Managing communication failures in decomposed base station

Abstract

Sending (1007), by the node in the RAN, to a user equipment (UE) in the first cell, a message comprising a configuration for performing a serving cell change to the second cell after the activation command; determining (1008), after the sending and while the UE waits for the activation command, a communication failure between the UE and the RAN; and releasing (1011, 1013) the configuration in response to the determination.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 377,716, entitled “MANAGING COM MUNICATION FAILURES IN A DISAGGREGATED BASE STATION,” filed on September 29, 2022. The entire contents of this provisional application are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly, to managing communication failures and configurations for user equipment (UE) and decomposed base stations. Background Art

[0004] This background description is provided for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the inventors mentioned by name (to the extent that it is described in this background section) and aspects of the specification that might not have been considered prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure.

[0005] In telecommunication systems, the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) sublayer of the radio protocol stack provides services such as user plane data delivery, encryption, integrity protection, etc. For example, the PDCP layer defined for the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) radio interface (see 3GPP specification TS 36.323) and New Radio (NR) (see 3GPP specification TS 38.323) provides sequencing of protocol data units (PDUs) in the uplink direction (from a user device (also referred to as user equipment (UE)) to a base station) and in the downlink direction (from a base station to a UE). In addition, the PDCP sublayer provides signaling radio bearers (SRBs) and data radio bearers (DRBs) to the radio resource control (RRC) sublayer. Generally speaking, in some scenarios, the UE and the base station use SRBs to exchange RRC messages and non-access stratum (NAS) messages. In further scenarios, the UE and the base station use DRBs to transmit data on the user plane.

[0006] Depending on the scenario, the UE uses several types of SRBs and DRBs. When operating under dual connectivity (DC), the cell associated with the base station operating the master node (MN) defines a master cell group (MCG), while the cell associated with the base station used as a secondary node (SN) defines a secondary cell group (SCG). SRB1 resources carry RRC messages including NAS messages on a dedicated control channel (DCCH) in some cases, while SRB2 resources support RRC messages including recorded measurement information or NAS messages also on the DCCH, but with lower priority than SRB1 resources. More generally, SRB1 and SRB2 resources allow the UE and MN to exchange RRC messages related to the MN and embed RRC messages related to the SN, and can be referred to as MCG SRBs. SRB3 resources allow the UE and SN to exchange RRC messages related to the SN, and can be referred to as SCG SRBs. Split SRBs allow the UE to exchange RRC messages directly with the MN via the lower layer resources of the MN and SN. In addition, a DRB using lower layer resources of only MN may be called an MCG DRB, a DRB using lower layer resources of only SN may be called an SCG DRB, and a DRB using lower layer resources of both MCG and SCG may be called a split DRB.

[0007] In some scenarios, the UE simultaneously utilizes resources interconnected by backhaul of multiple radio access network (RAN) nodes (e.g., base stations, or components of distributed base stations). When such network nodes support different radio access technologies (RATs), this type of connection is called multi-radio dual connection (MR-DC). When the UE operates under MR-DC, one base station operates as a master node (MN) covering a primary cell (PCell), and another base station operates as a secondary node (SN) covering a primary secondary cell (PSCell). The UE communicates with the MN (via the PCell) and the SN (via the PSCell). In other scenarios, the UE utilizes the resources of one base station at a time. A base station and / or UE determines that the UE should establish a radio connection with another base station. For example, a base station determines to switch the UE to a second base station and initiates a switching process.

[0008] When a UE moves from the coverage area of ​​one cell in the RAN to another cell, a serving cell change will be performed for the UE at some point. In order to perform the serving cell change, the RAN configures the UE to send layer 3 (L3) measurement results. Based on the L3 measurement results received from the UE, the RAN sends an RRC reconfiguration message that configures a reconfiguration with synchronization (Reconfiguration with Synchronization) (e.g., the RRC reconfiguration message includes a ReconfigurationWithSync IE) for the change of the serving cell (e.g., PCell or PSCell). In the case where the UE operates in carrier aggregation (CA) of at least one secondary cell (SCell) with a PCell or PSCell, the RAN must release the at least one SCell due to the change of the PCell or PSCell. The serving cell change involves a full L2 (and L1) reset, resulting in longer delays, greater overhead, and longer interruption time. Therefore, it is expected to develop new mobility technologies to reduce delays and overheads for fast serving cell changes. However, it is not clear how to develop and implement fast serving cell changes. Summary of the invention

[0009] An example embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure is a method implemented in a node of a RAN, the method comprising: sending a message including a configuration for performing a serving cell change to a second cell after an activation command to a UE in a first cell; determining, after the sending and while the UE is waiting for the activation command, a communication failure between the UE and the RAN; and in response to the determination, releasing the configuration.

