A network learns capability information indicating whether a user equipment (UE) is capable of simultaneous and independent operation in multiple component carriers (CCs). The network configures a monitoring pattern for each of multiple CCs that are configured for the UE in dependence on the received capability information. The capability information derives from the UE's RF layout; if the UE is capable of such simultaneous and independent operation the network can assign for the CCs different monitoring patterns that are independent of one another and the UE will have no gaps where it cannot take or send a measurement. This knowledge is particularly useful if the CCs are frequency non-contiguous with one another. If the UE is not so capable, the network must assign monitoring patterns to that UE for all its configured CCs that are not independent of one another.