WO2025005953A1

WO2025005953A1 - Cross rat layer 1 channel measurement and reporting

Info

Publication number: WO2025005953A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/069069
Authority: WO
Inventors: Navin Hathiramani; Kamakshi LAKSHMINARAYANAPURAM KRISHNAKUMAR
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy; Nokia of America Corp
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy; Nokia of America Corp
Priority date: 2023-06-26
Filing date: 2023-06-26
Publication date: 2025-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-26

Abstract

Described herein is a UE, configured to support connecting via a PCell towards a first network node supporting a first RAT, and connecting via a first MRSS SCell to a second network node supporting the first RAT, and via a second MRSS SCell to a third network node supporting a second RAT, wherein the UE receives from the PCell configuration information for layer 1, L1, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS Scell and in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, perform L1 measurements of signals of the second MRSS SCell, generate an adapted L1 measurement report for the first RAT based on the performed L1 measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information into a format supported by the first RAT and transmit the adapted L1 measurement report towards the first network node via the PCell.

Description

CROSS RAT LAYER 1 CHANNEL MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING

TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to apparatuses, methods, computer programs concerning dormant Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing (MRSS) SCells measurements and reporting.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] This disclosure relates to Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing (MRSS) functions, where multiple radio access technologies share the same spectrum, e.g., LTE and NR or NR and 6G. [0004] MRSS is the evolution of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), and during the initial deployment of 6G, it is expected that operators will aim for 6G user equipment (UE) to exhibit a performance comparable to that of NR, in order to incentivize the adoption of 6G technology. From a network perspective, the implementation of MRSS shall not result in significant increases in network energy consumption.

[0005] Furthermore, in order to enhance capacity for 6G users, carrier aggregation and/or dual connectivity is a widely recognized solution. However, due to the limited availability of spectrum resources, it may be necessary to share Secondary Cells, SCells, between NR and 6G. [0006] Current state of the art procedures allow for a UE to perform inter RAT measurements and reporting at Layer 3 level. All layer 1 measurements, e.g., CSI, PMI, RI and beam management procedures are based on intra-RAT reference signals and the reporting is intra-RAT.

[0007] For example, 3GPP TS 38.214 section 5.2.5 provides rules for CSI report prioritization. The report prioritization is performed based on:

• type of report: periodic, aperiodic, semi-persistent

• content of the report: Ll-RSRP, LI SINR, other

• Serving cell index

• Report configuration identifier

[0008] Thus, no prioritization is implemented based on factors such as the state of the SCells. [0009] Further, carrier aggregation and/or dual connectivity enables capacity expansion and quick load balancing of traffic between several layers. Given most of the traffic in networks continues to be of bursty nature, it is the latter, load balancing aspect that is extremely beneficial from spectral efficiency point of view. To be able to leverage this fast load balancing the acquisition time, or time taken for UE to be ready to transmit and/or receive in a SCell needs to be minimized. To this extent 3GPP defined several states for an SCell including an activated (connected, non-dormant, control (signaling) and data), a deactivated (idle) and a dormant (inactive, no data) state.

[0010] When an SCell is in the dormant state, it allows for some UE energy savings, but e.g., not having to monitor PDCCH for this SCell (or at least less frequently) and at the same time scheduling on this SCell can be re-initiated in a fast manner since in this dormant state the UE is yet required to perform some monitoring/processing/tasks/actions, e.g. measurements like e.g. CSI measurements, Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and beam management. The dormant state might be limited to a Bandwidth Part (BWP), e.g. according to 3GPP TS 38.331 V17.3.0 (2022-12) section 3.1 Dormant BWP: The dormant BWP is one of downlink BWPs configured by the network via dedicated RRC signalling. In the dormant BWP, the UE stops monitoring PDCCH on/for the SCell, but continues performing CSI measurements, Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and beam management, if configured. For each serving cell other than the SpCell or PUCCH SCell, the network may configure one BWP as a dormant BWP. Further exemplary details are e.g. described in 3GPP TS 38.300 V17.3.0 (2022-12) section 10.6 To enable reasonable UE battery consumption when CA is configured, an activation/deactivation mechanism of Cells is supported. When an SCell is deactivated, the UE does not need to receive the corresponding PDCCH or PDSCH, cannot transmit in the corresponding uplink, nor is it required to perform CQI measurements. Conversely, when an SCell is active, the UE shall receive PDSCH and PDCCH (if the UE is configured to monitor PDCCH from this SCell) and is expected to be able to perform CQI measurements. NG-RAN ensures that while PUCCH SCell (a Secondary Cell configured with PUCCH) is deactivated, SCells of secondary PUCCH group (a group of SCells whose PUCCH signalling is associated with the PUCCH on the PUCCH SCell) should not be activated. NG-RAN ensures that SCells mapped to PUCCH SCell are deactivated before the PUCCH SCell is changed or removed.

[0011] When reconfiguring the set of serving cells:

[0012] - SCells added to the set are initially activated or deactivated;

[0013] - SCells which remain in the set (either unchanged or reconfigured) do not change their activation status (activated or deactivated). [0014] At handover or connection resume from RRC_IN ACTIVE:

[0015] - SCells are activated or deactivated.

[0016] To enable reasonable UE battery consumption when carrier aggregation (CA) is configured, only one UL BWP for each uplink carrier and one DL BWP or only one DL/UL BWP pair can be active at a time in an active serving cell, all other BWPs that the UE is configured with being deactivated. On deactivated BWPs, the UE does not monitor the PDCCH, does not transmit on PUCCH, PRACH and UL-SCH.

[0017] To enable fast SCell activation when CA is configured, one dormant BWP can be configured for an SCell. If the active BWP of the activated SCell is a dormant BWP, the UE stops monitoring PDCCH and transmitting SRS/PUSCH/PUCCH on the SCell but continues performing CSI measurements, AGC and beam management, if configured. A DCI is used to control entering/leaving the dormant BWP for one or more SCell(s) or one or more SCell group(s).

[0018] The dormant BWP is one of the UE's dedicated BWPs configured by network via dedicated RRC signalling. The SpCell and PUCCH SCell cannot be configured with a dormant BWP.

[0019] To enable fast SCell activation when CA is configured, aperiodic CSI-RS for tracking for fast SCell activation can be configured for an SCell to assist AGC and time/frequency synchronization. A MAC CE is used to trigger activation of one or more SCell(s) and trigger the aperiodic CSI-RS for tracking for fast SCell activation for a (set of) deactivated SCell(s).

[0020] Thus, the efficient deployment of dormant SCells presents a challenge due to the requirement of reference signals for Channel State Information (CSI), Automatic Gain Control (AGC), and beam management purposes by a 6G UE (User Equipment).

[0021] In general, there is a need to provide an efficient usage of MRSS SCells from spectral and energy point of view.

SUMMARY

[0022] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to overcome the above mentioned problems and to provide a UE, a network node, a method, and a computer program for improving dormant MRSS SCells measurements and/or reporting.

[0023] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a User Equipment, UE, configured to support connecting via a Primary Cell, PCell, towards a first network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, and via at least one of two Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cells, MRSS SCells, wherein the two MRSS SCells are covering at least partly the same coverage area, wherein a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting the first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first RAT and the second RAT are different RATs, wherein the UE comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to: connect via the PCell towards the first network node, connect via the first MRSS SCell towards the second network node, preferably, receive, from the PCell, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT, monitor the state of the first MRSS SCell, and in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, perform LI measurements of signals of the second MRSS SCell supporting the second RAT, in accordance with the received configuration information; generate an adapted LI measurement report for the first RAT based on the performed LI measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the first RAT ; and transmit the adapted LI measurement report, towards the first network node via the PCell.

