Methods and apparatus related to dual connectivity measurements

Abstract

Disclosed is a method comprising: receiving, at a primary node for a dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurements for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending, from the primary node to the secondary node, an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments relate to apparatus, methods and computer programs, and in particular, but not exclusively, to apparatus, methods and computer programs related to dual connectivity measurements. Background Art

[0002] A user equipment having dual connectivity with a primary node and a secondary node is configured to make and report measurements through both the primary node and the secondary node. Summary of the invention

[0003] A method comprises: receiving, at a primary node for a dual-connected user equipment, an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending, from the primary node to the secondary node, an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies.

[0004] The method may further include: receiving, at the primary node, an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the secondary node; and determining, at the primary node, whether to accept the secondary node's use of the one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters.

[0005] A method comprises: sending an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment to a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and receiving, at the secondary node, an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node.

[0006] The method may further comprise determining, at the secondary node, whether to accept the use of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters.

[0007] The method may further include sending an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node if it is determined that use of the one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters is not acceptable.

[0008] A method comprises: sending, from a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0009] A method comprises: receiving, at a secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment, from a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or the availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending one or more report messages to the primary node according to the one or more rules.

[0010] The one or more rules may include one or more of: a rule to send a report message to the primary node in response to an event at the secondary node; or a rule to periodically send a report message to the primary node.

[0011] The event at the secondary node may include receiving measurement results from the dual-connected user equipment.

[0012] A method comprises: sending one or more messages from a primary node for a dual-connected user equipment to the dual-connected user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connected user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and a secondary node for the dual-connected user equipment configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0013] The one or more messages may indicate one or more links between the one or more measurements configured by the primary node and the one or more measurements configured by the secondary node.

[0014] A method comprises: at a dual-connection user equipment, receiving one or more messages from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, the dual-connection user equipment being configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0015] One or more messages may indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the master node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node; and the method may further include: in response to generating a measurement result for reporting to the master node a measurement configured by the master node and indicated by the master node to be linked to the measurement configured by the secondary node, reporting to the master node both the measurement result of the measurement configured by the master node and the measurement result of the linked measurement configured by the secondary node.

[0016] A master node for a dual-connected user equipment, the master node comprising: a component for receiving an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connected user equipment, wherein the secondary node configures the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and a component for sending an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0017] The primary node may further include: means for receiving an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the secondary node; and means for determining whether to accept the secondary node's use of the one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters.

[0018] A secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node comprising: a component for sending an indication of one or more frequencies to a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, wherein the secondary node configures the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and a component for receiving an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node.

[0019] The secondary node may further comprise means for accepting the use of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters.

[0020] The secondary node may further include means for sending an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node if it is determined that use of the one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters is not acceptable.

[0021] A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: a component for sending an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, wherein the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0022] A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node comprising: a component for receiving, from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or the availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, wherein the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and a component for sending one or more report messages to the primary node according to the one or more rules.

[0023] The one or more rules may include one or more of: a rule to send a report message to the primary node in response to an event at the secondary node; or a rule to periodically send a report message to the primary node.

[0024] The event at the secondary node may include receiving measurement results from the dual-connected user equipment.

[0025] A master node for a dual-connected user device, the master node comprising: a component for sending one or more messages to the dual-connected user device, wherein the one or more messages configure the dual-connected user device to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the master node, and a secondary node for the dual-connected user device configures the dual-connected user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0026] The one or more messages may indicate one or more links between the one or more measurements configured by the primary node and the one or more measurements configured by the secondary node.

[0027] A dual-connection user equipment comprises: a component for receiving one or more messages from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, wherein the one or more messages configure the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0028] One or more messages may indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the primary node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node; and the dual-connection user equipment may further include: a component for reporting to the primary node both the measurement results of the measurements configured by the primary node and the measurement results of the linked measurements configured by the secondary node in response to generating a measurement result for reporting to the primary node the measurement results of the measurements configured by the primary node and indicated by the primary node to be linked to the measurements configured by the secondary node.

[0029] A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the master node to execute: receiving an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0030] At least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the primary node to: receive an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the secondary node; and determine whether to accept the secondary node's use of the one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters.

[0031] A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to execute: sending an indication of one or more frequencies to a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and receiving an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node.

[0032] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to: determine, at the secondary node, whether to accept use of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters.

[0033] At least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the secondary node to: upon determining that use of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters is not acceptable, send to the primary node an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies.

[0034] A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the master node to execute: sending an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or the availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0035] A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to execute: receiving, from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or the availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending one or more report messages to the primary node according to the one or more rules.

[0036] The one or more rules may include one or more of: a rule to send a report message to the primary node in response to an event at the secondary node; or a rule to periodically send a report message to the primary node.

[0037] The event at the secondary node may include receiving measurement results from the dual-connected user equipment.

[0038] A master node for a dual-connection user device, the master node comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the master node to execute: sending one or more messages to the dual-connection user device, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user device to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the master node, and a secondary node for the dual-connection user device configuring the dual-connection user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0039] The one or more messages may indicate one or more links between the one or more measurements configured by the primary node and the one or more measurements configured by the secondary node.

