CN120077701A

CN120077701A - Inter-RAT measurement without measurement gap

Info

Publication number: CN120077701A
Application number: CN202380069493.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 唐治汛; 李鸣; 穆罕默德·阿里·卡兹米
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2022-09-30
Filing date: 2023-09-27
Publication date: 2025-05-30
Also published as: EP4595523A1; WO2024072293A1

Abstract

Methods implemented by a wireless device and a network node, and corresponding wireless devices and network nodes are disclosed. According to an embodiment, the wireless device (22) is configured to communicate with the network node (16). The wireless device receives (S138) a configuration for inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps. The configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The wireless device performs (S140) inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps on at least one cell in the active measurement window based on the configuration.

Description

Inter-RAT measurement without measurement gap

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps.

Background

The third generation partnership project (3 GPP) has developed and is developing standards for fourth generation (4G) (also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and fifth generation (5G) (also known as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Such a system provides, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes (e.g., base stations) and mobile Wireless Devices (WDs), as well as communication between network nodes and between WDs. Sixth generation (6G) wireless communication systems are also under development.

Wireless device measurements

The wireless device performs measurements on one or more Downlink (DL) and/or Uplink (UL) Reference Signals (RSs) of one or more cells in different wireless device active states (e.g., radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, RRC inactive state, RRC connected state, etc.). The measured cell may belong to or operate on the same carrier frequency as the carrier frequency of the serving cell (e.g., the same frequency carrier), or it may belong to or operate on a different carrier frequency than the carrier frequency of the serving cell (e.g., a non-serving carrier frequency). A non-serving carrier may be referred to as an inter-frequency carrier if the serving cell and the measured cell belong to the same Radio Access Technology (RAT) but to different carriers. If the serving cell and the measured cell belong to different RATs, the non-serving carrier may be referred to as an inter-RAT carrier. Examples of downlink RSs are signals in a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), channel state information RS (CSI-RS), CRS, demodulation reference signals (DMRS), primary Synchronization Signals (PSS), secondary Synchronization Signals (SSS), signals in a synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block (SSB), discovery Reference Signals (DRS), positioning Reference Signals (PRS), etc. Examples of uplink RSs are signals in Sounding Reference Signals (SRS), DMRS, etc.

In 4 consecutive symbols, each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS and NR-PBCH. One or more SSBs are transmitted in one SSB burst that is repeated with a particular period (e.g., 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, and 160 ms). The wireless device is configured with information regarding SSBs on cells of a particular carrier frequency via one or more SS/PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration includes parameters such as SMTC period, SMTC occasion time length or duration, SMTC time offset (e.g. SFN of serving cell) of reference time, etc. Thus, SMTC opportunities may also occur with certain periods (e.g., 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, and 160 ms).

Examples of measurements are cell identification (e.g., PCI acquisition, PSS/SSS detection, cell search, etc.), reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP), reference Symbol Received Quality (RSRQ), secondary synchronization RSRP (SS-RSRP), SS-RSRQ, SINR, RS-SINR, SS-SINR, CSI-RSRP, CSI-RSRQ, received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), system Information (SI) acquisition, cell Global ID (CGI) acquisition, reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), UERX-TX time difference measurement, radio Link Monitoring (RLM) (which consists of out of sync detection and in sync detection), etc.

The wireless device is typically configured with measurement configuration and measurement reporting configuration by the network (e.g., via RRC messages), e.g., measurement gap mode, carrier frequency information, type of measurement (e.g., RSRP, etc.), higher layer filter coefficients, time to trigger reporting, reporting mechanism (e.g., periodicity, event triggered reporting, event triggered periodic reporting, etc.), etc.

The measurements are performed for various purposes. Some example measurement objectives include wireless device mobility (e.g., cell change, cell selection, cell reselection, handover, RRC connection reestablishment, etc.), wireless device location or position determination self-organizing network (SON), minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), operation and maintenance (O & M), network planning and optimization, etc.

Inter NRRAT LTE measurements

In NR, inter-RAT measurements are defined for NR-E-UTRAN FDD and NR-E-UTRAN TDD measurements and are applicable to wireless devices in the RRC_CONNECTED state without an explicit E-UTRAN neighbor cell list containing physical layer cell identities. inter-RAT measurements are performed in measurement gaps or NCSG.

When the wireless device needs a measurement gap or NCSG to identify and measure inter-RAT cells and schedule the appropriate measurement gap pattern or NCSG, or when the wireless device supports concurrent measurement gap pattern and schedules concurrent measurement gap pattern, or schedules and activates the appropriate pre-MG, the wireless device can identify a new detectable FDD cell within T _{Identify,E-UTRAN FDD} according to the following expression:

wherein:

T_{BasicIdentify}=480ms,

When using the measurement gap, T _Inter1 is defined in table 1 below, and when using NCSG, T _Inter1 is defined in table 2.

TABLE 1 minimum available time for inter-RAT measurements when measurement gaps are configured

TABLE 2 shortest availability time for inter-RAT measurements when NCSG is configured

CSSF _interRAT=CSSF_{within_gap,i} when a measurement gap is configured, or CSSF _{within_ncsg,i} when NCSG is configured, is the scaling factor of the measured inter-RAT E-UTRA carrier i.

Measuring gap

The wireless device performs measurements on cells of non-serving carriers (e.g., inter-frequency carriers, inter-RAT carriers, etc.) using a Measurement Gap Pattern (MGP). In NR, in some scenarios, for example, if the measured signal (e.g., SSB) is outside the bandwidth portion (BWP) of the serving cell, the gap is also used for measurement of the cell serving the carrier. The wireless device is only scheduled in the serving cell within the BWP. During this gap, the wireless device cannot be scheduled to receive/transmit signals in the serving cell. The measurement gap pattern is characterized or defined by several parameters, a Measurement Gap Length (MGL), a Measurement Gap Repetition Period (MGRP), and a measurement gap time offset relative to a reference time (e.g., a slot offset relative to the SFN of the serving cell (e.g., sfn=0)). An example of MGP is shown in fig. 1. For example, the MGL may be 1.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, or 6ms, and the MGRP may be 20, 40, 80, or 160ms. This type of MGP is configured by a network node and is also referred to as a network controlled or network configurable MGP. Thus, the serving base station is fully aware of the timing of each gap within the MGP.

In NR, there are two main classes of MGPs, a measurement gap pattern per wireless device and a measurement gap pattern per FR. In NR, the spectrum is divided into two frequency ranges, FR1 and FR2.FR1 is currently defined as from 410MHz to 7125MHz. FR2 is currently defined as ranging from 24250MHz to 71000MHz. The FR2 range is also interchangeably referred to as millimeter wave (mmwave), and the corresponding frequency band in FR2 is referred to as millimeter wave frequency band. In the future, further frequency ranges, such as FR3, may be specified. Examples of FR3 are frequencies in the range between 7125MHz and 24250MHz or above 71000MHz.

When configured with per-wireless device MGPs, wireless devices create gaps on all serving cells (e.g., PCell, PSCell, SCell, etc.), regardless of their frequency ranges. The wireless device may perform measurements on cells of any carrier frequency belonging to any RAT or Frequency Range (FR) using the per wireless device MGP. When configured with per-FR MGPs (if the wireless device supports this capability), the wireless device creates a gap only on the serving cells of the indicated FR whose carrier is to be measured. For example, if the wireless device is configured with MGPs per FR1, the wireless device only creates measurement gaps on the serving cell of FR1 (e.g., PCell, PSCell, SCell, etc.), and not on the serving cell on the carrier of FR 2. Each FR1 gap may be used for measurements of cells of FR1 carriers only. Similarly, when configured, each FR2 gap occurs only on the FR2 serving cell and can be used for measurements on cells of only the FR2 carrier. Supporting per FR gaps is a wireless device capability, i.e., some wireless devices may only support per wireless device gap depending on their capabilities.

The RRC message provided by the network node to the wireless device for measurement gap configuration is shown below, according to the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.331 v 17.1.0):

-MeasGapConfig

IE MeasGapConfig specifies the measurement gap configuration and controls the setting/release of the measurement gap.

MeasGapConfig information element

-- ASN1START

-- TAG-MEASGAPCONFIG-START

MeasGapConfig ::= SEQUENCE {

gapFR2 SetupRelease { GapConfig } OPTIONAL, -- Need M

...,

[[

gapFR1 SetupRelease { GapConfig } OPTIONAL, -- Need M

gapUE SetupRelease { GapConfig } OPTIONAL -- Need M

]],

[[

gapToAddModList-r17 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxNrofGapId-r17)) OF GapConfig-r17 OPTIONAL, -- Need N

gapToReleaseList-r17 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxNrofGapId-r17)) OF MeasGapId-r17 OPTIONAL, -- Need N

posMeasGapPreConfigToAddModList-r17

PosMeasGapPreConfigToAddModList-r17 OPTIONAL, -- Need N

posMeasGapPreConfigToReleaseList-r17 PosMeasGapPreConfigToReleaseList-r17 OPTIONAL -- Need N

]]

}

GapConfig ::= SEQUENCE {

gapOffset INTEGER (0..159),

mgl ENUMERATED {ms1dot5, ms3, ms3dot5, ms4, ms5dot5, ms6},

mgrp ENUMERATED {ms20, ms40, ms80, ms160},

mgta ENUMERATED {ms0, ms0dot25, ms0dot5},

...,

[[

refServCellIndicator ENUMERATED {pCell, pSCell, mcg-FR2} OPTIONAL -- Cond NEDCorNRDC

]],

[[

refFR2ServCellAsyncCA-r16 ServCellIndex OPTIONAL, -- Cond AsyncCA

mgl-r16 ENUMERATED {ms10, ms20} OPTIONAL -- Cond PRS

]]

}

GapConfig-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

measGapId-r17 MeasGapId-r17,

gapType-r17 ENUMERATED {perUE, perFR1, perFR2},

gapOffset-r17 INTEGER (0..159),

mgl-r17 ENUMERATED {ms1, ms1dot5, ms2, ms3, ms3dot5, ms4, ms5, ms5dot5, ms6, ms10, ms20},

mgrp-r17 ENUMERATED {ms20, ms40, ms80, ms160},

mgta-r17 ENUMERATED {ms0, ms0dot25, ms0dot5, ms0dot75},

refServCellIndicator-r17 ENUMERATED {pCell, pSCell, mcg-FR2} OPTIONAL, -- Cond NEDCorNRDC

refFR2-ServCellAsyncCA-r17 ServCellIndex OPTIONAL, -- Cond AsyncCA

preConfigInd-r17 ENUMERATED {true} OPTIONAL, -- Need R

ncsgInd-r17 ENUMERATED {true} OPTIONAL, -- Need R

gapAssociationPRS-r17 ENUMERATED {true} OPTIONAL, -- Need R

gapSharing-r17 MeasGapSharingScheme OPTIONAL, -- Need R

gapPriority-r17 GapPriority-r17 OPTIONAL, -- Need R

...

