USER EQUIPMENT, NETWORK NODE AND METHODS THEREIN IN A WIRELESS

COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to a User Equipment (UE) and a network node, and methods therein. In some aspects, they relate to handling one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network.

BACKGROUND

In a typical wireless communication network, wireless devices, also known as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (STA) and/or User Equipments (UE)s, communicate via a Wide Area Network or a Local Area Network such as a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network comprising a Radio Access Network (RAN) part and a Core Network (CN) part. The RAN covers a geographical area which is divided into service areas or cell areas, which may also be referred to as a beam or a beam group, with each service area or cell area being served by a radio network node such as a radio access node e.g., a Wi-Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be denoted, for example, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), or gNB as denoted in Fifth Generation (5G) telecommunications. A service area or cell area is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio network node. The radio network node communicates over an air interface operating on radio frequencies with the wireless device within range of the radio network node.

3GPP is the standardization body for specify the standards for the cellular system evolution, e.g., including 3G, 4G, 5G and the future evolutions. Specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS), also called a Fourth Generation (4G) network, have been completed within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). As a continued network evolution, the new releases of 3GPP specifies a 5G network also referred to as 5G New Radio (NR).

Frequency bands for 5G NR are being separated into two different frequency ranges, Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2). FR1 comprises sub-6 GHz frequency bands. Some of these bands are bands traditionally used by legacy standards but have been extended to cover potential new spectrum offerings from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz FR2 comprises frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. Bands in this millimeter wave range have shorter range but higher available bandwidth than bands in the FR1.

Multi-antenna techniques may significantly increase the data rates and reliability of a wireless communication system. For a wireless connection between a single user, such as UE, and a base station, the performance is in particular improved if both the transmitter and the receiver are equipped with multiple antennas, which results in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication channel. This may be referred to as Single-User (SU)-MIMO. In the scenario where MIMO techniques is used for the wireless connection between multiple users and the base station, MIMO enables the users to communicate with the base station simultaneously using the same time-frequency resources by spatially separating the users, which increases further the cell capacity. This may be referred to as Multi-User (MU)-MIMO. Note that MU-MIMO may benefit when each UE only has one antenna. Such systems and/or related techniques are commonly referred to as MIMO.

Positioning in NR

NR architecture is illustrated in Figure 1 , where gNB and ng-eNB (or evolved eNB) denote NR BSs (one NR BS may correspond to one or more transmission/reception points, TRPs), and the lines between the nodes illustrate the corresponding interfaces. Figure 1 depicts NR architecture of 3GPP TS 38.300 v16.7.0.

Location management function (LMF) is the location node or positioning server in NR. There are also interactions between the location node and the gNB via the NR positioning protocol annex (NRPPa) (not illustrated in Figure 1) and between UE and the location server via LTE positioning protocol (LPP), which is also used in NR. The interactions between the gNB and the UE is supported via the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

Note 1 : The gNB and ng-eNB may not always both be present.

Note 2: When both the gNB and ng-eNB are present, the NG-C interface is only present for one of them.

NR UE positioning measurements

The following NR positioning measurements performed by the UE are specified: RSTD: It is reference signal time difference between the positioning node j and the reference positioning node i. It is measured on the DL Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) signals and always involve two cells (cell is interchangeably called as TRP). PRS-RSRP: PRS reference signal received power (PRS-RSRP) is the linear average over the power contributions (in [W]) of the resource elements that carry DL PRS reference signals.

UE Rx-Tx time difference: It is defined as TUE-RX -TUE-TX

Where:

T _UE-RX is the UE received timing of downlink subframe #i from a positioning node, defined by the first detected path in time. It is measured on PRS signals received from the gNB.

T _UE-TX is the UE transmit timing of uplink subframe #j that is closest in time to the subframe #i received from the positioning node. It is measured on SRS signals transmitted by the UE.

The UE Rx-Tx time difference is an example of bidirectional timing measurement. More generally it is called as round trip time (RTT).

The UE may be configured to measure one or multiple type of positioning measurements on one or multiple cells.

Reference signals for NR RTT positioning measurements

Positioning reference signals

Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) are periodically transmitted on a positioning freguency layer in PRS resources in the DL by the gNB. The information about the PRS resources is signaled to the UE by the positioning node via higher layers but may also be provided by base station e.g. via broadcast. Each positioning freguency layer comprises PRS resource sets, where each PRS resource set comprises one or more PRS resources. All the DL PRS resources within one PRS resource set are configured with the same periodicity. The PRS resource periodicity (Tper ^PRS ) comprises: 2 ^μ {4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120, 10240, 20480} slots, where μ = 0, 1, 2, 3 for PRS SCS of 15, 30, 60 and 120kHz respectively.

-20480 is not supported for μ = 0. Each PRS resource may also be repeated within one PRS resource set and takes values ∈ {1,2,4,6,8,16,32}

PRS are transmitted in consecutive number of symbols (LPRS) within a slot: L _PRS e {2,4,6,12}. The following DL PRS RE patterns, with comb size KPRS equal to number of symbols LPRS are supported.

Comb-2: Symbols {0, 1} have relative RE offsets {0, 1}

Comb-4: Symbols {0, 1, 2, 3} have relative RE offsets {0, 2, 1, 3}

Comb-6: Symbols {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5} have relative RE offsets {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5} Comb-12: Symbols {0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11} have relative RE offsets {0,6,3,9,1 ,7,4,10,2,8,5,11}

Maximum PRS BW is 272 PRBs. Minimum PRS BW is 24 PRBs. The configured PRS BW is always a multiple of 4.

In general PRS resource set may comprise parameters such as subcarrier spacing (SCS), PRS BW, PRS resource set periodicity and slot offset with respect to reference time (e.g. System frame number (SFN)#0, slot#0), PRS resource repetition factor (e.g. number of times PRS resource repeated in a PRS resource set), PRS symbols in PRS resource, PRS resource time gap (e.g. number of slots between successive repetitions), PRS muting pattern etc.

Sounding reference signals

For positioning timing measurements (e.g. UE Rx-Tx, gNB, Rx-Tx, UL RTOA etc), the UE is configured with SRS for uplink transmission. The SRS comprising one or more SRS resource set and each SRS resource set comprising one or more SRS resources. Each SRS resource comprises one or more symbols carrying SRS with certain SRS bandwidth. There may be periodic SRS, aperiodic SRS, and semi-persistent SRS transmissions - any of them may also be used for positioning measurements. There are two options for SRS configuration for positioning:

In one option the UE may be configured with SRS resource set where each SRS resource occupies N _S ∈ { 1,2,4} adjacent symbols within a slot. In this case SRS antenna switching is supported. Each symbol may also be repeated with repetition factor Re{1 ,2,4} , where R < Ns. The periodic SRS resource may be configured with certain periodicity (TSRS) e.g.

T _SRS ∈ {1 , 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40, 64, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560} slots.

In another option the UE may be configured with SRS positioning specific resource set (SRS-PosResourceSet). In this case each SRS positioning resource (SRS- PosResource) occupies N _S ∈ {1,2,4,8,12} adjacent symbols within a slot. In this case SRS antenna switching is not supported.

In both options, the UE can be configured with 1, 2 or 4 antenna ports for transmitting each SRS resource within SRS resource set. The default value is one SRS antenna port for each SRS resource.

Positioning Methods

The NR supports the following RAT dependent positioning methods:

DL-TDOA: The DL time of arrival (DL TDOA) positioning method makes use of the DL RSTD (and optionally DL PRS RSRP) of downlink signals received from multiple TPs, at the UE. The UE measures the DL RSTD (and optionally DL PRS RSRP) of the received signals using assistance data received from the positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to locate the UE in relation to the neighboring TPs.

Multi-RTT: The Multi-RTT positioning method makes use of the UE Rx-Tx measurements and DL PRS RSRP of downlink signals received from multiple TRPs, measured by the UE and the measured gNB Rx-Tx measurements and UL SRS-RSRP at multiple TRPs of uplink signals transmitted from UE.

UL-TDOA: The UL time of arrival (UL-TDOA) positioning method makes use of the UL TDOA (and optionally UL SRS-RSRP) at multiple RPs of uplink signals transmitted from UE. The RPs measure the UL TDOA (and optionally UL SRS-RSRP) of the received signals using assistance data received from the positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to estimate the location of the UE.

DL-AoD: The DL angle of departure (DL AoD) positioning method makes use of the measured DL PRS RSRP of downlink signals received from multiple TPs, at the UE. The UE measures the DL PRS RSRP of the received signals using assistance data received from the positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to locate the UE in relation to the neighbouring TPs.

UL-AoA: The UL angle of departure (UL AoA) positioning method makes use of the measured azimuth and zenith of arrival at multiple RPs of uplink signals transmitted from the UE. The RPs measure A-AoA and Z-AoA of the received signals using assistance data received from the positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to estimate the location of the UE.

NR-ECID: NR Enhanced Cell ID (NR E CID) positioning refers to techniques which use additional UE measurements and/or NR radio resource and other measurements to improve the UE location estimate.

Measurements for mobility and other purposes

The UE may be configured for performing one or more measurements on one or more DL and/or UL reference signal (RS) of one or more cells in different UE activity states e.g. RRC idle state, RRC inactive state, RRC connected state etc. The measured cell may belong to or operate on the same carrier frequency as of the serving cell (e.g. intra-frequency carrier) or it may belong to or operate on different carrier frequency as of the serving cell (e.g. non-serving carrier frequency). Non-serving carrier frequency are inter-frequency carrier, inter-RAT carrier etc. Examples of RS are discovery signal or discovery reference signal (DRS), Channel State Information - Reference Signals (CSI- RS), Cell-specific Reference Signals (CRS), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), signals in Synchronization Signals (SS)/ Physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) etc. Each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS and NR-PBCH in 4 successive symbols. One or multiple SSBs are transmit in one SSB burst which is repeated with certain periodicity e.g. 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms and 160 ms. The UE is configured with information about SSB on cells of certain carrier frequency by one or more SS/PBCH block Measurement Timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration comprising parameters such as SMTC periodicity, SMTC occasion length in time or duration, SMTC time offset wrt reference time (e.g. serving cell’s SFN) etc. Therefore, SMTC occasion may also occur with certain periodicity e.g. 5 milliseconds (ms), 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms and 160 ms.

The measurement may be used by the UE for performing one or more procedures and/or the UE may report it to the network for performing one or more procedures. Examples of procedures are mobility (e.g. cell selection, cell reselection, HO etc.), positioning, self-organizing network (SON), Minimization of Drive Test (MDT), multicarrier operation (e.g. Carrier Aggregation (CA, Dual Connectivity (DC), radio link monitoring, link recovery procedures etc. Examples of measurements are cell identification (e.g. PCI acquisition, cell detection), Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP), Reference Symbol Received Quality (RSRQ), Secondary Synchronization (SS) RSRP, SS-RSRQ, Signall-to-lnterference- plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), Reference Signal (RS) SINR, SS-SINR, Channel State Information (CSI)-RSRP, CSI-RSRQ, acquisition of System Information (SI), cell global ID (CGI) acquisition, Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), UE Reception - Transmission (RX-TX) time difference measurement, radio link quality, Radio Link Monitoring (RLM), which consists of Out of Synchronization (out of sync) detection and In Synchronization (in-sync) detection, Layer-1 RSRP (L1-RSRP), Layer-1 SINR (L1- SI NR) etc.

