Cell set based mobility

Abstract

This disclosure relates to techniques for supporting cell set based mobility. A network can provide a wireless device with configuration information related to a current cell and possibly related to one or more other cells in one or more cell sets. The wireless device and the network can make various measurements. In response to the measurements and the configuration information, the wireless device can perform a cell change to one of the other cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to wireless communications, including methods, systems, and apparatus for providing cell-set-based mobility.

[0002] Related technical descriptions

[0003] The use of wireless communication systems is growing rapidly. Furthermore, wireless communication technology has evolved from voice communication only to include the transmission of data (such as the internet and multimedia content).

[0004] Mobile electronic devices can take the form of smartphones or tablets that users typically carry. Wearable devices (also known as accessory devices) are a newer form of mobile electronic device; an example is a smartwatch. Additionally, low-cost, low-complexity wireless devices designed for static or dynamic deployment are rapidly increasing as part of the development of the “Internet of Things”. In other words, the range of required device complexity, capabilities, traffic patterns, and other characteristics is becoming increasingly broad. Generally, there is a desire to recognize and provide improved support for a wide range of required wireless communication characteristics. For example, cellular network designs are increasingly incorporating dense, small-cell deployments. Therefore, improvements in this field are expected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This paper provides, in particular, implementation schemes for systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing cell-set-based mobility as part of wireless communication.

[0006] As mentioned above, the number of use cases for different types of wireless devices with broad variability and usage expectations is increasing. While many wireless communication systems primarily utilize standalone cell designs, dense small cell deployments are likely to grow in use. For example, a typical deployment in 5G New Radio (NR) may include dense small cells, particularly in high-frequency deployments. Such deployments may include cell sets. This disclosure presents various techniques for supporting mobility within and between cell sets.

[0007] The technologies described herein may be implemented in or used in several different types of devices, including but not limited to cellular phones, tablets, accessories and / or wearable computing devices, portable media players, cellular base stations and other cellular network infrastructure equipment, servers, and any of a variety of other computing devices.

[0008] The present invention is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the subjects described in this document. Therefore, it should be understood that the above features are merely illustrative and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or essence of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] A better understanding of the subject matter can be obtained by considering the following detailed description of the implementation scheme in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 Exemplary (and simplified) wireless communication systems according to some implementation schemes are shown;

[0011] Figure 2 A base station (BS) communicating with a user equipment (UE) device according to some implementation schemes is shown;

[0012] Figure 3 This is an exemplary block diagram of a UE according to some implementation schemes;

[0013] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a BS according to some implementation schemes is shown;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing cell set-based mobility according to some implementation schemes;

[0015] Figure 6 Exemplary cell sets according to some implementation schemes are shown;

[0016] Figures 7 to 8 The switching of message streams and potential interruption times are illustrated according to some implementation schemes;

[0017] Figure 9 Exemplary cell groups and possible variations of exemplary cells are shown according to some implementation schemes;

[0018] Figure 10 An exemplary switching process according to some implementation schemes is shown;

[0019] Figures 11 to 12 Exemplary configuration information according to some implementation schemes is shown; and

[0020] Figures 13 to 18 Exemplary cell change scenarios and processes according to some implementation schemes are shown.

[0021] While the features described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereof are not intended to limit this document to the specific forms disclosed, but rather are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the substance and scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0022] acronym

[0023] The following acronyms are used in this disclosure.

[0024] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0025] 3GPP2: Third Generation Partnership Project 2

[0026] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0027] GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications

[0028] GERAN: GSM EDGE radio access network

[0029] UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0030] UTRAN: UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network or Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

[0031] UE: User Equipment

[0032] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0033] NR: New Radio

[0034] E-UTRAN: Evolved UMTS Radio Access Network or Evolved Universal Radio Access Network

[0035] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0036] RLC: Radio Link Control

[0037] MAC: Media Access Control

[0038] PDCP: Packet Data Convergence Protocol

[0039] RF: Radio Frequency

[0040] DL: Downlink

[0041] UL: Uplink

[0042] NW: Network

[0043] BS: Base Station

[0044] MME: Mobility Management Entity

[0045] AC: Access Level

[0046] DOS: Denial of Service

[0047] AS: Access Layer

[0048] NAS: Non-Access Layer

[0049] SW: Software

[0050] RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0051] PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network

[0052] C-RNTI: Temporary Identifier for Cellular Radio Network

[0053] the term

[0054] The following is a glossary of terms used in this disclosure:

[0055] Memory media—any of various types of nontransitory memory devices or storage devices. The term "memory media" is intended to include mounting media, such as CD-ROMs, floppy disks, or magnetic tape devices; computer system memory or random access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc.; non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic media, such as hard disk drives or optical storage devices; registers or other similar types of memory elements, etc. Memory media may also include other types of nontransitory memory or combinations thereof. Furthermore, memory media may reside in a first computer system executing a program, or may reside in a different second computer system connected to the first computer system via a network such as the Internet. In the latter case, the second computer system may provide program instructions to the first computer for execution. The term "memory media" may include two or more memory media that may reside in different locations on different computer systems, for example, connected via a network. Memory media may store program instructions (e.g., representing a computer program) that can be executed by one or more processors.

[0056] Carrier media—memory media as described above, and physical transmission media such as buses, networks, and / or other physical transmission media that transmit signals such as electrical signals, electromagnetic signals, or digital signals.

[0057] Programmable hardware elements—including a variety of hardware devices comprising multiple programmable functional blocks connected via programmable interconnects. Examples include FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPOAs (Field-Programmable Object Arrays), and CPLDs (Complex PLDs). Programmable functional blocks can vary from fine-grained (combinatorial logic units or lookup tables) to coarse-grained (arithmetic logic units or processor cores). Programmable hardware elements may also be referred to as “configurable logic units.”

[0058] Computer system—any of all types of computing or processing systems, including personal computer systems (PCs), mainframe computer systems, workstations, network devices, internet devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), television systems, grid computing systems, or other devices or combinations thereof. In general, the term "computer system" can be broadly defined to encompass any device (or combination of devices) having at least one processor that executes instructions from a memory medium.

[0059] User equipment (UE) (or “UE device”) — any of various types of computer systems or devices that are mobile or portable and perform wireless communication. Examples of UE devices include mobile phones or smartphones (e.g., iPhone). TM Based on Android TM Telephones), portable gaming devices (e.g., Nintendo DS) TM PlayStation Portable TM Gameboy Advance TM iPhone TM Wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses), laptops, PDAs, portable networking devices, music players, data storage devices, or other handheld devices. Generally, the term "UE" or "UE device" can be broadly defined as any electronic, computing, and / or telecommunications equipment (or combination of equipment) that is easily transportable by the user and capable of wireless communication.

[0060] A wireless device is any of various types of computer systems or devices that perform wireless communication. A wireless device can be portable (or mobile), or it can be stationary or fixed in a location. A UE is an example of a wireless device.

[0061] A communication device is any of various types of computer systems or devices that perform communication, which may be wired or wireless. A communication device may be portable (or mobile), or it may be stationary or fixed in a location. A wireless device is one example of a communication device. A UE is another example of a communication device.

[0062] Base station—The term “base station” has the full range of its common meaning and includes at least a wireless communication station that is installed in a fixed location and is used for communication as part of a wireless telephone system or radio system.

[0063] Processing element—refers to various elements or combinations of elements. Processing elements include, for example, circuits such as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), portions or circuits of individual processor cores, the entire processor core, individual processors, programmable hardware devices (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), and / or a large portion of a system comprising multiple processors.

[0064] A channel is a medium used to transmit information from a transmitter to a receiver. It should be noted that because the characteristics of the term "channel" can vary depending on different wireless protocols, the term "channel" as used herein can be considered to be used in a standard manner consistent with the type of device to which the term is referenced. In some standards, the channel width can be variable (e.g., depending on device capabilities, band conditions, etc.). For example, LTE can support scalable channel bandwidths from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz. In contrast, WLAN channels can be 22 MHz wide, while Bluetooth channels can be 1 MHz wide. Other protocols and standards may include different definitions of channels. Furthermore, some standards may define and use multiple types of channels, such as different channels for uplink or downlink and / or different channels for different purposes such as data, control information, etc.

[0065] The term “band” has the full range of its general meaning and includes at least a segment of spectrum (e.g., radio frequency spectrum) in which a channel is used or reserved for the same purpose.

[0066] Automatic—refers to actions or operations performed by a computer system (e.g., software executed by the computer system) or device (e.g., circuits, programmable hardware elements, ASICs, etc.) without requiring direct user input to specify or perform the actions or operations. Therefore, the term "automatic" contrasts with actions performed or specified manually by the user, where the user provides input to directly perform the action. An automatic process can be initiated by user-provided input, but the subsequent actions performed "automatically" are not specified by the user; that is, they are not performed "manually," where the user specifies each action to be performed. For example, a user filling out a form by selecting each field and providing input specifying information (e.g., by typing information, selecting a checkbox, radio selection, etc.) is considered manually filling out the form, even though the computer system must update the form in response to the user's actions. The form can be automatically filled out by a computer system (e.g., software executed on the computer system) which analyzes the fields of the form and fills it out without any user input specifying answers for the fields. As indicated above, the user can invoke the automatic filling of the form but does not participate in the actual filling of the form (e.g., the user does not manually specify answers for the fields, but they are completed automatically). This manual provides various examples of operations that are automatically performed in response to actions taken by the user.

