The pre-configured duration may be a new parameter (e.g., in units of frames/slots/subframes/ms or even one or more complete Si-windows) that is also configured via first system information. If not configured explicitly, the duration may refer to a default value which is included, e.g., in the standardization documentations. The default value can also depend on the used bandwidth (BW), subcarrier spacing (SCS) or carrier frequency. In some embodiments, the WD 22 can take this indication in to account to adapt its PDCCH monitoring activity within the next pre-determined or pre-configured duration. An example block diagram is shown in FIG. 14.

2) An indication that a third PDCCH scheduling a first portion of other system information is not scheduled within the rest of the SI transmission window associated with first portion of other system information. In this case, the second PDCCH transmission may overlap with the SI transmission window associated with first portion of other system information. In an example, the WD 22 can take this indication in to account to adapt its PDCCH monitoring activity within the rest of the SI transmission window associated with a first portion of other system information. For example, the WD 22 can skip monitoring PDCCH during the rest of that SI transmission window at least for reception of the other system information. An example is shown in FIG. 15. For brevity, the SSB transmissions are not shown in the picture. Another example is shown in FIG. 16 when the power saving info is carried in PBCH, and for brevity, the SSB transmissions are not shown in FIG. 16.

3) An indication that a third PDCCH scheduling any DL or UL grant is not scheduled within the next pre-determined or pre-configured duration. As in the example above, the pre-configured duration may be a new parameter (e.g., in units of slots/subframes/ms) that is also configured via first system information, or if not configured explicitly, it refers to a default value which is included e.g., in the standardization documentations. The default value can also depend on the used BW, SCS or carrier frequency. In an example, the WD 22 can take this indication in to account to adapt its PDCCH monitoring activity within the next pre-determined or pre-configured duration. E.g., the WD 22 can skip monitoring PDCCH during the indication period and save power. ) An indication that a third PDCCH scheduling a first portion of other system information may be scheduled in a different pattern with the second PDCCH. For example, the power-saving parameter in the system information block may contain periodicity and additionally, duration, in which the third PDCCH may be scheduled by the network node 16. The indication in the DCI may be used to activate or select the set of the periodicity and duration. The periodicity parameter may be an exact value or can be a scale, by which the monitoring periodicity of the third PDCCH is the multiplication of the second PDCCH monitoring periodicity with the scale.) An indication that the network node 16 transmission/reception activity may be restricted to one or more of a limited bandwidth, a limited set of time domain symbols, a limited set of CSI-reference signal (RS) ports, reduced output power, etc. The limitations can be configured explicitly via the first system information block. In an example, the WD 22 can take this indication in to account to adapt its reception bandwidth/time-domain sleep activity/ CSI-RS reception/processing.) An indication that the WD 22 transmission activity may be restricted to one or more of a limited UL bandwidth, a limited set of time domain resources, a limited set of PUCCH resources and/or formats. The limitations can be configured explicitly via the first system information block. In one embodiment, the WD 22 may have been configured with an additional set or sets of PUCCH resources that may be used during the energy saving scheme. Upon said indication, the second set of PUCCH resources may be used for uplink control information such as HARQ feedback. In a related embodiment, the WD 22 may instead have been provided an exemption resource configuration, meaning that certain PUCCH resources may not be used when said indication is received. In another embodiment, the WD 22 is not provided a second set of PUCCH resources, but based at least in part on the indication that a limited UL bandwidth is to be used, the WD 22 does not use the PUCCH resources that fall outside the new indicated bandwidth. In yet another embodiment, the WD 22 may upon indication of a new UL bandwidth interpret the physical resource block (PRB) offset used for PUCCH resources relative to the newly indicated bandwidth rather than the initial configuration.

7) An indication that only a limited set of paging occasions will be used by the network node 16. The limitations can be configured explicitly via the first system information block. In one embodiment, the WD 22 may have been configured with additional sets of paging resources that may be used during the energy saving scheme. Upon said indication, the second set of paging resources may be used for paging reception. In a related embodiment, the WD 22 may instead have been provided an exemption resource configuration, meaning that certain paging resources will not be used when said indication is received.

