GB2498797A - Configuring paging channel monitoring behaviour - Google Patents

Abstract

Some mobile devices operating in a cellular network may utilize a CELL_PCH state to monitor a Paging Indicator Channel (PICH) between Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles. Other networks may for example use a CELL_FACH state instead in which a mobile device monitors a High Speed Shared Control Channel (HS-SCCH) between DRX cycles. The present invention aims to provide a method for determining which of the two paging channels to monitor for data indications. Also disclosed is determining whether an inactivity timer has expired, and if so operating on the first or second channel monitoring mode in accordance with the determined method. The parameter used to determine which paging channel to monitor may be an Information Element.

Description

Method and Apparatus for Configunng Channel Monitoring Behavior

Technical Field

An example embodiment of the present invention relates generally to wireless networks and, more particularly, to configuring channel monitoring behavior.

Background

In mobile cellular networks, such as those based on the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) standard, a user equipment (UE), i.e., a device that allows a user to access network services, will on occasion enter a particular Radio Resource Contr& (RRC) state in order to conserve battery life. For example, some networks utilize a CELL_PCH state, in which the UE monitors a Paging Indicator Channel (PICH) between Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles. Other networks do not use, and may not even be capable of using, a CELL_PCI-I state. Instead, these networks may, for example, use a CELL_EACH state, in which the UE monitors a High Speed Shared Control Channel (HS-SCCH) between DRX cycles.

The CELL_PCFI scheme has a power consumption advantage over the CELL_FACH scheme. This is because the PICH that the UE monitors in the CELL_PCI-I state has a shorter "on" time for the UE than the HS-SCCH that the UE monitors in the CELL_FACH state. However, the CELL_PCH solution involves additional complexity in the Node B, which is one reason why some networks do not use the CELL_PCH state. Thus far, these two solutions have been considered mutually exdusive.

Summary

A method, apparatus and computer program product are therefore provided according to an example embodiment in order to configure channel monitoring behavior. In this regard, the method, apparatus, and computer program product of an example embodiment may determine a va'ue of a monitor paging indicator channel parameter and, based on the value, cause a user equipment (UE) to operate according to either a first or second channel monitoring mode. Additionally, in the method, apparatus, and computer program product of another embodiment, the first channel monitoring mode may cause the UE to monitor one channel, such as a paging indicator channel (PICH), while the second channel monitoring mode may cause the UE to monitor a different channel, such as a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCI-I). As such, a method, apparatus, and computer program product may provide increased flexibility and the potential to take advantage of the benefits associated with either channel monitoring mode, such as reduced "on" time associated with monitoring a PICH and the reduced complexity associated with monitoring a HS-SCCI-I. The method, apparatus, and computer program product of a further embodiment may determine whether an inactivity timer has expired, such that the UE is caused to operate according to either a first or second channel monitoring mode, based on the value of the monitor paging indicator channel parameter, in an instance in which the inactivity timer has expired.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for use in a user equipment, the method including determining the value of a monitor paging indicator channel parameter and, based on the value, operating in accordance with either a first or second channel monitoring mode by causing a different channol to be monitored for a data indication in the first channel monitoring mode than in the second channel monitoring mode. In another embodiment, operating in accordance with the first channel monitoring mode comprises causing a paging indicator channel (PICH) to be monitored. In a further embodiment, operating in accordance with the second channel monitoring mode comprises causing a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH) to be monitored. In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises determining whether an inactivity timer has expired, wherein operating in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode comprises operating in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode, based on the value of the monitor paging indicator channel parameter, in an instance in which the inactivity timer has expired.

In a further embodiment, an apparatus is provided for use in a user equipment, the apparatus comprising a processing system, which may be embodied by at least one processor and at least one memory storing program code instructions therein. The processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to at least determine the value of a monitor paging indicator channel parameter and, based on the va'ue. operate in accordance with either a first or second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a different channel for a data indication in the first channel monitoring mode than in the second channel monitoring mode. In another embodiment, the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to operate in accordance with the first channel monitoring mode by monitoring a paging indicator channel (PICH). In a further embodiment, the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to operate in accordance with the second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH). in yet another embodiment, the processing system is further arranged to cause the apparatus to determine whether an inactivity timer has expired, wherein the processing system is ananged to cause the apparatus to operate in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode, based on the value of the monitor paging indicator channel parameter, in an instance in which the inactivity timer has expired.

