Early indication for dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation

Abstract

A method comprising: monitoring whether a base station receives, from a terminal, an indication that a performance measurement of at least one candidate cell performed when the terminal is not in a connected state satisfies a condition within a connection creation procedure for connecting the terminal with the base station in the connected state, wherein the connection establishment process comprises a random access process, a connection establishment request or a connection recovery request; if the indication is received, requesting each of the candidate cells to prepare as a secondary cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal; determining a suitable cell among the candidate cells, wherein a performance measurement of the suitable cell satisfies a condition; providing a configuration to the terminal, the configuration including the suitable cell as a secondary cell; and notifying the appropriate cell that the terminal is configured with the appropriate cell as the secondary cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0002] abbreviation

[0003] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0004] 5G / 6G / 7G fifth generation / sixth generation / seventh generation

[0005] AMF Access and Mobility Function

[0006] AoA Angle of Arrival

[0007] AR Augmented Reality

[0008] AS Access Layer

[0009] CA Carrier Aggregation

[0010] CM Connection Management

[0011] CSSF Carrier Specific Scaling Factor

[0012] DC Dual Connectivity

[0013] DL Downlink

[0014] DN Domain Name

[0015] DRB Data Radio Bearer

[0016] DRX Discontinuous Reception

[0017] EMR Early Measurement Report

[0018] FR Frequency Range

[0019] gNB Next Generation Node B

[0020] IAB-MT Integrated Access and Backhaul - Mobile Terminal

[0021] I-RNTI Inactive RNTI

[0022] MN Master Node

[0023] Msg

[0024] NAS Non-Access Stratum

[0025] NR New Radio

[0026] PDU Protocol Data Unit

[0027] PRACH Physical Random Access Channel

[0028] PSCell Primary Serving Cell

[0029] RA Random Access

[0030] RAN Radio Access Network

[0031] RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0032] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0033] RRM Radio Resource Management

[0034] RSRP Reference Signal Received Power

[0035] RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality

[0036] Rx Receiver

[0037] SCell Secondary Cell

[0038] SCG Secondary Cell Group

[0039] SgNB

[0040] SMTC SSB-based RRM measurement timing configuration

[0041] SN Secondary Node

[0042] SRB Signalling Radio Bearer

[0043] SSB Synchronous Signal Block

[0044] TDM Time Division Multiplexing

[0045] TR Technical Report

[0046] TS Technical Specifications

[0047] Tx Transmitter

[0048] UE User Equipment

[0049] UL Uplink

[0050] URLLC Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications

[0051] XR Background Art

[0052] In Carrier Aggregation (CA), the capabilities of radio cells at different frequency allocations are combined. The UE first connects to one carrier for both uplink and downlink. This is the PCell. Thereafter, a Secondary DL Carrier (SCell) may be added.

[0053] Dual Connectivity (DC) enables the aggregation of two radio links with non-ideal backhaul without low latency requirements. To allow this, the links are aggregated at the PDCP level, combining PDCP PDUs. This is different from CA (carrier aggregation) which combines MAC layer blocks. For resource aggregation, a UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state is allocated two radio links from two different network nodes, which are connected via non-ideal backhaul using conventional X2 connectivity. The nodes play different roles. The macro cell acts as a mobility and signaling anchor (called the primary eNB, terminating the S1-MME), and the small cell acts as a local "capacity booster" (called the secondary eNB, providing additional radio resources for the UE). The two resource sets involved in the process are called the primary cell group (MCG, associated with the MeNB, and consisting of a PCell and zero, one or more SCells) and the secondary cell group (SCG, associated with the SeNB, and consisting of a PSCell (primary SCell) and zero, one or more SCells). The term "MN" represents any one of a PCell and Scell(s) of an MCG, and the term "SN" represents any one of a PSCell and SCell(s) of an SCG.

[0054] For the purposes of this application, DC and CA may be used equivalently. That is, unless otherwise stated, if a description is related to one of DC or CA, the description applies to the other of DC and CA accordingly. Typically, this equivalence is expressed by "DC / CA", which means either DC or CA.

[0055] For the purposes of this application, unless otherwise specified, the terms "idle mode" and "connected mode" are used such that the UE is in both RRC idle mode and CM idle mode and both RRC connected mode and CM connected mode, respectively. While the gNB does not maintain the UE context in RRC idle mode, the last serving gNB maintains the UE context when the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE mode. Therefore, if the UE is in RRC inactive mode, the UE is in CM connected mode.

[0056] As proposed in the Release 18 Further NR Mobility Enhancements work item description [3GPP RP-213565], the goal is to study the FR2 SCG / SCell measurement acquisition procedure and investigate potential enhancements and mechanisms to improve FR2 DC / CA establishment / recovery latency, including for users in RRC idle / inactive state. Summary of the invention

[0057] The object of the present invention is to improve the prior art.

[0058] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0059] One or more processors, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform:

[0060] monitoring whether the base station receives the following indication from the terminal in a connection creation procedure of the terminal: a performance measurement of at least one candidate cell among one or more candidate cells performed when the terminal is not in a connected state satisfies a condition, the connection creation procedure being used to connect the terminal to the base station in a connected state, wherein the connection creation procedure includes at least one of the following items: a random access procedure of the terminal, or a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal;

[0061] If this indication is received from a terminal, then:

[0062] ● requesting each of the one or more candidate cells to prepare as a secondary cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal;

[0063] ● determining a suitable cell among one or more candidate cells, wherein the performance measurement of the suitable cell satisfies a condition;

[0064] ● providing a configuration to the terminal, the configuration including the suitable cell as a secondary cell;

[0065] ● Notify the suitable cell that the terminal is configured with the suitable cell as a secondary cell.

[0066] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the device may also execute:

[0067] A set of one or more preamble codes is provided to a terminal; wherein

[0068] Monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment process of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell meets the condition, including: monitoring whether the terminal uses one of the preambles in the set of one or more preambles in the random access process.

[0069] When executed by one or more processors, the instructions may also cause the apparatus to perform:

[0070] Providing an indication of a dedicated random access channel opportunity to a terminal; wherein

[0071] By monitoring whether the terminal selects a dedicated random access channel opportunity in the random access procedure, monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment procedure of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell satisfies the condition.

[0072] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the device may execute:

[0073] By monitoring whether the terminal provides an explicit indication in a connection establishment request or a connection restoration request, it is monitored whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment procedure of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell satisfies the condition.

