Master node-centric reference configuration generation

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a device, a method and a computer readable storage medium for master node-centered reference configuration generation. In these methods, a primary node receives, from at least one secondary node, respective cell configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of a terminal device. The master node then generates a reference configuration for the one or more cells based on the respective cell configuration, and obtains a respective delta configuration for the one or more cells. The delta configuration represents a difference between a cell configuration of the respective cell and a reference configuration. Further, the master node sends the reference configuration and the corresponding delta configuration to at least one of the terminal device or a serving secondary node of the terminal device. Thus, the proposed solution can advantageously minimize the signaling overhead.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and in particular to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for Master Node (MN)-centric reference configuration generation. Background Art

[0002] Dual connectivity is an operation mode in which a terminal device (e.g., user equipment UE) can be configured to utilize radio resources provided by two network devices (e.g., two base stations). One network device serves the terminal device as a master node (MN), and the other network device serves the terminal device as a secondary node (SN). The MN and the SN are connected via a non-ideal backhaul through a network interface, and at least the MN is connected to the core network.

[0003] MN and SN can provide one or more service cells. In a carrier aggregation (CA) scenario, each of MN and SN can provide a set of service cells, including a primary cell (PCell) and optionally one or more secondary cells (SCells). A set of service cells associated with a MN is called a primary cell group (MCG), and a set of service cells associated with a SN is called a secondary cell group (SCG). Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided. The device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to: receive corresponding cell configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of a terminal device from at least one secondary node; generate reference configurations for one or more cells based on the corresponding cell configurations; obtain corresponding incremental configurations for one or more cells, wherein the incremental configurations represent the difference between the cell configurations of the corresponding cells and the reference configurations; and send the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configurations to at least one of the terminal device or the serving secondary node of the terminal device.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided. The device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to: determine a cell configuration of a cell prepared as a candidate primary and secondary cell of a terminal device; and send the cell configuration to a primary node serving the terminal device for generating a reference configuration for one or more cells, the one or more cells including the cell.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided. The device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to: receive a reference configuration and corresponding incremental configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of the device from a primary node or a serving secondary node, wherein the incremental configuration represents a difference between a cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; and apply the incremental configuration and the reference configuration of the first cell according to a determination that an execution condition is satisfied for a first cell in the one or more cells.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving corresponding cell configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of a terminal device from at least one secondary node; generating reference configurations for the one or more cells based on the corresponding cell configurations; acquiring corresponding incremental configurations for the one or more cells, wherein the incremental configurations represent differences between the cell configurations of the corresponding cells and the reference configurations; and sending the reference configurations and the corresponding incremental configurations to at least one of the terminal device or the serving secondary node of the terminal device.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method comprises: determining a cell configuration of a cell prepared as a candidate primary and secondary cell of a terminal device; and sending the cell configuration to a primary node serving the terminal device for generating a reference configuration for one or more cells, the one or more cells including the cell.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving a reference configuration and corresponding incremental configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of the device from a primary node or a serving secondary node, wherein the incremental configuration represents a difference between a cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; and applying the incremental configuration and the reference configuration of the first cell according to a determination that an execution condition is satisfied for a first cell in the one or more cells.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes a component for receiving corresponding cell configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of a terminal device from at least one secondary node; a component for generating a reference configuration for one or more cells based on the corresponding cell configurations; a component for acquiring corresponding incremental configurations for one or more cells, wherein the incremental configuration represents a difference between the cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; and a component for sending the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration to at least one of the terminal device or a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for determining a cell configuration of a cell prepared as a candidate primary and secondary cell of a terminal device; and a component for sending the cell configuration to a primary node serving the terminal device for generating a reference configuration for one or more cells, the one or more cells including the cell.

[0012] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a third device is provided. The third device includes a component for receiving a reference configuration and corresponding incremental configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of the device from a primary node or a serving secondary node, wherein the incremental configuration represents a difference between a cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; and a component for applying the incremental configuration and the reference configuration of the first cell according to a determination that an execution condition is satisfied for a first cell in the one or more cells.

[0013] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0014] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0015] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the sixth aspect.

[0016] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a signaling diagram for reference configuration generation according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a signaling diagram for reference configuration generation in a first scenario according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4illustrates a signaling diagram for reference configuration generation in a second scenario according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates a signaling diagram for reference configuration generation in a third scenario according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates a signaling diagram for reference configuration generation in a fourth scenario according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method implemented at a master node according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0025] Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method implemented at a secondary node according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 9 A flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0027] Fig.10 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0028] Fig.11 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0029] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only to illustrate and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not represent any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various other ways except for the way described below.

[0031] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0032] In this disclosure, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and "an example embodiment" indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, those skilled in the art believe that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0033] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. in front of (multiple) nouns, etc. can be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and do not limit the order of (multiple) nouns. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more terms in the listed terms.

[0034] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of >” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) refer to at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0035] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step “in response to A” does not mean that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, but may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0036] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of the features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following:

[0038] (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0039] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0040] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0041] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0042] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), which requires software (e.g., firmware)

[0043] The software may not be present when no operation is required.

[0044] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0045] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that follows any suitable communication standard, such as new radio (NR), long term evolution (LTE), advanced LTE (LTE-A), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), high speed packet access (HSPA), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocol, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be communication technologies and systems that can be used to embody future types of the present disclosure. It should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the above-mentioned system.

[0046] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network, via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from the network. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as a femto, a micro), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite), an aircraft network device, etc. In some example embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE to a parent node, and a DU portion of the IAB node behaves like a base station to a next-hop IAB node.

[0047] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device (such as a digital camera), a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, equipment operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an IAB node (eg, a relay node).In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0048] As used herein, the term "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource" or "downlink resource" may refer to any resource used to perform communication (e.g., communication between a terminal device and a network device), such as time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, code domain resources, or any other combination of time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain and / or code domain resources for communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated, resources in the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as examples of transmission resources to describe some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0049] Example Environment

[0050] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 is illustrated in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1 In the example of , multiple network nodes (eg, radio access network nodes) are deployed, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each network node can be implemented at or as a network device. Node 110 serves terminal device 130 as a MN and is therefore also referred to as MN 110.

[0051] In some example embodiments, if terminal device 130 is in a single connection, node 120 may be a candidate SN for terminal device 130. In some example embodiments, terminal device 120 may be in a dual connection, in which node 120-1 serves terminal device 130 as an SN. In such example embodiments, other nodes 120 except node 120-1 may be candidate SNs for terminal device 130. Therefore, hereinafter, nodes 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, ..., 120-N may be collectively or individually referred to as (multiple) SNs 120.

[0052] The service area of ​​a node is called a cell. Figure 1 As shown, a group of cells of the MN 110 includes a primary cell 150-1 and a secondary cell 150-2. A group of cells of the network device 110 is referred to as an MCG 150, and the primary cell 150-1 is also referred to as a PCell 150-1.

[0053] A group of cells of SN 120-1 includes a primary cell 160-1 and a secondary cell 160-2. A group of cells of network device 120-1 is called SCG 160, and primary cell 160-1 is also called PSCell 160-1. PCell 150-1 and PSCell 160-1 may be collectively referred to as SpCell.

[0054] For the sake of clarity, the cells of SNs 120-2, 120-3, ..., 120-N are shown in FIG. Figure 1 It is not shown in FIG. It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of SCells given in FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes and does not impose any limitation on the present disclosure. Each node may provide any suitable number of SCells to serve the terminal device 130 .