[0010] Another example embodiment of these techniques is a node in a RAN comprising processing hardware and configured to implement the above methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A is a block diagram of an example system in which a radio access network (RAN) and a user device may implement the disclosed techniques for managing conditional procedures associated with a secondary node (SN);

[0012] Figure 1B It includes Figure 1A A block diagram of an example base station of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) operating in a system of FIG.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A block diagram of an example protocol stack according to which a UE communicates with a base station; and

[0014] Figure 3is a message passing diagram for an example scenario in which a base station configures a UE to perform lower layer procedures for a cell change operation;

[0015] Figure 4 is a message passing diagram for an example scenario in which a base station configures a UE to perform lower layer procedures for an inter-DU inter-cell change operation;

[0016] Figure 5A is a message passing diagram of an example scenario in which a MN operates with a SN under a DC to perform lower layer procedures for a cell change operation;

[0017] Figure 5B is with Figure 5A Message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the MN directly configures the UE;

[0018] Fig. 6A is with Figure 5A A message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the cell change operation is an inter-DU cell change operation;

[0019] Figure 6B is with Figure 5B A message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the cell change operation is an inter-DU cell change operation;

[0020] Fig. 7A is with Figure 5A Message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the base station operates as a MN (e.g., M-DU) and a SN (e.g., S-DU) to perform a cell change operation;

[0021] Figure 7B is with Fig. 7A Message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the MN directly configures the UE;

[0022] Fig. 8A is with Fig. 7A A message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the cell change operation is an inter-DU cell change operation;

[0023] Figure 8B is with Figure 7B A message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the cell change operation is an inter-DU cell change operation;

[0024] Fig.9A is a message transfer diagram for an example scenario in which a decomposed base station configures a UE to perform lower layer procedures for a cell change operation and performs additional RRC procedures with the UE after the UE determines that the cell change operation has failed;

[0025] Fig. 9B is with Fig.9AMessage passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the base station releases the UE context instead of modifying the UE context;

[0026] Fig. 9C is with Fig.9A Message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the UE communicates with a prepared cell or performs a recovery procedure;

[0027] Fig.9D is with Fig. 9C Message passing diagram for a similar example scenario, but where the target DU communicates with the UE on the prepared cell;

[0028] Fig. 10A is a flow chart depicting an example method implemented in a CU, wherein the CU receives a first configuration and sends it to a UE;

[0029] Fig. 10B It is depicted with Fig. 10A A flow chart of a similar example method, but wherein the CU receives a second configuration and sends it to the UE;

[0030] Fig. 10C It is depicted with Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B A flow chart of a similar example method, but wherein the CU receives and sends at least one of the first configuration and / or the second configuration;

[0031] Fig.11A is a flow chart depicting an example method implemented in a SN, wherein the SN sends a first configuration to a UE and releases the first configuration in response to a message from a MN;

[0032] Fig. 11B It is depicted with Fig.11A A flow chart of a similar example method, but wherein the SN sends and releases a second configuration;

[0033] Fig. 11C It is depicted with Fig.11A A flow chart of a similar example method, but wherein the SN sends and releases at least one of the first configuration and / or the second configuration;

[0034] Fig.12 is a flow chart depicting an example method implemented in a RAN node, wherein the RAN node performs a random access procedure with a UE after sending a first configuration, and activates the first configuration after receiving a C-RNTI;

[0035] Fig.13 is a flow chart depicting an example method implemented in a RAN node, wherein the RAN node determines whether to activate a first configuration based on whether a MAC PDU includes a first C-RNTI;

[0036] Fig.14A is a flow chart depicting an example method implemented in a base station, wherein the base station performs a protocol procedure for a communication failure and in response releases a configuration for later activation;

[0037] Fig. 14B It is depicted with Fig.14A A flow chart of a similar example method, but wherein the base station retains the configuration in response to the protocol procedure; and

[0038] Fig. 14C It is depicted with Fig.14A Flowchart of a similar example method, but wherein the base station determines whether to retain or release the configuration based on whether the protocol procedure is a re-establishment procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1A An example wireless communication system 100 is depicted in which a communication device can implement these techniques. The wireless communication system 100 includes a UE 102, a base station (BS) 104, a base station 106, and a core network (CN) 110. The UE 102 is initially connected to the base station 104. In some scenarios, the base station 104 can perform an SN addition to configure the UE 102 to operate with the base station 104 and the base station 106 in dual connectivity (DC). The base stations 104 and 106 operate as a MN and a SN of the UE 102, respectively.

[0040] In various configurations of the wireless communication system 100, the base station 104 may be implemented as a master eNB (MeNB) or a master gNB (MgNB), and the base station 106 may be implemented as a secondary gNB (SgNB). The UE 102 may communicate with the base station 104 and the base station 106 via the same RAT (such as EUTRA or NR) or different RATs. When the base station 104 is a MeNB and the base station 106 is an SgNB, the UE 102 may be in EUTRA-NR DC (EN-DC) with the MeNB and the SgNB.

[0041] In some cases, the MeNB or SeNB is implemented as an ng-eNB instead of an eNB. When the base station 104 is a master ng-eNB (Mng-eNB) and the base station 106 is an SgNB, the UE 102 can be in the next generation (NG) EUTRA-NRDC (NGEN-DC) with the Mng-eNB and the SgNB. When the base station 104 is a MgNB and the base station 106 is an SgNB, the UE 102 can be in the NR-NR DC (NR-DC) with the MgNB and the SgNB. When the base station 104 is a MgNB and the base station 106 is a secondary ng-eNB (Sng-eNB), the UE 102 can be in the NR-EUTRA DC (NE-DC) with the MgNB and the Sng-eNB.