[0067] "Configured as"—Various components can be described as being "configured as" to perform one or more tasks. In such contexts, "configured as" is a broad expression generally meaning "having" a "structure" that performs one or more tasks during operation. Thus, a component can be configured to perform a task even when it is not currently performing one (e.g., a set of electrical conductors can be configured to electrically connect one module to another, even when the two modules are not connected). In some contexts, "configured as" can be a broad description generally meaning a structure that "has" a "circuit system" that performs one or more tasks during operation. Thus, a component can be configured to perform a task even when it is not currently switched on. Typically, the circuit forming the structure corresponding to "configured as" can include hardware circuitry.

[0068] For ease of description, various components may be described as performing one or more tasks. Such descriptions shall be interpreted as including the phrase “configured to”. The statement that a component is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke the interpretation of paragraph 6 of section 112 of title 35 of the United States Code.

[0069] Figures 1 to 2 —Communication System

[0070] Figure 1 Exemplary (and simplified) wireless communication systems that can implement various aspects of this disclosure according to some embodiments are shown. For example, Figure 1Any or all of the wireless devices shown can be configured to handle connection rejections as described herein, for example, according to Figures 5 to 7 One or more of the methods. Note that... Figure 1 The system described is merely an example of a possible system, and these implementations can be implemented in any of a variety of systems as needed.

[0071] As shown in the figure, the exemplary wireless communication system includes a base station 102A, which communicates with one or more user equipments 106A, 106B, etc., to user equipment 106N via a transmission medium. Each user equipment may be referred to herein as a "user equipment" (UE). Therefore, user equipment 106 is referred to as a UE or UE device.

[0072] Base station 102A may be a transceiver base station (BTS) or a cell site, and may include hardware and / or software to enable wireless communication with UEs 106A to 106N. Base station 102A may also be equipped to communicate with network 100 (e.g., in various possibilities, the core network of a cellular service provider, telecommunications networks such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and / or the Internet). Therefore, base station 102A facilitates communication between user equipments and / or between user equipments and network 100.

[0073] The communication area (or coverage area) of a base station can be referred to as a "cell". Base station 102A and UE 106 can be configured to communicate using the transmission medium of any of the various radio access technologies (RATs), which are also known as wireless communication technologies or telecommunications standards, such as GSM, UMTS (WCDMA, TD-SCDMA), LTE, LTE-A Advanced, NR, 3GPP 2CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), Wi-Fi, WiMAX, etc.

[0074] Base station 102A and other similar base stations (such as base stations 102B...102N) operating according to the same or different cellular communication standards can therefore be provided as a network of cells that can provide continuous or nearly continuous overlapping services to UE 106A-N and similar devices over a geographical area via one or more cellular communication standards.

[0075] Therefore, although base station 102A can act as such Figure 1The diagram shows the "serving cell" of UEs 106A-N, but each UE 106 may also be able to receive signals (and possibly within its communication range) from one or more other cells (which may be provided by base stations 102B-N and / or any other base stations), which may be referred to as "neighboring cells". Such cells may also facilitate communication between user equipments and / or between user equipments and network 100. These cells may include "macro" cells, "micro" cells, "pecimen" cells, and / or any other cells of various other granularities providing service area size. For example, in Figure 1 Base stations 102A-B shown can be macro cells, while base station 102N can be a micro cell. Other configurations are also possible.

[0076] It should be noted that UE 106 can communicate using multiple wireless communication standards. For example, UE 106 can be configured to communicate using two or more of the following: GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, WiMAX, LTE, LTE-A, NR, WLAN, Bluetooth, one or more Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS, such as GPS or GLONASS), and one or more mobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M / H or DVB-H). Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including more than two wireless communication standards) are also possible.

[0077] Figure 2 User equipment 106 (e.g., one of devices 106A to 106N) communicating with base station 102 (e.g., one of base stations 102A to 102N) according to some embodiments is shown. UE 106 may be a device with cellular communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, handheld device, wearable device, computer, or tablet, or substantially any type of wireless device.

[0078] UE 106 may include a processor configured to execute program instructions stored in memory. UE 106 may execute any of the method embodiments of the present invention by executing such stored instructions. Alternatively or additionally, UE 106 may include programmable hardware elements, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configured to execute any of the method embodiments of the present invention or any portion thereof.

[0079] As described above, UE 106 can be configured to communicate using any of the multiple RATs. For example, UE 106 can be configured to communicate using two or more of GSM, CDMA2000, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, NR, WLAN, or GNSS. Other combinations of wireless communication technologies are also possible.

[0080] UE 106 may include one or more antennas for communicating using one or more wireless communication protocols or technologies. In one embodiment, UE 106 may be configured to communicate using either CDMA2000 (1xRTT / 1xEV-DO / HRPD / eHRPD) or LTE and / or GSM or LTE using a single shared radio component. The shared radio may be coupled to a single antenna or to multiple antennas (e.g., for MIMO) for performing wireless communication. Typically, the radio component may include any combination of baseband processor, analog radio frequency (RF) signal processing circuitry (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.) or digital processing circuitry (e.g., for digital modulation and other digital processing). Similarly, the radio component may use the aforementioned hardware to implement one or more receive chains and transmit chains. For example, UE 106 may share one or more portions of the receive chain and / or transmit chain among various wireless communication technologies such as those discussed above.

[0081] In some implementations, UE 106 may include separate transmission and / or reception chains (e.g., including separate RF components and / or digital radio components) for each wireless communication protocol configured to communicate therewith. As another possibility, UE 106 may include one or more radio components shared among multiple wireless communication protocols, as well as one or more radio components uniquely used by a single wireless communication protocol. For example, UE 106 may include shared radio components for communicating using either LTE or 1xRTT (or LTE or GSM), and separate radio components for communicating using each of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other configurations are also possible.

[0082] Figure 3 —Block diagram of UE device

[0083] Figure 3A possible block diagram of UE device 106 is shown. As shown, UE device 106 may include a system-on-a-chip (SOC) 300, which may include components for various purposes. For example, as shown, SOC 300 may include a processor 302 and display circuitry 304, the processor 302 executing program instructions for UE device 106, and the display circuitry 304 performing graphics processing and providing display signals to display 360. SOC 300 may also include motion sensing circuitry 370, which may detect motion of UE 106, for example, using a gyroscope, accelerometer, and / or any of various other motion sensing components. One or more processors 302 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 340, which may be configured to receive addresses from one or more processors 302 and translate these addresses into locations in memory (e.g., memory 306, read-only memory (ROM) 350, flash memory 310). MMU 340 may be configured to perform memory protection and page table translation or setup. In some implementations, the MMU 340 may be included as part of the processor 302.

[0084] As shown in the figure, the SOC 300 can be coupled to various other circuits of the UE 106. For example, the UE 106 may include various types of memory (e.g., including NAND flash memory 310), connector interface 320 (e.g., for coupling to computer systems, docking stations, charging stations, etc.), display 360, and wireless communication circuitry 330 (e.g., for LTE, LTE-A, NR, CDMA2000, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, etc.).

[0085] UE device 106 may include at least one antenna, and in some embodiments, may include multiple antennas 335a and 335b (and / or other additional antennas) for performing wireless communication with a base station and / or other devices. For example, UE device 106 may use antennas 335a and 335b to perform wireless communication. As described above, UE device 106 may be configured in some embodiments to perform wireless communication using multiple wireless communication standards or radio access technologies (RATs).

[0086] The wireless communication circuitry 330 may include a Wi-Fi logic component 332, a cellular modem 334, and a Bluetooth logic component 336. The Wi-Fi logic component 332 enables the UE device 106 to perform Wi-Fi communication over an 802.11 network. The Bluetooth logic component 336 enables the UE device 106 to perform Bluetooth communication. The cellular modem 334 may be a low-power cellular modem capable of performing cellular communication according to one or more cellular communication technologies (e.g., LTE, 5G NR, GSM, etc.).

[0087] As described herein, UE 106 may include hardware and software components for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. For example, one or more components of the wireless communication circuitry 330 (e.g., cellular modem 334) of UE device 106 may be configured to implement some or all of the methods described herein, for example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), a processor configured as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and / or using dedicated hardware components that may include ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0088] Figure 4 —Block diagram of a base station (BS)

[0089] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a base station 102 according to some embodiments is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The base station shown is merely one example of a possible base station. As illustrated, base station 102 may include a processor 404 capable of executing program instructions specific to base station 102. Processor 404 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 440 or other circuitry or device, which may be configured to receive addresses from processor 404 and translate those addresses into locations in memory (e.g., memory 460 and read-only memory (ROM) 450).

