Method and apparatus for enhancement of inter-RAT HO process

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to an enhanced method and apparatus for an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure. In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, a user equipment (UE) includes a processor and a transceiver coupled to the processor; and the processor is configured to: receive a configuration regarding information associated with successful completion of an inter-RAT HO procedure, wherein the configuration is related to at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the information; and generating at least one report containing the information in response to satisfaction of the at least one trigger condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application generally relate to wireless communication technology, and more particularly to enhanced methods and apparatus for inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedures. Background Art

[0002] A base station (BS) may have some cells (or areas) to provide communication services. When a user equipment (UE) moves from a serving cell of a source BS to a target cell of a target BS, a handover process is performed. When a radio link failure (RLF) or a handover (HO) failure occurs for a UE, the UE may perform a radio resource control (RRC) reestablishment process. The UE may access the cell through a successful RRC reestablishment process. If the RRC reestablishment process fails, the UE may perform a radio resource control (RRC) setup process. The UE may access the cell through a successful RRC setup process. The access network will request UE information including an RLF report of the UE so that the network can optimize mobility issues based on the UE information from the UE. Therefore, the UE will transmit a failure report (e.g., an RLF report) to the network.

[0003] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G network is expected to improve network throughput, coverage, and robustness, and reduce latency and power consumption. As 3GPP 5G networks develop, various aspects need to be studied and developed to improve 5G technology. The details of the mobility robustness optimization (MRO) enhancements for the inter-RAT HO process have not yet been discussed in 3GPP 5G technology. Summary of the invention

[0004] Some embodiments of the present application provide a user equipment (UE). The UE includes a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver; and the processor is configured to: receive a configuration regarding first information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure, wherein the configuration is associated with at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information; and generate at least one report including the first information in response to the satisfaction of the at least one trigger condition.

[0005] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, an indication indicating an optional capability of the UE to store the first information.

[0006] In some embodiments, the configuration is generated by at least one of a source network node or a target network node.

[0007] In some embodiments, in response to the configuration generated by the source network node, the at least one trigger condition includes: the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T310 and the configuration value of the timer T310 is greater than a first threshold generated by the source network node; or the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T312 associated with the target cell and the configuration value of the timer T312 is greater than a second threshold generated by the source network node.

[0008] In some embodiments, in response to the configuration generated by the target network node, the at least one trigger condition includes: a ratio between a value of the elapsed running time of the timer T304 and a configuration value of the timer T304 is greater than a third threshold generated by the target network node.

[0009] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of: the first threshold; the second threshold; or the third threshold.

[0010] In some embodiments, the at least one trigger condition includes two or more trigger conditions, and wherein, in order to generate the at least one report, in response to the satisfaction of the two or more trigger conditions, the processor of the UE is configured to: generate two or more reports including the first information; or generate only one report including the first information.

[0011] In some embodiments, each report within the at least one report or the first information includes at least one of: information associated with a source cell of a source network node; information associated with a target cell of a target network node; a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) of the source cell; the C-RNTI of the target cell; at least one cause associated with the at least one trigger condition; or information associated with a radio access (RA) operation of the UE.

[0012] In some embodiments, the information associated with the source cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the source cell, or one or more measurement results of the source cell. The information associated with the target cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the target cell, or one or more measurement results of the target cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, one of the two or more reports is associated with one of the two or more trigger conditions.

[0014] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to encode the one report or the first information within the one report based on a RAT type of a network node, and the network node generates the one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information within the one report.

[0015] In some embodiments, the one report or the first information within the one report is encoded in: a RAT format of a source network node; or a RAT format of a target network node.

[0016] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to: generate second information associated with a cell of a first network node, wherein the first network node generates the one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information within the one report, and wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN); and after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure, transmit the one report and the second information to a network node connected to the UE via the transceiver.

[0017] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to encode the second information into a RAT format of the network node connected to the UE.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to encode the only one report or the first information included in the only one report based on a RAT type of a target network node.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to: generate cell information associated with a target cell of the target network node; and after completing the inter-RAT HO process, transmit the only one report and the cell information to a network node connected to the UE via the transceiver, wherein the cell information includes at least one of the following: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN).

[0020] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to encode the cell information into a RAT format of the network node connected to the UE.

[0021] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to encode the only one report or the first information included in the only one report based on a RAT type of a source network node.

[0022] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to: generate cell information associated with a source cell of the source network node, wherein the cell information includes at least one of the following: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN); and after completing the inter-RAT HO process, transmit the only one report and the cell information to the network node connected to the UE via the transceiver.

[0023] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to encode the cell information into a RAT format of the network node connected to the UE.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one of the RAT format of the source network node, the RAT format of the target network node, or the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE is one of: a format of Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN); a format of Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN); a format of New Radio (NR); and a next generation format.

[0025] In some embodiments, the processor of the UE is configured to: after completing the inter-RAT HO process, transmit an indication for indicating the generation of the at least one report to a network node connected to the UE via the transceiver; receive a request for the at least one report or the first information from the network node via the transceiver; and transmit the at least one report to the network node via the transceiver.

[0026] Some embodiments of the present application provide a source network node (e.g., a source BS). The source network node includes a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver; and the processor is configured to: generate a first configuration of first information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure of a user equipment (UE), wherein the first configuration is related to at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information; and transmit the first configuration to the UE via the transceiver.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first configuration includes at least one of: a first threshold associated with timer T310; or a second threshold associated with timer T312.

[0028] In some embodiments, the processor of the source network node is configured to: receive a second configuration regarding the first information from a target network node via the transceiver, wherein the second configuration includes a third threshold associated with timer T304; and transmit the second configuration to the UE via the transceiver.

[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one trigger condition includes one of the following: the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T310 and the configuration value of the timer T310 is greater than the first threshold; the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T312 associated with the target cell and the configuration value of the timer T312 is greater than the second threshold; and the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T304 and the configuration value of the timer T304 is greater than the third threshold.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first configuration and the second configuration are transmitted in one message or two messages.

[0031] In some embodiments, the processor of the source network node is configured to receive, via the transceiver, from the UE an indication of an optional capability of the UE to store the first information.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is included in a handover command of the inter-RAT HO procedure.

[0033] In some embodiments, the processor of the source network node is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a first report including the first information from: a network node to which the UE is connected after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure; or a target network node.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first report or the first information includes at least one of: information associated with a source cell of the source network node; information associated with a target cell of the target network node; a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) of the source cell; the C-RNTI of the target cell; at least one cause associated with the at least one trigger condition; or information associated with a radio access (RA) operation of the UE.

[0035] In some embodiments, the information associated with the source cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the source cell, or one or more measurement results of the source cell. The information associated with the target cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the target cell, or one or more measurement results of the target cell.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first report or the first information in the first report is encoded in a RAT format of the source network node, and the first report or the first information is encoded by: the UE; or the target network node.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first report is generated in response to the satisfaction of a trigger condition associated with the second configuration, the processor of the source network node is configured to transmit a first message to the target network node via the transceiver, and the first message indicates that the first report is generated in response to the satisfaction of the trigger condition associated with the second configuration.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of: at least one cause associated with the trigger condition related to the second configuration; or an indication indicating the satisfaction of the trigger condition related to the second configuration.

[0039] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the first report, the processor of the source network node is configured to: encode the first information into a RAT format of the target network node; and transmit a second report including the encoded first information in the RAT format of the target network node to the target network node via the transceiver.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one of the RAT format of the source network node or the RAT format of the target network node is one of: a format of Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN); a format of Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN); a format of New Radio (NR); and a next generation format.

[0041] In some embodiments, the processor of the source network node is configured to receive a second message from a target network node via the transceiver, and wherein the second message indicates that the first information is stored in response to satisfaction of a trigger condition associated with the first configuration.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of: at least one cause associated with the trigger condition related to the first configuration; or an indication indicating the satisfaction of the trigger condition related to the first configuration.

[0043] In some embodiments, the processor of the source network node is configured to perform a mobility robustness optimization (MRO) analysis and optimization operation on parameters related to the inter-RAT HO procedure.

[0044] Some embodiments of the present application provide a target network node. The target network node includes a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver; and the processor is configured to: generate a second configuration about first information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure of a user equipment (UE), wherein the second configuration is related to at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information; and transmit the second configuration to a source network node via the transceiver.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second configuration includes a third threshold associated with timer T304.

[0046] In some embodiments, the at least one trigger condition includes one of the following: the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T310 and the configuration value of the timer T310 is greater than a first threshold generated by the source network node; the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T312 associated with the target cell and the configuration value of the timer T312 is greater than a second threshold generated by the source network node; and the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T304 and the configuration value of the timer T304 is greater than the third threshold.

[0047] In some embodiments, the processor of the target network node is configured to receive, from the source network node via the transceiver, an indication of an optional capability for the UE to store the first information.

[0048] In some embodiments, the processor of the target network node is configured to receive a first message from the source network node via the transceiver, and the first message indicates that the first information is stored in response to satisfaction of a trigger condition associated with the second configuration.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of: at least one cause associated with the trigger condition related to the second configuration; or an indication indicating the satisfaction of the trigger condition related to the second configuration.

[0050] In some embodiments, the processor of the target network node is configured to: receive, from the UE via the transceiver, an indication indicating generation of at least one report including the first information; and transmit, to the UE via the transceiver, a request for the at least one report or the first information.

[0051] In some embodiments, the processor of the target network node is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a second report including the first information from: the UE; a network node to which the UE is connected after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure; or the source network node.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first information or the second report includes at least one of: information associated with a source cell of the source network node; information associated with a target cell of the target network node; a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) of the source cell; the C-RNTI of the target cell; at least one cause associated with the at least one trigger condition; or information associated with a radio access (RA) operation of the UE.

[0053] In some embodiments, the information associated with the source cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the source cell, or one or more measurement results of the source cell. The information associated with the target cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the target cell, or one or more measurement results of the target cell.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second report or the first information in the second report is encoded in a RAT format of the target network node, and wherein the second report or the first information in the second report is encoded by: the UE; or the source network node.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second report is generated in response to satisfaction of a trigger condition associated with a configuration regarding the first information, wherein the configuration is generated by the source network node, wherein the processor of the target network node is configured to transmit a second message to the source network node via the transceiver, and wherein the second message indicates that the second report is generated in response to the satisfaction of the trigger condition.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of: at least one cause associated with the triggering condition; or an indication indicating the satisfaction of the triggering condition.

[0057] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the second report, the processor of the target network node is configured to: encode the first information into the RAT format of the source network node; and transmit a third report including the encoded first information in the RAT format of the source network node to the source network node via the transceiver.

[0058] In some embodiments, at least one of the RAT format of the source network node or the RAT format of the target network node is one of: a format of Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN); a format of Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN); a format of New Radio (NR); and a next generation format.