8) An indication that the network node 16 transmission/reception activity may be omitted (i.e. gap) for a set of time/frequency domain resources. The time gap information can be configured explicitly via the first system information block, or if not configured explicitly it refers to a default value, e.g., in the 3GPP standards. a. The default value can depend on other factors, e.g., BW, carrier frequency or SCS. In one example, the network node 16 only omits transmission/reception activities which are of aperiodic nature, e.g., scheduling DL or UL grants (PDCCH scheduling a PDSCH/PUSCH/PUCCH) but still carry on the configured transmissions, e.g., semi-persistent/periodic CSI-RS transmissions and report, periodic TRS, listening to physical random access channel (PRACH)/SRS, SSB transmissions (e.g. in a non-initial access cell), etc. b. In another example, with this indication, the network node 16 additionally omits the configured activities or transmissions. This can also be configurable by the network node 16 or based at least in part on default configuration in the standard. E.g., if the legacy WD 22s are active in the cell, the network node 16 may prefer to still perform the configured activities, but if there is no legacy WD 22, then the network node 16 can skip configured activities as well. The time gap reference can also be, e.g., from the first SFN by which the indication is received. In an example, the WD 22 can take this indication in to account to adapt its reception/transmission activity. For example, the WD 22 can omit reception/transmission for the set of time/frequency domain resources, c. An example where the gap is indicated by PDCCH scheduling SIB1 is shown in FIG. 17.

Another example is shown in FIG. 18 where PBCH scheduling SIB1 is used to adapt BW/MIMO layers/Tx/Rx activity.

The indication may be valid only for a limited duration, e.g., a number of slots/subframes as configured by higher layers (e.g. in system information), and applicable from an associated reference point, e.g., same or relative to the slot/subframe/SFN where the second PDCCH is received. Alternatively, it can be a default value, e.g., recorded in standards. The default value can additionally depend on the SCS, BW, or carrier frequency. The validity time of the indication may be configured separately for OSI transmission indications, general network node 16 transmission relaxations, and network node 16 transmission gaps. Alternately, the indication may be valid until another indication is received. As such, this indication may also be included in the system information (e.g. SIB1, MIB etc.) so that WDs 22 that entered the cell and missed the indication also are made aware of the current configuration. This indication included in the system information may in one embodiment be changed by the network node 16 without the typical SI update procedure being bound to modification periods. Instead, the WDs 22 may be made aware of the changes through the indication provided in the second PDCCH or MIB.

Example flowcharts based at least in part on PDCCH scheduling SIB or based at least in part on PBCH are shown FIGS. 19 and 20

The indication can be carried in one or more reserved bits in the DCI format 1 0 with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI. The starting point and length of the indication bitfield can be configured explicitly, e.g., in SIB1 or can be included by default in the standards. E.g., the starting point can be the first reserved bit, and the length may be either a default value which can also depend additionally on the number of additional information given in the indication, or can be configured again explicitly by the network node 16. E.g., if the indication is only that network node 16 is not scheduling a third PDCCH for a specific time duration, then a single bit may suffice, but if additional information are also indicated such as limited BW, limited CSI-RS ports, or limited time-domain symbols and reduced power, then additional bits are necessary to convey the information. For this purpose, the network may adopt either a bitmap approach, i.e., at least one bit per additional information, or a codepoint approach, i.e., a specific bit combination can convey a specific additional information. The monitoring occasions for the PDCCH carrying DCI scheduling the first system information block and containing a power saving information field can be explicitly configured via higher layer signaling. This allows the network node 16 to also take the WD 22 energy consumption into consideration, rather than needing the WD 22 to monitoring the PDCCH very often.

The WD 22 can adapt its transmission/reception/processing activity based at least in part on the detected indication.

The WD 22 can be idle mode, inactive mode or connected mode.