[0090] Base station 102 may include at least one network port 470. Network port 470 may be configured to be coupled to a telephone network and provide access rights as described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The telephone network described herein includes multiple devices such as UE device 106.

[0091] Network port 470 (or an additional network port) may also be configured, or alternatively configured, to be coupled to a cellular network, such as the core network of a cellular service provider. The core network may provide mobility-related services and / or other services to multiple devices, such as UE device 106. In some cases, network port 470 may be coupled to a telephone network via the core network, and / or the core network may provide the telephone network (e.g., in other UE devices served by the cellular service provider).

[0092] Base station 102 may include at least one antenna 434 and possibly multiple antennas. Antenna 434 may be configured to operate as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured to communicate with UE device 106 via radio component 430 (or multiple radio components 430). Antenna 434 communicates with radio component 430 via communication link 432. Communication link 432 may be a receive link, a transmit link, or both. Radio component 430 may be configured to communicate via various wireless communication standards, including but not limited to LTE, LTE-A, NR, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc.

[0093] Base station 102 can be configured to perform wireless communication using multiple wireless communication standards. In some cases, base station 102 may include multiple radios that enable base station 102 to communicate according to multiple wireless communication technologies. For example, as one possibility, base station 102 may include an LTE radio for performing communication according to LTE and a Wi-Fi radio for performing communication according to Wi-Fi. In such cases, base station 102 may be able to operate as both an LTE base station and a Wi-Fi access point. As another possibility, base station 102 may include a multimode radio component capable of performing communication according to any of multiple wireless communication technologies (e.g., LTE and Wi-Fi, LTE and UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, LTE and 5G NR, UMTS and GSM, etc.). BS 102 may provide one or more communication technologies and / or one or more cells of one or more Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs). According to some embodiments, BS 102 may provide multiple cells that can be organized, grouped, or configured into one or more cell sets. According to some embodiments, the one or more cell sets provided by BS 102 may also include cells provided by one or more additional base stations.

[0094] As further described herein, base station 102 may include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting embodiments of the features described herein. Processor 404 of base station 102 may be configured to implement or support some or all of the methods described herein, for example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively, processor 404 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof. Alternatively (or in addition), in conjunction with one or more of other components 430, 432, 434, 440, 450, 460, and 470, processor 404 of base station 102 may be configured to implement or support some or all of the features described herein.

[0095] According to some implementation schemes, BS 102 may be an eNodeB (eNB) or a gNodeB (gNB).

[0096] Figure 5 —Communication Flowchart

[0097] 5G New Radio (NR) can increasingly include dense small cell deployments, especially in high-frequency deployments such as unlicensed spectrum. In such deployments, multiple cells can be grouped, organized, or configured into cell sets. One or more base stations (e.g., BS 102) can provide cells for one or more cell sets. For example, a single BS can provide any number of cells from any number of cell sets. Some cell sets may include cells provided by more than one base station.

[0098] According to some implementation schemes, small cell deployment may present certain challenges. For example, the high frequency of cell changes (e.g., handover or “HO”) may lead to: increased signaling overhead (e.g., an HO may include three or more RRC messages, such as measurement reports, handover commands, and HO completion); frequent interruptions in data transmission / reception (e.g., each HO may cause an interruption); and reduced HO reliability (e.g., a late measurement report from the UE to the BS may lead to a late HO (e.g., HO failure), and thus may lead to re-establishment of the connection (e.g., RRC)).

[0099] One objective of NR (Network Response) can be to enhance mobility, for example, by reducing the downtime associated with handover (HO) (e.g., the target downtime could be 0 ms), reducing HO overhead, and improving HO reliability. The techniques, methods, apparatuses, and systems disclosed herein can provide such enhancements, as described in more detail below. Such enhancements can be applied to both intra-frequency mobility and inter-frequency mobility (e.g., HO). In other words, among other possibilities, these enhancements can be applied to inter-cell mobility (e.g., within and between cell sets) and intra-cell key updates (e.g., updating security keys and / or other parameters).

[0100] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing cell set-based mobility according to some implementation schemes. According to some implementation schemes, Figure 5 This approach can provide enhanced mobility, such as reduced downtime, HO overhead, and improved reliability. For example, Figure 5 The method enables the UE to minimize or avoid interruptions, avoid HO procedures in the event of cell changes within the serving cell set, and / or avoid connection re-establishment in the event of radio link failure (RLF) within the serving cell set.

[0101] In some implementation schemes, Figure 5 This method allows the network and UE to avoid HO (Hosting Operations) between different base stations, instead performing cell changes between different cells within a single base station's cell set. The UE context can be stored by the base station and shared by some or all cells in the cell set. Therefore, resource coordination within the cell set can be performed by the base station and can be relatively simple (e.g., compared to HO procedures between two base stations). Consequently, mobility within the cell set may not require any action from the core network and may be invisible to the core network. In other words, mobility within the cell set may not trigger handover. According to some implementations, handover can be applied only in scenarios involving inter-cell set mobility. Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements can be performed at the cell level and / or cell set level.

[0102] In various implementation schemes, some of the method elements shown may be executed simultaneously in a different order than that shown, may be replaced by other method elements, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be executed as needed.

[0103] Figure 5 Various aspects of the method can be derived from wireless devices (such as...) Figures 1 to 4 The text shows and is relative to... Figures 1 to 4 The UE 106A-B and / or BS 102 described herein may be used to implement this, or more generally, it may be implemented as needed in conjunction with any of the computer systems or devices shown in the accompanying drawings, among other devices. It should be noted that although described in a manner involving the use of communication technologies and / or features associated with 3GPP specification documents... Figure 5 This description describes at least some elements of the method, but it is not intended to limit this disclosure and can be used in any suitable wireless communication system as needed. Figure 5 The method can be described in several aspects. As shown in the figure, the method can be operated as follows.

[0104] A wireless device (e.g., UE 106) may communicate with a first cell (e.g., a serving cell or a pre-occupied serving cell) that may be provided by a base station (e.g., BS 102) (510). The UE and BS may communicate using one or more radio access technologies (e.g., NR).

[0105] The first cell can be part of a first cell set (e.g., a serving cell set) or it can be an independent cell. The first cell set can be configured to provide enhanced mobility within the first cell set. For example, the cell set can share UE context information among any number (e.g., possibly all) of the cells in the cell set. Similarly, cells in the first cell set can share some or all configuration parameters. For example, the network (NW) can be configured based on measurements (e.g., provided by the UE and / or directly acquired by one or more BSs) or based on NW deployment details. The configuration of each cell in the first cell set can be common or can be different. Furthermore, the configuration of one or more layers can be common, while one or more other layers can have different configurations. For example, among various possibilities, L2 and L3 (e.g., layers 2 / 3, such as data link and network layers respectively) configurations can be common, while L1 (e.g., physical layer) configurations can be common or different. The first cell set can be configured statically as needed or dynamically (e.g., automatically) in response to current conditions.

[0106] The UE can perform data transmission and / or reception with the first cell. It can exchange application data and / or control information.

[0107] The NW (e.g., via BS 102) may provide configuration information (520) to a radio device (e.g., UE 106). The configuration information may correspond to cells in a first cell set, and / or may correspond to one or more other cells (e.g., cells in one or more other cell sets and / or individual cells). Configuration information may be provided for individual cells and / or for groups of cells. In some implementations, common configuration information may be provided for a set (or subset or other group) of cells, and differences (e.g., Δ) for each individual cell may be provided relative to the common configuration. The following is relative to... Figure 11 and Figure 12 Provide more details about the community's configuration information.

[0108] A radio device (e.g., UE 106) and / or a network radio (NW) can monitor the radio link conditions between the UE and the first cell (530). In other words, the NW (e.g., via BS 102) can instruct the radio device to perform various measurements and / or the BS can perform various measurements associated with the channel / communication between the UE and the first cell. Such instructions may be included in configuration information (e.g., measurement configuration). Measurements may be cell-based (e.g., referred to herein as Model 1) and / or cell set-based (e.g., Model 2). The NW and the UE may also measure the radio link conditions / channel between the UE and one or more other cells, such as cells in the same cell set as the first cell, cells in other cell sets provided by BS 102, and / or one or more other cells provided by other base stations.

[0109] Cell-based measurements can be performed at the cell level (Model 1). For example, the UE can perform one or more measurements and compare them to one or more cell-level thresholds (which can be configured by the NW and / or the UE). Measurements can include any radio link measurements, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), received signal strength indication (RSSI), channel quality indication (CQI), channel state information (CSI), throughput, etc. Thresholds can be or include S-measures, such as thresholds indicating whether a HO and / or measurement report should be triggered. Similar thresholds can be configured for cell changes within a cell set. Such thresholds can be the same as or different from S-measures. For example, in some implementations, the threshold for cell changes within a set can be smaller for cells outside the set compared to cells outside the set. In other words, a smaller quality difference can trigger an intra-cell set change compared to an inter-cell set change. Measurements of the serving cell (e.g., the frequency of the serving cell) can be prioritized. Based on a comparison of measurements with thresholds (e.g., if the measured quality is less than a threshold such as S measurement), the UE can be configured to begin measuring one or more other (e.g., neighboring) cells or cell sets (e.g., and / or increase its measurement frequency). The UE can provide one or more reports to the network based on the measurements.