[0024] In some examples, the first radio access technology is 6G.

[0025] In some examples, the LI measurements are inter-RAT layer 1 measurements.

[0026] In some examples, the inter-RAT reporting is performed over the PCell layer 1 to the first network node.

[0027] In some examples, the UE is further configured to employ 5G to 6G beam mapping via Quasi-Co-location, QCL, assistance information in case of that the second radio access technology is 5G. [0028] In some examples, the configuration information for layer 1 includes at least one of the following: a configuration to measure the channel state information, CSI; the signals to be measured; an indication whether to measure the NR SSB/CSI-RS or 6G; the QCL, mapping between different RATs; the state of the MRSS SCell to be measured.

[0029] In some examples, the UE is in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity mode.

[0030] In some examples, based on the configuration information, UE CSI reporting is configured differently for dormant and non-dormant states.

[0031] In some examples, the UE is a 6G user equipment with carrier aggregation and/or dual connectivity capability and configured to perform prioritization of LI measurements depending on at least one of beam ids, cell types and cell state.

[0032] In some examples, in case not all beams configured for the MRSS SCell are active for 6G, the UE prioritizes measurements for beams which the best beams are within the configured set of beams.

[0033] In some examples, the second RAT is different than 6G RAT.

[0034] In some examples, the UE employs the first RAT signals and the second RAT signals for measurement and reporting in dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, and employs the first RAT signals for measurement and reporting in non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell.

[0035] In some examples, the UE is configured to use the second RAT signals and (at least partially) first RAT signals for measurement in dormant state of the first MRSS SCell. The configuration for the dormant state may therefore be related to LI measurements of signals of the first RAT and the second RAT. For example, in dormant mode 5G measurements might be extended by, from time to time, partial 6G measurements. Accordingly, in dormant mode, less good 5G measurements can be supplemented by assistance info (partial 6G measurements) to achieve better results, while still having in total less measurements than total 6G measurements.

[0036] In some examples, the UE is configured to use first RAT signals and at least part of the second RAT signals for measurement in non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell. The configuration for the non-dormant state may therefore be related to LI measurements of signals of the first RAT and the second RAT. For example, in non-dormant mode 6G measurements might be extended/supplemented by at least partial 5G measurements. Accordingly, in non-dormant mode, is possible to profit from both 5G and 6G measurements to enable quick switch between 5G and 6G and best support for 6G data transmission. [0037] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first network node, that supports a first radio access technology, first RAT, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instruction which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network node at least to: establish a connection with a user equipment apparatus, UE, via a Primary cell, PCell, and a connection with at least one of two network nodes, wherein a second network node supports the first RAT and a first Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cells, MRSS SCells, wherein a third network node supports a second RAT and a second MRSS SCell a first MRSS SCell, and wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs,send, to the UE, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the nondormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT, receive, the adapted LI measurement report for the first RAT, from the UE via the PCell, wherein the adapted LI measurement report is generated based on a LI measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the first RAT, wherein the LI measurements of second RAT is performed in accordance with the sent configuration information in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell.

[0038] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second network node, that supports a first Multi- Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cell, first MRSS SCell, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instruction which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second network node at least to: the first MRSS SCell is provided via the second network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first RAT and the second RAT are different RATs, send, to a Primary Cell, PCell, wherein towards a first network node supporting a first RAT, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT.

[0039] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a third network node, that supports a second Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cell, second MRSS SCell, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instruction which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third network node at least to: the second MRSS SCell is provided via the third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, and a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, wherein the first RAT and the second RAT are different RATs, send, to a Primary Cell, PCell, wherein towards a first network node supporting a first RAT, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT.

[0040] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of a User Equipment, UE, configured to support connecting via a Primary Cell, PCell, towards a first network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, and via at least one of two Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cells, MRSS S Cells, wherein the two MRSS SCells are covering at least partly the same coverage area, wherein a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting the first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs, wherein the method comprises: connect via the PCell towards the first network node, connect via the first MRSS SCell towards the second network node, preferably, receive, from the PCell, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT, monitor the state of the first MRSS SCell, and in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, perform LI measurements of signals of the second MRSS SCell supporting the second RAT, in accordance with the received configuration information; generate an adapted LI measurement report for the first RAT based on the performed LI measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the first RAT ; and transmit the adapted LI measurement report, towards the first network node via the PCell.

[0041] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of a first network node, that supports a first radio access technology, first RAT, the method comprising: establish a connection with a user equipment apparatus, UE, via a Primary cell, PCell, and a connection with at least one of two Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cells, MRSS SCells, wherein a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting the first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first and the second RAT are different RATs, send, to the UE, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT, receive, the adapted LI measurement report for the first RAT, from the UE via the PCell, wherein the adapted LI measurement report is generated based on a LI measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the first RAT, wherein the LI measurements of second RAT is performed in accordance with the sent configuration information in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell. [0042] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of a second network node, that supports a first Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cell, first MRSS SCell, wherein the first MRSS SCell is provided via the second network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs, the method comprising: send, to a Primary Cell, PCell, wherein towards a first network node supporting a first RAT, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a nondormant state of the first MRSS SCell, wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT.

[0043] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of a third network node, that supports a second Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cell, second MRSS SCell, wherein the second MRSS SCell is provided via the third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, and a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs, the method comprising: send, to a Primary Cell, PCell, wherein towards a first network node supporting a first RAT, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a nondormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT.

[0044] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method according to the above aspects and examples.

[0045] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a memory storing computer readable instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method according to the above aspects and examples.

[0046] While some example embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to the above application, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts. [0047] Notably, it is understood that methods according to the present disclosure relate to methods of operating the apparatuses according to the above example embodiments and variations thereof, and that respective statements made with regard to the apparatuses likewise apply to the corresponding methods, and vice versa, such that similar description may be omitted for the sake of conciseness. In addition, the above aspects may be combined in many ways, even if not explicitly disclosed. The skilled person will understand that these combinations of aspects and features/steps are possible unless it creates a contradiction which is explicitly excluded.

[0048] Implementations of the disclosed apparatuses may include using, but not limited to, one or more processor, one or more application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or one or more field programmable gate array (FPGA). Implementations of the apparatus may also include using other conventional and/or customized hardware such as software programmable processors, such as graphics processing unit (GPU) processors.

