Question: Upon MAC reconfiguration triggered by upper layers, how does the MAC entity handle the modification of timer values in a 5G New Radio (NR) setup?
Option 1: Apply the new timer value only when the timer expires naturally.
Option 2: Apply the new timer value immediately upon receipt from upper layers, regardless of the current timer state.
Option 3: Require manual restart of the affected process to apply the new timer value.
Option 4: Ignore new timer values during reconfiguration; only default values are applied.
Explanation: In the context of MAC reconfiguration in 5G NR, when upper layers request a change (e.g., to timers), the MAC entity must apply these changes promptly to ensure seamless operation and alignment with the new configuration. This immediate application ensures that the MAC layer operates with the latest parameters, crucial for maintaining efficient wireless communication. Thus, upon receiving new timer values during reconfiguration, the MAC entity applies them immediately, even if the timer is currently running, to prevent potential misalignments or delays in the communication process.