[0055] The communication in the communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any (multiple) appropriate communication protocols, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. In addition, the communication can utilize any appropriate wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0056] The concept of incremental configuration is well known in LTE and 5G (non-standalone (NSA), standalone (SA)). The new configuration is incremental on top of the current configuration. The concept of incremental configuration is particularly used for handover, i.e., the configuration of the target cell is incremental on top of the configuration of the source cell. In conditional handover (CHO), the target PCell configuration is incremental on top of the source PCell configuration. In conditional PSCell change (CPC), the target PSCell configuration is incremental on top of the source PSCell configuration.

[0057] In selective activation (both SCG and MCG), the target PCell and PSCell configurations are deltas over the source PCell and PSCell configurations, respectively. In low layer mobility (L1 / L2 based), the target cell configuration is delta over the source cell.

[0058] In some cases, incremental configuration is supported, i.e., a known reference is required. In some other cases, the UE stores the reference configuration as a separate configuration. The reference configuration is managed separately. In some other cases, for inter-SN CPC, the MN shall provide the reference configuration to all candidate T-SNs (in order to generate T-SN candidate configurations). As used in this article, the target SN may also be represented as T-SN, and the source SN may also be represented as S-SN. The radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration may be formed based on two components, i.e., a reference configuration and an incremental configuration. The reference configuration will be the only configuration that the UE will use as the basis for applying the incremental configuration. The incremental configuration will be based on "each CG" of each ready PSCell and contain incremental changes / modifications that need to be applied on top of the reference configuration. Once the UE uses the reference configuration and applies the incremental configuration on top of the reference configuration, the UE obtains the complete configuration for switching to the target PSCell. The complete configuration of the target PSCell can be expressed as:

[0059] Complete configuration = reference configuration + incremental configuration.

[0060] Since there are multiple preparations in SAPC, each preparation will be configured with an incremental configuration, and these incremental configurations need to be aligned with a unique reference configuration.

[0061] In Selective Activation of PSCell Change (SAPC), the determination of the reference configuration by the node initiating the preparation leads to very complex coordination between the nodes involved in dual connectivity and SAPC. The problem is more obvious if multiple nodes initiate SAPC in different mobility procedures, such as intra-SN SAPC with Signaling Radio Bearer 3 (SRB3), MN-initiated inter-SN / intra-SN SAPC, SN-initiated inter-SN SAPC.

[0062] In some cases, for inter-SN CPC, the MN should provide a reference configuration to all candidate T-SNs to generate T-SN candidate configurations. However, it is unclear how the reference configuration will be generated and which reference configuration will be provided from the MN to the T-SNs.

[0063] It is desirable to have a reference configuration determination solution that meets at least one of the following requirements: 1) minimize the signaling overhead in the air interface (the main focus of incremental and reference configuration); 2) facilitate coordination of reference configurations between network nodes; 3) avoid any invalidation issues of incremental configuration during SAPC.

[0064] Several solutions for at least solving the above problems are proposed herein. The proposed solution assumes that the MN is the anchor point for reference configuration generation and maintenance. In most scenarios, it simplifies the coordination of SAPC preparation and reference configuration determination. If multiple SAPC preparations are considered simultaneously, such as intra-SN SAPC with SRB3, MN-initiated inter-SN / intra-SN SAPC, and SN-initiated inter-SN SAPC, the benefits are particularly prominent.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the MN generates a reference configuration based on the configurations received from all other nodes (including the MN itself). In case new SAPC preparation is required (after the MN configures the UE with the reference configuration), the MN provides the new reference configuration to the target node to receive an incremental configuration that conforms to the reference configuration. For various scenarios (covering the above scenarios), the proposed solution provides solutions on how to define a reference using the MN as an anchor point. In addition, the proposed solution also provides a solution for the MN to act as a central node to coordinate the maintenance of the reference configuration between nodes in selective activation. The key aspects of the proposed solution involve the MN generation of reference and incremental configurations based on the complete configuration from the SN to the UE.

[0066] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Example signaling diagram

[0068] Figure 2 FIG. 2 illustrates a signaling diagram 200 for reference configuration generation according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the signaling diagram 200 will refer to Figure 1 200 may be discussed, for example, by using MN 110, at least one SN 120, and terminal device 130. In some example embodiments, diagram 200 may involve SN 120-1, which serves terminal device 130 as a source SN (S-SN). It should be noted that in some example embodiments, at least one SN 120 may include SN 120-1 (which is an S-SN). In some example embodiments, for example, in the scenario of inter-SN PSCell change, at least one SN 120 may not include an S-SN.

[0069] At least one SN 120 determines the cell configuration of the cell prepared as the candidate primary and secondary cell of the terminal device 130. Then, at least one SN 120 sends (215) the cell configuration to the MN 110 serving the terminal device 130 to generate a reference configuration for one or more cells including the cell. The MN 110 receives the corresponding cell configuration of the one or more cells prepared as the candidate primary and secondary cells of the terminal device 130 from the at least one SN 120.

[0070] In some example embodiments, before receiving the corresponding cell configuration, MN 110 may send (205) to at least one SN 120 a first indication that reference configuration generation is to be performed by MN 110 of terminal device 130. After receiving the first indication from MN 110, at least one SN 120 may send (210) to the network device a second indication authorizing MN 110 to generate the reference configuration.

[0071] At 220, MN 110 generates a reference configuration for one or more cells based on the corresponding cell configurations. In some example embodiments, MN 110 may determine one or more information elements that are common to the corresponding cell configurations and incorporate the one or more information elements into the reference configuration. For example, only the information element(s) that are common to all cell configurations are added to the reference configuration.

[0072] Alternatively, for each of the multiple information elements included in the reference configuration, MN 110 may determine the value of the information element based on the value of the information element in the corresponding cell configuration, and set the information element in the reference configuration with the determined value. As an example and not a limitation, MN 110 may select the most commonly used value among the values ​​of the information elements in the corresponding cell configuration, and set the selected value as the value of the corresponding information element. For ease of discussion, assume that there are ten cell configurations, and for the first information element, seven of the ten cell configurations take a first value, while the remaining cell configurations of the ten cell configurations take values ​​different from the first value. Then, MN 110 may set the value of the first information element in the reference configuration to be equal to the first value. It should be understood that the above examples are for descriptive purposes only. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0073] At 225, MN 110 acquires corresponding incremental configurations for one or more cells. The incremental configurations represent differences between the cell configurations of the corresponding cells and the reference configurations. In some example embodiments, MN 110 may send the reference configuration to at least one SN 120. In response to receiving the reference configuration from MN 110, at least one SN 120 may determine the incremental configurations based on the cell configurations and the reference signal. Then, at least one SN 120 may send the incremental configurations to MN 110. Accordingly, MN 110 receives the corresponding incremental configurations from at least one SN 120.

[0074] MN 110 sends (230) the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration to terminal device 130. Additionally or alternatively, MN 110 sends (235) the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration to a serving secondary node of terminal device 130 (eg, SN 120-1).

[0075] In some example embodiments, after receiving the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration from MN 110, the serving secondary node (e.g., SN 120-1) may send the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration to terminal device 130. For example, if the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration are only sent to the serving secondary node and not to terminal device 130, the serving secondary node may send the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration to terminal device 130.

[0076] In some example embodiments, one or more cells may be prepared for a conditional secondary node change or conditional secondary node addition initiated by a primary node serving the terminal device 130. At least one SN 120 may serve as a candidate secondary node for the terminal device 130. In addition, a reference configuration and a corresponding incremental configuration may be sent to the terminal device 130.

[0077] In some alternative example embodiments, one or more cells may be prepared for an intra-node primary and secondary cell change initiated by a serving secondary node. Alternatively, one or more cells may be prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by a serving secondary node. In this case, the MN 110 may receive a request from the serving secondary node to prepare candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device 130. The secondary cell group configuration of the serving secondary node may be excluded from the request.