}

PosMeasGapPreConfigToAddModList-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxNrofPreConfigPosGapId-r17)) OF PosGapConfig-r17

PosMeasGapPreConfigToReleaseList-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxNrofPreConfigPosGapId-r17)) OF MeasPosPreConfigGapId-r17

PosGapConfig-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

measPosPreConfigGapId-r17 MeasPosPreConfigGapId-r17,

gapOffset-r17 INTEGER (0..159),

mgl-r17 ENUMERATED {ms1dot5, ms3, ms3dot5, ms4, ms5dot5, ms6, ms10, ms20},

mgrp-r17 ENUMERATED {ms20, ms40, ms80, ms160},

mgta-r17 ENUMERATED {ms0, ms0dot25, ms0dot5},

gapType-r17 ENUMERATED {perUE, perFR1, perFR2},

...

}

MeasPosPreConfigGapId-r17 ::= INTEGER (1..maxNrofPreConfigPosGapId-r17)

-- TAG-MEASGAPCONFIG-STOP

-- ASN1STOP

MeasGapConfig field description
	GapAssociationPRS indicates that PRS measurements are associated with the measurement gap. The network includes this field for only one per wireless device gap. If a concurrent gap (i.e., one of the gap combinations as defined by table 9.1.8-1 in 3gpp TS 38.133) is configured and no gap is configured with this field, then PRS measurements are associated with the gap configured via gapUE (if available).
GapFR1 indicates a measurement gap configuration applicable only to FR 1. At (NG) EN-DC gapFR a cannot be set by NR RRC (i.e. LTE RRC alone can configure FR1 measurement gap). At NE-DC gapFR1 can only be set by NR RRC (i.e. LTE RRC cannot configure FR1 gap). At NR-DC gapFR1 can only be set in measConfig associated with MCG. gapFR1 cannot be configured with gapUE. The applicability of the FR1 measurement gap is in accordance with tables 9.1.2-2 and 9.1.2-3 in 3gpp TS 38.133.
	GapFR2 indicates that the measurement gap configuration is applicable only to FR2. At (NG) EN-DC or NE-DC gapFR2 can only be set by NR RRC (i.e. LTE RRC cannot configure FR2 gap). At NR-DC gapFR2 can only be set in measConfig associated with MCG. gapFR2 cannot be configured with gapUE. The applicability of the FR2 measurement gap is in accordance with tables 9.1.2-2 and 9.1.2-3 in 3gpp TS 38.133.
GapOffset value gapOffset is the gap offset of the gap pattern indicated by the MGRP in field MGRP. The values range from 0 to mgrp-1. If ncsgInd-r17 are present, the offset value refers to the starting point of VIL1 (the visible interrupt length before ML).

Concurrency gap

In NR version 17, the concurrent measurement gap pattern (C-MGP) has been specified in the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.133 v17.6.0). An example of C-MGPs with different degrees of overlap between measurement gaps is shown in fig. 2. The RAN4 has identified five scenarios of concurrency gaps, as shown in fig. 2. The C-MGP includes at least two measurement gap patterns configured simultaneously (e.g., at least two separate MGPs, each type shown in fig. 3). The C-MGP may also be referred to as a concurrency gap. The at least two MGPs may be configured using the same or different MGP related parameters. For example, MGLs, MGRP, etc. of at least 2 MGPs may be the same, or they may be different. The measurement gaps belonging to different MGPs within a C-MGP may or may not overlap each other in time, or may partially overlap each other.

Referring back to fig. 2, the scenario in fig. 2 (a) shows two completely non-overlapping measurement gap modes. Although the Measurement Gap Repetition Period (MGRP) is shown here as being the same for both measurement gap modes, this is not a requirement for this scenario application. The MGRP may differ between MGPs, e.g. one MGRP may be 40ms and the other MGRP may be 40ms or 80ms, and this scenario is satisfied as long as the measurement gap under one MGP never partially or completely overlaps with the measurement gap under the other MGP. In the standardized discussion, this scenario is referred to as a completely non-overlapping (FNO) scenario.

The scenario in fig. 2 (b) shows two completely overlapping measurement gap modes. In either case, one MGP is always contained within the other MGP, and the MGRP of both MGPs are the same MGRP. In the standardized discussion, these scenarios are referred to as Full Overlap (FO) scenarios.

The scenario in fig. 2 (c) shows two measurement gap modes with gaps that always partially overlap each other. These MGRPs are the same MGRPs. In the standardized discussion, this scenario is referred to as a full-partial overlap (FPO) scenario.

The scenario in fig. 2 (d) shows two measurement gap patterns that at least occasionally completely overlap each other. To apply this scenario, the MGRPs must be different, e.g. one MGRP is 40ms and the other MGRP is 80ms. In the standard, this scene is referred to as a partial-full overlap (PFO) scene.

The scenario in fig. 2 (e) shows two measurement gap patterns with gaps that at least occasionally overlap. To apply this scenario, the MGRP of the two measurement gap modes must be different, e.g. one MGRP is 40ms and the other MGRP is 80ms. In the standardized discussion, this scenario is referred to as a partial overlap (PPO) scenario.

Preconfigured gap

Preconfigured measurement gaps (pre-MGs) have also been designated as part of the 3GPP release 17 measurement gap enhancement work item (WU). The purpose of this work item is to allow configuration of a "deactivated" measurement gap, i.e. the wireless device only uses the configured gap to perform measurements in certain situations. Thus, the term "preconfigured" exists. This differs from conventional measurement gaps in that for this new case the gap is not automatically set ("activated") at configuration.

Two methods have been specified to activate/deactivate the so-called preconfigured measurement gaps, a) autonomous methods and b) network control mechanisms. For the first case, the wireless device may autonomously distinguish whether a pre-configured gap needs to be used to perform measurements (e.g., if the reference signal is not fully contained within the newly active BWP at the BWP handoff). Whereas for the latter approach the network/network node explicitly indicates in each BWP configuration whether the pre-configured gap should be activated/deactivated when switching to that particular BWP. One or more gaps not used for measurement (e.g., SSBs to be measured are within the active BWP of the wireless device) are considered to be "deactivated" or the state of the pre-MG is set to "deactivated". The one or more gaps for measurement (e.g., SSBs to be measured are not within the active BWP of the wireless device) are considered to be "active" or the state of the pre-MG is set to "active". During a deactivation gap in the serving cell (i.e., when the pre-MG state is deactivated), the network node may schedule data in DL and/or UL for the wireless device. During the active gap in the serving cell (i.e., when the state of the pre-MG is activated), the wireless device is not expected to receive any data from or transmit any data to the base station. An example of pre-MG is shown in the aforementioned fig. 3.

NR Network Controls Small Gap (NCSG) and NCSG modes

NCSG-based measurements and NCSG modes are defined in the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.133 v17.6.0). A wireless device supporting the network control small gap (NCGG) mode may be configured with NCSG mode via RRC signaling. The wireless device supports NCSG modes defined in table 3 that relate to wireless device measurement capabilities. ML is the measured length. During VIL1 and VIL2, the wireless device is not expected to transmit and receive any data. Where VIL1 is the visible interrupt length before ML and VIL2 is the visible interrupt length after ML. During ML, whether the wireless device 22 is expected to transmit and receive data on the corresponding service carrier depends on the scheduling constraints. The NCSG configuration parameters VIL1, ML, VIL2, and VIRP are shown in the timing diagram of fig. 4.

TABLE 3 NCSG configuration supported by wireless device

The behavior of the wireless device after network/network node configuration NCSG and MG is shown in fig. 5.

NRNeedForGaps capability

In 3GPP release 16 (release 16), RAN2 introduces NeedForGap features, which point to a more "dynamic" gap reporting method. It generally works as follows:

in a first (RRC) reconfiguration message, the network node configures the wireless device with a list of serving cells and/or SCGs (i.e. frequencies to operate on) and target bands that the wireless device may measure,

The wireless device then indicates (in RRCReconfigurationComplete messages) which target band gaps are actually needed, and

Finally, in a second RRCReconfiguration message, the network node configures the measurement gap required by the wireless device.

Then, for this case, the wireless device based signaling procedure allows for configuration of "no gaps" for certain frequency bands.

Note that NeedForGap "capabilities" in each target band (second item above) are not actually part of the wireless device capability signaling, but as depicted in the foregoing description, it is much like an indication embedded in the RRCReconfiguration process that allows the wireless device to report to the network/network node which bands require (or do not require) configuration gaps to perform measurements. This may be depicted in the following information element taken from the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.331 v17.1.0):

NeedForGapsInfoNR

IE NeedForGapsInfoNR indicates whether the wireless device needs to measure gaps to perform SSB-based measurements on the NR target frequency band when no NR-DC or NE-DC is configured.