[0042] In a scenario where UE 102 is handed over from base station 104 to base station 106, base stations 104 and 106 operate as a source base station (S-BS) and a target base station (T-BS), respectively. UE 102 may, for example, communicate with base station 104 and an additional base station ( Figure 1A After the handover is completed, UE 102 may continue to operate with base station 106 and the additional base station in DC, or operate with base station 106 in single connection (SC). In this case, base stations 104 and 106 operate as source MN (S-MN) and target MN (T-MN), respectively.

[0043] The core network (CN) 110 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) 111 or a fifth generation core (5GC) 160, both of which are Figure 1A. The base station 104 may be an eNB supporting an S1 interface for communicating with the EPC 111, an ng-eNB supporting an NG interface for communicating with the 5GC 160, or a gNB supporting an NR radio interface and an NG interface for communicating with the 5GC 160. In order to exchange messages directly with each other in the scenarios discussed below, the base stations 104 and 106 may support an X2 or Xn interface. Among other components, the EPC 111 may include a serving gateway (SGW) 112, a mobility management entity (MME) 114, and a packet data network gateway (PGW) 116. The SGW 112 is generally configured to deliver user plane packets associated with audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., and the MME 114 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions. The PGW 116 provides connectivity from the UE to one or more external packet data networks (e.g., an Internet network and / or an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network). 5GC 160 includes a user plane function (UPF) 162 and an access and mobility management (AMF) 164, and / or a session management function (SMF) 166. UPF 162 is generally configured to deliver user plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet services, etc., AMF 164 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging and other related functions, and SMF 166 is configured to manage PDU sessions.

[0044] like Figure 1A As shown, base station 104 supports cell 124A, and base station 106 supports cell 126. Cells 124A and 126 may partially overlap, such that UE 102 may communicate with base station 104 and base station 106 under DC, where one of base stations 104 and 106 is a MN and the other is a SN. Base station 104 may support additional cells, such as cells 124B and 124C, and base station 106 may support additional cells ( Figure 1A 124B and 124C may partially overlap so that the UE 102 may communicate in carrier aggregation (CA) with the base station 104. The base station 104 may operate the cells 124A, 124B, and 124C via one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs). More specifically, when the UE 102 is in DC with the base station 104 and the base station 106, one of the base stations 104 and 106 operates as a MeNB, Mng-eNB, or MgNB, and the other operates as a SgNB or Sng-eNB.

[0045] In general, the wireless communication network 100 may include any suitable number of base stations supporting NR cells and / or EUTRA cells. More specifically, the EPC 111 or 5GC 160 may be connected to any suitable number of base stations supporting NR cells and / or EUTRA cells. Although the examples below specifically relate to specific CN types (EPC, 5GC) and RAT types (5G NR and EUTRA), in general, the techniques of the present disclosure may also be applicable to other suitable radio access and / or core network technologies, such as sixth generation (6G) radio access and / or 6G core network or 5G NR-6G DC.

[0046] Continue to refer Figure 1A , the base station 104 is equipped with processing hardware 130, which may include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and non-transitory computer-readable memory storing instructions executed by one or more general-purpose processors. In addition or alternatively, the processing hardware 130 may include a dedicated processing unit. The processing hardware 130 may include a PHY controller 132, which is configured to send data and control signals on a physical downlink (DL) channel and a DL reference signal with one or more user devices (e.g., UE 102) via one or more cells (e.g., cells 124A, 124B, and / or 124C) and / or one or more TRPs. The PHY controller 132 is also configured to receive data and control signals on a physical uplink (UL) channel and / or a UL reference signal with one or more user devices via one or more cells (e.g., cells 124A, 124B, and / or 124C) and / or one or more TRPs. The processing hardware 130 in the example implementation includes a MAC controller 134, which is configured to perform MAC functions with one or more user devices. The MAC functions include random access (RA) procedures, managing UL timing advance of one or more user devices, and / or communicating UL / DL MAC PDUs with one or more user devices. The processing hardware 130 may further include an RRC controller 136 to implement procedures and message delivery at the RRC sublayer of the protocol communication stack. For example, the RRC controller 132 may be configured to support RRC message delivery associated with a handover process, and / or support necessary operations when the base station 104 operates as a MN relative to the SN or as a SN relative to the MN. The base station 106 may include processing hardware 140 similar to the processing hardware 130. In particular, components 142, 144, and 146 may be similar to components 132, 134, and 136, respectively.