[0078] After receiving the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration from the MN 110 or the serving secondary node, if it is determined that the execution condition is satisfied for a first cell of the one or more cells, the terminal device 130 applies (232) the reference configuration and the incremental configuration of the first cell. In some example embodiments, the terminal device 130 may maintain at least a subset of the corresponding incremental configurations and the reference configuration. Additionally or alternatively, if it is determined that the execution condition is satisfied for a second cell of the one or more cells, the terminal device 130 may apply the reference configuration and the incremental configuration of the second cell.

[0079] In the first scenario, when additional SAPC preparation is required, the reference configuration may not be updated. MN 110 may obtain (240) corresponding additional incremental configurations of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate secondary cells for terminal device 130. The additional incremental configurations represent the difference between the additional cell configurations of the corresponding additional cells and the reference configuration.

[0080] In some example embodiments, MN 110 may send a reference configuration to a first secondary node (e.g., one of SN 120) that provides a first additional cell of the one or more additional cells. After receiving the reference configuration from MN 110, the first secondary node may determine an additional cell configuration of the first additional cell prepared as an additional candidate secondary cell for terminal device 130. In addition, the first secondary node may also determine an additional incremental configuration of the first additional cell based on the additional cell configuration and the reference configuration. Then, the first secondary node may send an additional incremental configuration of the first additional cell to MN 110. Accordingly, MN 110 may receive an additional incremental configuration of the first additional cell from the first secondary node.

[0081] Alternatively, MN 110 may send a request to a second secondary node (e.g., one of SN 120) to prepare an additional candidate secondary cell for terminal device 130. The second secondary node provides a second additional cell among the one or more additional cells. In response to receiving the request from MN 110, the second secondary node may send an additional cell configuration of the second additional cell prepared as an additional candidate secondary cell to MN 110. Then, MN 110 may receive an additional cell configuration of the second additional cell from the second secondary node. In addition, MN 110 may determine an additional incremental configuration of the second additional cell based on the additional cell configuration and the reference configuration.

[0082] It should be understood that the corresponding additional incremental configurations of one or more additional cells may also be acquired by the MN 110 in any other suitable manner. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0083] After acquiring the corresponding additional incremental configuration, MN 110 may send (250) the corresponding additional incremental configuration to terminal device 130. Additionally or alternatively, MN 110 may send (245) the corresponding additional incremental configuration to a serving secondary node (e.g., SN 120-1). Terminal device 130 may receive, from MN 110 or the serving secondary node, the corresponding additional incremental configuration of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate secondary cells of the apparatus.

[0084] In the second scenario, when additional SAPC preparation is required, the reference configuration may be updated. MN 110 may obtain (255) corresponding additional cell configurations of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate primary and secondary cells for terminal device 130. Then, MN 110 may generate (260) additional reference configurations of one or more additional cells based on the corresponding additional cell configurations, and obtain (265) corresponding additional incremental configurations for one or more additional cells. The additional incremental configurations represent the difference between the additional cell configurations of the corresponding additional cells and the additional reference configurations.

[0085] In some example embodiments, MN 110 may send (275) an additional reference configuration and a corresponding additional incremental configuration to terminal device 130. Additionally or alternatively, MN 110 may send (270) an additional reference configuration and a corresponding additional incremental configuration to a serving secondary node (e.g., SN 120-1). Terminal device 130 may receive an additional reference configuration and a corresponding additional incremental configuration of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate primary and secondary cells of the apparatus from MN 110 or the serving secondary node.

[0086] In summary, the proposed solution can easily coordinate reference configurations between network nodes. In addition, the proposed solution can advantageously minimize the signaling overhead in the air interface and avoid the invalidity problem of incremental configuration during SAPC.

[0087] The following will be based on four different scenarios Figure 3-Figure 7 Describe in more detail Figure 2 The solution presented in .

[0088] Scene 1

[0089] The first scenario involves a conditional secondary node addition procedure or a conditional SN change initiated by a MN. Figure 3 FIG. 3 illustrates a signaling diagram 300 for reference configuration generation in a first scenario according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 , explains solutions for two dual-connectivity mobility scenarios, namely, conditional secondary node addition (CPA) or conditional SN change, both of which are initiated by the MN.

[0090] exist Figure 3 In the example, UE 305 may be Figure 1 In an example implementation of the terminal device 130 in FIG. 1 , the MN 301 may be Figure 1 10, and the S-SN 302, T-SN 303 and / or other potential T-SN 304 may be Figure 1 An example implementation of the SN120 in .

[0091] At 310, in case of CPA, UE 305 is in single connectivity. Only MN 301 acts as a serving node. Otherwise, in case of conditional SN change procedure, UE 305 is in dual connectivity, i.e., both MN 301 and S-SN 302 act as serving nodes.

[0092] At 312, the MN 301 determines that a new PSCell should be prepared as a serving PSCell through selective activation of conditional reconfiguration (CPA or CPC) according to the initial connection of the UE 305.

[0093] At 314 and 316, MN 301 sends an SN add request to the target SN (i.e., T-SN 303 and other potential T-SNs 304) to prepare the candidate PSCell with conditional reconfiguration. MN 301 instructs the target SN to generate a complete configuration after the PSCell is prepared, as reference will be provided later, if the target SN indicates that it does not support the reference configuration, an incremental configuration can also be prepared as an alternative. MN 301 indicates that MN 301 will generate a reference configuration from the provided complete configuration for selective activation. Alternatively, the target MN 301 avoids sending the source SCG configuration, but sends the UE 305 capability set and UE 305 measurement configuration together with the measurement results. As part of the measurement configuration, MN 301 can only send the measurement objects and report configurations related to the measurement results forwarded in the SN add request.

[0094] At 318 and 320, T-SN 303 and other potential T-SNs 304 prepare the requested candidate PSCells and provide conditional configuration as a complete RRC reconfiguration of these ready PSCells. In addition, T-SN 303 and other potential T-SNs 304 may also indicate that they entrust MN 301 to generate a reference configuration from the complete configuration provided by the T-SN. This may indicate the ability to implement the reference configuration on the target SN side.

[0095] At 322, MN 301 generates a reference configuration for all ready PSCells, which will be used as a reference configuration by UE 305 during SAPC. MN 301 will also generate incremental configurations so that the original complete configuration provided by the target SN for each ready PSCell is obtained using each incremental configuration and the reference configuration. Alternatively, MN 301 can indicate a reference back to the target SN, and the incremental configuration can be provided by the target SN. It should be noted that the reference configuration is generated at MN 301. Compared to the existing solution where the incremental configuration generated by MN 301 refers to the RRC reconfiguration of the source SN or the initial serving SN, in the proposed solution, the incremental configuration is generated for the reference configuration generated by MN 301.

[0096] At 324, MN 301 provides conditional reconfiguration of the ready PSCells in the form of incremental configuration. MN 301 also provides a reference configuration for all ready target PSCells, where UE 305 will use the incremental configuration along with the provided reference configuration.

[0097] At 326, the UE 305 acknowledges the receipt of the provided configuration, for example by sending an RRCReconfigurationComplete message. The UE 305 stores the reference configuration on a dedicated variable.

[0098] At 328, once one of the execution conditions is satisfied for the ready PSCell, the UE 305 will use the incremental configuration of the PSCell and the provided reference configuration configured in step 324. Thus, the UE 305 will obtain the desired complete configuration for the PSCell, where the target SN has been provided to the MN 301 during the preparation phase in steps 318 and 320.

