WO2025067912A1

WO2025067912A1 - Dynamic paging in a network

Info

Publication number: WO2025067912A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/075734
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajat PUSHKARNA; Rikin SHAH; Reuben GEORGE STEPHEN
Original assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Current assignee: Aumovio Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2023-09-27
Filing date: 2024-09-16
Publication date: 2025-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-27

Abstract

System (100), apparatus (102) and a method (300) for dynamic paging in a network are disclosed. The method (300) includes configuring a mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location; determining a PO location based on the mapping between the user device classification and the pre-configured PO location; and monitoring the PO in a Low Power Wakeup Signal (LPWUS) based on the determined PO location for dynamic paging by the user device.

Description

DYNAMIC PAGING IN A NETWORK

Field Of Invention

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to one or both of a system and an apparatus for dynamic paging in a network in association with, for example, a User Equipment (UE) usable for communication. The present disclosure further relates a method which can be associated with the system and/or the apparatus.

Background

[002] Generally, energy efficiency and energy savings would be helpful or desired in communication networks. An example of a communication network would be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (fifth generation) New Radio (NR) standard-based telecommunications network.

[003] Typically, conventional techniques such as communication of Wake-Up Signals (WUS) can be utilized to assist in facilitating energy efficiency and energy savings. The present disclosure contemplates that conventional techniques (e.g., WUS) may not facilitate efficiency and energy savings in an optimal manner. For example, latency issues may be present in conventional techniques in which a User Equipment (UE) performs paging occasion (PO) monitoring.

[004] The present disclosure contemplates that it would be helpful to address (or at least mitigate) one or more issues in relation to conventional techniques for facilitating energy efficiency and energy savings.

Summary of the Invention

[005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for dynamic paging in a network comprising configuring a mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location; determining a PO location based on the mapping between the user device classification and the pre-configured PO location; and monitoring the PO in a Low Power Wakeup Signal (LPWUS) based on the determined PO location for dynamic paging by the user device.

[006] Advantageously, the method as described herein can provide low latency for wake up and a User Equipment (UE) may not miss an available paging occasion (PO) due to the delay in wake up.

[007] In an embodiment, the method further comprises communicating the mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location to the user device.

[008] In an embodiment, communicating the mapping table comprises communicating via at least one of: System Information Block (SIB) and/or UE specific message.

[009] In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining a time for the PO based on a LPWUS time location and a dynamic PO location.

[0010] In an embodiment, the method further comprises configuring a plurality of PO locations in the LPWUS.

[0011] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out the method of the first aspect.

[0012] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method of the first aspect.

[0013] In accordance with a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for dynamic paging in a network comprising a first module configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location; a second module configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method of the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for dynamic paging by the user device.

[0014] In an embodiment, the apparatus can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) which can communicate with a device corresponding to a base station. The base station can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., input signal(s)) to the UE.

[0015] In an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising one or more apparatuses and one or more devices. The apparatus(es) and the device(s) can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and/or wireless coupling.

[0016] Advantageously, the system can reduce ramp-up latency of the UE based on sub-grouping configured by the network and corresponding PO.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Fig. 1A shows a schematic diagram illustrating a system for dynamic paging in a network which can include at least one apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 1 B to Fig. 1 C show example scenarios in association with the system of Fig. 1 A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the apparatus of Fig. 1A in further detail, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [0021] Fig. 3 shows a method in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0023] The detailed description set forth below, with reference to annexed drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In particular, although terminology from 3GPP 5G NR may be used in this disclosure to exemplify embodiments herein, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0024] In addition, some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0025] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and/or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and/or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0026] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term User Equipment (UE) or wireless device or user device may be used and may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and/or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device-to-device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, PAD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, UE category Ml, UE category M2, ProSe UE, V2V UE, V2X UE, etc.

[0027] In some embodiments, a more general term “network node” may be used and may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node, which communicates with a User Equipment (directly or via another node) and/or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, a network node belonging to MCG or SCG, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), etc), Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Operations Support System (OSS), Self Optimized Network (SON), positioning node (e.g. Evolved- Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC)), Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), test equipment (physical node or software), etc.

[0028] Additionally, terminologies such as base station/gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and do in particular not imply a certain hierarchical relation between the two; in general, “gNodeB” could be considered as device 1 and “UE” could be considered as device 2 and these two devices communicate with each other over some radio channel. And in the following the transmitter or receiver could be either gNodeB (gNB), or UE.