[0074] When the instruction is executed by one or more processors, the device may also perform at least one of the following:

[0075] Providing a measurement configuration for performance measurement to a terminal; or

[0076] Provides conditions to the terminal.

[0077] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, if there is more than one candidate cell, the apparatus may further execute:

[0078] Candidate cells different from the suitable cell are released from becoming secondary cells for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal.

[0079] The instructions, when executed by one or more processors, may cause the device to execute, if there is more than one candidate cell:

[0080] providing the terminal with a configuration including a suitable cell as a secondary cell by providing the terminal with a corresponding configuration for each of the candidate cells, wherein each of the configurations includes a corresponding candidate cell of the candidate cells as a secondary cell; and

[0081] The terminal is instructed to select a suitable cell among the candidate cells and to apply the configuration only to the suitable cell.

[0082] When executed by one or more processors, the instructions may cause the apparatus to:

[0083] No later than requesting a report of the performance measurement from the terminal, a corresponding configuration for each of the candidate cells is provided to the terminal.

[0084] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, if there is more than one candidate cell, the apparatus may execute:

[0085] By providing only the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell to the terminal after determining the suitable cell, the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell is provided to the terminal.

[0086] The indication may include an indication of a suitable cell.

[0087] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the device may also execute:

[0088] requesting a report of performance measurements from the terminal; and

[0089] By analyzing the report of the performance measurement, a suitable cell from among the one or more candidate cells is determined.

[0090] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the device may also execute:

[0091] Based on the information about the primary cell in which the terminal is camped, candidate cells among a set of potential candidate cells are estimated.

[0092] Performance measurements may include early measurement report measurements.

[0093] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0094] One or more processors, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform:

[0095] monitoring whether the terminal has left a connected state and performing performance measurements of one or more candidate cells when not in a connected state;

[0096] If the terminal has left the connected state and is performing performance measurements while not in the connected state, then:

[0097] checking whether at least one of the performance measures satisfies a condition;

[0098] Supervising whether the terminal intends to connect to the base station in a connected state through a connection establishment process, wherein the connection establishment process includes at least one of the following items: a random access process of the terminal, or a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal;

[0099] If at least one of the performance measurements satisfies the condition and the terminal intends to connect to the base station in a connected state through a connection creation process, then: providing an indication to the base station within the connection creation process, wherein the indication indicates that at least one of the performance measurements satisfies the condition.

[0100] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the device may execute:

[0101] This is provided by providing an explicit indication in a connection establishment request or a connection restoration request.

[0102] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the device may also execute:

[0103] Monitoring whether the terminal receives a set of one or more preamble codes; and wherein the instruction, when executed by one or more processors, can cause the device to execute:

[0104] The indication is provided by using one of the preambles in a set of one or more preambles in a random access procedure.

[0105] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the device may also execute

[0106] Monitoring whether the terminal receives an indication of a random access channel opportunity; and wherein the instruction, when executed by one or more processors, may cause the apparatus to execute:

[0107] An indication is provided by selecting a random access channel opportunity during the random access procedure.

[0108] When the instruction is executed by one or more processors, the device may also perform at least one of the following:

[0109] receive a measurement configuration for performance measurement, or

[0110] Receiving conditions.

[0111] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the device may also execute:

[0112] monitoring whether the terminal receives a configuration from the base station, wherein the configuration includes one of the candidate cells as a secondary cell for the terminal;

[0113] If the terminal receives the configuration, the configuration is applied to the terminal.

[0114] When the instructions are executed by one or more processors, if the measurement configuration includes performance measurements of more than one candidate cell, the apparatus may further execute:

[0115] monitoring whether the terminal receives from the base station a corresponding configuration for each of the candidate cells and an instruction to select only one of the configurations, wherein each of the configurations includes the corresponding candidate cell as a secondary cell for the terminal;

[0116] If the terminal receives the configuration and the instruction for the candidate cells, selecting one of the candidate cells based on the result of the performance measurement for the candidate cells;

[0117] Only the configuration for the selected candidate cell is applied to the terminal.

[0118] The indication may additionally indicate a candidate cell for which the performance measurement satisfies the condition.

[0119] Performance measurements may include early measurement report measurements.

[0120] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising:

[0121] monitoring whether the base station receives the following indication from the terminal in a connection creation procedure of the terminal: a performance measurement of at least one candidate cell among one or more candidate cells performed when the terminal is not in a connected state satisfies a condition, the connection creation procedure being used to connect the terminal to the base station in a connected state, wherein the connection creation procedure includes at least one of the following items: a random access procedure of the terminal, or a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal;

[0122] If an indication is received from a terminal, then:

[0123] ● requesting each of the one or more candidate cells to prepare as a secondary cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal;

[0124] ● determining a suitable cell among one or more candidate cells, wherein a performance measurement of the suitable cell satisfies a condition;

[0125] ● providing a configuration to the terminal, the configuration including the suitable cell as a secondary cell;

[0126] ● Notify the suitable cell that the terminal is configured with the suitable cell as a secondary cell.

[0127] The method may further include:

[0128] A set of one or more preamble codes is provided to a terminal; wherein

[0129] Monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection creation process of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell meets the condition, may include: monitoring whether the terminal uses one of the preambles in the set of one or more preambles in the random access process.

[0130] The method may further include:

[0131] Providing an indication of a dedicated random access channel opportunity to a terminal; wherein

[0132] Monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment process of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell meets the condition may include monitoring whether the terminal selects a dedicated random access channel opportunity in the random access process.

[0133] Monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment process of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell meets the condition may include monitoring whether the terminal provides an explicit indication in a connection establishment request or a connection recovery request.

[0134] The method may further include:

[0135] Providing a measurement configuration for performance measurement to a terminal; or

[0136] Provides conditions to the terminal.

[0137] The method may further include:

[0138] Candidate cells different from the suitable cell are released from becoming secondary cells for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal.

[0139] Providing a configuration including a suitable cell as a secondary cell to the terminal may include providing a corresponding configuration for each candidate cell in the candidate cells to the terminal, wherein each configuration in the configuration includes a corresponding candidate cell in the candidate cells as a secondary cell; and the method may further include:

[0140] The terminal is instructed to select a suitable cell among the candidate cells and apply the configuration only to the suitable cell.

[0141] No later than requesting a report of the performance measurements from the terminal, the terminal may be provided with a respective configuration for each of the candidate cells.

[0142] Providing the terminal with a configuration including a suitable cell as a secondary cell may include providing the terminal with only the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell after determining the suitable cell.

[0143] The indication may include an indication of a suitable cell.