[0040] A dual-connection user equipment comprises: at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the dual-connection user equipment to execute: receiving one or more messages from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, wherein the one or more messages configure the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0041] One or more messages may indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the primary node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node; and at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, together with at least one processor, enable the dual-connection user equipment to: in response to generating a measurement result for reporting to the primary node a measurement configured by the primary node and indicated by the primary node to be linked to a measurement configured by the secondary node, report to the primary node both the measurement result for the measurement configured by the primary node and the measurement result for the linked measurement configured by the secondary node.

[0042] A master node for a dual-connected user equipment, the master node comprising: a receiving circuit for: receiving an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and a sending circuit for sending an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0043] A secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node comprising: a sending circuit for sending an indication of one or more frequencies to a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and a receiving circuit for receiving an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node.

[0044] A master node for a dual-connection user equipment comprises: a sending circuit for sending an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, and the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0045] A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment comprises: a receiving circuit for receiving, from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or the availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and a sending circuit for sending one or more report messages to the primary node according to the one or more rules.

[0046] A master node for a dual-connected user device comprises: a sending circuit for sending one or more messages to the dual-connected user device, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connected user device to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the master node, and a secondary node for the dual-connected user device configuring the dual-connected user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0047] A dual-connection user equipment comprises: a receiving circuit for receiving one or more messages from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0048] A computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: receiving, at a primary node for a dual-connected user device, an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connected user device, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node to the secondary node.

[0049] A computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: sending an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment to a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and receiving, at the secondary node, an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node.

[0050] A computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: sending an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node from a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, and the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0051] A computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: at a secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, receiving an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or the availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending one or more report messages to the primary node according to the one or more rules.

[0052] A computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: sending one or more messages from a primary node for a dual-connected user device to the dual-connected user device, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connected user device to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and a secondary node for the dual-connected user device configuring the dual-connected user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0053] A computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: at a dual-connection user device, one or more messages are received from a primary node for the dual-connection user device, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user device to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user device is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user device to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0054] A non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: receiving, at a primary node for a dual-connected user device, an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connected user device, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node to the secondary node.

[0055] A non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: sending an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for a dual-connected user device to a primary node for the dual-connected user device, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and receiving, at the secondary node, an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node.

[0056] A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: sending an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node from a primary node for a dual-connected user equipment to a secondary node for the dual-connected user equipment, and the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0057] A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: at a secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment, receiving an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or the availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node from a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and sending one or more report messages to the primary node according to the one or more rules.

[0058] A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: sending one or more messages from a primary node for a dual-connected user device to the dual-connected user device, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connected user device to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and a secondary node for the dual-connected user device configuring the dual-connected user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0059] A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: at a dual-connection user device, one or more messages are received from a primary node for the dual-connection user device, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user device to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user device is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user device to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0060] A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to at least: receive an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and send an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0061] A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause a secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment to at least: send an indication of one or more frequencies to a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and receive an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies from the primary node.

[0062] A computer program includes computer executable code, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause a primary node for a dual-connection user device to at least: send an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node to a secondary node for the dual-connection user device, and the secondary node configures the dual-connection user device to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0063] A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause a secondary node for a dual-connection user device to at least: receive, from a primary node for the dual-connection user device, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and send one or more report messages to the primary node according to the one or more rules.

[0064] A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause a primary node for a dual-connection user device to at least: send one or more messages to the dual-connection user device, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user device to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, and a secondary node for the dual-connection user device to configure the dual-connection user device to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0065] A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause a dual-connection user equipment to at least: receive one or more messages from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of one or more frequencies to the primary node, the dual-connection user equipment being configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

[0066] In the above, a number of different aspects have been described. It should be understood that further aspects may be provided by combining any two or more of the aspects described above.

[0067] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Some example embodiments will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 illustrates an example mobile communication system in which some example embodiments may be applied;

[0070] Figure 2 According to some example embodiments Figure 1 representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0071] Figure 3 According to some example embodiments Figure 1representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0072] Figure 4 According to some example embodiments Figure 1 representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0073] Figure 5 According to some example embodiments Figure 1 representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0074] Figure 6 According to some example embodiments Figure 1 representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0075] Figure 7 According to some example embodiments Figure 1 representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0076] Figure 8 According to some example embodiments Figure 1 representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0077] Fig. 9 According to some example embodiments Figure 1 representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0078] Fig.10 According to some example embodiments Figure 1 representation of examples of the operation of some elements of;

[0079] Fig.11 A representation showing an example of an apparatus for implementing user equipment functionality or access node functionality according to some example embodiments;

[0080] Fig.12 A representation showing an example of a non-volatile storage medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] For example, the following description focuses on examples involving master nodes operating according to 3GPP 5G radio access technology, but the underlying technology may also be applicable to other examples involving master nodes operating according to other radio access technologies (such as more evolved 3GPP radio access technologies).