Additional non-limiting aspects include:

Some embodiments listed above are examples having DCI format 1-0 scrambled with SI-RNTI. In some embodiments, and indication that the network node 16 omits transmission/reception for a specific duration, or that the gNB transmission/reception is performed over a limited BW, CSI-RS ports, time-domain symbols or reduced output power, or that the WD 22 is restricted to a specific set of PUCCH resources can also be included in other DCI formats, e.g., existing scheduling DCI formats 1-0/1 -1/1-2/0-0/0- 1/0- 2, or other DCI formats, e.g., group-common DCI 2-6, or new DCI formats. The DCIs can be associated with WD 22-specific RNTI, group-common or cell or area specific RNTIs. The cell-specific RNTIs may be useful to address all the WDs 22 within the cell so the network node 16 reduces the overhead of signaling. Accordingly, the WD 22 can monitor such DCIs either in WD-specific SS or CSS, with the latter being the preferred approach to reduce the overhead. In some embodiments, the network node 16 may limit application to indicating SIBs transmission in the OSI that are not utilized by idle/inactive WDs 22. In one embodiment, certain SIBs are exempt from the changes described, for example SIBs related to public warning system may be exempt from time-domain/search space restrictions described above.

The network node 16 18 can configure, e.g., using higher layer signaling, e.g., dedicated RRC signaling or SIB1 (remaining minimum system information (RMSI)), which DCI formats can include the power saving indication, as well as potentially the starting time and length of the indication bitfield, the DCI size (if a new format is used), the associated RNTI, SS and CORESET association, timing of the PDCCH transmissions carrying the DCI with respect to, e.g., the RMSI transmission or the OSI reception window, etc.

When configured, the power saving indication using the second PDCCH transmission may serve as an indicator to omit the OSI monitoring altogether. It may be transmitted with a predetermined timing relation to the SI transmission window associated with the first portion of other system information. For example, it may be transmitted during a predefined interval from before the start of the OSI window to after the start of the OSI window. (Transmitting it anywhere during the OSI window may be a special case of the latter.) Alternatively, it may be transmitted within a predetermined time interval of the RMSI transmission, referring to the upcoming OSI monitoring window, obviating the need for any transmissions during an unused OSI window and improving both NW and WD 22 power saving.

Some embodiments may include one or more of the following:

Embodiment Al . A network node configured to communicate with a wireless device (WD), the network node configured to, and/or comprising a radio interface and/or comprising processing circuitry configured to: configure in a first system information block, SIB1, a power saving parameter indicating a power saving information field having power saving information that is embedded in a downlink control information, DCI, format, the DCI configured to schedule the SIB1; and transmit the SIB1 to the WD.

Embodiment A2. The network node of Embodiment Al , wherein the power saving information field indicates a scheduling gap, the scheduling gap being a time after which a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH scheduling a subsequent system information block, SIB-x will be transmitted.

Embodiment A3. The network node of any of Embodiments Al and A2, wherein the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, configured to schedule a portion of system information, SI, is scheduled within a predetermined duration.

Embodiment A4. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A3, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that a first portion of system information is not scheduled during a remainder of a system information transmission window associated with the first portion of system information.

Embodiment A5. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A4, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling one of an uplink grant and a downlink grant is not scheduled within a predetermined duration.

Embodiment A6. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A5, wherein the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling a first portion of system information, SI, is scheduled in a pattern that is different from a pattern of a previous PDCCH.

Embodiment A7. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A6, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that network node transmission and reception activity is restricted to at least one of a bandwidth, a number of time domain symbols, a set of channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, ports and reduced output power.

Embodiment A8. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A7, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that WD transmission activity is restricted to at least one of an uplink bandwidth, a set of time domain resources, a set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and formats.

Embodiment A9. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A8, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that only a limited set of paging occasions will be used by the network node.

Embodiment A10. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A9, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that network node transmission and reception activity is omitted for a set of time and frequency domain resources.

Embodiment Bl. A method implemented in a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, WD, the method comprising: configuring in a first system information block, SIB1, a power saving parameter indicating a power saving information field having power saving information that is embedded in a downlink control information, DCI, format, the DCI configured to schedule the SIB1; and transmitting the SIB1.