[0144] The method may further include:

[0145] Requesting a report of performance measurements from a terminal; wherein

[0146] Determining a suitable cell among the one or more candidate cells may be performed by analyzing reports of performance measurements.

[0147] The method may further include:

[0148] Based on the information about the primary cell in which the terminal is camped, candidate cells in the set of potential candidate cells are estimated.

[0149] Performance measurements may include early measurement report measurements.

[0150] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising:

[0151] One or more processors, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the method to perform:

[0152] monitoring whether the terminal has left a connected state and performing performance measurements of one or more candidate cells when not in a connected state;

[0153] If the terminal has left the connected state and is performing performance measurements while not in the connected state, then:

[0154] ● checking whether at least one of the performance measures satisfies a condition;

[0155] ● supervising whether the terminal intends to connect to the base station in the connected state through a connection establishment process, wherein the connection establishment process includes at least one of the following items: a random access process of the terminal, or a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal;

[0156] ●If at least one of the performance measurements meets the condition and the terminal intends to connect to the base station in a connected state through a connection creation process, then: provide an indication to the base station within the connection creation process, wherein the indication indicates that at least one of the performance measurements meets the condition.

[0157] Providing may include providing an explicit indication in a connection establishment request or a connection restoration request.

[0158] The method may further include:

[0159] monitoring whether the terminal receives a set of one or more preamble codes; and wherein

[0160] Providing the indication may include using one of the preambles in the set of one or more preambles in the random access procedure.

[0161] The method may further include:

[0162] monitoring whether the terminal receives an indication of a random access channel opportunity; and wherein

[0163] Providing the indication may include selecting a random access channel opportunity in a random access procedure.

[0164] The method may also include at least one of the following:

[0165] receive a measurement configuration for performance measurement, or

[0166] Receiving conditions.

[0167] The method may further include:

[0168] monitoring whether the terminal receives a configuration from the base station, wherein the configuration includes one of the candidate cells as a secondary cell for the terminal;

[0169] If the terminal receives the configuration, the configuration is applied to the terminal.

[0170] The method may further include, if the measurement configuration includes performance measurements of more than one candidate cell, then:

[0171] monitoring whether the terminal receives from the base station a corresponding configuration for each of the candidate cells and an instruction to select only one of the configurations, wherein each of the configurations includes the corresponding candidate cell as a secondary cell for the terminal;

[0172] If the terminal receives the configuration and instruction for the candidate cells, selecting one of the candidate cells based on the results of the performance measurement for the candidate cells;

[0173] Only the configuration for the selected candidate cell is applied to the terminal.

[0174] The indication may additionally indicate a candidate cell for which the performance measurement satisfies the condition.

[0175] Performance measurements may include early measurement report measurements.

[0176] Each of the methods of the third aspect and the fourth aspect may be a method of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0177] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising an instruction set, which, when executed on a device, is configured to cause the device to perform a method according to any one of the third and fourth aspects. The computer program product may be embodied as a computer-readable medium or may be directly loadable into a computer.

[0178] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following advantages can be achieved:

[0179] The UE is connected to the secondary node faster.

[0180] It should be understood that any of the above modifications may be applied individually or in combination to the respective aspects to which they relate, unless they are explicitly stated to exclude alternatives. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0181] Further details, features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention which will be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0182] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the EMR measurement according to the prior art and the function of the T331 timer;

[0183] Figure 2shows a message sequence chart for transitioning from idle mode to connected mode with EMR measurement according to the prior art;

[0184] Figure 3 shows a message sequence chart for transitioning from an inactive mode to a connected mode with EMR measurements according to the prior art;

[0185] Figure 4 shows a message sequence chart for transitioning from idle mode to connected mode with EMR measurement according to some example embodiments of the present invention;

[0186] Figure 5 shows a message sequence chart for transitioning from an inactive mode with EMR measurements to a connected mode according to some example embodiments of the present invention;

[0187] Figure 6 An apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0188] Figure 7 A method according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0189] Figure 8 An apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0190] Fig. 9 A method according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0191] Fig.10 An apparatus according to an example embodiment of the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0192] In the following, certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein, unless otherwise described, the features of the embodiments may be freely combined with each other. However, it should be clearly understood that the description of certain embodiments is given by way of example only and is by no means intended to be understood as limiting the invention to the disclosed details.

[0193] Furthermore, it should be understood that the apparatus is configured to perform the corresponding method, although in some cases only the apparatus or only the method is described.

[0194] Millimeter wave (mm-wave) communications

[0195] To compensate for the additional propagation path loss of transmitting at mmWave frequencies (e.g. FR2) compared to FR1, gNBs are typically equipped with a relatively high number of antenna elements, where signals are beamformed and sent through narrow beams with different spatial filtering.

[0196] On the UE side, unlike FR1 device architectures where devices are mostly built with a single antenna panel (with spherical coverage), in order to provide full exceptional coverage in FR2, devices are expected to be equipped with multiple directional antenna panels (Rx / Tx beams), e.g. located on different sides of the device, each covering a portion of space. In NR networks, the initial connection (cell detection / measurement) creation process as well as the beam selection phase are performed by measuring the SSBs broadcasted from the gNB through different spatial filters that are multiplexed and swept in a TDM manner. In NR FR2, due to the assumption of multiple UE antenna panels (generally directional Rx and Tx), the UE cell detection and measurement times are relaxed compared to FR1. Currently, RAN4 assumes that a user can only receive from one Rx panel (one spatial direction) at a time. Therefore, in order to correctly measure the cell / carrier frequency, it is assumed that the UE continuously measures the reference signal by sweeping its receive panel, which results in additional measurement time compared to the measurement time required for a single-panel UE, such as is typically used in FR1 [3GPP TS 38.133].

[0197] Inter-frequency measurements to create DC / CA

[0198] To improve user throughput and data transmission latency (e.g., reducing packet queuing / buffering delays), and reliability, it is important to reduce the secondary link(s) creation / recovery delay for PSCell / SCell establishment in DC / CA operation scenarios, especially for UEs connecting from idle / inactive states, where there is limited network information about available UE measurement conditions.

[0199] In order to establish a DC / CA connection, the UE must measure and report the configured inter-frequency carriers. It has been shown that measurement acquisition delay is the main component causing DC / CA establishment delay [3GPP R4-2212869].