[0082] For example, the following description also focuses on an example where the secondary node is a node operating according to the same radio access technology as the primary node, but the underlying technology is also applicable to examples where the primary node and the secondary node operate according to different radio access technologies.

[0083] Figure 1A simplified representation of one example of a 5G system architecture is shown, illustrating some elements having roles in the example embodiments described below. Figure 1 All cells shown in are logical cells. Figure 1 The connections shown in are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. 5G systems may include Figure 1 Other functions and structures than those shown in .

[0084] The 5G core network (CN) can provide connectivity between devices implementing user equipment functions (UE) and one or more data networks (DN) via a radio access network (such as a new generation radio access network (NG-RAN), including a network of devices implementing gNB (gNodeB) functional instances).

[0085] The gNB (i) is connected to the User Plane Function (UPF) of the Core Network (CN) for routing and forwarding user data packets and for providing connectivity of the device to one or more external packet data networks (DNs), and (ii) is connected to the Access Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the Core Network (CN) for controlling access and change of serving cells for UEs.

[0086] The term "user equipment" (UE) may refer to any device, apparatus or component that implements at least the functionality of a 3GPP user equipment (UE).

[0087] A UE may be a mobile or static device (e.g., a portable or non-portable computing device), including but not limited to the following types of devices: mobile phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, devices using wireless modems (alarm or measurement devices, etc.), laptop and / or touch screen computers, tablet computers, game consoles, notebook computers, and multimedia devices. It should be understood that a UE device may also be a nearly exclusive uplink-only device, an example of which is a camera or video camera that uploads images or video clips to a network. A UE device may also be a device with the ability to operate in an Internet of Things (IoT) network, which is a scenario in which objects / objects have the ability to transmit data over a network without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction, such as for use in smart grids and connected vehicles. Devices may also utilize the cloud. In some applications, a UE device may include a user-portable device (such as a watch, headphones, or glasses) with a radio component, and perform computations in the cloud.

[0088] 5G enables the use of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antennas and may involve a large number of base stations (gNBs), including macro sites that operate in collaboration with smaller stations and employ various radio technologies (depending on service requirements, use cases and / or available spectrum). 5G mobile communications support a wide range of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, different ways of sharing data, and various forms of machine-type applications (such as (massive) machine-type communications (mMTC), including vehicle safety, different sensors and real-time control). 5G can use multiple frequency bands (e.g., below 6 GHz or above 24 GHz, centimeter wave (cmWave) and millimeter wave (mmWave)), and can also be integrated with other radio access technologies (such as LTE). 5G can support both inter-RAT operability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI operability (inter-radio interface operability, such as below 6 GHz-cmWave, 6 or above 24 GHz-cmWave and mmWave). 5G networks can use network slicing, in which multiple independent and dedicated virtual subnetworks (network instances) can be created within the same infrastructure to run services with different requirements for latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility.

[0089] Low-latency applications and services can be promoted by bringing content close to 5G systems, which leads to local grooming and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analysis and knowledge generation to be performed at the data source. This approach can involve utilizing resources that may not be continuously connected to the network, such as laptops, smart phones, tablets, and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It can also store and process content at locations close to cellular users to achieve faster response times. Edge computing covers a wide range of technologies, such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, collaborative distributed peer-to-peer self-organizing networking and processing (also classified as local cloud / fog computing and grid / mesh computing, dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlet, distributed data storage and retrieval), autonomous self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented reality and virtual reality, data caching, the Internet of Things (large-scale connectivity and / or latency critical), critical communications (autonomous driving vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analysis, time-critical control, healthcare applications).

[0090] 5G can also make use of satellite communications to enhance or complement the coverage of 5G services, for example by providing backhaul. Possible use cases are providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices or for passengers on board vehicles, mobile broadband (MBB), or ensuring service availability for critical communications and future railway / maritime / aeronautical communications. Satellite communications can make use of geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems, but also low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, in particular mega-constellations (systems in which hundreds of (nano) satellites are deployed). Each satellite in a mega-constellation can cover multiple satellite-enabled network entities creating ground cells. Ground cells can be created by ground relay nodes, or by gNBs located on the ground or in satellites.

[0091] 5GC adopts a service-based architecture (SBA), according to which communication between network functions uses a service-based interface (SBI). An application programming interface (API) is used for the SBI.

[0092] The UE may be in dual connectivity with two or more access nodes; one access node operates as a primary node (MN) and one or more access nodes operate as secondary nodes (SN). The control plane connection established between the core network (more specifically, an instance of the 5G Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the 5GCN) and the radio access network for the dual connectivity UE terminates at the primary node; there is no control plane connection established for the dual connectivity UE between the core network and the secondary node for the dual connectivity UE. A user plane connection for the dual connectivity UE may be provided between the MN and an instance of the 5G User Plane Function (UPF), and between the SN and the UPF instance. The MN provides primary radio resources for the dual connectivity UE via one or more cells (primary cell group (MCG)). The SN provides additional radio resources for the dual connectivity UE via one or more additional cells (secondary cell group (SCG)).