DRX cycle operation

The UE may be configured with a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle to use in all RRC states, e.g. RRC idle state, RRC inactive state and RRC connected state, to save UE battery power. Examples of lengths (TDRX) of DRX cycles currently used in low activity RRC states (e.g. RRC idle/inactive state) are 320 ms, 640 ms, 1.28 s, 2.56 s etc. The UE may be configured with DRX cycle by a network node e.g. by base station, core network node etc. In low activity RRC states, the DRX may also be called as paging cycle e.g. configured number of Paging Occasion (PO) per DRX cycle for receiving paging. The DRX active time and DRX inactive time are also referred to as DRX ON and DRX OFF durations of the DRX cycle respectively are shown in Figure 2. The DRX inactive time may also be called as non-DRX or non-DRX period. Figure 2 depicts a DRX cycle illustrating on and off durations.

DRX cycle configuration by core network

According to 3GPP TS 24.501 v17.4.1, the UE may be configured with DRX cycle by the core network node, e.g., Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) using non-access stratum (NAS signalling). According to section 8.2.6.15 (Requested DRX parameters) in 3GPP TS 24.501 v17.4.1 : “If the UE wants to use or change the UE specific DRX parameters, the UE shall include the Requested DRX parameters IE in the REGISTRATION REQUEST message.”

5GS DRX parameters

According to section 9.11.3.2A in 3GPP TS 24.501 v17.4.1 , “The purpose of the 5GS DRX parameters information element is to indicate that the UE wants to use DRX and for the network to indicate the DRX cycle value to be used at paging. The 5GS DRX parameters is a type 4 information element with a length of 3 octets. The 5GS DRX parameters information element is coded as shown in Table 1 and table 2 (which are based on figure 9.11.3.2A.1 and table 9.11.3.2A.1 respectively in 3GPP TS 24.501 v17.4.1). The value part of a DRX parameter information element is coded as shown in table 1.”

Table 1 : 5GS DRX parameters information element

Table 2: 5GS DRX parameters information element

Cell baring mechanism

Under certain circumstances, it will be desirable to prevent UE users from making access attempts (including emergency call attempts) or responding to pages in specified areas of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Such situations may arise during states of emergency, or where 1 of 2 or more co-located PLMNs has failed. Broadcast messages should be available on a cell by cell basis indicating the class(es) or categories of subscribers barred from network access.

Both Master Information Block (MIB) and System Information Block (SIB)1 contains information that is common for all UEs and barring information. For a UE to camp on a cell, it must have acquired the contents of the MIB and SIB1 from that cell.

In the following, it is presented the definition of MIB and SIB1 as defined in 3GPP TS 38.331 V16.6.0:

MIB

SIB1 message

Access Classes are applicable as follows [3GPP TS 22.011]:

Class 15 - PLMN Staff;

14 - Emergency Services;

13 - Public Utilities (e.g. water/gas suppliers);

12 - Security Services;

11 - For PLMN Use.

Any number of these classes may be barred at any one time. When the cell is indicated as ‘barred’ then the UE is not allowed to access that cell.

Mobility in low activity RRC state

In low activity RRC state (e.g. RRC idle/inactive states), the UE performs measurements (e.g. RSRP, RSRQ etc.) on serving cell once every one or more DRX cycles and may further perform measurements one or more neighbor cells when serving cell measurement(s) quality falls below certain threshold or if the UE cannot fulfil cell selection criteria S for the serving cell. The UE performs cell selection or cell reselection to another cell (e.g. neighbor cell) if it meets cell selection or cell reselection criteria respectively.

In one example the cell selection criterion S for a cell is fulfilled when the UE determines that the following condition is met by the UE:

Srxlev > 0 AND Squal > 0

In one example Srxlev is further defined as follows:

Srxlev = Qrxlevmeas - (Qrxlevmin + Qrxlevminoffset )- Pcompensation - Qoffsettemp

Where:

- Srxlev: It is the cell selection received (RX) level value (dB) e.g. derived from

RSRP.

- Squal: It is the cell selection quality value (dB) e.g. derived from RSRQ.

- Qrxlevmeas: It is the measured cell RX level value (RSRP)

- Qrxlevmin is the minimum required RX level in the cell (dBm). It is signalled by the cell.

- Qrxlevminoffset is the offset to the signalled Qrxlevmin. It is signalled by the cell.

- Qoffsettemp: It is the offset temporarily applied to a cell. It is signaled to the UE by the cell

The UE may also perform one or more cell selection procedures for the selected PLMN if the UE cannot find suitable cell after searches and measurements. Examples of cell selection procedures for the selected PLMN are:

- UE scanning all RF channels in the NR bands according to its capabilities to find or detect a suitable cell.

UE using stored information of frequencies and optionally also information on cell parameters from previously received measurement control information elements or from previously detected cells for selecting a cell. Inactive mode data transmission

Small Data Transmission (SDT) is a procedure to transmit UL data from a UE in RRC NACTIVE state. SDT is performed with either random access or configured grant (CG).

Small data solutions have earlier been introduced in LTE with the focus on MTC. For example, Release 15 Early Data Transmission (EDT) and Release 16 Preconfigured Uplink Resources (PUR) have been standardized for LTE-Machine-type communication (MTC) (LTE-M) and NB-loT. Unlike these features, the Release 17 Small Data for NR is not directly targeting MTC use cases and a Work Item Description (WID) includes smartphone background traffic as the justification.

The 3GPP Work Item (Wl) objectives outline two main objectives: Random Access Channel (RACH)-based schemes and pre-configured Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resources. Comparing to LTE-M and NB-loT, the 4-step RACH-based scheme is similar to Release 15 User Plane - Early Data Transmission (UP-EDT) and pre- configured PUSCH resources is similar to Release 16 User Plane - Preconfigured Uplink Resources (UP-PUR). Further, the Release 17 Small Data is only concerning data transmission in INACTIVE state and hence CP-optimizations of EDT and PUR are so far not relevant. 2-step RACH has not been specified for LTE, and hence there is no LTE counterpart for 2-step RACH-based Small Data.

SUMMARY

As a part of developing embodiments herein the inventors identified a problem which first will be discussed.

A UE may be configured to perform positioning measurements in RRC inactive state. It is expected that positioning measurements will be extended to even RRC idle state in 3GPP Release 18.

The UE may be configured by a network node with one or more carrier frequencies for performing mobility in RRC idle/inactive state. The UE performs measurements on the cells of the configured carriers based on the rules while meeting the corresponding measurement requirements. In RRC idle/inactive state the UE autonomously performs cell reselection to a target cell based on the performed measurements. This means the network does not have any control on which cell the UE may reselect for the mobility. On the contrary in RRC connected state the UE mobility, e.g. Handover (HO), is fully under the control of the network node.

Currently there are no procedures or rules which define UE positioning measurement behavior while performing cell change in RRC idle/inactive state. Due to fundamental differences in the nature of the mobility procedures in RRC idle/inactive state and in RRC connected state, new UE positioning measurement behavior and procedure under cell change in RRC idle and/ or inactive state are needed. These aspects are addressed in embodiments herein.

An object of embodiments herein may be to improve the performance in a wireless communications network using positioning measurement procedures.

According to an aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a User Equipment, UE. The method is for handling one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network. While being in a low activity Radio Resource Control, RRC, state, the UE performs positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells according to a configured positioning measurement procedure. Upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell to a second cell, the UE adapts the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a first network node. The method is for configuring a User Equipment, UE, to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network.

The first network node configuring (501) the UE to:

- While being in a low activity Radio Resource Control, RRC, state, perform positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells on one or more Positioning Frequency Layers, PFL, according to positioning measurement procedure, and

- upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell to a second cell, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules. According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a User Equipment, UE. The UE is configured to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network. The UE is further configured to:

-While being in a low activity Radio Resource Control, RRC, state, perform positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells according to a configured positioning measurement procedure, and

- upon further being configured to determine that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell to a second cell, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

According to another aspect, the object is achieved by a first network node. The first network node is configured to configure a User Equipment, UE, to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network. The first network node further being configured to configure the UE to:

- While being in a low activity Radio Resource Control, RRC, state, perform positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells according to positioning measurement procedure, and

- upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell to a second cell, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

Some advantages of embodiments herein e.g. comprise the following:

The UE 120 positioning measurement behavior is well defined under cell change during the low activity RRC state e.g. RRC idle and/or inactive state.

The positioning measurement performance is enhanced under cell change during the low activity RRC state e.g. RRC idle and/or inactive state.

BIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a sequence diagram depicting prior art.

Figure 2 is a sequence diagram depicting prior art.

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram depicting embodiments of a wireless communications network. Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting embodiments of a method performed by a UE.

Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting embodiments of a method performed by a first network node.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram depicting embodiments of a method.

Figures 7 a and b are schematic block diagrams depicting embodiments of a UE. Figures 8 a and b are schematic block diagrams depicting embodiments of a first network node.

Figure 9 schematically illustrates a telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer.

Figure 10 is a generalized block diagram of a host computer communicating via a base station with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection.

Figures 11 to 14 are flowcharts illustrating methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 3 is a schematic overview depicting a wireless communications network 100 wherein embodiments herein may be implemented. The wireless communications network 100 comprises one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The wireless communications network 100 may use 5G NR but may further use a number of other different technologies, such as, 6G, Wi-Fi, (LTE), LTE-Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile communications/enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM/EDGE), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), just to mention a few possible implementations.

Network nodes such as a first network node 111 also referred to as NN1 , a second network node 112 also referred to as NN2, and a third network node 113 also referred to as NN3, operate in the wireless communications network 100, e.g. by means of antenna beams, referred to as beams herein. The first, second and third network nodes 111 , 112, 113 e.g. provide a number of cells and may use these cells for communicating with e.g. a UE 120.

According to examples herein, the first network node 111 provides a number of cells, such as e.g. a first cell 115 also referred to as Celli, the second network node 112 provides a number of cells, such as e.g. a second cell 116 also referred to as cell2, and the third network node 113 provides a number of cells, such as e.g. a third cell 117 also referred to as Cell3.

The first, second and third network nodes 111 , 112, 113 may each be a transmission and reception point e.g. a radio access network node such as a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a NodeB, an evolved Node B (eNB, eNodeB, eNode B), an NR Node B (gNB), a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point, an Access Point Station (AP STA), an access controller, a UE acting as an access point or a peer in a Device to Device (D2D) communication, or any other network unit capable of communicating with a UE within any of the first cell 115, the second cell 116, and/or the third cell 117 served by the first, second and/or third network nodes 111 , 112, 113 depending e.g. on the radio access technology and terminology used.