[0029] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0030] The present disclosure generally contemplates the facilitation of, for example, network (e.g., in association with 3GPP based standard/specification etc.) and/or user equipment (UE) efficiency (e.g., energy/power efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0031] Specifically, the present disclosure contemplates the possibility of optimization for Low Power Wake Up Signal (LPWUS) in connection with 3GPP Release 18 (and beyond) standard(s). A WuS (Wake-up Signal) mechanism may improve energy efficiency of the UE (User Equipment) such that the UE will state in sleep mode and switches off the main radio, until a WuS signal is detected at the secondary radio (or a WuS receiver). Once the WuS receiver detects a WuS signal, the main radio is triggered to switch on. Here the LPWuS receiver can be a low complex and low power consuming component of a UE while the main radio can be a high energy consuming component of the UE. The main radio is switched off (sleep mode) as much as possible to reduce the energy consumption at the UE. In an example of temporary poor coverage scenario, the LPWUS may not be detected at the UE due to low LPWUS Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), the UE may enable the Main Radio to switch on. This may result in a high energy consumption and limit the possibility of UE power saving.

[0032] The present disclosure contemplates extended discontinuous reception, eDRX, has been introduced in 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) wireless communication systems to reduce energy consumption. In eDRX, the UE periodically goes to sleep for an asleep duration during which a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is not monitored before waking up for an awake duration to monitor the PDCCH for possible downlink data. The amount of energy that can be saved depends on how long and how often the UE remains asleep. The longer the UE remains asleep, the greater the amount of energy saved. However, increasing the asleep duration comes with increased latency, which may not be suitable for latency-critical use cases.

[0033] The present disclosure also contemplates the sensitivity of Low Power Wakeup Receiver can be worse than that of main radio MR in order to provide low power consumption and power saving gains. In particular, the present disclosure contemplates the possibility of coverage estimates for the Low Power Wake-up Signal design with different bandwidth/duration, miss-detection and false alarm rate analysis so as to improve energy efficiency. [0034] The present disclosure further contemplates that current UEs may need to periodically wake up once per eDRX cycle, which dominates the energy consumption in periods with no signaling or data traffic. If UEs were able to wake up only when they are triggered, e.g., paging, energy consumption could be dramatically reduced. This can be achieved by providing the UE with both a main radio (MR) unit, and a low power wake-up receiver (LPWUR). The MR unit may correspond to a 5G NR wireless communication unit, and the LPWUR may correspond to a wireless communication unit that is used to monitor a wake-up signal with low power consumption. Once the wake-up signal is detected, the LPWUR can trigger the MR unit which can transition from a low power state to an active state.

[0035] The present disclosure further contemplates the active state may correspond to any state in which the MR unit can exchange data with a radio access network, RAN, of the wireless communication system without being triggered by the LPWUR. Hence, a MR unit that is awake is in the active state. Also, a MR unit that is asleep but wakes-up periodically (e.g., eDRX) without being triggered by a LPWUR is also in the active state. The low power state may correspond to a state in which the MR unit cannot exchange data with the RAN without being triggered by the LPWUR. For example, the low power state corresponds to the MR unit being always asleep. However, since the MR unit does not have to wake-up periodically in the low power state, the MR unit may be even more deeply asleep than in current UEs and may even be turned off since the LPWUR can be used to turn the MR unit on. “Low power” state may indicate that the mean power consumption of the MR unit in the low power state is lower than (and preferably significantly lower than, e.g., ten times or even a hundred times lower than) the mean power consumption of the MR unit in the active state.

[0036] The present disclosure contemplates that the “low power” wake-up receiver can indicate that the LPWUR is used for receiving a wake-up signal while the MR unit is in the low power state. The monitoring of the wake-up signal can be done with a low power consumption, and the mean power consumption of the LPWUR should therefore be lower than (and preferably significantly lower than, e.g., ten times or even a hundred times lower than) the mean power consumption of the MR unit when it is awake.

[0037] Hence, the present disclosure contemplates that the energy consumption is reduced by placing the MR unit in the low power state (e.g., turned off). The MR unit is not required to wake-up periodically and may wake-up only when triggered by the LPWUR. Since the LPWUR may monitor the wake-up signal continuously, or at least frequently, the MR unit can be awakened by the LPWUR at any time, thereby reducing latency compared to e.g., eDRX.