[0093] A gNB operating as a primary node for a dual-connected UE and a gNB operating as a secondary node for a dual-connected UE may exchange at least control plane information via an Xn interface between the two nodes.

[0094] According to one example, the node operating as the primary node for the dual-connected UE may be a macro base station with relatively wide radio coverage; and the node operating as the secondary node for the dual-connected UE may be a non-macro node with narrower radio coverage.

[0095] Both the master node and the secondary node have their own RRC entities, which can generate RRC messages for dual-connected UEs. The RRC message generated by the SN can be sent directly to the UE via the SN cell via the signaling radio bearer (SRB3) established between the DC-UE and the SN. Alternatively, the RRC message generated by the SN for the dual-connected UE can be sent from the SN to the MN via the Xn interface, and then encapsulated in the RRC message generated by the MN, and sent to the UE via the MN cell via the signaling radio bearer (SRB1) established between the MN and the UE. The RRC response message generated by the DC-UE in response to the RRC message from the SN can be sent directly to the SN via the SN cell. Alternatively, the RRC response message generated by the DC-UE in response to the RRC message from the SN can be encapsulated in the RRC response message generated by the DC-UE in response to the RRC message from the MN; the encapsulated RRC response message for the SN is forwarded by the MN to the SN on the Xn interface.

[0096] Both the MN and the SN configure the UE to perform and report measurements via RRC messages generated at the MN and the SN, respectively. Configuring the UE to perform and report measurements may involve linking a measurement object (MO) for the UE and a report configuration (RC) for the UE using a measurement ID. The MO configures the UE for measurements; and may indicate, for example, one or more frequencies, one or more reference signals, one or more L3 filter parameters, etc. The RC configures the UE for reporting the measurements performed; and may, for example, configure the UE for periodic and / or event-triggered reporting.

[0097] Figures 2 to 6 An example of operations at a MN and a SN according to some example embodiments is shown. In this example, a DC-UE is in dual connectivity with a gNB acting as a MN and a gNB acting as a SN.

[0098] MN sends an SN modification request to SN via the Xn interface. The SN modification request includes a CG-ConfigInfo message specified at Article 11 of 3GPP TS38.331V17.1.0, including the CG-ConfigInfo information element (IE) shown below. The CG-ConfigInfo IE includes a measConfigMN IE indicating the measurement configuration of the MN. The measConfigMN IE indicates the frequency (measFrequenciesMN), and the MN configures the DC-UE to perform and report measurements on the frequency (measFrequenciesMN).

[0099]

[0100] In response to the SN modification request message from the MN, the SN sends an SN modification response to the MN via the Xn interface. The SN modification response includes the CG-Config message specified at Article 11 of 3GPP TS38.331 V17.1.0, including the CG-Config IE shown below. The CG-Config IE includes a measConfigSN IE indicating the measurement configuration of the SN. The measConfigSN IE indicates the frequency (measFrequenciesSN), and the SN configures the DC-UE to perform and report measurements on the frequency (measFrequenciesSN).

[0101]

[0102] Therefore, the SN and MN exchange lists of frequencies for which they configure the DC-UE to measure and report.

[0103] The MN determines a preference for MO and RC parameters for measFrequenciesSN. For example, the MN may determine a preference to align MO and RC parameters for one or more measFrequenciesSN with MO and RC parameters for one or more measFrequenciesMN.

[0104] The MN sends an SN modification request to the SN. The SN modification request includes a CG-ConfigInfo message. The CG-ConfigInfo message includes an information element (measFrequenciesSNConfigInfo) indicating the MN preference for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN.

[0105] The SN determines whether it can accept the MN preferences for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN.

[0106] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the result of this determination at the SN is positive, and the SN replies to the SN modification request from the MN by sending an SN modification response indicating a positive acknowledgement (ACK).

[0107] exist Figure 3 and 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the result of this determination at the SN is negative, and the SN replies to the SN Modify Request from the MN by sending an SN Modify Response indicating the SN preferences for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN. The SN preferences may be based in part on the MN preferences indicated in the SN Modify Request from the MN.

[0108] The MN determines whether it can accept the SN preferences for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN.

[0109] exist Figure 3 The result of this determination at the MN is positive. The MN confirms to the SN the acceptance of the SN preference. The SN configures the DC-UE for measurement according to the SN preference for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN.

[0110] exist Figure 4 The result of this determination at the MN is negative. The MN sends a new SN Modify Request to the SN via the Xn interface. The new SN Modify Request includes a CG-ConfigInfo message. The CG-ConfigInfo message includes an information element (measFrequenciesSNConfigInfo) indicating new MN preferences for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN. The determination of the new MN preferences at the MN may be based in part on the SN preferences indicated in the SN Modify Response from the SN.

[0111] This exchange of preferences for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN continues until the SN accepts the MN preferences for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN, or the MN accepts the SN preferences for MO parameters and RC settings for measFrequenciesSN.