[0047] UE 102 is equipped with processing hardware 150, which may include one or more general-purpose processors (such as CPUs), and non-transitory computer-readable memory storing machine-readable instructions that can be executed on one or more general-purpose processors, and / or dedicated processing units. PHY controller 152 is also configured to receive data and control signals on physical DL channels and / or DL ​​reference signals with base station 104 or 106 via one or more cells (e.g., cells 124A, 124B, 124C, and / or 126) and / or one or more TRPs. PHY controller 152 is also configured to send data and control signals on physical UL channels and / or UL reference signals with base station 104 or 106 via one or more cells (e.g., cells 124A, 124B, 124C, and / or 126) and / or one or more TRPs. The processing hardware 150 in the example implementation includes a MAC controller 154, which is configured to perform MAC functions with base station 104 or 106. For example, MAC functions include random access procedures, managing UL timing advance for one or more user devices, and communicating UL / DL MAC PDUs with base station 104 or 106. Processing hardware 150 may further include RRC controller 156 to implement procedures and messaging at the RRC sublayer of the protocol communication stack.

[0048] In operation, a UE 102 in DC may use radio bearers (e.g., DRBs or SRBs) that terminate at different times at the MN 104 or the SN 106. The UE 102 may apply one or more security keys when communicating on the radio bearers in the uplink (UL) (from the UE 102 to the base station) and / or downlink (from the base station to the UE 102) directions.

[0049] Figure 1BAn example distributed implementation of a base station, such as base station 104 or 106, is depicted. In this implementation, the base station may include a centralized unit (CU) 172 and one or more distributed units (DUs) 174. CU 172 is equipped with processing hardware, which may include one or more general-purpose processors (such as CPUs) and non-transitory computer-readable memory storing machine-readable instructions that can be executed on one or more general-purpose processors, and / or dedicated processing units. In one example, CU 172 is equipped with processing hardware 130. In another example, CU 172 is equipped with processing hardware 140. The processing hardware 140 in the example implementation includes an SN RRC controller 142, which is configured to manage or control one or more RRC configurations and / or RRC processes when base station 106 operates as an SN. DU 174 is also equipped with processing hardware, which may include one or more general-purpose processors (such as CPUs) and non-transitory computer-readable memory storing machine-readable instructions that can be executed on one or more general-purpose processors, and / or dedicated processing units. In some examples, the processing hardware in the example implementation includes a medium access control (MAC) controller configured to manage or control one or more MAC operations or procedures (e.g., a random access procedure) and a radio link control (RLC) controller configured to manage or control one or more RLC operations or procedures when the base station 106 operates as a MN or SN. The processing hardware may further include a physical layer controller configured to manage or control one or more physical layer operations or procedures.

[0050] Next, Figure 2 The radio protocol stack is shown in a simplified manner, according to which the UE 102 can communicate with the eNB / ng-eNB or gNB. Each of the base stations 104 or 106 can be an eNB / ng-eNB or a gNB.

[0051] The physical layer (PHY) 202A of EUTRA provides transport channels to the EUTRA medium access control (MAC) sublayer 204A, which in turn provides logical channels to the EUTRA radio link control (RLC) sublayer 206A, and the EUTRA RLC sublayer in turn provides RLC channels to the EUTRA PDCP sublayer 208 and, in some cases, to the NR PDCP sublayer 210. Similarly, the PHY 202B of NR provides transport channels to the NR MAC sublayer 204B, which in turn provides logical channels to the NR RLC sublayer 206B, and the NR RLC sublayer 206B in turn provides RLC channels to the NR PDCP sublayer 210. In some implementations, the UE 102 supports both EUTRA and NR stacks to support handover between EUTRA and NR base stations and / or DC implemented through the EUTRA and NR interfaces. In addition, as Figure 2 As shown in A, UE 102 can support NR PDCP 210 layered on EUTRA RLC 206A.

[0052] The EUTRA PDCP sublayer 208 and the NR PDCP sublayer 210 receive packets, which may be referred to as service data units (SDUs) (e.g., from an Internet Protocol (IP) layer layered directly or indirectly on the PDCP layer 208 or 210), and output packets, which may be referred to as protocol data units (PDUs) (e.g., to the RLC layer 206A or 206B). For simplicity, this disclosure refers to both SDUs and PDUs as "packets," except where the distinction between SDUs and PDUs is relevant.

[0053] For example, on the control plane, the EUTRA PDCP sublayer 208 and the NR PDCP sublayer 210 provide SRBs to exchange radio resource control (RRC) messages. On the user plane, the EUTRA PDCP sublayer 208 and the NR PDCP sublayer 210 provide DRBs to support data exchange.

[0054] When the UE 102 operates under EUTRA / NR DC (EN-DC) with the base station 104 operating as a MeNB and the base station 106 operating as an SgNB, the network may provide the UE 102 with a bearer terminated at the MN using EUTRA PDCP 208 or a bearer terminated at the MN using NR PDCP 210. In various scenarios, the network may also provide the UE 102 with a bearer terminated at the SN using only NR PDCP 210. The bearer terminated at the MN may be an MCG bearer or a split bearer. The bearer terminated at the SN may be an SCG bearer or a split bearer. The bearer terminated at the MN may be an SRB (e.g., SRB1 or SRB2) or a DRB. The bearer terminated at the SN may be an SRB (e.g., SRB2) or a DRB.