In a further embodiment, a computer program product is provided that comprises a set of instructions, which, when executed by a user equipment, causes the user equipment to cause the user equipment to determine the value of a monitor paging indicator channel parameter and, based on the value, operate in accordance with either a first or second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a different channel for a data indication in the first channel monitoring mode than in the second channel monitoring mode, in another embodiment, the set of instructions, when executed by the user equipment, further causes the user equipment to operate in accordance with the first channel monitoring mode by monitoring a paging indicator channel (PICH). In a further embodiment, the set of instructions, when executed by the user equipment. causes the user equipment to operate in accordance with the second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH). In yet another embodiment, the set of instructions, when executed by the user equipment, causes the user equipment to determine whether an inactivity timer has expired, wherein the user equipment is caused to operate in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode, based on the value of the monitor paging indicator channel parameter, in an instance in which the inactivity timer has expired.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that indudes means for determining the value of a monitor paging indicator channel parameter and means for operating, based on the value, in accordance with either a first or second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a different channel for a data indication in the first channel monitoring mode than in the second channel monitoring mode. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes means for operating in accordance with the first channel monitoring mode by monitoring a paging indicator channel (PICH). In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes means for operating in accordance with the second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH). In yet another embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for determining whether an inactivity timer has expired and means for operating in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode.

based on the value of the monitor paging indicator channel parameter, in an instance in which the inactivity timer has expired.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to sca'e, and wherein: Figure 1 is an illustration of a system depicting communications between user equipment and a network via a base station in which channel monitoring may be configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a flowchart depicting the operations performed by an apparatus embodied by or otherwise associated with the user equipment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a flowchart depicting the operations performed by an apparatus embodied by or otherwise associated with the user equipment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as Umited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-offly circuit implementations (such as implementations iii on'y analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware). such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memoryUes) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would a'so cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or application specific integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

Referring now to Figure 1, a system that supports communications between user equipment 10 and a network 14, such as a Universal Mobile Tdecommunications System UMTS) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, a Global Systems for Mobile communications (GSM) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network. e.g., a Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) network, a CDMA2000 network or the like, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network or other type of network, via a base station 12 is shown.

Various types of user equipment may be employed including, for example, a mobile communication device such as, for example, a mobile telephone, portaNe digital assistant (PDA), pager, laptop computer, a tablet computer, or any of numerous other hand held or portable communication devices, computation devices, content generation devices, content consumption devices, data card, USB dongle, or combinations thereof. Regardless of the type of user equipment, the user equipment may communicate with the network via a base station 12, such as a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB) or other type of access point. The communications between the user equipment 10 and the base station 12 may include the transmission of data via an uplink that is granted between the user equipment 10 and the base station 12.

The user equipment 10 may embody or otherwise be associated with an apparatus 20 that is generally depicted in Figure 2 and that may be configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention as described below, such as in conjunction with Figures 3 or 4. However, it should be noted that the components, devices or dements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may include further or different components, devices or elements beyond those shown and described herein.

As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 20 may include or otherwise be in communication with processing circuitry, such as the processor 20 and, in some embodiments, the memory 24, which is configurable to perform actions in accordance with example embodiments described herein. The processing circuitry may be configured to perform data processing, application execution and/or other processing and management services according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g.. chips) including materials, components andior wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physica' strength, conservation of size, andlor limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus or the processing circuitry may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry may include a processor 22 and memory 24 that may be in communication with or otherwise control a communication interface 26 and, in some cases in which the apparatus is embodied by the user equipment 10, a user interface 28. As such, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., with hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to perform operations described herein. However, in some embodiments taken in the context of the user equipment or the base station 12, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a portion of user equipment or the base station.

The user interface 30 (if implemented in embodiments of the apparatus 20 embodied by the user equipment 10) may be in communication with the processing circuitry to receive an indication of a user input at the user interface and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical or other output to the user. As such, the user interface may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a display, a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker, and/or other input/output mechanisms.

The communication interface 26 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and/or networks. In some cases, the communication interface may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network 14 and/or any other device or module in communication with the processing circuitry, such as between the user equipment 10 and the base station 12. In this regard. the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas), such as an antenna (or multiple antennas) capable of communicating over radio frequencies (RF), and supporting hardware and/or software, such as RE circuitry, for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. The communication interface 26 may also or alternatively include a communication modem or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or other methods.

In an example embodiment, the memory 24 may include one or more non-transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The memory may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions or the like for enabling the apparatus 20 to caiy out various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 22. Additionally or alternatively, the memory could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor. As yet another alternative, the memory may include one of a plurality of databases that may store a variety of files, contents or data sets. Among the contents of the memory, applications

S

may be stored for execution by the processor in order to carry out the functionality associated with each respective application. In some cases, the memory may be in communication with the processor via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus.

