Handling condition switching

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to handling condition switching. Example embodiments relate to a solution for handling condition switching. In the solution, a first device receives configuration information from a second device, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device. And, in accordance with a determination that a first condition for handover to the first candidate cell is satisfied, continuing to evaluate a second condition for handover to a second candidate cell for a period of time, in which the first device is served by a first serving cell and a second serving cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for handling conditional switching. Background Art

[0002] Dual Connectivity (DC) is an operation mode in which a terminal device (e.g., user equipment, UE) can be configured to utilize radio resources provided by two network nodes. The first network node serves the terminal device as a master node (MN), and the second network node serves the terminal device as a secondary node (SN). The MN and SN can be deployed in the same network device (sometimes also referred to as intra-gNB), or the MN and SN can be deployed in two different network devices (sometimes also referred to as inter-gNB).

[0003] Due to the mobility of the UE and the deterioration of communication conditions, the UE may need to switch to a new (multiple) cell, and sometimes may need to switch from DC mode to a single connection. Compared with a single connection, DC can achieve higher throughput and reliability. Therefore, it is expected to further discuss how to avoid inappropriate switching from DC mode to a single connection. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first device at least: receives configuration information from a second device, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device; and according to determining that a first condition for switching to the first candidate cell is satisfied, continues to evaluate a second condition for switching to the second candidate cell within a time period, wherein the first device is served by a first serving cell and a second serving cell.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second device at least: sends configuration information to a first device served by a first service cell and a second service cell, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device, wherein the configuration information also indicates at least one of the following items: an indication indicating that the first device is allowed to continue to evaluate a second condition after a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being used to switch to the first candidate cell and the second condition being used to switch to the second candidate cell, the length of a time period, wherein the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the time period after the first condition is satisfied, and a threshold quality, wherein if the communication quality of the second service cell is lower than the threshold quality, the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the time period after the first condition is satisfied.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving configuration information from a second device at a first device, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device; and continuing to evaluate a second condition for switching to the second candidate cell within a time period according to determining that a first condition for switching to the first candidate cell is satisfied, wherein the first device is served by a first serving cell and a second serving cell.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: sending configuration information at a second device to a first device served by a first serving cell and a second serving cell, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device, wherein the configuration information further indicates at least one of the following items: an indication indicating that the first device is allowed to continue to evaluate a second condition after a first condition is satisfied, the first condition being used to switch to the first candidate cell and the second condition being used to switch to the second candidate cell, a time length of a time period, wherein the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the time period after the first condition is satisfied, and a threshold quality, wherein if the communication quality of the second serving cell is lower than the threshold quality, the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the time period after the first condition is satisfied.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes a component for receiving configuration information from a second device, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device; and a component for continuing to evaluate a second condition for switching to the second candidate cell within a time period according to determining that a first condition for switching to the first candidate cell is satisfied, wherein the first device is served by a first serving cell and a second serving cell.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for transmitting configuration information to a first device served by a first service cell and a second service cell, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device. Wherein, the configuration information also indicates at least one of the following items: an indication that the first device is allowed to continue to evaluate the second condition after the first condition is met, the first condition is used to switch to the first candidate cell, the second condition is used to switch to the second candidate cell, the length of the time period, wherein the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the period after the first condition is met, or a threshold quality, wherein if the communication quality of the second service cell is lower than the threshold quality, the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the period after the first condition is met.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present invention will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary communication environment in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 An example timeline for treatment condition switching is shown;

[0016] Figure 3A shows a signaling diagram for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3B shows an example timeline for treatment condition switching according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 shows a signaling diagram for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 shows another signaling diagram for communications according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 7 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 8 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Fig. 9 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The principle of the present invention will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration, and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to the embodiments described below, the embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways.

[0026] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0027] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect these features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments (whether or not explicitly described).

[0028] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0029] As used herein, similar expressions such as “at least one of: a list of two or more elements” and “at least one of a list of two or more elements” where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or” refer to at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0030] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step “in response to A” does not mean performing the step immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0031] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of the features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implementation only in analog and / or digital circuits), and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor with software (including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(s) that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), but which may not be present when not needed for operation.

[0033] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or its) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0034] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC), etc. In addition, according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocol, and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network can be performed. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there are of course future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement the present disclosure. It should not be considered that the scope of the present disclosure is limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0035] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses a network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node (such as a femto, a micro), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or a non-terrestrial network device, such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion, the IAB-MT portion behaves like a user equipment (UE) to a parent node, and the DU portion of the IAB node behaves like a base station to the next hop IAB node.