NeedForGapsInfoNR information element

-- ASN1START

-- TAG-NeedForGapsInfoNR-START

NeedForGapsInfoNR-r16 ::= SEQUENCE {

intraFreq-needForGap-r16 NeedForGapsIntraFreqList-r16,

interFreq-needForGap-r16 NeedForGapsBandListNR-r16

}

NeedForGapsIntraFreqList-r16 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1.. maxNrofServingCells)) OF NeedForGapsIntraFreq-r16

NeedForGapsBandListNR-r16 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OF NeedForGapsNR-r16

NeedForGapsIntraFreq-r16 ::= SEQUENCE {

servCellId-r16 ServCellIndex,

gapIndicationIntra-r16 ENUMERATED {gap, no-gap}

}

NeedForGapsNR-r16 ::= SEQUENCE {

bandNR-r16 FreqBandIndicatorNR,

gapIndication-r16 ENUMERATED {gap, no-gap}

}

-- TAG-NeedForGapsInfoNR-STOP

-- ASN1STOP

As can be observed from the above, for each frequency band, the wireless device may indicate/report "gaps" or "no gaps" depending on the information that the network/network node has provided in the first bar RRCReconfiguration message.

As for actual wireless device capability signaling, release 16 wireless devices supporting NeedForGap procedures will indicate this to the network/network node by using the following single wireless device capabilities related to reporting mechanisms, as found in the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.306):

NR NCSG report and wireless device capabilities

RAN2 agrees to emulate the NeedForGap reporting mechanism of NCSG of release 17 (i.e., using RRCReconfiguration messages) while adding the "nogap-noncsg" indication. This can be observed in the following elements taken from the 3GPP standard (e.g. 3GPP TS 38.331):

-NeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR

IENeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR indicate whether a wireless device needs to measure gaps or NCSG to perform SSB-based measurements on NR target bands when no NR-DC or NE-DC is configured.

NeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR information element

-- ASN1START

-- TAG-NEEDFORGAPNCSG-INFONR-START

NeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

intraFreq-needForNCSG-r17 NeedForNCSG-IntraFreqList-r17,

interFreq-needForNCSG-r17 NeedForNCSG-BandListNR-r17

}

NeedForNCSG-IntraFreqList-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1.. maxNrofServingCells)) OF NeedForNCSG-IntraFreq-r17

NeedForNCSG-BandListNR-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OF NeedForNCSG-NR-r17

NeedForNCSG-IntraFreq-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

servCellId-r17 ServCellIndex,

gapIndicationIntra-r17 ENUMERATED {gap, ncsg, nogap-noncsg}

}

NeedForNCSG-NR-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

bandNR-r17 FreqBandIndicatorNR,

gapIndication-r17 ENUMERATED {gap, ncsg, nogap-noncsg}

}

-- TAG-NEEDFORGAPNCSG-INFONR-STOP

-- ASN1STOP

However, for version 17 NCSG, the wireless device may alternatively indicate to the network/network node two types of wireless device capabilities:

1. whether the wireless device supports "NeedForGap classes NCSG reporting" (i.e., using the dynamic methods described previously), and/or

2. Whether the wireless device supports NCSG gap modes.

This can be observed by the following NR scenario-related wireless device capabilities taken from the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.306):

If the wireless device supports NCSG reports, but does not support these modes, the wireless device should not indicate "ncsg" in the target frequency band. But it may only report "nogap-noncsg" or "gap" accordingly.

Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) and CRS-IM

Dynamic spectrum sharing is referred to as DSS or LTE-NR coexistence. Spectrum sharing supports flexible partitioning of resources between NR and LTE with limited impact on LTE capabilities.

CRS interference may be present in the overlapping spectrum of LTE and NR.

Two example scenarios can be considered:

scenario 1 both the serving cell and the neighboring cell operate in DSS (nr+lte) mode.

Scenario 2-serving cell operates in NR mode and neighbor cells operate in LTE mode.

Features (including rate matching on LTE CRS and CRS-IM receivers) are introduced to mitigate interference of CRS on NR PDSCH signals within serving cells operating in DSS mode.

Scheduling restrictions

Scheduling restrictions are used in scenarios where wireless devices are able to perform gapless measurements in NRs. Examples of such measurements are SSB-based measurement gap-free on-frequency or off-frequency measurements when the reference signal (e.g., SSB) used for the measurements is completely within the active BWP bandwidth of the wireless device. In another example, if the wireless device has an additional or spare receiver chain, co-frequency, inter-frequency, or inter-RAT measurements may be performed without gaps, which in turn may be used for measurements. However, during the resources containing reference signals (e.g., SSBs, CSI-RSs, etc.) for measurement, there may be scheduling limitations. Scheduling constraints mean that a wireless device may not be expected to transmit or receive any signals in the serving cell based on some specific conditions, at least during resources containing reference signals for measurements and X1 symbols before and X2 symbols after these measurement reference signals. For example, in FR1, the received data and the measured SSB are mixed parameter sets, or in FR2, the received data and the measured SSB are co-frequency or inter-frequency with a Common Beam Management (CBM).

In some scenarios, during resources that contain reference signals for measurements and X3 symbols before and X4 symbols after these measurement resources, the wireless device is not even expected to transmit or receive any signals in the serving cell.

The wireless device supporting NCSG or NeedForGaps will report to the network node indicating whether a gap (e.g., measurement gap) is needed in each frequency band to perform the measurement. However, when the wireless device support/capability direction performs measurements without gaps in cells operating on the E-UTRA band, no wireless device behavior is defined. DSS technology has been widely deployed in the practical field, particularly in existing network deployments. However, if the wireless device supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRA measurements, then no explicit wireless device behavior is defined, including scheduling constraints, measurement delays, etc. Thus, existing network deployments are not without problems in terms of measurement gaps.

Disclosure of Invention

Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, and apparatus for inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps.

According to a first aspect, embodiments of a method implemented by a wireless device are provided. The wireless device is configured to communicate with a network node. The method includes receiving a configuration for inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps. The configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The method includes performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps for at least one cell in the active measurement window based on the configuration.

Corresponding embodiments of a wireless device are also provided.

According to a second aspect, embodiments of a method implemented by a network node are provided. The network node is configured to communicate with a wireless device. The method includes determining a configuration for a wireless device to perform inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without a measurement gap. The configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The method includes transmitting the configuration to the wireless device.

A corresponding embodiment of a network node is also provided.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for a wireless device and a network node to evaluate cells of inter-RAT carrier frequencies (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN cells) and perform measurement procedures (e.g., measurement rates, periods, times, etc.) based on the capabilities of the wireless device and the configuration of the network.

For example, if the wireless device supports gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements, etc.), then the measurement behavior of the wireless device may be defined, including scheduling constraints and measurement delays.

According to an embodiment, the wireless device indicates that it supports gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) related to reporting "nogap-noncsg" for inter-RAT bands (e.g., E-UTRA bands) in NCSG reports when the wireless device supports NCSG capabilities.

According to another embodiment, the wireless device indicates that it supports inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) that are related to reporting "no gaps" in NeedForGaps reports for inter-RAT bands (e.g., E-UTRA bands) when the wireless device supports NeedForGaps capabilities.

According to another embodiment, the wireless device indicates that it supports gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) related to the indicated corresponding capabilities. In one aspect of this embodiment, the solution is valid or applicable as long as the Bandwidth (BW) of the Reference Signal (RS) in the target inter-RAT cell (e.g., CRS BW of EUTRAN cell) is completely within the BW of the active BWP of the serving NR cell.

Another aspect of this embodiment is that wireless devices capable of inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) without gaps need to perform inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) within the gaps.

Another aspect of this embodiment is that a wireless device capable of interstitial-free inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) adapts (e.g., lengthens or shortens) the inter-RAT measurement delay (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement delay) based on the number of inter-RAT frequency layers (e.g., E-UTRAN frequency layers) over which the wireless device indicates that it is capable of performing interstitial-free inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) during an active measurement window (EMW). The EMW is obtained or determined based on one or more rules, which may be predefined and/or configured by the network node.

Another aspect of this embodiment is that for wireless devices capable of inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) without gaps, scheduling constraints when performing inter-RAT measurements (e.g., in-band EUTRAN measurements) are defined or applicable based on RSs (e.g., CRS symbols) received in the EMW.

Drawings

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

Fig. 1 is a diagram of an example of a measurement gap pattern in NR;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of a scenario of concurrent measurement gap patterns;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a preconfigured measurement gap pattern in NR;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of example NCSG configuration parameters VIL1, ML, VIL2, and VIRP;

Fig. 5 is a diagram of wireless device behavior after NW configuration NCSG and MG;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary network architecture of a communication system connected to a host computer via an intermediate network in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating with a wireless device via a network node over at least a portion of a wireless connection, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for executing a client application at the wireless device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

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

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for receiving user data from the wireless device at the host computer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for receiving user data at the host computer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 is a flow chart of an exemplary process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 13 is a flow chart of an exemplary process in a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and

Fig. 14 is a diagram of CSSF outside of the gap.

Detailed Description

As described above, there is a lack of defined wireless device behavior when the wireless device supports performing measurements on cells operating on the E-UTRA band without gaps. That is, if the wireless device supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRA measurements, there is no defined wireless device behavior, including scheduling constraints, measurement delays, etc. One possible solution may require the network/network node to always configure a gap for inter-RAT E-UTRA measurements, resulting in data interruption/loss on the NR serving cell. This in turn reduces NR performance such as user throughput loss, user bit rate degradation, etc.

