Conditional switching

Abstract

A user device comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause a user equipment (UE) to at least: establish a connection to a primary cell of a primary node; receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from the primary cell to the target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; determining that a switching execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; establishing a connection to the target primary cell; sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell in the plurality of target primary and secondary cells at least partially based on at least a part of the additional information; and after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, maintaining at least a part of the additional information to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to conditional handover. Some relate to conditional handover with dual connectivity configuration. Background Art

[0002] The wireless network includes a plurality of network nodes, and the plurality of network nodes include terminal nodes and access nodes. The communication between the terminal nodes and the access nodes is wireless.

[0003] In some cases, it may be desirable to improve or enhance conditional handover with a target dual connectivity configuration. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a user equipment, the user equipment comprising:

[0005] at least one processor; and

[0006] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0007] The at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment UE to at least:

[0008] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0009] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition;

[0010] Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied;

[0011] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell;

[0012] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and

[0013] After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, at least a portion of the additional information is maintained to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0014] In some examples, sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell includes sending a random access request to the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0015] In some examples, the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0016] Determining that access to the first target primary and secondary cells fails; and

[0017] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information maintained after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, an access request is sent to a different second target primary and secondary cell.

[0018] In some examples, the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0019] When the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied, determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells are satisfied; and

[0020] A target primary and secondary cell to be used as a first target primary and secondary cell is selected.

[0021] In some examples, the additional information includes multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells, wherein the multiple configurations have associated release and add indications.

[0022] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells include a complete configuration.

[0023] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells include: an incremental configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration to obtain a complete configuration.

[0024] In some examples, the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0025] An indication is received that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0026] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary and secondary cell configurations.

[0027] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a method comprising:

[0028] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0029] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition;

[0030] Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied;

[0031] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell;

[0032] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and

[0033] After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, at least a portion of the additional information is maintained to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0034] In some examples, sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell includes sending a random access request to the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0035] In some examples, the method includes:

[0036] Determining that access to the first target primary and secondary cells fails; and

[0037] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information maintained after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, an access request is sent to a different second target primary and secondary cell.

[0038] In some examples, the method includes:

[0039] When the handover execution condition of the target primary cell is met, determining that the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells are not met; and

[0040] A target primary and secondary cell to be used as a first target primary and secondary cell is selected.

[0041] In some examples, the additional information includes multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells, wherein the multiple configurations have associated release and add indications.

[0042] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells include a complete configuration.

[0043] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells include: an incremental configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration to obtain a complete configuration.

[0044] In some examples, the method includes:

[0045] An indication is received that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0046] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary and secondary cell configurations.

[0047] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0048] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0049] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition;

[0050] Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied;

[0051] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell;

[0052] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and

[0053] After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, at least a portion of the additional information is maintained to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0054] In some examples, sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell includes sending a random access request to the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0055] In some examples, the computer program includes instructions for causing the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0056] Determining that access to the first target primary and secondary cells fails; and

[0057] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information maintained after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, an access request is sent to a different second target primary and secondary cell.

[0058] In some examples, the computer program includes instructions for causing the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0059] When the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied, determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells are satisfied; and

[0060] A target primary and secondary cell to be used as a first target primary and secondary cell is selected.

[0061] In some examples, the additional information includes multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells, wherein the multiple configurations have associated release and add indications.

[0062] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells include a complete configuration.

[0063] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells include an incremental configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration to obtain a complete configuration.

[0064] In some examples, the computer program includes instructions for causing the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0065] An indication is received that, after sending a random access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0066] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary and secondary cell configurations.

[0067] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0068] at least one processor; and

[0069] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0070] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0071] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0072] determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE;

[0073] Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; and

[0074] An indication is received that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0075] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary and secondary cell configurations.

[0076] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a method comprising:

[0077] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0078] determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE;

[0079] Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; and

[0080] An indication is received that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0081] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary and secondary cell configurations.

[0082] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0083] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0084] determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE;

[0085] Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; and

[0086] An indication is received that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0087] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary and secondary cell configurations.

[0088] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a user equipment, the user equipment comprising:

[0089] at least one processor; and

[0090] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0091] The at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment UE to at least:

[0092] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0093] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing a UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration;

[0094] Determining that a handover execution condition for a target primary cell is satisfied and that conditions for accessing multiple target primary and secondary cells are not satisfied;

[0095] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and

[0096] For application reference, refer to the configuration of primary and secondary cells.

[0097] In some examples, the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0098] If it is determined at a later time that the condition for accessing a first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells is satisfied, a first incremental configuration among the multiple incremental configurations is applied to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration to access the first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells.

[0099] In some examples, the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0100] A reference primary and secondary cell configuration is received, wherein the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by the target secondary node.

[0101] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a method comprising:

[0102] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0103] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing a UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration;

[0104] Determining that a handover execution condition for a target primary cell is satisfied and that conditions for accessing multiple target primary and secondary cells are not satisfied;

[0105] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and

[0106] For application reference, refer to the configuration of primary and secondary cells.

[0107] In some examples, the method includes:

[0108] If it is determined at a later time that the condition for accessing a first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells is satisfied, a first incremental configuration among the multiple incremental configurations is applied to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration to access the first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells.

[0109] In some examples, the method includes:

[0110] A reference primary and secondary cell configuration is received, wherein the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by the target secondary node.

[0111] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0112] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0113] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing a UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration;

[0114] Determining that a handover execution condition for a target primary cell is satisfied and that conditions for accessing multiple target primary and secondary cells are not satisfied;

[0115] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and

[0116] For application reference, refer to the configuration of primary and secondary cells.

[0117] In some examples, the computer program includes instructions for causing the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0118] If it is determined at a later time that the condition for accessing a first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells is satisfied, a first incremental configuration among the multiple incremental configurations is applied to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration to access the first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells.

[0119] In some examples, the computer program includes instructions for causing the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0120] A reference primary and secondary cell configuration is received, wherein the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by the target secondary node.

[0121] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0122] at least one processor; and

[0123] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0124] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0125] Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations;

[0126] receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration from a target secondary node; and

[0127] Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, the incremental configuration being configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and

[0128] At least one requested incremental configuration is received from at least one different target secondary node.

[0129] In some examples, the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0130] The received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration are sent to the source master node.

[0131] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a method comprising:

[0132] Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations;

[0133] receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration from a target secondary node; and

[0134] Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, the incremental configuration being configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and

[0135] At least one requested incremental configuration is received from at least one different target secondary node.

[0136] In some examples, the method includes:

[0137] The received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration are sent to the source master node.

[0138] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0139] Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations;

[0140] receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration from a target secondary node; and

[0141] Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, the incremental configuration being configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and

[0142] At least one requested incremental configuration is received from at least one different target secondary node.

[0143] In some examples, the computer program includes instructions for causing the apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0144] The received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration are sent to the source master node.

[0145] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0146] at least one processor; and

[0147] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0148] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0149] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0150] determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and

[0151] Send configuration information to the UE.

[0152] In some examples, the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by the target secondary node.

[0153] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a method comprising:

[0154] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0155] determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and

[0156] Send configuration information to the UE.

[0157] In some examples, the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by the target secondary node.

[0158] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0159] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0160] determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and

[0161] Send configuration information to the UE.

[0162] In some examples, the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by the target secondary node.

[0163] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0164] at least one processor; and

[0165] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0166] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform at least a portion of one or more methods disclosed herein.

[0167] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes means for performing at least a portion of one or more of the methods disclosed herein.

[0168] According to various but not necessarily all examples, examples are provided as claimed in the following claims.

[0169] A description of a function should also be considered to disclose any means suitable for performing that function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0170] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0171] Figure 1 An example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0172] Figure 2 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0173] Figure 3 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0174] Figure 4 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0175] Figure 5 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0176] Figure 6 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0177] Figure 7 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0178] Figure 8 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0179] Fig. 9 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0180] Fig.10 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0181] Fig.11 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0182] Fig. 12A Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown; and

[0183] Fig. 12B Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown.

[0184] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. For clarity and brevity, certain features and views of the drawings may be illustrated schematically or in exaggerated proportions. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements for ease of explanation. Similar reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate similar features. For clarity, not all reference numerals must be shown in all drawings.

[0185] definition

[0186] Master Node (MN) :

[0187] A network node that provides control plane connectivity to the core network.

[0188] Master Cell Group (MCG) :

[0189] The cell group associated with the MN includes a PCell and (multiple) SCells.

[0190] Secondary Node (SN) :

[0191] A network node that provides additional radio resources to a UE but is not a MN.

[0192] Secondary Cell Group (SCG) :

[0193] The cell group associated with the SN includes the PSCell and SCell.

[0194] PCell :

[0195] The cell used for uplink / downlink connection to the MN. The cell of the MCG used to initiate initial access to the MN.

[0196] PSCell :

[0197] The cell used for uplink / downlink connection to the SN. The cell of the SCG used to initiate initial access to the SN.