[0059] In some embodiments, the processor of the target network node is configured to perform a mobility robustness optimization (MRO) analysis and optimization operation on parameters related to the inter-RAT HO procedure.

[0060] Some embodiments of the present application provide a network node. The network node includes a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver; and the processor is configured to: receive at least one report including first information associated with successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure from a user equipment (UE) via the transceiver, wherein the network node is connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure; and transmit the at least one report including the first information to at least one of a source network node or a target network node via the transceiver.

[0061] In some embodiments, the processor of the network node is configured to: receive, via the transceiver, from the UE an indication indicating generation of the at least one report; and transmit, via the transceiver, to the UE a request for the at least one report or the first information.

[0062] In some embodiments, the processor of the network node is configured to receive at least one of cell information associated with a source cell of a source network node or cell information associated with a target cell of a target network node, and wherein a configuration related to a trigger condition for the UE to record the first information is generated by the source network node or the target network node, and wherein the cell information associated with the source cell of the source network node or the cell information associated with the target cell of the target network node includes at least one of the following: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN).

[0063] In some embodiments, the at least one of the cell information associated with the source cell of the source network node or the cell information associated with the target cell of the target network node is encoded in a RAT format of the network node.

[0064] In some embodiments, the RAT format of the network node is one of: a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) format; an Evolved-UTRAN (E-UTRAN) format; a New Radio (NR) format; and a Next Generation format.

[0065] In some embodiments, the trigger condition includes one of the following: the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T310 and the configuration value of the timer T310 is greater than a first threshold generated by the source network node; the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T312 of the target cell associated with the target network node and the configuration value of the timer T312 is greater than a second threshold generated by the source network node; and the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T304 and the configuration value of the timer T304 is greater than a third threshold generated by the target network node.

[0066] In some embodiments, in order to transmit the at least one report, the processor of the network node is configured to: in response to receiving the cell information associated with the source cell of the source network node, transmit the at least one report to the source network node via the transceiver; or in response to receiving the cell information associated with the target cell of the target network node, transmit the at least one report to the target network node via the transceiver.

[0067] In some embodiments, the at least one report includes a first report triggered by the satisfaction of a first trigger condition generated by the source network node and a second report triggered by the satisfaction of a second trigger condition generated by the target network node, and wherein in order to transmit the at least one report, the processor of the network node is configured to: in response to receiving the cell information associated with the source cell of the source network node, transmit the first report to the source network node via the transceiver; or in response to receiving the cell information associated with the target cell of the target network node, transmit the second report to the target network node via the transceiver.

[0068] Some embodiments of the present application provide a method that can be performed by a UE. The method includes: receiving a configuration regarding information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure, wherein the configuration is associated with at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the information; and generating at least one report including the information in response to satisfaction of the at least one trigger condition.

[0069] Some embodiments of the present application provide a method that can be performed by a source network node. The method includes: generating a configuration about information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure of a user equipment (UE), wherein the configuration is associated with at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the information; and transmitting the configuration to the UE.

[0070] Some embodiments of the present application provide a method that can be performed by a target network node. The method includes: generating a configuration about information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure of a user equipment (UE), wherein the configuration is associated with at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the information; and transmitting the configuration to a source network node.

[0071] Some embodiments of the present application provide a method that can be performed by a network node. The method includes: receiving at least one report including information associated with successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure from a user equipment (UE), wherein the network node is connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure; and transmitting the at least one report including the information to at least one of a source network node or a target network node.

[0072] Some embodiments of the present application provide a device for wireless communication. The device includes: a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon; a receiving circuit system; a transmitting circuit system; and a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium, the receiving circuit system, and the transmitting circuit system, wherein the computer-executable instructions cause the processor to implement the above method performed by a UE, a source network node, a target network node, or a network node.

[0073] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] In order to describe the manner in which the advantages and features of the present application can be obtained, the description of the present application is presented with reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only example embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be considered limiting of its scope.

[0075] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0076] Figure 2 An exemplary UE information process according to some embodiments of the present application is described.

[0077] Figure 3 An exemplary flow chart of an inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0078] Figure 4 Another exemplary flow chart regarding the inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0079] Figure 5 Another exemplary flow chart regarding the inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0080] Figure 6 Another exemplary flow chart of the inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0081] Figure 7 A flow chart illustrating an example process of wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0082] Figure 8 Another flow chart illustrating an example process of wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0083] Fig. 9 Another flow chart illustrating an example process of wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0084] Fig.10 An exemplary block diagram illustrating an apparatus for an inter-RAT HO procedure according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0085] Fig.11 Another exemplary block diagram illustrating an apparatus for an inter-RAT HO procedure according to some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of the preferred embodiments of the present application, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present application can be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions can be implemented by different embodiments intended to be included in the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0087] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding, embodiments are provided under specific network architectures and new service scenarios (e.g., 3GPP 5G, 3GPP LTE, etc.). It is considered that, with the development of network architectures and new service scenarios, all embodiments in the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems; and in addition, the terms cited in the present application may be changed, which should not affect the principles of the present application.

[0088] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0089] like Figure 1 As described and shown in FIG. 1 , the wireless communication system 100 includes at least one UE 101 and at least one BS 102. Specifically, for illustrative purposes, the wireless communication system 100 includes one UE 101 (eg, UE 101a) and three BSs 102 (eg, BS 102a, BS 102b, and BS 102c). Figure 1 A specific number of UEs 101 and BSs 102 are depicted in FIG. 1 , but it is contemplated that any number of UEs 101 and BSs 102 may be included in wireless communication system 100 .

[0090] UE 101 may include a computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a smart TV (e.g., a TV connected to the Internet), a set-top box, a game console, a security system (including a security camera), a car computer, a network device (e.g., a router, a switch and a modem), an Internet of Things (IoT) device or the like. According to some embodiments of the present application, UE 101 may include a portable wireless communication device, a smart phone, a cellular phone, a flip phone, a device with a subscriber identity module, a personal computer, a selective call receiver, or any other device capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals on a wireless network. In some embodiments of the present application, UE 101 includes a wearable device, such as a smart watch, a fitness bracelet, an optical head-mounted display or the like. In addition, UE 101 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile device, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a user terminal or a device, or described using other terms used in the art. UE 101 may communicate directly with BS 102 via an uplink (UL) communication signal.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present application, each of UE 101 may be deployed with IoT applications, eMBB applications, and / or URLLC applications. It is contemplated that the specific type of application deployed in UE 101 may vary and is not limited.

[0092] BS102 may be distributed throughout a geographic area. In certain embodiments of the present application, each of BS102 may also be referred to as an access point, access terminal, base, base unit, macro cell, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), gNB, NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) node, home Node B, relay node or device, or described using other terms used in the art. BS102 is typically part of a radio access network, which may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding BS102.

[0093] The wireless communication system 100 may be compatible with any type of network capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals. For example, the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with a wireless communication network, a cellular telephone network, a network based on time division multiple access (TDMA), a network based on code division multiple access (CDMA), a network based on orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), an LTE network, a network based on 3GPP, a 3GPP5G network, a satellite communication network, a high altitude platform network, and / or other communication networks.

[0094] In some embodiments of the present application, the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with 5G of the 3GPP protocol, wherein the BS 102 transmits data using an OFDM modulation scheme on a downlink (DL) and the UE 101 transmits data using a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) or OFDM scheme on a UL. However, more generally, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocols, such as WiMAX and other protocols.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present application, BS102 may communicate using other communication protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 series wireless communication protocols). In addition, in some embodiments of the present application, BS102 may communicate via licensed spectrum, while in other embodiments, BS102 may communicate via unlicensed spectrum. The present application is not intended to be limited to any specific wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation. In some further embodiments of the present application, BS102 may communicate with UE 101 using 3GPP 5G protocols.

[0096] Each BS 102 may include one or more cells. Each UE 101 may perform a cell segmentation process between different cells of different BSs. Each UE 101 may switch from a serving cell of a source BS to a target cell of a target BS. Figure 1 In the wireless communication system 100 described and shown in FIG. 1 , BS 102 a may serve as a source BS, and each of BS 102 b and BS 102 c may serve as a target BS. Figure 1UE 101a described and shown in the figure can perform a handover process from the serving cell of BS 102a to the target cell of BS 102b or the target cell of BS 102c, depending on the result of the handover decision process. The RAT format of the BS can be an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, or an NR access technology format, or a next-generation access technology format. When the RAT format of the BS is an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, the 36 series specifications (e.g., TS36.300, TS36.331, TS36.413, TS36.423) are used for communication, for example, TS36.331 is used for information encoding or decoding between the UE and the BS. When the RAT format of the BS is an NR access technology format, the 38 series specifications (e.g., TS38.300, TS38.331, TS38.413, TS38.423) are used for communication, for example, TS38.331 is used for information encoding or decoding between the UE and the BS. The source BS or the target BS may be an eNB or a gNB or an ng-eNB or an en-gNB. If the RAT of the target BS is different from the RAT of the source BS, an inter-RAT handover procedure is performed. Intra-system handover means a handover that does not involve a CN change (EPC or 5GC). Inter-system handover means a handover that involves a CN change (EPC or 5GC). For example, when the source BS 102a is a gNB and the target BS 102b is an ng-eNB, an intra-system inter-RAT handover is performed; when the source BS 102a is an eNB and the target BS 102c is an en-gNB, an intra-system inter-RAT handover is performed; when the source BS 102a is a gNB and the target BS 102c is an eNB, an inter-system inter-RAT handover is performed; when the source BS 102a is an en-gNB and the target BS 102b is an eNB, an intra-system inter-RAT handover is performed; when the source BS 102a is an en-gNB and the target BS 102c is an ng-eNB, an inter-system inter-RAT handover is performed. The present application mainly focuses on MRO for inter-system inter-RAT handover or intra-system inter-RAT handover.

[0097] Generally speaking, regarding intra-system inter-RAT HO (Intra-5GC from NR), inter-RAT mobility can be characterized by:

[0098] -The source RAT configures the target RAT measurements and reporting.

[0099] - The Source RAT decides to prepare for startup and provides the necessary information to the Target RAT in the format required by the Target RAT.

[0100] - For handover preparation from E-UTRA to NR, the source RAT sends a Handover Preparation Request message to the target RAT, delivering a transparent RRC container with the necessary information to prepare for the handover at the target side. The information of the target RAT is of the same type as specified in clause 9.2.3.2.1 of TS 38.300, including the current QoS flow to DRB mapping applied to the UE and RRM configuration.

[0101] - The details of the RRM configuration are the same as specified for NR in clause 9.2.3.2.1 of TS 38.300, including beam measurement information for the listed cells (if measurements are available).

[0102] -Prepare radio resources in the target RAT before handover.