[0200] As an example and based on the connected mode UE measurement requirements provided in [3GPP TS 38.133] and the performance analysis detailed in [3GPP R4-2212869], assume: gap assisted measurement, FR2 UE (Mpss / sss_sync_inter=40, Mmeas_period_inter=4, M SSB_index_inter = 24) and 40 ms SMTC periodicity, no DRX, 40 ms Measurement Gap Repetition Period (MGRP) and no co-configured / concurrent measurements (i.e., CSSF inter =1), the measured acquisition delay is equal to:

[0201] T(FR2) identify_inter_with_index =(TPSS / SSS_sync_inter +T SSB_measurement_period_inter +T SSB_time_index_inter ) = 40*40+40+24*40 = 4160 milliseconds

[0202] To avoid such high delays, especially for UEs connecting from idle / inactive mode, EMR is proposed in NR Rel-16 to enable faster DC / CA establishment by configuring the UE to perform measurements (EMR measurements) on potential DC / CA frequencies / cells in idle / inactive mode while a specific timer (T331) is running. These measurements are usually performed on a carrier different from that of the Pcell. The UE prepares a report of the EMR measurements and sends it to the network once it enters RRC connected mode. This solves the need to perform measurements in connected mode. After T331 expires, it is up to the UE implementation whether to continue the measurements. Figure 1 An example of a UE transitioning from connected mode to idle mode, a T331 timer expiration event, and transitioning back to connected mode is shown.

[0203] Figure 2 The corresponding message sequence diagram for transitioning from idle mode to connected mode according to the prior art is shown. The actions are basically as follows:

[0204] - Action #1: The UE is in idle mode and performs EMR measurements on the DC / CA carrier.

[0205] - Action #2 to Action #3: The UE sends a preconfigured RA preamble and receives a RA response from the gNB. These actions form the "Random Access Procedure".

[0206] - Action #4: The UE requests to establish a new connection from RRC_IDLE by sending an RRC SETUP REQUEST message to the gNB.

[0207] - Action #5: gNB sends RRC Setup Response to UE.

[0208] - Action #6: The UE is in RRC connected mode but still in CM idle mode.

[0209] - Action #7: The UE sends an RRC Setup Complete message to the network, which may include an EMR availability indication.

[0210] - Action #8: The first NAS message from the UE (enclosed in RRCSetupComplete) is sent to the AMF.

[0211] - Action #9: The UE is now in RRC connected mode and CM connected mode.

[0212] - Action #10 to Action #13: Additional NAS messages may be exchanged between the UE and the AMF, see 3GPP TS 23.502.

[0213] - Action #14: AMF prepares UE context data (including PDU session context, security keys, UE radio capabilities, and UE security capabilities, etc.) and sends the UE context data to the gNB.

[0214] - Action #15 to Action #16: gNB and UE activate AS security.

[0215] - Action #17 to Action #18: The gNB performs reconfiguration to establish SRB2 and DRB for the UE, or establish SRB2 and optionally DRB for the IAB-MT.

[0216] - Action #19: The gNB notifies the AMF that the establishment procedure is completed.

[0217] - Action #20 to Action #21: The gNB sends an EMR Measurement Request to the UE, and the UE responds by sending an EMR Measurement Report.

[0218] Figure 3 The figure shows the transition of the UE from RRC_INACTIVE mode to RRC_CONNECTED mode triggered by the UE according to the prior art. The actions are basically as follows:

[0219] - Action #1: The UE is in inactive mode and performs EMR measurements on the DC / CA carrier.

[0220] - Action #2 to Action #3: The UE sends a preconfigured RA preamble and receives a RA response from the gNB. These actions form the "Random Access Procedure".

[0221] - Action #4: The UE resumes the RRC connection from RRC_INACTIVE, providing the I-RNTI allocated by the last serving gNB.

[0222] - Action #5: If the gNB identity contained in the I-RNTI can be resolved, the gNB requests the last serving gNB to provide the UE context data.

[0223] - Action #6: The last serving gNB provides the UE context data.

[0224] - Action #7 to Action #9: The gNB and UE complete the recovery of the RRC connection and the UE reports the EMR measurements to the network.

[0225] - Action #10: If loss of DL user data buffered in the last serving gNB should be prevented, the gNB shall provide a forwarding address.

[0226] - Action #11 to Action #12: Additional NAS messages may be exchanged between the UE and the AMF, see 3GPP TS 23.502.

[0227] - Action #13: The gNB triggers the release of UE resources at the last serving gNB.

[0228] As described above, in order to initiate preparation and create PScell / Scell ​​in DC / CA, the network waits for EMR measurements to be available after completing connection creation (and exchanging security keys). This includes exchanging multiple messages between the UE and the network, as well as processing time. These actions delay DC / CA establishment. This is particularly disadvantageous for applications with high throughput and low latency requirements (such as XR, AR), or applications that require DC / CA to enhance reliability (such as Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC)).

[0229] Some example embodiments of the present invention accelerate DC / CA establishment for a UE transitioning from an RRC idle mode or an RRC inactive mode to an RRC connected mode.

[0230] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the UE provides EMR-related information to the network during the connection establishment process including the random access process (e.g., when sending the RA preamble). Some main actions are as follows:

[0231] - Action #1: The network configures the UE to perform EMR measurements (including enhanced EMR configuration, e.g., rel-18eEMR configuration), i.e., performance measurements in idle mode or inactive mode.

[0232] - Action #2: If certain conditions are met during the EMR measurement evaluation, the network assigns a set of RA preambles to the UE and configures the UE to use the RA preambles when performing RA. As an example, this may be the detection of a cell with a quality and / or power (RSRQ and / or RSRP) threshold above a certain threshold (additional details / examples are provided below). The network may also provide the conditions to the UE, or the conditions may be predefined in the UE. If the network provides the conditions, they are typically more frequent (prevalence) than the preconfigured conditions.

[0233] - Action #3: During RA, if the measurement condition holds, the UE performs RA by sending a preamble from among the set of RA preambles.

[0234] - Action #4: Based on the received indication and by possibly combining it with the location information of the camped PCell (the AoA estimation beam accessed during RACH and the location of the PCell), the network can estimate the potential PScell / SCell and prepare it for DC / CA.

[0235] - Action #5: After receiving the EMR report, the network may immediately trigger DC / CA establishment using the correctly prepared cells and send a release message to other candidates that were not selected by the network for DC / CA establishment.