[0198] Conditional Handover (CHO) :

[0199] A handover procedure triggered by the UE only if the configured execution condition(s) for the prepared candidate cell(s) is met. The condition(s) are pre-configured by the network. In 3GPP, the conditional handover execution condition is specified by condExecutionCond in the CondReconfigToAddModList information element within the ConditionalReconfiguration information element within the RRCReconfiguration message.

[0200] Dual Connection (DC) :

[0201] The UE has simultaneous connections to both the MN and the SN. This is an operation mode of the UE in RRC_CONNECTED, configured with a primary cell group and a secondary cell group.

[0202] Configuration Information :

[0203] Information used to configure the operation of the UE. In 3GPP, the configuration information may be provided, for example, in an RRCReconfiguration message.

[0204] The term "configuration information includes" and an entity (e.g., a handover execution condition for a primary cell; an SN addition condition for dual connectivity with a primary cell, etc.) may indicate that the configuration information includes information sufficient to obtain the entity. It may or may not include all parameters of the entity, it may include a pointer to the entity or parameters of the entity, or it may indicate that the configuration includes the entity.

[0205] Conditional Handover (CHO) configuration information :

[0206] Configuration information for handover to the primary cell. The CHO configuration information may include a handover execution condition for the primary cell and a measurement configuration for configuring measurements for the handover execution condition for the primary cell. Triggering a conditional handover to the primary cell is dependent on the measurements satisfying the handover execution condition for the primary cell.

[0207] In 3GPP, the RRCReconfiguration message specifies the ConditionalReconfiguration information element that provides the CHO configuration. The ConditionalReconfiguration information element includes the CondReconfigToAddModList information element. The CondReconfigToAddModList information element includes condExecutionCond and condRRCReconfig. The (multiple) handover execution conditions for the primary cell are specified by condExecutionCond. When the specified conditions are met, the RRCReconfiguration message to be applied is provided by condRRCReconfig.

[0208] Dual Connection (DC) configuration information :

[0209] Configuration information for dual connectivity to a primary and secondary cell (PSCell). The DC configuration information may include conditions for adding primary and secondary cells for dual connectivity with a primary cell, and measurement configuration for configuring measurements of conditions for adding primary and secondary cells for dual connectivity with a primary cell (i.e., dual connectivity of a UE with both a primary cell and a primary and secondary cell).

[0210] Triggering the addition of a primary and secondary cell for dual connectivity depends on whether the measurement satisfies the primary and secondary cell addition condition.

[0211] In 3GPP, the RRCReconfiguration message specifies the ConditionalReconfiguration information element, which provides the add / change conditions for the DC. The ConditionalReconfiguration information element includes the CondReconfigToAddModList information element. The CondReconfigToAddModList information element includes condExecutionCond and condRRCReconfig. The (multiple) addition conditions of the primary and secondary cells (PSCells) are specified by condExecutionCond. The RRCReconfiguration message to be applied when the specified conditions are met is provided by condRRCReconfig. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0212] Figure 1 An example of a network 100 is illustrated, which includes a plurality of network nodes, including a terminal node 110, an access node 120, and one or more core nodes 129. The terminal node 110 and the access node 120 communicate with each other. The one or more core nodes 129 communicate with the access node 120.

[0213] In this example, the network 100 is a wireless telecommunications network in which at least some of the terminal nodes 110 and access nodes 120 communicate with each other using transmission / reception of radio waves / signals.

[0214] In some examples, one or more core nodes 129 can communicate with each other. In some examples, one or more access nodes 120 can communicate with each other.

[0215] The network 100 may be a cellular network comprising a plurality of cells 122, each cell being served by an access node 120. The interface between the terminal node 110 and the access nodes 120 defining the cells 122 is a wireless interface 124 in this example.

[0216] The access node 120 is a cellular radio transceiver. The terminal node 110 is a cellular radio transceiver.

[0217] In the illustrated example, the cellular network 100 is a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network in which the terminal nodes 110 are user equipments (UEs) and the access nodes 120 are base stations.

[0218] In the example, the network 100 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN consists of E-UTRAN NodeBs (eNBs) 120 to provide E-UTRA user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations to the UE 110. The eNBs 120 are interconnected to each other by means of an X2 interface 126. The eNBs are also connected to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 129 by means of an S1 interface 128.

[0219] In another example, the network 100 is a Next Generation (or New Radio NR) Radio Access Network (NG-RAN). The NG-RAN consists of gNodeBs (gNBs) 120 to provide user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations to the UEs 110. The gNBs 120 are interconnected to each other by means of an X2 / Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected to an access and mobility management function (AMF) by means of an N2 interface 128.

[0220] In an example, the network 100 may include a combination of E-UTRAN and NG-RAN.

[0221] User equipment includes mobile devices. Where reference is made to user equipment, whenever possible, the reference includes and encompasses reference to mobile devices.

[0222] For example, see Figure 2 , the UE 150 may perform a handover procedure to change the serving cell of the UE 150. In an example, the handover procedure may be a conditional handover procedure.

[0223] The conditional handover (CHO) procedure may be viewed as a handover triggered by the UE 150 when one or more handover execution conditions are met. The one or more handover execution conditions may be pre-configured by the network 100.

[0224] In the example, UE 150 starts evaluating the execution condition(s) of the CHO candidate cell upon receiving the CHO configuration, and executes the handover command when the CHO candidate cell satisfies the execution condition(s). When the execution condition(s) of the candidate cell(s) are satisfied, UE 150 may stop evaluating the execution condition(s) of other candidate cells.

[0225] In an example, dual connectivity (DC) may be used to provide additional radio resources to UE 150 .

[0226] In DC, the serving cell set configured for UE 150 has two subsets: a master cell group (MCG) including serving cells of a master node (MN) 152 , and a secondary cell group (SCG) including serving cells of a secondary node (SN) 153 .

[0227] In an example, conditional handover with dual connectivity may be configured. The UE 150 may be configured with execution condition(s) for CHO to one or more target MNs 154 and execution condition(s) for handover to one or more target SNs 156.

[0228] In an example, a terminal node 110 such as a UE 150 may be configured to efficiently manage and may efficiently manage conditional handover with dual connectivity.

[0229] Figure 2 An example of method 200 is illustrated.

[0230] In the example, Figure 2 It can be considered as illustrating a variety of methods. For example, Figure 2 One or more actions at multiple actors / entities are illustrated. In the example, Figure 2 It may be considered as illustrating various methods performed by individual actors / entities.

[0231] about Figure 2 One or more of the features discussed may be found in other drawings.

[0232] exist Figure 2 In the example, multiple devices send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages through and / or via and / or using a network. In the example, any suitable form of communication in any suitable network can be used. For example, Figure 1 at least a portion of the network 100.

[0233] So, in the example, Figure 2 The multiple devices in the form of Figure 1 At least a portion of the network 100.

[0234] In the illustrated example, the terminal node 110 and the four access nodes 120 send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the terminal node 110 is a UE 150, and the four access nodes 120 are a source MN 152, a target MN 154, and two target SNs 156a, 156b.

[0235] In the example ( Figure 2 ), UE 150 may also connect to the source SN.

[0236] In the example, Figure 2 Communications and / or transmissions between the elements shown may occur via any number of intervening elements, including no intervening elements.

[0237] Despite Figure 2 One UE 150 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 , but any suitable number of UEs 150 may be included in the example.

[0238] Similarly, in examples, any suitable number of network nodes may be included.

[0239] In an example, the method 200 and / or one or more portions of the method 200 may be viewed as a method for enhancing conditional switching.

[0240] In an example, the method 200 and / or one or more portions of the method 200 may be viewed as a method for enhancing conditional handover with dual connectivity.

[0241] In an example, the method 200 and / or one or more portions of the method 200 may be viewed as a method of enhancing conditional handover through multiple PSCell preparation.

[0242] In the example shown, the location of the blocks indicates the entity that performs the action(s). For example, block 204 is performed at / by the source MN 152.

[0243] At block 202, from the perspective of the source MN 152, the method 200 includes establishing a connection to the user equipment UE 150 via the source primary cell 140 (PCell in the source MN 152).

[0244] In some examples, source MN 152 may be considered source MN 152 when a connection to UE 150 has been established.

[0245] From the perspective of the UE 150 , block 202 includes establishing a connection to a primary cell of the primary node 152 .

[0246] This is Figure 2 This is illustrated by a bidirectional arrow 155 between UE 150 and source MN 152 in the example of FIG.

[0247] Thus, block 202 may be considered to include establishing a connection between UE 150 and source MN 152 .

[0248] In an example, when a connection to UE 150 has been established, source MN 152 may be considered as source MN 152.

[0249] Thus, in an example, block 202 may be considered to include establishing a connection between UE 150 and a network, such as access node 120 , which may be considered source MN 152 when the connection has been established.

[0250] In some examples, establishing a connection includes establishing an active radio link.

[0251] In some examples, establishing a connection includes sending and / or receiving one or more signals.

[0252] In some examples, establishing a connection includes performing an access procedure, such as a random access procedure. For example, UE 150 may perform a random access procedure with source MN 152 to establish a connection to source MN 152.

[0253] For example, establishing a connection between UE 150 and source MN 152 may result in

[0254] UE 150 directly accesses source MN 152;

[0255] A radio link is established between the UE 150 and the source MN 152 / source primary cell, which radio link can transmit data via an uplink (UL) and / or a downlink (DL). For example, the radio link can be established by initiating a RACH procedure at the UE 150;

[0256] Traffic flows between UE 150 and the network via source MN 152 / source primary cell via bearers.