User Equipments operate in the wireless communications network 100, such as a UE 120. The UE 120 may provide radio coverage by means of a number of antenna beams 127, also referred to as beams herein.

The UE 120 may e.g. be an NR device, a mobile station, a wireless terminal, an NB- loT device, an enhanced MTC (eMTC) device, an NR RedCap device, a CAT-M device, a Wi-Fi device, an LTE device and a non-access point (non-AP) STA, a STA, that communicates via a base station such as e.g. the network node 110, one or more Access Networks (AN), e.g. RAN, to one or more core networks (CN). It should be understood by the skilled in the art that the UE relates to a non-limiting term which means any UE, terminal, wireless communication terminal, user equipment, (D2D) terminal, or node e.g. smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablets or even a small base station communicating within a cell.

Methods herein may in one aspect be performed by the UE 120 and in another aspect by the first network node 111 . As an alternative, a Distributed Node (DN) and functionality, e.g. comprised in a cloud 130 as shown in Figure 3, may be used for performing or partly performing the methods.

Terminology

In this disclosure a term node is used which may be a network node or a user equipment (UE). Examples of network nodes are NodeB, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, Master eNB, Secondary eNB, Location Measurement Unit (LMU), integrated access backhaul (I AB) node, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), Central Unit (e.g. in a gNB), Distributed Unit (e.g. in a gNB), Baseband Unit, Centralized Baseband, C-RAN, access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, transmission reception point (TRP), RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. MSC, MME, AMF etc), O&M, OSS, SON, location server (e.g. LMF, E-SMLC, SUPL SLP) etc. The location server may also be called as positioning node or positioning server.

The non-limiting term UE 120 refers to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and/or with another UE 120 in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE 120 are target device, device to device (D2D) UE, vehicular to vehicular (V2V), machine type UE, MTC UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles etc.

The term radio access technology, or RAT, may refer to any RAT e.g. UTRA, E- UTRA, narrow band internet of things (NB-loT), WiFi, Bluetooth, next generation RAT, New Radio (NR), 4G, 5G, etc. Any of the equipment denoted by the term node, network node or radio network node may be capable of supporting a single or multiple RATs.

The term signal or radio signal used herein may be any physical signal or physical channel. Examples of DL physical signals are reference signal such as PSS, SSS, CSI- RS, DMRS, signals in SSB, DRS, CRS, PRS etc. Examples of UL physical signals are reference signal such as SRS, DMRS etc. The term physical channel refers to any channel carrying higher layer information e.g. data, control etc. Examples of physical channels are PBCH, Narrow Band PBCH (NPBCH), PDCCH, Physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), shortened Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) (sPDCCH), MTC physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), Narrowband PDCCH (NPDCCH), Narrowband PDSCH (NPDSCH), Enhanced PDCCH (E-PDCCH), PUSCH, PUCCH, Narrowband PUSCH (NPUSCH) etc.

The term time resource used herein may correspond to any type of physical resource or radio resource expressed in terms of length of time. Examples of time resources are: symbol, time slot, subframe, radio frame, Transmission Time Interval (TTI), interleaving time, slot, sub-slot, mini-slot, SFN, hyper-SFN (H-SFN) etc. Scenario for embodiments

An example scenario comprises the UE 120 served by at least the first cell 115 (celll) provided by the first network node 111 , which in turn is served or managed by the first network node 111 (NN1). Examples of NN1 are base station, gNB etc. The UE 120 may be configured to perform a cell change to the second cell 116 (cell2), which in turn is served or managed by a second network node 112 (NN2). Celli may be the serving cell of the UE 120 before the cell change. Cell2 may become the serving cell of the UE 120 after the cell change. In one example, NN1 and NN2 are the same e.g. celll and cell2 are served by the same network node. In another example, NN1 and NN2 are different e.g. celll and cell2 are served by different network nodes e.g. different logical or different physical nodes. The UE 120 may further be configured to perform a cell change to a third cell 117 (cell3), which in turn is served or managed by another network node, such as the third network node 113 or by NN1 or NN2. In some examples, the cell change to cell3 may be performed if the UE 120 fails to perform the cell change to cell2. For example, the cell change to cell2 may not be allowed if cell2 is barred. In another example the cell change to cell3 may be performed after cell change to cell2.

The UE 120 may be configured by the third network node 113 (NN3) to perform one or more positioning measurements on one or more cells of one or more Positioning Frequency Layers (PFL). A PFL may also be referred to as carrier, carrier frequency, layer, frequency layer etc. A PFL may be serving carrier frequency, e.g. Primary Component Carrier (PCC), Secondary Component Carrier (SCC), Primary Secondary Carrier (PSC) etc., or non-serving carrier frequency, e.g. inter-frequency carrier, inter-RAT carrier etc. In one example NN3 is the same as NN1. In another example NN3 is a location server e.g. LMF.

The UE 120 may perform or attempt to perform cell change from celll to another cell autonomously. In one example the UE 120 is configured to operate in low activity RRC state. Examples of low activity RRC state are RRC idle, RRC inactive. An example of high activity RRC state is RRC connected state. In low activity RRC state, the UE 120 performs measurements on signals of the serving cell, e.g. celll, once every L1th DRX cycle. In one example L1 ≥ 1 e.g. L1 =1 , L2=2 etc. In another example L1 may be function of one or more parameters e.g. L1=M1*N1 ; where M1 depends on relation between DRX cycle and RS periodicity (e.g. SMTC period), and N1 is beam sweeping factor in FR2 and may further depend on DRX cycle and/or UE 120 power class e.g. N1=8 for DRX cycle =0.32 s and UE 120 power class 1. Examples of cell change are cell selection, cell reselection, RRC release with direction etc.

The UE 120 may use the positioning measurement results for performing one or more operational tasks e.g. report the positioning measurement results to one or more nodes (e.g. NN1, NN2, NN3 etc.), using the positioning measurement results for determining its position etc. The UE 120 may also meet one or more positioning measurement requirements. Examples of positioning measurement requirements are measurement time, measurement accuracy, measurement reporting periodicity, number of cells measured over the measurement time etc. Examples of measurement time are cell identification time, evaluation period or measurement period (e.g. L1 measurement period), etc. Examples of measurement accuracy are PRS-RSRP accuracy (e.g. within ± X1 dB wrt reference PRS-RSRP value), RSTD accuracy (e.g. within ± X2 Tc wrt reference RSTD value), UE 120 Rx-Tx accuracy (e.g. within ± X3 Tc wrt reference UE 120 Rx-Tx value). Tc is basic time unit in NR; 1 Tc = 0.5 ns.

Embodiments herein e.g. provide methods in the UE 120 and the first network node 111 , such as e.g. a base Station (BS), a positioning node etc.

According to some embodiments the UE 120 is configured to perform a positioning measurement in a low activity RRC state, and be served by a first cell 115, also referred to as celU herein, provided by the first network node 111. The UE 120 is further configured to be triggered to perform a cell change to the second cell 116, also referred to as cell2 herein, e.g. neighbor cell, while performing the positioning measurement. The UE 120 adapts the positioning measurement procedure, based on one or more rules, which may be pre-defined or configured by a network node, such as the first network node 111. The one or more rules e.g. relate to any one or more out of: DRX cycle operation, whether a neighboring cell is access (XS) class barred, whether any SDT is configured, whether the cell change is successful or not. Examples of these rules e.g. comprises any one our more out of:

• The UE 120 may stop the ongoing positioning measurement procedure, if the cell change is not successful e.g. if cell2 is barred for access for the UE 120.

• The UE 120 may read the SI of a cell, e.g. MIB and one or more SIBs information in cell2, to determine whether the Network (NW) such as the first network node 111 allows or bars to camp on the cell for performing positioning measurement and performs actions based on the acquired information e.g. acquire a flag specific to positioning measurement.

• The UE 120 may send a request to the NW, e.g. CN such as AMF, to update or change or reconfigure the DRX cycle e.g. to configure a new DRX cycle suitable for positioning e.g. DRX cycle below a threshold etc.

• The UE 120 may stop the ongoing positioning measurement procedure, if the cell change is not successful after a certain number of cell change attempts and/or after certain time period since the triggering of the cell change.

• The UE 120 may restart or continue the ongoing positioning measurement after the cell change if the cell change is successful. Whether the UE 120 may restart or continue the ongoing positioning measurement depends on one or more configuration parameters e.g. type of reference signals used for positioning etc.

• The UE 120 then continues the ongoing positioning measurement after the cell change, may further obtain a measurement time for the positioning measurement, based on or function of one or more of the following: length of DRX cycles used in serving cells before and after cell change, number of carrier frequencies configured for measurements for different purposes etc.

• The UE 120 may further inform the network node, such as the first network node 111 , about one or more the actions or information about the one or more adaptations of the positioning measurement procedure.

According to a second embodiment, a network node, such as the first network node 111 , e.g. BS, location server etc., configures the UE 120 with one or more rules, which the UE 120 may apply for adapting one or more positioning measurement procedures upon triggering cell change to another cell while performing the positioning measurement. For example, the first network node 111 may configure the UE 120 with a rule indicating that the UE 120 may stop the positioning measurement procedure, if the cell change is unsuccessful due to cell barring after more than certain number of cell change attempts and/or if the cell change is not successful within certain time period. In another example the first network node 111 may transmit information, e.g. in SI, whether the UE 120 may camp on a cell when performing positioning measurements or is barred on a cell when performing positioning measurements. The first network node 111 may also receive an indication from the UE 120 about the one or more actions or adaptations performed by the UE. The first network node 111 may also adapt, e.g. change or modify or update, the positioning measurement configuration and may configure the UE 120 with the adapted positioning measurement configuration. Examples of low activity RRC state are RRC idle, RRC inactive. An example of high activity RRC state is RRC connected state.

Examples of cell change procedures are cell selection, cell reselection, RRC connection release with redirection, RRC connection re-establishment etc.

As mentioned above, some advantages of embodiments herein e.g. comprise the following:

• The UE 120 positioning measurement behavior is well defined under cell change during the low activity RRC state e.g. RRC idle/inactive state.

• The positioning measurement performance is enhanced under cell change during the low activity RRC state e.g. RRC idle/inactive state.

Figure 4 shows an example method performed by the UE 120 for handling one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network 100. The UE 120 is e.g. served by the first network node 111 in the first cell 115.

The method comprises the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order. Optional actions are referred to as dashed boxes in Figure 4.

Action 401

In some embodiments, the UE 120 is configured with the one or more positioning measurement procedures. The UE 120 may be configured by a network node such as e.g. the first network node111 or any of the network nodes NN1, NN2 or NN3. The positioning measurement procedures comprises to perform the positioning measurements in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117, e.g. on one or more PFL while being in a low activity RRC state, such as e.g. in an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle. The positioning measurements in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 may e.g., be performed while being in a low activity RRC state.