[0036] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS) or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IOT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automatic processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an IAB node (eg, a relay node).In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource" or "downlink resource" may refer to any resource used to perform communication (e.g., communication between a terminal device and a network device), such as a resource in the time domain, a resource in the frequency domain, a resource in the space domain, a resource in the code domain, or any other resource that enables communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated, resources in the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as examples of transmission resources for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0038] In Release 17, Conditional Handover (CHO) in Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) is restricted to scenarios where the target MN is able to prepare a single target Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell) (under the control of the SN). This limits the usefulness of the CHO MR-DC feature where the UE may need to access different target PSCells when CHO needs to be performed.

[0039] Therefore, it is necessary to further study the mechanism for CHO in MR-DC as follows: in which the target MN can prepare multiple target PSCells for the same target PCell. For example, taking the CHO including the target primary cell group (MCG) and the target secondary cell group (SCG) as the baseline, the CHO including the target MCG and multiple candidate SCGs for conditional PSCell change (CPC) / conditional PSCell addition (CPA) (CPAC) in NR-DC can be further studied.

[0040] In summary, the UE may have a configuration including a CHO configuration and a CPAC configuration, i.e., considering the execution conditions of each cell given in the handover configuration, the UE will conditionally handover to both the PCell and the PSCell.

[0041] It has been agreed to support simultaneous evaluation of CHO and CPC. According to the protocol, the UE shall not need to unpack any nested Conditional Configuration containers to make measurements.

[0042] In the case where the UE is configured with both a CHO configuration and a CPC configuration, when both CHO and CPC conditions are met, both CHO and CPC procedures are performed. In some embodiments, the UE is (always) required to wait until both CHO and CPC conditions are met. Furthermore, it is assumed that the network can provide a supplementary CHO-only configuration if necessary to avoid failures in deployments that might otherwise fail.

[0043] Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the CHO condition is met but the CPC condition is not met, CHO is triggered to be executed (and the source SCG may be released in some way). Specifically, when the CHO execution condition is met but the CPC execution condition is not met, if there is an available CHO-only or Rel-17 CHO with SCG configuration that meets the CHO condition, the UE performs CHO-only or Rel-17 CHO with SCG execution, so the network can handle such a situation by providing appropriate configuration.

[0044] In some embodiments, the CHO configuration may include a target MCG and a target SCG in NR-DC, and the UE may be configured with a PCell CHO condition without a PScell ​​condition, although the UE is expected to perform a PCell handover with a PScell. In this case, once the execution conditions for PCell CHO are met, the UE may apply the configuration for the PCell and PSCell and send the corresponding preambles to each RAN node and send an RRC reconfiguration complete to the master node.

[0045] In some embodiments, the CHO configuration may include the target MCG and candidate SCG of CPC / CPA in NR-DC, and the network will configure multiple PCell CHO conditions and multiple candidate PSCell CPC conditions in a mix and match manner, and configure their corresponding cell configurations to the UE via RRC messages. In this case, the UE will then monitor both the CHO conditions and the CPAC conditions to trigger the handover.

[0046] The following is the handover delay for conditional handover from the perspective of RAN4, denoted as D handover Specifically, when the UE receives an RRC message implying a conditional handover, the UE shall switch to the next RRC message within D from the end of the last TTI containing the RRC command. handover Be ready to start new uplink Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission within seconds. D handover =T RRC +T Event_DU +T measure +T interrupt +T CHO_execution . in: T RRC is the RRC process delay; T Event_DU is the delay uncertainty, which is the time from when the UE successfully decodes the conditional handover command until the condition that will trigger the conditional handover exists at the measurement reference point; T measure is the measurement time; T CHO_execution is the conditional execution preparation time. T CHO_execution It is defined as the execution preparation time of the UE for conditional handover and starts after the UE knows that the conditions for CHO are met and the identity of the target cell is determined. CHO_execution can be up to 10ms; and T interrupt It is the interruption time.

[0047] T interrupt Defined as the time between the time the UE starts to perform a conditional handover to the target cell and the time the UE starts transmitting a new PRACH. From the RAN4 perspective, when the UE prepares for the RACH procedure after the conditions are met, there is a period T before the interruption CHO_execution RAN2 does not know the preparation time.

[0048] That is, from the perspective of RAN2, once the condition is met, the UE starts to perform the cell change. However, if the execution of the cell change refers to a RACH procedure that causes an interruption time, then from the perspective of the delay component defined in RAN4, from the perspective of RAN4, the execution does not start immediately after the condition is met.