One or more embodiments described herein provide one or more solutions to existing problems (e.g., the problems described above). That is, one or more embodiments provide methods and acts for wireless devices and network nodes to perform configuration and/or measurements related to gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurement without measurement gaps. Accordingly, the components are appropriately represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification.

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

In the embodiments described herein, the connection terms "communicate with" and the like may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be implemented, for example, by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various components may interoperate and modifications and variations may be implemented for electrical and data communications.

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

The term "network node" as used herein may be any type of network node comprised in a radio network, which may also include any of Base Stations (BS), radio base stations, base Transceiver Stations (BTSs), base Station Controllers (BSCs), radio Network Controllers (RNCs), g-node BS (gnbs), evolved node BS (enbs or enodebs), node BS, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio nodes (such as MSR BS), multi-cell/Multicast Coordination Entities (MCEs), integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes, relay nodes, donor node control relays, radio Access Points (APs), transmission points, transmission nodes, remote Radio Units (RRUs) Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), core network nodes (e.g., mobility Management Entities (MMEs), self-organizing network (SON) nodes, coordination nodes, positioning nodes, MDT nodes, etc.), external nodes (e.g., third party nodes, nodes outside the current network), nodes in a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), spectrum Access System (SAS) nodes, element Management System (EMS), etc. The network node may further comprise a test device. The term "radio node" as used herein may also be used to denote a Wireless Device (WD), such as a Wireless Device (WD) or a radio network node.

Some other examples of network nodes are nodebs, base Stations (BSs), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio nodes such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, meNB, seNB, location Measurement Units (LMUs), integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) nodes, network controllers, radio Network Controllers (RNCs), base Station Controllers (BSCs), relays, donor node control relays, base Transceiver Stations (BTSs), central units (e.g., in a gNB), distributed units (e.g., in a gNB), baseband units, centralized baseband, C-RANs, access Points (APs), transmission points, transmission nodes, transmission Reception Points (TRPs), RRUs, RRHs, nodes in a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), core network nodes (e.g., MSC, MME, etc.), O & M, OSS, SON, positioning nodes (e.g., E-SMLC), etc.

In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms Wireless Device (WD) or User Equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The WD herein may be any type of wireless device, such as a Wireless Device (WD), capable of communicating with a network node or another WD by radio signals and/or using a cellular or mobile communication system. The WD may also be a radio communication device, a target device, a device-to-device (D2D) WD, a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), a machine type WD or a WD capable of machine-to-machine communication (M2M), a low cost and/or low complexity WD, a WD equipped sensor, tablet computer, mobile terminal, smart phone, laptop embedded device (LEE), laptop mounted device (LME), USB adapter, client terminal device (CPE), internet of things (IoT) device or narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) device, etc

The term radio access technology or RAT may refer to any RAT, such as UTRA, E-UTRA, narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT), wiFi, bluetooth, next generation RAT, new Radio (NR), 4G, 5G, 6G, future generation RAT, etc. Any device, denoted by the term node, network node or radio network node, may be capable of supporting a single or multiple RATs.

In addition, in some embodiments, the generic term "radio network node" is used. It may be any type of radio network node, and may include any of a base station, a radio base station, a base transceiver station, a base station controller, a network controller, an RNC, an evolved node B (eNB), a node B, gNB, a multi-cell/Multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), an IAB node, a relay node, an access point, a radio access point, a Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

The term signal or radio signal as used herein may be any physical signal or physical channel. Examples of DL physical signals are Reference Signals (RSs), such as PSS, SSS, CSI-RSs, DMRS signals (SSBs) in SS/PBCH blocks, discovery Reference Signals (DRSs), CRSs, PRSs, etc., which may be periodic, e.g., RS occasions carrying one or more RSs may occur at a particular period (e.g., 20ms, 40ms, etc.). The RS may also be aperiodic. In 4 consecutive symbols, each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS and NR-PBCH. One or more SSBs are transmitted in one SSB burst that is repeated with a particular period (e.g., 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, and 160 ms). The UE is configured with information about SSBs on cells of a particular carrier frequency by one or more SS/PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration includes parameters such as SMTC period, SMTC occasion time length or duration, SMTC time offset relative to a reference time (e.g., SFN of the serving cell), etc. Thus, SMTC opportunities may also occur with certain periods (e.g., 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, and 160 ms). Examples of UL physical signals are reference signals such as SRS, DMRS, etc. The term "physical channel" refers to any channel that carries higher layer information (e.g., data, control, etc.). Examples of physical channels are PBCH, NPBCH, PDCCH, PDSCH, sPUCCH, sPDSCH, sPUCCH, sPUSCH, MPDCCH, NPDCCH, NPDSCH, E-PDCCH, PUSCH, PUCCH, NPUSCH, etc.

The term "time resource" as used herein may correspond to any type of physical resource or radio resource expressed in terms of a length of time. Examples of time resources are symbols, time slots (time slots), subframes, radio frames, TTIs, interleaving times, time slots, sub-slots, mini-slots, etc.

The term inter-RAT frequency band may refer to a frequency band over which a wireless device is able to perform inter-RAT measurements without gaps on its cells.

The term inter-RAT measurement may refer to inter-RAT measurements performed on inter-RAT carrier frequencies that are within a band of carrier frequencies that includes at least one serving carrier frequency.

The term inter-band inter-RAT measurement may refer to inter-RAT measurements performed on inter-RAT carrier frequencies that are inter-band of a frequency band containing carrier frequencies of at least one serving carrier frequency.

Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system (e.g., 3gpp lte and/or New Radio (NR)) may be used in this disclosure, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to only the aforementioned systems. Other wireless systems, including but not limited to Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMax), ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and global system for mobile communications (GSM), may also benefit from utilizing the concepts covered within this disclosure.

It is also noted that the functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or network node may be distributed across multiple wireless devices and/or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functionality of the network node and wireless device described herein is not limited to being performed by a single physical device, and may in fact be distributed among several physical devices.

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

Some embodiments provide for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

Referring again to the drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like reference numerals, there is shown in fig. 6a schematic diagram of a communication system 10 according to an embodiment, such as a 3 GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and/or NR (5G), including an access network 12 (e.g., a radio access network) and a core network 14. Access network 12 includes a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (collectively referred to as network nodes 16), such as NB, eNB, gNB or other types of radio access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (collectively referred to as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c may be connected to the core network 14 by a wired or wireless connection 20. A first Wireless Device (WD) 22a located in the coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to the corresponding network node 16a or be paged by the corresponding network node 16 a. The second WD 22b in the coverage area 18b may be wirelessly connected to the corresponding network node 16b. Although a plurality of WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable where a unique WD is located in a coverage area or where a unique WD is connected to a corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

Additionally, it is contemplated that WD 22 may communicate simultaneously and/or be configured to communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16 separately. For example, the WD 22 may have dual connectivity with the same or different network nodes 16 supporting LTE and NR supporting network nodes 16. For example, WD 22 may communicate with an eNB for LTE/E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR/NG-RAN.

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

The communication system of fig. 6 as a whole enables a connection between one of the connected WD 22a, WD 22b and the host computer 24. The connection may be described as an Over The Top (OTT) connection. Host computer 24 and connected WD 22a, WD 22b are configured to send data and/or signaling via OTT connections using access network 12, core network 14, any intermediate network 30, and possibly additional intervening infrastructure (not shown). The OTT connection may be transparent in the sense that at least some of the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection passes are unaware of the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the network node 16 may not be informed or need not be informed about past routes for incoming downlink communications, where data originating from the host computer 24 is to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected WD 22a. Similarly, the network node 16 need not be aware of future routes of outgoing uplink communications originating from the WD 22a and toward the host computer 24.

The network node 16 is configured to comprise a configuration unit 32, which configuration unit 32 is configured to perform one or more of the network node 16 functions described herein, e.g. with respect to inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The wireless device 22 is configured to include a measurement unit 34, the measurement unit 34 being configured to perform one or more wireless device 22 functions described herein, such as with respect to inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

An example implementation according to an embodiment of the WD 22, the network node 16, and the host computer 24 discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to fig. 7. In communication system 10, host computer 24 includes Hardware (HW) 38, which HW 38 includes a communication interface 40, which communication interface 40 is configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of communication system 10. The host computer 24 also includes processing circuitry 42, which processing circuitry 42 may have storage and/or processing capabilities. The processing circuit 42 may include a processor 44 and a memory 46. In particular, the processing circuitry 42 may comprise, in addition to or in lieu of a processor (e.g., a central processing unit) and memory, integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, such as one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and/or ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 44 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) the memory 46, which memory 46 may include any kind of volatile and/or non-volatile memory, such as cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (random access memory) and/or ROM (read only memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

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

The software 48 may be executed by the processing circuitry 42. The software 48 includes a host application 50. The host application 50 may be operable to provide services to a remote user, such as WD 22, connected via an OTT connection 52, the OTT connection 52 terminating with WD 22 and host computer 24. In providing services to remote users, host application 50 may provide user data sent using OTT connection 52. "user data" may be data and information described herein to implement the described functionality. In one embodiment, host computer 24 may be configured to provide control and functionality to and may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe, monitor, control, transmit to, and/or receive from the network node 16 and/or the wireless device 22. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may include an information unit 54, the information unit 54 configured to enable a service provider to determine, analyze, store, forward, receive, relay, transmit, signal, etc., information associated with inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

The communication system 10 further comprises a network node 16 arranged in the communication system 10, the network node 16 comprising hardware 58 enabling it to communicate with the host computer 24 and the WD 22. The hardware 58 may include a communication interface 60 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with interfaces of different communication devices of the communication system 10, and a radio interface 62 for establishing and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with the WD 22 located in the coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers. The communication interface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 with the host computer 24. Connection 66 may be direct or it may be through core network 14 of communication system 10 and/or through one or more intermediate networks 30 external to communication system 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 also includes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuit 68 may include a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, the processing circuitry 68 may comprise, in addition to or in lieu of a processor (e.g., a central processing unit) and memory, integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, such as one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and/or ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) a memory 72, which memory 72 may comprise any kind of volatile and/or non-volatile memory, such as cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (random access memory) and/or ROM (read only memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

Thus, the network node 16 also has software 74 stored internally, for example in a memory 72 or in an external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 74 may be executed by the processing circuit 68. The processing circuitry 68 may be configured to control and/or cause any of the methods and/or processes described herein to be performed, for example, by the network node 16. The processor 70 corresponds to one or more processors 70 for performing the functions of the network node 16 described herein. Memory 72 is configured to store data, program software code, and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, software 74 may include instructions which, when executed by processor 70 and/or processing circuitry 68, cause processor 70 and/or processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, the processing circuitry 68 of the network node 16 may comprise a configuration unit 32, the configuration unit 32 being configured to perform one or more network node 16 functions described herein, e.g. with respect to inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

The communication system 10 further comprises the already mentioned WD 22.WD 22 may have hardware 80, which hardware 80 may include a radio interface 82 configured to establish and maintain wireless connection 64 with network node 16 serving coverage area 18 where WD 22 is currently located. The radio interface 82 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers.