[0049] Other and further example embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent during the course of the following discussion and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Accordingly, by implementing one or more of the above indicated features, rapid capacity sharing between different RATs, such as 5G and 6G networks, can be achieved, in particular in case of dormant 6G MRSS SCell. Moreover, efficient utilization of MRSS SCells in terms of spectral and energy efficiency can be achieved, as e.g. the amount of measurements during dormant 6G MRSS SCell can be reduced, e.g. by using Layer 1 instead of Layer 3 measurements and by reducing the Layer 1 overhead (associated with 6G) to be measured, e.g. by substituting it at least partly by a corresponding Layer 1 overhead associated with 5G. Consequently, the base station can minimize downlink transmissions, leading to improved network performance. The UE has to perform less measurements, and can report performed measurements quicker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Example embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0052] Figure 1A and IB schematically illustrate examples of a method according to the present disclosure, when the MRSS SCell is in dormant state;

[0053] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a flow diagram of a method according to the present disclosure; [0054] Figures 3A and 3B show an overview for processing of reference signals in dormant and non-dormant states of the 6G MRSS SCell;

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0055] In the following, different exemplifying embodiments will be described using, as an example of a communication network to which examples of embodiments may be applied, a communication network architecture based on 3 GPP standards for a communication network, such as a 5G/NR, without restricting the embodiments to such an architecture, however. It is apparent for a person skilled in the art that the embodiments may also be applied to other kinds of communication networks where mobile communication principles are integrated with a D2D (device-to-device) or V2X (vehicle to everything) configuration, such as SL (side link), e.g. Wi-Fi, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, personal communications services (PCS), ZigBee®, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs), wired access, etc. Furthermore, without loss of generality, the description of some examples of embodiments is related to a mobile communication network, but principles of the disclosure can be extended and applied to any other type of communication network, such as a wired communication network.

[0056] The following examples and embodiments are to be understood only as illustrative examples. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” example(s) or embodiment(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is related to the same example(s) or embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single example or embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, terms like “comprising” and “including” should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned; such examples and embodiments may also contain features, structures, units, modules, etc., that have not been specifically mentioned.

[0057] A basic system architecture of a (tele)communication network including a mobile communication system where some examples of embodiments are applicable may include an architecture of one or more communication networks including wireless access network subsy stem(s) and core network(s). Such an architecture may include one or more communication network control elements or functions, access network elements, radio access network elements, access service network gateways or base transceiver stations, such as a base station (BS), an access point (AP), a NodeB (NB), an eNB or a gNB, a distributed unit (DU) or a centralized/central unit (CU), which controls a respective coverage area or cell(s) and with which one or more communication stations such as communication elements or functions, like user devices or terminal devices, like a user equipment (UE), or another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a station, an element, a function or an application capable of conducting a communication, such as a UE, an element or function usable in a machine-to-machine communication architecture, or attached as a separate element to such an element, function or application capable of conducting a communication, or the like, are capable to communicate via one or more channels via one or more communication beams for transmitting several types of data in a plurality of access domains. Furthermore, core network elements or network functions, such as gateway network elements/functions, mobility management entities, a mobile switching center, servers, databases and the like may be included.

[0058] The following description may provide further details of alternatives, modifications and variances: a gNB comprises e.g., a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC, e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.300 V16.6.0 (2021-06) section 3.2 incorporated by reference.

[0059] A gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) comprises e.g., a logical node hosting e.g., RRC, SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-g B that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-DU.

[0060] A gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU) comprises e.g., a logical node hosting e.g., RLC, MAC and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by the gNB- CU. One gNB-DU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-CU.

[0061] A gNB-CU-Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP) comprises e.g., a logical node hosting e.g., the RRC and the control plane part of the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU for an en-gNB or a gNB. The gNB-CU-CP terminates the El interface connected with the gNB-CU-UP and the Fl-C interface connected with the gNB-DU.

[0062] A gNB-CU-User Plane (gNB-CU-UP) comprises e.g., a logical node hosting e.g., the user plane part of the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU for an en-gNB, and the user plane part of the PDCP protocol and the SDAP protocol of the gNB-CU for a gNB. The gNB-CU- UP terminates the El interface connected with the gNB-CU-CP and the Fl-U interface connected with the gNB-DU, e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.401 V16.6.0 (2021-07) section 3.1 incorporated by reference.

[0063] Different functional splits between the central and distributed unit are possible, e.g., called options: Option 1 (lA-like split):

• The function split in this option is similar to the 1A architecture in DC. RRC is in the central unit. PDCP, RLC, MAC, physical layer and RF are in the distributed unit.

Option 2 (3C-like split):

• The function split in this option is similar to the 3C architecture in DC. RRC and PDCP are in the central unit. RLC, MAC, physical layer and RF are in the distributed unit.

Option 3 (intra RLC split):

• Low RLC (partial function of RLC), MAC, physical layer and RF are in the distributed unit. PDCP and high RLC (the other partial function of RLC) are in the central unit.

Option 4 (RLC-MAC split):

• MAC, physical layer and RF are in the distributed unit. PDCP and RLC are in the central unit.

Or else, e.g., according to 3GPP TR 38.801 V14.0.0 (2017-03) section 11 incorporated by reference.

[0064] A gNB supports different protocol layers, e.g., Layer 1 (LI) - physical layer.

[0065] The layer 2 (L2) of NR is split into the following sublayers: Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), where e.g.:

• The physical layer offers to the MAC sublayer transport channels;

• The MAC sublayer offers to the RLC sublayer logical channels;

• The RLC sublayer offers to the PDCP sublayer RLC channels;

• The PDCP sublayer offers to the SDAP sublayer radio bearers;

• The SDAP sublayer offers to 5GC QoS flows;

• Comp, refers to header compression and Segm. To segmentation;

• Control channels include (BCCH, PCCH).

[0066] Layer 3 (L3) includes e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.300 VI 6.6.0 (2021 -06) section 6 incorporated by reference.

[0067] A RAN (Radio Access Network) node or network node like e.g. a gNB, base station, gNB CU or gNB DU or parts thereof may be implemented using e.g. an apparatus with at least one processor and/or at least one memory (with computer-readable instructions (computer program)) configured to support and/or provision and/or process CU and/or DU related functionality and/or features, and/or at least one protocol (sub-)layer of a RAN (Radio Access Network), e.g. layer 2 and/or layer 3.

[0068] The gNB CU and gNB DU parts may e.g., be co-located or physically separated. The gNB DU may even be split further, e.g., into two parts, e.g., one including processing equipment and one including an antenna. A Central Unit (CU) may also be called BBU/REC/RCC/C-RAN/V-RAN, O-RAN, or part thereof. A Distributed Unit (DU) may also be called RRH/RRU/RE/RU, or part thereof. Hereinafter, in various example embodiments of the present disclosure, the CU-CP (or more generically, the CU) may also be referred to as a (first) network node that supports at least one of central unit control plane functionality or a layer 3 protocol of a radio access network; and similarly, the DU may be referred to as a (second) network node that supports at least one of distributed unit functionality or the layer 2 protocol of the radio access network.

[0069] A gNB-DU supports one or multiple cells, and could thus serve as e.g., a serving cell for a user equipment (UE).

|0070| A user equipment (UE) may include a wireless or mobile device, an apparatus with a radio interface to interact with a RAN (Radio Access Network), a smartphone, an in-vehicle apparatus, an loT device, a M2M device, or else. Such UE or apparatus may comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform certain operations, like e.g. RRC connection to the RAN. A UE is e.g., configured to generate a message (e.g., including a cell ID) to be transmitted via radio towards a RAN (e.g., to reach and communicate with a serving cell). A UE may generate and transmit and receive RRC messages containing one or more RRC PDUs (Packet Data Units).

[0071] The UE may have different states (e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.331 V16.5.0 (2021-

06) sections 42.1 and 4.4, incorporated by reference).

[0072] A UE is e.g. , either in RRC_CONNECTED state or in RRC_IN ACTIVE state when an RRC connection has been established.

