Apparatus, system, and method for cell detection and measurement for NR unlicensed

A method, comprising:

• communicate with a serving cell of a cellular network;
• receive, from the serving cell, control information regarding monitoring reference signals of a first neighbor cell on a first frequency carrier operating in unlicensed spectrum;
• monitor reference signals of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier in the unlicensed spectrum according to the control information, wherein to perform said monitoring includes:
• determining that a first reference signal of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier in the unlicensed spectrum is not received at a first opportunity;
• starting a timer in response to the determination;
• and
• determining that no further reference signal of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier is received in the unlicensed spectrum prior to expiration of the timer;
• and
• in response to the determination that no reference signal of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier is received in the unlicensed spectrum prior to expiration of the timer:
• stop monitoring the reference signals of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier in the unlicensed spectrum;
• and
• start monitoring reference signals of a second neighbor cell on a second frequency carrier in the unlicensed spectrum.

A user equipment device (UE), comprising:

• a radio;
• and
• a processor operably coupled to the radio, wherein the radio and the processor are configured to:
• communicate with a serving cell of a cellular network;
• receive, from the serving cell, control information regarding monitoring reference signals of a first neighbor cell on a first frequency carrier operating in unlicensed spectrum;
• monitor reference signals of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier in the unlicensed spectrum according to the control information, wherein to perform said monitoring includes:
• determining that a first reference signal of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier in the unlicensed spectrum is not received at a first opportunity;
• starting a timer in response to the determination;
• and
• determining that no further reference signal of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier is received in the unlicensed spectrum prior to expiration of the timer;
• and
• in response to the determination that no reference signal of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier is received in the unlicensed spectrum prior to expiration of the timer:
• stop monitoring the reference signals of the first neighbor cell on the first frequency carrier in the unlicensed spectrum;
• and
• start monitoring reference signals of a second neighbor cell on a second frequency carrier in the unlicensed spectrum.