[0099] At steps 330 to 344, UE 305 accesses the candidate PSCell determined in step 328. More specifically, at 330, UE 305 sends an RRCReconfigurationComplete message containing an SN RRCReconfigurationComplete for the incremental configuration of PSCell-1 to MN 301. At 332, MN 301 sends an SN reconfiguration complete related to the incremental configuration of PSCell-1 to T-SN 303. At 334, MN 301 sends an SN release request to S-SN 302. At 336, MN 301 sends an SN release request to other potential T-SN 304. At 338 and 340, other potential T-SN 304 and S-SN 302 send SN release request confirmation to MN 301. At 342, UE 305 and T-SN 303 perform a random access procedure. At 344, a SAPC adaptation step is performed.

[0100] Since this is one of the basic aspects of selective activation, at 346, UE 305 maintains the configuration of all or a subset of the ready PSCells for SAPC. UE 305 also maintains a reference configuration provided by MN 301, which is required when UE 305 applies the maintained incremental configuration. Here, the reference configuration is neither S-SN 302 nor the initial SN configuration. This configuration is only used with incremental configuration and is generated by MN 301.

[0101] At 348 , same as step 328 (but for a different PSCell), once the PSCell condition is met for one of the ready PSCells, the UE 305 will use the incremental configuration of that PSCell and the provided reference configuration configured in step 324 .

[0102] The above solution covers the case where the reference configuration can be updated by the MN. Similarly, in the case where the incremental configuration is updated, the reference configuration will not change. Once the reference configuration is updated, it is the MN's responsibility to align the incremental configurations.

[0103] Scene 2

[0104] The second scenario involves SN modification initiated by the SN without MN participation, and SRB3 is used to configure CPC. Figure 4 A signaling diagram 400 for reference configuration generation in a second scenario according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Here, for the scenario where the source SN initiates the preparation of the PSCell, a reference configuration generation solution for the SAPC is proposed.

[0105] exist Figure 4 , UE 403 may be Figure 1 In an example implementation of the terminal device 130 in FIG. 1 , the MN 401 may be Figure 1 , and S-SN 402 may be Figure 1 An example implementation of SN 120 in FIG.

[0106] At 410, when S-SN 402 initiates PSCell preparation, UE 403 is in dual connectivity. At this stage, CPA and CPC are not yet configured. At 412, S-SN 402 determines the preparation of SAPC within the SN and the PSCell for SAPC. At 414, S-SN 402 sends a complete conditional reconfiguration of PSCell SAPC to MN 401, so that MN 401 can generate incremental configurations for each candidate PSCell and generate a common reference configuration for these incremental configurations. Alternatively, S-SN can also instruct them to entrust MN 401 to generate a reference configuration from the complete configuration provided by S-SN.

[0107] At 416, MN 401 generates a reference configuration and an incremental configuration, such as reference Figure 3 Here, MN401 also ensures that the conditional reconfiguration ID allocated by S-SN 402 for each complete configuration is maintained (configured for each incremental configuration after the complete configuration is converted to an incremental configuration).

[0108] For the first option of S-SN 402 providing SAPC to UE 403, the actions shown in rectangular box 406 will be performed. At 418, MN 401 sends reference configuration and incremental configuration (such as one reference configuration for all complete configurations and incremental configuration for each target PSCell or SN modification confirmation) to S-SN 402. Then, S-SN 402 configures UE 403 with SAPC by using the reference and incremental configurations received from MN401. More specifically, at 420, S-SN 402 sends RRC reconfiguration (including SAPC) to UE 403. For example, there is one reference configuration for all complete configurations and incremental configurations for each PScell. At 422, UE 403 confirms the reception of the provided configuration, for example, by sending an RRCReconfigurationComplete message. UE 403 stores the reference configuration on a dedicated variable. At 424, once one of the execution conditions is met for a ready PSCell, UE 403 will use the incremental configuration of the PSCell and the provided reference configuration. Therefore, UE 403 will obtain the desired complete configuration for this PSCell. At 426, UE 403 sends an RRC Reconfiguration Complete for PSCell-1 to S-SN 402.

[0109] This first option is proposed to avoid breaking the 3GPP paradigm, S-SN 402 may want to use SRB3 and configure UE 403 by itself.

[0110] For the second option, where MN 401 provides SAPC to UE 403, the actions shown in rectangular box 408 will be performed. In short, MN 401 configures UE 403 directly via the link between MN 401 and UE 403.

[0111] At 428, MN 401 sends an RRC reconfiguration (new message or RRC modified from MN 401) to UE 403, which may contain SAPC. For example, all full configurations and incremental configurations for each PScell ​​have a reference configuration.

[0112] At 430, UE 403 confirms receipt of the provided configuration, for example by sending an RRCReconfigurationComplete message. UE 403 stores the reference configuration on a dedicated variable. At 432, MN 401 sends an SN RRC Reconfiguration Complete to S-SN 402. At 434, once one of the execution conditions is met for the ready PSCell, UE 403 will use the incremental configuration of the PSCell and the provided reference configuration. Thus, UE 403 will obtain the desired complete configuration for the PSCell. At 436, UE 403 sends an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to MN 401, which may include an SN RRC Reconfiguration Complete for the incremental configuration of PSCell-1. At 438, MN 401 sends an SN Reconfiguration Complete related to the incremental configuration of PSCell-1 to S-SN 402.

[0113] Scene 3

[0114] The third scenario involves a conditional SN change procedure initiated by the SN. Figure 5 A signaling diagram 500 for reference configuration generation in the third scenario according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. As described above, Figure 3 The process in refers to the scenario where the MN initiates the preparation of the PSCell of the SAPC. Figure 4 The second process shown refers to the scenario where the preparation of the PSCell of the SAPC is initiated by the SN but the candidate PSCell is also under the same S-SN. Figure 5 The third procedure shown is for the case where the candidate PSCells of the SAPC are in different SNs (target SN(s)) and the procedure is initiated by the S-SN.

[0115] exist Figure 5 In the example, UE 505 may be Figure 1 In an example implementation of the terminal device 130 in FIG. 1 , the MN 501 may be Figure 1 , and the S-SN 502, T-SN 503 and / or other potential T-SN(s) 304 may be Figure 1 An example implementation of SN 120 in FIG.

[0116] At 510, UE 505 is in dual connectivity and is served by both MN 501 and S-SN 502. At 512, S-SN 502 determines to prepare candidate PSCells for SAPC, where the candidate PSCells are under different SNs ((multiple) T-SNs). At 514, S-SN 502 sends an SN change request message to request the preparation of candidate PSCells. S-SN 502 excludes the source SN configuration (S-SN SCG configuration) in the message because neither MN 501 nor the target SN requires the configuration of the S-SN for incremental configuration generation. Instead, MN 501 will determine the reference configuration and the incremental configuration, thereby saving signaling. Alternatively, if the source SN is expected to be part of the selective activation, the complete configuration can be sent and is also considered as part of the reference configuration generation.

[0117] At 516 and 518, MN 501 sends an SN add request to T-SN 503 and (multiple) other potential T-SNs 504, indicating the CPA of the SAPC to the CPC, and instructing MN 501 to generate a reference configuration. At 520, T-SN 503 sends an SN add request confirmation to MN 501, and sends a complete RRC reconfiguration of each PSCell to MN 501. Alternatively, the SN entrusts MN 501 to perform the reference configuration. At 522, MN 501 stores the complete configuration until all configurations are received. At 524, (multiple) other potential T-SNs 504 send an SN add request confirmation to MN 501, and send a complete RRC reconfiguration of each PSCell to MN 501. Alternatively, the SN entrusts MN 501 to perform the reference configuration. At 526, MN 501 sends an SN modification request to S-SN 502. At 528 , the S-SN 502 sends an SN modification request acknowledgement (ACK) to the MN 501 .