The hardware 80 of the WD 22 also includes a processing circuit 84. The processing circuit 84 may include a processor 86 and a memory 88. In particular, the processing circuitry 84 may comprise, in addition to or in lieu of a processor (e.g., a central processing unit) and memory, integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, such as one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and/or ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) the memory 88, which memory 88 may include any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, such as cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (random access memory) and/or ROM (read only memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

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

The processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control and/or cause to be performed by, for example, the WD 22, any of the methods and/or processes described herein. The processor 86 corresponds to one or more processors 86 for performing the WD 22 functions described herein. WD 22 includes a memory 88 configured to store data, program software code, and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 90 and/or the client application 92 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 86 and/or the processing circuitry 84, cause the processor 86 and/or the processing circuitry 84 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the WD 22. For example, the processing circuitry 84 of the wireless device 22 may include a measurement unit 34, the measurement unit 34 configured to perform one or more wireless device 22 functions described herein, such as with respect to inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

In some embodiments, the internal workings of the network nodes 16, WD 22 and host computer 24 may be as shown in fig. 7, and independently, the surrounding network topology may be the network topology of fig. 6.

In fig. 7, OTT connection 52 is depicted abstractly to illustrate communications between host computer 24 and wireless device 22 via network node 16, without explicitly involving any intermediate devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. The network infrastructure may determine a route that may be configured to be hidden from the WD 22 or the service provider operating the host computer 24, or both. The network infrastructure may also make a determination to dynamically change routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network) when OTT connection 52 is active.

The wireless connection 64 between the WD 22 and the network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to WD 22 using OTT connection 52 in which wireless connection 64 may form the last part. Rather, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve data rates, latency, and/or power consumption, providing benefits such as reduced user latency, relaxed restrictions on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery life, and the like.

In some embodiments, a measurement process may be provided for monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors that may improve one or more embodiments. There may also be optional network functions for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 between the host computer 24 and the WD 22 in response to a change in the measurement. The measurement process and/or network functions for reconfiguring OTT connection 52 may be implemented in software 48 of host computer 24 or in software 90 of WD 22 or in both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with the communication devices traversed by OTT connection 52, which may participate in the measurement process by providing the values of the monitored quantities exemplified above or other physical quantities from which the software 48, 90 may calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguration of OTT connection 52 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc., the reconfiguration need not affect network node 16, and may be unknown or imperceptible to network node 16. Some such processes and functions may be known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary WD signaling that facilitates the measurement of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. by the host computer 24. In some embodiments, the measurements may be accomplished by the software 48, 90 sending messages (particularly null or "virtual" messages) using the OTT connection 52 while monitoring for transit times, errors, etc.

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

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

Although fig. 6 and 7 illustrate various "units" such as configuration unit 32 and measurement unit 34 as being within respective processors, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the units are stored in corresponding memories within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software within a processing circuit.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system (e.g., the communication systems of fig. 6 and 7) in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be the host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 described with reference to fig. 7. In a first step of the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S100). In an optional sub-step of the first step, the host computer 24 provides user data by executing a host application (e.g., host application 50) (block S102). In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates a transmission to the WD 22, the transmission carrying user data (block S104). In an optional third step, the network node 16 sends user data carried in the host computer 24 initiated transmission to the WD 22 according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure (block S106). In an optional fourth step, WD 22 executes a client application (e.g., client application 92) associated with host application 50 executed by host computer 24 (block S108).

Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system (e.g., the communication system of fig. 6) in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be the host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. In a first step of the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S110). In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer 24 provides user data by executing a host application (e.g., host application 50). In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates a transmission to the WD 22, the transmission carrying user data (block S112). The transmission may be communicated via the network node 16 in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional third step, WD 22 receives user data carried in the transmission (block S114).

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system (e.g., the communication system of fig. 6) in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be the host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. In an optional first step of the method, the WD 22 receives input data provided by the host computer 24 (block S116). In an optional sub-step of the first step, the WD 22 executes a client application 92, which client application 92 provides user data in response to received input data provided by the host computer 24 (block S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step, WD 22 provides user data (block S120). In an optional sub-step of the second step, WD provides user data by executing a client application (e.g., client application 92) (block S122). The executed client application 92 may also take into account user input received from the user when providing user data. Regardless of the particular manner in which the user data is provided, the WD 22 may initiate transmission of the user data to the host computer 24 in an optional third sub-step (block S124). In a fourth step of the method, the host computer 24 receives user data sent from the WD 22 according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (block S126).

Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in a communication system (e.g., the communication system of fig. 6) in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be the host computer 24, the network node 16, and the WD 22 described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. In an optional first step of the method, the network node 16 receives user data from the WD 22 according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure (block S128). In an optional second step, the network node 16 initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer 24 (block S130). In a third step, the host computer 24 receives user data carried in the transmission initiated by the network node 16 (block S132).

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network node 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more of the blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16, such as by one or more of processing circuitry 68 (including configuration unit 32), processor 70, radio interface 62, and/or communication interface 60. The network node 16 is configured to determine (block S134) a configuration of the wireless device 22 for performing inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps, as described herein. The network node 16 is configured to cause (block S136) the configuration to be sent to the wireless device 22, as described herein.

According to one or more embodiments, the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration including at least one of scheduling restrictions on uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel and shared channel receptions based on wireless devices supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, scheduling restrictions on uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel receptions based on wireless devices supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps and frequency layers being inter-band, scheduling restrictions on uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel and shared channel receptions based on CQI receptions, not expecting wireless devices to transmit and receive data symbols before and after each of the reference signal symbols configured to be measured on inter-RAT reference signal symbols and configured for inter-RAT measurement window durations on uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel transmissions and shared channel durations for CQI and for inter-RAT measurement window durations, not expecting wireless devices to transmit and receive data symbols for the uplink control channel and shared channel uplink control channel and shared on the uplink control channel and shared channel and for the inter-RAT measurement window durations.

According to one or more embodiments, the configuration defines an Effective Measurement Window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurements, the EMW being based on at least one of a configured measurement gap pattern, a configured reference signal configuration, a predefined configuration defining a period and offset of the EMW, information signaled in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and a number of carriers configured for performing gap-free measurements.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements based on at least one of a cell identification period and a physical layer measurement period of the identified cell, a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD)/Time Division Duplex (TDD) cell detectable within the cell identification period, and a number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, this configuration is based on the network control small gap mode (NCSG) capabilities of the wireless device 22 and the network node 16.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, this configuration is based on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device 22 and the network node 16.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more of the blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of wireless device 22, such as by one or more of processing circuitry 84 (including measurement unit 34), processor 86, radio interface 82, and/or communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured to receive (block S138) a configuration for inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps, as described herein. The wireless device 22 is configured to perform inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps on at least one cell based on the configuration.

Having described the general process flow of the arrangement of the present disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the present disclosure, the following sections provide details and examples of arrangements for inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

Some embodiments provide for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. One or more of the wireless device 22 functions described below may be performed by one or more of the processing circuitry 84, the processor 86, the measurement unit 34, the radio interface 82, etc. One or more of the network node 16 functions described below may be performed by one or more of the processing circuitry 68, the processor 70, the configuration unit 32, the radio interface 62, etc.

Scene description

The scenario includes at least one wireless device 22 operating in a first cell 18 (e.g., cell 1) served by a network node 16 (e.g., NW 1) and performing measurements on one or more serving cells and one or more neighbor cells or neighbor frequencies (e.g., serving carriers and/or one or more additional carriers configured to perform measurements). Any additional carrier may belong to the RAT serving the carrier frequency. In this case, if the carrier is a non-serving carrier, it is referred to as an inter-frequency carrier. The additional carrier may also belong to another RAT and in this case it is referred to as inter-RAT carrier. The term "carrier" may also be interchangeably referred to as carrier frequency, layer, frequency layer, carrier frequency layer, and the like. For consistency, the term "carrier wave" is used hereinafter.

In general, the wireless device 22 is served by a cell operating on a first carrier frequency (F11) belonging to a first RAT (RAT 1) and is further configured to perform measurements on one or more cells operating on a second carrier frequency (F21) belonging to a second RAT (RAT 2). The wireless device 22 may also be configured to perform measurements on one or more cells operating on F11. Carrier F11 is also referred to as the serving RAT carrier frequency. Carrier F21 is also referred to as inter-RAT carrier frequency. The wireless device 22 may also be configured to perform measurements on one or more cells operating on multiple inter-RAT carrier frequencies (e.g., F21, F22, F23, etc.). The wireless device 22 may also be configured to perform measurements on one or more cells operating on multiple carrier frequencies (e.g., F11, F12, F13, etc.) of the serving RAT.