The positioning measurement procedures further comprise to, upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules, e.g. while performing the positioning measurement.

Configuring the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures may further comprise receiving configuration information e.g. relating to any one or more out of: Positioning assistance data providing information about type of measurements, reference signal configuration, e.g. PRS, and cells on which measurements are to be done.

Action 402

While being in a low activity RRC state, the UE 120 performs positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 according to a configured positioning measurement procedure. The positioning measurement may e.g. be performed on one or more PFL. The low activity RRC state may e.g. comprise an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle.

The positioning measurements may be transmitted the to the first network node (111) to be used for determining positioning at a future time.

Action 403

The UE 120 determines that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116. The second cell 116 may e.g. be comprised in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117.

The cell change may e.g. comprise any one of: a cell selection, a cell reselection, an RRC connection release with redirection, and an RRC connection re-establishment.

An example of the criterion for triggering or performing or initiating cell change to another cell is based on whether the UE 120 is also unable to identify a new cell after the UE 120 was unable to measure on the serving cell for certain number of DRX cycles.

In some embodiments, upon determining that the UE 120 is unable to identify the second cell 116 over a period of time, the UE 120 initiates a cell selection procedure to a third cell for a selected PLMN and stops performing the positioning measurement.

Action 404

Upon determining that the one or more criteria is fulfilled, the UE 120 adapts the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules. This may e.g., be performed while performing the positioning measurement.

The UE 120 may adapt the measurement time of the positioning measurement based on one or more of: a length of DRX cycles used in serving cells before and after cell change and, a number of carrier frequencies configured for performing one or more measurements, for different purposes. The one or more rules may e.g. relate to one or more of: DRX cycle operation, whether a neighboring cell is barred, whether a neighboring cell is access class barred, whether a neighboring cell is barred for performing a positioning measurement, whether any SDT is configured for the cell, and whether the cell change is successful or not.

The one or more rules comprise one or more of: Stop performing the positioning measurement, continue performing the positioning measurement, restart the positioning measurement, adapt the measurement time of the positioning measurement and, request a network node to configure a certain DRX cycle.

Figure 5 shows an example method performed by the first network node 111 , e.g. for configuring the UE 120 to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in the wireless communications network 100. The UE 120 is e.g. served by the first network node 110 in the first cell 115.

The method comprises the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order. Optional actions are referred to as dashed boxes in Figure 5.

Action 501

The first network node 111 configures the UE 120 to:

While being in a low activity RRC state, such as e.g. in an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle, perform positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 according to a positioning measurement procedure. The positioning measurement may e.g. be performed on one or more Positioning Frequency Layers, PFL.

The first network node 111 further configures the UE 120 to:

Upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, and e.g., while performing the positioning measurement, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules. The second cell 116 may e.g. be comprised in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117.

The one or more rules may e.g. relate to one or more of: DRX cycle operation, whether a neighboring cell is barred, whether a neighboring cell is access class barred, whether a neighboring cell is barred for performing a positioning measurement, whether any SDT is configured for the cell, and whether the cell change is successful or not.

In some embodiments, configuring the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures further comprises that the first network node 111 configures the UE 120 with configuration information e.g., relating to any one or more out of: Positioning assistance data providing information about type of measurements, reference signal configuration, e.g. PRS, and cells on which measurements are to be done.

The method will now be further explained and exemplified in below embodiments. These below embodiments may be combined with any suitable embodiment as described above. It should be noted that the prior art text from the background may be used in embodiments herein.

Embodiments of an example method in the UE 120 of adapting positioning measurement procedure under cell change in low activity RRC state.

According to an example embodiment performed by the UE 120:

• The UE 120 being served by celU and operating in a low activity RRC state, and is performing one or more positioning measurements of one or more cells, e.g. on at least one PFL, determines that it meets one or more criteria to trigger a cell change to another cell e.g. cell2, cell3 etc. Another cell refers to a cell different than celU.

• The UE 120 adapts one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules upon determining that it has met one or more criteria for triggering cell change to another cell e.g. cell2, cell3 etc. An example is illustrated in Figure 6. The rules may be pre-defined or configured by the first network node 111 , the second or third network nodes 112, 113 e.g. NN1, NN2, NN3 etc. Figure 3 depicts an example of the UE 120 performing a cell change from celU to cell2 and adapting positioning measurement procedure based on one or more rules.

The UE 120 may be configured by the first network node 111 , or e.g. NN1 , NN2 or NN3, for performing one or more positioning measurements (e.g. RSTD, PRS-RSRP, UE 120 Rx-Tx time difference etc.) on one or more cells on at least one PFL before the UE 120 meets the triggering conditions or criteria for cell change. The configuration procedure may comprise receiving a configuration information (e.g. positioning assistance data) providing information about the type of measurements, reference signal configuration (e.g. PRS), cells on which measurements are to be done etc.

Examples of criteria for triggering cell change to another cell, e.g. the second cell

116 referred to as cell2, the third cell 117, referred to as cell3, etc., are described below: - Cell reselection related criteria: In one example the criterion for triggering or performing or initiating cell change to another cell, e.g. cell2, is based on a relation or comparison between received signal level of the first cell 115, referred to as celll, at the UE 120 and a signal level threshold (H 1 ), and/or a relation or comparison between received signal level of cell2 at the UE 120 and a signal level threshold (H2). The relation or comparison may further be determined or performed or evaluated over a certain time period or interval e.g. cell reselection time interval. In one example the criterion for performing cell change to cell2 is met provided that the received signal level of cell2 is above H1, during a time interval, T11. In another example the criterion for performing cell change to cell2 is met provided that the received signal level of celll is below H1 , and the received signal level of cell2 is above H2, during a time interval, T12. The relation or comparison may further be determined or performed or evaluated for one or multiple received signal level parameters by comparing them with their respective thresholds over certain time interval. Examples of received signal level comprise signal strength, signal quality etc. Examples of signal strength comprise Signal Strength Measurement (SSM) value, a Signal Strength Parameter (SSP) which is function of SSM value etc. Examples of signal quality comprise Signal Quality Measurement (SQM), a Signal Quality Parameter (SQP) which is function of SQM etc. Examples of SSM are path loss, RSRP, SS-RSRP etc. Examples of SSP are Srxlev etc. Examples of SQM are RSRQ, SS-RSRQ, SNR, SI NR etc. Examples of SQP are Squal etc.

- Serving cell measurement related criteria: In another example the criterion for triggering or performing or initiating cell change to another cell is based on whether the UE 120 is unable to perform measurement on celll for certain number of DRX cycles. In one specific example the UE 120 initiate measurement on another cell, e.g. cell2, if the UE 120 is unable to perform one or more measurements on celll during Ns number of DRX cycles e.g. when UE 120 cannot receive the serving cell signals. The parameter Ns may further depend on the DRX cycle and/or on the RS periodicity, e.g. SMTC period, and/or on beam sweeping factor in FR2.

- Cell selection for selected PLMN: In another example the criterion for triggering or performing or initiating cell change to another cell is based on whether the UE 120 is also unable to identify a new cell after the UE 120 was unable to measure on the serving cell for certain number of DRX cycles. In one specific example if the UE 120 is unable to find any new suitable cell, e.g. cell2, based on searches and measurements, e.g. in example 2 above, using the intra-frequency, inter-frequency and inter-RAT information indicated in the system information for certain time period, e.g. 10 seconds (s), then the UE 120 may initiate cell selection procedures, e.g. to yet another cell e.g. to cell3, for the selected PLMN.

The UE 120 may or may not be able to successfully perform cell change to another cell, e.g. cell2, even if the UE 120 meets the one or more criteria for triggering the cell change.

Examples of rules for enabling the UE 120 to adapt one or more positioning measurement procedures upon meeting criteria for triggering cell change are described below with several examples comprising any one or more out of:

- Rules on UE 120 action upon unsuccessful cell change: In one example of the rule, if the UE 120 is unable to perform cell change to another cell, e.g. cell2, then the UE 120 may adapt the positioning measurement procedure or perform one or more actions related to the positioning measurement procedure. The adaptation or action may further depend on the type of positioning measurements being performed e.g. Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), UE 120 Rx-Tx time difference etc. The adaptation or action may further depend on the type of RS used by the UE 120 for positioning measurements e.g. PRS, SRS, both PRS and SRS etc. The adaptation or action may further depend on one or more reasons or scenarios due to which the cell change to cell2 is not successful. Examples of reasons or scenarios for unsuccessful cell change comprises the UE 120 determining that cell2 is barred for cell selection or reselection, e.g. based on history/stati sties, by reading the system information (SI) of cell2, the UE 120 is unable to acquire the SI of cell2, the UE 120 is unable to acquire the SI of cell2 within a certain time interval etc. Examples of UE 120 actions or adapted procedures comprise: a. In one example, the UE 120 stops the ongoing positioning measurement if the UE 120 is unable to perform cell change to another cell (e.g. cell2) i.e. cell change is not successful or results in cell change failure. b. In another example, the UE 120 stops the ongoing positioning measurement if the cell change to another cell is not successful over a certain time period (T21). The time period T21 may start when the UE 120 triggers the cell change e.g. when criterion for triggering cell change is met. Otherwise, if the cell change to another cell is successful within T21 then the UE 120 may restart or continue the positioning measurement after the cell change (as described in rule 2). c. In another example, the UE 120 stops the ongoing positioning measurement if the cell change to another cell is not successful after L2 number of cell change attempts. Otherwise, if the cell change to another cell is successful after no more than L2 number of cell change attempts then the UE 120 may restart or continue the positioning measurement after the cell change (as described in rule 2). d. In another example, the UE 120 stops the ongoing positioning measurement if the cell change to another cell is not successful after L3 number of cell change attempts over certain time period (T22). T22 may start when the UE 120 served by celU triggers the cell change e.g. when criterion for triggering cell change is met while served by celU. Otherwise, if the cell change to another cell is successful after no more than L3 number of cell change attempts within T22 then the UE 120 may restart or continue the positioning measurement after the cell change (as described in rule 2). e. The stopping of the ongoing positioning measurement may further comprise one or more actions in the UE 120 e.g.

I. In one example, the UE 120 may abandon or discard the measurement results obtained by the UE 120 before the cell change attempt.