[0038] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility of a method on how the network may provide information to the UE to perform dynamic paging. In an example embodiment, a network may introduce dynamic paging and the UE makes use of it. The UE may be aware of the timing when the UE shall wake up to monitor paging occasion (PO) but due to dynamic paging, the UE needs to know the parameters for a dynamic paging window. In another example embodiment, the UE may make use of the first available PO but the UE may unnecessarily monitor the PO and it may be possible that the PO is not for the UE which is monitoring the PO. This can result in energy depletion.

[0039] The present disclosure contemplates that the ramp up time for the UE from the detection of LP-WUS to perform paging occasion (PO) monitoring may cause latency issues. The present disclosure thus contemplates a method to reduce wakeup latency of the UE and the possibility of having a network (or base station or gNB) to configure dynamic paging occasion for UEs to reduce ramp-up latency.

[0040] In the above manner, power and energy consumption efficiency can be possibly facilitated, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig.

4 hereinafter. [0042] Referring to Fig. 1A, a system 100 for dynamic paging in a network is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system 100 can, for example, be suitable for energy savings and facilitating energy/power efficiency in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] As shown, the system 100 can include one or more apparatuses 102, at least one device 104 and, optionally, a communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0044] The apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the device(s) 104. Specifically, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be coupled to the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0045] In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the communication network 106 and the device(s) 104 can be coupled to the communication network 106. Coupling can be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. The apparatus(es) 102 can, in general, be configured to communicate with the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0046] The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be associated with/correspond to/include one or more user equipment (UE) which can carry one or more computers, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus 102 can correspond to a UE carrying at least one computer (e.g., an electronic device/module having computing capabilities such as an electronic mobile device which can be carried into a vehicle or an electronic module which can be installed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive/dynamic/gradual control, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In a more specific example, the apparatus(es) 102 can, in one embodiment, include one or more processors (not shown) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with dynamic/adaptive/gradual control, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to receive one or more input signals and perform at least one processing task based on the input signal(s) in a manner to generate one or more output signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104 and received by the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As a possible option, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus(es) 102 will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] The device(s) 104 can, for example, be associated with/correspond to at least one base station (e.g., at least one gNB). Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to carry/be associated with/include one or more computers (e.g., an electronic device/module having computing capabilities) which can, for example, be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with the base station. The device(s) 104 can be configured to generate one or more input signals which can be communicated to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. This will be discussed later in further detail in the context of an example scenario, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0048] The communication network 106 can, for example, correspond to an Internet communication network, a cellular-based communication network, a wired-based communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based communication network, a wireless-based communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication (e.g., between the apparatuses 102 and/or between the apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104) via the communication network 106 can be by manner of one or both of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0049] Earlier mentioned, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to receive at least one input signal and perform at least one processing task in association with dynamic/adaptive/gradual control on the input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate at least one output signal. Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to generate (and communicate) the input signal(s) to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. This will be discussed, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, in the context of an example scenario with reference to Fig. 1 B to Fig. 1 C, hereinafter.

[0050] Specifically, Fig. 1 B shows an example context for discussion in connection with the example scenario as shown in Fig. 1 C, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0051 ] More specifically, in the example context, referring to Fig. 1 B, one possibility to address the issue of energy/power efficiency is utilization of a separated or integrated receiver (i.e., low power wake up receiver, LPWUR) which can be introduced to monitor low power wake up signal (LPWUS). A Main radio (MR) which can correspond to a regular communication device (i.e., New Radio, NR, device), in which operations in relation to, for example, RRCJDLE/INACTIVE/CONNECTED state(s) (i.e., Radio Resource Control idle/inactive/connected state(s)) can be performed. When no data/signals are being communicated, a UE may turn off the MR or maintain the MR in ultra deep-sleep state while utilizing a separated LPWUR for monitoring the LPWUS for possible communication of data/signals to facilitate power saving.

[0052] The present disclosure contemplates that one important aspect of energy savings in legacy wake-up signal (WuS) or low power wake up signal is the mitigation of false alarm (e.g. LPWUS). For example, when there is a downlink data to be transmitted, the gNB (or base station) transmits a LPWUS for the UE to wake up the MR. The UE upon receiving the LPWUS may monitor Paging (or permanent equipment identifier PEI and paging), which may incur latency for latency critical UEs. When the gNB (or base station) has a downlink data, it may transmit an LPWUS, which is detected at UE followed by a Ramp Up period followed by Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) for synchronization and finally the Paging Occasion (PO).