[0103] - The RRC reconfiguration message from the target RAT is delivered to the source RAT via a transparent container and passed to the UE by the source RAT in a handover command:

[0104] - The Inter-RAT Handover Command message carries the same type of information required to access the target cell as specified in clause 9.2.3.2.1 of TS 38.300 for NR Baseline Handover.

[0105] -Handover between gNB and ng-eNB supports sequential and lossless handover.

[0106] - Supports both Xn-based and NG-based inter-RAT handover between NG-RAN nodes. The handover is transparent to the UE whether it is through Xn or CN.

[0107] - In order to keep SDAP and PDCP configuration for sequential and lossless inter-RAT handover, incremental configuration of radio bearer configuration is used.

[0108] Figure 2 An exemplary UE information process according to some embodiments of the present application is described. Figure 2 The embodiment of the present invention shows the process of UE (e.g., UE 210) communicating with BS (e.g., BS 220). In some examples, UE 210 may act as Figure 1 BS 220 can act as a UE 101a in Figure 1 BS102a, BS102b or BS102c in.

[0109] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , in operation 201, BS 220 (e.g., Figure 1 BS 102a) transmits a UEInformation Request message to UE 210 (e.g., Figure 1BS 220 may be a BS that controls the latest serving cell of UE 210. In operation 202, UE 210 transmits a UEInformation Response message including an RLF report to BS 220. BS 220 may optimize mobility issues based on the response transmitted from UE 210.

[0110] Currently, when the network requires (additional) UE radio access capability information, the network may initiate a UE capability transfer procedure for a UE in RRC_CONNECTED state. The network shall retrieve UE capabilities only after AS security activation (e.g., via a UE capability query message). The network shall not forward UE capabilities retrieved before AS security activation to the core network (CN). The UE compiles and transmits its UE capability information upon receiving a UE capability query message from the network (e.g., via a UE capability information message).

[0111] Generally, there is no mechanism for storing or reporting information associated with a successful inter-RAT HO process. Several related issues have not been discussed and need to be addressed, such as: (1) how to trigger to store or report information associated with a successful inter-RAT HO process and what the triggering conditions are; (2) how the UE records or reports information related to the inter-RAT HO process, especially for the case where multiple triggering conditions are met for storing or reporting successful inter-RAT HO related information; (3) how the network performs MRO analysis for the inter-RAT HO process, especially for the case where multiple triggering conditions are met for storing or reporting successful inter-RAT HO related information, such as the signaling process for exchanging information between nodes.

[0112] Embodiments of the present application are intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. Some embodiments of the present application provide a solution in which a configuration for storing, recording (recording / logging) or generating information associated with an inter-RAT HO process can be configured to a UE via an RRC message (e.g., via a MobilityFromNRCommand message for an inter-RAT handover from NR to E-UTRAN). When at least one configured trigger condition is met, the UE may store, record (record / log) or generate at least one variable or report to contain information associated with the inter-RAT HO process. Some embodiments of the present application provide a solution in which multiple trigger conditions generated separately by a source network node and a target network node are met for the same inter-RAT HO process.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present application, the UE may generate multiple reports separately, each report is associated with a trigger condition, and each report is encoded based on the RAT type of the node generating the corresponding trigger condition. In some embodiments of the present application, each report and information associated with the cell generating the associated trigger condition of the report are reported separately, and the receiving node may transmit each received report to the corresponding node separately based on the received information associated with the cell for MRO purposes.

[0114] In some embodiments of the present application, the UE generates only one report encoded in the format of the target network node. The report is encoded in the format of the target network node and the information associated with the target cell is encoded in the format of the receiving network node, and the receiving node may transmit the received report to the target network node based on the information associated with the target cell for MRO purposes. When the target network node detects that the information associated with the inter-RAT HO process is triggered due to the satisfaction of the trigger condition generated by the source network node, the target network node may notify the source network node of the detected information for the purpose of MRO.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present application, the UE generates only one report encoded in the format of the source network node. The report is encoded in the format of the source network node and the information associated with the source cell is encoded in the format of the receiving node, and the receiving node transmits the received report to the source network node based on the information associated with the source cell for MRO purposes. When the source network node detects that the information associated with the inter-RAT HO process is triggered due to the satisfaction of the trigger condition generated by the target network node, the source network node notifies the target network node of the detected information for the purpose of MRO.

[0116] More details will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the terms "one / first", "one / second" and "one / third" are only used for clear description and should not be regarded as any substantive limitation, such as order limitation. In this application, information or reports encoded in NR format means that the information or reports are encoded based on 3GPP TS38.331. In this application, information or reports encoded in LTE format means that the information or reports are encoded based on 3GPP TS36.331.

[0117] Figure 3 1 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating an inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 or Figure 2 Although described with respect to a UE, it should be understood that other devices may also be configured to perform the above Figure 3 The methods shown and described in .

[0118] In such Figure 3 In the exemplary method 300 shown in FIG. 1 , in operation 301 , a UE (e.g., Figure 1 101) receives a configuration regarding information associated with a successful completion of an inter-RAT HO procedure. The configuration is associated with at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the information. In operation 302, the UE generates at least one report including the information in response to the satisfaction of at least one trigger condition. For simplicity, the information may be represented as "first information". For example, information associated with a successful completion of an inter-RAT HO procedure may be included in a report, for example, the report is named an inter-RAT successful handover report (SHR).

[0119] In some embodiments, the UE may transmit an indication indicating an optional capability of the UE to store the first information.

[0120] In some embodiments, the configuration is generated by at least one of the source network node or the target network node. In an embodiment, in response to the configuration generated by the source network node, at least one trigger condition includes:

[0121] (1) the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T310 and the configured value of the timer T310 is greater than a threshold value generated by the source network node (for simplicity, it may be expressed as a “first threshold value”); or

[0122] (2) The ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T312 associated with the target cell and the configured value of the timer T312 is greater than a threshold generated by the source network node (for simplicity, it may be expressed as a “second threshold”).

[0123] In an embodiment, in response to a configuration generated by the target network node, at least one trigger condition includes: a ratio between a value of the elapsed running time of the timer T304 and a configuration value of the timer T304 is greater than a threshold value generated by the target network node (for simplicity, it may be represented as a "third threshold value"). In an embodiment, the configuration includes at least one of the following: a first threshold value; a second threshold value; or a third threshold value.

[0124] Specifically, for successful inter-RAT HO reporting, when the network knows the capabilities of the UE, the network may configure, for example, via a MobilityFromNRCommand message for inter-RAT handover from NR to E-UTRAN or via a MobilityFromEUTRACommand message for inter-RAT handover from E-UTRAN to NR, a configuration (e.g., successInterRATHO-Config IE) for the UE to store, log / record, generate, or report an inter-RAT SHR. For example, the configuration may include at least one of the following:

[0125] (1) timer T304 related conditions for triggering inter-RAT SHR (e.g., a third threshold generated by the target RAT (e.g., target network node), such as interRATthresholdPercentageT304);

[0126] (2) timer T310 related conditions for triggering inter-RAT SHR (e.g., a first threshold generated by the source RAT (e.g., source network node), such as interRATthresholdPercentageT310); and

[0127] (3) Timer T312 related conditions for triggering the inter-RAT SHR (e.g., a second threshold generated by the source RAT,

[0128] For example, interRATthresholdPercentageT312).

[0129] Based on the configuration configured by the network for storing, logging / recording or generating inter-RAT SHR, the UE may need to store, log / record or generate successful inter-RAT HO related information when at least one of the following triggering conditions for inter-RAT SHR is met:

[0130] (1) Condition 1: If the ratio between “the value of the elapsed time of timer T310” and “the configured value of timer T310 configured while the UE was connected to the source RAT before performing the last Inter-RAT HO” is greater than a threshold value configured or generated by the source RAT before performing the last Inter-RAT HO (e.g., included in the successInterRATHO-

[0131] The first threshold in the Config IE (eg, interRATthresholdPercentageT310)). Condition 1 (eg, the first threshold) may be generated or configured by the source RAT.

[0132] (2) Condition 2: If timer T312 associated with the measurement identity of the target cell is running when the inter-RAT HO procedure is initiated, and if the ratio between "the value of the elapsed time of timer T312" and "the configured value of timer T312 configured while the UE was connected to the source RAT before performing the last inter-RAT HO" is greater than a threshold configured or generated by the source RAT before performing the last inter-RAT HO procedure (e.g., a second threshold (e.g., interRATthresholdPercentageT312) included in the successInterRATHO-Config IE). Condition 2 (e.g., the second threshold) may be generated or configured by the source RAT.

[0133] (3) Condition 3: Before the last inter-RAT HO procedure is performed, if the "elapsed time value of timer T304"

[0134] The ratio between the “configuration value of timer T304 (contained in the last MobilityFromNRCommand message or MobilityFromEUTRACommand message)” is greater than the threshold received in the last MobilityFromNRCommand message or MobilityFromEUTRACommand message (e.g., the third threshold (e.g., interRATthresholdPercentageT304) contained in the successInterRATHO-Config IE). Condition 3 (e.g., the third threshold) may be generated or configured by the target RAT.

[0135] When one of Condition 1, Condition 2 and Condition 3 is met, the UE may generate a variable (eg, VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report IE), wherein the UE may store, log / record or generate successful inter-RAT HO related information, for example in the variable or InterRATSuccessHO-Report.

[0136] In some embodiments, the UE may indicate to the connected node or the latest serving node that it has stored, logged / recorded, or generated successful inter-RAT HO related information, for example, via an indication included in an RRC setup complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or an RRC reconfiguration complete message. If the network wants to obtain inter-RAT SHR or successful inter-RAT HO related information, the connected node may send a message to the UE, for example, via an indication included in a UE information request message, to request the stored, logged / recorded, or generated successful inter-RAT HO related information. Then, the UE may send the stored, logged / recorded, or generated successful inter-RAT HO related information (e.g., InterRATSuccessHO-Report) to the network, for example, via a UE information response message.

[0137] The UE variable (e.g., VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report IE) for storing, recording or generating successful inter-RAT HO related information or InterRATSuccessHO-Report, successful inter-RAT HO related information or "first information" may include at least one of the following:

[0138] (1) Information associated with the source cell of the source network node, such as when the inter-RAT HO procedure is performed or when the inter-RAT HO procedure is successful, which may also be named "source cell information" or the like, including CGI information of the source cell (e.g., PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN) and measurement results of the source cell. Figures 7 to 9 In any embodiment of the present invention, the source cell information may be the source BS

[0139] The information of the source cell of source BS 702, the information of the source cell of source BS 802 or the information of the source cell of source BS 902.

[0140] (2) Information associated with the target cell of the target network node, such as when the inter-RAT HO process is performed or when the inter-RAT HO process is successful, which may also be named "target cell information" or the like, including CGI information of the target cell (e.g., PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN) and measurement results of the target cell. Figures 7 to 9In any of the embodiments, the target cell information may be the target cell information of the target BS 703, the target cell information of the target BS 803, or the target cell information of the target BS 903.