The processor 22 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor may be embodied as various processing means such as one or more of a microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array). DSP (digital signal processor), or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 24 or otherwise accessible to the processor. As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry -in the form of processing circuitry) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA, DSP or the like, the processor may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the operations described herein.

Figures3 and 4 are flowcharts illustrating the operations performed by a method, apparatus and computer program product, such as apparatus 20 of Figure 2 in accordance with two example embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware.

processor, circuitry and/or other device associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions.

In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memoiy 24 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 22 in the apparatus.

As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine.

such that the resuhing computer or other programmable apparatus provides for implementation of the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which imp'ements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations 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 operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. As such, the operations of Figures 3 and 4, when executed, convert a computer or processing circuitry into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment of the present invention.

Accordingly. the operations of Figures 3 and 4 define an algorithm for configuring a computer or processing circuitry, e.g., processor, to perform an example embodiment.

In some cases, a general purpose computer may be provided with an instance of the processor which performs the algorithm of Figures 3 and 4 to transform the general purpose computer into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may be modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in some embodiments additional optional operations may also be included. It should be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additions or amplifications below may be included with the operations above either alone or in combination with any others among the features described herein.

It will be understood that during, or in-between, communication sessions between the user equipment (UP) 10 and the network 14, such as may be conducted through the base station 12, it may be desirable for the LIE 10 to operate in a low power consumption mode. Thus, in the example embodiments described below, a first channel monitoring mode may, for example, be characterized by the UE 10 monitoring one channel, such as a Paging indicator Channel (PICH), in between Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles. Also in accordance with this first channel monitoring mode, the UE 10 may, in response to detecting paging for the UE 10, "wake up," such as by ending DRX and/or beginning a downlink data reception procedure, and check another channel, such as a High Speed Shared Control Channel (I-IS-SCCH). to determine whether data is scheduled for the UP 10. Thus, the first channel monitoring mode may have the UE 10 operate in a manner that, for example, resembles a CELL_PCH state in at least one regard. A second channel monitoring mode may. for example, be characterized by the UP 10 monitoring a I-IS-SCCH between each DRX cycles. Operating in the second channel monitoring mode, the UP may, for example. directly monitor the HS-SCCH between each DRX cycle to check whether data is being scheduled to the UP 10. Thus, the second channel monitoring mode may have the UE 10 operate in a manner that, for example, resembles a CELL_FACH state in at least one regard.

Referring now to Figure 3 and 4, the operations performed by a method, apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment are illustrated from the perspective of an apparatus 20 that may be embodied by or otherwise associated with the user equipment 10. In this regard, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry, the processor 22, the communications interface 26 or the like, for determining the value of a monitor paging indicator channel parameter. See Hock 30 of Figures 3 and 4. The monitor paging indicator channel parameter may be obtained by the apparatus in a variety of ways. In certain embodiments the monitor paging indicator channel parameter may be received by the apparatus, such as the processor 22, the communications interface 26 or the like, via, for example, dedicated signaling, such as one of downlink RRC messages. in other embodiments the monitor paging indicator channel parameter may be provided to the apparatus in, for example, system information. The system information may, for example, be provided by the network 14, such as via the base station i2.

With reference to block 32 of Figures 3 and 4. the apparatus may also include means, such as the processor 22, the memory 24 or the like, for determining whether the monitor paging indicator channel parameter value indicates whether the UE 10 should operate in either the first or second channel monitoring modes, discussed above, hi certain embodiments, the monitor paging indicator channel parameter may comprise a 1-bit flag such that, for example, a "I" may indicate the UE 10 should be caused to monitor one channel, such as a P1CM, while a "0" may indicate that the UE should be caused to monitor a different channel, such as a HS-SCCH. See blocks 34 and 36 of Figures 3 and 4. hi another embodiment, the monitor paging indicator channel parameter may be an information element (IF). The IF may indicate a va'ue, such that a first value indicates that the liE 10 should be caused to monitor one channel, such as a PICH, while another value indicates that the UE 10 should monitor a different channel, such as a HS-SCCH. In another embodiment, also in which the monitor paging indicator channel parameter is an IE, the presence of the IE, such as in a message or system information, may indicate that the UE 10 should operate in a first channel monitoring mode, while its absence may indicate that the UE 10 should operate in a second channel monitoring mode. Thus, if the monitor paging indicator channel parameter embodied by an lE is present in a received message, the UE 10 may, for example, be caused to monitor a P1CM. On the other hand, if the monitor paging indicator channel parameter embodied by an lE is absent, the UE 10 may, for example, be caused to monitor a HS-SCCH. Thus, in one embodiment, determining the value of a monitor paging indicator channel parameter may comprise determining the presence or absence of an IF embodying the monitor paging indicator channel parameter. Of course, any suitable code, flag, variable, parameter, indicator or the 111cc, may alternatively be used to indicate that the UE 10 should be caused to operate in accordance with the first or second channel monitoring mode.