[0257] At block 204 , the method 200 includes determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE 150 .

[0258] In an example, determining that the conditional handover is to be configured at the UE 150 may be considered as determining that the conditional handover is to be prepared and / or arranged at the UE 150 .

[0259] Determining that conditional handover is to be configured at UE 150 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0260] In an example, determining that a conditional handover is to be configured at the UE 150 includes sending and / or receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0261] In an example, determining that a conditional handover is to be configured at the UE 150 includes receiving measurement information from the UE 150 .

[0262] like Figure 2 As shown, for example, one or more transmission actions of one or more signals are illustrated, Figure 2 Also illustrated are corresponding sending / causing transmission(s) features / (s) actions.

[0263] Similarly, for any feature(s) / action(s) that sends / causes transmission, Figure 2 Corresponding receiving / causing to receive(s) feature(s) / (s) actions are also illustrated.

[0264] For example, from the perspective of the source MN 152, block 204 may be viewed as illustrating receiving measurement information from the UE 150.

[0265] Similarly, from the perspective of UE 150 , block 204 may be viewed as illustrating sending measurement information to source MN 152 .

[0266] In an example, determining that a conditional handover is to be configured at the UE 150 includes receiving at least one measurement report message.

[0267] For example, at least one measurement report message may be sent from UE 150 to source MN 152 .

[0268] At box 206, method 200 includes determining configuration information 142, which includes: information 144 for allowing UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the source MN primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing UE 150 to access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition.

[0269] The target primary secondary cell 151 may be regarded as a target primary cell of the secondary cell group.

[0270] The target primary and secondary cell 151 may be regarded as a target special cell of the secondary cell group.

[0271] The target primary secondary cell 151 may be considered to be associated with the target primary cell 148 because the target primary secondary cell 151 is linked to the target primary cell 148 to potentially provide dual connectivity with the target primary cell 148 .

[0272] Determining configuration 142 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0273] In an example, determining configuration information 142 includes, for example, sending and / or receiving one or more signals and / or messages with target MN 154. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , this is illustrated by a bidirectional arrow 157 between the block 206 and the target MN 154 .

[0274] For example, source MN 152 may send a handover request message to target MN 154 .

[0275] In an example, determining the configuration information 142 includes receiving at least a portion of the configuration information 142 from the target MN 154 .

[0276] For example, source MN 152 may receive at least a portion of configuration information 142 from target MN 154 as part of a handover request acknowledgement message.

[0277] Thus, in an example, the target MN 154 may determine and / or generate at least a portion of the configuration information 142. In an example, the target MN 154 may determine at least a portion of the information 144 and the additional information 146.

[0278] In an example, determining at least a portion of the configuration information 142 by the target MN 154 includes, for example, sending and / or receiving one or more signals and / or messages with the plurality of target SNs 156a, 156b. Figure 2 This is illustrated in the example by double-headed arrows 161, 163 between the target MN 154 and the target SN 156a and between the target MN 154 and the target SN 156b.

[0279] For example, the target MN 154 may send SN add request messages to multiple target SNs 156a, 156b.

[0280] For example, the target SN 156a, 156b may send an SN add request confirm message to the target MN 154.

[0281] In an example, configuration information 142 may be viewed as any suitable information for configuring UE 150 .

[0282] In an example, configuration information 142 may include any suitable information and any suitable additional information 146 .

[0283] For example, the information 144 may include any suitable information 144 for allowing the UE 150 to conditionally switch a connection from the source primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 151a, 151b.

[0284] In an example, the information 144 includes one or more handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 140. The one or more handover execution conditions may be preconfigured by the network 100.

[0285] The switching execution condition may include any suitable condition.

[0286] In some examples, the handover execution condition may be a radio signal condition. For example, the handover execution condition may include a received radio signal power condition and / or a received radio signal quality condition.

[0287] In an example, the handover execution condition may be based on and / or related to a reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or a reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0288] In an example, the switching execution condition may include, for example, an A3, A4, or A5 event.

[0289] In some examples, the handover execution condition may be a conditional handover (CHO) condition.

[0290] In some examples, information 144 includes conditional handover (CHO) configuration information.

[0291] In an example, the additional information 144 may include any suitable information for allowing the UE 150 to access at least one target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a , 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 .

[0292] In some examples, the associated access condition(s) are associated with additional information.

[0293] For example, information for allowing UE 150 to access the first target primary and secondary cell 156a may have one or more associated access conditions, and information for allowing UE 150 to access the second target primary and secondary cell 156b may have one or more associated access conditions.

[0294] In some examples, the additional information 144 includes at least one access condition associated with information for allowing the UE 150 to access each target primary and secondary cell 156 .

[0295] The associated access conditions may include any suitable conditions.

[0296] In some examples, the access condition may be a radio signal condition. For example, the access condition may include a received radio signal power condition and / or a received radio signal quality condition.

[0297] In an example, the access condition may be based on and / or related to a reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or a reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0298] In an example, the access conditions may include, for example, A3, A4, or A5 events.

[0299] In an example, the access condition may be considered to be associated with the information for allowing the UE 150 to access the target primary and secondary cell 151 because the access condition is related to the target primary and secondary cell 151. For example, the access condition may be considered to be associated with the information for allowing the UE 150 to access the target primary and secondary cell 151 because the access condition is related to the radio signal condition of the target primary and secondary cell 151.

[0300] In an example, the associated access conditions may be considered as access conditions for the target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0301] In some examples, the additional information 146 includes dual connectivity (DC) configuration information.Thus, in examples, the associated condition(s) may be considered as add / change condition(s).

[0302] In some examples, the associated condition(s) may include or be a Conditional PSCell Addition and Change (CPAC) condition.

[0303] In some examples, the additional information 146 includes multiple configurations configured to allow the UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b, wherein the multiple configurations have associated release and add indications.

[0304] The multiple configurations may include any suitable configurations. For example, the multiple configurations may include any suitable configurations for allowing the UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0305] In an example, each configuration may be associated with a target primary and secondary cell 151 and have one or more associated access conditions.

[0306] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b include a complete configuration.

[0307] A complete configuration can be considered as a configuration independent of any other configuration.

[0308] A complete configuration may be considered as a configuration that the UE 150 may directly apply without considering and / or using and / or applying one or more other configurations.

[0309] The complete configuration may be considered as a configuration that defines all parameters required for the UE 150 to access the target primary and secondary cells 151 .

[0310] In examples, a complete configuration may be considered a full configuration and / or an entire configuration.

[0311] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b include: an incremental configuration configured to be applied to reference the primary and secondary cell configuration 160 to obtain a complete configuration.

[0312] An incremental configuration can be viewed as a configuration that is applied on top of another configuration to achieve a new configuration.

[0313] An incremental configuration can be considered as a configuration that depends on at least one other configuration.

[0314] An incremental configuration may be considered a configuration that the UE 150 cannot apply without considering and / or using and / or applying at least one other configuration.

[0315] The incremental configuration may be considered as a configuration that only defines parameters that need to be modified, added or released compared to the basic / reference configuration in order to access the target primary and secondary cells 151 .

[0316] In an example, an incremental configuration may be considered an incomplete and / or partial configuration.

[0317] In an example, accessing the target primary and secondary cell 151 or any other suitable cell includes performing an access procedure, such as a random access procedure, with the cell.

[0318] In an example, accessing the target primary and secondary cell 151 or any other suitable cell includes establishing a connection with the cell and / or establishing a connection via the cell.

[0319] At block 208 , the method 200 includes sending the configuration information 142 to the UE 150 .

[0320] Therefore, from the perspective of the source MN 152, box 208 includes sending configuration information 142 to the UE 150, which configuration information includes: information 144 for allowing the UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the source primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing the UE 150 to access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition.

[0321] Therefore, from the perspective of UE 150, box 208 includes receiving configuration information 142, which includes: information 144 for allowing UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing UE 150 to access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition.

[0322] Sending configuration information 142 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0323] In an example, sending configuration information 142 includes sending one or more signals and / or messages.

[0324] In some examples, configuration information 142 may be sent as part of an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0325] As described above, in some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b include incremental configurations.

[0326] Furthermore, as described above, in some examples, UE 150 is connected to source SN 153 .

[0327] In some such examples, method 200 includes block 210 .

[0328] At block 210 , the method 200 includes sending an indication 162 to the UE 150 that the current primary and secondary cell configuration 164 should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151a .

[0329] therefore, Figure 2 A method 200 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0330] Establishing a connection to the user equipment UE 150 via the source primary cell 140;

[0331] determining that conditional handover is to be configured at UE 150;

[0332] Sending configuration information 142 to the UE 150, the configuration information including: information 144 for allowing the UE 150 to conditionally switch a connection from the source primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and further information 146 for allowing the UE 150 to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition; and

[0333] An indication 162 is sent to the UE 150 that the current primary and secondary cell configuration 164 should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151 .

[0334] Sending indication 162 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0335] In an example, sending configuration information 162 includes sending one or more signals and / or messages.