[0049] As described above, due to the mobility of the UE and the deterioration of communication conditions, the UE may need to switch to a new (multiple) cell, and may sometimes need to switch from DC mode to a single connection. Compared with a single connection, DC can achieve higher throughput and reliability. Therefore, it is expected to avoid inappropriate switching from DC mode to a single connection.

[0050] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, a solution for handling conditional switching is provided. In the solution, a first device (e.g., a terminal device) is served by a first service cell and a second service cell (i.e., in DC mode). In operation, the first device receives configuration information from a second device (e.g., a network device), wherein the configuration information indicates a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device. Then, in the event that the first condition for switching to the first candidate cell is met, the first device continues to evaluate the second condition for switching to the second candidate cell within a time period.

[0051] In this way, when the first device is operating in DC mode, when the conditional handover to the first candidate cell is triggered, the first device does not immediately fall back to a single connection. Instead, the first device will continue to evaluate the second condition for handover to the second candidate cell. In this way, the first device can continue to operate in DC mode, and thus can avoid inappropriate transition from DC mode to a single connection.

[0052] As used herein, the terms "gap," "duration," "period," "cycle," "length of time," and "window" may be used interchangeably.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "target" and "candidate" may be used interchangeably.

[0054] As used herein, the terms "source" and "service" may be used interchangeably.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "CPAC," "CPC," and "CPA" may be used interchangeably.

[0056] In the following, CHO will be used as an example of a “first conditional cell change configuration”, CPC will be used as an example of a “second conditional cell change configuration”, PCell will be used as an example of a “first serving cell”, PSCell will be used as an example of a “second serving cell”, candidate PCell will be used as an example of a “first candidate cell”, and candidate PSCell will be used as an example of a “second candidate cell”. It should be noted that these example embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not suggest any limitation.

[0057] It should be noted that any section / subsection titles provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments are described throughout this document, and any type of embodiment may be included under any section / subsection. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in any section / subsection may be combined in any manner with any other embodiments described in the same section / subsection and / or in different sections / subsections. Example Environment

[0058] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the communication environment 100, a plurality of communication devices including a first apparatus 110, a primary node 120-1, and a secondary node 120-2 may communicate with each other.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the primary node 120 - 1 and the secondary node 120 - 2 provide services for the terminal device 130 .

[0060] The service area of ​​the primary node 120-1 and the secondary node 120-2 is called a cell. Figure 1As shown, a group of cells of the master node 120-1 includes a primary cell 150-1 and a secondary cell 150-2. Further, the group of cells of the master node 120-1 is referred to as MCG 150, and the primary cell 150-1 is also referred to as PCell 150-1.

[0061] A group of cells of the secondary node 120-2 includes a primary cell 160-1 and a secondary cell 160-2. In addition, the group of cells of the secondary node 120-2 is referred to as SCG 160, and the primary cell 160-1 is also referred to as PSCell 160-1. PCell 150-1 and PSCell 160-1 may be collectively referred to as SpCell.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the master node 120-1 and the secondary node 120-2 may be deployed at the same network device (sometimes also referred to as intra-gNB). Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the master node 120-1 and the secondary node 120-2 may be deployed at two different network devices (sometimes also referred to as inter-gNB).

[0063] In the following, for the purpose of illustration, some example embodiments are described in which the first device 110 operates as a terminal device and the primary node 120-1 / secondary node 120-2 operates as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in conjunction with the terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other device, and the operations described in conjunction with the network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other device.

[0064] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the master node 120-1 / secondary node 120-2 is a network device, the link from the master node 120-1 / secondary node 120-2 to the first device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the master node 120-1 / secondary node 120-2 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the master node 120-1 / secondary node 120-2 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the master node 120-1 / secondary node 120-2 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0065] The communication in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc., and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, the communication may use any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future. Working principles and example signaling for communication

[0066] Based on the handover delay definition in RAN4, T Event_DU The indication condition will exist, but the UE can only know it through measurement, which is determined by the measurement delay T measure Mark. Now refer to Figure 2 , which shows an example timeline 200 for treatment condition switching.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, upon receiving the RRC configuration (which includes the PCell CHO condition and the PSCell CPAC condition) from the network, the UE will first decode the RRC message, obtain the corresponding measurement information, and start measurement on the candidate PCell and PSCell.