[0073] In RRC_CONNECTED state a UE may: store the AS context; transfer unicast data to/from the UE; • monitor control channels associated with the shared data channel to determine if data is scheduled for the data channel;

• provide channel quality and feedback information;

• perform neighbouring cell measurements and measurement reporting.

[0074] The RRC protocol includes e.g. the following main functions:

• RRC connection control;

• measurement configuration and reporting;

• establishment/modification/release of measurement configuration (e.g. intrafrequency, inter- frequency and inter-RAT measurements);

• setup and release of measurement gaps;

• measurement reporting.

[0075] The general functions and interconnections of the described elements and functions, which also depend on the actual network type, are known to those skilled in the art and described in corresponding specifications, so that a detailed description thereof may omitted herein for the sake of conciseness. However, it is to be noted that several additional network elements and signaling links may be employed for a communication to or from an element, function or application, like a communication endpoint, a communication network control element, such as a server, a gateway, a radio network controller, and other elements of the same or other communication networks besides those described in detail herein below.

[0076] A communication network architecture as being considered in examples of embodiments may also be able to communicate with other networks, such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet. The communication network may also be able to support the usage of cloud services for virtual network elements or functions thereof, wherein it is to be noted that the virtual network part of the telecommunication network can also be provided by non-cloud resources, e.g., an internal network or the like. It should be appreciated that network elements of an access system, of a core network etc., and/or respective functionalities may be implemented by using any node, host, server, access node or entity etc. being suitable for such a usage. Generally, a network function can be implemented either as a network element on a dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on a dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform, e.g., a cloud infrastructure.

[0077] Furthermore, a network element, such as communication elements, like a UE, a terminal device, control elements or functions, such as access network elements, like a base station / BS, a gNB, a radio network controller, a core network control element or function, such as a gateway element, or other network elements or functions, as described herein, and any other elements, functions or applications may be implemented by software, e.g., by a computer program product for a computer, and/or by hardware. For executing their respective processing, correspondingly used devices, nodes, functions or network elements may include several means, modules, units, components, etc. (not shown) which are required for control, processing and/or communication/signaling functionality. Such means, modules, units and components may include, for example, one or more processors or processor units including one or more processing portions for executing instructions and/or programs and/or for processing data, storage or memory units or means for storing instructions, programs and/or data, for serving as a work area of the processor or processing portion and the like (e.g. ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and the like), input or interface means for inputting data and instructions by software (e.g. floppy disc, CD-ROM, EEPROM, and the like), a user interface for providing monitor and manipulation possibilities to a user (e.g. a screen, a keyboard and the like), other interface or means for establishing links and/or connections under the control of the processor unit or portion (e.g. wired and wireless interface means, radio interface means including e.g. an antenna unit or the like, means for forming a radio communication part etc.) and the like, wherein respective means forming an interface, such as a radio communication part, can be also located on a remote site (e.g. a radio head or a radio station etc.). It is to be noted that in the present specification processing portions should not be only considered to represent physical portions of one or more processors, but may also be considered as a logical division of the referred processing tasks performed by one or more processors. It should be appreciated that according to some examples, a so-called “liquid” or flexible network concept may be employed where the operations and functionalities of a network element, a network function, or of another entity of the network, may be performed in different entities or functions, such as in a node, host or server, in a flexible manner. In other words, a “division of labor” between involved network elements, functions or entities may vary case by case.

[0078] As illustrated above, the present disclosure generally seeks to provide an efficient usage of MRSS SCells from spectral and energy point of view in the scenario where one of the MRSS SCells is dormant.

[0079] Basically MRSS, as for DSS, is an antenna technology that enables parallel use of different RATs, in particular MRSS allows 5G and 6G in the same frequency band. Demand for 6G and 5G may be determined in real-time and e.g., the available bandwidth is divided independently and it is decided dynamically for which RAT is used for the available frequencies. With MRSS the reassignment of certain frequencies or the purchase of additional frequency spectrum, is no longer necessary for 6G expansion.

[0080] According to a broad aspect, various example embodiments of present application assume that a 6G UE will also have NR capabilities, especially in the initial phases where MRSS is employed.

[0081] In one preferred implementation an MRSS SCell may be a shared cell supported by 2 different DU(CU) entities, one for 5G and one for the 6G counterpart. In case of a shared cell, e.g., one Radio Unit (RU) is shared and hence an overlapping coverage area is generated, in which e.g., 5G and/or 6G signals may be transmitted. Accordingly, a shared MRSS Cell, may be a cell with a 5G cell and a 6G cell sharing the same spectrum in the same coverage area, or at least partly the same spectrum and at least partly the same coverage area. In other words, such an MRSS SCell, which is a shared cell, may include a first Secondary Cell, first SCell, of a first RAT and a second Secondary Cell, second SCell, of a second RAT, which is different from the first RAT.

[0082] Moreover, according to the present disclosure may also cover an implementation with two separates, but interconnected gNBs, e.g., a 5G gNB and a 6G gNB, providing one shared MRSS cell, where, e.g. timely dependent the shared MRSS cell is used as a 5G cell, or 6G cell, thus as two cells. For example, if 6G is dormant, the shared MRSS cell is used as 5G cell only, or if 6G is active, the 5G cell is dormant, or if 6G is active and 5G is active, both may be used, e.g. by using e.g. TDM (time division multiplex). Therefore, the 6G cell inside the MRSS cell may be defined as or called an MRSS 6G cell (which may also include wordings like a 6G cell with MRSS functionality, or a 6G cell with a shared spectrum at least partly shared with a corresponding 5G cell, or a 6G MRSS cell and a 5G MRSS cell sharing at least in part the same spectrum and thus enabling dynamic use of overlapping spectrum as 5G and/or 6G, and thus supporting different RAT in at least partly the same coverage area). Further, in an exemplary implementation, a first network node (e.g. called a 6G base station, or 6G gNB, or 6G access node, 6G Transmission and Reception Point (TRP), and e.g. supporting CU-CP, CU-UP and/or DU functionality, or parts thereof) provides a Primary Cell PCell for a UE. A second network node (e.g. called a 6G base station, or 6G gNB, or 6G access node) provides a first Secondary Cell SCell for the UE. The first and the second node may be the same node or different nodes. The first SCell is used in e.g. carrier aggregation mode for capacity extension. The first SCell is e.g. a 6G MRSS SCell. A third network node (e.g. called a 5G base station, or 5G gNB, or 5G access node) provides a second Secondary Cell SCell for the UE. The first and the third node may be different nodes, or may share at least part of the equipment, e.g. at least one processor, memory, etc. The second SCell is used in e.g. carrier aggregation mode for capacity extension. The second SCell is e.g. a 5G MRSS SCell. The two MRSS SCells are covering at least partly the same coverage area and at least partly share the same spectrum, The exemplary implementation may further include MRSS software to coordinate the use of the shared spectrum shared by the 6G MRSS SCell and the 5G MRSS SCell. The MRSS software or parts thereof may e.g. be stored at at least one of the three network nodes. The three nodes may be located at the same or different location(s).

[0083] The proposed solution is, in one embodiment, based on only transmitting NR Control signals on an MRSS SCell which is dormant from 6G perspective. The UE would then perform NR measurements of this SCell and report them via its 6G PCell.

[0084] In this way, leveraging that the propagation characteristics for both the MRSS cells be similar, since MRSS will typically employ the same RU for NR and 6G.