[0336] In some examples, at block 208, indication 162 may be sent along with configuration information 142. Thus, in some examples, blocks 208 and 210 may be combined.

[0337] For example, the indication 162 may be sent as part of an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0338] The indication 162 may have any suitable form. For example, the indication 162 may have any suitable form for the following operation: indicating to the UE 150 that after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151 (1), the current primary and secondary cell configuration 164 should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160. The indication 162 may include any suitable flag or indicator, etc.

[0339] In some examples, the indication 162 includes a current primary and secondary cell configuration 164 .

[0340] The current primary and secondary cell configuration may be considered as the primary and secondary cell configuration currently configured at and / or used by the UE 150 .

[0341] The current primary and secondary cell configuration may be regarded as the latest primary and secondary cell configuration generated by the source SN 153 .

[0342] From the perspective of the UE 150 , block 210 includes receiving an indication 162 that the current primary and secondary cell configuration 164 should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151a .

[0343] As described above, in the example, the indication 162 includes the current primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0344] At block 212 , the method 200 includes determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell 148 is satisfied.

[0345] Determining that the handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are satisfied may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0346] In an example, determining that the handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are met includes determining and / or making one or more measurements.

[0347] The one or more measurements may include one or more radio signal measurements, such as received radio signal quality and / or received radio signal strength.

[0348] In some examples, determining that the handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are satisfied includes monitoring the target primary cell 148 .

[0349] At block 214, the method 200 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148. Establishing the connection may be as described with respect to block 202.

[0350] In an example, block 214 may include establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 based at least in part on the information 144 of the received configuration information 142 .

[0351] Additionally or alternatively, in an example, block 214 may include establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 based at least in part on determining that the handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are satisfied.

[0352] At block 216 , the method 200 includes sending an access request 158 ​​to a first target primary secondary cell 151a of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151a , 151b based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information 146 .

[0353] Any suitable access request 158 ​​having any suitable form may be used. For example, any suitable access request 158 ​​from any suitable access procedure may be used.

[0354] In some examples, sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151a includes sending a random access request to the first target primary and secondary cell 151a.

[0355] In an example, block 216 may include initiating at least an access procedure with the first target primary and secondary cell 151a. Any suitable access procedure may be used, for example, a random access channel (RACH) procedure may be used.

[0356] Thus, in an example, the access request 158 ​​may form part of a RACH procedure.

[0357] In some examples, box 216 includes sending an access request 158 ​​to a first target primary and secondary cell 151a among multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b based at least in part on a configuration in multiple configurations configured to allow UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary and secondary cells.

[0358] In some examples, block 216 includes applying a configuration from among the plurality of configurations.

[0359] In an example, the UE 150 applying the configuration includes the UE 150 applying the configuration to a radio network protocol of the UE to enable the UE 150 to access and / or connect to a cell.

[0360] In some examples, applying the configuration includes decoding the configuration.

[0361] At block 218 , the method 200 includes maintaining at least a portion of the additional information 146 after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151a to allow the UE 150 to access at least one target primary and secondary cell 151b different from the first target primary and secondary cell 151a .

[0362] therefore, Figure 2 A method 200 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0363] Establishing a connection to the primary cell 140 of the primary node 152;

[0364] receiving configuration information 142, the configuration information comprising: information 144 for allowing the UE 150 to conditionally switch a connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and further information 146 for allowing the UE 150 to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition;

[0365] Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied;

[0366] Establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148;

[0367] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information 146, sending an access request 158 ​​to a first target primary and secondary cell 151a of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b; and

[0368] After sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151a, at least a portion of the further information 146 is maintained to allow the UE 150 to access at least one target primary and secondary cell 151b different from the first target primary and secondary cell 151a.

[0369] Maintaining at least a portion of additional information 146 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0370] For example, maintaining at least a portion of additional information 146 may include maintaining at least a portion of additional information 146 in at least one data structure.

[0371] For example, maintaining at least a portion of the additional information 146 may include not resetting and / or not deleting and / or not removing at least a portion of the additional information 146 .

[0372] In an example, block 218 includes maintaining at least one configuration of the plurality of configurations that the UE 150 has not used / applied.

[0373] In some examples, block 218 includes maintaining at least one complete configuration.

[0374] In some examples, block 218 includes maintaining at least one incremental configuration and an associated reference primary and secondary cell configuration. For example, block 218 may include maintaining at least one incremental configuration and a current primary and secondary cell configuration 164.

[0375] At box 220, the method 200 includes determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell 151a has failed, and sending an access request to a different second target primary secondary cell 151b based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information 146 maintained after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0376] Determining that access to the first target primary and secondary cell 151 a has failed may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0377] In an example, determining that access to the first target primary and secondary cell 151 a has failed includes determining that establishing a connection to the first target primary and secondary cell 151 a has failed.

[0378] Sending the access request 158 ​​at block 220 may be as described with respect to block 216, but to a different second target primary cell 151b.

[0379] In an example, block 220 includes using and / or applying at least one configuration of a plurality of configurations that the UE 150 has not used / applied.

[0380] In some examples, block 220 includes using and / or applying at least one complete configuration.

[0381] In some examples, block 220 includes using and / or applying at least one incremental configuration and an associated reference primary and secondary cell configuration. For example, block 220 may include using and / or applying at least one incremental configuration on top of the current primary and secondary cell configuration 164.

[0382] In some examples, method 200 includes determining that none of the associated access conditions of multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b are satisfied when handover execution for the target primary cell 148 is satisfied, and selecting a target primary and secondary cell 151 to be used as the first target primary and secondary cell 151a.

[0383] Determining that none of the associated access conditions are satisfied may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0384] In an example, determining that none of the associated access conditions are satisfied includes determining and / or making one or more measurements.

[0385] The one or more measurements may include one or more radio signal measurements, such as received radio signal quality and / or received radio signal strength.

[0386] In some examples, determining that none of the associated access conditions are satisfied includes monitoring the target primary and secondary cells 151 .

[0387] Selecting the target primary and secondary cell 151 to be used as the first target primary and secondary cell 151 a may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0388] In an example, selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 includes randomly selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 .

[0389] In an example, selecting the target primary and secondary cell 151 includes selecting the target primary and secondary cell 151 based at least in part on a predetermined order of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0390] In an example, selecting the target primary and secondary cell 151 includes selecting the target primary and secondary cell 151 based at least in part on one or more radio signal measurements. For example, the target primary and secondary cell 151 having the best radio signal condition may be selected.

[0391] Examples of the present disclosure are advantageous and provide technical benefits.

[0392] For example, examples of the present disclosure allow a UE to efficiently recover from a target PSCell failure.

[0393] Figure 3 An example of a method 300 is illustrated.

[0394] Figure 3 Similar to Figure 2 Examples of, and similarly illustrate, multiple devices sending and / or receiving one or more signals and / or one or more messages through and / or via and / or using a network.

[0395] In the example, Figure 3 The multiple devices in the form of Figure 1 At least a portion of the network 100.

[0396] In the example, Figure 3 It can be considered as illustrating a variety of methods. For example, Figure 3 One or more actions at multiple participants / entities are illustrated. In the example, Figure 3 It may be considered as illustrating various methods performed by individual actors / entities.

[0397] In the illustrated example, the terminal node 110 and the four access nodes 120 send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the terminal node 110 is a UE 150, and the four access nodes 120 are a source MN 152, a target MN 154, and two target SNs 151a and 151b.

[0398] In the example ( Figure 3), UE 150 may also connect to the source SN.

[0399] In the example, Figure 3 Communications and / or transmissions between the elements shown may occur via any number of intervening elements, including no intervening elements.

[0400] Despite Figure 3 One UE 150 is shown in the example of FIG. 1 , but any suitable number of UEs 150 may be included in the example.

[0401] Similarly, in examples, any suitable number of network nodes may be included.

[0402] In an example, the method 300 and / or one or more portions of the method 300 may be viewed as a method of enhancing conditional switching.

[0403] In an example, the method 300 and / or one or more portions of the method 300 may be viewed as a method for enhancing conditional handover with dual connectivity.

[0404] In an example, the method 300 and / or one or more portions of the method 300 may be viewed as a method of enhancing conditional handover through multiple PSCell preparation.

[0405] In the example shown, the location of the blocks indicates the entity that performs the action(s). For example, block 304 is performed at / by the source MN 152.

[0406] At block 302 , the method 300 includes establishing a connection to the user equipment UE 150 from the perspective of the source MN 152 via the source primary cell 140 (PCell in the source MN 152 ).

[0407] In some examples, source MN 152 may be considered source MN 152 when a connection to UE 150 has been established.

[0408] From the perspective of the UE 150 , block 302 includes establishing a connection to a primary cell of the primary node 152 .

[0409] This is Figure 3 This is illustrated by a bidirectional arrow between UE 150 and source MN 152 in the example of FIG.

[0410] Thus, block 203 may be considered to include establishing a connection between UE 150 and source MN 152 .

[0411] In an example, block 302 may be as described with respect to Figure 2 Thus, establishing a connection at block 302 may be as described with respect to block 202.

[0412] At block 304 , the method 300 includes determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE 150 .