[0068] The UE can determine whether the PCell CHO condition / PSCell CPAC condition is met based on the measurement results. Figure 2 In T measure_PCell At the end (ie, T3), the PCell CHO condition is satisfied, and it can be determined that at T measure_PSCell At the end (ie, T4) the PSCell CPAC condition is met.

[0069] exist Figure 2 In the example of , at time point T3, the radio condition of the PSCell CPAC condition has been met, but the UE is not aware of it (this is because the UE has not yet measured the SSB of the target cell to know that the PSCell condition has been met).

[0070] According to the RAN2 protocol, when the CHO conditions are met, but the PSCell CPAC conditions are not met, the UE will perform a CHO-only configuration (additional configuration), or perform Rel-17 CHO with SCG execution, if such a configuration is provided. This means that the UE will transition from DC mode to single connection. In addition, when performing CHO, the UE will spend Figure 2 T RRC-CHO The additional time to decode the additional configuration is marked and requires T RRC-execution For use in preparing CHO.

[0071] The above fallback process causes additional decoding time and causes the UE to switch from dual connectivity to single connectivity, which reduces throughput. In addition, since the PSCell condition is actually satisfied, the fallback process is not optimal and necessary, and it is desirable to avoid the fallback process. According to the present disclosure, the above inappropriate fallback process can be avoided.

[0072] The following will refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 discuss Figure 3A , 3B , 4 and 5, for example, by using the first device 110.

[0073] exist Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example of , the first device 110 can be used as a terminal device. It should be understood that the operations at the first device 110 and the second device (e.g., a network device, which can be a primary node or a secondary node) should be coordinated. In other words, the second device and the first device 110 should have a common understanding of rules, configurations, parameters, etc. Such a common understanding can be achieved by any suitable interaction or by applying the same rules / policies.

[0074] In the following, although some operations are described from the perspective of the first device 110, it is to be understood that the corresponding operations should be performed by the second device. Similarly, although some operations are described from the perspective of the second device, it is to be understood that the corresponding operations should be performed by the first device 110. For the sake of brevity, some of the same or similar contents are omitted here.

[0075] In addition, in the following description, examples of message types (such as "RRC message", "MAC CE", "DCI") are only used for illustrative purposes and do not suggest any limitation. In other example embodiments, any suitable message type can be used for the interaction between the first device 110 and the second device.

[0076] Reference now Figure 3A , which shows a signaling diagram 300A for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] exist Figure 3A In the example, the first device 110 may be served by the first serving cell and the second serving cell, that is, the first device 110 may operate in DC mode. Further, in some example embodiments, the first serving cell may be a primary cell (PCell) and the second serving cell may be a primary secondary cell (PSCell).

[0078] In operation, the first device 110 receives configuration information 310 from the second device (e.g., the primary node 120-1 or the secondary node 120-2), wherein the configuration information indicates: a first conditional cell change configuration, such as a CHO configuration, associated with a first candidate cell of the first device 110, and A second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device 110 , such as a CPC configuration.

[0079] Then, based on determining that the first condition for handover to the first candidate cell is satisfied, the first device 110 continues 340 to evaluate the second condition for handover to the second candidate cell within the time period.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the first candidate cell may be a candidate PCell and the second candidate cell may be a candidate PSCell.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first and second conditional cell change configurations (eg, CHO configuration and CPC configuration) may be included in an RRC reconfiguration message, which may include an MCG configuration and an SCG configuration.

[0082] In some embodiments, based on determining that the first condition for switching to the first candidate cell is satisfied, the first device 110 may continue to evaluate the second condition for switching to the second candidate cell for a period of time prior to the interruption caused by sending the PRACH.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be configured to allow the second condition to continue to be evaluated after the first condition. As an example embodiment, continuing to evaluate the second condition after the first condition may be defined as a mandatory / default operation by a communication organization (such as 3GPP), or predefined by a network operator or service provider. As another example embodiment, a second device serving the first device 110 may send an indication to the first device 110, which indicates that the first device 110 is allowed to continue to evaluate the second condition after the first condition is satisfied.

[0084] In some embodiments, when the first condition is satisfied, the first device 110 may start CHO preparation to the target cell.

[0085] In some example embodiments, based on determining that the second condition for switching to the second candidate cell is satisfied within the time period, the first device 110 may trigger 350 a switch to the first candidate cell and the second candidate cell. In other words, by extending the evaluation time of the second condition after the first condition is satisfied, the first device 110 may continue to operate in DC mode, which avoids an inappropriate transition from DC mode to a single connection.

[0086] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, in response to the second condition not being satisfied after the period, the first device 110 may switch to the first candidate cell. Continuity of communication is ensured.