II. In another example, the UE 120 may store the measurement results obtained by the UE 120 before the cell change attempt, and may use them for one or more tasks e.g. transmit them to the network node, such as the first network node 111 , at a future time, use them for determining positioning etc. f. In one example, any of the above actions may be performed when the cell change is not successful due to specific reason e.g. if the target cell is barred for access. The UE 120 may acquire or receive the barring information (e.g. flag) for the target cell by receiving the information from system information of the target cell e.g. in a SIB. When the flag is set to barred then the UE 120 is not allowed to access that cell e.g. in this case the UE 120 may perform cell change to that target cell. If the flag for a cell is set to ‘not barred’ (e.g. ‘unbarred’) or if the flag is not transmitted in a cell, then the UE 120 is allowed to access that cell e.g. in this case the UE 120 is not allowed to perform cell change to that target cell. In one example, the cell may be barred if it is geographically close to a public safety network or sensitive location e.g. airport, hospital etc. In one example of the rule, the UE 120 may not perform the cell change to a target cell if the cell is barred (e.g. the received flag is set to barred) regardless of whether the UE 120 is configured to perform positioning measurement. In another example of the rule, if the UE 120 is configured to perform at least one positioning measurement or certain type of positioning measurement (e.g. RSTD) then the UE 120 may perform the cell change to a target cell even if the cell is barred (e.g. the received flag is set to barred). In this case the UE 120 may ignore the received flag and perform the cell change (if other necessary conditions for the cell change are met). In one specific example of the rule, if the UE 120 is configured to perform at least positioning measurement or certain type of positioning measurement on the target cell (e.g. cell2) then the UE 120 may perform the cell change to a target cell even if the cell is barred (e.g. the received flag is set to barred). In one specific example of the rule, if the UE 120 is configured to perform at least positioning measurement or certain type of positioning measurement on at least one cell on a carrier frequency of the target cell (e.g. cell2) then the UE 120 may perform the cell change to a target cell even if the cell is barred (e.g. the received flag is set to barred). For example if the target cell operates on a positioning frequency layer on which the UE 120 is configured to perform at least positioning measurement or certain type of positioning measurement then the UE may perform the cell change to a target cell even if the cell is barred. g. In another example, the network may specify one or more rules whether the UE 120 is allowed to access (camp on) a barred cell for the purpose of positioning. In this example a network node providing a cell may transmit a flag which is specific to positioning as described further below. This may be an exception to ensure that the UE 120 may continue positioning even though the cell may be barred for other purposes. It may indicate one or more such rules in a system information (SI) e.g. in SIB1 or in another SIB. In one example this may be realized by extending the SIB1 message with a specific flag (or an indicator) set for this purpose. For simplicity the flag may be called as positioning barring flag (PBF). There may be one or more multiple variants of PBF. In one example the same PBF is applicable for any type of positioning measurement and/or any type of positioning method. In another example one PBF may be applicable for each group of different positioning measurement types (G11) and/or each group of different positioning methods (G12). In one specific example G11 may comprise one type of positioning measurement (e.g. RSTD or UE 120 Rx-Tx). In another specific example G12 may comprise one type of positioning method (e.g. DL-TDOA or multi-RTT). The network node such as the first network node 111 may set the PBF (barred or unbarred) for a cell based upon one or several factors: For example, whether it expects to transmit DL-PRS or based on cell load (e.g. number of UEs served by the cell is above threshold) etc. The term unbarred may also be referred to as “not barred”. In another example the network node such as the first network node 111, may transmit PBF for a cell only when the UE 120 is not allowed to access that cell. In this case the transmitted PBF is set to barred. The absence of PBF in a cell may indicate that the UE 120 is allowed to access the cell i.e. the cell is ‘not barred’ due to positioning measurements. It is expected that UEs camping on a cell for positioning in RRC Idle or Inactive state upon obtaining a paging message from the Core Network (e.g. AMF), may need to transit to connected mode which will thus increase the cell load. Hence, the NW such as the first network node 111, may decide beforehand that such UEs are not allowed to camp on certain cell e.g. where load is already high. The NW such as the first network node 111 may set such flags at high load. Another option the first network node 111 may use to decide to enable and/or disable (unbarred and/or barred) the flag is based upon whether small data transmission (SDT) is preferred or not. The UE 120 may use SDT to transfer the positioning result to the NW such as the first network node 111 and hence the cells not supporting or not willing to support may also set the flag accordingly e.g. as barred. The UE 120 behavior upon acquiring at least one PBF may be defined based on one or more examples of rules as described below:

I. In some examples, the one or more rules allow the UE 120 configured with positioning measurement to ignore one or more other flags (other than PBF) related to cell barring signaled by the network. On the other hand, any UE 120 which is not configured with positioning measurement may ignore PBF and instead apply actions related to flags other than the PBF. The term, “configured with positioning measurement”, used herein in any of the rules may refer to any one or more positioning scenarios. Examples of such scenarios are: the UE 120 is configured with positioning measurement (e.g. via assistance data or configuration message) and as well as performing at least one positioning measurement, the UE 120 is configured with positioning measurement (e.g. via assistance data or configuration message) but may not be currently performing any positioning measurement, the UE 120 is configured with positioning measurement (e.g. via assistance data or configuration message) and may not be currently performing any positioning measurement, but processing the results of the already positioning measurement etc.

II. In another example of the rule, the UE 120 which is configured with at least one positioning measurement, shall read the information via broadcast (e.g. SIB) of the target cell (e.g. cell2) and detects the presence of PBF flag(s) transmitted in the target cell e.g. cell2. If the flag is transmitted by the cell then the UE 120 may further determine whether the UE 120 may be served by this cell (or may camp on this cell) e.g. do successful cell change to this cell. For example, if the UE 120 determines that the flag (e.g. PBF) associated with the configured positioning measurement is set to ‘barred’ (e.g. flag=1 , not allowed etc.) in the cell (e.g. cell2) then the UE 120 shall not camp on this cell (e.g. cell2) and instead may try to camp on some other cell. In this case the cell change to cell2 is not successful. But if the UE 120 determines that the flag (e.g. PBF) associated with the configured positioning measurement is set to ‘unbarred’ (e.g. flag=0, allowed etc.) in the cell (e.g. cell2) then the UE 120 performs cell change to this cell (e.g. cell2). In this case the cell change to cell2 is successful.

In another example of the rule, the UE 120 behavior upon acquiring or receiving one or more PBF flag(s) transmitted in a target cell for cell change (e.g. cell2) depends on whether the target cell is associated with or related to one or more configured positioning measurements at the UE 120. The positioning measurements may or may not be configured on the target cell or may or may not be configured on the cell(s) of the carrier frequency of the target cell. Examples of association or relation between the target cell and one or more configured positioning measurements are:

• Whether the UE 120 is configured with at least one positioning measurement on the target cell.

• Whether the UE 120 is configured with at least one positioning measurement on at least one cell on a carrier frequency of the target cell e.g. target cell operates on a positioning frequency layer.

In one example of the rule, the UE 120 behavior may comprise ignoring the received PBF based on the association between the target cell and one or more configured positioning measurements. In this case the UE 120 does not apply action related to the received PBF. For example, the UE 120 may perform the cell change to the target cell regardless of the contents of the PBF e.g. even if the PBF is set to ‘barred’. In one specific example of the rule, if the UE 120 is also configured to perform at least one positioning measurement or certain type of positioning measurement (e.g. RSTD, UE Rx- Tx time difference etc.) on the target cell then the UE 120 performs the cell change to the target even if the PBF is set to ‘barred’. In another specific example of the rule, if the target cell operates on or belongs to the carrier frequency on which the UE 120 is also configured to perform at least one positioning measurement or certain type of positioning measurement then the UE 120 performs the cell change to the target even if the PBF is set to ‘barred’.

In another example of the rule, the UE 120 behavior may comprise applying one or more actions according to the contents of the received PBF and based on the association between the target cell and one or more configured positioning measurements. In this case the UE 120 does not perform the cell change to the target cell if the PBF is set to barred . In one specific example of the rule, if the UE 120 is not configured to perform any positioning measurement or not configured with certain type of positioning measurement (e.g. RSTD, UE Rx-Tx time difference etc.) on the target cell then the UE 120 applies one or more actions according to the contents of the received PBF e.g. does not perform the cell change to the target if the PBF is set to ‘barred’. In another specific example of the rule, if the UE 120 is not configured to perform any positioning measurement or not configured with certain type of positioning measurement (e.g. RSTD, UE Rx-Tx time difference etc.) on any cell of carrier frequency of the target cell then the UE 120 applies one or more actions according to the contents of the received PBF e.g. does not perform the cell change to the target if the PBF is set to ‘barred’.

III. In another example of the rule, if the UE 120 acquires more than one flag related to positioning (e.g. PBF1 , PBF2 etc.) in a cell, where each flag is associated with different G11 and/or G12. Examples of the rules for handling multiple PBFs are: i. In this case (i.e. acquiring multiple flags) in one example if at least one PBF is set as ‘barred’ then the UE 120 does not perform cell change to this cell and may try to perform cell change to another cell. Otherwise if none of the PBFs is set to ‘barred’ then the UE 120 performs cell change to this cell and continue performing the positioning measurements after the cell change. ii. In another example even if at least one PBF is set as ‘unbarred’ then the UE 120 performs cell change to this cell. In this case in one example the UE 120 may continue performing all the configured positioning measurements after the cell change. In another example the UE 120 may continue performing only those configured positioning measurements which are associated with PBFs set to unbarred; the UE 120 may stop- or abandon or discard- other configured positioning measurements (i.e. whose PBFs are set to barred). Otherwise if none of the PBFs is set to unbarred then the UE 120 does not perform cell change to this cell and may try to perform cell change to another cell. iii. Examples of signaling of the PBFs with and without SDT enabled in a cell are shown below.

h. In another example, the UE 120 may be configured with one or more rules by a network node, such as the first network node 111 , (or e.g. location server) defining or configuring the UE 120 behavior or actions to be applied by the UE 120 if the UE 120 may not perform cell change. In one example, the rule is related to cell change failure due to cell barring e.g. if target cell such as cell2 is barred. In this case the UE 120 uses the configured rule for adapting positioning measurement procedure upon unsuccessful cell change due to cell barring. In one example, the rule indicates that the UE 120 may stop the positioning measurement procedure if the cell change is unsuccessful due to cell barring. In another example, the rule indicates that the UE 120 may stop the positioning measurement procedure, if the cell change is unsuccessful due to cell barring after more than X1 number of cell change attempts and/or if the cell change is not successful within time period, T31. T31 starts at the triggering of the first cell change during the measurement time. In another example, the rule indicates that the UE 120 informs the network node, such as the first network node 111 , if the cell change is not successful after more than X2 number of cell change attempts and/or if the cell change is not successful within time period, T32. i. The UE 120 may inform the network node, such as the first network node 111 , about one or more actions or adaptations related to the positioning measurement procedure performed by the UE 120 upon unsuccessful cell change.