[0118] At 530, MN 501 generates a reference configuration for all ready PSCells, which will be used as a reference configuration by UE 505 during SAPC. MN 501 will also generate incremental configurations so that the original complete configuration provided by the target SN for each ready PSCell is obtained using each incremental configuration and the reference configuration. Alternatively, MN 501 can indicate a reference back to the target SN, and the incremental configuration can be provided by the target SN. It should be noted that the reference configuration is generated at MN 501. Compared to the existing solution where the incremental configuration generated by MN 501 refers to the RRC reconfiguration of the source SN or the initial serving SN, in the proposed solution, the incremental configuration is generated for the reference configuration generated by MN 501.

[0119] At 532, MN 501 provides conditional reconfiguration of the ready PSCells in the form of incremental configuration. MN 501 also provides a reference configuration for all ready target PSCells, where UE 505 will use the incremental configuration along with the provided reference configuration.

[0120] At 534, the UE 505 confirms receipt of the provided configuration, for example by sending an RRCReconfigurationComplete message. The UE 505 stores the reference configuration on a dedicated variable.

[0121] Once one of the execution conditions is satisfied for the ready PSCell, the UE 505 will use the incremental configuration of the PSCell and the provided reference configuration at 536. Thus, the UE 505 will obtain the desired complete configuration for the PSCell, where the target SN has been provided to the MN 501.

[0122] At steps 538 to 552, UE 505 accesses the candidate PSCell determined in step 536. More specifically, at 538, UE 505 sends an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to MN 501, which contains an SN RRCReconfigurationComplete for the incremental configuration of PSCell-1. At 540, MN 501 sends an SN reconfiguration complete related to the incremental configuration of PSCell-1 to T-SN 503. At 542, MN 501 sends an SN release request to S-SN 502. At 544, MN 501 sends an SN release request to (multiple) other potential T-SNs 504. At 546 and 548, (multiple) other potential T-SNs 504 and S-SN 502 send SN release request confirmations to MN 501. At 550, UE 505 and T-SN 503 perform a random access procedure. At 552, a SAPC adaptation step is performed.

[0123] Since this is one of the basic aspects of selective activation, at 554, UE 505 maintains the configuration of all or a subset of the ready PSCells for SAPC. UE 505 also maintains a reference configuration provided by MN 501, which is required when UE 505 applies the maintained incremental configuration. Here, the reference configuration is neither S-SN 502 nor the initial SN configuration. This configuration is only used with incremental configuration and is generated by MN 501.

[0124] At 556 , same as step 536 (but for a different PSCell), once the PSCell condition is met for one of the ready PSCells, the UE 505 will use the incremental configuration of that PSCell and the provided reference configuration configured in step 532 .

[0125] At 558 , if the SN modification step is skipped, the MN 501 sends an SN change confirmation to the S-SN 502 .

[0126] Scene 4

[0127] The fourth scenario involves the MN acting as an anchor point when additional SAPC preparation is required. Figure 6 FIG. 6 illustrates a signaling diagram 600 for reference configuration generation in a fourth scenario according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3-Figure 5 The proposed solution for reference configuration generation at the MN for all possible SAPC preparation scenarios is explained. In these scenarios, it is assumed that the network (MN or SN) is preparing SAPC for the first time, i.e., the UE receives the reference configuration for the first time. In this section, a solution is proposed to generate reference configuration at the MN after the UE receives the initial SAPC preparation, i.e., after the UE receives the reference configuration. Figure 3-Figure 5 Provide additional SAPC preparation after the situation in occurs. Figure 6 The steps of additional SAPC preparation are illustrated in case the MN is the anchor point for reference configuration generation.

[0128] exist Figure 6 In the example, UE 605 may be Figure 1 In an example implementation of the terminal device 130 in FIG. 1 , the MN 601 may be Figure 1 , and the S-SN 602, T-SN 603 and / or other potential T-SN 604 may be Figure 1 An example implementation of the SN120 in .

[0129] At 610, UE 605 is in single or dual connectivity with S-SN 602, and UE 605 is already configured with SAPC, i.e., a reference configuration is generated by MN 601 and provided to UE 605 along with the incremental configuration of the ready PSCell. At 612, both UE 605 and MN 601 already know the reference configuration from the previous SAPC configuration.

[0130] For the first scenario, where MN 601 initiates preparation of additional SAPCs, the actions shown in rectangular box 650 will be performed. Here, MN 601 decides to prepare additional candidate PSCells for SAPC (to add more cells to SAPC).

[0131] For case 1A, where MN 601 sends a previous reference configuration during new SAPC preparation, the actions shown in rectangular box 652 will be performed. The target SN uses the reference configuration and generates an incremental configuration for the ready PSCell. At 614, MN 601 determines to use the existing reference configuration for additional SAPC preparation. At 616, 618 and 620, MN 601 sends a previous reference configuration and instructs S-SN 602 and / or T-SN to use the reference configuration to generate an incremental configuration. For example, MN 601 sends an SN add request to S-SN 602, T-SN 603 and other potential T-SNs 604, and adds the reference configuration generated by MN 601 and requests incremental configuration.

[0132] At 622, 624, and 626, the S-SN 602, the T-SN 603, and the other potential T-SNs 604 send incremental configurations generated relative to the provided reference configuration generated by the MN 601. For example, the S-SN 602, the T-SN 603, and the other potential T-SNs 604 send an SN add request confirmation and incremental configurations for the provided reference configuration generated by the MN 601 to the MN 601.

[0133] For case 1B, where MN 601 does not send a reference configuration, the actions shown in rectangular box 654 will be performed. Figure 3 MN 601 sends a SAPC preparation request and obtains the complete configuration for these ready cells. Then, MN 601 generates an incremental configuration relative to the initial reference configuration. Same as the SAPC process when the reference configuration is not available, at 628, MN 601 requests a complete configuration, and the SN provides a complete configuration, and MN 601 generates a reference configuration and incremental configuration per PSCell. Alternatively, MN 601 can generate a new reference configuration and incremental configuration for the received complete configuration.

[0134] For the second scenario, where S-SN 602 initiates preparation of an additional SAPC, the actions shown in rectangular box 660 will be performed. Here, S-SN 602 decides to prepare an additional candidate PSCell for SAPC.

[0135] For case 2A, where the SN decides to prepare additional intra-SN SAPC via SRB3 or SRB1 (not involving MN 601), the operations shown in rectangular box 662 will be performed. In this case, the additional candidate PSCell also comes from S-SN 602, i.e., intra-SN SAPC. At 630, S-SN 602 sends a preparation request for the candidate PSCell, and it excludes the configuration of the S-SN, because MN 601 does not need the configuration of the S-SN for reference or incremental configuration generation. Thereby saving signaling. S-SN 602 provides a complete configuration for the candidate PSCell. At 632, MN 601 uses the previous reference configuration and generates incremental configurations for these new candidate PSCells to add them to the SAPC. MN 601 determines to use the existing reference configuration for additional SAPC preparation. At 634, MN 601 sends an SN add confirmation and an incremental configuration generated relative to the previous reference configuration generated by MN 601.

[0136] In some alternative example embodiments, MN 601 generates new reference and incremental configurations and sends them to S-SN 602. Alternatively, MN 601 sends the generated incremental configurations directly to UE 605 and indicates that these incremental configurations should be used with the previous reference configuration. In some alternative example embodiments, MN 601 sends the new reference configuration directly to UE 605 along with the generated incremental configurations and indicates that the reference configuration is the new configuration that UE 605 should use with the incremental configurations provided in the same message.

[0137] For case 2B, where the SN decides to prepare additional intra-SN SAPC via SRB3 or SRB1 (without involving MN 601), the actions shown in rectangular box 664 will be performed. In case 2B, the additional candidate PSCells come from (multiple) T-SNs, i.e., inter-SN PSCell change.