[0141] (3) InterRATSHR-Cause, contains the cause associated with the trigger condition. For example, if condition 1 is met, then t310-cause or interRATt310-cause set to "true" may be included in InterRATSuccessHO-

[0142] If condition 2 is met, then t312-cause or interRATt312-cause set to "true" may be included in the InterRATSuccessHO-Report. If condition 3 is met, t304-

[0143] The cause or interRATt 304-cause may be included in the InterRATSuccessHO-Report.

[0144] (4) C-RNTI of the target cell.

[0145] (5) RA-InformationCommon, including information associated with the UE's RA operation. For example, when condition 3 is met, it may be included in InterRATSuccessHO-Report.

[0146] In order to trigger the inter-RAT SHR, one or more trigger conditions may be configured, for example, only condition 1 is configured, only condition 3 is configured, condition 1 and condition 3 are configured at the same time, condition 2 and condition 3 are configured at the same time, etc. In some embodiments, how the UE records or reports the inter-RAT SHR and how the network performs MRO analysis on the inter-RAT SHR is provided, especially for the case where multiple trigger conditions for storing, logging / recording or generating information related to successful inter-RAT HO are satisfied, for example, for the same inter-RAT HO process, one condition generated or configured by the target RAT and another condition generated or configured by the source RAT are satisfied.

[0147] Return to reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, at least one trigger condition includes two or more trigger conditions. In response to the satisfaction of the two or more trigger conditions, the UE may generate two or more reports including the first information or generate only one report including the first information. That is, at least one report may include two or more reports or only one report.

[0148] In some embodiments, each report or first information within at least one report includes at least one of the following:

[0149] (1) Information associated with a source cell of a source network node, ie, “source cell information”. In some embodiments, the information associated with the source cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the source cell, or one or more measurement results of the source cell.

[0150] (2) Information associated with the target cell of the target network node, ie, “target cell information”. In some embodiments, the information associated with the target cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the target cell, or one or more measurement results of the target cell.

[0151] (3) C-RNTI of the source cell.

[0152] (4) C-RNTI of the target cell.

[0153] (5) At least one cause associated with at least one triggering condition.

[0154] (6) Information associated with the UE's RA operation.

[0155] In some embodiments, a report within two or more reports is associated with a trigger condition within two or more trigger conditions. In an embodiment, the UE may encode a report or first information within a report based on the RAT type of the network node, and the network node generates a trigger condition for the UE to store the first information within a report. For example, a report or the first information within a report is encoded as a RAT format of a source network node (which may be named, for example, a source RAT format) or a RAT format of a target network node (which may be named, for example, a target RAT format). The RAT format of the source network node or the target network node may be a UTRAN or UMTS access technology format, an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the source network node is the NR access technology format, "a report or the first information within a report is encoded into the RAT format of the source network node (for example, it can be named as the source RAT format)" means that a report or the first information within a report is encoded based on TS38.331, or the UE encodes a report or the first information within a report in accordance with TS38.331; when the RAT format of the target network node is the E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "a report or the first information within a report is encoded into the RAT format of the target network node (for example, it can be named as the target RAT format)" means that a report or the first information within a report is encoded based on TS36.331, or the UE encodes a report or the first information within a report in accordance with TS36.331.

[0156] In some embodiments, the UE may generate other information associated with a cell of the network node (which may be represented as "second information" for simplicity). The network node is a node that generates a trigger condition for the UE to store the first information in a report. The UE may transmit a report and the second information to the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure. For example, for a report generated or reported due to satisfying a trigger condition generated by the source network node, the UE may generate the second information associated with the source cell; for a report generated or reported due to satisfying a trigger condition generated by the target network node, the UE may generate the second information associated with the target cell. The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0157] (1) Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) Identity (ID),

[0158] (2) Cell ID,

[0159] (3) Tracking area code,

[0160] (4) Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), or

[0161] (5) Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN).

[0162] In some embodiments, the UE may encode the second information into the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE. Figure 7 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0163] In some embodiments, the UE may encode only one report or the first information included in only one report based on the RAT type of the target network node. The RAT format of the target network node may be a UTRAN or UMTS access technology format, an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the target network node is an NR access technology format, "the UE may encode only one report or the first information included in only one report based on the RAT type of the target network node" means that only one report or the first information included in only one report is encoded based on TS38.331, or the UE encodes only one report or the first information included in only one report in accordance with TS38.331; when the RAT format of the target network node is an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "the UE may encode only one report or the first information included in only one report based on the RAT type of the target network node" means that only one report or the first information included in only one report is encoded based on TS36.331, or the UE encodes only one report or the first information included in only one report in accordance with TS36.331. In an embodiment, the UE may generate cell information associated with a target cell of a target network node, and transmit only one report and the cell information associated with the target cell to the network node to which the UE is connected after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure. The cell information associated with the target cell includes at least one of the following: PLMN ID, cell ID, tracking area code, PCI, or ARFCN. For example, the UE may encode the cell information associated with the target cell into the RAT format of the network node to which the UE is connected. The network node to which the UE is connected after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure may be the source network node or the target network node, or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node. The RAT format of the network node to which the UE is connected after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure may be an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format.For example, when the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process is the NR access technology format, "the UE may encode the cell information associated with the target cell into the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE" means that the cell information associated with the target cell is encoded based on TS38.331, or the UE encodes the cell information associated with the target cell in accordance with TS38.331; when the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process is the E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "the UE may encode the cell information associated with the target cell into the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE" means that the cell information associated with the target cell is encoded based on TS36.331, or the UE encodes the cell information associated with the target cell in accordance with TS36.331. Specific examples are. Figure 8 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0164] In some embodiments, the UE may encode only one report or the first information included in only one report based on the RAT type of the source network node. The RAT format of the source network node may be a UTRAN or UMTS access technology format, an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the source network node is an NR access technology format, "the UE may encode only one report or the first information included in only one report based on the RAT type of the source network node" means that only one report or the first information included in only one report is encoded based on TS38.331, or the UE encodes only one report or the first information included in only one report in accordance with TS38.331; when the RAT format of the source network node is an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "the UE may encode only one report or the first information included in only one report based on the RAT type of the source network node" means that only one report or the first information included in only one report is encoded based on TS36.331, or the UE encodes only one report or the first information included in only one report in accordance with TS36.331. In an embodiment, the UE may generate cell information associated with a source cell of a source network node, and transmit only one report and the cell information associated with the source cell to the network node to which the UE is connected after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure. The cell information associated with the source cell includes at least one of the following: PLMN ID, cell ID, tracking area code, PCI, or ARFCN. For example, the UE may encode the cell information associated with the source cell into the RAT format of the network node to which the UE is connected. The RAT format of the network node to which the UE is connected after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure may be an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process is the NR access technology format, "the UE may encode the cell information associated with the source cell into the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE" means that the cell information associated with the source cell is encoded based on TS38.331, or the UE encodes the cell information associated with the source cell in accordance with TS38.331; when the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process is the E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "the UE may encode the cell information associated with the source cell into the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE" means that the cell information associated with the source cell is encoded based on TS36.331, or the UE encodes the cell information associated with the source cell in accordance with TS36.331. Specific examples are in Fig. 9 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0165] In some embodiments, at least one of the RAT format of the source network node, the RAT format of the target network node, or the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE is one of:

[0166] (1) The format of the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN);

[0167] (2) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) format;

[0168] (3) New Radio (NR) formats; and

[0169] (4) Next generation format.

[0170] In some embodiments, the UE may transmit an indication for indicating the generation of at least one report to a network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process; receive a request for at least one report or first information from the network node; and transmit at least one report to the network node. In the present application, the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process may be a target network node (for example, when the UE successfully switches to the target RAT, the UE transmits an indication for indicating the generation of at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process to the target network node via a transceiver, the target network node requests the UE for at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process, and then the UE transmits at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process to the target network node); or the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process may be a source network node (for example, the UE moves to the source network node or connects to the source network node after completing the inter-RAT HO process, and the UE transmits an indication for indicating the generation of at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process to the source network node via a transceiver). point, the source network node requests the UE for at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process, and then the UE transmits the at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process to the source network node); or the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process may be a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node (for example, the UE moves to the third-party network node or connects to the third-party network node after completing the inter-RAT HO process, the UE transmits an indication for indicating the generation of at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process to the third-party network node via a transceiver, the third-party network node requests the UE for at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process, and then the UE transmits the at least one report or information associated with the successful completion of the inter-RAT HO process to the third-party network node).

[0171] Figure 4 Another exemplary flow chart regarding the inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is illustrated. Figure 4 The example method 400 in FIG. 4 may be performed by a source network node (eg, Figure 1 Although described with respect to a source network node, it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform the same as BS102a shown in FIG. Figure 4 A similar approach to the one used in this paper.

[0172] In such Figure 4 In the exemplary method 400 shown in FIG. 4 , in operation 401, a source network node (eg, Figure 1 BS 102a) shown and described in FIG. 1 generates information about a UE (e.g., Figure 1 In operation 402, the source network node transmits the configuration to the UE. In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one of: a threshold value associated with a timer T310; or a threshold value associated with a timer T312.

[0173] In some embodiments, at least one trigger condition includes one of the following:

[0174] (1) The ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T310 and the configuration value of the timer T310 is greater than a first threshold;

[0175] (2) a ratio between a value of the elapsed running time of the timer T312 associated with the target cell and a configured value of the timer T312 is greater than a second threshold; and

[0176] (3) The ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of the timer T304 and the configured value of the timer T304 is greater than the third threshold value.

[0177] In some embodiments, the source network node may receive a second configuration about the first information from the target network node, and transmit the second configuration to the UE. The second configuration may include a threshold associated with the timer T304. The first configuration and the second configuration may be transmitted in one message or two messages. In an embodiment, at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration is included in a handover command of the inter-RAT HO process.

[0178] In some embodiments, the source network node may receive from the UE an indication of an optional capability of the UE to store the first information. In particular, since a pre-configuration (e.g., successInterRATHO-Config IE) is required for the UE to store, record, report, generate, or report the inter-RAT SHR, the network needs to know the capabilities of the UE in order to configure an appropriate configuration to trigger a successful inter-RAT HO report. Storing, recording, reporting, generating, or reporting information related to a successful inter-RAT HO is optional, even if the UE supports the inter-RAT HO process. This capability may be explicitly signaled to the network, i.e., explicit capability signaling is required, or an optional UE signaling capability is required. Some embodiments introduce an optional UE signaling capability for successful inter-RAT HO reporting, for example, the UECapabilityInformation message includes an optional UE capability indication for successful inter-RAT HO reporting. For inter-RAT HO scenarios, some embodiments reuse an existing optional UE capability indication for successful HO reporting (i.e., success-HO-Report-r17) in the UECapabilityInformation message.