Rules on UE 120 action upon successful cell change: In one example of the rule, if the UE 120 is able to successfully perform cell change to another cell (e.g. cell2) then the UE 120 may adapt the positioning measurement procedure or perform one or more actions related to the positioning measurement procedure. The adaptation may further depend on the number of times the cell change occurs during the positioning measurement time (e.g. RSTD measurement period). The adaptation or action may further depend on the type of RS used by the UE 120 for positioning measurements. The adaptation or action may further depend on whether the UE 120 needs to transmit any uplink signal for performing the positioning measurement. The adaptation or action may further depend on the amount of time period required by the UE 120 for performing the cell change. The adaptation or action may further depend on the number of unsuccessful cell changes (or number of cell change attempts) before the UE 120 is able to successfully perform the cell change. Examples of UE 120 actions or adapted procedures are: a. In one example, the UE 120 may send a request to the NW (e.g. CN e.g. AMF) to provide UE 120 specific DRX cycle for the purpose of positioning measurements. The UE 120 may further include a flag in the message (e.g. in registration message) where it requests for DRX cycle configuration saying that it is for positioning purpose. The UE 120 may further indicate a preferred DRX cycle configuration e.g. suitable for positioning measurements. In one example, the preferred DRX cycle may be the same or at least not longer than configured in the current or previous serving cell. In another example, the preferred DRX cycle may be the one which is shorter than the current DRX cycle used by the UE. In another example, the preferred DRX cycle may be the one which is equal to or longer than the current DRX cycle used by the UE. In another example, the preferred DRX cycle may be based on a relation between DRX cycle length (TDRX) and a threshold (Q1) e.g. any DRX cycle configuration with TDRX < Q1. The NW (e.g. AMF) may decide whether to grant such request or deny. For example, the NW evaluates the DRX configuration of different cells (neighbor cells obtained in Positioning Assistance data) and identifies a suitable DRX configuration and requests for such DRX configuration received from other UEs etc. Based on the evaluation, the NW may configure the UE 120 with suitable DRX cycle. b. In another example, the UE 120 restarts the positioning measurement after successfully performing the cell change to another cell (e.g. cell2) i.e. if the cell change is successful after one or more cell change attempts and/or within certain time period. Restarting the measurement may further imply that the UE 120 discards the positioning measurement results obtained before the cell change i.e. the UE 120 does not combine old samples obtained before the cell change with samples obtained after the cell change. In one example, this rule applies for any positioning measurement. In another example, this rule applies for a positioning measurement performed only on at least UL RS e.g. SRS. In another example, this rule applies for certain positioning measurements e.g. UE 120 Rx-Tx time difference, multi-RTT etc. In another example, this rule applies for a positioning measurement which does requires the UE 120 to transmit signal in uplink during the positioning measurement period. In another example, this rule applies for positioning measurements configured for a certain type of positioning method e.g. Multi- RTT positioning method, etc. In another example, this rule applies for positioning measurements configured for a certain type of positioning method e.g. DL TDOA etc. c. In another example, the UE 120 continues the ongoing positioning measurement after successfully performing the cell change to another cell (e.g. cell2) i.e. if the cell change is successful after cell change attempts and/or within certain time period. Continuing the measurement may further imply that the UE 120 may also use, the positioning measurement results obtained before the cell change, after the cell change e.g. the UE 120 may combine old samples obtained before the cell change with samples obtained after the cell change for obtaining final measurement results. In one example, this rule applies for any positioning measurement. In another example, this rule applies for a positioning measurement performed only on DL RS e.g. PRS. In another example, this rule applies for certain positioning measurements e.g. PRS-RSRP, RSTD etc. In another example, this rule applies for a positioning measurement which does not require the UE 120 to transmit any signal in uplink during the positioning measurement period. In another example, this rule applies for positioning measurements configured for certain type of positioning method e.g. DL TDOA etc. In another example, this rule applies for positioning measurements configured for a certain type of positioning method e.g. DL TDOA, DL AoD etc. d. In the above rules, in one example, the cell change to another cell is considered “successful” provided that the UE 120 is able to perform the cell change after no more than L2 number of cell change attempts. In one example, L2=1. In another example, the cell change to another cell is considered successful provided that the UE 120 performs the cell change within a time period, T21. In another example, the cell change to another cell is considered successful provided that the UE 120 performs the cell change after no more than L3 number of cell change attempts within time period, T22. In one example, L3=1. e. In the above rule, when the UE 120 restarts the measurement, the UE 120 may further restart the measurement time of the positioning measurement after the cell change. The measurement time is an example of a measurement requirement, which is to be met by the UE. Examples of measurement time are measurement period, positioning measurement period etc. The new measurement time may be the function of or is based on one or more configuration parameters obtained by the UE 120 in the new serving cell after the cell change. Examples of configuration parameters are DRX cycle configured in the new cell, number of carrier frequencies configured for one or more measurements e.g. for mobility measurements, positioning measurements, CA/DC Measurements in low activity RRC state etc. The UE 120 may obtain configuration parameters based on pre- configured information, by receiving a message (e.g. system information such as SIB) from the network node e.g. from NN2 etc. f. In the above rule, when the UE 120 continues the measurement, the total or overall measurement time (To) may be different compared to a reference measurement time (Tmj) for the positioning measurement on a PFL. Tmj is the measurement time for a measurement during which no cell change occurs and when the UE 120 is served by cell j. To is the measurement time for a measurement during which at least one cell change occurs. TO may be a function of one or more parameters. To and Tmj may also be related to each other by a function and one or more parameters. In another example, To may be a function of Tmj and one or more parameters. Tmj may be function of DRX cycle length (TDRXJ) and/or number of carrier frequencies (Gj) configured for one or more measurements when the UE 120 is served by cell j. In one example To > Tmj. Examples of functions are minimum, maximum, sum, difference, ratio, average, comparison, least common multiples (LCM), xth percentile, median, combination of two or more functions etc.

The UE 120 may be configured with different values of DRX cycles (TDRXJ) and/or number of carrier frequencies (Gj) for measurements when served by different cells during To. For example, the UE 120 may first be served by celU and by cell2 after the cell change during To. The UE 120 may determine To based on applicable DRX cycle(s) and/or number of configured carrier frequencies based one or more rules, which may be pre-defined or configured by the network node, such as the first network node 111. Examples of DRX cycles are: 0.32s, 0.64s, 1 ,28s, 2.56s etc. Examples of such rules comprise:

To is based on or is function of DRX cycles configured for the UE 120 when served by different cells during To.

To is based on the largest of all DRX cycles configured for the UE 120 when served by different cells during To.

To is based on or is function of DRX cycles and/or number of carrier frequencies configured for the UE 120 when served by different cells during To.

To is based on the largest of all DRX cycles and/or largest number of carrier frequencies configured for the UE 120 when served by different cells during To. The relation between To and Tmj are described below with several examples: In one general example, To may be expressed by (1):

To = f1(Tmj, α, C, Tcc) (1)

In one specific example, To, may be expressed by (2):

To = max(Tm1 , Tm2,... ,Tmn) + α + C*Tcc (2)

In another specific example, To, may be expressed by (3):

To = Σ (Tmj) + α+ C*T cc (3)

Where:

C=number of times cell change occurs during the measurement time for a measurement e.g. To.

In one example, the UE 120 performs the measurement regardless of the value of C i.e. regardless of the number of times cell change occurs during To.

In another example, C may have an upper limit e.g. C< Cmax, where Cmax may be pre-defined or configured by the network node, such as the first network node 111. In one example, when C>Cmax, then the UE 120 is not required to or is not expected to continue performing the ongoing measurement. In another example, when C>Cmax, then the UE 120 may perform one or more of the following: discard the measurement, does not meet or is not expected to meet one or more measurement requirements (e.g. To requirement is not expected to be met, measurement accuracy is not expected to be met etc) etc.

Tcc=time required to perform cell change e.g. cell reselection delay. In one example, it may correspond to maximum interruption in paging reception during the cell change. α = implementation margin. In one example, α=0.

- j =1 , 2,... ,n. n=C+1.

In another specific example, To may be expressed as function of at least DRX cycle and the number of carrier frequencies for one or more measurements when the UE 120 is served by cell j, and given by (4):

Where:

- Gj is a number of carrier frequencies configured for measurements when the UE 120 is served by cell j. In one example, Gj may be expressed as function of total number of carrier frequencies configured for up to ‘k’ different measurement purposes (P1 , P2,... ,Pk) as:

Gj = f3(P1j, P2j,... ,Pkj) (5)

- In one specific example, Gj may be expressed as follows:

Gj = P1j+P2j+,...,Pkj (6)

Where:

• Pij is the number of carriers configured for measurement purpose i when the UE 120 is served by cell j.

• k ≥ 1. ‘k’ may be pre-defined or configured by the network node, such as the first network node 111.

• Examples of Pij when UE 120 is served by cell j are: o P 1 j is the number of carrier frequencies (e.g. PFL) configured for positioning measurement, o P2j is the number of intra-frequency carrier(s) configured for mobility measurements, o P3j is the number of inter-frequency carriers configured for mobility measurements, o P4j is the number of inter-RAT carriers for mobility measurements, o P5j is the number of inter-frequency carriers for CA/DC measurements, o P6j is the number of inter-RAT carriers for CA/DC measurements, etc.

• Different sets of Pij may be configured by the same or different network nodes. For example P1j may be configured by NN3 (e.g. location server) while others Pij (e.g. P2j, P3j, P4j, P5j, P6j etc) may be configured by the network node, such as the first network node 111, managing the serving cell of the UE 120. - N _RxBeam is the scaling factor for Rx beam sweeping. N _RxBeam,i =1 if PFL is in FR1. For PFL in FR2 N _RxBeam ≥1. In one example for PFL in FR2, N _RxBeam,i =8

- N _Sample is the number of positioning measurement samples during the measurement time, N _Sample ≥1. In one example N _Sample = 4. In another example N _Sample = 2.

- N is a duration of DL PRS symbols in ms corresponding to durationOfPRS- ProcessingSysmbols defined in 3GPP TS 37.355 v16.6.0.

-N’ is the number of DL PRS resources that the UE 120 may process in a slot as indicated by maxNumOfDL-PRS-ResProcessedPerSlot specified in 3GPP TS 37.355 V16.6.0.

- L _{available_PRS} is the time duration of available PRS for measurement during T _{available_PRS} in certain PFL configured for one or more positioning measurements.

- T _last = T +T _{avaiiabie-PRS} is the measurement duration for the last positioning measurement sample, including the sampling time and processing time.

- T _effect = + T _{available_PRS} is the periodicity of positioning measurement

(e.g. RSTD, PRS-UE Rx-Tx time difference etc) in certain PFL.

- T_corresponds to durationOfPRS-ProcessingSymbolsInEveryTms in 3GPP TS 37.355 V16.6.0.

- T _DRXJ is the length of the DRX cycle used by the UE 120 when served by cell j. The DRX cycle may be configured by cell j or by another network node e.g. by a node in core network.

- In one specific example, L _{available_PRS} may be expressed as follows:

- In another specific example, L _{available_PRS} may be expressed as follows:

- Specific examples of, f5(T _{DRX j} ), when the UE 120 is served by cell j and has performed C number of cell changes during To, may be expressed as follows (where n=C+1 , as described earlier): Example embodiments of a method performed by a network node, such as the first network node 111 , of configuring UE 120 with rule to adapt positioning measurement procedure under cell change.