[0413] In an example, block 304 may be as described with respect to Figure 2 As described in block 204 of the example.

[0414] At block 306, from the perspective of the target MN 154, the method 300 includes receiving a handover request. Thus, from the perspective of the source MN 152, block 206 illustrates sending a handover request.

[0415] The handover request may have any suitable form and may be sent in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0416] In an example, receiving the handover request includes receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0417] Receiving the handover request may include receiving a handover request message.

[0418] The handover request may include any suitable information. In an example, the handover request includes information for requesting the target MN 154 to prepare for a connection handover with the UE 150 .

[0419] In some examples, the handover request indicates that a conditional handover is to be configured.

[0420] At block 308 , the method 300 includes requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0421] In an example, requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0422] In some examples, requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 includes sending one or more signals and / or messages.

[0423] For example, requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 may include sending an SN add request message to the target secondary node 156 .

[0424] Requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 may include sending an indication to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 to the target secondary node 156 .

[0425] The indication may have any suitable form. For example, the indication may have any suitable form for indicating to the target SN 156 that the target SN 156 should determine the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160. The indication 162 may include any suitable flag or indicator, etc.

[0426] In some examples, the indication includes a "null" indication of the basic target SCG configuration in the SN Add Request message.

[0427] The target MN 154 may request any suitable target SN 156 to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the target MN requests the target SN 156 a to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0428] The target SN 156 a determines a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0429] Determining the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0430] For example, if the target MN 154 already has a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, the target MN 154 may share the reference primary and secondary cell configuration with the target MN 154, and the target SN 156 may consider the reference primary and secondary cell configuration from the target MN 154 when determining the reference primary and secondary cells.

[0431] In an example, the target MN 154 does not provide the reference primary and secondary cell configurations to the target SN 156 , and the target SN 156 determines / generates the reference primary and secondary cell configurations 160 .

[0432] In some examples, the target SN 156 considers the source primary and secondary cell configuration and / or the target primary and secondary cell configuration when determining the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 150 .

[0433] At block 310 , from the perspective of the target MN 154 , the method 300 includes receiving a reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 from the target secondary node 156 .

[0434] Receiving the reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 from the target secondary node 156 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0435] In an example, block 310 includes receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0436] In some examples, receiving the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 includes receiving the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 as part of an SN add request confirm message.

[0437] The reference primary and secondary cell configuration may be any suitable reference configuration.

[0438] For example, the reference primary and secondary cell configuration may be the current primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0439] For example, the reference primary and secondary cell configuration may be based at least in part on the current primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0440] For example, the reference primary and secondary cell configuration may be independent of the current primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0441] In some examples, the method 300 includes receiving, from the target secondary node 156 , a delta configuration determined relative to the determined reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0442] The incremental configuration may be received together with the determined reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 , or may be received separately therefrom.

[0443] For example, the incremental configuration may be received as part of the SN add request confirmation.

[0444] At block 312 , the method 300 includes requesting at least one different target secondary node 156 b to determine an incremental configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 , the incremental configuration configured to allow the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151 associated with the at least one different target secondary node 156 b .

[0445] In an example, requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine an incremental configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 to allow the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151 associated with the at least one different target secondary node 156b may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0446] In some examples, requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine a delta configuration relative to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 includes sending one or more signals and / or messages.

[0447] For example, requesting at least one different target secondary node 156 b to determine an incremental configuration relative to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 may include sending an SN add request message to the target secondary node 156 .

[0448] Requesting at least one different target secondary node 156 b to determine an incremental configuration with respect to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 may include sending an indication to determine an incremental configuration with respect to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 to the at least one different target secondary node 156 b .

[0449] The indication may have any suitable form. For example, the indication may have any suitable form for the following operation: indicating to at least one different target SN 156b that at least one different target SN 156b should determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160, the incremental configuration being configured to allow UE 150 to access at least one target primary and secondary cell 151 associated with at least one different target secondary node 156b.

[0450] In some examples, the indication includes a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 in an SN add request message.

[0451] In the example, the target MN 154 sends the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 to at least one different target SN 156b, whether as an indication or not.

[0452] At least one different target SN 156b determines a delta configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160, and at block 314, the method 300 includes receiving at least one requested delta configuration from the at least one different target secondary node 156b from the perspective of the target MN 154.

[0453] therefore, Figure 3 A method 300 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0454] Requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160;

[0455] Receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 from a target secondary node;

[0456] Requesting at least one different target secondary node 156 to determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160, the incremental configuration being configured to allow the UE 150 to access at least one target primary and secondary cell 151 associated with the at least one different target secondary node 156; and

[0457] At least one requested incremental configuration is received from at least one different target secondary node 156 .

[0458] In an example, block 314 includes receiving requested incremental configurations from a plurality of different target secondary nodes 156 .

[0459] Receiving at least one requested incremental configuration from at least one different target secondary node 156 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0460] In an example, block 314 includes receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0461] In some examples, receiving at least one requested incremental configuration includes receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 as part of an SN add request confirm message.

[0462] At block 316 , from the perspective of the target MN 154 , the method 300 includes sending the received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 to the source primary node 154 .

[0463] In some examples, block 316 includes sending the delta configuration received from the target SN 156 that determined the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0464] Transmitting the received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0465] In an example, sending the received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 includes sending one or more signals and / or messages.

[0466] In some examples, the received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 may be sent as part of a handover request confirmation message.

[0467] At box 317, method 300 includes determining configuration information 142, which includes: information 144 for allowing UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing UE 150 to access multiple target secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition, wherein the additional information 146 includes multiple incremental configurations and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160.

[0468] In an example, block 317 may be as described with respect to Figure 2 As described in block 206 of the example.

[0469] Thus, in some examples, block 317 includes receiving information from the target MN 154 at block 316 .

[0470] Thus, in some examples, the reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 has been determined by the target secondary node 156 .

[0471] At block 318 , the method 300 includes sending the configuration information 142 to the UE 150 .

[0472] therefore, Figure 3 A method 300 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0473] Establishing a connection to the user equipment UE 150 via the source primary cell 140;

[0474] determining configuration information 142, the configuration information comprising: information 144 for allowing the UE 150 to conditionally switch a connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and further information 146 for allowing the UE 150 to access a plurality of target secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information 146 comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160; and

[0475] Configuration information 142 is sent to UE 150 .

[0476] Sending configuration information 142 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0477] In an example, sending configuration information 142 includes sending one or more signals and / or messages.

[0478] In some examples, configuration information 142 may be sent as part of an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0479] From the perspective of UE 150, box 318 includes receiving configuration information 142, which includes: information 144 for allowing UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing UE 150 to access multiple target secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition, wherein the additional information 146 includes multiple incremental configurations and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160.

[0480] Thus, in an example, the method 300 includes receiving, at and / or by the UE 150 , a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 , wherein the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 has been determined by the target secondary node 160 .

[0481] At block 320 , the method 300 includes determining that the handover execution condition for the target primary cell 140 is satisfied and none of the conditions for accessing the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a , 151b are satisfied.

[0482] Determining that the handover execution condition for the target primary cell 140 is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b are satisfied may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0483] In an example, block 320 includes determining and / or making one or more measurements.

[0484] The one or more measurements may include one or more radio signal measurements, such as received radio signal quality and / or received radio signal strength.

[0485] In some examples, block 320 includes monitoring the target primary cell 148 and the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a , 151b .

[0486] At block 322, the method 300 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148. Establishing the connection may be as described with respect to block 202.

[0487] In an example, block 322 may include establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 based at least in part on the information 144 of the received configuration information 142 .

[0488] Additionally or alternatively, in an example, block 214 may include establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 based at least in part on determining that the handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are satisfied.

[0489] At block 324 , the method 300 includes applying the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0490] Therefore, in Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , after block 320 , the UE 150 applies the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 to prepare the UE 150 for application of the incremental configuration.

[0491] therefore, Figure 3 A method 300 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0492] Establishing a connection to the primary cell 140 of the primary node 142;

[0493] Configuration information 142 is received, which includes: information 144 for allowing UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing UE 150 to access multiple target secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition, wherein the additional information 146 includes multiple incremental configurations and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 for application to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160.

[0494] Establishing a connection to the target primary cell 140; and

[0495] The application refers to the primary and secondary cell configuration 160.

[0496] At block 326 , the method 300 includes determining at a later time that a condition for accessing a first target primary and secondary cell 151 b of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151 a , 151 b is satisfied.

[0497] In an example, block 326 includes determining and / or making one or more measurements.

[0498] The one or more measurements may include one or more radio signal measurements, such as received radio signal quality and / or received radio signal strength.

[0499] In some examples, block 326 includes monitoring a plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0500] At block 328 , the method 300 includes applying a first incremental configuration of the plurality of incremental configurations to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration to access a first target primary and secondary cell 151b of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a , 151b .

[0501] Therefore, in some examples, method 300 includes: if it is later determined that the conditions for accessing the first target primary and secondary cell 151b among multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b are met, then the first incremental configuration among the multiple incremental configurations is applied to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 to access the first target primary and secondary cell 151b among the multiple target primary and secondary cells 151.

[0502] Examples of the present disclosure are advantageous and provide one or more technical benefits.