[0236] As a further option, the UE may indicate to the network that the condition is met in other ways within the connection creation procedure, for example, by selecting a dedicated RACH opportunity, and / or by an explicit indication in an RRC setup request following a RA procedure (for transitioning from RRC idle mode) or in an RRC recovery request following a RA procedure (for transitioning from RRC inactive mode). In this case, the network may or may not provide a set of RA preambles to the UE. In some example embodiments, if the UE receives a set of preambles, the UE may indicate that the condition is met by using a preamble from the set of preambles, or by selecting a dedicated RACH opportunity, or by an explicit indication in an RRC setup request or an RRC recovery request. In some example embodiments, the UE indicates that the condition is met by two or three of the following: using a preamble from the set of preambles, selecting a dedicated RACH opportunity, and an explicit indication in an RRC setup request or an RRC recovery request.

[0237] In some example embodiments, the indication provided during the connection establishment process (e.g., preamble, RACH opportunity, and / or explicit indication) may indicate not only that one of the measured cells for the EMR measurement satisfies the condition, but also which of the measured cells satisfies the condition. In some example embodiments, the gNB requests the EMR measurement report from the UE and evaluates it to decide which of the measured cells satisfies the condition (is a suitable cell).

[0238] An advantage of these example embodiments is that they reduce the delay for SN addition setup (preparation phase of DC / CA) and create DC / CA faster without waiting for receiving a complete EMR report and additional UE reconfiguration delays.

[0239] Figure 4 The message sequence chart according to some example embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The message sequence chart is used for the transition from idle mode to connected mode. The actions not described (or not described in detail) are similar to those described in relation to Figure 2 The actions described correspond. Figure 4The procedure uses the option of dedicated preamble. The corresponding procedure applies to the option of dedicated RACH opportunity and the option of explicit indication. Figure 4 The basic actions in are as follows:

[0240] ● Action 1: The gNB configures a set of preambles for the UE, which is used to indicate whether certain conditions are met during EMR measurement. This can also be described as the "type of eEMR". For example, the conditions may be:

[0241] o Look for cells with RSRP (signal strength) or RSRQ (signal quality) values ​​above a certain threshold.

[0242] ■ A list of PSCells / SCells whose signals are checked relative to a threshold value may be indicated by the MN.

[0243] o The previous serving SN cell (before transitioning to idle mode) is known and the received signal is of good quality (for low mobility UEs).

[0244] If required, instead of or in addition to the indication that the condition is met, the UE may provide the gNB with one of the following information fragments:

[0245] ○ EMR measurements are outdated or invalid

[0246] ○EMR measurement is in progress.

[0247] ○EMR measurement validation is in progress.

[0248] If the network (gNB) knows that the EMR measurement is outdated or invalid, the network can quickly configure the UE with improved / enhanced measurements. If the EMR measurement is in progress (or not yet verified), the network may decide not to configure the UE with additional measurements, which may further delay the EMR measurement.

[0249] The mapping of the preamble (or RACH opportunity) to the PSCell or SCell may be indicated to the UE through broadcast signaling or through UE-specific signaling.

[0250] ■ In case of UE dedicated signalling, the mapping of preambles or RACH opportunities to PSCell or SCell can be shared between RAN nodes, so that a RAN node can indicate the mapping information for neighboring RAN nodes when releasing a UE. Thus, if the UE is roaming towards those RAN nodes, the UE will know which preamble or RACH opportunity to select.

[0251] ■ This information may be accompanied by a list of cells for which the information is valid, and if the UE is camped on a cell for which this information is not signaled to the UE, the feature may be disabled.

[0252] ●Action 2: UE transitions to idle mode.

[0253] • Action 3: The UE performs EMR measurement and checks whether the conditions for EMR measurement for at least one candidate node are met.

[0254] • Action 4: When performing RA, if the condition is met, the UE shall use the predefined (configured) RA preamble.

[0255] ● Actions 5 to 12 correspond to Figure 2 The same action in .

[0256] ●Actions 13 to 15: Based on the information of the resident Pcell (option) (and optionally also based on the SSB beam used for RA transmission) and the EMR configuration, the MN estimates potential PScells and / or Scells), and initiates DC / CA preparation by communicating with these potential PScells and / or Scells through SN add requests and responses.

[0257] • Action 18: The MN provides the candidate SN configurations to the UE, and configures the UE to apply only the configurations that match the conditions on the UE EMR measurements.

[0258] • Action 19: The UE applies the SN configuration matching the conditions on the EMR measurement.

[0259] o In one option (or alternative), upon receiving the EMR report in action 23, the MN provides the UE with the SN configuration corresponding to the appropriate PSCell / SCell. In this context, the appropriate PSCell / SCell may correspond to the one with the strongest reported measurement in the EMR report.

[0260] ● Actions 20 to 23 correspond to Figure 2 The same action in .

[0261] • Action 24 to Action 25: Based on the detailed EMR report, the MN sends SN Reconfiguration Complete to the appropriate (selected) SN, and sends SN Release to other candidate SNs.

[0262] • Action 26: The UE performs RA to the appropriate (selected) SN.

[0263] An advantage of some example embodiments is that the UE can be connected to the SN faster based on the EMR measurement, whereas in the conventional process the MN needs to wait for the EMR report (step 23) to identify and then configure the SN. Thereafter, the SN configuration needs to be sent to the UE, and the UE will take some time to apply the SN configuration. The UE then further sends an SN configuration completion to the target SN before it can start using DCCA.

[0264] Figure 5 The message sequence diagram according to some example embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The message sequence diagram is used for transitioning from RRC inactive mode to connected mode. Actions not described (or not described in detail) are similar to those with respect to Figure 3 The actions described correspond.

[0265] Figure 5 The procedure uses the option of dedicated preamble. The corresponding procedure applies to the option of dedicated RACH opportunity and the option of explicit indication. Figure 5 The process includes the following actions:

[0266] ● Action 1: The gNB configures the UE with a set of preambles that are used to indicate whether certain conditions are met during EMR measurement. This can also be described as the “type of eEMR”. The conditions and indications mapped can be the same as those relative to Figure 4 Same as described.

[0267] ●Action 2: The UE transitions to RRC inactive mode.

[0268] • Action 3: The UE performs EMR measurement and checks whether the conditions for EMR measurement for at least one candidate node are met.

[0269] ● Action 4: When performing RA, if the conditions are met, the UE uses a predefined (configured) RA preamble.

[0270] ● Actions 5 to 8 correspond to Figure 3 The same action in .

[0271] ●Actions 9 to 11: Based on the information of the resident Pcell (option) (and optionally also based on the SSB beam used for RA transmission) and the EMR configuration, the MN estimates potential PScells and / or Scells), and initiates DC / CA preparation by communicating with these potential PScells and / or Scells through SN add requests and responses.