[0179] In some embodiments, the source network node may be connected to the UE from the network node (specific example in Figure 7 and 9 The embodiment is described below) or the target network node (specific examples are described in Figure 8 In an embodiment described below, the first report or the first information is received. The network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process may be a source network node or a target network node, or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node. In an embodiment, the first report or the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0180] (1) Information associated with a source cell of a source network node In some embodiments, the information associated with the source cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the source cell, or one or more measurement results of the source cell.

[0181] (2) Information associated with the target cell of the target network node. In some embodiments, the information associated with the target cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the target cell, or one or more measurement results of the target cell.

[0182] (3) The Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) of the source cell.

[0183] (4) C-RNTI of the target cell.

[0184] (5) At least one cause associated with at least one triggering condition.

[0185] (6) Information associated with the UE's radio access (RA) operation.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first report or the first information in the first report is encoded as the RAT format of the source network node. The RAT format of the source network node may be a UTRAN or UMTS access technology format, an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the source network node is the NR access technology format, "the first report or the first information in the first report is encoded as the RAT format of the source network node" means that the first report or the first information in the first report is encoded based on TS38.331; when the RAT format of the source network node is the E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "the first report or the first information in the first report is encoded as the RAT format of the source network node" means that the first report or the first information in the first report is encoded based on TS36.331. In an embodiment, the first report or the first information is encoded by the UE (specific example in Figure 7 and 9 ) or by the target network node (specific examples are described below) Figure 8 The encoding is described in the embodiments as follows.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first report is generated in response to satisfaction of a trigger condition associated with the second configuration, the source network node may transmit a first message to the target network node, and the first message indicates that the first report is generated in response to satisfaction of the trigger condition associated with the second configuration.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of: at least one cause associated with a trigger condition related to the second configuration; or an indication indicating satisfaction of the trigger condition related to the second configuration.

[0189] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the first report, the source network node may encode the first information into the RAT format of the target network node; and transmit a second report including the encoded first information in the RAT format of the target network node to the target network node. The RAT format of the target network node may be a UTRAN or UMTS access technology format, an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the target network node is the NR access technology format, "the first information in the RAT format of the target network node" or "the second report including the encoded first information in the RAT format of the target network node" means that the first information or the second report is encoded based on TS38.331; when the RAT format of the target network node is the E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "the first information in the RAT format of the target network node" or "the second report including the encoded first information in the RAT format of the target network node" means that the first information or the second report is encoded based on TS36.331. The specific example is Fig. 9 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0190] In some embodiments, at least one of the RAT format of the source network node or the RAT format of the target network node is one of: a format of Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN); a format of Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN); a format of New Radio (NR); and a next generation format.

[0191] In some embodiments, the source network node may receive a second message from the target network node, and wherein the second message indicates that the first information is stored in response to satisfaction of a trigger condition associated with the first configuration.

[0192] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of: at least one cause associated with a trigger condition related to the first configuration; or an indication indicating that a trigger condition related to the first configuration is satisfied. Figure 8 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0193] In some embodiments, the source network node may perform mobility robustness optimization (MRO) analysis and optimization operations on parameters related to the inter-RAT HO process. Figure 7 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0194] Figure 5 Another exemplary flow chart regarding the inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is illustrated. Figure 5 The exemplary method 400 in FIG. 4 may be performed by a target network node (eg, Figure 1Although described with respect to a target network node, it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform the same as BS 102b or BS 102c shown in FIG. Figure 5 A similar approach to the one used in this paper.

[0195] In such Figure 5 In the exemplary method 500 shown in FIG. 5 , in operation 501, a target network node (eg, Figure 1 BS 102b) shown and described in FIG. 1 generates information about a UE (e.g., Figure 1 The target network node transmits the configuration to the source network node.

[0196] In some embodiments, the second configuration includes a third threshold associated with the timer T304.

[0197] In some embodiments, at least one trigger condition includes one of the following: the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T310 and the configuration value of timer T310 is greater than a first threshold generated by the source network node; the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T312 associated with the target cell and the configuration value of timer T312 is greater than a second threshold generated by the source network node; and the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T304 and the configuration value of timer T304 is greater than a third threshold.

[0198] In some embodiments, the target network node may receive an indication from the source network node indicating an optional capability of the UE to store the first information.

[0199] In some embodiments, the target network node may receive a first message from the source network node, and the first message indicates that the first information is stored in response to the satisfaction of a trigger condition associated with the second configuration. Fig. 9 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of: at least one cause associated with a trigger condition related to the second configuration; or an indication indicating satisfaction of the trigger condition related to the second configuration.

[0201] In some embodiments, the target network node may receive an indication from the UE to indicate generation of at least one report including the first information; and transmit a request for the at least one report or the first information to the UE.

[0202] In some embodiments, the target network node may receive a second report including the first information from: a UE; a network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure; or a source network node. The network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure may be the source network node or the target network node, or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first information or the second report includes at least one of the following:

[0204] (1) Information associated with a source cell of a source network node In some embodiments, the information associated with the source cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the source cell, or one or more measurement results of the source cell.

[0205] (2) Information associated with the target cell of the target network node. In some embodiments, the information associated with the target cell includes at least one of the following: cell information associated with the target cell, or one or more measurement results of the target cell.

[0206] (3) The Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) of the source cell.

[0207] (4) C-RNTI of the target cell; at least one cause associated with at least one triggering condition.

[0208] (5) Information associated with the radio access (RA) operation of the UE.

[0209] In some embodiments, the second report or the first information in the second report is encoded as the RAT format of the target network node, wherein the second report or the first information in the second report is encoded by: UE; or source network node. The RAT format of the target network node may be a UTRAN or UMTS access technology format, an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the target network node is an NR access technology format, "the second report or the first information in the second report is encoded as the RAT format of the target network node" means that the second report or the first information in the second report is encoded based on TS38.331; when the RAT format of the target network node is an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "the second report or the first information in the second report is encoded as the RAT format of the target network node" means that the second report or the first information in the second report is encoded based on TS36.331.

[0210] In some embodiments, the second report is generated in response to the satisfaction of a trigger condition related to a configuration regarding the first information. The configuration is generated by the source network node. The target network node may transmit a second message to the source network node. The second message indicates that the second report is generated in response to the satisfaction of the trigger condition.

[0211] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of: at least one cause associated with the triggering condition; or an indication indicating satisfaction of the triggering condition.

[0212] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the second report, the target network node may encode the first information into the RAT format of the source network node; and transmit a third report including the encoded first information in the RAT format of the source network node to the source network node. The RAT format of the source network node may be a UTRAN or UMTS access technology format, an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the source network node is an NR access technology format, "the first information in the RAT format of the source network node" or "the third report including the encoded first information in the RAT format of the source network node" means that the first information or the third report is encoded based on TS38.331; when the RAT format of the source network node is an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "the first information in the RAT format of the source network node" or "the third report including the encoded first information in the RAT format of the source network node" means that the first information or the third report is encoded based on TS36.331. The specific example is Figure 8 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0213] In some embodiments, at least one of the RAT format of the source network node or the RAT format of the target network node is one of: a format of Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN); a format of Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN); a format of New Radio (NR); and a next generation format.

[0214] In some embodiments, the target network node may perform mobility robustness optimization (MRO) analysis and optimization operations on parameters related to the inter-RAT HO process. Figure 7 The embodiments are described as follows.

[0215] Figure 6 Another exemplary flow chart of the inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is illustrated. Figure 6 The example method 600 in FIG. 6 may be performed by a network node (eg, Figure 1Although described with respect to a network node, it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform the same as BS102a, BS102b, or BS102c shown in FIG. Figure 6 A similar approach to the one used in this paper.

[0216] In such Figure 6 In the exemplary method 600 shown in FIG. 6 , in operation 601, a network node (e.g., Figure 1 BS 102b shown and described in FIG. 102b) from a UE (e.g., Figure 1 101) receives at least one report including information associated with a successful completion of an inter-RAT HO procedure. The network node connects with the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure. The network node connected with the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure may be a source network node or a target network node, or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node. In operation 602, the network node transmits at least one report including the information to at least one of the source network node or the target network node.

[0217] In some embodiments, the network node may receive an indication from the UE to indicate generation of at least one report; and transmit a request for the at least one report or the first information to the UE.

[0218] In some embodiments, the network node may receive at least one of cell information associated with a source cell of a source network node or cell information associated with a target cell of a target network node, and wherein a configuration related to a trigger condition for the UE to record the first information is generated by the source network node or the target network node, and wherein the cell information associated with the source cell of the source network node or the cell information associated with the target cell of the target network node includes at least one of the following: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN).

[0219] In some embodiments, at least one of the cell information associated with the source cell of the source network node or the cell information associated with the target cell of the target network node is encoded as a RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure. The RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure may be an E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, an NR access technology format, or a next generation access technology format. For example, when the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process is the NR access technology format, "at least one of the cell information associated with the source cell of the source network node or the cell information associated with the target cell of the target network node is encoded as the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process" means that the cell information associated with the source cell or the cell information associated with the target cell is encoded based on TS38.331; when the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process is the E-UTRAN or LTE access technology format, "at least one of the cell information associated with the source cell of the source network node or the cell information associated with the target cell of the target network node is encoded as the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process" means that the cell information associated with the source cell or the cell information associated with the target cell is encoded based on TS36.331.

[0220] In some embodiments, the RAT format of the network node is one of: a format of UTRAN; a format of E-UTRAN; a format of NR; and a format of the next generation.

[0221] In some embodiments, the trigger condition includes one of the following: the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T310 and the configuration value of timer T310 is greater than a first threshold generated by the source network node; the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T312 of the target cell associated with the target network node and the configuration value of timer T312 is greater than a second threshold generated by the source network node; and the ratio between the value of the elapsed running time of timer T304 and the configuration value of timer T304 is greater than a third threshold generated by the target network node.

[0222] In some embodiments, to transmit at least one report, the network node may transmit at least one report to a source network node in response to receiving information related to a source cell of the source network node; or transmit at least one report to a target network node in response to receiving information associated with a target cell of the target network node.

[0223] In some embodiments, the at least one report includes: one report triggered by satisfaction of a trigger condition generated by the source network node, and another report triggered by satisfaction of a trigger condition generated by the target network node. The network node may transmit one report to the source network node in response to receiving cell information associated with a source cell of the source network node. The network node may transmit another report to the target network node in response to receiving cell information associated with a target cell of the target network node.

[0224] Those skilled in the art should understand that the order of the operations in the exemplary flowcharts 300, 400, 500 and 600 may be changed, and some operations in the exemplary flowcharts 300, 400, 500 and 600 may be eliminated or modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Figures 3 to 6 The details described in the embodiment of the present invention are applicable to this exemplary flowchart. In addition, the details described in this exemplary flowchart are applicable to Figure 1 , 2 and all embodiments 7 to 11.