In certain embodiments, the first and second channel monitoring modes may have configuration information associated therewith. In certain embodiments, the configuration information may be collected from system information or a dedicated RRC signaling. Thus, the configuration information may, for example, be collected similarly to when the liE 10 is operating in a CELL_PCI-I or CELL_EACH state. For example, in embodiments where the first channel monitoring mode causes the UE 10 to monitor a PICH, the configuration information for the PICH monitoring may be collected from the system information or a dedicated RRC signaling in the same way that CELL_PCH configuration information would normally be collected. This configuration information for the P1CM monitoring may include, for example, DRX cycle length. paging occasion, and other parameters. Similarly, in embodiments where the second channel monitoring mode causes the LIE 10 to monitor a HS-SCCH, the configuration information for the HS-SCCH monitoring may be collected from the system information or a dedicated RRC signaling in the same way that CELL_FACI-1 configuration information would normally be collected. However, in other embodiments, separate configuration information may be provided for either or both of the two physical channel monitoring operations. For example, the network might have a different DRX cycle ength for the P1CM or HS-SCCI-1 monitoring operations.

as compared to normal CELL_PCH or CELL_FACH states. In other embodiments, additional configuration information may be provided for the PICH or HS-SCCH monitoring operations that is not used in the normal CELL_PCH or CELL_FACH states, such as, for example, "on time" for monitoring a HS-SCCH.

Referring now to block 40 of Figure 4, the apparatus may also include means.

such as the processor 22, the communications interface 26 or the Uke, for determining whether an inactivity timer has expired. The inactivity timer may alternatively be provided separately from the monitor paging indicator parameter, such as via direct signaling, via system information, or be stored locally in the LIE 10, such as in the memory 24 or the like. It should be understood that the operations represented by blocks 30, 40, and 32 may be accomplished in any order. For example, Figure 4 depicts, with the use of dotted lines, two alternative embodiments, one in which the operation of determining the value of the monitor paging indicator channel parameter takes place before the operation of determining whether the inactivity timer has expired, and another in which the operation of determining whether the inactivity timer has expired is performed first, before determining the value of the monitor paging indicator channel parameter. However, many other sequences of operations are possible in other embodiments that are not pictured. For example, determining whether the inactivity timer has expired may take place immediately before causing the UE 10 to operate in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring modes, depicted by blocks 34 and 36.

In embodiments in which the apparatus includes means for determining whether an inactivity timer has expired, the apparatus may be implemented so as to provide a second DRX cycle in a CELL_EACH state that can be used by networks with and without CELL_PCH capabilities. For example, networks which normally utilize DRX cycles in the CELL_FACH state for power saving may add a second DRX cycle using an inactivity timer of a predetermined length. Once the inactivity timer has expired, the UE 10 maybe caused to operate in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring modes. For example, the UE 10 may be caused to either monitor a HS-SCCH or PICH between DRX cycles which are longer than the normal DRX cycle. This approach may reduce Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling by reducing the frequency of state transitions. Additionally, this approach may improve UE 10 battery life, by allowing the UE 10 to apply a longer DRX cycle length during periods of data inactivity. Furthermore, the approach is flexible, as it may be used on systems with CELL_PCH capabilities and without CELL_PCH capabilities. Finally, when the UE 10 is caused to operate in the first channel monitoring mode, which may resemble the CELL_PCH state in one or more regards.