[0112] Figure 5 Shows Figures 2 to 4 A representation of the operation of the MN in the example of ; and Figure 6 Shows Figures 2 to 4 Representation of the operation of SN in the example.

[0113] These example techniques may facilitate improved coordination between the MN and the SN, for example, to align MO parameters and RC settings configured by the MN for DC-UE measurements with MO parameters and RC settings configured by the SN for DC-UE measurements. This may facilitate reduction of duplicate measurements and may help to effectively use measurement gaps configured by the MN for measurements configured by the SN.

[0114] For example, these example techniques may prevent the MN and SN from configuring the DC-UE with different measurement objects and reporting configurations for the same measurement frequency. These example techniques may reduce the risk of interruption time when a certain measurement gap is required, and / or may reduce the incidence of the DC-UE not treating the measurement of such frequency as a single layer, resulting in inefficient use of processing power at the UE to perform the measurement. These example techniques may be particularly useful, for example, in situations where the MN does not want to measure the same frequency as the SN, but wants to propose and recommend parameter settings for the measurement object and reporting configuration.

[0115] Figures 7 to 9 A representation of operations at a node acting as a MN and a SN for a DC-UE is shown in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0116] The MN sends an SN modification request to the SN via the Xn interface. The SN modification request includes a CG-ConfigInfo message, including the CG-ConfigInfo information element (IE) described above. The CG-ConfigInfo IE includes a measConfigMN IE indicating the measurement configuration of the MN. The measConfigMN IE indicates the frequency (measFrequenciesMN), and the MN configures the DC-UE to perform and report measurements on the frequency (measFrequenciesMN).

[0117] In response to the SN modification request from the MN, the SN sends an SN modification response to the MN via the Xn interface. The SN modification response includes a CG-Config message, including the CG-Config IE described above. The CG-Config IE includes a measConfigSN IE indicating the measurement configuration of the SN. The measConfigSN IE indicates the frequency (measFrequenciesSN), and the SN configures the DC-UE to perform and report measurements on the frequency (measFrequenciesSN).

[0118] The MN triggers a request to the SN for notifications related to measurements for measFrequenciesSN according to one or more rules.

[0119] exist Figure 7In the embodiment of the present invention, MN sends a request to SN requesting SN to share the measurement results for measFrequenciesSN immediately after receiving the measurement results for measFrequenciesSN from DC-UE. The SN modification request sent to SN includes CG-ConfigInfo IE, which includes a notification request (NotificationReq) field filled with a value indicating the request requesting SN to share the measurement results for measFrequenciesSN immediately after receiving the measurement results for measFrequenciesSN from DC-UE. SN replies to the SN notification request from MN by sending an SN modification response indicating acceptance of the MN request. SN generates an RRC message for DC-UE, which is used to configure DC-UE for measuring measFrequenciesSN and reporting the measurement results for measFrequenciesSN. The RRC message can be sent directly to DC-UE via a signaling radio bearer (SRB3) established between SN and DC-UE, or can be sent to DC-UE via MN and a signaling radio bearer (SRB1) established between MN and DC-UE. In response to receiving the measurement results for measFrequenciesSN from the DC-UE, the SN shares the measurement results with the MN according to the rules indicated in the SN Modify Request from the MN.

[0120] exist Figure 8In the embodiment, MN sends a request to SN requesting SN to notify MN about the availability of new measurement results (without automatically sending new measurement results from SN to MN) whenever SN receives new measurement results for measFrequenciesSN from DC-UE. The SN modification request sent from MN to SN includes a CG-ConfigInfo IE, which includes a notification request (NotificationReq) field filled with a value indicating the request requesting SN to notify MN about the availability of new DC-UE measurement results for measFrequenciesSN at SN. SN replies to the SN notification request from MN by sending an SN modification response indicating acceptance of the MN request. SN generates an RRC message for DC-UE, which is used to configure DC-UE for measuring measFrequenciesSN and reporting measurement results for measFrequenciesSN. The RRC message can be sent directly to DC-UE via a signaling radio bearer (SRB3) established between SN and DC-UE, or can be sent to DC-UE via MN and a signaling radio bearer (SRB1) established between MN and DC-UE. In response to receiving the measurement result for measFrequenciesSN from the DC-UE, the SN sends a message to the MN indicating that a new DC-UE measurement result for measFrequenciesSN is available for retrieval by the MN from the SN. The MN may determine to retrieve the measurement result from the SN. The MN may use an SN Modify Request message to retrieve the measurement result.

[0121] exist Fig. 9In the embodiment of the present invention, MN sends a request to SN requesting SN to periodically share the latest DC-UE measurement results for measFrequenciesSN with MN. The SN modification request sent to SN includes a CG-ConfigInfo IE, which includes a notification request (NotificationReq) field filled with a value indicating a request requesting SN to periodically share the latest DC-UE measurement results for measFrequenciesSN with MN. SN replies to the SN notification request from MN by sending an SN modification response indicating acceptance of the MN request. SN generates an RRC message for DC-UE, which is used to configure DC-UE for measuring measFrequenciesSN and reporting measurement results for measFrequenciesSN. The RRC message can be sent directly to DC-UE via a signaling radio bearer (SRB3) established between SN and DC-UE, or can be sent to DC-UE via MN and a signaling radio bearer (SRB1) established between MN and DC-UE. SN periodically sends information to MN, which includes the latest DC-UE measurement results for measFrequenciesSN.