[0087] In some example embodiments, whether to extend the evaluation of the second condition after the first condition is satisfied may be conditionally performed, for example based on current communication conditions. Specifically, the first device 110 may determine 320 the communication quality of the second candidate cell; and in response to the difference between the communication quality and the communication quality of the second serving cell required by the second condition being lower than a threshold quality, continue to evaluate the second condition.

[0088] In some example embodiments, based on a measurement resource (such as a periodic SSB resource), the first device 110 may periodically determine the communication quality of the second candidate cell.

[0089] In some embodiments, the threshold quality is predefined as a default value (e.g., 1 db). As an example, the value of the threshold quality may be predefined by a communications organization (such as 3GPP) or by a network operator or service provider. In this way, the value of the threshold quality may be applied as a default configuration and no additional signaling exchange is required.

[0090] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the value of the threshold quality may be dynamically or semi-statically configured, for example, by a second device serving the first device 110 or reported by the first device 110 as a UE capability.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the length of the extended evaluation time period may be limited to a reasonable range. In some example embodiments, the length of the time period may be associated with at least one of the following: a first length of time required to decode a handover configuration for handover to the first cell, or The second duration corresponds to a length of time for preparing to switch to the first cell.

[0092] In some embodiments, the time length of the period is predefined as a default value. As an example, at least one rule is predefined by a communication organization (such as 3GPP) or predefined by a network operator or service provider. In this way, at least one rule can be applied as a default configuration and no additional signaling exchange is required.

[0093] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the time length of the period may be dynamically or semi-statically configured, for example, configured by a second device serving the first device 110 or reported by the first device 110 as a UE capability.

[0094] According to the above example process, inappropriate fallback to a single connection can be avoided.In summary, by specifying appropriate conditions and introducing a time extension for evaluating PScell, after the CHO conditions are met, the UE will continue to evaluate PScell ​​until CHO preparation (ie, decoding of the target PCell configuration) is completed.

[0095] Optionally, the UE performs the evaluation if the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the previous PScell ​​measurement occasion is 1 dB less than the CPC condition.

[0096] Just to better understand the above process, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Two example embodiments are discussed.

[0097] Reference now Figure 4 , which shows a signaling diagram 400 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] In some example embodiments, if the UE is configured with SCG, the source MN (S-MN) may initiate 402 a conditional handover preparation procedure including MCG configuration and SCG configuration. Specifically, the S-MN may transmit a HO request to the candidate MN (T-MN).

[0099] In some example embodiments, the candidate MN may send 404, 406 SN Add Request messages to the candidate SNs (T-SN1 and T-SN2) to include CPAC configuration in CHO preparation. The candidate MN includes CHO related information, i.e., source MN ID and MN UE XnAP ID in the source MN, in the SN Add Request message to indicate that the SN Add Preparation process is triggered in relation to CHO and to enable the SN to identify requests related to the same UE.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the candidate SNs (T-SN1 and T-SN2) may reply with an SN add request confirm message 408, 410. Optionally, the candidate SNs (T-SN1 and T-SN2) may include an indication of a full or delta RRC configuration.

[0101] In some example embodiments, for SN terminated bearers using MCG resources, the candidate MN may provide 412 Xn-U DL TNL address information in an Xn-U address indication message.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the candidate MN includes a MN RRC reconfiguration message (within the Handover Request Ack message) that will be sent to the UE to perform the conditional handover and may also provide a forwarding address to the source MN. If a PDU session split is performed on the target side during the handover, more than one data forwarding address corresponding to each node is included in the Handover Request Ack message. Figure 4 In the process, the T-MN may send 414 a handover request confirmation message to the source MN.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the source MN may send 416 an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE, including a CHO configuration, i.e., a list of RRC reconfiguration messages and associated execution conditions, wherein each RRC reconfiguration message contains the MCG configuration and possible SCG configuration in the RRC reconfiguration message received from the candidate SN in action 408 / 410.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the UE may apply the received RRC reconfiguration message, store the CHO configuration, and may also reply 418 to the source MN with an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0105] In some example embodiments, when receiving the RRC reconfiguration message from the source MN, the UE may decode 420 the RRC message and obtain the measurement configuration of the candidate Pcell and PSCell and start measuring. While measuring, the UE checks whether the measurement of the Pcell and PSCell is below a corresponding condition such as 1 dB (or other defined threshold). This operation is repeated when there is a measurement opportunity. If this check is met, the UE will extend the evaluation of the PScell ​​until the CHO preparation time ends.