The term carrier frequency is also referred to as Component Carrier (CC), frequency layer, carrier, frequency, serving carrier, frequency channel, positioning Frequency Layer (PFL), etc. The carrier frequencies belong to a certain frequency band, which may contain one or more carrier frequencies based on its passband (e.g. the size of the frequency band in the frequency domain) and/or the bandwidth of the carrier and/or the channel grid etc. The network node 16 sends carrier frequency related information to the wireless device 22 via a message (e.g., RRC) using the channel number or identifier. Examples of channel numbers or identifiers (which may be predefined) are Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Numbers (ARFCNs), NR-ARFCNs, etc.

The wireless device 22 may be configured with a Measurement Gap Pattern (MGP). Each measurement gap pattern is characterized by a Measurement Gap Length (MGL), a Measurement Gap Repetition Period (MGRP), a Measurement Gap Offset (MGO) related to the measurement gap (e.g., to a frame boundary of System Frame Number (SFN) 0), and a Measurement Gap Timing Advance (MGTA) that can move the position of the measurement gap by 0, 0.25, or 0.5ms relative to the measurement gap start given by the MGO.

Alternatively, when both wireless device 22 and network node 16 support NCSG, wireless device 22 may configure the network node 16 with a controlled small gap mode (NCSG). Each NCSG mode is characterized by a Measurement Length (ML) with no gap present, a Visible Interrupt Repetition Period (VIRP), a Measurement Gap Offset (MGO) associated with NCSG (e.g., a frame boundary with System Frame Number (SFN) 0), and a Measurement Gap Timing Advance (MGTA) that can move the position of the measurement gap by 0, 0.25, or 0.75ms relative to the NCSG start point given by the MGO. When the wireless device 22 reports "nogap-noncsg" for an inter-RAT frequency band (e.g., E-UTRA frequency band), the wireless device 22 may support interstitial-free inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) in that frequency band.

Alternatively, when both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support gapless inter-RAT measurements and the Bandwidth (BW) of the RSs of the inter-RAT carrier frequency of the target cell (e.g., CRS BW of EUTRAN frequency layer) is completely within the BW of the active BWP of the serving NR cell, then the wireless device 22 will perform the gapless inter-RAT measurements on these inter-RAT carriers (e.g., EUTRAN frequency layer).

General rules for wireless devices 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT measurements

The wireless device 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) performs the gapless inter-RAT measurements according to one or more of the following general rules.

Scheduling restrictions

In general, when scheduling constraints are applied to signals in one or more time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, etc.), then wireless device 22 is not expected or required to operate (e.g., transmit and/or receive) in those time resources (e.g., which may be referred to as limited time resources). Examples of such signals are control channels (e.g., PDCCH, PUCCH), data channels (e.g., PDSCH, PUSCH), reference signals (e.g., CRS, SSB, PSSS, SSS, PRS SRS, CSI-RS, etc.), measurement reports (e.g., CSI reports, CQI reports), feedback signals (e.g., ACK, NACK messages), etc. For example, as a rule that can be predefined or configured by the network node 16, the wireless device 22 does not schedule during the limited time resources using signals that define scheduling limits.

When the wireless device 22 supports gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements), the wireless device 22 follows one or more of the scheduling restriction rules when performing measurements on one or more cells of inter-RAT carrier frequencies:

1. When the wireless device 22 supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements, there is no need to schedule restrictions for NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS transmissions and PDCCH/PDSCH/TRS/CSI-RS for CQI reception.

2. When the wireless device 22 supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements and the E-UTRAN frequency layer is in-band, there is no need to schedule restrictions for NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS transmissions and PDCCH/PDSCH/TRS/CSI-RS for CQI reception.

3. When the wireless device 22 supports inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements with no gaps in-band and additionally has no scheduling restriction capability, there is no need to schedule restrictions on NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS transmissions and PDCCH/PDSCH/TRS/CSI-RS for CQI reception.

4. The wireless device 22 is not expected to transmit or receive NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS for CQI on inter-RAT E-UTRAN RS symbols configured to be measured and Δt data symbols before and after each CRS symbol configured within the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

A. If EUTRA-NR synchronization capability is enabled, scheduling constraints may be applied.

B. if EUTRA-NR synchronization capability is enabled only for MO#i, scheduling constraints may be applied to MO#i.

In one example, EUTRA-NR-sync capability may be defined as follows.

When EUTRA-NR-sync is enabled, the wireless device 22 assumes that the inter-cell frame boundary alignment (including field, sub-frame boundary alignment) on the target inter-RAT carrier and the reference NR carrier is within a tolerance no worse than T1 and that the SFN of all cells on the target carrier and the reference carrier is the same. The reference cell is a serving cell. T1 may be the minimum of (1E-UTRAN symbol, 1 NR PDSCH symbol).

In another example, EUTRA-NR-sync capability may be defined as SFN and the frame boundaries between the serving cell and the inter-RAT neighbor cells are aligned.

5. The wireless device 22 is not expected to transmit or receive NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS for CQI on Δt data symbols before and after each CRS symbol configured over an inter-RAT E-UTRAN RSSI measurement symbol configured to be measured and over an inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

6. The wireless device 22 is not expected to transmit or receive NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS for CQI or NR PDCCH/PDSCH/TRS/CSI-RS on all symbols within the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

A. if the EUTRA-NR synchronization capability is not enabled, scheduling constraints may be applied.

When the wireless device 22 is configured to perform in-band multi-carrier (MC) operations (e.g., in-band Carrier Aggregation (CA), in-band dual connectivity, etc.), then the scheduling constraints due to a given serving cell may also apply to all other serving cells in the same frequency band on symbols that overlap fully or partially with the previously restricted symbols. In-band MC operation, all configured carriers (e.g., PCell, SCell, PSCell, etc. carriers) belong to the same frequency band.

When the wireless device 22 performs measurements in the TDD band on FR1, scheduling restrictions may be applied when the target inter-RAT measurement (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement) and the serving cell are on the same frequency band.

Scheduling constraints may be applied when the wireless device 22 is performing inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) on FR1 using a different SCS than the NR PDSCH/PDCCH.

If the wireless device 22 supports different SCS between gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) and NR PDSCH/PDCCH reception, scheduling constraints may be applied when the wireless device 22 is performing inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) on FR1 using a different SCS than NR PDSCH/PDCCH.

The scheduling constraint may be applied to one or more measurements, such as SS-RSRP, SS-SINR, SS-RSRQ, or RSSI measurements.

Inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) Effective Measurement Window (EMW)

The wireless device 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) may perform inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) within an Effective Measurement Window (EMW). The EMW may be defined based on one or more of the following rules or principles, which may be predefined or configured by the network node (e.g., NN 1):

inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW may be based on configured measurement gap patterns.

If no measurement gap is required, the inter-RAT E-UTRAN EMW may be the same as the configured measurement gap pattern. No interruption in the measurement gap pattern of the expected configuration.

If measurement gaps are needed for other frequency layer measurements, inter-RAT E-UTRAN EMW may be the same as the configured measurement gap pattern.

The network node 16 may further indicate which dedicated measurement gap occasion to use for inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements. No interruption in these gap opportunities is expected.

If both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support concurrent gaps and the network node 16 configures a concurrent measurement gap mode, the network node 16 may further instruct the MGP to perform inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements as an inter-RAT E-UTRAN EMW.

If both the wireless device 2 and the network node 16 support concurrent gaps and the network node 16 configures concurrent MGPs, the inter-RAT E-UTRAN EMW may be the MGP with the largest MGRP.

If both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support NCSG and the network node 16 configures NCSG mode, the MGP may be replaced with NCSG mode.

Inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW may be based on the functionality of the configured RS signal configuration (e.g., SMTC configuration)

OEMW can be configured identically to PCELL SMTC

OEMW may be the maximum SMTC within the configured serving cell

Inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMWs may be predefined

The period oEMW may be:

a fixed value, for example 40ms,

PCELL SMTC, or the maximum SMTC within the configured serving cell,

And (3) configured MGRP.

OEMW may be based on:

a predefined fixed offset, for example 10ms,

As indicated by the network node 16,

Until the wireless device 22 is implemented,

Until the wireless device 22 achieves, but does not affect, NR measurements outside the gap.

The network node 16 (e.g., NN 1) may obtain inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW based on information received from the wireless device 22 via signaling messages such as RRC. For example, the wireless device may signal one or more periods and/or offsets and/or durations of the EMW to the network node, and the network node may determine the period and/or offset and/or duration of the EWM based at least in part on the signaling. For example, the wireless device may be aware of its own measurement capabilities and/or measurement conditions and may therefore signal one or more appropriate/suggested periods and/or offsets and/or durations of the EWM to the network node. In this way, the network node may select an EWM appropriate for the wireless device.

In another example, inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMWs may be predefined. For example, an effective measurement period, a measurement duration, and/or a measurement offset are defined.

The o-measurement offset is based on the relationship between SFN and SMTC. For example, the offset is equal to 10ms plus SMTC immediately after SFN # 0.

The o-measurement offset is based on the relationship between SFN and MGP. For example, the offset is equal to 10ms plus the MG immediately following SFN # 0.

In another example, inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW depends on or is a function of the number (Nc) of carriers (e.g., inter-RAT carriers) configured to perform gapless measurements. For example, if Nc is below the threshold, then emw=emw11, otherwise emw=emw12. In an example, EMW11< EMW12, and in another example, EMW11> EMW12.

Inter-RAT measurement (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) measurement time

The wireless device 22 performs interstitial inter-RAT measurements (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, RS-SINR, RSSI, etc.) within a measurement time that may be predefined or configured by the network node 16. Examples of measurement times are a cell identification period, a physical layer (L1) measurement period of an identified cell, etc.