[0503] For example, examples of the present disclosure provide a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 to be determined by the target SN.

[0504] For example, an example of the present disclosure provides that when it is determined that the CHO condition has been met, the UE is prepared to apply the incremental configuration to access the target primary and secondary cells.

[0505] Figure 4 An example of a method 400 is illustrated.

[0506] In an example, the method 400 may be performed by any suitable device including any suitable components for performing the method 400. For example, as described with respect to Fig. 12A and / or Fig. 12B The device described.

[0507] In an example, the method 400 may be performed by a UE 150, such as Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 UE105.

[0508] At block 402 , the method 400 includes establishing a connection to a primary cell 140 of a primary node 152 .

[0509] At box 404, the method 400 includes receiving configuration information 142, which includes: information 144 for allowing the UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing the UE 150 to access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition.

[0510] At block 406 , the method 400 includes determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell 148 is satisfied.

[0511] At block 408 , the method 400 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 .

[0512] At block 410 , the method 400 includes sending an access request 158 ​​to a first target primary and secondary cell 151a of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a , 151b based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information 146 ; and

[0513] After sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151a, at least a portion of the further information 146 is maintained to allow the UE 150 to access at least one target primary and secondary cell 151b different from the first target primary and secondary cell 151a.

[0514] therefore, Figure 4 A method 400 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0515] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0516] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition;

[0517] Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied;

[0518] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell;

[0519] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and

[0520] After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, at least a portion of the additional information is maintained to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0521] Figure 5 An example of a method 500 is illustrated.

[0522] In an example, the method 500 may be performed by any suitable device including any suitable components for performing the method 500. For example, as described with respect to Fig. 12A and / or Fig. 12B The device described.

[0523] In an example, method 500 may be performed by source MN 152, such as Figure 2 Source MN 152.

[0524] At block 502 , the method 500 includes establishing a connection to a user equipment UE 150 via a source primary cell 140 .

[0525] At block 504 , the method 500 includes determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE 150 .

[0526] At box 506, method 500 includes sending configuration information 142 to UE 150, which configuration information includes: information 144 for allowing UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the source primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing UE 150 to access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition.

[0527] At block 506 , the method 500 includes sending an indication 162 to the UE 150 that the current primary and secondary cell configuration 164 should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary and secondary cell 151 b .

[0528] therefore, Figure 5 A method 500 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0529] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0530] determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE;

[0531] Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; and

[0532] An indication is sent to the UE that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0533] Figure 6 An example of a method 600 is illustrated.

[0534] In an example, method 600 may be performed by any suitable device including any suitable components for performing method 500. For example, as described with respect to Fig. 12A and / or Fig. 12B The device described.

[0535] In an example, the method 600 may be performed by a UE 150, such as Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 UE150.

[0536] At block 602 , the method 600 includes establishing a connection to a primary cell 140 of a primary node 152 .

[0537] At box 604, method 600 includes receiving configuration information 142, which includes: information 144 for allowing UE 150 to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell 140 to a target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing UE 150 to access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition, wherein the additional information 146 includes multiple incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160.

[0538] At block 606 , the method 600 includes determining that the handover execution condition for the target primary cell 148 is satisfied and none of the conditions for accessing the plurality of target primary and secondary cells 151a , 151b are satisfied.

[0539] At block 608 , the method 600 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 .

[0540] At block 610 , the method 600 includes applying the reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0541] therefore, Figure 6 A method 600 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0542] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0543] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing a UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration;

[0544] Determining that a handover execution condition for a target primary cell is satisfied and that conditions for accessing multiple target primary and secondary cells are not satisfied;

[0545] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and

[0546] For application reference, refer to the configuration of primary and secondary cells.

[0547] Figure 7 An example of a method 700 is illustrated.

[0548] In an example, method 700 may be performed by any suitable device including any suitable components for performing method 500. For example, as described with respect to Fig. 12A and / or Fig. 12B The device described.

[0549] In an example, the method 700 may be performed by the target MN 154, such as Figure 2 Target MN 154.

[0550] At block 702 , the method 700 includes requesting a target secondary node 156 to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0551] At block 704 , the method 700 includes receiving a reference primary-secondary cell configuration 160 from a target secondary node 156 .

[0552] At block 706 , the method 700 includes requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine an incremental configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 , the incremental configuration configured to allow the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151b associated with the at least one different target secondary node 151b .

[0553] At block 708 , the method 700 includes receiving at least one requested incremental configuration from at least one different target secondary node 156 b .

[0554] therefore, Figure 7 A method 700 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0555] Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations;

[0556] receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration from a target secondary node; and

[0557] Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, the incremental configuration being configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and

[0558] At least one requested incremental configuration is received from at least one different target secondary node.

[0559] Figure 8 An example of a method 800 is illustrated.

[0560] In an example, method 800 may be performed by any suitable device including any suitable components for performing method 400. For example, as described with respect to Fig. 12A and / or Fig. 12B The device described.

[0561] In an example, method 800 may be performed by source MN 152, such as Figure 2 Source MN 152.

[0562] At block 802 , the method 800 includes establishing a connection to a user equipment UE 150 via a source primary cell 140 .

[0563] At box 804, method 800 includes determining configuration information 142, which includes: information 144 for allowing UE 150 to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and additional information 146 for allowing UE 150 to access multiple target primary and secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148 and at least one associated access condition, wherein the additional information 146 includes multiple incremental configurations and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160 for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration 160.

[0564] At block 806, method 800 includes sending configuration information to the UE.

[0565] therefore, Figure 8 A method 800 is illustrated, the method comprising:

[0566] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0567] Determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for applying to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and

[0568] Send configuration information to the UE.

[0569] Fig. 9 An example of a method 900 is illustrated.

[0570] Some examples involve 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 It may be considered that some such examples are illustrated.

[0571] The following description may be considered to illustrate some such examples.

[0572] exist Fig. 9 In the example, UE 150 performs evaluation of conditional PSCell addition and change (CPAC) conditions after block 13.

[0573] Fig. 9 It can be considered to illustrate the method for a Conditional PSCell Addition (CPA) scenario, where the SCG configuration is a complete configuration.

[0574] exist Fig. 9 In the example of , after the UE 150 applies and executes the CPA configuration when the CHO is executed, the UE 150 can switch between one or more CPA configurations by maintaining other CPA configurations.

[0575] exist Fig. 9 In the example of , the UE 150 receives CPA configurations from the network in block 8 and stores these configurations in two separate UE variables, each of which is marked with a "release and add" indicator for the CPA configuration part.

[0576] exist Fig. 9 In the example of , when access to the target SN-1 fails, the UE 150 switches to another preparation configuration by selecting a CPA configuration from the second variable and executes it. Since the variable has a "release and add" indication, this automatically releases the previous configuration and switches to the new configuration.

[0577] Fig.10 An example of method 1000 is illustrated.

[0578] Fig.10 It can be considered to illustrate a method for a conditional PSCell change (CPC) scenario that allows switching between one or more CPC configurations by combining the current source SCG configuration with a target SCG specific delta configuration.

[0579] exist Fig.10 In the example of , the network provides a baseline source SCG configuration to UE 150 and instructs to retain the existing source SCG configuration when performing incremental target SCG configuration.

[0580] In case of a failure of random access to the target SN 156, the UE may retrieve the stored source SCG configuration to apply another incremental SCG configuration relative to another target cell as a recovery mechanism.

[0581] exist Fig.10 In the example of , the UE 150 receives CPC configurations from the network in block 8 and stores these configurations in two separate UE variables, each of which is marked with a "release and add" indicator for the CPC configuration part.

[0582] In addition, in box 8, UE 150 receives the SCG configuration (SCG0) of the current serving SN (or an indication for retaining the current SCG configuration at the UE, which is SCG0).

[0583] The UE 150 prepares these variables by applying the SCG specific configuration (SCG1 or SCG2) to the current configuration of the SCG at the UE 150 (SCG0).

[0584] To prevent problems after a random access failure to the target SN 156, the UE 150 applies one of the two SCG configurations ( Fig.10 In the example of SCG 1), SCG0 used in box 15 is retained.

[0585] Therefore, when random access is Fig.10 When the UE 15 fails in block 16 of the example of , the UE 15 switches to the other preparation configuration (incremental SCG configuration 2) using the retained SCG0 configuration and the incremental configuration of the other preparation configuration from the second variable and executes it.

[0586] Since this variable has a "release and add" indication, this automatically releases the previous configuration and switches to the new configuration if necessary (eg random access of the selected SCG configuration fails), but only applies the increment on top of the stored source SCG0.

[0587] Fig.11 An example of a method 1100 is illustrated.

[0588] Fig.11 It can be considered to illustrate a method for CPC scenarios that allows switching between one or more CPC configurations by using a reference SCG base configuration applied when CHO is executed when none of the CPC conditions are met. Subsequently, when the CPC conditions are later met, the UE 150 applies the target SCG specific incremental configuration.

[0589] exist Fig.11 In the example of FIG. 1 , the target MN 154 coordinates a "basic target SCG configuration" in box 3, which is used as a template by SN-1 and SN-2 to prepare the "cell-specific" incremental configurations sent in boxes 6 and 7:

[0590] • In some examples, the target MN 154 may already have a "basic target SCG configuration" which may be shared to SN-1 and SN-2 during the SN add request process.