[0055] The following are several example scenarios, including Figure 1A A base station operating in the system sends a configuration to UE 102, and later activates the configuration for communication between UE 102 and the base station. Figures 3 to 7B Similar events in the same table are marked with similar reference numbers (e.g., event 316 is similar to Figure 4 A and Figure 4 B's event 416, Figure 5A Event 516, Figure 5B Event 517, Fig. 6A Event 616, Figure 6B Event 617, Fig. 7A Event 716 and Figure 7B Event 717 of FIG. 1 ), differences will be discussed below where appropriate. In addition to the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the alternative implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for message delivery and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0056] First reference Figure 3 In scenario 300, base station 104 includes CU 172 and DU 174, and DU 174 operates cell 124A. UE 102 initially communicates 302 with base station 104 on cell 124A using a first configuration. In some implementations, UE 102 in carrier aggregation (CA) uses the first configuration to communicate between cell 124A and other cells (e.g., Figure 1A124D) is not shown in the figure. DU 174 communicates with DU 174 on cell 124A. DU 174 operates other cells. In other implementations, UE 102 communicates with DU 174 only on cell 124A. In some implementations, UE 102 communicates with DU 174 on cell 124A and / or other cells via one or more TRPs. In some implementations, cell 124A is a PCell. In such cases, other cells include SCells and / or additional cells associated with PCell or SCell. In other implementations, cell 124A is an SCell, and one of the other cells is a PCell. In such cases, the remaining cells include SCells and / or additional cells associated with PCell or SCell. In the following description, base station 104 can be DU 174, CU 172, or DU 174 and CU 172.

[0057] In some implementations, in event 302, UE 102 sends UL PDUs and / or UL control signals to base station 104 via one or more TRPs on cell 124A and / or other cells. In some implementations, UE 102 communicates UL PDUs and / or DL ​​PDUs with base station 104 via radio bearers, and in further implementations, the radio bearers include SRBs and / or DRBs. In some implementations, base station 104 configures radio bearers to UE 102. In some implementations, the UL control signal includes UL control information, channel state information, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment (ACK), HARQ negative ACK, scheduling request, and / or sounding reference signal. Similarly, in further implementations, UE 102 receives DL PDUs and / or DL ​​control signals from base station 104 on cell 124A and / or other cells via one or more TRPs. In some implementations, the DL control signal includes downlink control information (DCI) and reference signals (e.g., synchronization signal blocks), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), and / or tracking reference signals. In further implementations, the base station 104 sends the DCI on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitored by the UE 102 on the cell 124A and / or other cells via one or more TRPs.

[0058] In some implementations, the first configuration includes physical layer configuration parameters, MAC configuration parameters, RLC configuration parameters, PDCP configuration parameters, measurement configuration parameters, and / or radio bearer configuration parameters. In some implementations, the first configuration includes CellGroupConfig IE (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.331) or configuration parameters in CellGroupConfig IE. In some implementations, the first configuration includes CSI-MeasConfig IE, MeasConfig IE, and / or RadioBearerConfig IE (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.331) or configuration parameters in CSI-MeasConfig IE, MeasConfig IE, and / or RadioBearerConfig IE. In some implementations, UE 102 receives the configuration parameters from base station 104. In other implementations, UE 102 receives a portion of the configuration parameters from a base station other than base station 104, and receives the remaining portion of the configuration parameters from base station 104.

[0059] While communicating with the base station 104, the UE 102 sends 304 at least one measurement report to the DU 174. In some implementations, the at least one measurement report includes a layer 1 (L1) measurement report and / or a layer 3 (L3) measurement report for at least one serving cell and / or at least one non-serving cell of the UE 102. For each of the L3 measurement reports, the DU 174 sends 306 a DU to CU message including the L3 measurement report to the CU 172. In some implementations, the DU to CU message of event 306 is an F1 application protocol (F1AP) message (e.g., an UL RRC messaging message). In some implementations, the UE 102 does not send or avoids sending the L1 measurement report to the CU 172. The at least one serving cell includes the cell 124A and / or other cells, and the at least one non-serving cell includes the cell 124B and / or the cell 124C. In some implementations, the first configuration includes at least one measurement configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 receives one or more RRC messages (e.g., RRCReconfiguration messages) including the at least one measurement configuration from the CU 172 via the DU 174 in event 302. According to the at least one measurement configuration, the UE 102 performs measurement and sends 304 the at least one measurement report to the DU 174. In some implementations, the at least one measurement configuration includes an L3 measurement configuration (e.g., MeasConfig IE) and / or an L1 measurement configuration. For example, the L1 measurement configuration (e.g., CSI-MeasConfig IE) includes a CSI resource configuration (e.g., CSI-ResourceConfig IE) and / or a CSI report configuration (e.g., CSI-ReportConfig IE). The UE 102 sends the L3 measurement report to the CU 172 via the DU 174 according to the L3 measurement configuration. The UE 102 sends the L1 measurement report to the DU 174 according to the L1 measurement configuration. In some implementations, the at least one measurement configuration includes a new measurement configuration for fast serving cell change (e.g., a new RRC IE (e.g., as defined in 3GPP specification 38.331v18.0.0 and / or higher versions)). For example, the new measurement configuration includes a CSI resource configuration (e.g., CSI-ResourceConfig IE) and / or a new report configuration. In such implementations, the at least one measurement report includes a new measurement report associated with the new measurement configuration. UE 102 sends the new measurement report to DU 174 according to the new measurement configuration. In some implementations, each of the new report configurations includes a trigger event configuration that configures a trigger event to trigger UE 102 to send the new measurement report. If UE 102 detects a trigger event, UE 102 sends the new measurement report to DU 174.