[0053] The present disclosure further contemplates that SSB synchronization may refer to Synchronization or Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block because the synchronization signal and the PBCH channel are packed as a single block that moves together. Synchronization can be fundamental to the performance of the cellular network and the services it offers, where synchronization can avoid internetwork interference.

[0054] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility of two proposals for the UE to perform Random Access Channel (RACH) after receiving LPWUS. In a first example where a UE is in RRC_ldle/RRC_lnactive state, the UE can wake up and monitor paging or PEI periodically and perform RACH if the UE’s paging is received. In a second example, the UE can perform RACH procedure directly after receiving LPWUS.

[0055] The present disclosure contemplates, as will be discussed further in detail in the context of an example scenario associated with the system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, that it may be helpful to consider some form of dynamic/adaptive/gradual configuration/determination strategy which will aid in power/energy consumption efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The dynamic/adaptive/gradual control configuration/determination strategy can, for example, be in relation to dynamic/adaptive/gradual control based on dynamic paging by a UE in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] Fig. 1 C shows an example of a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure relating to Low Power Wake up Signal (LPWUS) and Paging Occasion (PO). Such a procedure may introduce latency when the User Equipment (UE) performs RACH procedure at fixed PO after receiving LPWUS.

[0057] In a specific example, the UE may use the paging occasion length (T) and the paging cycle (N) to schedule when it should wake up for paging monitoring. The paging cycle can refer to the number of paging occasions within a larger time period and the UE may use a paging frame number (PFN) to determine which paging occasion within the paging cycle it should monitor. The equation to calculate the time interval between paging occasions (T) may be given by:

T = Tsf x 2 ⁿ _Sf Where, Tsf is the subframe length and n_Sf is the number of subframes between paging occasions. The equation to calculate the paging cycle length (Tpaging) may be given by:

Tpaging

[0058] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility of latency evaluation where in the case of IDLE/INACTIVE state, the latency is the time interval between the data arrival time at the gNB (or base station) and the time of the first PO the UE can monitor or detect the paging message. If the UE is not required to monitor a PO after wake-up, latency is the time interval between the data arrival time at the gNB and the time the UE transmits the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) after the LPWUS is detected, whereby synchronization or re-synchronization for the main radio is included.

[0059] The present disclosure further contemplates that it may be helpful to consider some form of dynamic/adaptive/gradual configuration/determination strategy which will aid in power/energy consumption efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, the present disclosure contemplates the possibility of reducing wake-up latency of the UE.

[0060] The above-described advantageous aspect(s) of the system 100 of the present disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described apparatus 102 of the present disclosure. Likewise, all below described advantageous aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described system 100 of the disclosure.

[0061 ] The aforementioned apparatus(es) 102 will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 2 hereinafter.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 2, an apparatus 102 is shown in further detail in the context of an example implementation 200, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0063] In the example implementation 200, the apparatus 102 can correspond to an electronic module 200a. The electronic module 200a can, in one example, correspond to a mobile device which can, for example, be carried into the vehicle by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In another example, the electronic module 200a can correspond to an electronic device which can be installed/mounted in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In this regard, the electronic module 200a can be considered to be carried by the vehicle (e.g., either carried into the vehicle by a user or installed/mounted in the vehicle).

[0064] It is contemplated that the electronic module 200a can be capable of performing one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive/dynamic/gradual control related processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0065] The electronic module 200a can, for example, include a casing 200b. Moreover, the electronic module 200a can, for example, carry any one of a first module 202, a second module 204, a third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0066] In one embodiment, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and/or a third module 206. In a specific example, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and a third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0067] In this regard, it is appreciable that, in one embodiment, the casing 200b can be shaped and dimensioned to carry any one of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0068] The first module 202 can be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, the first module 202 can be coupled to the second module 204 and the second module 204 can be coupled to the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204 and/or the third module 206 can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. Each of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206 can correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0069] In one example, the first module 202 can correspond to a hardware-based receiver which can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104 (e.g., a gNB), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0070] The second module 204 can, for example, correspond to a hardware-based processor which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals) as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0071] The third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based transmitter which can be configured to communicate one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. The output signal(s) can, for example, include/correspond to one or more instructions/commands/control signals in association with the aforementioned dynamic/adaptive/gradual control configuration/determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency (e.g., power/energy efficiency and/or communication efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0072] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the first and second modules 202/204 can be an integrated software-hardware based module (e.g., an electronic part which can carry a software program/algorithm in association with receiving and processing functions/an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and processing). The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202/206 can be an integrated softwarehardware based module (e.g., an electronic part which can carry a software program/algorithm in association with receiving and transmitting functions/an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and transmitting). The present disclosure yet further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202/206 can be an integrated hardware module (e.g., a hardware-based transceiver) capable of performing the functions of receiving and transmitting.