[0110] Cell set-based measurements can be performed at the cell set level (Model 2). For example, the UE can perform one or more measurements of the cell set and compare them to one or more cell set-level thresholds (which can be configured by the NW and / or the UE). Measurements can include any radio link measurements. Thresholds can be or include S-measures, and / or similar thresholds can be configured for cell changes between cell sets. Such thresholds can be the same as or different from S-measures, and can be the same as or different from thresholds used for individual cells. Measurements of the serving cell set (e.g., the frequency of the serving cell set) can be prioritized. The quality of the serving cell set can be based on the quality of the pre-occupied serving cells (e.g., the quality of the first cell set can be the same as the quality of the first cell). Based on the comparison of measurements with thresholds (e.g., if the measured quality of the cell set is less than a threshold such as an S-measure), the UE can be configured to begin measuring one or more other (e.g., neighboring) cells or cell sets (e.g., and / or increase its measurement frequency). The quality of neighboring cell sets can be based on the measured quality of one or more cells in that neighboring cell set, such as the best or highest quality of any cell in that set. The UE can provide one or more reports to the network based on the measurements. In cell set-based measurements, the UE may report the cell IDs and / or corresponding cell set IDs of some or all of the measured cells. The cell IDs and the relationship between cell set IDs and cell IDs may be obtained, for example, from private or public configuration information via RRC.

[0111] Measurements may involve one or more layers. For example, they may include measurements of layer 1 (L1, the physical layer) and / or higher layers.

[0112] The UE may also report measurements and / or information related to factors other than radio link conditions. For example, the UE may provide reports related to its positioning / location, movement / acceleration, orientation, battery power, application status / activity, upcoming UL and / or DL ​​traffic, accessory devices, other connections (e.g., 802.11, Bluetooth), etc.

[0113] According to some implementations, in response to measurements (e.g., radio link conditions), the NW and / or radio device (e.g., UE 106) may initiate a cell change (540). The cell change may occur within a first set of cells, or it may change to a different set of cells or an independent cell. The cell change may be controlled by the NW and / or UE. See below for reference. Figures 6 to 18 It presents more details on the various community change scenarios and processes based on different implementation plans.

[0114] The UE and / or NW may use various thresholds to compare measurements of a pre-occupied serving cell (or cell set) with one or more measurements of other cells, and may initiate a cell change in response to said comparison. For example, a cell change may be initiated if the quality difference between a first cell and another cell exceeds a threshold. Among various possibilities, the inter-cell set cell change threshold may differ from (e.g., be higher than) the intra-cell set cell change threshold.

[0115] In some implementations, cell changes controlled by the UE may be based on measurements of a first cell, for example, compared with one or more other cells. According to some implementations, the UE may provide an indication of a cell change to the NW via a target cell.

[0116] In some implementations, cell changes controlled by the NW may be based on UE measurement reports. For example, the UE may provide one or more measurement reports (e.g., L1 / L3 measurement reports in various possibilities) and / or their location. The NW may respond with a command, for example, indicating the target cell. This command may include configuration information of the target cell, such as L1, L2, or special configurations such as C-RNTI. Depending on the implementation, this command may or may not be a handover (HO) command.

[0117] In some implementations, cell changes can be non-disruptive, for example, the UE can avoid interrupting communication with the network during the cell change. In other words, the UE can change cells without RF retuning, without UL or DL ​​synchronization with the target cell, and without resetting connections such as L2 connections. In other words, the UE and NW can each have context and configuration information before the cell change to perform the cell change in a manner that allows data exchange to continue during the cell change without interruption for retuning, synchronization, or connection reset activities. Therefore, the UE can immediately apply the configuration of the new cell (e.g., a second cell) and / or the NW can configure the new cell / second cell to immediately accept the UE. Thus, cell changes can proceed with only a single message (e.g., an access indication) or possibly no message at all.

[0118] A wireless device (e.g., UE 106) may communicate with the network via a second cell (550). The second cell may be located in the first cluster, in another cluster, or may be an independent cell.

[0119] The UE can, for example, continue transmitting or receiving data without interruption. In other words, the UE can maintain its current connection with the NW during and after a cell change. For example, with respect to the RLF of the first cell, the second cell can be within the first cell set and may not trigger a connection re-establishment (e.g., an RRC reconnection procedure). Instead, the UE can transmit an indication to the NW that it is now operating in the second cell and can continue transmitting / receiving data in the second cell.

[0120] The UE may continue (e.g., or begin) measuring radio link conditions (e.g., radio link conditions of a second cell and / or other cells). For example, if the second cell is different from the first cell, the UE may continue radio link monitoring, for example, using an L3 procedure.

[0121] supply Figures 6 to 18 And the additional information below, which illustrates the relevant Figure 5 Further considerations and possible specific implementation details of the method are provided, and are not intended to limit this disclosure in general. Various variations and alternatives to the details provided below are possible and should be considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0122] Figure 6 —Exemplary cell set

[0123] Figure 6Two exemplary cell sets according to some implementation schemes are shown. Cell sets 601a and 601b can be dense collections of small cells. As shown, cell set 601a may include 10 cells (cell-1 to cell-10), and cell set 601b may include six cells (cell-1 to cell-6). It should be noted that the number of cells and the geometric arrangement of the cells are merely exemplary. Other numbers of cells and other cell arrangements (e.g., square, hexagonal, etc.) are possible.

[0124] According to some implementation schemes, cells in any cell set within cell set 601 may be provided by one or more base stations, such as BS 102. Cells may be configured to communicate with a radio device, such as UE 106, via one or more communication technologies, such as NR. Cells in cell set 601 may be configured based on NW deployment and / or based on measurements of the radio link environment (e.g., channel conditions) with UE 106. For example, the configuration of cells within any cell set 601 may be designed and / or changed in real time in response to changing network / channel conditions, and the (e.g., the changed) configuration may be provided to UE 106. Configuration information may be provided in any format. For example, configuration information may be provided by RRC.

[0125] Figures 7 to 8 —Exemplary handover (HO) schemes and downtime

[0126] Figure 7 This is a communication flowchart illustrating an exemplary HO process according to some implementation schemes.

[0127] Data can be exchanged between UE 106, the first BS 102 (e.g., the source eNB), and the serving gateway (701). The data may include user or packet data associated with one or more applications running on UE 106. NW may provide DL allocation to UE 106 (702). The NW can provide a handover (HO) command (703), which may be an RRC connection reconfiguration message and may include mobility control information (e.g., identifying the target eNB (e.g., another BS 102). In response to the HO command, the UE can disconnect from the first (old) cell and synchronize with the second (new) cell (704). Accordingly, the source eNB can provide buffered packets and packets in transit to the target eNB (705). This delivery may include providing a Service Node (SN) status transmission message (706) and forwarding data to the target eNB (707). The target eNB can then buffer packets received from the source eNB (708). The UE 106 can synchronize with the target eNB (709). The target eNB can provide the UE with a UL allocation and Tracking Area (TA) (710). The target eNB can provide the UE with an indication of HO completion, which may include an RRC connection reconfiguration completion message (711). The UE can resume exchanging user data with the network via the target eNB and the Serving Gateway (712).

[0128] In some implementation schemes, Figure 7 The HO procedure may include resetting the RLC and MAC connections of UE 106. PDCP connections may also be re-established in some HO scenarios and implementations (e.g., as in LTE), but may be maintained in other HO scenarios and implementations (e.g., without re-establishment, e.g., as in NR).

[0129] Figure 8 It shows the relationship with Figure 7 The same communication flow is shown. However, Figure 8 The potential interruption time (801) associated with HO execution is highlighted. Notably, this time begins with an HO command (703) and ends with an HO completion message (711). In some embodiments, user data cannot be exchanged between UE 106 and the NW during this potential interruption time. This potential interruption time may include time for activities such as RF retuning, DL synchronization with a target cell (e.g., a target eNB), L2 reset (e.g., random access procedures for resetting RLC, MAC, and / or PDCP connections), and UL synchronization with the target cell. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein may allow UE 106 to avoid or minimize this potential interruption time.

[0130] Figure 9 —Example cell groups and cell change possibilities

[0131] Figure 9 An exemplary set of cells and possible cell changes between them are shown. As shown in the figure, the cell group includes cell set 1 (with ten cells), cell set 2 (with ten cells that are different from those in cell set 1), and an independent cell (cell-X).

[0132] Within the serving cell set, cells can be classified into two types. A pre-occupied serving cell can be a serving cell, such as the cell where the UE resides and performs data transmission / reception. A candidate serving cell can be a serving cell within the serving cell set other than the pre-occupied serving cell.