[0085] In more detail, it is proposed in accordance with the present disclosure:

• A NR MRSS SCell may inform a 6G MRSS SCell of control channel configuration and beam patterns and mapping.

• A 6G MRSS SCell may provide a 6G UE with a different measurement and reporting configuration for dormant and non-dormant state.

• UE is configured with at least some layer 1 measurements of a different RAT for at least dormant state and when in the non-dormant state, the measurement and reporting could be based on some NR signals of the MRSS SCell. It could be the case that some LI measurements of the 6G UE cell are based on NR SSB and other are based on 6G signals which are e.g., seldomly sent.

• Optionally, UE can also be provided QCL information between 2 different RATs, in this case NR and 6G beams.

• UE may Reports Inter-RAT layer 1 measurements over a different RATs PUCCH/PUSCH.

• UE may perform prioritization of the measurements depending on beam ids, cell type and state. E.g., UE may have to also report other measurements on the same PUCCH resources configured for LI reporting. 3GPP 38.214 establishes some prioritization rules however these do not account for the state of the cell (dormant, nondormant) or type of cell (MRSS Scell, Scell, Supplementary DL only cell, etc). Furthermore, for MRSS Cells spatial division multiplexing (SDM) could be employed. In these scenarios a set of beams could be used for NR while another set of beams could be used for 6G simultaneously. To be able to accommodate for this efficient use of SDM, the gNB may request to the UE to prioritize LI reports if its best beams (e.g. beams with the highest measured RSRP values) are within a set configured by the gNB and they meet a certain criterion, for example their measured power is above a configured threshold. Note the beam ids would be configured based on the RAT signals the UE is configured to measure per state.

• UE may performs mapping/encoding of one RAT Layer 1 measurements to another RAT. For example, UE could just encode let’s say a 4 bit CQI field of NR to a 5 bit CQI field of 6G using a padding bit set to 0 always. Then gNB will know this CSI report corresponds to a NR SCell and translate the CQI to a 6G CQI value. The other option is that UE actually maps the NR CQI value to a 6G CQI value and then gNB can skip a translation step.

• A gNB may interpret/translate NR LI reports sent by UE over PUCCH/PUSCH. Based on the beam ids reported by 6G UEs for an MRSS SCell the gNB may determine whether a subset of beams for 6G should be enabled in an MRSS SCell.

• A gNB provides an indication to the UE of activation of a subset of beams while also indicating the transition from dormant to non-dormant state of the MRSS SCell

• For cases where the dormant and non-dormant reference signals are different, e.g. dormant 5G based and non-dormant 6G based: The 6G UE is aware that not all beams configured for the cell may be active from a 6G point of view, hence it can prioritize measurements for beams which are known to be active.

• In case a 6G UE detects a beam failure, it was informed that only a set of beams are active for the MRSS SCell and it cannot detect a suitable candidate beam for the MRSS SCell: The UE initiates Beam Failure Recovery (BFR) for SCell via MAC CE indicating no candidate beams. Alternatively, the UE and Network transition the MRSS SCell to dormant state. In particular, current specifications do not define what the SCell state should be when a BFR is triggered with no available beam candidates. For the MRSS SCell with only a subset of beams activated. There could be other suitable beams for the UE which are not currently activated with non-dormant reference signals for LI measurement and hence the UE and gNB may consider that the MRSS SCell can yet be monitored in dormant state and be employed with a different set of active beams.

[0086] Furthermore, beams in NR and 6G could be different, but 6G could do some mapping between the beams of the two cells to determine how the reporting maps to the 6G beams.

[0087] In some scenarios, SCell configuration for dormant and non-donnant state for a 6G UE in an MRSS cell could be all based on the dormant state configuration, i.e., always based on NR SSB/CSI-RS. The scenarios where this could be applicable would be in FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) bands e.g. where typically beam forming is not employed or TDD (Time Division Duplex) bands in which the 6G and NR beam grid are very similar.

[0088] Further, the idea proposes to re-use the NR SSB/CSI-RS for the 6G SCell dormant state to maintain backward compatibility to 5G legacy devices.

[0089] With the above configurations proposed in accordance with the present application, only transmitting NR Control signals on an MRSS SCell which is dormant from 6G perspective. The UE would then perform NR measurements of this SCell and report them via its 6G PCell.

[0090] Tn 6G dormant mode, 5G measurements may be extended by occasionally incorporating partial 6G measurements. It provides the advantage of supplementing less accurate 5G measurements with assistance information from partial 6G measurements, resulting in improved overall results. Despite the inclusion of partial 6G measurements, the total number of measurements remains fewer than conducting complete 6G measurements.

[0091] In the non-dormant mode, 6G measurements may be extended or supplemented by at least partial 5G measurements. This extension offers the advantage of leveraging both 5G and 6G measurements to facilitate a seamless transition between the two technologies and provide optimal support for 6G data transmission. By combining measurements from both RATs, this approach enables efficient switching between 5G and 6G and enhances the overall performance of the system.

[0092] As a result, leverages dormant SCell state to allow for quick capacity sharing between 5G and 6G, and enables efficient usage of MRSS SCells from spectral and energy point of view since Layer 1 overhead of 6G is reduced and hence 6G gNB would have less downlink (DL) transmissions to be performed. [0093] In view thereof, the present disclosure generally proposes apparatuses (such as UE, DU, CU, or the like) as well as corresponding methods to address some or all of the aboveillustrated remarks, particularly in an efficient and flexible manner.

[0094] Before going into detail of the example embodiments of the present disclosure, it may also be worthwhile to provide a brief description - from a high/abstract level perspective - that could serve as a basis for understanding possible underlying technologies (and the terminologies used therein) that are described in the present disclosure. However, as has been indicated above, the techniques described in the present disclosure may be applicable to some other possible technologies, for example with suitable/appropriate adaptation wherever necessary, as can be understood and appreciated by the skilled person.

[0095] References are now made to the figures. It is to be noted that identical or like reference numbers used in the figures of the present disclosure may, unless indicated otherwise, indicate identical or like elements, such that repeated description thereof may be omitted for reasons of conciseness.

[0096] For Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing (MRSS) functions, multiple radio access technologies share the same spectrum, e.g., LTE and NR or NR and 6G. Particularly relevant will this function be during the initial deployment of 6G, and it is expected that operators will aim for 6G user equipment (UE) to exhibit a performance comparable to that of NR, in order to incentivize the adoption of 6G technology.

[0097] The efficient deployment of SCells and in particular dormant SCells presents a challenge due to the requirement of reference signals for e.g. Channel State Information (CSI), Automatic Gain Control (AGC), and beam management of a 6G UE. Accordingly, when considering MRSS, one challenge is to transmit on said SCell signals for 5G UEs and also signals for 6G UEs.

[0098] Consequently, if double the signals are transmitted, also the overhead will be doubled, which is not efficient. More particularly, for layer 1 measurements usually the resources for the payload are restricted and periodically reserved per UE in connection mode. Increasing the payload is therefore difficult since it would lead to higher overhead per UE.