[0225] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 7 In an embodiment, when one trigger condition generated or configured by the source RAT (e.g., source BS 702) and another trigger condition generated or configured by the target RAT (e.g., target BS 703) are both met for the same inter-RAT HO process, the UE (e.g., UE 701) may generate two entries or variables or may store two reports separately. Each entry or variable or report may be used by the UE to correspondingly store, log / record or generate information related to successful inter-RAT HO. Each entry or variable or report may be associated with one trigger condition, and each entry or variable or report may be encoded based on the RAT type of the node that generates or configures the corresponding trigger condition.

[0226] For example, when a trigger condition generated or configured by the source RAT is met, the UE may generate an entry or variable or report or corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node). The details in the entry or variable or report or the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information report may refer to the above-mentioned "first information". The UE may also store or record cell information associated with the source cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell), the cell information including at least one of the following: public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), cell ID, tracking area code, physical cell identifier (PCI) or absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN). Optionally, the source cell C-RNTI encoded in the source RAT format is also included in the corresponding entry or variable or report (e.g., the source cell C-RNTI is used by the source RAT to identify the UE and related information, especially when the UE's context is released in the source RAT).

[0227] When a trigger condition generated or configured by the target RAT is met, the UE may generate an entry or variable or report or corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the target RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the target network node). For details in the entry or variable or report or corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information report, please refer to the above-mentioned "first information". The UE may also store or record cell information associated with the target cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell), wherein the cell information includes at least one of the following: Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) Identity (ID), Cell ID, Tracking Area Code, Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) or Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN).

[0228] In order to achieve successful decoding and MRO purposes in the network side, when the UE reports the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the source RAT format to the receiving node (e.g., BS 704, which is the serving node of the UE after the successful inter-RAT HO process, and BS 704 may be a target network node or a third-party network node), the UE also encodes the cell information associated with the source cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell) into the format of the receiving node, and the UE reports the cell information associated with the source cell to the receiving node. Then, based on the cell information associated with the source cell, the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the source RAT format may be transmitted by the receiving node to the source RAT or source network node via a new Xn message or an existing Xn message (e.g., ACCESS AND MOBILITY INDICATION) for MRO purposes. Similarly, when the UE reports the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the target RAT format to the receiving node, the UE also encodes the cell information associated with the target cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell) into the format of the receiving node, and the UE reports the cell information associated with the target cell to the receiving node. Then, based on the cell information associated with the target cell, the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the target RAT format may be transmitted by the receiving node to the target RAT or target network node via a new Xn message or an existing Xn message (e.g., ACCESS AND MOBILITY INDICATION) for MRO purposes. In the present application, the receiving node may also be referred to as a network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process, which may be a source network node (e.g., a source BS) or a target network node (e.g., a target BS), or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node.

[0229] For example, in Figure 7 In some embodiments shown in , the configuration for storing, logging / recording, generating or reporting the inter-RAT SHR may be configured to the UE 701, for example, via a MobilityFromNRCommand message for inter-RAT handover from NR to E-UTRAN or via a MobilityFromEUTRACommand message for inter-RAT handover from E-UTRAN to NR. In operation 711, the UE 701 receives a command for inter-RAT handover from the source BS 702. For example, if the source BS 702 is a gNB, the command is a MobilityFromNRCommand message. If the source BS 702 is an eNB, the command is a MobilityFromEUTRACommand message.

[0230] In operation 712, in an inter-RAT HO process, if both condition 1 (e.g., a first threshold generated or configured by the source BS 702) and condition 3 (e.g., a third threshold generated or configured by the target BS 703) are configured and satisfied, then when condition 1 is satisfied, UE 701 may generate a variable (e.g., VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report1), and when condition 3 is satisfied, UE 701 may also generate another variable (e.g., VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2).

[0231] In an embodiment, the successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 may include information of the source cell of the source BS 702 (for example, including: PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN; and measurement results of the source cell of the source BS 702 when performing or completing inter-RAT HO), information of the target cell of the target BS 703 (for example, including: PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN; and measurement results of the target cell of the target BS 703 when performing or completing inter-RAT HO), interRATSHR-Cause (t310-cause or interRATt310-cause set to "true") and C-RNTI of the target cell. The successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 may be encoded into the source RAT format (i.e., encoded into the RAT format of the source network node), such as the format of the source BS 702 (e.g., if the source BS 702 is a NG-RAN node, then VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 is encoded into the NR format; if the source BS 702 is an E-UTRAN node, then VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 is encoded into the LTE format). Optionally, the C-RNTI of the source cell encoded in the source RAT format is included in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report1 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report1, for example, the C-RNTI of the source cell is used by the source BS 702 to identify UE 701 and related information (e.g., information in InterRATSuccessHO-Report1), especially when the context of UE 701 is released in the source BS 702.

[0232] In another embodiment, the successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 may include the source cell information of the source BS 702 (e.g., PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN), the target cell information of the target BS 703 (e.g., PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN), interRATSHR-Cause (t304-cause or interRATt304-cause set to "true"), ra-InformationCommon and C-RNTI of the target cell. The successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 may be encoded into a target RAT format (i.e., encoded into the RAT format of the target network node), such as the format of the target BS 703 (e.g., if the target BS 703 is an EUTRAN node, then VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 is encoded into an LTE format; if the target BS 703 is an NG-RAN node, then VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 is encoded into an NR format).

[0233] “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report2” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2” encoded in LTE format means that “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report2” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2” is encoded based on 3GPP TS36.331. “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report2” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2” encoded in NR format means that “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report2” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report2 or InterRATSuccessHO-Report2” is encoded based on 3GPP TS38.331.

[0234] In operation 713, if the node as the serving node of the UE after the successful inter-RAT HO procedure requests the successful inter-RAT HO related information or the inter-RAT SHR is an eNB (for example, it may be a third party network node or a target network node, such as BS 704), then the UE 701 may send {InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 encoded in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node), cell information associated with the source cell encoded in the LTE format (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell)} and {InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 encoded in the target RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the target network node), cell information associated with the target cell encoded in the LTE format (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell)} to the receiving node, i.e., BS 704. The cell information associated with the source cell encoded in the LTE format means that the cell information associated with the source cell is encoded based on 3GPP TS36.331. The cell information associated with the target cell encoded in the LTE format means that the cell information associated with the target cell is encoded based on 3GPP TS36.331. Figure 7 In some embodiments shown in the figure, the receiving node may also be referred to as a network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process, which may be a source network node (e.g., a source BS) or a target network node (e.g., a target BS), or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node.

[0235] In operation 713, if the node serving as the UE's service node after the successful inter-RAT HO process requests successful inter-RAT HO related information or inter-RAT SHR is a gNB (for example, it may be a third-party network node, such as BS 704), then UE 701 may send {InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 encoded in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node), cell information associated with the source cell encoded in the NR format (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell)} and {InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 encoded in the target RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the target network node), cell information associated with the target cell encoded in the NR format (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell)} to the receiving node, i.e., BS 704.

[0236] The cell information associated with the source cell encoded in the NR format means that the cell information associated with the source cell is encoded based on 3GPP TS38.331. The cell information associated with the target cell encoded in the NR format means that the cell information associated with the target cell is encoded based on 3GPP TS38.331.

[0237] Before operation 713, UE 701 may send an indication to BS 704, for example, via an RRC setup complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or an RRC reconfiguration complete message, indicating that UE 701 has stored or generated successful inter-RAT HO related information or that UE 701 has at least one InterRATSuccessHO-Report.

[0238] In operation 714, based on the cell information associated with the source cell (eg, CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell), the BS 704 may send InterRATSuccessHO-Report1 to the source BS 702. Then, the source BS 702 may perform MRO analysis and optimization for inter-RAT HO related parameters.

[0239] In operation 715, based on the cell information associated with the target cell (eg, CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell), the BS 704 may send InterRATSuccessHO-Report2 to the target BS 703. Then, the target BS 703 may perform MRO analysis and optimization on the inter-RAT HO related parameters.

[0240] Figure 8 Another flow chart illustrating an example process of wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0241] exist Figure 8In an embodiment, when both a trigger condition generated or configured by the source RAT (e.g., source BS 802) and another trigger condition generated or configured by the target RAT (e.g., target BS 803) are satisfied for the same inter-RAT HO process, the UE (e.g., UE 801) may generate an entry (e.g., VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report) to store, log / record, or generate the entire successful inter-RAT HO related information. The entry or the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information or InterRATSuccessHO-Report is encoded in the target RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the target network node) or the format of the target RAT (e.g., target BS 803). For details of the entry or variable or report or the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information report, please refer to the above-mentioned "first information". The UE may also store or record cell information associated with the target cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell), wherein the cell information includes at least one of the following: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN).

[0242] In order to achieve successful decoding and MRO purposes in the network side, when the UE reports the InterRATSuccessHO-Report or successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the target RAT format to the receiving node (e.g., BS 804, which is the serving node of the UE after the successful inter-RAT HO process, and BS 804 may be a target network node or a third-party network node), the UE also encodes the cell information associated with the target cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell) into the format of the receiving node, and the UE reports the cell information associated with the target cell to the receiving node. In the present application, the receiving node may also be referred to as a network node connected to the UE after the completion of the inter-RAT HO process, which may be a source network node (e.g., a source BS) or a target network node (e.g., a target BS), or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node. Then, based on the cell information associated with the target cell, the InterRATSuccessHO-Report or successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the target RAT format may be transmitted by the receiving node to the target RAT (e.g., the target BS 803) for the purpose of MRO. When the target RAT detects that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of a trigger condition generated or configured by the target RAT, the target RAT performs MRO analysis and optimization for inter-RAT HO related parameters. When the target RAT detects that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of a trigger condition generated or configured by the source RAT (e.g., source BS 802):

[0243] (1) Option 1: The target RAT notifies the source RAT via a new Xn message or an existing Xn message (e.g., ACCESS AND MOBILITY INDICATION) that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of a trigger condition generated or configured by the source RAT. An indication may be included in the Xn message to indicate that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of a trigger condition generated or configured by the source RAT or an improper configuration in the source RAT, or a cause of the inter-RAT SHR (e.g., satisfying a t310 related trigger condition for the inter-RAT SHR or satisfying a t312 related trigger condition for the inter-RAT SHR) may be included in the Xn message. Then, the source RAT performs MRO analysis and optimization on the inter-RAT HO related parameters.