[0122] According to some example variations, the rules regarding the SN reporting new DC-UE measurement results (or the availability of new DC-UE measurement results) to the MN may be defined by one or more conditions. For example, the MN may request the SN to report new DC-UE measurement results to the MN if it is determined that the DC-UE is moving at a speed greater than a threshold speed, or if the DC-UE is being served by a specific radio beam of the SN.

[0123] These example techniques facilitate reporting of SN configured measurements to the MN; and may avoid the MN having to always individually retrieve SN configured measurements, which would require two messages (request and response) over the Xn interface for each individual retrieval operation.

[0124] Fig.10 Examples of operations at a DC-UE, a MN, and a SN according to some example embodiments are shown.

[0125] The UE is in dual connectivity with two gNBs operating as MN and SN.

[0126] The MN triggers sending a request to the SN for an indication of which measFrequenciesSN (the frequencies for which the SN configures the DC-UE to use for measurement reporting) are specific to determining whether a condition for conditional PSCell addition / change (CPAC) is met (where the PSCell is the primary SCG cell). The request from the MN to the SN includes a CG-ConfigInfo message, which includes a request for an indication of which measFrequenciesSN (the frequencies for which the SN configures the DC-UE to use for measurement reporting) are specific to CPAC.

[0127] The SN sends an SN Modification Confirmation in response to the request from the MN. The SN Modification Confirmation includes a CG-Config message indicating which measFrequenciesSNs are specific to CPAC (CPACMeasFrequenciesSNs) and indicating the measurement ID for the CPACMeasFrequenciesSNs.

[0128] The MN maps the measurement ID for CPACMeasFrequenciesSN to one or more measurement IDs for MeasFrequenciesMN (the measurement frequencies for which the MN configures the UE to report measurements). For example, the MN maps the measurement ID for CPACMeasFrequenciesSN to one or more measurement IDs for the measurement frequencies for which the MN configures the UE to use for measurements related to detecting A3 or A5 events. The A3 event is triggered when the RSRP (reference signal received power) or RSRQ (reference signal received quality) of the neighboring cell becomes better than the RSRP or RSRQ of the serving cell by a certain offset. The A5 event is triggered when the RSRP or RSRQ of the serving cell becomes worse than a first threshold and the RSRP / RSRQ of the neighboring cell becomes better than a second threshold.

[0129] The MN sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the DC-UE. The reconfiguration message includes information about the link between the MN measurement ID and the SN measurement ID; and the DC-UE stores the information.

[0130] When reporting the measurement results for the measurement ID configured for the MN, the DC-UE determines whether the information received from the MN (and stored at the DC-UE) indicates the link between the measurement ID configured for the MN and the measurement ID configured for one or more SNs. If the result of this determination is positive, the DC-UE includes the latest measurement results for the measurement ID configured for one or more SNs linked to the measurement ID configured for the MN in the message sent to the MN reporting the measurement results for the measurement ID configured for the MN. In the case where the measurement results for the measurement ID configured for one or more linked SNs are not completely available (for example, because the measurement is in the primary stage), the DC-UE still includes the results of the incomplete measurement for the measurement ID configured for one or more linked SNs, and an indication of the incomplete status (for example, L3 filtering is in progress, and TTT (Time-To-Trigger) has not expired) in the report message sent to the MN. In the case where the measurement results for the measurement ID configured for one or more linked SNs are completely available but have not yet been reported to the SN, the DC-UE includes the complete measurement results for the measurement ID configured for one or more linked SNs in the report message sent to the MN. The DC-UE may or may not indicate in the message sent to the MN that the complete measurement results have not been reported to the SN.

[0131] The MN may use these measurement results for the measurement IDs configured for one or more linked SNs, for example, for the purpose of narrowing down the list of candidate nodes to be prepared as secondary nodes for DC conditional handover (CHO).

[0132] These example techniques allow a MN to receive CPAC-related SN-configured measurements directly from a DC-UE; and avoid the overhead involved in receiving CPAC-related SN-configured measurements via the SN.

[0133] Fig.11 Shown is a method for implementing Figure 1An example of an apparatus for a UE or access node (primary node or secondary node) function in an architecture of the present invention. The apparatus may include at least one processor 802 coupled to one or more interfaces 808. For a UE, one or more interfaces 808 may include one or more interfaces to other devices / components for which, for example, a UE function provides radio communications. For an access node, one or more interfaces 808 may include one or more interfaces to a core network node that implements a core network function (e.g., AMF, UPF, etc.) and other access nodes of a radio access network (RAN). At least one processor 802 is also coupled to a radio unit 804, which includes one or more antennas for making and receiving radio transmissions, etc. At least one processor 802 may also be coupled to at least one memory 806. At least one processor 802 may be configured to execute suitable software code to perform the operations described above. The software code may be stored in the memory 806.