[0138] At 636, similar to step 630, S-SN 602 sends a preparation request for the candidate PSCell, and it excludes the configuration of the S-SN, because MN 601 does not need the configuration of the S-SN for reference or incremental configuration generation (thus saving signaling). The difference between step 630 and step 636 is that S-SN 602 does not send any complete configuration of the candidate PSCell, because it will be generated by the T-SN.

[0139] At 638, MN 601 uses the previous reference configuration and generates incremental configurations for these new candidate PSCells to add them to the SAPC. MN 601 determines to use the existing reference configuration for additional SAPC preparation. At 640 and 642, MN 601 sends the previous reference configuration and instructs the T-SN to generate incremental configurations using the reference configuration. For example, MN 601 sends an SN add request to T-SN 603 and other potential T-SNs 604, and adds the reference configuration generated by MN 601 and the request incremental configuration. At 644 and 646, T-SN 603 and other potential T-SNs 604 send incremental configurations generated relative to the provided reference configuration generated by MN 601. For example, T-SN 603 and other potential T-SNs 604 send an SN add request confirmation and the incremental configuration of the provided reference configuration generated by MN 601 to MN 601.

[0140] In some cases, MN 601 sends a reference configuration to T-SN. However, in these cases, it is not specified how to generate the reference configuration and which reference configuration is sent to T-SN. In the present disclosure, the proposed solution specifies the reference configuration as the configuration generated by MN 601. In the later stage of SAPC (additional PSCell preparation), MN 601 shares the reference configuration generated by MN 601 with T-SN.

[0141] Reference configuration generation

[0142] In some example embodiments, the complete target cell configuration may include an information element defining a set of parameters for one or more second cells, the complete target cell configuration information element representing a second cell-specific configuration. The complete target cell configuration information element may include at least one of the following:

[0143] 1) cellGroupId, which indicates the cell group,

[0144] 2) physCellId, which identifies the physical cell ID (PCI) of the ready cell,

[0145] 3) newUE-Identity, which indicates the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) to be used to identify the UE in the ready cell,

[0146] 4) rach-ConfigDedicated, which indicates the random access channel (RACH) parameters to be used in the ready cell, or

[0147] 5) p-NR-FR1, which indicates the power to be used in the ready cell.

[0148] It should be understood that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only. The complete target cell configuration information element may include any other suitable information element. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0149] The master node tries to find common information elements provided in each target cell configuration and only picks the common parameters. The common parameters are included in the reference configuration.

[0150] In some further example embodiments, the reference configuration may need to be the complete configuration in this case, and the most common information elements among all target cell configurations acquired by the MN are used to ensure that minimal changes are required on top of the reference configuration to compile the complete target configuration.

[0151] In summary, the proposed solution can easily coordinate reference configurations between network nodes. In addition, the proposed solution can advantageously minimize the signaling overhead in the air interface and avoid the invalidity problem of incremental configuration during SAPC.

[0152] Example methods, apparatus, and devices

[0153] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example method 700 implemented at a master node according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Method 700 is described from the perspective of the master node 110.

[0154] In block 710 , the master node 110 receives corresponding cell configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells for a terminal device from at least one secondary node.

[0155] At block 720 , the master node 110 generates a reference configuration for one or more cells based on the corresponding cell configurations.

[0156] At block 730, the master node 110 obtains corresponding incremental configurations for one or more cells. The incremental configurations represent the difference between the cell configurations of the corresponding cells and the reference configuration.

[0157] At block 740 , the master node 110 sends a reference configuration and a corresponding incremental configuration to at least one of the terminal device or a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the method 700 may further include sending a first indication to at least one secondary node that the reference configuration generation is to be performed by a primary node of the terminal device.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the method 700 may further include: receiving, from at least one secondary node, a second indication that the primary node is authorized to generate the reference configuration.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the method 700 may further include: sending a reference configuration to at least one secondary node; and receiving a corresponding incremental configuration from the at least one secondary node.

[0161] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change or conditional secondary node addition initiated by a primary node serving a terminal device, and at least one secondary node acts as a candidate secondary node for the terminal device, and a reference configuration and a corresponding incremental configuration are sent to the terminal device.

[0162] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for an intra-node primary-secondary cell change initiated by a serving secondary node.

[0163] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by a serving secondary node.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the method 700 may further include: receiving a request from the serving secondary node to prepare candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device. The secondary cell group configuration of the serving secondary node is excluded from the request.

[0165] In some example embodiments, method 700 may further include: obtaining corresponding additional incremental configurations of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate secondary cells for the terminal device, wherein the additional incremental configurations represent the difference between the additional cell configurations of the corresponding additional cells and the reference configuration; and sending the corresponding additional incremental configurations to at least one of the terminal device or the serving secondary node.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the method 700 may further include: sending a reference configuration to a first secondary node providing a first additional cell of the one or more additional cells; and receiving a further incremental configuration of the first additional cell from the first secondary node.

[0167] In some example embodiments, method 700 may further include: sending a request to prepare an additional candidate secondary cell for the terminal device to a second secondary node providing a second additional cell among the one or more additional cells; and receiving an additional cell configuration of the second additional cell from the second secondary node; and determining an additional incremental configuration of the second additional cell based on the additional cell configuration and the reference configuration.

[0168] In some example embodiments, method 700 may further include: obtaining corresponding additional cell configurations of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device; generating additional reference configurations for one or more additional cells based on the corresponding additional cell configurations; obtaining corresponding additional incremental configurations for one or more additional cells, wherein the additional incremental configurations represent the difference between the additional cell configurations of the corresponding additional cells and the additional reference configurations; and sending the additional reference configurations and the corresponding additional incremental configurations to at least one of the terminal device or the serving secondary node.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the cell configuration includes a plurality of information elements, and the method 700 may further include: determining one or more information elements that are common to the respective cell configurations; and merging the one or more information elements into the reference configuration.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the cell configuration includes a plurality of information elements, and the method 700 may further include: for each information element in the plurality of information elements, determining a value of the information element based on a value of the information element in the corresponding cell configuration; and setting the information element in the reference configuration with the determined value.

[0171] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example method 800 implemented at a secondary node according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The method 800 is described from the perspective of the secondary node 120 in FIG.

[0172] In block 810 , the secondary node 120 determines the cell configuration of cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device.

[0173] At block 820 , the secondary node 120 sends the cell configuration to a primary node serving the terminal device for use in generating a reference configuration for one or more cells including the cell.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the method 800 may further include receiving, from the master node, a first indication that the reference configuration generation is to be performed by the master node.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the method 800 may further include: sending a second indication of the generation of the master node authorization reference configuration to the network device.

[0176] In some example embodiments, method 800 may further include: receiving a reference configuration from a master node; determining an incremental configuration based on the cell configuration and the reference signal; and sending the incremental configuration to the master node.

[0177] In some example embodiments, method 800 may further include: receiving corresponding incremental configurations and reference configurations for one or more cells from a master node, wherein the incremental configurations represent differences between cell configurations of the corresponding cells and the reference configuration; and sending the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configurations to a terminal device.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the cell is prepared for a conditional secondary node change or conditional secondary node addition initiated by a master node.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the cell is prepared for an intra-node primary-secondary cell change initiated by a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

[0180] In some example embodiments, the cell is prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by a serving secondary node of a terminal device.

[0181] In some example embodiments, method 800 may further include: receiving a reference configuration from a master node; determining an additional cell configuration of a first additional cell prepared as an additional candidate secondary cell for a terminal device; determining an additional incremental configuration for the first additional cell based on the additional cell configuration and the reference configuration; and sending the additional incremental configuration of the first additional cell to the master node.