[0244] (2) Option 2: The target RAT uses the source RAT format (i.e., the RAT format of the source network node) to communicate with InterRAT Success HO-

[0245] The target RAT encodes the information in the InterRATSuccessHO-Report and sends the InterRATSuccessHO-Report encoded in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node) to the source RAT via a new Xn message or an existing Xn message (e.g., ACCESS AND MOBILITY INDICATION). Optionally, the target RAT sends the source cell C-RNTI encoded in the source RAT format to the source RAT (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node, for example, the source C-RNTI is used by the source RAT to identify the UE and related information (e.g., the information in the InterRATSuccessHO-Report), especially when the UE's context is released in the source RAT). Then, the source RAT performs MRO analysis and optimization for inter-RAT HO related parameters.

[0246] For example, in Figure 8In some embodiments shown in , the configuration for storing, logging / recording, generating or reporting the inter-RAT SHR may be configured to the UE 801, for example, via a MobilityFromNRCommand message for inter-RAT handover from NR to E-UTRAN or via a MobilityFromEUTRACommand message for inter-RAT handover from E-UTRAN to NR. In operation 811, the UE 801 receives a command for inter-RAT handover from the source BS 802. For example, if the source BS 802 is a gNB, the command is a MobilityFromNRCommand message. If the source BS 802 is an eNB, the command is a MobilityFromEUTRACommand message.

[0247] In operation 812, in an inter-RAT HO process, if both condition 1 (e.g., a first threshold generated or configured by the source BS 802) and condition 3 (e.g., a third threshold generated or configured by the target BS 803) are configured and satisfied, then UE 801 generates a variable, such as VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report. The successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report or VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report may include the source cell information of the source BS 802 (for example, including: PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN; and the measurement result of the source cell of the source BS 802 when performing or completing the inter-RAT HO), the target cell information of the target BS 803 (for example, including: PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN; and the measurement result of the source cell of the source BS 802 when performing or completing the inter-RAT HO), and the target cell information of the target BS 803 (for example, including: PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN; and the measurement result of the target BS when performing or completing the inter-RAT HO). The successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report or VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report is encoded in the format of the target BS 803 (for example, if the target BS 803 is an EUTRAN node, then VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report is encoded in LTE format; if the target BS 803 is an NG-RAN node, then VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report is encoded in NR format).

[0248] “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report” encoded in LTE format means that “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report” is encoded based on 3GPP TS36.331. “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report” encoded in NR format means that “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report” is encoded based on 3GPP TS38.331.

[0249] Optionally, the source cell C-RNTI encoded in the format of the target BS 803 (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the target network node) is also included in the VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report, for example, the source cell C-RNTI is used by the source BS 802 to identify UE 801 and related information (e.g., information in InterRATSuccessHO-Report), especially when the context of UE 801 is released in the source BS 802.

[0250] In operation 813, if the node that is the serving node of the UE after the successful inter-RAT HO process request or receiving the successful inter-RAT HO related information or inter-RAT HO is an eNB (for example, it may be a third-party network node or a target network node, such as BS 804), then the UE 801 sends {InterRATSuccessHO-Report encoded in the format of the target BS 803, cell information associated with the target cell encoded in the LTE format (for example, CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell)} to the receiving node, that is, BS 804. The cell information associated with the target cell encoded in the LTE format means that the cell information associated with the target cell is encoded based on 3GPP TS36.331. In the example Figure 8 In some embodiments shown in the figure, the receiving node may also be referred to as a network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process, which may be a source network node (e.g., a source BS) or a target network node (e.g., a target BS), or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node.

[0251] In operation 813, if the node serving as the UE's serving node after the successful inter-RAT HO procedure request or receiving the successful inter-RAT HO related information or inter-RAT HO is a gNB (e.g., it may be a third-party network node, such as BS 804), then UE 801 sends {InterRATSuccessHO-Report encoded in the target RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the target network node), cell information associated with the target cell encoded in the NR format (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell)} to the receiving node, i.e., BS 804. The cell information associated with the target cell encoded in the NR format means that the cell information associated with the target cell is encoded based on 3GPP TS38.331.

[0252] Prior to operation 813, UE 801 may send an indication to BS 804, for example, via an RRC setup complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or an RRC reconfiguration complete message, indicating that UE 801 has stored or generated successful inter-RAT HO related information or that UE 801 has an InterRATSuccessHO-Report.

[0253] Based on the cell information associated with the target cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the target cell), BS 804 may send an InterRATSuccessHO-Report to the target BS 803. Then, the target BS 803 decodes the InterRATSuccessHO-Report. In some embodiments, when the target BS 803 detects that the near-failed inter-RAT successful HO is due to the satisfaction of condition 3, the target BS 803 performs MRO analysis and optimization for the inter-RAT HO related parameters. In some embodiments, when the target BS 803 detects that the near-failed inter-RAT successful HO is due to the satisfaction of condition 1:

[0254] (1) Option 1: In operation 815A, the target BS 803 notifies the source BS 802, for example, via a new Xn message or an existing Xn message (e.g., ACCESS AND MOBILITY INDICATION), that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of the T310 related conditions for triggering the inter-RAT SHR. The indication may be included in the Xn message to indicate that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of the T310 related conditions for triggering the inter-RAT SHR or an improper configuration in the source RAT. Then, the source BS 802 may perform MRO analysis and optimization.

[0255] (2) Option 2: In operation 815B, the target BS 803 encodes the information in the InterRATSuccessHO-Report in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded into the RAT format of the source network node) (e.g., if the source BS 802 is a gNB, then the NR format); and in operation 816B, the target BS 803 sends the InterRATSuccessHO-Report encoded in the source RAT format to the source BS 802. Optionally, the target RAT sends the source cell C-RNTI encoded in the source RAT format to the source RAT. Then, the source BS 802 can perform MRO analysis and optimization.

[0256] Fig. 9 Another flow chart illustrating an exemplary process of wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present application. Fig. 9In an embodiment, when one trigger condition generated / configured by the source RAT (e.g., source BS 902) and another trigger condition generated or configured by the target RAT (e.g., target BS 903) are both satisfied for the same inter-RAT HO process, the UE (e.g., UE901) generates an entry (e.g., VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report) to store, log / record or generate the entire successful inter-RAT HO related information. The entry or the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information or InterRATSuccessHO-Report is encoded in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node) or the format of the source RAT (e.g., source BS902). For details of the entry or variable or report or the corresponding successful inter-RAT HO related information report, please refer to the above-mentioned "first information". The UE may also store or record cell information associated with the source cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell), the cell information including at least one of the following: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN). Optionally, the source cell C-RNTI encoded in the source RAT format is also included in the VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report, for example, the source cell C-RNTI is used by the source RAT to identify the UE and related information (e.g., information in the InterRATSuccessHO-Report), especially when the UE's context is released in the source RAT.

[0257] In order to achieve successful decoding and MRO purposes in the network side, when the UE reports the InterRATSuccessHO-Report or successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node) to the receiving node (e.g., BS 904, which is the serving node of the UE after the successful inter-RAT HO process, and BS 904 may be a target network node or a third-party network node), the UE also encodes the cell information associated with the source cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell) into the format of the receiving node, and the UE reports the cell information associated with the source cell to the receiving node. Then, based on the cell information associated with the source cell, the InterRATSuccessHO-Report or successful inter-RAT HO related information encoded in the source RAT format may be transmitted by the receiving node to the source RAT (e.g., source BS 902) for MRO. In some embodiments, when the source RAT detects that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of the trigger condition generated or configured by the source RAT, the source RAT performs MRO analysis and optimization for the inter-RAT HO related parameters. In some embodiments, when the source RAT detects that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of a trigger condition generated or configured by the target RAT (e.g., target BS 903):

[0258] (1) Option I: The source RAT notifies the target RAT via a new Xn message or an existing Xn message (e.g., ACCESS AND MOBILITY INDICATION) that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of a trigger condition generated or configured by the target RAT. An indication may be included in the Xn message to indicate that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of a trigger condition generated or configured by the target RAT or an improper configuration in the target RAT, or the cause of the inter-RAT SHR (e.g., the t304 related trigger condition for the inter-RAT SHR is satisfied) may be included in the Xn message.

[0259] Next, the target RAT performs MRO analysis and optimization on inter-RAT HO related parameters.

[0260] (2) Option II: The source RAT encodes the information in the InterRATSuccessHO-Report in the target RAT format (i.e., encoded into the RAT format of the target network node), and sends the InterRATSuccessHO-Report encoded in the target RAT format to the target RAT via a new Xn message or an existing Xn message (e.g., ACCESS AND MOBILITY INDICATION). The target RAT then performs MRO analysis and optimization on the inter-RAT HO related parameters.

[0261] For example, in Fig. 9 In some embodiments shown in , the configuration for storing, logging / recording, generating or reporting the inter-RAT SHR may be configured to the UE 901, for example, via a MobilityFromNRCommand message for inter-RAT handover from NR to E-UTRAN or via a MobilityFromEUTRACommand message for inter-RAT handover from E-UTRAN to NR. In operation 911, the UE 901 receives a command for inter-RAT handover from the source BS 902. For example, if the source BS 902 is a gNB, the command is a MobilityFromNRCommand message. If the source BS 902 is an eNB, the command is a MobilityFromEUTRACommand message.

[0262] In operation 912, in an inter-RAT HO process, if both condition 2 (e.g., a second threshold generated or configured by the source BS 902) and condition 3 (e.g., a third threshold generated or configured by the target BS 903) are configured and satisfied, then UE 901 generates a variable, such as VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report. The successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report or VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report includes the source cell information of the source BS 902 (including: PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN; and the measurement results of the source cell of the source BS 902 when performing or completing the inter-RAT HO), the target cell information of the target BS 903 (for example, including: PLMN-Identity, Cell Identity and TrackingAreaCode, or PCI and ARFCN; and the measurement results of the target cell of the target BS 903 when performing or completing the inter-RAT HO), interRATSHR-Cause (t312-cause or interRATt312-cause set to "true", and t304-cause set to "true"), ra-InformationCommon and the target cell C-RNTI. The successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report or VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report is encoded into the format of the source BS 902 (for example, if the source RAT is a NG RAN node, then VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report is encoded into the NR format; if the source RAT is an EUTRAN node, then VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report is encoded into the LTE format).

[0263] “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report” encoded in NR format means that “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report” is encoded based on 3GPP TS38.331. “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report” encoded in LTE format means that “VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “InterRATSuccessHO-Report” or “successful inter-RAT HO related information in VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report” is encoded based on 3GPP TS36.331.

[0264] Optionally, the source cell C-RNTI encoded in the format of the source BS 902 is also included in the VarInterRATSuccessHO-Report or InterRATSuccessHO-Report, for example, the source cell C-RNTI is used by the source RAT to identify UE 901 and related information (for example, the information in InterRATSuccessHO-Report), especially when the context of UE 901 is released in the source BS 902.