Embodiment B2. The method of Embodiment B 1 , wherein the power saving information field indicates a scheduling gap, the scheduling gap being a time after which a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH scheduling a subsequent system information block, SIB-x will be transmitted.

Embodiment B3. The method of any of Embodiments Bl and B2, wherein the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, configured to schedule a portion of system information, SI, is scheduled within a predetermined duration.

Embodiment B4. The method of any of Embodiments B1-B3, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that a first portion of system information is not scheduled during a remainder of a system information transmission window associated with the first portion of system information.

Embodiment B5. The method of any of Embodiments B1-B4, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling one of an uplink grant and a downlink grant is not scheduled within a predetermined duration.

Embodiment B6. The method of any of Embodiments B1-B5, wherein the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling a first portion of system information, SI, is scheduled in a pattern that is different from a pattern of a previous PDCCH.

Embodiment B7. The method of any of Embodiments B1-B6, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that network node transmission and reception activity is restricted to at least one of a bandwidth, a number of time domain symbols, a set of channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, ports and reduced output power.

Embodiment B8. The method of any of Embodiments B1-B7, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that WD transmission activity is restricted to at least one of an uplink bandwidth, a set of time domain resources, a set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and formats.

Embodiment B9. The method of any of Embodiments B1-B8, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that only a limited set of paging occasions will be used by the network node.

Embodiment BIO. The method of any of Embodiments B1-B9, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that network node transmission and reception activity is omitted for a set of time and frequency domain resources.

Embodiment Cl. A wireless device (WD) configured to communicate with a network node, the WD configured to, and/or comprising a radio interface and/or processing circuitry configured to: receive a first system information block, SIB1, having a power saving parameter indicating a power saving information field having power saving information that is embedded in a downlink control information, DCI, format, the DCI configured to schedule the SIB1; and adapt WD transmission and reception activity based at least in part on the power saving information. Embodiment C2. The WD of Embodiment Cl, wherein the power saving information field indicates a scheduling gap, the scheduling gap being a time after which a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH scheduling a subsequent system information block, SIB-x will be transmitted.

Embodiment C3. The WD of any of Embodiments Cl and C2, wherein the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, configured to schedule a portion of system information, SI, is scheduled within a predetermined duration.

Embodiment C4. The WD of any of Embodiments C1-C3, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that a first portion of system information is not scheduled during a remainder of a system information transmission window associated with the first portion of system information.

Embodiment C5. The WD of any of Embodiments C1-C4, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling one of an uplink grant and a downlink grant is not scheduled within a predetermined duration.

Embodiment DI. A method implemented in a wireless device (WD) configured to communicate with a network node, the method comprising: receiving a first system information block, SIB1, having a power saving parameter indicating a power saving information field having power saving information that is embedded in a downlink control information, DCI, format, the DCI configured to schedule the SIB1; and adapting WD transmission and reception activity based at least in part on the power saving information.

Embodiment D2. The method of Embodiment DI, wherein the power saving information field indicates a scheduling gap, the scheduling gap being a time after which a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH scheduling a subsequent system information block, SIB-x will be transmitted.

Embodiment D3. The method of any of Embodiments DI and D2, wherein the power saving information includes an indication whether a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, configured to schedule a portion of system information, SI, is scheduled within a predetermined duration.

Embodiment D4. The method of any of Embodiments D1-D3, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that a first portion of system information is not scheduled during a remainder of a system information transmission window associated with the first portion of system information.

Embodiment D5. The method of any of Embodiments D1-D4, wherein the power saving information includes an indication that a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, scheduling one of an uplink grant and a downlink grant is not scheduled within a predetermined duration.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and/or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and/or functionality described herein may be performed by, and/or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and/or firmware and/or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It is to be understood that the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Python, Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

Abbreviations that may be used in the preceding description include:

Abbreviation Explanation ACK Acknowledgment

ACK/NACK Acknowledgment/Not-acknowledgment

BWP Bandwidth Part

CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal

DRX Discontinuous Reception

MCS Modulation and Coding Scheme

MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

NACK Not-acknowledgment

PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Data Channel

PO Paging Occasion

PPM Parts Per Million

PRB Physical Resource Block

PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

SE Spectral efficiency

SFN System Frame Number

SI System Information

SNR Signal to Noise Ratio

SSB Synchronization Signal Block

TRS Tracking Reference Signal or CSI-RS for tracking

TB Transport Block

UCI Uplink Control Information

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wireless device, WD (22), configured to communicate with a network node (16), the WD (22) comprising: a radio interface (82) configured to receive a synchronization signal block, SSB, and a first system information block, SIB, from the network node (16); and processing circuitry (84) in communication with the radio interface (82) and configured to determine, from the first SIB, a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field to be embedded in a subsequent transmission from the network node (16); the radio interface (82) being further configured to receive the subsequent transmission and acquire power saving information from a power saving field embedded in the subsequent transmission; and the processing circuitry (84) being further configured to adapt a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission, the adapting being based at least in part on the power saving formation.

2. The WD (22) of Claim 1, wherein the subsequent transmission is one of a physical broadcast channel, PBCH, transmission and a PDCCH transmission associated with a system information radio network temporary identifier, SI-RNTI.

3. The WD (22) of any of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the PDCCH monitoring activity includes waiting a specified duration of time after the subsequent transmission before monitoring for the later PDCCH transmission to acquire a second SIB.

4. The WD (22) of any of Claims 1-3, wherein the power saving information indicates whether system information, SI, is scheduled in a predetermined window of time.

5. The WD (22) of any of Claims 1-4, wherein the power saving information indicates that the later PDCCH transmission is not scheduled during a remaining system information, SI, transmission window.

6. The WD (22) of any of Claims 1-5, wherein the power saving information indicates whether the later PDCCH transmission schedules at least one of a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission.

7. The WD (22) of any of Claims 1-6, wherein the power saving information indicates a particular pattern of system information in the later PDCCH transmission.

8. The WD (22) of any of Claims 1-7, wherein the power saving information includes information concerning a periodicity and duration of the later PDCCH.

9. The WD (22) of any of Claims 1-8, wherein the power saving information includes an indication to restrict an uplink transmission by the WD (22) to at least one of a limited set of time and frequency resources, a limited set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and a limited set of PUCCH formats.

10. The WD (22) of any of Claims 1-9, wherein the power saving information includes an indication of at least one of a limited set of paging occasions to be used by the network node (16) and a limited set of time and frequency resources to by omitted from use by the network node (16).

11. A method in a wireless device, WD (22), configured to communicate with a network node (16), the method comprising: receiving (S142) a synchronization signal block, SSB, and a first system information block, SIB, from the network node (16); and determining (SI 44) from the first SIB a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field to be embedded in a subsequent transmission from the network node (16); receiving (S146) the subsequent transmission and acquire power saving information from a power saving field embedded in the subsequent transmission; and adapting (SI 48) a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission, the adapting being based at least in part on the power saving formation.

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein the subsequent transmission is one of a physical broadcast channel, PBCH, transmission and a PDCCH transmission associated with a system information radio network temporary identifier, SI-RNTI.

13. The method of any of Claims 11 and 12, wherein the PDCCH monitoring activity includes waiting a specified duration of time after the subsequent transmission before monitoring for the later PDCCH transmission to acquire a second SIB.

14. The method of any of Claims 11-13, wherein the power saving information indicates whether system information, SI, is scheduled in a predetermined window of time.

15. The method of any of Claims 11-14, wherein the power saving information indicates that the later PDCCH transmission is not scheduled during a remaining system information, SI, transmission window.

16. The method of any of Claims 11-15, wherein the power saving information indicates whether the later PDCCH transmission schedules at least one of a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission.

17. The method of any of Claims 11-16, wherein the power saving information indicates a particular pattern of system information in the later PDCCH transmission.

18. The method of any of Claims 11-17, wherein the power saving information includes information concerning a periodicity and duration of the later PDCCH.

19. The method of any of Claims 11-18, wherein the power saving information includes an indication to restrict an uplink transmission by the WD (22) to at least one of a limited set of time and frequency resources, a limited set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and a limited set of PUCCH formats.