[0182] In some example embodiments, method 800 may further include: receiving a request from the master node to prepare an additional candidate secondary cell for the terminal device; and sending an additional cell configuration of a second additional cell prepared as an additional candidate secondary cell to the master node.

[0183] Fig. 9 FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method 900 implemented at a terminal device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, Figure 1 Method 900 is described from the perspective of the terminal device 130.

[0184] In block 910, the terminal device 130 receives a reference configuration and corresponding incremental configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of the apparatus from a primary node or a serving secondary node. The incremental configurations represent the difference between the cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration.

[0185] At block 920 , based on a determination that the execution condition is satisfied for a first cell of the one or more cells, the terminal device 130 applies an incremental configuration of the first cell, and a reference configuration.

[0186] In some example embodiments, the method 900 may further include maintaining a reference configuration, and at least a subset of the corresponding incremental configurations.

[0187] In some example embodiments, method 900 may further include: applying an incremental configuration of the second cell and a reference configuration based on a determination that the execution condition is satisfied for the second cell of the one or more cells.

[0188] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change or conditional secondary node addition initiated by a master node.

[0189] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for an intra-node primary-secondary cell change initiated by a serving secondary node.

[0190] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by a serving secondary node.

[0191] In some example embodiments, method 900 may further include: receiving from the master node or the serving secondary node corresponding additional incremental configurations of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate secondary cells of the apparatus. The additional incremental configurations represent differences between additional cell configurations of the corresponding additional cells and the reference configuration.

[0192] In some example embodiments, the method 900 may further include: receiving from the primary node or the serving secondary node an additional reference configuration and corresponding additional incremental configurations of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate primary and secondary cells of the apparatus. The additional incremental configurations represent the difference between the additional cell configurations of the corresponding additional cells and the additional reference configurations.

[0193] In some example embodiments, a first device (eg, Figure 1 The master node 110 in the method 700 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 700. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as Figure 1 The master node 110 in or is included therein.

[0194] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a component for receiving corresponding cell configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of a terminal device from at least one secondary node; a component for generating a reference configuration for one or more cells based on the corresponding cell configurations; a component for obtaining corresponding incremental configurations for one or more cells, wherein the incremental configuration represents a difference between the cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; and a component for sending the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration to at least one of the terminal device or a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

[0195] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include means for sending a first indication to at least one secondary node that the reference configuration generation is to be performed by a primary node of the terminal device.

[0196] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include means for receiving, from at least one secondary node, a second indication that the primary node authorized the generation of the reference configuration.

[0197] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include: means for sending a reference configuration to at least one secondary node; and means for receiving a corresponding incremental configuration from the at least one secondary node.

[0198] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change or conditional secondary node addition initiated by a primary node serving a terminal device, and at least one secondary node acts as a candidate secondary node for the terminal device, and a reference configuration and a corresponding incremental configuration are sent to the terminal device.

[0199] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for an intra-node primary-secondary cell change initiated by a serving secondary node.

[0200] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by a serving secondary node.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include: a component for receiving a request from a serving secondary node to prepare candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device. The secondary cell group configuration of the serving secondary node is excluded from the request.

[0202] In some example embodiments, the first device may also include: a component for obtaining a corresponding additional incremental configuration of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate secondary cells for the terminal device, wherein the additional incremental configuration represents a difference between an additional cell configuration of the corresponding additional cell and a reference configuration; and a component for sending the corresponding additional incremental configuration to at least one of the terminal device or the serving secondary node.

[0203] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include: means for sending a reference configuration to a first secondary node providing a first additional cell of the one or more additional cells; and means for receiving an additional incremental configuration of the first additional cell from the first secondary node.

[0204] In some example embodiments, the first device may also include: a component for sending a request to prepare an additional candidate secondary cell for the terminal device to a second secondary node providing a second additional cell among the one or more additional cells; and a component for receiving an additional cell configuration of the second additional cell from the second secondary node; and a component for determining an additional incremental configuration of the second additional cell based on the additional cell configuration and the reference configuration.

[0205] In some example embodiments, the first device may also include: a component for obtaining corresponding additional cell configurations of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device; a component for generating additional reference configurations for one or more additional cells based on the corresponding additional cell configurations; a component for obtaining corresponding additional incremental configurations for one or more additional cells, wherein the additional incremental configuration represents the difference between the additional cell configuration of the corresponding additional cell and the additional reference configuration; and a component for sending the additional reference configuration and the corresponding additional incremental configuration to at least one of the terminal device or the serving secondary node.

[0206] In some example embodiments, the cell configuration includes a plurality of information elements, and the first apparatus may further include: means for determining one or more information elements that are common to the respective cell configurations; and means for merging the one or more information elements into the reference configuration.

[0207] In some example embodiments, the cell configuration includes a plurality of information elements, and the first device may further include: a component for: determining, for each information element in the plurality of information elements, a value of the information element based on a value of the information element in the corresponding cell configuration; and setting the information element in the reference configuration with the determined value.

[0208] In some example embodiments, the first device further comprises means for performing other operations in some example embodiments of the method 700 or the master node 110. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the above-described operations of the first device.

[0209] In some example embodiments, a second device (eg, Figure 1 The secondary node 120 in the method 800 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 800. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The second device may be implemented as Figure 1 The secondary node 120 in or is included therein.

[0210] In some example embodiments, the second device includes a component for determining a cell configuration of a cell prepared as a candidate primary and secondary cell for the terminal device; and a component for sending the cell configuration to a master node serving the terminal device to generate a reference configuration for one or more cells, the one or more cells including the cell.

[0211] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the master node, a first indication that the reference configuration generation is to be performed by the master node.

[0212] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus may further include: means for sending a second indication of generation of the master node authorization reference configuration to the network device.

[0213] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus may further include: means for receiving a reference configuration from the master node; means for determining an incremental configuration based on the cell configuration and the reference signal; and means for sending the incremental configuration to the master node.

[0214] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: a component for receiving corresponding incremental configurations and a reference configuration for one or more cells from a master node, wherein the incremental configuration represents a difference between a cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; and a component for sending the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration to a terminal device.

[0215] In some example embodiments, the cell is prepared for a conditional secondary node change or conditional secondary node addition initiated by a master node.

[0216] In some example embodiments, the cell is prepared for an intra-node primary-secondary cell change initiated by a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

[0217] In some example embodiments, the cell is prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by a serving secondary node of a terminal device.

[0218] In some example embodiments, the second device may also include: a component for receiving a reference configuration from a master node; a component for determining an additional cell configuration of a first additional cell prepared as an additional candidate secondary cell for a terminal device; a component for determining an additional incremental configuration of the first additional cell based on the additional cell configuration and the reference configuration; and a component for sending the additional incremental configuration of the first additional cell to the master node.

[0219] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus may further include: means for receiving a request from the master node to prepare an additional candidate secondary cell for the terminal device; and means for sending an additional cell configuration of a second additional cell prepared as an additional candidate secondary cell to the master node.

[0220] In some example embodiments, the second device further comprises means for performing other operations in some example embodiments of the method 800 or the secondary node 120. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the above-described operations of the second device.

[0221] In some example embodiments, a third device (eg, Figure 1 The terminal device 130 in the embodiment may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 900. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The third device may be implemented as Figure 1 The terminal device 130 in or included therein.

[0222] In some example embodiments, the third device includes a component for receiving a reference configuration and corresponding incremental configurations of one or more cells prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells of the device from a primary node or a serving secondary node, wherein the incremental configuration represents a difference between the cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; and a component for applying the incremental configuration and the reference configuration of the first cell based on a determination that an execution condition is satisfied for the first cell among the one or more cells.

[0223] In some example embodiments, the third apparatus may further comprise means for maintaining at least a subset of the reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configurations.