[0265] In some embodiments, if the node that serves as the UE's serving node after a successful inter-RAT HO procedure request or reception of an inter-RAT HO is an eNB (e.g., it may be a third-party network node or a target network node), the UE 901 sends {InterRATSuccessHO-Report encoded in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node), cell information associated with the source cell encoded in the LTE format (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell)} to a receiving node, such as the BS 904. The cell information associated with the source cell encoded in the LTE format means that the cell information associated with the source cell is encoded based on 3GPP TS36.331. In the example Fig. 9 In some embodiments shown in the figure, the receiving node may also be referred to as a network node connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process, which may be a source network node (e.g., a source BS) or a target network node (e.g., a target BS), or a third-party network node different from the source network node and the target network node.

[0266] In some embodiments, if the node serving as the UE's serving node after a successful inter-RAT HO procedure request or receiving successful inter-RAT HO related information or inter-RAT HO is a gNB (e.g., it may be a third-party network node), the UE 901 sends {InterRATSuccessHO-Report encoded in the source RAT format (i.e., encoded in the RAT format of the source network node), cell information associated with the source cell encoded in the NR format (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell)} to a receiving node, such as the BS 904. The cell information associated with the source cell encoded in the NR format means that the cell information associated with the source cell is encoded based on 3GPP TS38.331.

[0267] Prior to operation 913, UE 901 may send an indication to BS 904, for example, via an RRC setup complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or an RRC reconfiguration complete message, indicating that UE 901 has stored or generated successful inter-RAT HO related information or that UE 901 has an InterRATSuccessHO-Report.

[0268] Based on the cell information associated with the source cell (e.g., CGI-Info-Logging of the source cell), the BS 904 may send the InterRATSuccessHO-Report to the source BS 902. Then, the source BS 902 decodes the InterRATSuccessHO-Report. When the source BS 902 detects that the nearly failed inter-RAT successful HO is due to the satisfaction of condition 2, the source BS 902 may perform MRO analysis and optimization for the inter-RAT HO related parameters. When the source BS 902 detects that the nearly failed inter-RAT successful HO is due to the satisfaction of condition 3:

[0269] (1) Option I: In operation 915A, the source BS 902 notifies the target BS 903 via a new Xn message or an existing Xn message (e.g., ACCESS AND MOBILITY INDICATION) that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of the T304 related condition for triggering the inter-RAT SHR. The indication may be included in the Xn message to indicate that the inter-RAT SHR is triggered due to the satisfaction of the T304 related condition for triggering the inter-RAT SHR or a RACH problem in the target BS 903, or that there is a configuration problem for configuring parameters associated with the inter-RAT HO in the target BS 903. Then, the target BS 903 performs MRO analysis and optimization.

[0270] (2) Option II: In operation 915B, the source BS 902 encodes the information in the InterRATSuccessHO-Report in the target RAT format (e.g., if the target BS 903 is an eNB, then the LTE format); and in operation 916B, the source BS 902 sends the InterRATSuccessHO-Report encoded in the target RAT or LTE format to the target BS 903. Then, the target BS 903 performs MRO analysis and optimization.

[0271] Fig.10 An exemplary block diagram of a device 1000 for an inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. Fig.10 , the apparatus 1000 may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1002, at least one receiving circuit system 1004, at least one transmitting circuit system 1006, and at least one processor 1008 coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium 1002, the receiving circuit system 1004, and the transmitting circuit system 1006. The at least one processor 1008 may be a CPU, a DSP, a microprocessor, etc. The apparatus 1000 may be a network node (e.g., a BS) or a UE configured to perform the methods described above or the like.

[0272] Although in this figure, elements such as at least one processor 1008, receiving circuit system 1004, and transmitting circuit system 1006 are described in singular form, plural forms are also considered unless it is explicitly stated to be limited to the singular form. In some embodiments of the present application, the receiving circuit system 1004 and the transmitting circuit system 1006 can be combined into a single device, such as a transceiver. In certain embodiments of the present application, the device 1000 may further include an input device, a memory, and / or other components.

[0273] In some embodiments of the present application, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 1002 may store thereon computer-executable instructions to enable the processor to implement the method for the UE or network node (e.g., BS) as described or illustrated above. For example, when the computer-executable instructions are executed, the processor 1008 interacts with the receiving circuit system 1004 and the transmitting circuit system 1006 to perform the steps for the UE or network node (e.g., BS) as described or illustrated above.

[0274] Fig.11 Another exemplary block diagram of an apparatus 1100 for an inter-RAT HO process according to some embodiments of the present application is illustrated. Fig.11 , the device 1100 (e.g., a BS or a UE) may include at least one processor 1102 and at least one transceiver 1104 coupled to the at least one processor 1102. The transceiver 1104 may include at least one separate receiving circuit system 1106 and transmitting circuit system 1108, or at least one integrated receiving circuit system 1106 and transmitting circuit system 1108. The at least one processor 1102 may be a CPU, a DSP, a microprocessor, etc.

[0275] According to some embodiments of the present application, when the device 1100 is a UE, the processor 1102 is configured to: receive a configuration regarding first information associated with a successful completion of a handover (HO) process between radio access technologies (RATs), wherein the configuration is related to at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information; and generate at least one report containing the first information in response to satisfaction of the at least one trigger condition.

[0276] According to some other embodiments of the present application, when the device 1100 is a source network node (e.g., a source BS), the processor 1102 is configured to: generate a configuration of information associated with a successful completion of an inter-RAT HO process of the UE, wherein the configuration is related to at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the information; and transmit the configuration to the UE via the transceiver 1104.

[0277] According to some other embodiments of the present application, when the device 1100 is a target network node (e.g., a target BS), the processor 1102 is configured to: generate a configuration of information associated with a successful completion of an inter-RAT HO process of the UE, wherein the configuration is related to at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the information; and transmit the configuration to the source network node via the transceiver 1104.

[0278] According to some other embodiments of the present application, when the device 1100 is a network node (e.g., a BS), the processor 1102 is configured to: receive at least one report containing information associated with a successful completion of an inter-RAT HO process from a UE via a transceiver 1104, wherein the network node is connected to the UE after completing the inter-RAT HO process; and transmit the at least one report containing the information to at least one of a source network node or a target network node via the transceiver 1104.

[0279] The methods of the present disclosure may be implemented on a programmed processor. However, the controller, flow charts, and modules may also be implemented on a general or special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit components, an integrated circuit, a hardware electronic or logic circuit (e.g., a discrete component circuit), a programmable logic device, or the like. In general, any device having a finite state machine capable of implementing the flow charts shown in the figures may be used to implement the processing functions of the present disclosure.

[0280] Although the present disclosure has been described by its specific embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the described embodiments may be interchanged, added or replaced in other embodiments. Moreover, all elements of each figure are not necessary for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, it will enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the teachings of the present disclosure by simply adopting the elements of the independent claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0281] In this document, the term "includes", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or equipment containing a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to this process, method, article or equipment. In the absence of more restrictions, an element starting with "a", "an" or the like does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or equipment containing the element. Moreover, the term "another" is defined as at least the second or more. As used herein, the term "having" and the like are defined as "including". For example, the expression of "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" may include any and all combinations of words enumerated together with the expression. For example, the expression "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" may include A, B or both A and B. The wording "first", "second" or the like is only used to clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application, rather than being used to limit the essence of the present application.

Claims

1. A user equipment UE, comprising: Transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: receiving a configuration regarding first information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure, wherein the configuration is related to at least one triggering condition for the UE to store the first information; and At least one report including the first information is generated in response to satisfaction of the at least one triggering condition.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the at least one trigger condition comprises two or more trigger conditions, and wherein in order to generate the at least one report, in response to the satisfaction of the two or more trigger conditions, the processor of the UE is configured to: generating two or more reports containing said first information; or Only one report is generated containing said first information.

3. The UE according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each report within the at least one report or the first information comprises at least one of the following: information associated with a source cell of a source network node; information associated with a target cell of a target network node; A cell radio network temporary identifier C-RNTI of the source cell; The C-RNTI of the target cell; at least one cause associated with the at least one triggering condition; or Information associated with radio access (RA) operations of the UE. 4 . The UE of claim 2 , wherein one report within the two or more reports is associated with one trigger condition within the two or more trigger conditions.

5. The UE of claim 4, wherein the processor of the UE is configured to encode the one report or the first information within the one report based on a RAT type of a network node, and the network node generates the one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information within the one report.

6. The UE according to claim 5, wherein the one report or the first information within the one report is encoded as: The RAT format of the source network node; or The RAT format of the target network node.

7. The UE of claim 4, wherein the processor of the UE is configured to: generating second information associated with a cell of a first network node, wherein the first network node generates the one triggering condition for the UE to store the first information in the one report, and wherein the second information comprises at least one of: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN); and After completing the inter-RAT HO procedure, the one report and the second information are transmitted via the transceiver to a network node connected to the UE.

8. The UE of claim 2, wherein the processor of the UE is configured to encode the only one report or the first information included in the only one report based on a RAT type of a target network node.

9. The UE of claim 8, wherein the processor of the UE is configured to: generating cell information associated with a target cell of the target network node; and After completing the inter-RAT HO procedure, the only one report and the cell information are transmitted via the transceiver to a network node connected to the UE, wherein the cell information includes at least one of the following: a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity (ID), a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier (PCI), or an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN).

10. The UE of claim 2, wherein the processor of the UE is configured to encode the only one report or the first information included in the only one report based on a RAT type of a source network node.

11. The UE of claim 10, wherein the processor of the UE is configured to: generating cell information associated with a source cell of the source network node, wherein the cell information comprises at least one of: a public land mobile network PLMN identity ID, a cell ID, a tracking area code, a physical cell identifier PCI, or an absolute radio frequency channel number ARFCN; and After completing the inter-RAT HO procedure, the only one report and the cell information are transmitted via the transceiver to a network node connected to the UE.

12. The UE according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the RAT format of the source network node, the RAT format of the target network node, or the RAT format of the network node connected to the UE is one of the following: Format of the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network UTRAN; Evolved UTRAN E-UTRAN format; The format of the new radio (NR); and The next generation format.

13. The UE according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processor of the UE is configured to: after completing the inter-RAT HO procedure, transmit, via the transceiver, an indication for indicating generation of the at least one report to a network node connected to the UE; receiving, via the transceiver, a request from the network node for the at least one report or the first information; and The at least one report is transmitted via the transceiver to the network node.

14. A source network node, comprising: Transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: generating a first configuration regarding first information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure of a user equipment (UE), wherein the first configuration is associated with at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information; and The first configuration is transmitted to the UE via the transceiver.

15. A target network node, comprising: Transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: generating a second configuration regarding first information associated with a successful completion of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover (HO) procedure of a user equipment (UE), wherein the second configuration is related to at least one trigger condition for the UE to store the first information; and The second configuration is transmitted via the transceiver to a source network node.

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