[0099] In the initial configuration, a 6G UE is in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity mode and is connected via a PCell and via an SCell. A 6G UE supports other RATs so that the UE for example includes a 5G receiver in order to be available to services that are not supported by 6G. Moreover, in case when the Cells are in 6G, accordingly a 6G PCell and a MRSS SCell which is shared between 5G and 6G, UE is measuring the 6G SSB and staying synchronized, for allowing to continuously receive data. [00100] When the SCell is dormant (at least when dormant, in a further development also when non-dormant), a 5G signal is used. A UE which is a 6G UE, can keep the synchronization by using a 5G signal and perform it's reporting to a 6G cell. An inter-RAT measurement at layer 1 can then be performed and forwarded via a layer 1 measurement report to the PCell. In other words, the UE has to format the measurement message to send it on a 6G signal and inform the cell of the 6G PCell that, this is a 5G signal sent over. Alternatively, the 5G or the 6G PCell already knows about the configuration of the received signal since it is configured accordingly.

[00101] In the particular case when the MRSS Cell goes dormant for the 6G, for example if there are no 6G users, an efficient configuration according to the present disclosure is suggested which can reduce the additional overhead. This additional overhead is not needed since it is blocking capacity for 5G. It is therefore proposed to configure the network and UE such that the 6G UE measures the 5G LI measurements from the SCell and forwards it to the 6G PCell and particularly a CSI report.

[00102] Illustrated in figure 1A and IB is an example of a message sequence chart depicting the proposed framework. In the initial configuration, a 6G UE is in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity mode and is connected via a PCell and via at least one MRSS SCell. The 6G UE supports different RATs. As it can be observed initially the NR MRSS SCell and the 6G MRSS SCell exchange information.

[00103] In step S101, the 6G UE and 6G - CU establish the RRC connection.

[00104] In step S102, NR MRSS SCell provides the 6G MRSS SCell information about the periodicity of its NR SSB/CSLRS and its beam patterns (beam mapping information). This exchange can be performed over Xn or another suitable interface (open or proprietary).

[00105] In step S 103, the UE receives, from the PCell, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the 6G MRSS SCell, wherein at least for the dormant state the UE is provided with information e.g., on the NR SSB/NR-CSLRS, QCL for mapping between NR and 6G beams and optionally how to perform reporting to the 6G cell (in particular the 5G-6G mapping for reporting).

[00106] The provided configuration to the 6G UE can preferably also include a list of different subsets of beams. The 6G MRSS SCell may provide these so that the UE could use these along with additional prioritization rules for CSI reporting.

[00107] Each list of subset of beams may be associated with a different priority and the priority associated may be different for different times of the day. For the prioritization a criterion such as a minimum threshold of measured power per beam could be included in the configuration.

[00108] In step S104, the UE monitors the state of the 6G MRSS SCell, and in case of determining the dormant state of the 6G MRSS SCell, perform LI measurements of signals of the NR MRSS SCell supporting the NR RAT, in accordance with the received configuration information.

[00109] In step S105, the UE transmits an adapted LI measurement report, towards the 6G network node via 6G PCell, wherein the adapted LI measurement report for the 6G RAT is generated based on the performed LI measurements of the NR RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the 6G RAT.

[00110] After receiving the adapted LI measurement report and particularly of the CSI feedback it is determined at the SCell whether the received feedback is an NR signal-based feedback. Moreover, based on the report it is further determined whether to activate the 6G SCell (non-dormant state) at least for a subset of 6G beams.

100111 | In figure 1 A, in step S 106 a 6G reference signal is transmitted to the UE on a subset of beams by the NR MRSS SCell. Moreover, in step SI 07 the 6G PCell may transmit the DCI indication for state transition to the UE. In step SI 07, 6G UE receives the DCI indication for the state transition. In step S108, the 6G UE may transition to 6G signals/beams, and start to monitor the state of the 6G MRSS SCell. Subsequently, in step S 109, in case the 6G UE detects a beam failure on 6G MRSS SCell and no candidate beams are available, the 6G UE sends a MAC control element (CE) which includes the BFR failure for beams of MRSS SCell to the 6G PCell. In this way, 6G UE considers the MRSS SCell as in the dormant state, and the 6G PCell considers the MRSS SCell state for 6G UE also as dormant.

[00112] Further, the configuration for the reporting could be based on UE capability, where one type of UE just performs padding/truncation of fields and another type of UE performs translation followed by encoding of some measurement metrics, such as CQI, from NR to 6G. [00113] The provided configuration for the 6G UE can also include a list of different subsets of beams. The 6G MRSS SCell may provide these so that UE could use these along with other prioritization rules for CSI reporting. Each list of subsets of beams could be associated with a different priority and the priority associated could be different for different times of the day. For the prioritization it is suggested to select a criterion such as a minimum threshold of measured power per beam included in the configuration. [00114] Upon detection of the 6G UE that an MRSS SCell is dormant, the UE proceeds to employ the 6G gNB configured measurement and reporting for dormant state of that cell.

[00115] In the depicted scenario the UE measures the MRSS SCell NR SSB/CSI-RS and performs the reporting on the PUCCH or PUSCH of its 6G PCell. Since the 6G gNB is also aware of the dormant/non-dormant state of the SCell, it will know how the SCell is measured and reported and hence how it should decode and interpret the data.

[00116] Note that in this example, the 6G UE only uses NR signals for dormant SCell measurements and reporting, but in a further development, certain NR signals are also coupled with 6G signals. The 6G signals in this scenario could be infrequent and for specific 6G measurements or for fine tuning of the NR measurements.

[00117] From the 6G UE perspective, if prioritization of CSI report needs to be done for PUCCH reporting and SCell (independently if it is an MRSS SCell or not) in dormant state could be assigned lower priority and an MRSS Cell in dormant state could be assigned even lower priority allowing e.g. non MRSS SCells or MRSS SCells in non-dormant state to be prioritized.

|00118| Based on the provided configuration the UE may need to prioritize reporting for beams within certain beam subsets. These subsets of beams could be established by the gNB based on e.g., beams less frequently used by the NR MRSS Scell during specific periods of time. These beams subsets would be employed by the 6G MRSS SCell to employ Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM) with the NR MRSS SCell such that bot the RATs can benefit from using the same air interface resources simultaneously via the use of different beams.

[00119] Accordingly, based on the described configuration forwarding layer one measurements in the dormant state is possible, wherein the measurements are performed in 5G and reported in 6G (reporting format is 6G). The additional overhead can therefore be reduced, preferably without additional signaling.

[00120] In a further development, based on the provided configuration information, the UE may prioritize reporting for beams within certain beam subsets. These subsets of beams could be established by the gNB based on criteria such as e.g., beams less frequently used by the NR MRSS Scell during specific periods of time. These beam subsets may be employed by the 6G MRSS SCell to employ Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM) with the NR MRSS SCell such that bot the RATs can benefit from using the same air interface resources simultaneously via the use of different beams.

[00121] Moreover, upon indication to a 6G UE of the transition from dormant to non-dormant state of an MRSS SCell, the 6G MRSS SCell may also indicate if only a subset of beams is being activated. In this scenario the UE preferably reduces the monitoring efforts for beams not included in the subset of active beams. Additionally, if the UE detects a beam failure and no other candidate beams are detected it may report this to the 6G PCell and then transition the MRSS Scell to a dormant state.

[00122] As a result, dormant SCell state is improved to allow for quick capacity sharing between different RATs. Moreover, efficient usage of MRSS SCells from spectral and energy point of view can be achieved. Layer 1 overhead of 6G is reduced and hence 6G gNB has less downlink transmissions to be performed.