in networks with CELL_PCH functionality, the liE 10 may completely re-use pre-existing CELL_PCH functionality.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements andlor functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements andlor functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descnptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims I. A method for use in a user equipment comprising: determining a value of a parameter; and based on the value, operating in accordance with either a first or second channel monitoring mode by causing a different channel to be monitored for a data indication in the first channel monitoring mode than in the second channel monitoring mode.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The method of daim 1, wherein operating in accordance with the first channel monitoring mode comprises causing a paging indicator channel (P1CM) to be monitored, further wherein the data indication comprises a paging indication.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The method of claim 2, wherein causing the paging indicator channel (P1CM) to be monitored comprises detecting the paging indication and, in response: waking up. and determining, based on information provided via a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH), whether data is scheduled.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The method of claim 1, wherein operating in accordance with the second channel monitoring mode comprises causing a high speed shared control channel (MS-SCCFI) to be monitored.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The method of claim 4, wherein causing a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH) to be monitored comprises determining whether data is being scheduled for delivery.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The method of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising receiving the parameter as part of a dedicated signal.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The method of any of claims I to 5. further comprising receiving the parameter as pail of system infoirnation.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The method of any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising determining whether an inactivity timer has expired.wherein operating in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode comprises operating in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode, based on the value of the parameter, in an instance in which the inactivity timer has expired.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the parameter is an information element (IF).</claim-text> <claim-text>10. The method of claim 9,herein determining the value of the parameter comprises determining whether the IE is present.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. The method of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the user equipment is operating in a CELL_FACH radio resource control (RRC) state.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. An apparatus for use in a user equipment, the apparatus comprising a processing system arranged to cause the apparatus to at least: determine a value of a parameter; and based on the value, operate in accordance with either a first or second channel monitoring mode by monitonng a different channel for a data indication in the first channel monitoring mode than in the second channel monitoring mode.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is caused to operate in accordance with the first channe' monitoring mode by monitonng a paging indicator channel (PICH), further wherein the data indication comprises a paging indication.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is caused to monitor the paging indicator channel (PICH) by detecting the paging indication and, in response: wake up, and determine, based on information provided via a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCFI), whether data is scheduled.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is caused to operate in accordance with the second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH).</claim-text> <claim-text>16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein monitoring the high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH) comprises determining whether data is being scheduled for delivery.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. The apparatus of any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the apparatus is further caused to receive the parameter as part of a dedicated signal.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. The apparatus of any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the apparatus is further caused to receive the parameter as part of system information.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. The apparatus of any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the apparatus is further caused to determine whether an inactivity timer has expired.wherein the apparatus is caused to operate in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode, based on the value of the parameter, in an instance in which the inactivity timer has expired.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. The apparatus of any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the parameter is an information element (IE).</claim-text> <claim-text>21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein determining the value of the parameter comprises determining whether the IE is present.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. The apparatus of any of claims 12 to 21, wherein the user equipment is operating in a CELL_FACH radio resource control (RRC) state.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A computer program product comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform the steps of: determining the value of a parameter; and based on the value, operating in accordance with either a first or second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a different channel for a data indication iii the first channel monitoring mode than in the second channel monitoring mode.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. The computer program product of claim 23, wherein, when executed by the user equipment. the set of instructions cause the user equipment to operate in accordance with the first channel monitoring mode by monitoring a paging indicator channel (PICH), further wherein the data indication comprises a paging indication.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. The computer program product of claim 24, wherein, when executed by the user equipment, the set of instructions further cause the user equipment to detect the paging indication and, in response: wake up, and determine, based on information provided via a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH), whether data is scheduled.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. The computer program product of claim 23, wherein, when executed by the user equipment. the set of instructions further cause the user equipment to operate in accordance with the second channel monitoring mode by monitoring a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH).</claim-text> <claim-text>27. The computer program product of claim 26, wherein, when executed by the user equipment, the set of instructions cause the user equipment to determine whether data is being scheduled for delivery, whereby to monitor the high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH).</claim-text> <claim-text>28. The computer program product of any of claims 23 to 27, wherein, when executed by the user equipment, the set of instructions cause the user equipment to receive the parameter as part of a dedicated signal.</claim-text> <claim-text>29. The computer program product of any of claims 23 to 27, wherein, when executed by the user equipment, the set of instructions further cause the user equipment to receive the parameter as part of system information.</claim-text> <claim-text>30. The computer program product of any of claims 23 to 29, wherein, when executed by the user equipment. the set of instructions further cause the user equipment to determine whether an inactivity timer has expired.wherein the user equipment is caused to operate in accordance with either the first or second channel monitoring mode, based on the value of the parameter. in an instance in which the inactivity timer has expired.</claim-text> <claim-text>31. The computer program product of any of claims 23 to 30, wherein the parameter is an infoirnation element (IE).</claim-text> <claim-text>32. The computer program product of daim 31. wherein determining the value of the parameter comprises determining whether the IE is present.</claim-text> <claim-text>33. The computer program of any of claims 23 to 32, wherein the user equipment is operating in the CELL_FACH radio resource control (RRC) state.</claim-text>