[0133] For a UE connected to a cell within this group, various cell change possibilities exist. For example, a UE connected to a cell in cell set 1 may change to another cell (901) within that cell set. This can be considered a cell type change, for example, one of the candidate serving cells becoming a pre-occupied serving cell. Such a cell type change can be in response to measurements of the pre-occupied serving cell and / or the candidate serving cell. According to some implementations, such a change can be performed under NW control or under UE control.

[0134] Furthermore, a cell can be moved from one cell set to another (902). This can be viewed as mobility across serving cell sets. In some implementations, a HO procedure can be applied. The handover command may include the target serving cell set identifier and / or configuration, and may also include a specific target serving cell identifier and / or configuration.

[0135] Furthermore, cells can be changed between cells in a cell set and standalone cells (903), or vice versa. In some implementations, a HO procedure can be applied. The handover command may include the target serving cell set identifier and / or configuration, and may also include a specific target serving cell identifier and / or configuration. In the case of changing to a standalone cell, the HO command may include the identifier and / or configuration of the target cell.

[0136] It should be noted that the exemplary set, cells, number of cells, and spatial arrangement of cells / cell sets are for illustrative purposes only, and other arrangements and numbers of cells are possible. Similarly, it should be noted that the cell changes shown are merely exemplary, and other cell changes are possible.

[0137] Figure 10 —Example network-initiated handover process

[0138] Figure 10 The handover process controlled by the network is illustrated. In some implementations, the source gNB and the destination gNB may be different; for example, the handover may take place between two cells not located in a single cell set provided by a single BS 102.

[0139] As shown in the figure, a source gNB (e.g., BS 102) may transmit a HO request to a target gNB (e.g., BS 102) or the NW function responsible for controlling the handover (1001). The HO request may be in response to one or more measurements performed by the source gNB and / or one or more measurement reports from UE 106. Alternatively, the HO request may be in response to other factors, including load at one or both of the base station or other network elements, network deployment, UE movement, etc. In response to the HO request, the target gNB may perform an admission control procedure (1002) and may determine to accept the handover. In some implementations, the target gNB may also select a specific cell within a set of cells provided by the target gNB to receive UE 106. The target gNB may provide a HO confirmation to the source gNB (1003). The HO confirmation may specify various parameters of the HO, including the identifier of the target cell. In some implementations, the HO confirmation may not specify a target cell. In response to the HO confirmation, the source gNB may provide an HO command to UE 106 (1004). The HO command can specify a target serving cell set and can also specify a target serving cell. In response to the HO command, UE 106 can hand over to the new cell (1005). If the HO command specifies a target serving cell, UE 106 can hand over to that target serving cell. If the HO command does not specify a target serving cell, UE 106 can select a target serving cell. For example, UE 106 can select a target serving cell based on one or more measurements. UE 106 can also use any configuration information it knows (e.g., as discussed above relative to 520) to select a target serving cell and / or synchronize with the target serving cell. UE 106 can provide a handover completion message to the target BS 102 via the target serving cell (1006). The HO completion message can notify the NW that UE 106 is now pre-occupied on the new cell. The UE and NW can continue to exchange user data, control information, etc., via the new cell.

[0140] Figures 11 to 12 —Configuration Information

[0141] Figure 11 and 12 Exemplary configuration information according to some implementation schemes is illustrated. The configuration information may be provided by the NW to a radio device (e.g., UE 106) and may be applied to one or more cells. For example, the configuration information may be applied to the currently serving cell and / or one or more candidate serving cells. The configuration information may be applied to one or more cell sets. The configuration information may include some configurations common to multiple (e.g., some or all) of the cells to which the configuration is applied and / or some configurations that apply only to individual cells or cell sets. The configuration information may be provided via RRC.

[0142] Configuration information can specify the configuration for radio communication between the UE and the cell (e.g., BS 102). For example, configuration information can specify time and frequency resources used for communication (e.g., for uplink / downlink transmissions, random access procedures, control information, etc.). For example, time and / or frequency resources for one or more channels (e.g., PDCCH, PDSCH, PUCCH, PUSCH, etc.) can be specified. Resource allocation can be provided to one or more UEs.

[0143] This configuration can be applied to one or more layers. For example, L1, L2, and / or L3 parameters can be specified. L2 parameters can include SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC parameters, and various other possibilities. Common SDAP / PDCP / RLC configurations can be used across cells within a cell set, and MAC configurations can be provided as common information with Δ configurations. For example, the UE and / or NW can provide common DRX configurations, RACH parameters, PHR configurations, BSR configurations, etc. For each cell within a cell set, if the MAC configuration (e.g., SPS configuration) differs from the common portion, the MAC / SPS configuration can be provided individually and / or via Δ information. For L2 parameters, Δ configurations can be applied to PUCCH, PUSCH, PRACH, etc.

[0144] Configuration information may include measurement configurations, which can specify any of a variety of parameters, including timing, triggering, thresholds, and / or types for various measurements performed by the UE (e.g., UE 106). Measurement configurations may also include the format and / or timing for the UE to use in reporting measurement results. For example, hysteresis values ​​may be specified.

[0145] Configuration information may include measurement configurations for one or more layers, such as L1 and / or L2. This configuration information may be common to multiple cells or unique to each cell (or cell set or other group). Measurement configurations may include parameters for monitoring radio link conditions at various levels, including cell-level and / or cell set-level measurements.

[0146] In some implementations, this configuration may include, for example, cell ID information used in signaling architecture design, including the relationship between cell set IDs and cell IDs. Using such ID information can reduce signaling overhead. For example, the L2 component of cell set ID / cell ID can be provided in a public / Δ format. Furthermore, the cell set ID may not be included in (e.g., at least some) the signaling; however, the UE can infer that special configuration parameters and / or the cell set ID are public configurations.

[0147] Configuration information can be transmitted in a compressed format, for example, using one or more configuration indexes.

[0148] exist Figure 11In the example shown, the L2 configuration can be common to all cells to which the configuration information applies. However, the L1 configuration information can be cell-specific. Therefore, as shown, a separate L1 configuration can be provided for each of the cells (e.g., cell-1 to cell-n).

[0149] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, the L2 configuration can be common to all cells to which the configuration information applies. However, L1 configuration information can include both common configuration information and cell-specific configuration information. For each cell, the difference between the common configuration information and the cell-specific configuration can be referred to as Δ. Δ can identify the difference in value between one or more configuration parameters and the individual cell's value relative to the common configuration. Therefore, as shown, common L1 configuration information and cell-specific Δ information for each cell (e.g., cell-1 to cell-n) can be provided. Using configuration Δ information allows NW (e.g., compared to providing configuration information directly for each cell) to reduce the size (e.g., bits) required to provide configuration information.

[0150] In some implementations, another exemplary signaling structure may include: a common L3 configuration, different L2 configurations (or a common L2 configuration plus a Δ configuration for some / all cells), and different L1 configurations (or a common L1 configuration plus a Δ configuration for some / all cells). Other combinations of configurations and / or signaling structures are possible.

[0151] Figures 13 to 18 —The process of community transformation

[0152] Figures 13 to 18 Various exemplary cell changes and cell change procedures are provided. It should be noted that the examples are merely illustrative, and other cell changes and procedures are possible.

[0153] Figure 13 An example of cell change within the same serving cell set 1301, including at least the illustrated cells 1-3, is shown. Cell set 1301 may be provided by BS 102. As shown, UE 106 may change from cell-1 to cell-2 within serving cell set 1301. According to some implementations, this may be done under UE control or NW control.

[0154] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13The communication flowchart for cell change is provided, where the cell change is performed under UE control. BS102 may provide configuration information (1401) for all cells in cell set 1301 (via cell 1), for example, as described above with respect to 520. The configuration information may include configuring UE 106 on cell-1 and may include unique configuration parameters for cell-1. The configuration information may also include configuration information for additional cells and / or cell sets. The UE and BS may perform data transmission and measurement (1402), for example, as described above with respect to 510 and 530. Based on the measurement, UE 106 may reselect to cell-2 (1403). This determination may utilize cell reselection mechanisms (e.g., under UE control) and / or may be based on NW determination. For example, UE 106 may determine that candidate serving cell-2 has radio link conditions that are at least a better offset than the pre-occupied serving cell 1 (e.g., a threshold configured in the measurement configuration used for cell change within the cell set), and thus may determine reselection (e.g., similar to the A3 event in LTE). Similarly, among various possibilities, reselection can be based on comparisons similar to one or more of A1-A6 in LTE. It should be noted that, as mentioned above, the NW can configure measurement events (e.g., timing, thresholds, etc.). Reselection can also be in response to configuration information, UE movement, etc. Based on this determination, UE 106 can, for example, immediately begin using cell-2 based on its understanding of the configuration of cell-2 from the configuration information. Therefore, for reselection, UE 106 may not (e.g., may not need to) synchronize with cell-2, re-establish any connection, or retun the RF circuitry. In other words, UE 106 can avoid synchronization, re-establishment of connection, and retuning during cell change. In other words, communication between the NW and UE 106 can continue uninterruptedly (e.g., continuously). Similarly, the NW can maintain the UE's context information during cell change. Therefore, UE 106 can transmit an access indication to the NW via cell-2 to notify the NW of reselection to cell-2 (1404). In some implementations, an access indication may not be transmitted, and cell changes may occur without any handover-specific messages. For example, if the UE is involved in an active transmission during a cell change, the UE can continue the transmission in cell-2. The transmission in cell-2 may alert the NW that the UE has changed to cell-2, and may not use an explicit indication. The access indication may be transmitted immediately after the cell change (e.g., in response to the cell change) and / or may be transmitted along with another message, such as when the UE has UL data for transmission. In some implementations, the UE may not transmit an indication even if it is not involved in an active transmission and may remain silent during a cell change. In response to a cell change (e.g., an access indication), the NW may transmit any dedicated (e.g., new or special) configuration information (1405) to the UE via cell-2.For example, the NW can transmit the Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) to the UE via L1 and / or L2 commands. Such dedicated configuration information may be limited in size. Dedicated configuration information may include any cell-specific parameters that differ from public configuration information. Configuration information may be transmitted in a compressed format, for example, using a configuration index. The UE and NW can continue exchanging data and measurements via cell 2 (1406).