In one embodiment, when the wireless device 22 supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements, the wireless device 22 is able to identify a new detectable FDD/TDD cell within T _{Identify,E-UTRAN} after one of the following possible delays:

For example, the number of the cells to be processed,

When wireless device 22 performs configuration-based measurement of MGRP

When wireless device 22 performs configuration-based SMTC measurements

When the wireless device 22 performs measurements based on a predefined period or indicated by the network node 16

Is the actual measurement length of the inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement.

If the wireless device 22 performs MGP-based measurements, then=Mgl-2 rf retuning time. Wherein for E-UTRAN, RF retuning time = 0.5ms.

If wireless device 22 is based on performing configured SMTC measurements,Time duration of SMTC =

If the wireless device 22 performs a measurement based on a predefined pattern or indicated by the NW, thenAndMay be predefined, e.g=5 Ms sum=40ms。

In one typical example, N _interRAT is the number of frequency layers measured between RATs (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN).

In another example, N _interRAT is the number of frequency layers for all gap-free measurements, including NR and inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) measurements.

In another example, N _interRAT is the number of frequency layers to be measured within the measurement gap.

N_interRAT=CSSFwithin gap

In another example, N _interRAT is the number of frequency layers to measure outside the gap, including NR and inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) frequency layers. N _interRAT = CSSFoutside gap

Wherein the definition of CSSFoutside gap is shown in fig. 14.

In one example, Z is the number of configured inter-RAT EUTRAN MOs measured outside of the MG, otherwise Z is 0.

In another example, Z is the number of inter-RAT EUTRAN MOs with inter-band configuration of the serving cell measured outside of the MG, otherwise Z is 0.

The measurement period is a function of the number of frequency layers of the inter-RAT measurement without gaps. Alternatively, it may be a function of the number of frequency layers of all gapless measurements, including NR and inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) frequency layers.

In one example, the measurement period may be 480×n _interRAT

In another example, the measurement period may be 480 x n _interRAT* Ceil(K_{gap_EUTRA}).K_{gap_EUTRA} is a scaling factor due to the inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement occasion overlapping with the MGP. For example, K _{gap_EUTRA}= N_total/N_available

N _total is the total number of associated gap opportunities within the window, including gap opportunities that overlap with other MG opportunities within the window, and

N _available is the number of measurement gap occasions that are not discarded after a collision between measurement gaps is considered by applying a measurement gap collision rule in case of configured concurrency gaps.

Embodiments of a NCSG capable wireless device 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements

When both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support NCSG capabilities, the wireless device 22 reports "nogap-nonscg" for both #n1eutran inter-band and #n2eutran intra-band with NR serving cells.

The frequency layers within these #n1e-UTRAN inter-bands have no scheduling restrictions.

Scheduling constraints may be applied to the frequency layers within these #n2e-UTRAN bands.

Gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements may be performed outside of the configured MGP. The network node 16 may configure the EMW for the MO of these gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements.

The total delay in identifying a new cell can be expressed as follows:

N _interRAT is equal to the total number of frequency layers in the E-UTRAN band of report "nogap-noncsg".

Based on the EMW configured by the network node 16, a scheduling constraint is applied for each valid ML occasion.

When the frequency layer for inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement is between bands of the serving cell reported as "nogap-noncsg", there is no need to schedule restrictions on NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS transmissions and PDCCH/PDSCH/TRS/CSI-RS for CQI reception.

When the frequency layer for inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements is in-band of the serving cell reported as "nogap-noncsg" and the EMW does not overlap SMTC, the wireless device 22 is not expected to transmit or receive NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS for CQI on 1 data symbol before and after each CRS/PSS/SSS symbol configured for the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration and configured for the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

When the frequency layer for inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements is in-band of the reported "nogap-noncsg" serving cell and the EMW completely overlaps with SMTC, the wireless device 22 is not expected to transmit or receive NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS or NR PDCCH/PDSCH/TRS/CSI-RS for CQI over the entire EMW configured to be measured.

When the frequency layer for inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements is in-band of the reported "nogap-noncsg" serving cell and the EMW partially overlaps with SMTC, the wireless device 22 is not expected to transmit or receive NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS for CQI on the X data symbols before and after each CRS/PSS/SSS symbol configured for the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration and on the inter-RAT E-UTRAN CRS/PSS/SSS symbol configured to overlap with SMTC. Wherein X may be, for example, 2.

Embodiments of wireless device 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement capability in DSS

When both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement capabilities of the DSS, scheduling restrictions may be applied for the frequency layer of inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements.

Gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements may be performed outside of the configured MGP. The EMW may be based on SMTC of NR DSS cells.

The total delay in identifying the new cell may be

= 5ms,SMTC period for=nr DSS cell

N _interRAT is equal to the total number of E-UTRAN frequency layers configured for DSS measurements.

Based on the EMW configured by the network node 16, a scheduling constraint is applied for each valid ML duration.

Scheduling restrictions may be applied depending on whether the wireless device 22 supports E-UTRAN-NR synchronization capability and/or capability of a hybrid parameter set between at least two RATs as described in the general rules section of wireless device 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT measurements above, e.g., inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) for cells of RAT2 and data processing (e.g., NR data processing) for cells of RAT 1.

The wireless device 22 supports a hybrid parameter set between at least two RATs to instruct the wireless device 22 to perform inter-RAT measurements on cells of one RAT (e.g., RAT 2) while operating data signals (e.g., data channels, control channels, etc.) on cells of another RAT (e.g., RAT 1) having different parameter sets on both RATs. The wireless device 22 may also indicate a mix of parameter sets supported on both RATs. For example, the wireless device 22 indicates that it supports simultaneous data operations on RAT1 using 30KHz and inter-RAT measurements on RAT2 using 15 KHz.

Examples of rules are:

When the wireless device 22 does not support E-UTRAN-NR synchronization capability, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits or receives NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS for CQI on the entire EMW configured to be measured.

When the wireless device 22 does not support the capability of the hybrid parameter set between E-UTRAN measurements and NR data processing,

When the EMW does not overlap with SMTC, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits or receives NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS for CQI on 1 data symbol before and after each CRS/PSS/SSS symbol configured for inter-RAT E-UTRAN CRS/PSS/SSS symbols to be measured and for inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

When the EMW completely overlaps SMTC, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits or receives NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS or NR PDCCH/PDSCH/TRS/CSI-RS for CQI over the entire EMW configured to be measured.

When the EMW partially overlaps the SMTC, the wireless device 22 is not expected to transmit or receive NR PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS for CQI on the inter-RAT E-UTRAN CRS/PSS/SSS symbols configured to overlap the SMTC to be measured and on X data symbols before and after each CRS/PSS/SSS symbol configured within the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration. Wherein X may be, for example, 2.

Otherwise, no scheduling restrictions are expected.

Method in a network node for scheduling UEs supporting gapless measurements

The network node 16 (e.g., NN 1) serving the wireless device 22 obtains information regarding the capabilities of the wireless device 22 related to interstitial-free inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) and uses the obtained capability information to perform one or more operational tasks. Examples of operational tasks are:

The scheduling of signals on the serving cell of the wireless device 22 is adapted. For example, the network node 16 allocates the wireless device 22 to uplink transmissions and/or downlink receptions for only signals outside of the radio time for scheduling restriction symbols, following substantially the same rules as described for the wireless device 22 (i.e., in the wireless device 22 embodiments in the following section, "general rules of wireless device 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT measurements", "wireless device 22 embodiments supporting gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements with NCSG capabilities", and "wireless device 22 embodiments supporting gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements capabilities in DSS").

The network node 16 (e.g., NN 1) obtains this information by receiving information from the wireless device 22 regarding the capabilities of the wireless device 22 and/or from another network node 16 (e.g., from another network node 16 during a cell change procedure (such as during a HO), from a core network node such as an AMF, etc.).

One or more embodiments described herein provide the advantage of enhancing inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements and shortening inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement outages while saving power consumption or making it more efficient than other possible solutions. Furthermore, the behavior of the wireless device 22 for gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements is well defined as described herein.

As described above, the wireless device may perform gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements within an effective measurement window (EWM). The measurement duration, measurement period, and offset from SMTC/SSB may be defined. One of the benefits of introducing such an effective measurement window is that both NW and UE have a common understanding of the occasions of measurement and scheduling restrictions.

In NR, scheduling constraints may be defined for gapless measurements, such as gapless on-channel measurements, gapless off-channel measurements, and off-channel measurements with NCSG, etc. Possible relevant scheduling constraints include the UE performing measurements in the TDD band or using different SCS for gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements. For example, it may be a typical scenario that the UE receives NR data with scs=30 KHz and performs inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements to consider.

The benefit of introducing scheduling restrictions is that the network can schedule data outside the symbols to be measured. In NR, the symbol to be measured is an SSB symbol or a CSI-RS symbol. The problem is how to apply scheduling restrictions to E-UTRAN measurements. The E-UTRAN measurements are based on CRS/PSS/SSS, not SSB symbols, and the measurements may be performed in any CRS without limitation. One option is that no scheduling restrictions are expected when the target inter-RAT E-UTRAN frequency layer belongs to the inter-band of the serving cell. Another option is that scheduling restrictions are expected when the target inter-RAT E-UTRAN frequency layer belongs to the inter-band of the serving cell, e.g. the UE performs measurements in the TDD band or using a different SCS.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as methods, data processing systems, computer program products, and/or computer storage media storing executable computer programs. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a "circuit" or "module. Any of the processes, steps, acts, and/or functions described herein may be performed by and/or associated with a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and/or firmware and/or hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer-usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium for execution by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

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

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

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

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

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

Many different embodiments are disclosed herein in connection with the above description and the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that each combination and sub-combination of the embodiments described and illustrated verbatim will be overly repeated and confused. Thus, all embodiments can be combined in any manner and/or combination, and this specification, including the accompanying drawings, will be interpreted to construct all combinations and sub-combinations of the embodiments described herein, as well as a complete written description of the manner and process of making and using them, and will support the benefits of requiring any such combination or sub-combination.