[0272] ● Action 12: The gNB requests EMR measurement in the RRC Setup Response. The RRC Setup Response may include multiple SN configurations, one SN configuration for each of the candidate SNs.

[0273] • Action 13: The UE applies the SN configuration matching the conditions on the EMR measurement.

[0274] o In one option (or alternative), upon receiving the EMR report in action 23, the MN provides the UE with the SN configuration corresponding to the appropriate PSCell / SCell. In this context, the appropriate PSCell / SCell may correspond to the one with the strongest reported measurement in the EMR report.

[0275] ●Action 14: Using the RRC completion message, the UE provides the EMR measurement report to the gNB.

[0276] • Action 15 to Action 16: Based on the detailed EMR report, the MN sends SN Reconfiguration Complete to the appropriate (selected) SN, and sends SN Release to other candidate SNs.

[0277] • Actions 17 to 20 correspond to the existing techniques for adding the selected candidate as a SCell or a PSCell.

[0278] As described above, some example embodiments of the present invention provide one or more of the following options. Each option of each category in a category can be combined with each option of any category in other categories. The categories are as follows:

[0279] Option to notify the gNB that at least one of the EMR measurements satisfies one or more conditions:

[0280] -Preamble

[0281] -RACH timing

[0282] - Explicit indication in the RRC Create Request or RRC Resume Request.

[0283] Options for gNB to determine suitable cells:

[0284] - The indication from the UE that at least one EMR measurement satisfies a condition may include an indication of a cell whose EMR measurement satisfies the condition; i.e., the gNB may determine a suitable cell based on the indication;

[0285] -Evaluate EMR measurement reports.

[0286] ●Options to provide conditions to the UE:

[0287] - The conditions are predefined in the UE (e.g. according to some 3GPP specification)

[0288] - The gNB provides this condition to the UE in RRC connected state.

[0289] In some example embodiments, more than one option in a category of options can be combined. In such a case, depending on implementation, one option in the options may be more frequent than another option in the options, or both options must be satisfied.

[0290] The gNB may select all cells for which the gNB configured EMR measurements in the UE as candidate cells for Scell ​​or PScell ​​and configure the candidate cells accordingly via the SgNB add request. In some example embodiments, the gNB may limit the number of candidate cells based on other measurements such as AoA.

[0291] If the indication from the UE includes an indication of a suitable candidate cell, the gNB may adopt that selection. As another option, or if the indication from the UE does not include an indication of a suitable candidate cell, the gNB may select a suitable candidate cell based on the EMR measurement report from the UE. Even so, configuration is faster because the suitable cell is preconfigured as an Scell ​​or PScell.

[0292] There may be one cell or more than one cell added as an Scell ​​or a PScell.

[0293] Figure 6 An apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus may be a base station (e.g., an eNB or a gNB) or an element thereof. Figure 7 A method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 The device can perform Figure 7 method, but is not limited to this method. Figure 7 The method can be Figure 6 The present invention may be performed by a device, but is not limited to being performed by the device.

[0294] The device includes a component 110 for monitoring, a component 120 for requesting, a component 130 for determining, a component 140 for providing, and a component 150 for notifying. The component 110 for monitoring, the component 120 for requesting, the component 130 for determining, the component 140 for providing, and the component 150 for notifying can be a monitoring component, a requesting component, a determining component, a providing component, and a notifying component, respectively. The component 110 for monitoring, the component 120 for requesting, the component 130 for determining, the component 140 for providing, and the component 150 for notifying can be a monitor, a requester, a determiner, a provider, and a notifier, respectively. The component 110 for monitoring, the component 120 for requesting, the component 130 for determining, the component 140 for providing, and the component 150 for notifying can be a monitoring processor, a requesting processor, a determining processor, a providing processor, and a notifying processor, respectively.

[0295] The component 110 for monitoring monitors whether the base station receives an indication from the terminal (S110). The indication is received during the connection creation process. The connection creation process is used to connect the terminal to the base station in a connected state. The connection creation process includes at least one of the following items: a random access process of the terminal, or a connection creation request of the terminal after the random access process of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal after the random access process of the terminal. The indication indicates that the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell in one or more candidate cells executed when the terminal is not in a connected state (for example, in an idle state or an inactive state) meets the condition. The performance measurement may include EMR measurement. The connection state may be an RRC connection state.

[0296] If an indication is received from the terminal (S110=Yes), the first component 120 for requesting, the component 130 for determining, the component 140 for providing, the second component 150 for requesting, and the component 160 for notifying perform the following actions:

[0297] The first requesting component 120 requests each of the one or more candidate cells to prepare as a secondary cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal (S120). The determining component 130 determines a suitable cell among the one or more candidate cells (S130). The performance measurement of the suitable cell satisfies a condition.

[0298] S120 and S130 may be performed in sequence S120 to S130 or in sequence S130 to S120. They may be performed in whole or in part in parallel.

[0299] The means for providing 140 provides the terminal with a configuration including a suitable cell as a secondary cell. The means for notifying 150 notifies a suitable node that the terminal is configured with the suitable cell as a secondary cell (S150).

[0300] Figure 8 An apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus may be a terminal (eg, UE) or an element thereof. Fig. 9 A method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 The device can perform Fig. 9 method, but is not limited to this method. Fig. 9 The method can be Figure 8 The present invention may be performed by a device, but is not limited to being performed by the device.

[0301] The device includes a component 210 for monitoring, a component 220 for checking, a component 230 for supervising, and a component 240 for providing. The component 210 for monitoring, the component 220 for checking, the component 230 for supervising, and the component 240 for providing can be a monitoring component, an inspection component, a supervision component, and a providing component, respectively. The component 210 for monitoring, the component 220 for checking, the component 230 for supervising, and the component 240 for providing can be a monitor, an inspector, a supervisor, and a provider, respectively. The component 210 for monitoring, the component 220 for checking, the component 230 for supervising, and the component 240 for providing can be a monitoring processor, an inspection processor, a supervision processor, and a providing processor, respectively.

[0302] The monitoring component 210 monitors whether the terminal has left the RRC connected state and performs performance measurement of one or more candidate cells when not in the connected state (e.g., not in the idle state or inactive state) (S210). The performance measurement may include EMR measurement. The connected state may be the RRC connected state.

[0303] If the terminal has left the RRC connected state and performs performance measurement (S210=Yes), the component 220 for checking, the component 230 for supervising, and the component 240 for providing perform the following actions:

[0304] The component 220 for checking checks whether at least one of the performance measurements satisfies a condition (S220). The component 230 for supervising supervises whether the terminal intends to connect to the base station in a connected state through a connection establishment process (S230). The connection establishment process includes at least one of the following items: a random access process of the terminal, or a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal.