[0134] Fig.12 Schematic representations of non-volatile storage media 1100a (e.g., a computer compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 1100b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1102 that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more steps of the previously described method.

[0135] It will be noted that the example embodiments may be implemented as circuits, using software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. In the example embodiments, the application logic, software, or instruction set is maintained on any computer-readable medium. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any medium or component that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as the base station or user equipment of the example embodiments described above).

[0136] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementations only (such as implementations of analog and / or digital circuits only), and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): a combination of (i) a processor, or (ii) portions of a processor / software (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that work together to enable a device (such as the user equipment or base station of the embodiments described above) to perform various functions, and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, that require software or firmware to operate, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This "circuitry" definition applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claims). As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of only a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover (for example and if applicable to a particular claim element) a baseband integrated circuit or application processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other network device.

[0137] The features, advantages, and characteristics described herein may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that such example embodiments may be practiced without one or more specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages that may not be present in all example embodiments may be identified in certain embodiments. It will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments discussed above may be practiced using steps in a different order, and / or may be practiced using hardware elements in a configuration different from the disclosed configuration. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative structures will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

Claims

1. A method comprising: receiving, at a primary node for a dual-connected user equipment, an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is sent from the primary node to the secondary node.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising: receiving, at the primary node, from the secondary node, an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies; as well as At the primary node, a determination is made as to whether to accept use of the one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters by the secondary node.

3. A method comprising: sending an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment to a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is received at the secondary node from the primary node.

4. The method according to claim 3, comprising: At the secondary node, it is determined whether to accept the use of the one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters.

5. The method according to claim 4, comprising: In the event that use of the one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters is determined to be unacceptable, an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is sent to the primary node.

6. A method comprising: An indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node is sent from a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, and the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

7. A method comprising: receiving, at a secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment, from a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as Based on the one or more rules, one or more report messages are sent to the master node.

8. The method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein: The one or more rules include one or more of: a rule for sending a report message to the primary node in response to an event at the secondary node; or a rule for periodically sending a report message to the primary node.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The event at the secondary node comprises receiving a measurement result from the dual-connectivity user equipment.

10. A method comprising: One or more messages are sent from a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment configures the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more messages indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the primary node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node.

12. A method comprising: At a dual-connection user equipment, one or more messages are received from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The one or more messages indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the primary node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node; as well as The method further comprises: in response to generating a measurement result for reporting to the master node a measurement configured by the master node and indicated by the master node to be linked to a measurement configured by the secondary node, reporting to the master node both the measurement result for the measurement configured by the master node and the measurement result for the linked measurement configured by the secondary node.

14. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: means for receiving an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual connectivity user equipment, wherein the secondary node configures the dual connectivity user equipment to report measurements for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and Means for sending an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

15. The master node according to claim 14, comprising: means for receiving, from the secondary node, an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies; as well as Means for determining whether to accept use of the one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters by the secondary node.

16. A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node comprising: means for sending an indication of one or more frequencies to a primary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, wherein the secondary node configures the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurements for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and Means for receiving, from the master node, an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies.

17. The secondary node according to claim 16, comprising: Means for determining whether to accept use of said one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters.

18. The secondary node according to claim 17, comprising: Means for sending an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node if it is determined that use of the one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters is not acceptable.

19. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: A component for sending an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node to a secondary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, wherein the secondary node configures the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

20. A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node comprising: means for receiving, from a primary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, wherein the secondary node configures the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and Means for sending one or more report messages to the master node based on the one or more rules.

21. A secondary node according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein: The one or more rules include one or more of: a rule for sending a report message to the primary node in response to an event at the secondary node; or a rule for periodically sending a report message to the primary node.

22. The secondary node according to claim 21, wherein: The event at the secondary node comprises receiving a measurement result from the dual-connectivity user equipment.

23. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: A component for sending one or more messages to the dual-connection user equipment, wherein the one or more messages configure the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment configures the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

24. The master node according to claim 23, wherein: The one or more messages indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the primary node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node.

25. A dual-connection user equipment, comprising: A component for receiving one or more messages from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, wherein the one or more messages configure the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

26. The dual-connection user equipment according to claim 25, wherein: The one or more messages indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the primary node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node; as well as The dual-connection user equipment further includes: a component for reporting to the primary node both the measurement results of the measurements configured by the primary node and the measurement results of the linked measurements configured by the secondary node in response to generating a measurement result for reporting to the primary node the measurement results of the measurements configured by the primary node and indicated by the primary node to be linked to the measurements configured by the secondary node.

27. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the master node to execute: receiving an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is sent to the secondary node.

28. The master node according to claim 27, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the master node to: receiving, from the secondary node, an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies; as well as A determination is made as to whether to accept use of the one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters by the secondary node.