According to an embodiment, the network node, such as the first network node 111 , (e.g. NN1, NN2, NN3) configures the UE 120 with one or more rules, which defines or configures the UE 120 behavior or actions to be applied by the UE 120 if the UE 120 may not perform cell change to a target cell while performing the positioning measurements in low activity RRC state. In one example the UE 120 is configured with one or more rules by sending information related to the rules, in a message containing positioning measurement configuration (e.g. positioning assistance data) or in a separate message.

In one example, the rule is related to UE 120 action if the cell change is not successful due to cell barring e.g. if target cell such as cell2 is determined to be barred. In one example, the rule indicates that the UE 120 may stop the positioning measurement procedure if the cell change is unsuccessful due to cell barring. In another example, the rule indicates that the UE 120 may stop the positioning measurement procedure, if the cell change is unsuccessful due to cell barring after more than X1 number of cell change attempts and/or if the cell change is not successful within time period, T31. T31 starts at the triggering of the first cell change during the measurement time. In another example, the rule indicates that the UE 120 informs the network node, such as the first network node 111 , if the cell change is not successful after more than X2 number of cell change attempts and/or if the cell change is not successful within time period, T32.

In another example, the rule is related to network node, such as the first network node 111 , transmitting one or more flags related to positioning measurements (e.g. PBF) in a SI to the UE. The network node, such as the first network node 111 , may determine the status of the PBF (e.g. barred or unbarred) based on one or more configuration parameters e.g. type of positioning measurements etc. The UE 120 behavior and action upon receiving the PBF is the same as described in section 6.3.2 (UE 120 embodiment).

In another example, the rule is related to network node, such as the first network node 111 , (e.g. CN such as AMF) determining a suitable DRX cycle for the UE 120 when configured with a positioning measurement. The network node, such as the first network node 111 , may further transmit the determined suitable DRX cycle to the UE. The determination of the DRX cycle at the network node, such as the first network node 111 , may be based on the UE 120 requests for DRX cycle when doing positioning measurements and further based on one or more configuration parameters e.g. type of positioning measurement configured at the UE, DRX cycle configured in old serving cell, new serving cell, neighbor cells of the UE 120 etc. In one example, the DRX cycle is the same or not longer than the DRX cycle used in the old serving cell before the cell change.

Before transmitting the information about the rules, the network node, such as the first network node 111 , (e.g. NN1, NN2, NN3 etc.) may determine that the UE 120 is configured to perform one or more positioning measurements while operating in low activity RRC state. The network node, such as the first network node 111, may further determine or expect or predict that the UE 120 may perform one or more cell changes to another cell (e.g. from cell1 to cell2) during the positioning measurement time. The determination may be based on one or more of: history or statistics, network deployment or configuration (e.g. cell size such as more cell changes expected if cell size is smaller than threshold), based on indication received from another network node (e.g. serving base station of the UE) etc.

The network node, such as the first network node 111 , (e.g. NN1 , NN2, NN3) upon determining that the UE 120 is unable to perform or may not continue performing or has stopped performing or is going to stop performing the measurements due to unsuccessful cell change, may adapt or update one or more parameters in the positioning measurement configurations e.g. reduce number of cells and/or number of positioning measurements. The network node, such as the first network node 111, may transmit the updated positioning measurement configuration to the UE 120. This may allow the UE 120 to complete the positioning measurements over a shorter time.

Figure 7a and 7b show examples of arrangements in the UE 120. Figure 8a and 8b show examples of arrangements in the first network node 111.

The UE 120 and the first network node 111 may comprise a respective input and output interface 700, 800 configured to communicate with each other. The respective input and output interface may comprise a receiver, e.g. wired and/or wireless, (not shown) and a transmitter, e.g. wired and/or wireless, (not shown).

The UE 120 is configured to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network 100. The UE 120 is further configured to: While being in a low activity Radio Resource Control, RRC, state, perform positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 according to a configured positioning measurement procedure, and while performing the positioning measurement, and upon further being configured to determine that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

The UE 120 may further be configured to adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules while performing the positioning measurement.

The one or more rules may be adapted to relate to any one or more out of: DRX cycle operation, whether a neighbouring cell is barred, whether a neighbouring cell is XS, also referred to as access, class barred, whether a neighbouring cell is barred for performing a positioning measurement, whether any SDT is configured for the cell, whether the cell change is successful or not

The UE 120 may further be configured to adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules related to any one or more out of: DRX cycle operation, whether a neighboring cell is barred, whether a neighboring cell is access class barred, whether a neighboring cell is barred for performing a positioning measurement, whether any SDT is configured for the cell, whether the cell change is successful or not

The UE 120 may further be configured by a network node 111, NN1 , NN2 or NN3 to: perform the one or more positioning measurement procedures.

The UE 120 may further be configured to perform the positioning measurements in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 while being in a low activity RRC state.

In some embodiments the UE 120 is further configured to perform the positioning measurements in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 on one or more PFL.

The UE 120 may further be configured to transmit the positioning measurements to a first network node 111 to be used for determining positioning at a future time.

In some embodiments the UE 120 is further configured to perform the one or more positioning measurement procedures by further receive configuration information related to any one or more out of:

- positioning assistance data providing information about type of measurements,

- reference signal configuration, and

- cells on which measurements are to be done. The UE 120 may further be configured to adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules, comprising one or more of: stop performing the positioning measurement, continue performing the positioning measurement, restart the positioning measurement, adapt the measurement time of the positioning measurement and, request a network node to configure a certain DRX cycle.

The UE 120 may further be configured to adapt the measurement time of the positioning measurement based on one or more of:

- length of DRX cycles used in serving cells before and after cell change and,

- number of carrier frequencies configured for performing one or more measurements, for different purposes.

In some embodiments the UE 120 is further configured to, upon determining that the UE 120 is unable to identify the second cell 116 over a period of time, initiate a cell selection procedure to a third cell for a selected PLMN and stop performing the positioning measurement.

The UE 120 may be further configured to determine that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger the cell change comprising any one of: a cell selection, a cell reselection, an RRC connection release with redirection, and an RRC connection re- establishment.

The UE 120 may comprise any one or more out of: A configuring unit, a performing unit, a determining unit, and an adapting unit, to perform the method actions as described herein.

The first network node 111 is configured to configure the UE 120 to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in the wireless communications network 100. The first network node 111 is further configured to configure, the UE 120 to:

- While being in a low activity Radio Resource Control, RRC, state, perform positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 according to positioning measurement procedure, and

- while performing the positioning measurement, and upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

The network node 110 may further be configured to configure the UE 120 to adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules, while performing the positioning measurement.

The one or more rules may be adapted to relate to any one or more out of: DRX cycle operation, whether a neighboring cell is XS class barred, whether any SDT is configured for the cell, whether the cell change is successful or not.

In some embodiments, to configure the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures further comprises the first network node 111 further being configured to configure the UE 120 with configuration information adapted to be related to any one or more out of positioning assistance data providing information about type of measurements, reference signal configuration, and cells on which measurements are to be done.

The first network node 111 may comprise a configuring unit, to perform the method actions as described herein.

The embodiments herein may be implemented through a respective processor or one or more processors, such as at least one respective processor 750, 820 of a processing circuitry in the the UE 120 depicted in Figure 7a and in the first network node 111 depicted in Figure 8a, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the respective UE 120 and first network node 111. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the respective UE 120 and first network node 111.

The UE 120 and first network node 111 may further comprise respective a memory 760, 830 comprising one or more memory units. The respective memory 760, 830 comprises instructions executable by the respective processor in the UE 120 and first network node 111. The respective memory 760, 830 is arranged to be used to store instructions, data, configurations, and applications to perform the methods herein when being executed in the respective UE 120 and first network node 111.

In some embodiments, a respective computer program comprises instructions, which when executed by the at least one respective processor 750, 820, cause the at least one respective processor 750, 820 of the UE 120 and first network node 111 to perform the actions above.

In some embodiments, a respective carrier comprises the respective computer program, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the functional modules in the UE 120 and first network node 111 , described below may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and/or one or more processors configured with software and/or firmware, e.g. stored in the UE 120 and first network node 111 , that when executed by the respective one or more processors such as the at least one respective processor 750, 820 described above cause the respective at least one processor 750, 820 to perform actions according to any of the actions above. One or more of these processors, as well as the other digital hardware, may be included in a single Application-Specific Integrated Circuitry (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

When using the word "comprise" or “comprising” it shall be interpreted as non- limiting, i.e. meaning "consist at least of".

The embodiments herein are not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used.

Embodiments

Below, some example embodiments 1-18 are shortly described. See e.g. Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, and 8b. Embodiment 1. A method performed by a User Equipment, UE, 120 e.g. for handling one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network 100, wherein the UE 120 e.g. is served by a first network node 111 in a first cell 115, the method comprising any one or more: while being in a low activity RRC state, such as e.g. in an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle, performing 402 positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 e.g. on one or more Positioning Frequency Layers, PFL, according to a configured positioning measurement procedure, while performing 402 the positioning measurement, and upon determining 403 that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, e.g., comprised in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117, adapting 404 the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

Embodiment 2. The method according to embodiment 1 , wherein the one or more rules e.g., relate to any one or more out of:

DRX cycle operation, whether a neighbouring cell is XS class barred, whether any SDT is configured, whether the cell change is successful or not

Embodiment 3. The method according to any of the embodiments 1-2, further comprising: configuring 401 the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures comprising: to perform the positioning measurements in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 e.g. on one or more Positioning Frequency Layers, PFL, while being in a low activity RRC state, such as e.g. in an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle, and to, upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, while performing the positioning measurement, to adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

Embodiment 4. The method according to any of the embodiments 1-3, wherein the configuring 401 of the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures further comprises receiving configuration information e.g. relating to any one or more out of:

- positioning assistance data providing information about type of measurements,

- reference signal configuration, e.g., PRS, and - cells on which measurements are to be done.

Embodiment 5. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform actions according to any of the embodiments 1-4.

Embodiment 6. A carrier comprising the computer program of embodiment 5, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

Embodiment 7. A method performed by a first network node 111 e.g., for configuring a User Equipment, UE, 120 to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network 100, wherein the UE 120 e.g., is served by the first network node 110 in a first cell 115, the method comprising any one or more: configuring 501 the UE 120 to:

- while being in a low activity RRC state, such as e.g., in an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle, perform positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 e.g., on one or more Positioning Frequency Layers, PFL, according to positioning measurement procedure,

- while performing the positioning measurement, and upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, e.g., comprised in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

Embodiment 8. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the one or more rules e.g. relate to any one or more out of:

DRX cycle operation, whether a neighbouring cell is XS class barred, whether any SDT is configured, whether the cell change is successful or not

Embodiment 9. The method according to any of the embodiments 7-8, wherein the configuring 501 of the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures further comprises: configuring 501 the UE 120 with configuration information e.g., relating to any one or more out of

- positioning assistance data providing information about type of measurements,

- reference signal configuration, e.g., PRS, and

- cells on which measurements are to be done.

Embodiment 10. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform actions according to any of the embodiments 7-9.