[0305] S220 and S230 may be performed in the sequence S220 to S230 or in the sequence S230 to S220. They may be performed in whole or in part in parallel.

[0306] If at least one of the performance measurements satisfies the condition (S220=Yes), and the terminal intends to connect to the base station in the connected state through the connection establishment procedure (S230=Yes), the component 240 for providing provides an indication to the base station (S240). The component 240 for providing provides an indication within the connection establishment procedure. The indication indicates that at least one of the performance measurements satisfies the condition. The indication may be explicit or implicit by using a dedicated preamble or RACH opportunity in the random access procedure.

[0307] Fig.10 An apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus comprises at least one processor 810, at least one memory 820 storing instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor 810, causes the apparatus to at least perform a method according to at least one of the following figures and the related description: Figure 7 or Fig. 9 .

[0308] Some example embodiments of the present invention are useful for millimeter wave frequencies (FR2). However, the present invention is not limited to FR2 and may be applied to any frequency range.

[0309] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "node" and "cell" may be considered synonymous, that is, a "node" refers to a corresponding "cell".

[0310] Some example embodiments are explained with respect to 5G networks. However, the present invention is not limited to 5G. The present invention may also be used in other communication networks, for example, in previous generations of 3GPP networks or upcoming generations of 3GPP networks, such as 4G, 6G, or 7G.

[0311] An information fragment may be sent from one entity to another entity in one or more messages. Each of these messages may include another (different) information fragment.

[0312] The names of network elements, network functions, protocols, and methods are based on current standards. In other versions or other technologies, the names of these network elements and / or network functions and / or protocols and / or methods may be different, as long as they provide corresponding functionality. The same content applies to the terminal accordingly.

[0313] If not otherwise stated or otherwise clear from the context, a statement that two entities are different means that they perform different functions. The statement does not necessarily mean that the two entities are based on different hardware. That is, each of the entities described in this description can be based on different hardware, or some or all of the entities can be based on the same hardware. The statement does not necessarily mean that the two entities are based on different software. That is, each of the entities described in this description can be based on different software, or some or all of the entities can be based on the same software. Each of the entities described in this description can be deployed in a cloud.

[0314] From the above description, it should be apparent that the exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a base station (such as an eNB or gNB) or a component thereof, an apparatus embodying the base station or a component thereof, a method for controlling and / or operating the base station or a component thereof, and (multiple) computer programs for controlling and / or operating the base station or a component thereof, and a medium carrying (multiple) such computer programs and forming (multiple) computer program products. From the above description, it should be apparent that the exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a terminal (such as a UE, an MTC device, etc.) or a component thereof, an apparatus embodying the terminal or a component thereof, a method for controlling and / or operating the terminal or a component thereof, and (multiple) computer programs for controlling and / or operating the terminal or a component thereof, and a medium carrying (multiple) such computer programs and forming (multiple) computer program products.

[0315] As non-limiting examples, implementations of any of the above-described blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods include implementations as hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. Each of the entities described in this description may be embodied in a cloud.

[0316] It should be understood that what is described above is what is currently considered to be the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the description of the preferred exemplary embodiment is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0317] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "first X" and "second X" include options where "first X" is the same as "second X" and options where "first X" is different from "second X". As used herein, "at least one of the following: " and "at least one of " and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is linked by "and" or "or") mean at least any one element or at least any two or more elements or at least all elements.

Claims

1. A device comprising: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform: monitoring whether the base station receives the following indication from the terminal in a connection creation procedure of the terminal: a performance measurement of at least one candidate cell among one or more candidate cells performed when the terminal is not in a connected state satisfies a condition, wherein the connection creation procedure is used to connect the terminal to the base station in the connected state, wherein the connection creation procedure includes at least one of the following items: a random access procedure of the terminal, or a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal; If the indication is received from the terminal, then: Requesting each of the one or more candidate cells to prepare as a secondary cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal; Determining a suitable cell among the one or more candidate cells, wherein the performance measurement of the suitable cell satisfies the condition; Providing a configuration to the terminal, the configuration including the suitable cell as a secondary cell; Notifying the suitable cell that the terminal is configured with the suitable cell as the secondary cell.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to perform: providing a set of one or more preamble codes to the terminal; wherein By monitoring whether the terminal uses one of the preambles in the set of one or more preambles in the random access procedure, monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment procedure of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell satisfies the condition.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to execute: providing an indication of a dedicated random access channel opportunity to the terminal; wherein By monitoring whether the terminal selects the dedicated random access channel opportunity in the random access procedure, monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment procedure of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell satisfies the condition.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform: Monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment procedure of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell satisfies the condition by monitoring whether the terminal provides an explicit indication in the connection establishment request or the connection restoration request.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to perform at least one of the following: providing, to the terminal, a measurement configuration for the performance measurement; or The condition is provided to the terminal.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to execute, if there is more than one candidate cell: The candidate cell different from the suitable cell is released from becoming a secondary cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to execute, if there is more than one candidate cell: providing the terminal with the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell by providing the terminal with a corresponding configuration for each of the candidate cells, wherein each of the configurations includes the corresponding one of the candidate cells as the secondary cell; and The terminal is instructed to select the suitable cell among the candidate cells and to apply the configuration only to the suitable cell.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform: No later than said requesting said report of said performance measurement from said terminal, providing said corresponding configuration for each of said candidate cells to said terminal.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to execute, if there is more than one candidate cell: By providing the terminal with only the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell after determining the suitable cell, the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell is provided to the terminal.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the indication comprises an indication of the suitable cell.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to execute: requesting a report of the performance measurement from the terminal; and The suitable cell among the one or more candidate cells is determined by analyzing the report of the performance measurement.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to execute: The candidate cells among a set of potential candidate cells are evaluated based on information about a primary cell on which the terminal is camped.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the performance measurements comprise early measurement report measurements.