[0073] The above-described advantageous aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the present disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described processing/communication method of the present disclosure. Likewise, all below described advantageous aspect(s) of the processing/communication method of the disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described apparatus 102 of the disclosure. It is to be appreciated that these remarks apply analogously to the earlier discussed system 100 of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 3, a method (also referable to as a processing method) in association with the system 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0075] The method 300 can, for example, be suitable for/capable of facilitating energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0076] The processing method 300 can include any one of an input step 302, a processing step 304 and an output step 306, or any combination thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0077] In one embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302 and the processing step 304. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304 and one or both of the input step 302 and the output step 306. In yet a further embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet a further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304. In yet another further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include any one of or any combination of the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step

306 (i.e. , the input step 302, the processing step 304 and/or the output step 306).

[0078] With regard to the input step 302, one or more input signal(s) can be received. For example, the input signal(s) can be communicated from the device(s) 104 and can be received by an apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0079] The input step 302 can include receiving at least one input signal associated with a paging occasion (PO) location for a user device. In an embodiment, the input signal(s) may be generated by the device 104 and transmitted from the device 104 to the apparatus 102. Alternatively, the input signal(s) may be generated and received by the apparatus 102 to advance to the processing step 304. For example, the input signal(s) may be generated by a transmitting UE (or user device) and received by a receiving UE (or user device).

[0080] With regard to the processing step 304, at least processing task can be performed in association with the received input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0081] The processing step 304 may include at least one of: configuring a mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location; determining a PO location based on the mapping between the user device classification and the pre-configured PO location; and monitoring the PO in a Low Power Wakeup Signal (LPWUS) based on the determined PO location for dynamic paging by the user device.

[0082] The processing step 304 can also include communicating the mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location to the user device; determining a time for the PO based on a LPWUS time location and a dynamic PO location; and configuring a plurality of PO locations in the LPWUS. Communicating the mapping table may include communicating via at least one of: System Information Block (SIB) and/or UE specific message.

[0083] In an embodiment, the gNB (or base station) may configure a PO location for the UE (or user device) based on UE sub-grouping, as shown in Table 1 below. The network may configure POs to be monitored by the UE for LPWUS based on the UE sub-grouping. Beneficially, the ramp-up latency may be reduced based on subgrouping configured by the network and corresponding PO.

Table 1

[0084] In an example embodiment, 3-bits may be used to configure 8 UE subgroups to monitor PO and 3 additional bits can be used to indicate 8 different PO locations in the LPWUS. The time of the PO can be calculated by the UE as follows:

where TPO may refer to Paging Occasion PO, TLP-WUS may refer to the time location of LPWUS and TPO location may refer to the location of dynamic Paging Occasion PO.

[0085] With regard to the output step 306, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated, as an option, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the apparatus 102. In a more specific example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the apparatus 102 to one or both of at least one device 104 and another apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0086] The present disclosure further contemplates a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and/or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer program can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and/or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0087] The present disclosure yet further contemplates a computer readable storage medium (not shown) having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and/or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer readable storage medium can have data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and/or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0088] Further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates an apparatus 102 suitable for energy saving in a network which can include a first module 202, a second module 204 and/or a third module 206.

[0089] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be associated with a mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location.

[0090] The second module 204 can be configured to process and/or facilitate processing of the input signal(s) according to the method 300 as discussed earlier to generate one or more output signals. [0091] The third module 206 can be configured to communicate one or more output signals. The output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to one or more control signals for dynamic paging by the user device (or UE).

[0092] In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) which can communicate with a device 104 corresponding to a base station. The base station can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., input signal(s)) to the UE.