[0224] In some example embodiments, the third apparatus may further include means for applying the incremental configuration and the reference configuration of the second cell according to a determination that the execution condition is satisfied for the second cell of the one or more cells.

[0225] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change or conditional secondary node addition initiated by a master node.

[0226] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for an intra-node primary-secondary cell change initiated by a serving secondary node.

[0227] In some example embodiments, one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by a serving secondary node.

[0228] In some example embodiments, the third device may further include: a component for receiving, from the master node or the serving secondary node, corresponding additional incremental configurations of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate secondary cells of the device. The additional incremental configurations represent the difference between the additional cell configurations of the corresponding additional cells and the reference configuration.

[0229] In some example embodiments, the third device may further include: a component for receiving an additional reference configuration and a corresponding additional incremental configuration of one or more additional cells prepared as additional candidate primary and secondary cells of the device from the primary node or the serving secondary node. The additional incremental configuration represents the difference between the additional cell configuration of the corresponding additional cell and the additional reference configuration.

[0230] In some example embodiments, the third apparatus further comprises a component for performing other operations in some example embodiments of the method 900 or the terminal device 130. In some example embodiments, the component comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the above-mentioned operations of the third apparatus.

[0231] Fig.10 1 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 1000 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 The primary node 110, the secondary node 120 or the terminal device 130 is shown. As shown in the figure, the device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010, one or more memories 1020 coupled to the processor 1010, and one or more communication modules 1040 coupled to the processor 1010.

[0232] The communication module 1040 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 1040 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface required for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 1040 may include at least one antenna.

[0233] Processor 1010 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network, and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1000 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0234] The memory 1020 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1024, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage media. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1022 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0235] The computer program 1030 includes computer executable instructions executed by the associated processor 1010. The instructions of the program 1030 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 1030 may be stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 1024). The processor 1010 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 1030 into the RAM 1022.

[0236] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 1030, so that the device 1000 may execute the reference Figures 2 to 9 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0237] In some example embodiments, the program 1030 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 1000 (such as in the memory 1020) or in other storage devices accessible to the device 1000. The device 1000 may load the program 1030 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 1022 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0238] Fig.11 An example of a computer readable medium 1100 is shown which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1100 has a program 1030 stored thereon.

[0239] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented using hardware, while other aspects may be implemented using firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0240] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any of the methods described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. The machine executable instructions of the program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0241] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code is implemented when executed by the processor or controller. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0242] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0243] The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A more specific example of a computer readable storage medium will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0244] In addition, although operations are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequence or performing all of the operations shown to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Unless explicitly stated, certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, unless explicitly stated, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0245] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Instead, the specific features or acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving, from at least one secondary node, respective cell configurations of one or more cells, the one or more cells being prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device; generating a reference configuration for the one or more cells based on the corresponding cell configuration; Acquire corresponding incremental configurations for the one or more cells, wherein the incremental configurations represent differences between a cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; as well as The reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration are sent to at least one of: the terminal device, or a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: A first indication is sent to the at least one secondary node that reference configuration generation is to be performed by a primary node of the terminal device.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: A second indication is received from the at least one secondary node authorizing the primary node to generate the reference configuration.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: sending the reference configuration to the at least one secondary node; and The respective incremental configuration is received from the at least one secondary node.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change or conditional secondary node addition initiated by a primary node serving the terminal device, and The at least one secondary node serves as a candidate secondary node for the terminal device, and The reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration are sent to the terminal device. 6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more cells are prepared for an intra-node primary / secondary cell change initiated by the serving secondary node.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more cells are prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by the serving secondary node.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: A request for preparing the candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device is received from the serving secondary node, wherein the secondary cell group configuration of the serving secondary node is excluded from the request.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Acquire a corresponding further incremental configuration for one or more further cells, the one or more further cells being prepared as further candidate secondary cells for the terminal device, wherein the further incremental configuration represents a difference between a further cell configuration of the corresponding further cell and the reference configuration; and The corresponding additional incremental configuration is sent to at least one of the terminal device or the serving secondary node.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: sending the reference configuration to a first secondary node, the first secondary node providing a first further cell of the one or more further cells; and The further incremental configuration of the first further cell is received from the first secondary node.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Sending a request to prepare the additional candidate secondary cell for the terminal device to a second secondary node, the second secondary node providing a second additional cell among the one or more additional cells; as well as receiving, from the second secondary node, a further cell configuration of the second further cell; as well as Based on the further cell configuration and the reference configuration, a further incremental configuration of the second further cell is determined.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Acquire corresponding further cell configurations of one or more further cells, wherein the one or more further cells are prepared as further candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device; generating a further reference configuration for the one or more further cells based on the respective further cell configuration; acquiring respective further incremental configurations for the one or more further cells, wherein the further incremental configurations represent differences between further cell configurations of the respective further cells and the further reference configuration; and The further reference configuration and the corresponding further incremental configuration are sent to at least one of the terminal device or the serving secondary node.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a cell configuration comprises a plurality of information elements, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determining one or more information elements that are common to the respective cell configurations; and The one or more information elements are incorporated into the reference configuration.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a cell configuration comprises a plurality of information elements, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: For each information element in the plurality of information elements, determining a value of the information element based on a value of the information element in the corresponding cell configuration; and The information element in the reference configuration is set with the determined value.

15. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Determining a cell configuration of a cell, the cell being prepared as a candidate primary and secondary cell for a terminal device; as well as The cell configuration is sent to a master node serving the terminal device for use in generating a reference configuration for one or more cells, the one or more cells including the cell.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: A first indication is received from the master node that reference configuration generation is to be performed by the master node.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: A second indication is sent to the network device to authorize the master node to generate the reference configuration.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving the reference configuration from the master node; determining an incremental configuration based on the cell configuration and the reference signal; and The incremental configuration is sent to the master node.

19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the apparatus is implemented at a serving secondary node of the terminal device, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving from the master node respective incremental configurations for the one or more cells and the reference configuration, wherein the incremental configurations represent differences between a cell configuration of the respective cell and the reference configuration; and The reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration are sent to the terminal device.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cell is prepared for a conditional secondary node change or a conditional secondary node addition initiated by the master node.

21. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the cell is prepared for intra-node primary / secondary cell change initiated by a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

22. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the cell is prepared for a conditional secondary node change initiated by a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

23. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving the reference configuration from the master node; determining a further cell configuration for a first further cell, the first further cell being prepared as a further candidate secondary cell for the terminal device; determining a further incremental configuration for the first further cell based on the further cell configuration and the reference configuration; and The further incremental configuration of the first further cell is sent to the master node.

24. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving, from the primary node, a request to prepare an additional candidate secondary cell for the terminal device; and A further cell configuration of a second further cell is sent to the master node, the second further cell being prepared as the further candidate secondary cell.

25. A method for communication, comprising: At a primary node of the terminal device, receiving corresponding cell configurations of one or more cells from at least one secondary node, the one or more cells being prepared as candidate primary and secondary cells for the terminal device; generating a reference configuration for the one or more cells based on the corresponding cell configuration; Acquire corresponding incremental configurations for the one or more cells, wherein the incremental configurations represent differences between a cell configuration of the corresponding cell and the reference configuration; as well as The reference configuration and the corresponding incremental configuration are sent to at least one of: the terminal device, or a serving secondary node of the terminal device.

26. A method for communication, comprising: At the secondary node, determining a cell configuration of a cell, the cell being prepared as a candidate primary and secondary cell for the terminal device; as well as The cell configuration is sent to a master node serving the terminal device for use in generating a reference configuration for one or more cells, the one or more cells including the cell.

27. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions being used to cause an apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 25 to 26.

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