Abbreviations that may be used in the foregoing description include:

Abbreviation interpretation

ACK acknowledgement

AR augmented reality

BLER block error rate

BWP bandwidth part

CP cyclic prefix

CSI-RS channel state information reference signal

CSSF carrier specific scaling factor

DCI downlink control information

DL downlink

EMBB evolved mobile broadband

FDD frequency division duplexing

FR1 frequency range 1

FR2 frequency range 2

FR3 frequency range 3

GNB next generation NodeB (5G base station)

HARQ hybrid automatic repeat request

IMSIP multimedia subsystem

MAC medium access control

MGL measurement gap length

MGO measurement gap offset

MGP measurement gap mode

MGRP measurement gap repetition period

MGTA measurement gap timing advance

NACK negative acknowledgement

NR new radio (5G)

PBCH physical broadcast channel

PDCCH physical downlink control channel

PDSCH physical downlink shared channel

PRS positioning reference signal

PUCCH physical uplink control channel

PUSCH physical uplink shared channel

RAT radio access technology

RRC radio resource control

RRM radio resource management

SCS subcarrier spacing

SFN system frame number

SMTCSSB measurement timing configuration

SRS sounding reference signal

SSB synchronization signal and PBCH block

TDD time division duplexing

UE user equipment

UL uplink

URLLC ultra-reliable low-delay communications

VR virtual reality

XR augmented reality

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Example Embodiment (EE)

Ee1 a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, the network node comprising:

processing circuitry configured to:

determining a configuration for a wireless device to perform inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps, and

Causing the configuration to be sent to the wireless device.

EE2. The network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of:

Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, scheduling restrictions are not made for uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel and shared channel receptions for channel quality indicator CQI receptions;

Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band, scheduling restrictions are not placed on uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel and shared channel receptions for CQI reception;

The wireless device is not expected to transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel for CQI on inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration;

The unexpected wireless device transmitting on the uplink control channel and the shared channel and receiving on the downlink control channel and the shared channel for CQI on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols configured to be measured and on data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration, and

The wireless device is not expected to transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel for CQI on all symbols within the inter-RAT measurement window duration.

Ee3. the network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration defines an Effective Measurement Window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurements, the EMW being based on at least one of:

a configured measurement gap pattern;

configuring the configured reference signals;

A predefined configuration defining a period and an offset of the EMW;

information signaled in radio resource control, RRC, signaling, and

The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

EE4. the network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, the measurement time being based on at least one of:

one of a cell identification period and a physical layer measurement period of the identified cell;

frequency Division Duplex (FDD)/Time Division Duplex (TDD) cells detectable during a cell identification period, and

Number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

EE5A network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration is based on small gap mode (NCSG) capabilities of the network control of the wireless device and the network node.

EE6 the network node of EE1, wherein the configuration is based on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

Ee7. a method implemented by a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, the method comprising:

Causing the configuration to be sent to the wireless device.

EE8. the method of EE7, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of:

EE9. the method of EE7, wherein the configuration defines an Effective Measurement Window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurements, the EMW being based on at least one of:

a configured measurement gap pattern;

configuring the configured reference signals;

A predefined configuration defining a period and an offset of the EMW;

information signaled in radio resource control, RRC, signaling, and

The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

EE10. The method according to EE7, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, the measurement time being based on at least one of:

Number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

Ee11. the method according to EE7, wherein the configuration is based on a small gap mode (NCSG) capability of network control of the wireless device and the network node.

EE12 the method of EE7, wherein the configuration is based on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

Ee13. a wireless device configured to communicate with a network node, the wireless device comprising:

processing circuitry configured to:

Receiving configuration for inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps, and

Based on the configuration, inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps are performed for at least one cell.

EE14 the wireless device of EE13, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of:

Ee15. the wireless device of EE13, wherein the configuration defines an Effective Measurement Window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurements, the EMW being based on at least one of:

a configured measurement gap pattern;

configuring the configured reference signals;

A predefined configuration defining a period and an offset of the EMW;

information signaled in radio resource control, RRC, signaling, and

The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

The wireless device of EE13, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, the measurement time based on at least one of:

Number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

Ee17 the wireless device of EE13, wherein the configuration is based on a small gap mode (NCSG) capability of network control of the wireless device and the network node.

Ee18 the wireless device of EE13 wherein the configuration is based on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

Ee19. a method implemented by a wireless device configured to communicate with a network node, the method comprising:

EE20. the method of EE19, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of:

EE21. The method of EE19, wherein the configuration defines an Effective Measurement Window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurements, the EMW being based on at least one of:

a configured measurement gap pattern;

configuring the configured reference signals;

A predefined configuration defining a period and an offset of the EMW;

information signaled in radio resource control, RRC, signaling, and

The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

EE22. The method of EE19, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, the measurement time being based on at least one of:

Number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

EE23. the method of EE19, wherein the configuration is based on a small gap mode (NCSG) capability of network control of the wireless device and the network node.

EE24. The method of EE19, wherein the configuration is based on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

Claims

1. A method implemented by a wireless device (22), the wireless device (22) configured to communicate with a network node (16), the method comprising:

Receiving (S138) a configuration for inter-RAT measurement of a non-measurement gap radio access technology, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurement of the non-measurement gap, and

Based on the configuration, inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps are performed (S140) for at least one cell in the effective measurement window.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a scheduling constraint is applied in the active measurement window.

3. The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein a scheduling restriction is applied in the effective measurement window when the wireless device performs the inter-RAT measurements at a different subcarrier spacing than that used by the wireless device to receive data or control signals at a serving cell of the wireless device.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the configuration comprises a period and an offset of the effective measurement window.

5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the configuration comprises a period, an offset, and a duration of the active measurement window.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

Signaling for determining the effective measurement window is sent to the network node.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the signaling is radio resource control signaling.

8. The method of any of claims 6 to 7, wherein the signaling comprises:

one or more periods, and/or offsets, and/or durations of the effective measurement window.

9. The method of any of claims 1-8, wherein the wireless device is served by a new radio, NR, cell, and wherein the inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps is performed for a long term evolution, LTE, cell.

10. The method of any of claims 1-9, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of:

Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, scheduling restrictions are not made on uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel and shared channel receptions for channel quality indicator CQI receptions;

Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band, scheduling restrictions are not made for uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel and shared channel receptions for CQI reception;

The wireless device is not expected to transmit on an uplink control channel and a shared channel and receive on a downlink control channel and a shared channel for CQI on inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within an inter-RAT measurement window duration;

The wireless device is not expected to transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel for CQI on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration, and

11. The method of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps is based on at least one of:

a configured measurement gap pattern;

configuring the configured reference signals;

A predefined configuration defining a period, a duration and an offset of the active measurement window;

information signaled in radio resource control, RRC, signaling, and

The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

12. The method of any of claims 1-11, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, the measurement time based on at least one of:

a frequency division duplex FDD/time division duplex TDD cell detectable in a cell identification period, and

Number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

13. A wireless device (22) configured to communicate with a network node (16), the wireless device comprising:

Processing circuitry (84) configured to:

Receiving a configuration of inter-RAT measurements of a non-measurement gap radio access technology, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing the non-measurement gap inter-RAT measurements, and

Based on the configuration, inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps are performed for at least one cell in the effective measurement window.

14. The wireless device of claim 13, wherein the processing circuit is configured to perform the method of any of claims 2-12.

15. A method implemented by a network node (16), the network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device (22), the method comprising:

Determining (s 134) a configuration for the wireless device to perform inter-radio access technology, RAT, measurements without measurement gaps, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, and

Causing (s 136) the configuration to be sent to the wireless device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein a scheduling constraint is applied in the active measurement window.

17. The method of any of claims 15-16, wherein a scheduling restriction is applied in the effective measurement window when the wireless device performs the inter-RAT measurements at a different subcarrier spacing than that used by the wireless device to receive data or control signals at a serving cell of the wireless device.

18. The method of any of claims 15 to 17, further comprising:

Obtaining information about capabilities of the wireless device related to gapless inter-RAT measurements, and

The obtained information is used to adjust scheduling of signals on a serving cell of the wireless device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein adjusting a schedule comprises:

The wireless device is allocated for uplink transmission and/or downlink reception of signals only outside the radio time of the scheduling restriction application.

20. The method of any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the configuration comprises a period and an offset of the effective measurement window.

21. The method of any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the configuration comprises a period, an offset, and a duration of the active measurement window.

22. The method of any of claims 15 to 21, further comprising:

Receiving signaling from the wireless device, and

The effective measurement window is determined based on the received signaling.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the signaling is radio resource control signaling.

24. The method of any of claims 22 to 23, wherein the signaling comprises:

25. The method of any of claims 15-24, wherein the wireless device is served by a new radio, NR, cell, and wherein the inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps is performed on a long term evolution, LTE, cell.

26. The method of any of claims 15 to 25, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of:

27. The method of any of claims 15-26, wherein an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps is based on at least one of:

a configured measurement gap pattern;

configuring the configured reference signals;

information signaled in radio resource control, RRC, signaling, and

The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

28. The method of any of claims 15-27, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, the measurement time based on at least one of:

Number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

29. A network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device (22), the network node comprising:

processing circuitry (68) configured to:

determining a configuration for the wireless device to perform inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, and

Causing the configuration to be sent to the wireless device.

30. The network node of claim 29, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 29.