[00123] Also, in figure IB, where steps S101 to S104 are like in figure 1A, the UE monitors the state of the 6G MRSS SCell in S104, and in case of determining the dormant state of the 6G MRSS SCell, perform LI measurements of signals of the NR MRSS SCell supporting the NR RAT, in accordance with the received configuration information. Moreover, the 6G CU may switch to configuration for reception of CSI feedback and in step S105 the UE transmits an adapted LI measurement report, towards the 6G network node via 6G PCell, wherein the adapted LI measurement report for the 6G RAT is generated based on the performed LI measurements of the NR RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the 6G RAT.

[00124] In Figure 2 a flow chart of the actions to be taken by a UE is shown, where the UE employs 6G signals for SCell in non-dormant state.

[00125] In step 202, monitoring the state of the 6G MRSS SCell is performed.

[00126] In step 203, in case of determining the non-dormant state of the 6G MRSS SCell, measurements and reporting is based on 6G signals.

[00127] Moreover, in step 210, it is detected if the beam failure on 6G MRSS SCell is triggered and if there are no candidate beams available, while MRSS SCell is only activated for a subset of beams. When the result of is NO, the method returns to back to step 209, to proceed as in normal procedures. When the result of the detection in step 210 is YES, the 6G UE transmits the BFR for beams of MRSS SCell to the 6G PCell, and transition the SCell into the dormant state.

[00128] Note that it is assumed that the SCell in the non-dormant state employs 6G signals for beam alignment, AGC, CSI reporting etc. and NR signals for these purposes when the SCell is in dormant state, however as described above there are additional scenarios possible, in particular:

[00129] The configuration of NR/6G signals may be employed for reporting and the configuration may be different per SCell and also dependent on the UE capability. [00130] The UE may be configured to use/employ NR signals for measurement and reporting in dormant and non-dormant state of the SCell(s).

[00131] The UE may be configured to use/employ NR and 6G signals for measurement and reporting in dormant state and only 6G signals for non-dormant state of the SCell(s). In this scenario for the dormant state the NR signals may be assisted by some light weight, small overhead 6G signals to improve the performance of the reporting. For example, the NR signals could have a periodicity of 20ms and be based on the NR SSB while the 6G assistance signal could be based on a reference signal with only 160ms of periodicity to help the UE to improve deriving the propagation characteristics (average delay, delay spread, doppler shift, doppler spread etc). 20 ms and 160ms being exemplary numbers. In general, it is beneficial to choose a 6G assistance signal with a higher periodicity than the associated NR signal. Periodicity may be one selection criteria. Another selection criteria which may be used in addition or separate could be: choose a 6G assistance signal which is complementary in content to the associated NR signal to enable to supplement the informative value of the measurement results of the NR signals.

|00132| The UE may be configured to use/employ NR and 6G signals for measurement and reporting in dormant state and non-dormant state of the SCell(s). This scenario is a further extension of the one above-described scenario for the non-dormant state. From an overhead perspective a NR reference signal, which needs to be persistently transmitted for the 5G devices, with the addition of a light weight 6G reference signal (e.g. less than the full 6G reference signal, less in e.g. number of signals used, or lower periodicity, reference signals other than already covered or represented by NR reference signals used) leads to lower overall overhead than a NR reference signal and a full 6G reference signal. MRSS Cells support to RATs and minimizing the overheads is fundamental to increase the spectral efficiency.

[00133] In summary, the utilization of the dormant SCell state enables rapid capacity sharing between 5G and 6G networks. This approach facilitates efficient utilization of MRSS SCells in terms of spectral and energy efficiency, as it reduces the Layer 1 overhead associated with 6G. Consequently, the 6G gNB (base station) can minimize downlink (DL) transmissions, leading to improved network performance.

[00134] It is further noted that CSI report needs to be done for PUCCH reporting and SCell (independently if it’s an MRSS SCell or not) and in dormant state may be assigned lower priority wherein an MRSS Cell in dormant state may be assigned an even lower priority allowing e.g., non MRSS SCells or MRSS SCells in non-dormant state to be prioritized. [00135] The configuration of NR/6G signals employed for reporting and configuration can be different per SCell and also dependent on UE capability.

[00136] In figure 3 A and 3B an example for reference signals in dormant and non-dormant 6G states of the 6G MRSS SCell from 6G UE perspective is shown.

[00137] In the initial configuration, a 6G UE is in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity mode and is connected via a 6G PCell and via an MRSS SCell. The 6G UE supports other RATs so that the UE for example includes a 5G receiver in order to be available to services that are not supported by 6G. Moreover, in case when the Cells are in 6G, accordingly a 6G PCell and a MRSS SCell which is shared between 5G and 6G, UE is measuring the 6G SSB and staying synchronized, for allowing to continuously receive data.

[00138] The UE is configured with at least some layer 1 measurements of a different RAT for at least the dormant state and when in the non-dormant state, the measurement and reporting could be based on some NR signals of the MRSS SCell. When the MRSS SCell is in nondormant 6G, measuring may be performed with 6G SSB, as shown in figure 3A.

[00139] However, when the MRSS SCell is dormant from a 6G perspective (i.e., dormant mode in 6G perspective may define that said cell cannot be used to transmit data using 6G), a 5G signal is used. The UE which is a 6G UE, can keep the synchronization by using a 5G signal and perform it's reporting via the 6G PCell. The inter- RAT measurement at layer 1 can then be performed and forwarded via a layer 1 the measurement report to the PCell. In other words, the UE formats the measurement message to send it on a 6G signal and inform the 6G PCell that this is a 5G signal sent over. Alternatively, the 5G or the 6GPCell already knows about the configuration of the received signal since it is configured accordingly.

[00140] Accordingly, in the particular case when the MRSS Cell goes dormant for the 6G, for example if there are no 6G users, an efficient configuration according to the present disclosure is suggested which can reduce the additional overhead. This additional overhead is not needed since it is blocking capacity for 5G. It is therefore proposed to configure the network and UE such that the 6G UE measures the 5G LI measurements from the SCell and forwards it to the 6G PCell and particularly a CSI report.

[00141] It is noted that, although in the above- illustrated example embodiments (with reference to the figures), the messages communicated/exchanged between the network components/elements may appear to have specific/explicit names, depending on various implementations (e.g., the underlining technologies), these messages may have different names and/or be communicated/exchanged in different forms/formats, as can be understood and appreciated by the skilled person. [00142] According to some example embodiments, there are also provided corresponding methods suitable to be carried out by the apparatuses (network elements/components) as described above, such as the UE, the CU, the DU, etc.

[00143] It should nevertheless be noted that the apparatus (device) features described above correspond to respective method features that may however not be explicitly described, for reasons of conciseness. The disclosure of the present document is considered to extend also to such method features. In particular, the present disclosure is understood to relate to methods of operating the devices described above, and/or to providing and/or arranging respective elements of these devices.

[00144] Further, according to some further example embodiments, there is also provided a respective apparatus (e.g., implementing the UE, the CU, the DU, etc., as described above) that comprises at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the respective apparatus to at least perform the respective steps as described above.

|00145 | Yet in some other example embodiments, there is provided a respective apparatus (e.g., implementing the UE, the CU, the DU, etc., as described above) that comprises respective means configured to at least perform the respective steps as described above.