[0155] In other words, for a cell change under UE control, the NW can configure measurement conditions, and in response to the UE detecting that a second cell meets the conditions (e.g., for quality), the UE can switch to the second cell (e.g., without explicit signaling) and directly access that other cell. Compared to a typical HO procedure, this procedure reduces signaling overhead during the HO procedure, for example, avoiding elements such as measurement reports, cell change / HO commands, and new cell configuration to the NW during the cell change procedure. Furthermore, this procedure reduces or eliminates downtime; for example, the UE can directly transmit data to the target cell without a RACH / synchronization procedure, avoiding L2 re-establishment, and / or avoiding buffer / data refresh operations.

[0156] Similarly, for cell changes under NW control, when the UE detects that measurement conditions are met (e.g., as configured by the NW), the UE can send a measurement report (e.g., including the target cell ID) to the NW, and the NW can send a cell change command (e.g., including the target cell ID) to the UE. Compared to a typical HO procedure, this procedure can reduce signaling overhead during the HO procedure, for example, avoiding the need for new cell configuration to the NW during the cell change procedure. Furthermore, according to some implementations, the cell change command can be transmitted, for example, in L1 / L2 instead of L3. Additionally, this procedure can reduce or eliminate downtime; for example, the UE can directly transmit data to the target cell without a RACH / synchronization procedure, and / or the UE can avoid re-establishing L2, and / or avoid buffer / data refresh operations.

[0157] In various implementation schemes, Figure 14 Some of the elements of the method shown may be performed simultaneously, in a different order than shown, replaced by other method elements, or omitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as needed. For example, in some embodiments, elements 1404 and 1405 may be omitted, such as if there are no configuration differences between cell-1 and cell-2.

[0158] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 13The communication flowchart for cell change is provided, where the cell change is performed under the control of the NW. BS102 may provide configuration information (1401) for all cells in cell set 1301 (via cell 1), for example, as described above with respect to 520. The configuration information may include configuring UE 106 on cell-1 and may include unique configuration parameters for cell-1. The UE and BS may perform data transmission and measurement (1402), for example, as described above with respect to 510 and 530. The NW may (e.g., based on measurements, UE movement, etc.) determine what causes the cell change and may provide a cell change command to the UE (1503). In the illustrated example, the NW may provide the command via cell-2; however, according to some embodiments, the NW may also (e.g., otherwise or alternatively) provide the command via cell-1. In some embodiments, the command may specify a target cell (e.g., cell-2). In other embodiments, the command may not specify a target cell, and the UE may select a target cell (e.g., cell-2) based, for example, on previous measurements and / or on additional measurements. The command may also include, for example, configuration information for the target cell and / or one or more candidate cells. The UE and NW can continue to exchange data and measurements via cell 2 (1406). The NW can retain the UE's context information during cell changes, the UE can have the target cell's configuration information (e.g., from 1401 and / or 1503), and communication can be avoided.

[0159] Figure 16 An example of a cell change is shown, from a serving cell set 1301 comprising at least cells 1-3 as shown to a cell set 1602 comprising at least cells 4-6. Cell set 1301 may be provided by BS 102. Cell set 1602 may be provided by BS 102, which may be the same as or different from the BS 102 providing cell set 1301. As shown, UE 106 may change from cell-1 to cell-4. According to some implementations, this may be done under UE control or under NW control.

[0160] Figure 17 This is a communication flowchart illustrating a cell change due to a radio link failure. Cell changes can occur within the same cell set, such as... Figure 13 As shown, or between smaller groups, such as Figure 16As shown. BS 102 may provide configuration information (1401) for all cells in cell set 1301 (via cell 1), for example, as described above with respect to 520. The configuration information may include configuring UE 106 on cell-1 and may include unique configuration parameters for cell-1. The configuration information may also include configuration information for additional cells and / or cell sets (e.g., cell set 1602). The UE and BS may perform data transmission and measurement (1402), for example, as described above with respect to 510 and 530. A radio link failure may occur between the UE and cell-1 (1710). The UE and / or NW may detect the radio link failure based on measurement (e.g., radio link monitoring). In response to detecting a radio link failure, the UE may perform cell selection and reselect to cell-n (1711). Cell-n may be in the same cell set (e.g., cell-2 in cell set 1301) or in another cell set (e.g., cell-4 in cell set 1602). When cell-n is in a serving cell set (e.g., cell-2 of cell set 1301), the UE can apply the configuration of cell-2 and can transmit an access indication (1404) in cell-2, as described above. According to some embodiments, when cell-n is in another cell set (e.g., cell-4 of cell set 1602), the UE can perform a connection re-establishment procedure. If the UE already has configuration information for cell-4 (e.g., from 1401), the UE can apply that configuration and may avoid or accelerate connection re-establishment. The UE can transmit an access indication (1404) in cell-4, as described above. In response to the access indication, the NW can (via cell-2 or cell-4) provide any necessary information (1712) for continuing the connection in a new serving cell (e.g., cell 2 or cell 4). For example, new configuration information can be provided in the connection re-establishment message. The configuration information may include configuration parameters for the new serving cell and any associated cell sets or other cells. Configuration information may be provided as Δ configuration information, for example, indicating any differences between the configuration of the new serving cell and the old serving cell (e.g., cell 1). Additionally, configuration information may include C-RNTI or other information. Configuration information may be provided via L1 and / or L2 commands. The UE and NW may continue to exchange data and measurements (1406) via the new serving cell (e.g., 2 or 4), as described above.

[0161] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 16The diagram illustrates the communication flow for cell changes (e.g., between cell sets), where the cell change is performed under NW control. As shown, a source gNB (e.g., BS 102) may transmit a HO request to a target gNB (e.g., BS 102) or an NW function responsible for controlling the handover (1801). The HO request may be in response to one or more measurements performed by the source gNB and / or one or more measurement reports from UE 106. Alternatively, the HO request may be in response to other factors, including load at one or both of the base station or other network elements, network deployment, UE movement, etc. The HO request may include the configuration of a pre-occupied serving cell (e.g., cell-1) and / or the configuration of a serving cell set (e.g., set 1301). In response to the HO request, the target gNB may perform an admission control procedure (1802) and may determine to accept the handover. In some implementations, the target gNB (e.g., or NW) may further select a specific cell, such as cell-4, to receive UE 106. Such selection may be based at least in part on source configuration information. For example, if the NW can maintain UE context information related to the connection with cell-1, for example, based on the source configuration, the admission control process can be accelerated and / or avoided. The target gNB can provide HO confirmation (1803) to the source gNB. The HO confirmation can specify various parameters of the HO, including the identifier and / or configuration of the target cell and / or target cell set. For example, the HO confirmation can also include configuration information for the new serving cell set (e.g., 1602) and / or the new serving cell (e.g., cell-4). In some implementations, the target gNB can configure the target cell and / or target cell set at least in part based on the source configuration, for example, to accelerate handover, for example, by using the same or similar configuration parameters. In some implementations, the HO confirmation may not specify the target cell. In response to the HO confirmation, the source gNB can provide HO command (1804) to UE 106. The HO command can specify the target serving cell set and may also specify the target serving cell. Similarly, the HO command can include configuration information for the target cell set and / or the cell. In response to the HO command, UE 106 may hand over to a new cell, such as cell-4 (1805). If the HO command specifies a target serving cell, UE 106 may hand over to that target serving cell. If the HO command does not specify a target serving cell, UE 106 may select a target serving cell. For example, UE 106 may select a target serving cell based on one or more measurements. UE 106 may also use any configuration information it knows (e.g., as discussed above with respect to 520 and / or 1804) to select a target serving cell and / or synchronize with a target serving cell. UE 106 may provide a handover completion message (1806) to target BS 102 via cell-4. The HO completion message may notify NW that UE 106 is now pre-occupied on the new cell. The UE and NW may continue to exchange user data, control information, etc., via the new cell.