[0093] Yet further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates a system 100 which can include one or more apparatuses 102 and one or more devices 104. The apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104 can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and/or wireless coupling.

[0094] It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above can be combined in any manner as appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).

[0095] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of embodiments described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments.

[0096] In one example, the possibility of the output signal(s) being communicated from the apparatus(es) 102 was discussed. It is appreciable that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102. Specifically, the possibility that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated outside of the apparatus(es) 102 is contemplated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to internal command(s)/instruction(s) (e.g., communicated only within an apparatus 102) for adaptively controlling operational configuration of an apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0097] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0098] In the example context as shown in Fig. 4A, the gNB (or base station or network) may be configured to provide the paging occasion (PO) location for each sub-group.

[0099] In the example context as shown in Fig. 4B, the UE (or user device) may be configured to receive the mapping table with the PO location. The UE may then calculate the actual or specific PO location based on the provided PO location.

[00100] In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Abbreviations:

BWP Bandwidth part

CBG Code block group

CLI Cross Link Interference

CP Cyclic prefix

CPU CSI processing unit

CQI Channel quality indicator

CRB Common resource block

CRC Cyclic redundancy check

CRI CSI-RS Resource Indicator

CSI Channel state information

CSI-RS Channel state information reference signal

CSI-RSRP CSI reference signal received power

CSI-RSRQ CSI reference signal received quality

CSI-SINR CSI signal-to-noise and interference ratio

CW Codeword

DCI Downlink control information

DL Downlink

DM-RS Demodulation reference signals

DRX Discontinuous Reception

EPRE Energy per resource element

IAB-MT Integrated Access and Backhaul - Mobile Terminal

L1-RSRP Layer 1 reference signal received power

LI Layer Indicator

LP-WUR Low power wake up receiver

LP-WUS Low power wake up signal

MCS Modulation and coding scheme

MR Main receiver

PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel

PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

PDSCH Physical downlink shared channel

PEI Permanent Equipment Identifier

PFN Paging Frame Number PMI Precoding Matrix Indicator PRB Physical resource block PRACH Physical Random Access Channel PRG Precoding resource block group PRS Positioning reference signal PSS Primary Synchronisation signal PT-RS Phase-tracking reference signal PUCCH Physical uplink control channel

QCL Quasi co-location RACH Random Access Channel

RB Resource block RBG Resource block group Rl Rank Indicator RIV Resource indicator value RS Reference signal RSRP Reference Signal Received Power RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality SCI Sidelink control information SLIV Start and length indicator value

SR Scheduling Request SRS Sounding reference signal SS Synchronisation signal SSB Synchronization Signal Block SS-RSRP SS reference signal received power SS-RSRQ SS reference signal received quality SSS Secondary Synchronisation signal SS-SINR SS signal-to-noise and interference ratio

TB Transport Block TCI Transmission Configuration Indicator TDM Time division multiplexing UE User equipment UL Uplink

Claims

Claim(s)

1 . A method (300) for dynamic paging in a network comprising: configuring a mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location; determining a PO location based on the mapping between the user device classification and the pre-configured PO location; and monitoring the PO in a Low Power Wakeup Signal (LPWUS) based on the determined PO location for dynamic paging by the user device.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising communicating the mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a preconfigured paging occasion (PO) location to the user device.

3. The method (300) according to claim 2, wherein communicating the mapping table comprises communicating via at least one of: System Information Block (SIB) and/or UE specific message.

4. The method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising determining a time for the PO based on a LPWUS time location and a dynamic PO location.

5. The method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising configuring a plurality of PO locations in the LPWUS.

6. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (300) of any of the preceding claims.

7. A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method (300) of claims 1-5.

8. An apparatus (102) for dynamic paging in a network comprising: a first module (202) configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a mapping table indicative of mapping between a user device classification and a pre-configured paging occasion (PO) location; a second module (204) configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method (300) of claim 1 to claim 5 to generate at least one output signal; and a third module (206) configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for dynamic paging by the user device.

9. The apparatus (102) according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus (102) corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) communicable with a device (104) corresponding to a base station, and wherein the base station corresponds to a Next generation Node B (gNB) configured to communicate the at least one input signal to the UE.

10. A system (100) comprising: at least one apparatus (102) according to any of claims 8 and 9; and at least one device (104) according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus (102) and the device (104) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.