[0106] In another example, the UE may perform 422 measurements, and the PCell RSRP measurements show that the CHO condition is met.

[0107] In some example embodiments, if the conditions in operation 420 are met, once the CHO conditions are met, the UE will start 424 preparation of a RACH procedure for the PCell while continuing to measure the PScell.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the UE may measure 426 the PScell, and the measurement shows that the CPC condition is met. The UE may then perform 428 a RACH procedure for the PCell and perform 430 a RACH procedure for the PScell, and the UE may indicate 432 an RRC reconfiguration complete with SN RRC reconfiguration complete to the target MN, and to the candidate SN (T-SN1) via the candidate MN (the candidate MN sends 434 an RRC reconfiguration complete to T-SN1).

[0109] In some example embodiments, the T-MN notifies 436 the source MN of the handover success. Thus, the T-MN and the S-MN may perform 438 data forwarding and path switching. Finally, the T-MN notifies 440 the source MN and via the source MN notifies 442 the source SN of the release of the UE context.

[0110] Reference now Figure 5 , which shows a signaling diagram 500 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0111] In operation, the UE is configured 550 to allow continued measurement of the target PSCell during decoding of the target PCell configuration. Specifically, RAN4 requires that the UE may be allowed to continue measuring the target PSCell at least during decoding of the target PCell configuration.

[0112] In some example embodiments, if the UE is configured with an SCG, the source MN (S-MN) may start 502 the conditional handover procedure by initiating an Xn handover preparation procedure including MCG configuration and SCG configuration.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the candidate MN (T-MN) may send 504 and 506 SN add request messages to the candidate SNs (T-SN1 and T-SN2). The candidate MN includes CHO related information, i.e., source MN ID and MN UE XnAP ID in the source MN, in the SN add request message to indicate that the SN add preparation process is triggered in relation to CHO and to enable the SN to identify requests related to the same UE.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the candidate SNs (T-SN1 and T-SN2) may reply with an SN add request confirm message 508 and 510. Optionally, the candidate SNs (T-SN1 and T-SN2) may include an indication of a full or delta RRC configuration.

[0115] In some example embodiments, for SN terminated bearers using MCG resources, the candidate MN may provide 512 Xn-U DL TNL address information in an Xn-U address indication message.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the candidate MN includes a MN RRC reconfiguration message (within the Handover Request Ack message) that will be sent to the UE to perform the conditional handover and may also provide a forwarding address to the source MN. If a PDU session split is performed on the target side during the handover, more than one data forwarding address corresponding to each node is included in the Handover Request Ack message. Figure 5 In the process, the T-MN may send 514 a handover request confirmation message to the source MN.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the source MN may send 516 an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE, including a CHO configuration, i.e., a list of RRC reconfiguration messages and associated execution conditions, wherein each RRC reconfiguration message contains the MCG configuration and possible SCG configuration in the RRC reconfiguration message received from the candidate SN in action 508 / 510.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the UE may apply the received RRC reconfiguration message, store the CHO configuration, and may also reply 518 to the source MN with an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0119] In some example embodiments, upon receiving the RRC reconfiguration message from the source MN, the UE may decode 520 the RRC message and obtain measurement configurations of the candidate PCells and PScells and start measurement.

[0120] In another example, the UE may perform 522 measurements, and the PCell RSRP measurements show that the CHO condition is met.

[0121] In some example embodiments, once the CHO conditions are met, the UE will start 524 preparation of the RACH procedure for the PCell while continuing to measure the PScell.

[0122] In some example embodiments, if the next SSB opportunity for the PSCell(s) occurs during the RRC decoding time of the target PCell, the UE may measure 526 the PScell. The measurement shows that the CPC condition is met.

[0123] The UE may then perform 528 a RACH procedure for the PCell and perform 530 a RACH procedure for the PSCell, and the UE may indicate 532 to the target MN, and indicate 534 to the candidate SN (T-SN1) via the candidate MN, that the RRC reconfiguration is complete with SN RRC reconfiguration complete (the candidate MN sends 534 RRC reconfiguration complete to T-SN1).

[0124] In some example embodiments, the T-MN notifies 536 the source MN of the handover success. Thus, the T-MN and the S-MN may perform 538 data forwarding and path switching. Finally, the T-MN notifies 540 the source MN, and via the source MN notifies 542 the source SN of the release of the UE context.