[0591] • In some examples, the target MN 154 receives the "Basic Target SCG Configuration" from SN-1 and shares it with SN-2.

[0592] The basic configuration may be prepared by the first SN involved in the DC.

[0593] There are two ways to collect this information.

[0594] a. Alternative 1: MN 154 may request SN 156 to provide basic SCG configuration (as part of the MN initiated SN add request).

[0595] b. Alternative 2: MN 154 may provide a basic configuration (SCG0 configuration) based on the current SN configuration, and target SN 156 provides an incremental configuration with respect to the basic configuration.

[0596] exist Fig.11 In the example of FIG. 1 , UE 150 receives a “base target SCG configuration” (at block 15) applied by UE 150 when CHO is performed. After CHO is performed, UE 150 continues to evaluate CPC conditions and applies one of the incremental configurations corresponding to SN-1 and SN-2 on top of the base configuration (which is common to all preparation target PSCells), as shown in block 17.

[0597] Examples of the present disclosure are advantageous.

[0598] For example, examples of the present disclosure allow a UE to efficiently recover from a failure to access a target secondary node during conditional handover with dual connectivity.

[0599] Fig. 12A An example of an apparatus 130 is illustrated. Apparatus 130 may be a controller of an apparatus or device, such as a terminal node 110, for example, UE 150, or a network element 152, 154, and / or 156, such as an eNB or gNB. Apparatus 130 may be considered a controller.

[0600] The controller 130 may be implemented as controller circuitry. The controller 130 may be implemented solely in hardware, with certain aspects in software including separate firmware, or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0601] like Fig. 12A As shown, the controller 130 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 136 in a general or special purpose processor 132 , which executable instructions may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.) for execution by such processor 132 .

[0602] The processor 132 is configured to read from and write to the memory 134. The processor 132 may also include an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor 132 and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 132.

[0603] The memory 134 stores a computer program 136, which includes computer program instructions (computer program code) that control the operation of the device 130 when loaded into the processor 132. The computer program instructions of the computer program 136 provide logic and routines that enable the device to perform the methods shown in the drawings. The processor 132 can load and execute the computer program 136 by reading the memory 134.

[0604] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0605] at least one processor; and

[0606] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0607] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0608] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0609] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition;

[0610] Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied;

[0611] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell;

[0612] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and

[0613] After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, at least a portion of the additional information is maintained to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0614] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0615] at least one processor; and

[0616] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0617] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0618] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0619] determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE;

[0620] Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; and

[0621] An indication is sent to the UE that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0622] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0623] at least one processor; and

[0624] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0625] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0626] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0627] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing a UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration;

[0628] Determining that a handover execution condition for a target primary cell is satisfied and that conditions for accessing multiple target primary and secondary cells are not satisfied;

[0629] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and

[0630] For application reference, refer to the configuration of primary and secondary cells.

[0631] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0632] at least one processor; and

[0633] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0634] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0635] Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations;

[0636] receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration from a target secondary node; and

[0637] Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, the incremental configuration being configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and

[0638] At least one requested incremental configuration is received from at least one different target secondary node.

[0639] In an example, the apparatus 130 comprises:

[0640] at least one processor; and

[0641] at least one memory including computer program code,

[0642] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0643] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0644] determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and

[0645] Send configuration information to the UE.

[0646] like Fig. 12A As shown, the computer program 136 may arrive at the apparatus 130 via any suitable delivery mechanism 162. The delivery mechanism 162 may be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium such as a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disk (DVD) or a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture including or tangibly embodying the computer program 136. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transmit the computer program 136. The apparatus 130 may propagate or send the computer program 136 as a computer data signal.

[0647] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following operations or for at least performing the following operations:

[0648] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0649] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition;

[0650] Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied;

[0651] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell;

[0652] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and

[0653] After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, at least a portion of the additional information is maintained to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0654] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following operations or for at least performing the following operations:

[0655] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0656] determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE;

[0657] Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; and

[0658] An indication is sent to the UE that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0659] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following operations or for at least performing the following operations:

[0660] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0661] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing a UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration;

[0662] Determining that a handover execution condition for a target primary cell is satisfied and that conditions for accessing multiple target primary and secondary cells are not satisfied;

[0663] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and

[0664] For application reference, refer to the configuration of primary and secondary cells.

[0665] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following operations or for at least performing the following operations:

[0666] Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations;

[0667] receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration from a target secondary node; and

[0668] Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, the incremental configuration being configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and

[0669] At least one requested incremental configuration is received from at least one different target secondary node.

[0670] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following operations or for at least performing the following operations:

[0671] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0672] determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and

[0673] Send configuration information to the UE.

[0674] The computer program instructions may be included in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed over multiple computer programs.

[0675] Although memory 134 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry, some or all of which may be integrated / removable, and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0676] In an example, the memory 134 includes a random access memory 158 and a read-only memory 160. In an example, the computer program 136 may be stored in the read-only memory 158. For example, see Fig. 12B

[0677] In some examples, memory 134 may be split into random access memory 158 and read-only memory 160 .

[0678] Although processor 132 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry, some or all of which may be integrated / removable.Processor 132 may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0679] References to "computer-readable storage medium," "computer program product," "tangibly embodied computer program," etc., or "controller," "computer," "processor," etc., should be understood to cover not only computers with different architectures, such as single / multi-processor architectures and sequential (von Neumann) / parallel architectures, but also special-purpose circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuit systems. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to cover software for programmable processors, or firmware, such as the programmable content of hardware devices, whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array, or programmable logic device, etc.

[0680] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following:

[0681] (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only) and

[0682] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0683] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0684] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)), software and memory(s) with software that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and

[0685] (c) Hardware circuits and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but where software is not required for operation, the software may not be present.

[0686] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only hardware circuits or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to a particular claim element.

[0687] The blocks shown in the figures may represent steps in a method and / or code segments in a computer program 136. The illustration of a particular order of blocks does not necessarily represent a required or preferred order for the blocks, and the order and arrangement of the blocks may vary. In addition, some blocks may be omitted.

[0688] Where a structural feature is described, it may be replaced by a means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature, whether the function or functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0689] Thus, in an example, the apparatus 130 may include means for:

[0690] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0691] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition;

[0692] Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied;

[0693] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell;

[0694] Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and

[0695] After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, at least a portion of the additional information is maintained to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

[0696] Thus, in an example, the apparatus 130 may include means for:

[0697] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0698] determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE;

[0699] Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; and

[0700] An indication is sent to the UE that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

[0701] Thus, in an example, the apparatus 130 may include means for:

[0702] Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node;

[0703] receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing a UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration;

[0704] Determining that a handover execution condition for a target primary cell is satisfied and that conditions for accessing multiple target primary and secondary cells are not satisfied;

[0705] Establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and

[0706] For application reference, refer to the configuration of primary and secondary cells.

[0707] Thus, in an example, the apparatus 130 may include means for:

[0708] Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations;

[0709] receiving a reference primary and secondary cell configuration from a target secondary node; and

[0710] Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, the incremental configuration being configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and

[0711] At least one requested incremental configuration is received from at least one different target secondary node.

[0712] Thus, in an example, the apparatus 130 may include means for:

[0713] Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell;

[0714] determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises a plurality of incremental configurations for application to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration and a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and

[0715] Send configuration information to the UE.

[0716] In an example, the apparatus 130 may include means for performing one or more methods disclosed herein, or at least a portion of one or more methods.

[0717] In an example, the apparatus 130 may be configured to perform one or more methods disclosed herein, or at least a portion of one or more methods.

[0718] The above example applies the application as an enabling component for:

[0719] Automotive systems; telecommunications systems; electronic systems, including consumer electronics; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content, including audio, visual and audiovisual content and mixed, mediated, virtual and / or augmented reality; personal systems, including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces, also known as human-machine interfaces; networks, including cellular, non-cellular and optical networks; ad hoc networks; the Internet; the Internet of Things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0720] According to the examples of the present disclosure, the device can be set in an electronic device, for example, a mobile terminal. However, it should be understood that the mobile terminal is only an example of an electronic device that will benefit from the implementation of the present disclosure, and therefore, it should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure to this. In some implementation examples, the device can be set in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as but not limited to: mobile communication devices, portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices, and other types of electronic systems can easily adopt the examples of the present disclosure. In addition, devices can easily adopt the examples of the present disclosure, regardless of their intention to provide mobility.

[0721] The term "comprise" as used in this document is inclusive rather than exclusive. That is, any reference to X including Y means that X may include only one Y or may include multiple Ys. If the exclusive meaning of "comprise" is intended, it will be clearly stated in the context by referring to "comprising only one" or using "consisting".

[0722] In this specification, "connected", "coupled" and "in communication" and their derivatives refer to being operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be understood that any number or combination of intermediate components (including no intermediate components) may be present, i.e., to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / in communication. Any such intermediate components may include hardware and / or software components.