[0060] In some implementations, the L1 measurement report includes at least one L1 measurement result. In some implementations, the at least one L1 measurement result includes at least one L1-reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) value and / or at least one L1-signal to interference and noise ratio (L1-SINR) value. In some implementations, for each of the L1 measurement reports, the UE 102 sends a PUCCH transmission including the L1 measurement report to the DU 174. That is, the UE 102 sends each of the L1 measurement reports to the DU 174 on the PUCCH. In other implementations, for each of the L1 measurement reports, the UE 102 sends a PUSCH transmission including the L1 measurement report to the DU 174. That is, the UE 102 sends each of the L1 measurement reports to the DU 174 on the PUSCH. In still other implementations, the UE 102 sends a portion of the L1 measurement report to the DU 174 on the PUCCH and sends the remainder of the L1 measurement report on the physical UL shared channel (PUSCH). That is, for each of the parts of the L1 measurement report, the UE 102 sends a PUCCH transmission including the L1 measurement report to the DU 174, and for each of the remaining parts of the L1 measurement report, the UE 102 sends a PUSCH transmission including the L1 measurement report to the DU 174. In some implementations, each of the L1 measurement reports is a part of channel state information (CSI) (i.e., a CSI component) or CSI. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes other CSI components in the above-mentioned PUCCH transmission and / or PUSCH transmission. In some implementations, the other CSI components include components such as a channel quality indicator (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI), a synchronization signal (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) resource block indicator (SSBRI), a layer indicator (LI) and / or a rank indicator (RI).

[0061] In some implementations, each of the L3 measurement reports includes at least one L3 measurement result. In some implementations, the at least one L3 measurement result includes at least one RSRP value and / or at least one SINR value. In some implementations, the UE 102 sends each of the L3 measurement reports to the CU 172 on the PUSCH via the DU 174. In some implementations, each of the L3 measurement reports is an RRC message (e.g., a MeasurementReport message). In some implementations, each of the L3 measurement configurations includes a specific measurement identifier (e.g., measId), and each of the L3 measurement reports includes a specific measurement identifier in a specific L3 measurement configuration. In some implementations, when the CU 172 receives the L3 measurement report including the measurement identifier and the L3 measurement result from the UE 102 via the DU 174, the CU 172 determines that the L3 measurement report is associated with the L3 measurement configuration identified by the measurement identifier.

[0062] In some alternative implementations, for each of at least one measurement report (e.g., an L1 measurement report and / or a new type measurement report), the UE 102 sends a MAC control element (CE) including the measurement report to the DU 174 at event 304. To send the MAC CE, at event 304, the UE 102 generates one or more MAC PDUs to the DU 174, each MAC PDU including one or more MAC CEs.

[0063] In some implementations, the UE 102 performs measurements on one or more reference signals according to at least one measurement configuration. In further implementations, the one or more reference signals include one or more synchronization signals (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) resource blocks (SSBs) and / or one or more CSI-RS. The UE 102 obtains at least one L1 measurement result and / or at least one L3 measurement result from the measurement. The DU 174 transmits one or more reference signals on cells 124A and 124B and optionally on cell 124C and / or other cells.

[0064] After receiving one or more of the at least one measurement report from the UE 102 (e.g., in response thereto), the base station 104 (i.e., the CU 172 or the DU 174) determines to prepare the cell 124B for the UE 102. In some implementations, the base station 104 determines to prepare the cell 124B for the UE 102 because the at least one measurement report indicates that the cell 124B can be used by the base station 104 to communicate with the UE 102. In some implementations, the base station 104 determines to prepare the cell 124B for the UE 102 because the at least one measurement report indicates that the cell 124B is eligible for communication with the UE 102. In some implementations, the CU 172 determines to prepare the cell 124B for the UE 102 if the L3 measurement report indicates that the signal strength and / or quality of the cell 124B is above a first predetermined threshold and / or is better than the cell 124A. In other implementations, if the L1 measurement report or the new type measurement report indicates that the signal strength and / or quality of cell 124B is above a first predetermined threshold and / or is better (e.g., higher) than cell 124A, then DU 174 determines to prepare cell 124B for UE 102. Alternatively, base station 104 determines to prepare cell 124B for UE 102 regardless of whether a measurement report is received from UE 102.

[0065] In some implementations, if CU 172 determines to prepare cell 124B, CU 172 sends 308 a first CU-to-DU message to DU 174 to prepare cell 124B for UE 102. In some implementations, CU 172 includes a cell identifier (ID) of cell 124B in the first CU-to-DU message. For example, the cell ID is a cell global identifier (CGI). In another example, the cell ID is a physical cell ID (PCI). In response, DU 174 generates a second configuration (referred to herein as configuration 1) that configures cell 124B, and sends 310 a first DU-to-CU message including the second configuration to CU 172. In a further implementation, if DU 174 determines to prepare cell 124B, DU 174 initiates transmission of the first DU-to-CU message to CU 172.