[0125] In summary, if the RSRP value measured by the SSB of the PSCell is lower than the CPC condition ldB (or other threshold) defined in the RRC reconfiguration message, the evaluation of the PSCell at the next measurement opportunity will continue until the end of the CHO preparation time. Example Method

[0126] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, Figure 1 The perspective description method 600 of the first device 110 in FIG.

[0127] At block 610 , a first device receives configuration information from a second device, the configuration information indicating a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device.

[0128] At block 620 , based on determining that the first condition for handover to the first candidate cell is satisfied, the first device continues to evaluate the second condition for handover to the second candidate cell for a period of time, the first device being served by the first serving cell and the second serving cell.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to allow the second condition to continue to be evaluated after the first condition is satisfied based on at least one of: a default configuration rule, or an indication received from a second device serving the first device, the indication indicating that the first device is allowed to continue to evaluate the second condition after the first condition is satisfied.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus triggers a handover to the first candidate cell and the second candidate cell in accordance with determining that the second condition for handover to the second candidate cell is satisfied within the time period.

[0131] In some example embodiments, in response to the second condition not being satisfied after the period of time, the first apparatus switches to the first candidate cell.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the first device determines a communication quality of a second serving candidate cell of the first device; and in response to a difference between the communication quality and the communication quality required by the second condition being below a threshold quality, continues to evaluate the second condition.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the threshold quality is defined as a default value or is configured by a second device serving the first device.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the time length of the time period is associated with at least one of: a first time length required to decode a switching configuration, the switching configuration being used to switch to the first candidate cell, or a second time length corresponding to an execution preparation time length, the execution preparation time length being used to switch to the first candidate cell.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the time period is defined as a default value or is configured by a second device serving the first device.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may continue to evaluate the second condition for switching to the second candidate cell during the period before an interruption caused by performing a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the first serving cell is a primary cell (PCell), the second serving cell is a primary secondary cell (PSCell), and the first candidate cell is a candidate PCell and the second candidate cell is a candidate PSCell.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is a terminal device.

[0139] Figure 71 is a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the second device (such as Figure 1 Method 700 is described from the perspective of the primary node 120-1 or the secondary node 120-2).

[0140] In box 710, the device sends configuration information to a first device served by a first service cell and a second service cell, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device, the configuration information also indicating at least one of the following: an indication, the indication indicating that the first device is allowed to continue to evaluate the second condition after the first condition is met, the first condition is used to switch to the first candidate cell and the second condition is used to switch to the second candidate cell, the length of the time period, wherein the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the time period after the first condition is met, and a threshold quality, wherein if the communication quality of the second service cell is lower than the threshold quality, the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the time period after the first condition is met.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the first serving cell is a primary cell (PCell), the second serving cell is a primary secondary cell (PSCell), and the first candidate cell is a candidate PCell and the second candidate cell is a candidate PSCell.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is a terminal device and the second apparatus is a network device. Example devices, apparatus, and media

[0143] In some example embodiments, a first device (eg, Figure 1 The first device 110 in the method 600 may include a device for performing the corresponding operation of the method 600. The device may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the device may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a component for receiving configuration information from a second device, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device; and a component for continuing to evaluate the second condition for switching to the second candidate cell within a time period based on determining that the first condition for switching to the first candidate cell is satisfied, wherein the first device is served by a first serving cell and a second serving cell.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to allow the second condition to continue to be evaluated after the first condition is satisfied based on at least one of: a default configuration rule, or an indication received from a second device serving the first device, the indication indicating that the first device is allowed to continue to evaluate the second condition after the first condition is satisfied.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for triggering handover to the first candidate cell and the second candidate cell in accordance with determining that the second condition for handover to the second candidate cell is satisfied within the time period.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for switching to the first candidate cell in response to the second condition not being satisfied after the period of time.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: a component for determining a communication quality of a second serving candidate cell of the first device; and a component for continuing to evaluate the second condition in response to a difference between the communication quality and the communication quality required by the second condition being lower than a threshold quality.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the threshold quality is defined as a default value or is configured by a second device serving the first device.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the time length of the time period is associated with at least one of: a first time length required to decode a switching configuration, the switching configuration being used to switch to the first candidate cell, or a second time length corresponding to an execution preparation time length, the execution preparation time length being used to switch to the first candidate cell.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the time period is defined as a default value or is configured by a second device serving the first device.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for continuing to evaluate the second condition for switching to the second candidate cell during the period prior to an interruption caused by performing a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the first serving cell is a primary cell (PCell), the second serving cell is a primary secondary cell (PSCell), and the first candidate cell is a candidate PCell and the second candidate cell is a candidate PSCell.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is a terminal device.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 600 or other operations in some example embodiments of the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause execution of the first apparatus.