[00146] It is to be noted that examples of embodiments of the disclosure are applicable to various different network configurations. In other words, the examples shown in the abovedescribed figures, which are used as a basis for the above discussed examples, are only illustrative and do not limit the present disclosure in any way. That is, additional further existing and proposed new functionalities available in a corresponding operating environment may be used in connection with examples of embodiments of the disclosure based on the principles defined.

[00147] It should also to be noted that the disclosed example embodiments can be implemented in many ways using hardware and/or software configurations. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented using dedicated hardware and/or hardware in association with software executable thereon. The components and/or elements in the figures are examples only and do not limit the scope of use or functionality of any hardware, software in combination with hardware, firmware, embedded logic component, or a combination of two or more such components implementing particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00148] It should further be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and embodiment outlined in the present disclosure are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the proposed method. Furthermore, all statements herein providing principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

List of abbreviations

AGC: Automatic Gain Control

BFD: Beam Failure Detection

CQI: Channel Quality Indicator

CSI: Channel State Information

CSLRS: CSI Reference Symbol

DSS: Dynamic Spectrum Sharing

FDD: Frequency Division Duplex

MRSS: Multi RAT Spectrum Sharing

PCell: Primary cell

PSCell : Primary cell of the secondary cell group

PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel

PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel

QCL : Quasi-Co-location

RAT: Radio Access Technology

RRC Radio resource control

RSRP: Reference Signal Resource Power

SCell: Secondary Cell

SDM: Spatial Division Multiplexing

SSB: Synchronization Signaling Block

SSBRI : SSB Resource Indicator

TDD: Time Division Duplex

UE: User equipment

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A User Equipment, UE, configured to support connecting via a Primary Cell, PCell, towards a first network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, and via at least one of two Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cells, MRSS SCells, wherein the two MRSS SCells are covering at least partly the same coverage area and at least partly share the same spectrum, wherein a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting the first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first RATs and the second RATs are different RATs, wherein the UE comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to: connect via the PCell towards the first network node, connect via the first MRSS SCell towards the second network node, receive, from the PCell, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT, monitor the state of the first MRSS SCell, and in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, perform LI measurements of signals of the second MRSS SCell supporting the second RAT, in accordance with the received configuration information; generate an adapted LI measurement report for the first RAT based on the performed LI measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the first RAT ; and transmit the adapted LI measurement report, towards the first network node via the PCell.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first radio access technology is 6G.

3. The UE according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the LI measurements are inter- RAT layer 1 measurements.

4.The UE according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UE is further configured to employ 5G to 6G beam mapping via Quasi-Co-location, QCL, assistance information in case the second radio access technology is 5G.

5. The UE according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration information for layer 1 includes at least one of the following: a configuration to measure the channel state information, CSI; the signals to be measured; an indication whether to measure the NR SSB/CSLRS or 6G; the QCL, mapping between different RATs; the state of the MRSS SCell to be measured.

6. The UE according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein based on the configuration information, UE CSI reporting is configured differently for dormant and non-dormant states.

7. The UE according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inter-RAT reporting is performed over the PCell layer 1 to the first network node.

8. The UE according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UE is a 6G user equipment with carrier aggregation and/or dual connectivity capability and configured to perform prioritization of LI measurements depending on at least one of beam ids, cell types and cell state.

9. The UE according to claim 1, wherein in case not all beams configured for the MRSS SCell are active for 6G, the UE prioritizes measurements for beams such that the best beams are within the configured set of beams.

10. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the second RAT is different than 6G RAT.

11. The UE according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UE is further configured to use at least a configured part of the first RAT signals and at least a configured part of the second RAT signals for measurement and reporting in dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, and to use at least a configured part of the first RAT signals for measurement and reporting in non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, wherein the configured parts of the first RAT signals of dormant and non-dormant state differ.

12. The UE according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UE is further configured to use at least part of the first RAT signals and at least part of the second RAT signals for measurement and reporting in dormant state and non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell.

13. The UE according to claiml 2, wherein the UE is further configured to use the second RAT signals and part of first RAT signals for measurements in the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell.

14. The UE according to claiml2 or 13, wherein the UE is further configured to use first RAT signals and at least part of the second RAT signals for measurements in the non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell.

15. A first network node, that supports a first radio access technology, first RAT, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instruction which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network node at least to: establish a connection with a user equipment apparatus, UE, via a Primary cell, PCell, and a connection with at least one of two network nodes, wherein a second network node supports the first RAT and a first Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cell, MRSS SCell, wherein a third network node supports a second RAT and a second MRSS SCell, wherein the two MRSS SCells are covering at least partly the same coverage area and at least partly share the same spectrum , and wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs, transmit, to the UE, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT, receive, an adapted LI measurement report for the first RAT, from the UE via the PCell, wherein the adapted LI measurement report is generated based on LI measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the first RAT, wherein the LI measurements of second RAT is performed in accordance with the sent configuration information in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell.

16. A method of a User Equipment, UE, configured to support connecting via a Primary Cell, PCell, towards a first network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, and via at least one of two Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cells, MRSS SCells, wherein the two MRSS SCells are covering at least partly the same coverage area, wherein a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting the first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs, wherein the method comprises: connect via the PCell towards the first network node, connect via the first MRSS SCell towards the second network node, receive, from the PCell, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT, monitor the state of the first MRSS SCell, and in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell, perform LI measurements of signals of the second MRSS SCell supporting the second RAT, in accordance with the received configuration information; generate an adapted LI measurement report for the first RAT based on the performed LI measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the first RAT; and transmit the adapted LI measurement report, towards the first network node via the PCell.

17. A method of a first network node, that supports a first radio access technology, first RAT, the method comprising: establish a connection with a user equipment apparatus, UE, via a Primary cell, PCell, and a connection with at least one of two Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cells, MRSS SCells, wherein a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting the first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs, transmit, to the UE, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non-dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT, receive, an adapted LI measurement report for the first RAT, from the UE via the PCell, wherein the adapted LI measurement report is generated based on LI measurements of the second RAT by mapping and/or encoding information related to at least part of the performed measurements into a format supported by the first RAT, wherein the LI measurements of second RAT is performed in accordance with the sent configuration information in case of determining the dormant state of the first MRSS SCell.

18. A method of a second network node, that supports a first Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cell, first MRSS SCell, wherein the first MRSS SCell is provided via the second network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, and a second MRSS SCell is provided via a third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs, the method comprising: transmit, to a Primary Cell, PCell, towards a first network node supporting a first RAT, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a nondormant state of the first MRSS SCell, wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the non-dormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT.

19. A method of third network node, that supports a second Multi-Radio access technology Spectrum Sharing Secondary Cell, second MRSS SCell, wherein the second MRSS SCell is provided via the third network node supporting a second radio access technology, second RAT, and a first MRSS SCell is provided via a second network node supporting a first radio access technology, first RAT, wherein the first and the second RATs are different RATs, the method comprising: transmit, to a Primary Cell, PCell, towards a first network node supporting a first RAT, configuration information for layer 1, LI, measurements considering a dormant and a non- dormant state of the first MRSS SCell; wherein the configuration for the dormant state is related to LI measurements of signals of the second RAT, and wherein the configuration for the nondormant state is related to LI measurements of the first RAT.

20. A computer program comprising instructions for causing to perform the method according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

21 . A memory storing computer readable instructions for causing an apparatus perform the method according to any one of claims 14 to 17.