[0066] After receiving the first DU-to-CU message, CU 172 generates an RRC reconfiguration message (e.g., an RRCReconfiguration message) including configuration 1, and sends 316 a second CU-to-DU message including the RRC reconfiguration message to DU 174. DU 174 then sends 318 the RRC reconfiguration message to UE 102. In response, UE 102 sends 320 an RRC reconfiguration completion message (e.g., an RRCReconfigurationComplete message) to DU 174, which then sends 322 a second DU-to-CU message including the RRC reconfiguration completion message to CU 172. In some implementations, CU 172 performs security protection (e.g., integrity protection and / or encryption) on the RRC reconfiguration message. For example, CU 172 generates a message authentication code for integrity (MAC-I) for the RRC reconfiguration message in events 316 and 318, encrypts the RRC reconfiguration message and the MAC-I to obtain an encrypted RRC reconfiguration message and an encrypted MAC-I, and sends a PDCP PDU including the encrypted RRC reconfiguration message and the encrypted MAC-I to UE 102 via DU 174. When UE 102 receives the PDCP PDU from CU 172 via DU 174 (i.e., events 316 and 318), UE 102 decrypts the encrypted RRC reconfiguration and the encrypted MAC-I to obtain the RRC reconfiguration message and the MAC-I and verifies whether the MAC-I is valid. If UE 102 verifies that the MAC-I is invalid, UE 102 discards or ignores the RRC reconfiguration message. In some implementations, UE 102 performs an RRC connection reestablishment procedure in response to an invalid MAC-I. Otherwise, in a further implementation, if UE 102 verifies that MAC-I is valid, UE 102 processes the RRC reconfiguration. UE 102 avoids applying (ie, executing) Configuration 1 until a configuration activation command is received to activate Configuration 1 (eg, event 330).

[0067] In some implementations, the first CU to DU message is a UE context modification request (UE ContextModification Request) message, and the first DU to CU message is a UE context modification response (UE ContextModification Response) message or a UE context modification required (UE Context ModificationRequired) message. In some implementations, in the case where a UE context modification message is required, CU 172 sends a UE context modification confirmation (UE Context ModificationConfirm) message to DU 174 in response to the UE context modification message required. In some implementations, the second CU to DU message is a DL RRC MessageTransfer (DL RRC MessageTransfer) message. In other implementations, the second CU to DU message is a UE context modification request message, and DU174 sends a second DU to CU message (e.g., a UE context modification response message) to CU 172 in response to the second CU to DU message.

[0068] Events 308 and 310 in Figure 3 It is collectively referred to as the service cell preparation process 390.

[0069] In some implementations, CU 172 includes a field or IE in the RRC reconfiguration message of events 316 and 318 to indicate to UE 102 that configuration 1 is not applied immediately. In some implementations, the field or IE is currently defined (e.g., in 3GPP specification 38.331 v18.0.0 and / or higher). In further implementations, the field or IE is newly defined (e.g., in 3GPP 6G specification). In some implementations, the field or IE is an indicator. If the RRC reconfiguration message of event 318 includes the indicator, UE 102 avoids applying configuration 1 immediately and waits for the activation command (see discussion of event 330). Otherwise, if the RRC reconfiguration message of event 318 does not include the indicator, UE 102 applies configuration 1 immediately. In other implementations, the field or IE is a container (e.g., the first container and / or the second container described below). For example, UE 102 receives an RRC reconfiguration message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message of event 318) including a configuration (e.g., configuration 1). If the configuration is included in the container, UE 102 avoids applying the configuration immediately. Otherwise, if the configuration is not included in the container, UE 102 applies the configuration immediately.

[0070] In some implementations, after receiving configuration 1 in event 310, CU 172 generates a first container including configuration 1, includes the first container in an RRC reconfiguration message, and sends the RRC reconfiguration message to UE 102 in event 316. Alternatively, DU 174 generates a first container and includes the first container in a first DU to CU message. In some implementations, the first container is a first addition or modification list (e.g., ConfigToAddModList IE, CellConfigToAddModList IE, MobilityToAddModList IE, MobilityConfigToAddModListIE, or CellGroupConfigToAddMod List IE). Base station 104 includes configuration 1 in a first element (referred to herein as element 1) of the first addition or modification list. For example, element 1 is an addition or modification IE (e.g., ConfigToA ddMod IE, CellConfigToAddMod IE, MobilityToAddMod IE, MobilityConfigToAddMod IE, or CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE). In some implementations, when the UE 102 receives the first addition or modification list, the UE 102 stores the first addition or modification list (eg, in a variable in random access memory (RAM)).

[0071] In some implementations, CU 172 includes a first ID (referred to herein as ID 1) for identifying configuration 1 in the RRC reconfiguration message. In some implementations, CU 172 includes ID 1 in a first container or element 1. In some implementations, CU 172 assigns ID 1 to configuration 1. In other implementations, CU 172 receives ID 1 from DU 174 in a first DU-to-CU message, as described below.