29. A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to execute: sending an indication of one or more frequencies to a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is received from the master node.

30. The secondary node according to claim 29, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to: determine, at the secondary node, whether to accept use of the one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters.

31. The secondary node according to claim 30, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to: upon determining that use of the one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters is not acceptable, send an indication of one or more alternative measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node.

32. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the master node to execute: An indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node is sent to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, and the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

33. A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to execute: receiving, from a primary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as Based on the one or more rules, one or more report messages are sent to the master node.

34. A secondary node according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein: The one or more rules include one or more of: a rule for sending a report message to the primary node in response to an event at the secondary node; or a rule for periodically sending a report message to the primary node.

35. The secondary node according to claim 34, wherein: The event at the secondary node comprises receiving a measurement result from the dual-connectivity user equipment.

36. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the master node to execute: One or more messages are sent to the dual-connection user equipment, and the one or more messages configure the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment configures the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

37. The master node according to claim 36, wherein: The one or more messages indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the primary node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node.

38. A dual-connection user equipment, comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the dual connectivity user equipment to execute: One or more messages are received from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

39. The dual-connection user equipment according to claim 38, wherein: The one or more messages indicate one or more links between one or more measurements configured by the primary node and one or more measurements configured by the secondary node; as well as Wherein, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the dual-connection user equipment to: in response to generating a measurement result for reporting to the primary node for measurements configured by the primary node and indicated by the primary node to be linked to measurements configured by the secondary node, report to the primary node both the measurement result for the measurements configured by the primary node and the measurement result for the linked measurements configured by the secondary node.

40. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, the master node comprising: a receiving circuit configured to receive an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as Transmitting circuitry for transmitting, to the secondary node, an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies.

41. A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node comprising: a transmitting circuit configured to send an indication of one or more frequencies to a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as Receiving circuitry for receiving, from the master node, an indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies.

42. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, comprising: A sending circuit is used to send an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, and the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

43. A secondary node for a dual-connection user equipment, comprising: a receiving circuit configured to receive, from a primary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; as well as A sending circuit is used to send one or more report messages to the master node according to the one or more rules.

44. A master node for a dual-connection user equipment, comprising: A sending circuit is used to send one or more messages to the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configure the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

45. A dual-connection user equipment, comprising: A receiving circuit is used to receive one or more messages from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

46. ​​A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: receiving, at a primary node for a dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is sent from the primary node to the secondary node.

47. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: sending an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment to a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is received at the secondary node from the primary node.

48. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: An indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node is sent from a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, and the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

49. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: receiving, at a secondary node for a dual-connectivity user equipment, from a primary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and Based on the one or more rules, one or more report messages are sent to the master node.

50. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: One or more messages are sent from a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment configures the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

51. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: At a dual-connection user equipment, one or more messages are received from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

52. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: receiving, at a primary node for a dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is sent from the primary node to the secondary node.

53. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: sending an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for a dual-connected user equipment to a primary node for the dual-connected user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connected user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is received at the secondary node from the primary node.

54. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: An indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node is sent from a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, and the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

55. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for: receiving, at a secondary node for a dual-connectivity user equipment, from a primary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and Based on the one or more rules, one or more report messages are sent to the master node.

56. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: One or more messages are sent from a primary node for a dual-connection user equipment to the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment configures the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

57. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the following operations: At a dual-connection user equipment, one or more messages are received from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

58. A computer program comprising computer executable code, which when executed on at least one processor is configured to cause a master node for a dual-connection user equipment to at least: receiving an indication of one or more frequencies from a secondary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is sent to the secondary node.

59. A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which when executed on at least one processor is configured to cause a secondary node for a dual-connectivity user equipment to at least: sending an indication of one or more frequencies to a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the secondary node configuring the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and An indication of one or more measurement and / or reporting parameters for one or more of the one or more frequencies is received from the master node.

60. A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which when executed on at least one processor is configured to cause a master node for a dual-connection user equipment to at least: An indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node is sent to a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment, and the secondary node configures the dual-connection user equipment to report the measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

61. A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which when executed on at least one processor is configured to cause a secondary node for a dual-connectivity user equipment to at least: receiving, from a primary node for the dual-connectivity user equipment, an indication of one or more rules for reporting measurement results or availability of measurement results for one or more frequencies to the primary node, the secondary node configuring the dual-connectivity user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node; and Based on the one or more rules, one or more report messages are sent to the master node.

62. A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which when executed on at least one processor is configured to cause a master node for a dual-connection user equipment to at least: One or more messages are sent to the dual-connection user equipment, and the one or more messages configure the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment configures the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

63. A computer program, comprising computer executable code, which when executed on at least one processor is configured to cause a dual-connectivity user equipment to at least: One or more messages are received from a primary node for the dual-connection user equipment, the one or more messages configuring the dual-connection user equipment to also report measurement results for one or more of the one or more frequencies to the primary node, and the dual-connection user equipment is configured by a secondary node for the dual-connection user equipment to report measurement results for the one or more frequencies to the secondary node.

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