[0723] As used herein, the term "determine / determining" (and grammatical variations thereof) may include at least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, searching (e.g., searching in a table, a database, or another data structure), confirming, etc. In addition, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. In addition, "determine / determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0724] In this specification, reference is made to various examples. The description of features or functions associated with an example indicates that these features or functions are present in the example. The use of the term "example" or "for example" or "may" or "can" in the text indicates (whether explicitly stated or not) that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and they may but not necessarily be present in some or all other examples. Therefore, "example" or "for example" or "may" or "can" refers to a specific instance in a class of examples. The attributes of an instance may be attributes of only that instance or attributes of a class or attributes of a subclass of a class including some but not all instances in the class. Therefore, it is implicitly disclosed that features described with reference to one example rather than with reference to another example may be used as part of a working combination in the other example where possible, but do not necessarily have to be used in the other example.

[0725] Although the examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0726] Features described in the preceding description may be used in other combinations than the combinations explicitly described above.

[0727] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0728] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0729] The terms "a", "an", or "the" as used in this document are inclusive and not exclusive. That is, any reference to X that includes an / an / the Y indicates that X may include only one Y or may include multiple Ys, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If the exclusive meaning of "a", "an", or "the" is intended, it will be clearly stated in the context. In some cases, "at least one" or "one or more" may be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but the absence of these terms should not be regarded as inferring any exclusive meaning.

[0730] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to the feature or (combination of features) itself, as well as to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). Equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0731] In this specification, reference is made to various examples, using adjectives or adjective phrases to describe features of the examples. Such description of a characteristic associated with an example indicates that the characteristic exists in some examples exactly as described and in other examples substantially as described.

[0732] The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features that provide equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described above, and for the sake of brevity and clarity, these alternative structures and features are omitted from the above description. Nevertheless, the above description should be understood to implicitly include references to such alternative structures and method features that provide equivalent functionality, unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of examples of the present disclosure.

[0733] While efforts have been made in the foregoing description to draw attention to those features regarded as of significance, it will be understood that the applicant may seek protection by way of claims for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A user equipment, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment UE to at least: Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node; receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; Establishing a connection to the target primary cell; Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of the additional information to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

2. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cells comprises: Send a random access request to the first target primary and secondary cells.

3. The user equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Determining that access to the first target primary and secondary cells fails; and An access request is sent to a different second target primary and secondary cell based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information maintained after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell.

4. A user equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: When the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied, determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells are satisfied; and A target primary and secondary cell to be used as the first target primary and secondary cell is selected.

5. A user equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional information comprises a plurality of configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells, wherein the plurality of configurations have associated release and add indications. 6 . The user equipment according to claim 5 , wherein the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access the multiple target primary and secondary cells include complete configurations.

7. The user equipment according to claim 5, wherein the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access the multiple target primary and secondary cells include incremental configurations, and the incremental configurations are configured to be applied to the reference primary and secondary cell configurations to obtain complete configurations.

8. The user equipment of claim 6, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: An indication is received that, after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

9. The user equipment according to claim 8, wherein the indication comprises: The current primary and secondary cell configuration.

10. A method comprising: Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node; receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; Establishing a connection to the target primary cell; Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of the additional information to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cells comprises: Send a random access request to the first target primary and secondary cells.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising: Determining that access to the first target primary and secondary cells fails; as well as An access request is sent to a different second target primary and secondary cell based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information maintained after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising: When the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied, determining that none of the associated access conditions of the multiple target primary and secondary cells are satisfied; as well as A target primary and secondary cell to be used as the first target primary and secondary cell is selected.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the additional information comprises a plurality of configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells, wherein the plurality of configurations have associated release and add indications. 15 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the plurality of configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary and secondary cells comprise a complete configuration.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access the multiple target primary and secondary cells include incremental configurations, and the incremental configurations are configured to be applied to reference primary and secondary cell configurations to obtain complete configurations.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising: An indication is received that, after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the indication comprises: The current primary and secondary cell configuration.

19. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node; receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; Establishing a connection to the target primary cell; Based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information, sending an access request to a first target primary and secondary cell of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells; and After sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of the additional information to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell different from the first target primary and secondary cell.

20. The computer program according to claim 19, wherein sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cells comprises: Send a random access request to the first target primary and secondary cells.

21. A computer program according to claim 19 or 20, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Determining that access to the first target primary and secondary cells fails; and An access request is sent to a different second target primary and secondary cell based at least in part on at least a portion of the additional information maintained after sending the access request to the first target primary and secondary cell.

22. A computer program according to any one of claims 19 to 21, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: When the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied, determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary and secondary cells are satisfied; and A target primary and secondary cell to be used as the first target primary and secondary cell is selected.

23. The computer program according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the additional information comprises a plurality of configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells, wherein the plurality of configurations have associated release and add indications.

24. The computer program of claim 23, wherein the plurality of configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary and secondary cells comprise a complete configuration.

25. The computer program of claim 23, wherein the plurality of configurations configured to allow the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary and secondary cells comprise an incremental configuration, the incremental configuration being configured to be applied to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration to obtain a complete configuration.

26. A computer program according to claim 25, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: An indication is received that, after sending the random access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

27. A computer program according to claim 26, wherein the instructions include: The current primary and secondary cell configuration.

28. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell; determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE; Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; as well as An indication is sent to the UE that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the indication comprises: The current primary and secondary cell configuration.

30. A method comprising: Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell; determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE; Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; as well as An indication is sent to the UE that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the indication comprises: The current primary and secondary cell configuration.

32. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell; determining that conditional handover is to be configured at the UE; Sending configuration information to the UE, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the source primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition; as well as An indication is sent to the UE that, after sending an access request to the first target primary and secondary cell, the current primary and secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary and secondary cell configuration.

33. A computer program according to claim 32, wherein the instructions include: The current primary and secondary cell configuration.

34. A user equipment comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment UE to at least: Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node; receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises: a plurality of incremental configurations for applying to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing the plurality of target primary and secondary cells is satisfied; Establishing a connection to the target primary cell; and The reference primary and secondary cell configuration is applied.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: If it is determined at a later time that a condition for accessing a first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells is met, a first incremental configuration among the multiple incremental configurations is applied to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration to access the first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells.

36. The apparatus of claim 34 or 35, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The reference primary and secondary cell configuration is received, wherein the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by a target secondary node.

37. A method comprising: Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node; receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises: a plurality of incremental configurations for applying to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing the plurality of target primary and secondary cells is satisfied; Establishing a connection to the target primary cell; and The reference primary and secondary cell configuration is applied.

38. The method of claim 37, comprising: If it is determined at a later time that a condition for accessing a first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells is met, a first incremental configuration among the multiple incremental configurations is applied to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration to access the first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, comprising: The reference primary and secondary cell configuration is received, wherein the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by a target secondary node.

40. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Establishing a connection to the primary cell of the primary node; receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises: a plurality of incremental configurations for applying to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration; Determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing the plurality of target primary and secondary cells is satisfied; Establishing a connection to the target primary cell; and The reference primary and secondary cell configuration is applied.

41. A computer program according to claim 40, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: If it is determined at a later time that a condition for accessing a first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells is met, a first incremental configuration among the multiple incremental configurations is applied to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration to access the first target primary and secondary cell among the multiple target primary and secondary cells.

42. A computer program according to claim 40 or 41, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: The reference primary and secondary cell configuration is received, wherein the reference primary and secondary cell configuration has been determined by a target secondary node.

43. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations; receiving the reference primary and secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; as well as Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration, wherein the incremental configuration is configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; as well as At least one requested incremental configuration is received from the at least one different target secondary node.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration are sent to a source master node.

45. A method comprising: Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations; receiving the reference primary and secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; as well as Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration, wherein the incremental configuration is configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; as well as At least one requested incremental configuration is received from the at least one different target secondary node.

46. ​​The method of claim 45, comprising: The received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration are sent to a source master node.

47. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Requesting the target secondary node to determine the reference primary and secondary cell configurations; receiving the reference primary and secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; and Requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine an incremental configuration relative to the reference primary and secondary cell configuration, wherein the incremental configuration is configured to allow the UE to access at least one target primary and secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and At least one requested incremental configuration is received from the at least one different target secondary node.

48. A computer program according to claim 47, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: The received at least one requested incremental configuration and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration are sent to a source master node.

49. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell; determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises: a plurality of incremental configurations for applying to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and Sending the configuration information to the UE.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the reference primary-secondary cell configuration has been determined by a target secondary node.

51. A method comprising: Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell; determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises: a plurality of incremental configurations for applying to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and Sending the configuration information to the UE.

52. The method according to claim 51, wherein the reference primary-secondary cell configuration has been determined by a target secondary node.

53. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: Establishing a connection to a user equipment UE via the source primary cell; determining configuration information, the configuration information comprising: information for allowing the UE to conditionally switch the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell, and further information for allowing the UE to access a plurality of target primary and secondary cells associated with the target primary cell and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information comprises: a plurality of incremental configurations for applying to a reference primary and secondary cell configuration, and the reference primary and secondary cell configuration; and Sending the configuration information to the UE.

54. The computer program of claim 53, wherein the reference primary-secondary cell configuration has been determined by a target secondary node.

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