[0162] Community-level measurement

[0163] In some implementations, at least three types of cell-level measurements may exist among various possibilities: pre-occupied cell measurement, intra-cell measurement, and inter-cell measurement.

[0164] In pre-occupied cell measurements, UE 106 and / or BS 102 may perform measurements of the radio link conditions with the pre-occupied serving cell. Such measurements may be performed as specified by the NW, for example, using measurement scheduling, measurement triggering, thresholds, and other parameters provided by the NW, and / or as determined by the UE.

[0165] In intra-cell set measurements, UE 106 and / or BS 102 may perform measurements of radio link conditions with one or more candidate serving cells within the pre-occupied serving cell set. Such measurements may be performed as specified by the NW, for example, utilizing measurement scheduling, measurement triggering, thresholds, and other parameters provided by the NW, and / or as determined by the UE. For example, measurements of candidate serving cells may begin (e.g., or more frequently, more rapidly, etc.) in response to a drop in the quality of pre-occupied serving cells below a threshold (e.g., S-measurement). Similarly, one or more thresholds / offsets may be used to compare the differences between measurements of the pre-occupied serving cells and one or more candidate serving cells.

[0166] In inter-cell set measurements, UE 106 and / or BS 102 may perform measurements of radio link conditions with one or more candidate serving cells outside the pre-occupied serving cell set. Such measurements may be performed as specified by the NW, for example, using measurement scheduling, measurement triggering, thresholds, and other parameters provided by the NW, and / or as determined by the UE. For example, measurements of cells outside the serving cell set may begin (e.g., or more frequently, more quickly, etc.) in response to a decrease in the quality of the pre-occupied serving cell measurement below a threshold (e.g., S measurement). The threshold used to initiate or increase inter-cell set measurements may differ from the threshold used for intra-cell set measurements. In other words, the inter-cell set measurement threshold may differ from (e.g., be higher than) the intra-cell set measurement threshold. Furthermore, inter-cell set measurements may be performed or increased in response to intra-cell set measurements. For example, an inter-cell set measurement may be initiated in response to a decrease in the quality of the pre-occupied serving cell below a first threshold and a decrease in the quality of the highest-quality cell in the serving cell set below a second threshold.

[0167] In some implementations, both inter-cell and intra-cell measurements can be performed. For example, a first threshold can be used to compare the difference between a first pre-occupied serving cell and one or more second candidate serving cells within the cell set. In response to this first comparison, a second threshold can be used to compare the difference between the pre-occupied serving cell and one or more third candidate serving cells outside the cell set. Alternatively or in response to the first comparison, the value of one or more third candidate serving cells outside the cell set can be compared to a third threshold. In other words, in some implementations, some comparisons and thresholds can be relative, e.g., comparing a cell's measurement to another (e.g., similar to A3 / A5 / A6), while other comparisons and thresholds can be absolute (e.g., similar to A4), e.g., comparing a cell's measurement to an absolute value. Such absolute and relative measurements / comparisons can be combined in any of a variety of ways. Cell change determination can be based on this combination of comparisons / measurements.

[0168] Similarly, various types of cell set-level measurements may exist according to some implementation schemes. Cell set measurements may be based on measurements of one or more cells in a cell set. For example, cell set measurements may be based on measurements of the best (e.g., highest quality) cell in the cell set, including or excluding pre-occupied serving cells. Alternatively, cell set measurements may be based on the average or median (e.g., other percentile values) of measurements of cells within the cell set.

[0169] In some implementations, measurements may be taken from only one cell set within a single frequency. This configuration simplifies measurements for the UE and reduces power consumption for measurements (e.g., because the UE only measures one frequency to measure the cell set). However, in other implementations, the cell set can use any number of frequencies or frequency ranges.

[0170] The UE can provide measurement reports to the NW for any type of measurement, for example. For example, the UE can provide set-based measurement reports.

[0171] Different types of measurements can be prioritized. For example, measurements of pre-occupied serving cells can have a higher priority than intra-cell measurements, and intra-cell measurements can have a higher priority than inter-cell measurements. Other priority orders can be used and / or the priority order can be adjusted based on other factors (e.g., UE movement, NW components, or load at BS 102).

[0172] In some implementations, measurement events can be triggered for cell changes and / or additional measurements (e.g., cell-level measurements and / or cell set-level measurements). For example, an event similar to A3 can be used to trigger inter-cell or intra-cell set cell changes. In other words, a cell change can be triggered if a target / candidate cell (e.g., within the serving cell set or otherwise) exceeds the quality of the pre-occupied serving cell by a threshold (e.g., X dB, which may depend on whether the candidate cell is within or outside the serving cell set). Similarly, an exemplary event that can trigger inter-set cell changes could be that a neighboring cell (e.g., not within the serving cell set) exceeds the quality of the currently pre-occupied cell by a second threshold (e.g., Y dB). Additional or different triggering conditions can be configured as needed, such as thresholds for the current cell, cells within the serving cell set, cells outside the serving cell set, the rate of change of quality for each cell, the difference in quality between cells, the duration of quality of each cell relative to other thresholds (e.g., the difference in quality between cells), etc. Similarly, events with definitions similar to A1-A6 events in LTE can be used. This type of definition can be adapted to cell set level measurements.

[0173] Additional Information

[0174] In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, further embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in any of a variety of forms. For example, some embodiments may be implemented as computer-implemented methods, computer-readable storage media, or computer systems. Other embodiments may be implemented using one or more custom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. Other embodiments may be implemented using one or more programmable hardware elements such as FPGAs.

[0175] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be configured to store program instructions and / or data, wherein if the program instructions are executed by a computer system, the computer system performs a method, such as any method embodiment of the method embodiments described herein, or any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or any subset or combination of any such subset of any method embodiments described herein.

[0176] In some implementations, the device (e.g., UE 106) may be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium, wherein the memory medium stores program instructions, and the processor is configured to read from and execute the program instructions from the memory medium, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement any of the various method implementations described herein (or any combination of the method implementations described herein, or any subset of any of the method implementations described herein, or any combination of such subsets). The device may be implemented in any of a variety of forms.

[0177] In some implementations, a network device (e.g., BS 102) may be configured to include a processor (or a group of processors) and a memory medium storing program instructions, wherein the processor is configured to read from and execute the program instructions, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement any of the various method implementations described herein (or any combination of the method implementations described herein, or any subset of any method implementations described herein, or any combination of such subsets). The network device may be implemented in any of a variety of forms.

[0178] As described above, various aspects of this technology may include the collection and use of data available from a variety of sources to, for example, improve or enhance functionality. This disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate specific individuals. Such personal information may include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, Twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to a user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying information or personal information. This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information in this technology can be used to benefit users.

[0179] This disclosure assumes that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data collection and / or use change. Personal information from users should be collected for the entity's lawful and reasonable purposes and not shared or sold outside of these lawful uses. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should only occur upon receipt of the user's informed consent. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data and ensure that others with access to such personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. Additionally, such entities may be subject to third-party evaluations to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be adapted to the specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards, including specific considerations regarding jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Transfer and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while in other countries, health data may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.

[0180] Regardless of the foregoing, this disclosure also anticipates implementation schemes for users to selectively block the use or access to personal information data. That is, this disclosure anticipates providing hardware and / or software components to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the technology can be configured to allow users to selectively participate in the collection of personal information data at any time during or after service registration via an "opt-in" or "opt-out" option. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, this disclosure envisions providing notifications related to access to or use of personal information. For example, users may be notified when downloading an application that their personal information data will be accessed, and then reminded again just before the application accesses the personal information data.

[0181] Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to manage and process personal information data to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once data is no longer needed, this risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data. Additionally, and where applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data deidentification can be used to protect user privacy. Deidentification can be facilitated, where appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data among users), and / or other methods.

[0182] Therefore, while this disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, it is also contemplated that various embodiments can be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present invention will not be rendered inoperable due to the absence of all or part of such personal information data.

[0183] Although the above embodiments have been described in considerable detail, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the disclosure is fully understood. This disclosure is intended to render the following claims as encompassing all such variations and modifications.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a processor configured to cause a base station of a wireless network to: communicate with a user equipment device (UE) via a first cell of the wireless network, wherein the first cell belongs to a first set of cells; provide, to the UE via the first cell, measurement instructions and configuration information at a first time, wherein the configuration information includes at least a configuration of a second cell, wherein the second cell belongs to a second set of cells different from the first set of cells and the first set of cells does not include the second cell, wherein the measurement instructions include a first threshold for intra-cell set cell change and a second threshold for inter-cell set cell change, the second threshold being different from the first threshold; receive, from the UE via the second cell, an access indication at a second time, wherein the access indication is in response to a determination made by the UE that the UE will perform a cell change to the second cell at the second time, wherein the determination is in response to a measurement event triggered by the UE using the second threshold based on the measurement instructions for at least one measurement of the second cell, wherein the determination is further in response to a measurement of a third cell within the first set of cells using the first threshold, wherein the at least one measurement of the second cell is performed in response to the measurement of the third cell being below the first threshold; and receive data from the UE via the second cell without reestablishing layer 2 (L2).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the base station to: send, to the UE, dedicated configuration information in response to the access indication.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the dedicated configuration information includes a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the base station to: perform a measurement of a first channel between the base station and the UE.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration information includes a common L2 configuration for the first set of cells.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the configuration information includes a common LI configuration for the first set of cells.