14. An apparatus comprising: One or more processors, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform: monitoring whether the terminal has left a connected state and performing performance measurements of one or more candidate cells when not in the connected state; If the terminal has left the connected state and performs the performance measurement when not in the connected state, then: Checking whether at least one of the performance measurements satisfies a condition; Supervising whether the terminal intends to connect to the base station in the connected state through a connection establishment procedure, wherein the connection establishment procedure includes at least one of the following items: a random access procedure of the terminal, a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal; If at least one of the performance measurements satisfies the condition and the terminal intends to connect to the base station in the connected state through the connection establishment procedure, then: providing an indication to the base station within the connection establishment procedure, wherein the indication indicates that at least one of the performance measurements satisfies the condition.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform: The providing is performed by providing an explicit indication in the connection establishment request or the connection restoration request.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to perform: monitoring whether the terminal receives a set of one or more preambles; and wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform: The indication is provided by using one of the preambles in the set of one or more preambles in the random access procedure.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to perform: monitoring whether the terminal receives an indication of a random access channel opportunity; and wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform: The indication is provided by selecting the random access channel opportunity in the random access procedure.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to perform at least one of the following: receiving a measurement configuration for said performance measurement, or The conditions are received.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to perform: monitoring whether the terminal receives a configuration from the base station, wherein the configuration includes one of the candidate cells as a secondary cell for the terminal; If the terminal receives the configuration, the configuration is applied to the terminal.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the apparatus to execute, if the measurement configuration includes performance measurements of more than one candidate cell: monitoring whether the terminal receives, from the base station, a corresponding configuration for each of the candidate cells and an instruction to select only one of the configurations, wherein each of the configurations includes the corresponding candidate cell as the secondary cell for the terminal; If the terminal receives the configuration and the instruction for the candidate cells, selecting one of the candidate cells based on the result of the performance measurement for the candidate cells; Only the configuration for the selected candidate cell is applied to the terminal.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the indication additionally indicates the candidate cell for which the performance measurement satisfies the condition.

22. An apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the performance measurements comprise early measurement report measurements.

23. A method comprising: monitoring whether the base station receives the following indication from the terminal in a connection creation procedure of the terminal: a performance measurement of at least one candidate cell among one or more candidate cells performed when the terminal is not in a connected state satisfies a condition, wherein the connection creation procedure is used to connect the terminal to the base station in the connected state, wherein the connection creation procedure includes at least one of the following items: a random access procedure of the terminal, or a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal; If the indication is received from the terminal, then: Requesting each of the one or more candidate cells to prepare as a secondary cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal; Determining a suitable cell among the one or more candidate cells, wherein the performance measurement of the suitable cell satisfies the condition; Providing a configuration to the terminal, the configuration including the suitable cell as a secondary cell; Notifying the suitable cell that the terminal is configured with the suitable cell as the secondary cell.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: providing a set of one or more preambles to the terminal; in Monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection creation process of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell satisfies the condition, including: monitoring whether the terminal uses one of the preambles in the set of one or more preambles in the random access process.

25. The method according to any one of claims 23 and 24, further comprising: providing an indication of a dedicated random access channel opportunity to the terminal; in Monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment procedure of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell meets the condition, including: monitoring whether the terminal selects the dedicated random access channel opportunity in the random access procedure.

26. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: Monitoring whether the following indication is received from the terminal within the connection establishment process of the terminal: the performance measurement of at least one candidate cell meets the condition, including: monitoring whether the terminal provides an explicit indication in the connection establishment request or the connection restoration request.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising: providing a measurement configuration for the performance measurement to the terminal; or The condition is provided to the terminal.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, further comprising: The candidate cell different from the suitable cell is released from becoming a secondary cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity for the terminal.

29. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein: Providing the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell to the terminal includes: providing a corresponding configuration for each of the candidate cells to the terminal, wherein each of the configurations includes the corresponding candidate cell among the candidate cells as the secondary cell; and the method further includes: The terminal is instructed to select the suitable cell among the candidate cells and to apply the configuration only to the suitable cell.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: No later than said requesting said report of said performance measurement from said terminal, said terminal being provided with said respective configuration for each of said candidate cells.

31. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein: Providing the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell to the terminal includes: providing only the configuration including the suitable cell as the secondary cell to the terminal after determining the suitable cell.

32. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 31 , wherein the indication comprises an indication of the suitable cell.

33. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 32, further comprising: requesting a report of the performance measurement from the terminal; in Determining the suitable cell among the one or more candidate cells is performed by analyzing the reports of the performance measurements.

34. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 33, further comprising: The candidate cells among a set of potential candidate cells are evaluated based on information about a primary cell on which the terminal is camped.

35. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the performance measurements comprise early measurement report measurements.

36. A method comprising: One or more processors, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the method to perform: monitoring whether the terminal has left a connected state and performing performance measurements of one or more candidate cells when not in the connected state; If the terminal has left the connected state and performs the performance measurement when not in the connected state, then: Checking whether at least one of the performance measurements satisfies a condition; Supervising whether the terminal intends to connect to the base station in the connected state through a connection establishment procedure, wherein the connection establishment procedure includes at least one of the following items: a random access procedure of the terminal, a connection establishment request of the terminal, or a connection recovery request of the terminal; If at least one of the performance measurements satisfies the condition and the terminal intends to connect to the base station in the connected state through the connection establishment procedure, then: providing an indication to the base station within the connection establishment procedure, wherein the indication indicates that at least one of the performance measurements satisfies the condition.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein: The providing includes providing an explicit indication in the connection establishment request or the connection restoration request.

38. The method according to any one of claims 36 and 37, further comprising: monitoring whether the terminal receives a set of one or more preamble codes; And among them Providing the indication includes using one of the preambles in the set of one or more preambles in the random access procedure.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, further comprising: monitoring whether the terminal receives an indication of a random access channel opportunity; And among them Providing the indication includes: selecting the random access channel opportunity in the random access procedure.

40. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, further comprising at least one of the following: receiving a measurement configuration for said performance measurement, or The conditions are received.

41. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, further comprising: monitoring whether the terminal receives a configuration from the base station, wherein the configuration includes one of the candidate cells as a secondary cell for the terminal; If the terminal receives the configuration, the configuration is applied to the terminal.

42. The method of claim 41 , further comprising if the measurement configuration includes performance measurements of more than one candidate cell: monitoring whether the terminal receives, from the base station, a corresponding configuration for each of the candidate cells and an instruction to select only one of the configurations, wherein each of the configurations includes the corresponding candidate cell as the secondary cell for the terminal; If the terminal receives the configuration and the instruction for the candidate cells, selecting one of the candidate cells based on the result of the performance measurement for the candidate cells; Only the configuration for the selected candidate cell is applied to the terminal.

43. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the indication additionally indicates the candidate cell for which the performance measurement satisfies the condition.

44. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein the performance measurements comprise early measurement report measurements.

45. A computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed on a device, are configured to cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 23 to 44.

46. ​​A computer program product according to claim 45, embodied as a computer readable medium or directly loadable into a computer.

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