Embodiment 11. A carrier comprising the computer program of embodiment 10, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

Embodiment 12. A User Equipment, UE, 120 e.g., configured to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network 100, wherein the UE 120 e.g. is adapted to be served by a first network node 111 in a first cell 115, the UE 120 further being configured to any one or more: while being in a low activity RRC state, such as e.g., in an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle, perform, e.g., by means of a performing unit in the UE 120, positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 e.g,. on one or more Positioning Frequency Layers, PFL, according to a configured positioning measurement procedure, while performing, e.g. by means of the performing unit in the UE 120, the positioning measurement, and upon further being configured to determine, e.g. by means of a determining unit in the UE 120, that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, e.g. adapted to be comprised in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117, adapt, e.g. by means of an adapting unit in the UE 120, the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

Embodiment 13. The UE 120 according to embodiment 12, wherein the one or more rules e.g. are adapted to relate to any one or more out of: DRX cycle operation, whether a neighbouring cell is XS class barred, whether any SDT is configured, whether the cell change is successful or not

Embodiment 14. The UE 120 according to any of the embodiments 12-13, further being configured to: configure, e.g. by means of a configuring unit in the UE 120, the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures adapted to comprise: to perform the positioning measurements in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 e.g. on one or more Positioning Frequency Layers, PFL, while being in a low activity RRC state, such as e.g. in an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle, and to, upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, while performing the positioning measurement, to adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

Embodiment 15. The UE 120 according to any of the embodiments 12-14, wherein to configure, e.g., by means of the configuring unit in the UE 120, the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures further comprises the UE 120 further being configured to receive configuration information e.g., adapted to be related to any one or more out of:

- positioning assistance data providing information about type of measurements,

- reference signal configuration, e.g., PRS, and

- cells on which measurements are to be done.

Embodiment 16. A first network node 111 e.g., configured to configure a User Equipment, UE, 120 to handle one or more positioning measurement procedures during a cell change in a wireless communications network 100, wherein the UE 120 e.g., is adapted to be served by the first network node 110 in a first cell 115, the first network node 111 further being configured to any one or more: configure, e.g., by means of a configuring unit in the first network node 111, the UE 120 to:

- while being in a low activity RRC state, such as e.g., in an RRC state being any one out of: inactive or idle, perform positioning measurement in one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117 e.g., on one or more Positioning Frequency Layers, PFL, according to positioning measurement procedure, - while performing the positioning measurement, and upon determining that one or more criteria is fulfilled to trigger a cell change from the first cell 115 to a second cell 116, e.g., comprised in the one or more neighbouring cells 116, 117, adapt the configured one or more positioning measurement procedures based on one or more rules.

Embodiment 17. The first network node 111 according to embodiment 16, wherein the one or more rules e.g., are adapted to relate to any one or more out of:

DRX cycle operation, whether a neighbouring cell is XS class barred, whether any SDT is configured, whether the cell change is successful or not

Embodiment 18. The first network node 111 according to any of the embodiments 16-17, wherein to configure the UE 120 with the one or more positioning measurement procedures further comprises the first network node 111 further being configured to: configure, e.g., by means of the configuring unit in the first network node 111 , the UE 120 with configuration information e.g., adapted to be related to any one or more out of

- positioning assistance data providing information about type of measurements,

- reference signal configuration, e.g., PRS, and

- cells on which measurements are to be done.

Abbreviations

Below follows some abbreviations as used herein and their corresponding explanations.

Abbreviation Explanation

AD Assistance Data

AMF Access and Mobility Management Function

CP Cyclic prefix

CSI-RS Channel state information reference signals

DCI Downlink control information

DL Downlink

DRS Discovery Signal

DRX Discontinuous Reception eDRX Extended DRX eNB Evolved node B

FDD Frequency division duplex

FR1 Frequency range 1

FR2 Frequency range 2

FR3 Frequency range 3 gNB Next generation Node B (5G base station)

LMF Location management function

LMU Location measurement unit

NN Network node

NR New radio (5G)

PBCH Physical broadcast channel

PDCCH Physical downlink control channel

PDSCH Physical downlink shared channel

PRS Positioning reference signals

PRS-RSRP Positioning reference signals RSRP PUCCH Physical uplink control channel

PUSCH Physical uplink shared channel

RAT Radio access technology

RRC Radio resource control"

RRM Radio resource management

RSRP Reference symbol received power

RSRQ Reference symbol received quality

RSTD Reference signal time difference

RTT Round trip time

SCS Subcarrier spacing

SDT Small data transmission

SFN System frame number

SMTC SSB measurement timing configuration

SON Self-organizing network

SRS Sounding reference signal

SSB Synchronization signal and PBCH block

TDD Time division duplex

TRP Transmission and/or Reception Point

UE User equipment

UL Uplink Further Extensions and Variations

With reference to Figure 9, in accordance with an embodiment, a communication system includes a telecommunication network 3210 such as the containerized applications network 100, e.g. an loT network, or a WLAN, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises an access network 3211, such as a radio access network, and a core network 3214. The access network 3211 comprises a plurality of base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c, such as the network node 112, access nodes, AP STAs NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 3213a, 3213b, 3213c. Each base station 3212a, 3212b, 3212c is connectable to the core network 3214 over a wired or wireless connection 3215. A first user equipment (UE) e.g. the UE 120 such as a Non-AP STA 3291 located in coverage area 3213c is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding base station 3212c. A second UE 3292 e.g. the wireless device 122 such as a Non-AP STA in coverage area 3213a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 3212a. While a plurality of UEs 3291, 3292 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding base station 3212.

The telecommunication network 3210 is itself connected to a host computer 3230, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of a standalone server, a cloud- implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 3230 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The connections 3221, 3222 between the telecommunication network 3210 and the host computer 3230 may extend directly from the core network 3214 to the host computer 3230 or may go via an optional intermediate network 3220. The intermediate network 3220 may be one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private or hosted network; the intermediate network 3220, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 3220 may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

The communication system of Figure 9 as a whole enables connectivity between one of the connected UEs 3291 , 3292 and the host computer 3230. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 3250. The host computer 3230 and the connected UEs 3291 , 3292 are configured to communicate data and/or signaling via the OTT connection 3250, using the access network 3211 , the core network 3214, any intermediate network 3220 and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 3250 may be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 3250 passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, a base station 3212 may not or need not be informed about the past routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originating from a host computer 3230 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected UE 3291. Similarly, the base station 3212 need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the UE 3291 towards the host computer 3230.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to Figure 10. In a communication system 3300, a host computer 3310 comprises hardware 3315 including a communication interface 3316 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 3300. The host computer 3310 further comprises processing circuitry 3318, which may have storage and/or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuitry 3318 may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer 3310 further comprises software 3311 , which is stored in or accessible by the host computer 3310 and executable by the processing circuitry 3318. The software 3311 includes a host application 3312. The host application 3312 may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a UE 3330 connecting via an OTT connection 3350 terminating at the UE 3330 and the host computer 3310. In providing the service to the remote user, the host application 3312 may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTT connection 3350.

The communication system 3300 further includes a base station 3320 provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware 3325 enabling it to communicate with the host computer 3310 and with the UE 3330. The hardware 3325 may include a communication interface 3326 for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 3300, as well as a radio interface 3327 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 3370 with a UE 3330 located in a coverage area (not shown) served by the base station 3320. The communication interface 3326 may be configured to facilitate a connection 3360 to the host computer 3310. The connection 3360 may be direct or it may pass through a core network (not shown in Figure 10) of the telecommunication system and/or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment shown, the hardware 3325 of the base station 3320 further includes processing circuitry 3328, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station 3320 further has software 3321 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

The communication system 3300 further includes the UE 3330 already referred to. Its hardware 3335 may include a radio interface 3337 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 3370 with a base station serving a coverage area in which the UE 3330 is currently located. The hardware 3335 of the UE 3330 further includes processing circuitry 3338, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application- specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE 3330 further comprises software 3331, which is stored in or accessible by the UE 3330 and executable by the processing circuitry 3338. The software 3331 includes a client application 3332. The client application 3332 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE 3330, with the support of the host computer 3310. In the host computer 3310, an executing host application 3312 may communicate with the executing client application 3332 via the OTT connection 3350 terminating at the UE 3330 and the host computer 3310. In providing the service to the user, the client application 3332 may receive request data from the host application 3312 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 3350 may transfer both the request data and the user data. The client application 3332 may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

It is noted that the host computer 3310, base station 3320 and UE 3330 illustrated in Figure 10 may be identical to the host computer 3230, one of the base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c and one of the UEs 3291 , 3292 of Figure 9, respectively. This is to say, the inner workings of these entities may be as shown in Figure 10 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of Figure 9.

In Figure 10, the OTT connection 3350 has been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between the host computer 3310 and the use equipment 3330 via the base station 3320, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from the UE 3330 or from the service provider operating the host computer 3310, or both. While the OTT connection 3350 is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

The wireless connection 3370 between the UE 3330 and the base station 3320 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to the UE 3330 using the OTT connection 3350, in which the wireless connection 3370 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may improve the applicable RAN effect: data rate, latency, power consumption, and thereby provide benefits such as corresponding effect on the OTT service: e.g. reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime.

A measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 3350 between the host computer 3310 and UE 3330, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 3350 may be implemented in the software 3311 of the host computer 3310 or in the software 3331 of the UE 3330, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which the OTT connection 3350 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software 3311, 3331 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection 3350 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect the base station 3320, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 3320. Such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling facilitating the host computer’s 3310 measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. The measurements may be implemented in that the software 3311, 3331 causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using the OTT connection 3350 while it monitors propagation times, errors etc. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station such as the network node 112, and a UE such as the UE 120, which may be those described with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to Figure 11 will be included in this section. In a first action 3410 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional subaction 3411 of the first action 3410, the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In a second action 3420, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. In an optional third action 3430, the base station transmits to the UE the user data which was carried in the transmission that the host computer initiated, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional fourth action 3440, the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station such as an AP STA, and a UE such as a Non-AP STA which may be those described with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to Figure 12 will be included in this section. In a first action 3510 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional subaction (not shown) the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In a second action 3520, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. The transmission may pass via the base station, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional third action 3530, the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station such as an AP STA, and a UE such as a Non-AP STA which may be those described with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to Figure 13 will be included in this section. In an optional first action 3610 of the method, the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second action 3620, the UE provides user data. In an optional subaction 3621 of the second action 3620, the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In a further optional subaction 3611 of the first action 3610, the UE executes a client application which provides the user data in reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer. In providing the user data, the executed client application may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, the UE initiates, in an optional third subaction 3630, transmission of the user data to the host computer. In a fourth action 3640 of the method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station such as an AP STA, and a UE such as a Non-AP STA which may be those described with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10. For simplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to Figure 14 will be included in this section. In an optional first action 3710 of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In an optional second action 3720, the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In a third action 3730, the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.