7. An apparatus for managing cell change of a user equipment device (UE), the apparatus comprising a processing element configured to cause the UE to: establish a connection with a first cell of a cellular network, wherein the first cell belongs to a first set of cells; receive, from the cellular network via the first cell, measurement instructions and configuration information at a first time, wherein the configuration information includes at least a configuration of a second cell, wherein the second cell belongs to a second set of cells different from the first set of cells and the first set of cells does not include the second cell, wherein the measurement instructions include a first threshold for intra-cell set cell change and a second threshold for inter-cell set cell change, the second threshold being different from the first threshold; perform a measurement of a third cell within the first set of cells using the first threshold; perform at least one measurement of the second cell based on the measurement instructions, wherein the at least one measurement of the second cell is performed in response to the measurement of the third cell being below the first threshold; determine that a measurement event has been triggered based on the at least one measurement of the second cell; determine that the UE is to perform a cell change to the second cell at a second time, wherein determining to perform the cell change is in response to the at least one measurement; transmit an access indication to the second cell in response to determining to perform the cell change; and transmit data to the second cell without re-establishing layer 2 (L2).

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to: report the at least one measurement of the second cell to the cellular network.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to: perform at least one additional measurement of at least one cell other than the first cell; and select a target cell based on the at least one additional measurement, wherein the second cell is selected as the target cell.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein to perform the cell change, the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to: apply the configuration of the second cell.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to: receive dedicated configuration information in response to the access indication.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the dedicated configuration information comprises a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

13. A user equipment device (UE), comprising: a radio; and a processing element operably coupled to the radio, wherein the processing element is configured to cause the UE to: communicate with a first cell of a cellular network, wherein the first cell belongs to a first set of cells; receive measurement instructions and configuration information from the cellular network via the first cell at a first time, wherein the configuration information comprises at least a configuration of a second cell, wherein the second cell belongs to a second set of cells different from the first set of cells and the first set of cells does not include the second cell, wherein the measurement instructions comprise a first threshold for intra-set of cells change and a second threshold for inter-set of cells change, the second threshold being different from the first threshold; monitor radio link conditions with the first cell; perform a measurement of a third cell within the first set of cells using the first threshold; perform at least one measurement of the second cell based on the measurement instructions using the second threshold, wherein the at least one measurement of the second cell is performed in response to the measurement of the third cell being below the first threshold; determine that a measurement event has been triggered based on the at least one measurement of the second cell; ​ determining that the UE is to perform a cell change to the second cell at a second time, wherein determining to perform the cell change is in response to the at least one measurement; transmitting an access indication to the second cell in response to determining to perform the cell change; and transmitting data to the second cell without reestablishing layer 2 (L2).

14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the configuration information comprises a common configuration for the first set of cells.

15. The UE of claim 14, wherein the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to: perform a handover to a fourth cell at a third time, wherein performing the handover comprises radio frequency retuning, wherein the first set of cells does not include the fourth cell.

16. The UE of claim 13, wherein the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to: monitor radio link conditions with the second cell.

17. The UE of claim 16, wherein the monitoring radio link conditions with the second cell comprises cell set level measurements.

18. The UE of claim 13, wherein the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to: detect a radio link failure between the UE and the first cell, wherein the cell change is performed in response to the radio link failure.

19. The UE of claim 13, wherein the processing element is further configured to cause the UE to: receive dedicated configuration information in response to the access indication.

20. The UE of claim 19, wherein the dedicated configuration information comprises a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

21. A method for an apparatus, comprising causing a base station of a wireless network to: communicate with a user equipment device (UE) via a first cell of the wireless network, wherein the first cell belongs to a first set of cells; provide measurement instructions and configuration information to the UE via the first cell at a first time, wherein the configuration information comprises at least a configuration of a second cell, wherein the second cell belongs to a second set of cells different from the first set of cells and the first set of cells does not include the second cell, wherein the measurement instructions comprise a first threshold for intra-cell set cell change and a second threshold for inter-cell set cell change, the second threshold being different from the first threshold; receive an access indication from the UE via the second cell at a second time, wherein the access indication is in response to a determination by the UE that the UE is to perform a cell change to the second cell at the second time, wherein the determination is in response to a measurement event triggered by the UE using the second threshold based on the measurement instructions for at least one measurement of the second cell, wherein the determination is further in response to a measurement of a third cell within the first set of cells using the first threshold, wherein the at least one measurement of the second cell is performed in response to the measurement of the third cell being below the first threshold; and receive data from the UE via the second cell without re-establishing layer 2, L2.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising causing the base station to: transmit dedicated configuration information to the UE in response to the access indication.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising causing the base station to: perform measurements of a first channel between the base station and the UE.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the configuration information comprises a common L2 configuration for the first set of cells.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the configuration information comprises a common LI configuration for the first set of cells.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the dedicated configuration information comprises a cell radio network temporary identifier, C-RNTI.

27. A method of an apparatus for managing cell change of a user equipment device, UE, comprising causing the UE to: establish a connection with a first cell of a cellular network, wherein the first cell belongs to a first set of cells; receive measurement instructions and configuration information from the cellular network via the first cell at a first time, wherein the configuration information comprises at least a configuration of a second cell, wherein the second cell belongs to a second set of cells different from the first set of cells and the first set of cells does not include the second cell, wherein the measurement instructions comprise a first threshold for intra-cell set cell change and a second threshold for inter-cell set cell change, the second threshold being different from the first threshold; perform measurements of a third cell within the first set of cells using the first threshold; perform at least one measurement of the second cell based on the measurement instructions using the second threshold, wherein the at least one measurement of the second cell is performed in response to the measurements of the third cell being below the first threshold; determine that a measurement event has been triggered based on the at least one measurement of the second cell; determine that the UE is to perform a cell change to the second cell at a second time, wherein determining to perform the cell change is in response to the at least one measurement; transmit an access indication to the second cell in response to determining to perform the cell change; and transmit data to the second cell without re-establishing layer 2, L2.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising causing the UE to: report the at least one measurement of the second cell to the cellular network.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising causing the UE to: perform at least one additional measurement of at least one cell other than the first cell; and select a target cell based on the at least one additional measurement, wherein the second cell is selected as the target cell. to perform the cell change, the method further comprising causing the UE to:

30. The method of claim 27, wherein, apply the configuration of the second cell.

31. The method of claim 27, further comprising causing the UE to: receive dedicated configuration information in response to the access indication. ​ 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the dedicated configuration information comprises a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

33. A method for a user equipment device (UE), comprising: communicating with a first cell of a cellular network, wherein the first cell belongs to a first set of cells; receiving, at a first time, measurement instructions and configuration information from the cellular network via the first cell, wherein the configuration information comprises at least a configuration of a second cell, wherein the second cell belongs to a second set of cells different from the first set of cells and the first set of cells does not include the second cell, wherein the measurement instructions comprise a first threshold for intra-cell set cell change and a second threshold for inter-cell set cell change, the second threshold being different from the first threshold; monitoring radio link conditions with the first cell; performing a measurement of a third cell within the first set of cells using the first threshold; performing at least one measurement of the second cell based on the measurement instructions using the second threshold, wherein the at least one measurement of the second cell is performed in response to the measurement of the third cell being below the first threshold; determining, based on the at least one measurement of the second cell, that a measurement event has been triggered; determining that the UE is to perform a cell change to the second cell at a second time, wherein determining to perform the cell change is in response to the at least one measurement; transmitting an access indication to the second cell in response to determining to perform the cell change; transmitting data to the second cell without re-establishing layer 2 (L2).

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the configuration information comprises a common configuration for the first set of cells.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising: performing a handover to a fourth cell at a third time, wherein performing the handover comprises radio frequency retuning, wherein the first set of cells does not include the fourth cell.

36. The method of claim 33, further comprising: monitoring link conditions with the second cell.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the monitoring link conditions with the second cell comprises a cell set level measurement.

38. The method of claim 33, further comprising: detecting a radio link failure between the UE and the first cell, wherein the cell change is performed in response to the radio link failure.

39. The method of claim 33, further comprising: receiving dedicated configuration information in response to the access indication.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the dedicated configuration information comprises a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

41. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of claims 21-26.

42. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of claims 27-32.

43. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of claims 33-40.

44. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 21-26.

45. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 27-32.

46. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 33-40.

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