20. The method of any of Claims 11-19, wherein the power saving information includes an indication of at least one of a limited set of paging occasions to be used by the network node (16) and a limited set of time and frequency resources to by omitted from use by the network node (16).

21. A network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device, WD (22), the network node (16) comprising: a radio interface (62) configured to transmit a first system information block, SIB, the first SIB including a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field embedded in a subsequent transmission by the network node (16); processing circuitry (68) in communication with the radio interface (62) and configured to embed the power saving field in the subsequent transmission, the power saving field including power saving information configured to control a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission by the WD (22).

22. The network node (16) of Claim 21, wherein the subsequent transmission is one of a physical broadcast channel, PBCH, transmission and a PDCCH transmission associated with a system information radio network temporary identifier, SI-RNTI.

23. The network node (16) of any of Claims 21 and 22, wherein the PDCCH monitoring activity includes waiting a specified duration of time after the subsequent transmission before monitoring for the later PDCCH transmission to acquire a second SIB.

24. The network node (16) of any of Claims 21-23, wherein the power saving information indicates whether system information, SI, is to be scheduled in a predetermined window of time.

25. The network node (16) of any of Claims 21-24, wherein the power saving information indicates that the later PDCCH transmission is not to be scheduled during a remaining system information, SI, transmission window.

26. The network node (16) of any of Claims 21-25, wherein the power saving information indicates whether the later PDCCH transmission schedules at least one of a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission.

27. The network node (16) of any of Claims 21-26, wherein the power saving information indicates a particular pattern of system information in the later PDCCH transmission.

28. The network node (16) of any of Claims 21-27, wherein the power saving information includes information concerning a periodicity and duration of the later PDCCH.

29. The network node (16) of any of Claims 21-28, wherein the power saving information includes an indication to restrict an uplink transmission by the WD (22) to at least one of a limited set of time and frequency resources, a limited set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and a limited set of PUCCH formats.

30. The network node (16) of any of Claims 21-29, wherein the power saving information includes an indication of at least one of a limited set of paging occasions to be used by the network node (16) and a limited set of time and frequency resources to by omitted from use by the network node (16).

31. A method in a network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device, WD (22), the method comprising: transmitting (S150) a first system information block, SIB, the first SIB including a power saving field indicator indicating a power saving field embedded in a subsequent transmission by the network node (16); embedding (SI 52) the power saving field in the subsequent transmission, the power saving field including power saving information configured to control a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, monitoring activity for monitoring for a later PDCCH transmission by the WD (22).

32. The method of Claim 31, wherein the subsequent transmission is one of a physical broadcast channel, PBCH, transmission and a PDCCH transmission associated with a system information radio network temporary identifier, SI-RNTI.

33. The method of any of Claims 31 and 32, wherein the PDCCH monitoring activity includes waiting a specified duration of time after the subsequent transmission before monitoring for the later PDCCH transmission to acquire a second SIB.

34. The method of any of Claims 31-33, wherein the power saving information indicates whether system information, SI, is to be scheduled in a predetermined window of time.

35. The method of any of Claims 31-34, wherein the power saving information indicates that the later PDCCH transmission is not to be scheduled during a remaining system information, SI, transmission window.

36. The method of any of Claims 31-35, wherein the power saving information indicates whether the later PDCCH transmission schedules at least one of a downlink transmission and an uplink transmission.

37. The method of any of Claims 31-36, wherein the power saving information indicates a particular pattern of system information in the later PDCCH transmission.

38. The method of any of Claims 31-37, wherein the power saving information includes information concerning a periodicity and duration of the later PDCCH.

39. The method of any of Claims 31-38, wherein the power saving information includes an indication to restrict an uplink transmission by the WD (22) to at least one of a limited set of time and frequency resources, a limited set of physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, resources and a limited set of PUCCH formats.

40. The method of any of Claims 31-39, wherein the power saving information includes an indication of at least one of a limited set of paging occasions to be used by the network node (16) and a limited set of time and frequency resources to by omitted from use by the network node (16).