[0156] In some example embodiments, a second device capable of performing any of the methods 700 (eg, a second device such as, Figure 1 The primary node 120-1 or the secondary node 120-2 in the method 700 may include a device for performing the corresponding operation of the method 700. The device may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the device may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in the second device, such as, Figure 1 The primary node 120-1 or the secondary node 120-2.

[0157] In some example embodiments, a second device includes a component for transmitting configuration information to a first device served by a first service cell and a second service cell, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first device, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first device, wherein the configuration information also indicates at least one of the following: an indication indicating that the first device is allowed to continue to evaluate a second condition after a first condition is met, the first condition being used to switch to the first candidate cell and the second condition being used to switch to the second candidate cell, a length of time of a time period, wherein the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the time period after the first condition is met, a threshold quality, wherein if the communication quality of the second service cell is lower than the threshold quality, the first device continues to evaluate the second condition within the time period after the first condition is met.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the first serving cell is a primary cell (PCell), the second serving cell is a primary secondary cell (PSCell), and the first candidate cell is a candidate PCell and the second candidate cell is a candidate PSCell.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is a terminal device and the second apparatus is a network device.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for performing method 700 or other operations in some example embodiments of the second apparatus. In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause execution of the second apparatus.

[0161] Figure 8 8 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 800 may be configured to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processor 810.

[0162] The communication module 840 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 840 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 840 may include at least one antenna.

[0163] Processor 810 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Device 800 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes a master processor.

[0164] The memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic and / or optical memories. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that will not last for the duration of a power outage.

[0165] The computer program 830 includes computer executable instructions executed by the associated processor 810. The instructions of the program 830 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 830 may be stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 824). The processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 830 into the RAM 822.

[0166] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 830 so that the device 800 may execute the FIG. 3A to FIG. 7 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. Example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the program 830 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 800 (such as in the memory 820) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 800. The device 800 may load the program 830 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 822 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), versus a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0168] Fig. 9 One example of a computer readable medium 900 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 900 has a program 830 stored thereon.

[0169] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0170] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as, non-volatile computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those computer executable instructions executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor included in a program module to perform any method as described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of a program module can be combined or split between program modules as needed in different embodiments. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0171] The program code for performing the method of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, causes the implementation of the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0172] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0173] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0174] Further, although the operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring the execution of such operations in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or the execution of all described operations, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Unless explicitly stated, certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, unless explicitly stated, the different features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0175] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to at least: Receive configuration information from a second device, the configuration information indicating: a first conditional cell change configuration associated with a first candidate cell of the first apparatus, and a second conditional cell change configuration associated with a second candidate cell of the first apparatus; as well as In response to determining that the first condition for switching to the first candidate cell is satisfied, continuing to evaluate the second condition for switching to the second candidate cell within a time period, The first device is served by a first service cell and a second service cell.

2. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the first device is configured to allow the second condition to continue to be evaluated after the first condition is satisfied based on at least one of the following: The default configuration rules, or An indication received from a second device servicing the first device, the indication indicating that the first device is allowed to continue evaluating the second condition after the first condition is satisfied.

3. The first device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device is further configured to: According to determining that the second condition for switching to the second candidate cell is satisfied within the time period, triggering switching to the first candidate cell and the second candidate cell.

4. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first device is further configured to: In response to the second condition not being met after the period of time, switching to the first candidate cell.

5. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first device is further configured to: determining the communication quality of the second candidate cell; and In response to a difference between the communication quality and the communication quality required by the second condition being below a threshold quality, continuing to evaluate the second condition. 6 . The first device of claim 5 , wherein the threshold quality is defined as a default value or is configured by a second device serving the first device.

7. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the time length of the period is associated with at least one of the following: decoding a first time length required for a handover configuration, the handover configuration being used to handover to the first candidate cell, or A second time length corresponding to an execution preparation time length, wherein the execution preparation time length is used to switch to the first candidate cell. 8 . The first device according to claim 1 , wherein the time period is defined as a default value or is configured by a second device serving the first device.

9. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first device is further configured to: The second condition for switching to the second candidate cell continues to be evaluated during the time period before the interruption caused by performing a physical random access channel PRACH transmission.

10. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first serving cell is a primary cell (PCell), the second serving cell is a primary secondary cell (PSCell), the first candidate cell is a candidate PCell, and the second candidate cell is a candidate PSCell.

Images