[0072] In some implementations, CU 172 sends ID 1 to DU 174 so that DU 174 can associate ID 1 with configuration 1. In some implementations, CU 172 includes ID 1 in the first CU-to-DU message. In further implementations, CU 172 sends 312 a third CU-to-DU message including ID 1 to DU 174. In some such cases, CU 172 includes configuration 1 in the third CU-to-DU message to indicate the association between ID 1 and configuration 1. In further implementations, DU 174 sends 314 a third DU-to-CU message to CU 172 in response to the third CU-to-DU message. Events 312 and 314 are described in detail in detail below. Figure 3It is collectively referred to as the ID allocation process 392.

[0073] In some implementations, in the event that CU 172 includes ID 1 in the first CU-to-DU message, DU 174 includes ID 1 in configuration 1. In such an event, CU 172 does not include ID 1 in the RRC reconfiguration message, the first container, and / or element 1.

[0074] In some alternative implementations, DU 174 assigns ID 1 to identify configuration 1. In some implementations, DU 174 includes ID 1 in the first DU to CU message. In further implementations, CU 172 includes ID 1 in the RRC reconfiguration message. In other implementations, DU 174 includes ID 1 in configuration 1. Therefore, CU 172 does not include an ID identifying configuration 1 in the RRC reconfiguration message, the first container, and / or element 1.

[0075] In some implementations, configuration 1 includes multiple configurations for UE 102 to communicate with DU 174 on cell 124B. In some implementations, the multiple configurations include physical layer configuration parameters (e.g., PhysicalCellGroupConfig IE), MAC layer configuration parameters (e.g., MAC-CellGroupConfig IE), and / or RLC configuration parameters (e.g., RLC-BearerConfig IE). In some further implementations, the multiple configurations include special cell configurations (e.g., SpCellConfig IE) and / or one or more SCell configurations (e.g., SCell lConfig IE).

[0076] In some implementations, DU 174 includes the random access configuration in configuration 1. In other implementations, DU 174 does not include the random access configuration in configuration 1. In some implementations, if cell 124A and cell 124B are not synchronized, DU 174 determines to include the random access configuration in configuration 1. Otherwise, if cell 124A and cell 124B are synchronized, DU 174 determines not to include the random access configuration in configuration 1. In other implementations, if DU 174 determines that UE 102 has not yet synchronized with cell 124B in the UL, DU 174 determines to include the random access configuration in configuration 1. Otherwise, if DU 174 determines that UE 102 has synchronized with cell 124B in the UL, DU 174 determines not to include the random access configuration in configuration 1. If configuration 1 includes the random access configuration, UE 102 performs a random access procedure according to the random access configuration at event 332, as described below. Otherwise, if configuration 1 does not include a random access configuration, UE 102 skips the random access procedure of event 332 in response to configuration 1 excluding the random access configuration.

[0077] In some implementations, DU 174 includes the random access configuration in configuration 1 regardless of whether cells 124A and 124B are synchronized. In some implementations, if cell 124A and cell 124B are synchronized, DU 174 determines to include a first indication in configuration 1 that configures UE 102 not to perform a random access procedure on cell 124B. Otherwise, if cell 124A and cell 124B are not synchronized, DU 174 determines not to include the first indication in configuration 1. In other implementations, if DU 174 determines that UE 102 has been synchronized with cell 124B in the UL, DU 174 determines to include the first indication in configuration 1. Otherwise, if DU 174 determines that UE 102 has not been synchronized with cell 124B in the UL, DU 174 determines not to include the first indication in configuration 1. If configuration 1 includes the first indication, UE 102 skips the random access procedure of event 332 based on or in response to the first indication. Otherwise, if configuration 1 does not include the first indication, then in response to configuration 1 excluding the first indication, UE 102 performs a random access procedure according to a random access procedure at event 332, as described below.

[0078] In some implementations, the DU 174 includes the reconfiguration with synchronization configuration (e.g., ReconfigurationWithSync IE) in Configuration 1 or the special cell configuration. In other implementations, the DU 174 does not include the reconfiguration with synchronization configuration (e.g., ReconfigurationWithSync IE) in Configuration 1 or the special cell configuration. In some implementations, if the cell 124A and the cell 124B are not synchronized, the base station 104 determines to include the reconfiguration with synchronization configuration in Configuration 1. Otherwise, if the cell 124A and the cell 124B are synchronized, the DU 174 determines not to include the reconfiguration with synchronization configuration in Configuration 1. In other implementations, if the DU 174 determines that the UE 102 has not synchronized with the cell 124B in the UL, the DU 174 determines to include the reconfiguration with synchronization configuration in Configuration 1. Otherwise, if DU 174 determines that UE 102 is already synchronized with cell 124B in the UL, DU 174 determines not to include reconfiguration with synchronization configuration in configuration 1. In some implementations, if configuration 1 includes reconfiguration with synchronization configuration, UE 102 performs a random access procedure in response to or according to reconfiguration with synchronization configuration at event 332, as described below. Otherwise, if configuration 1 does not include reconfiguration with synchronization configuration, UE 102 skips the random access procedure of event 332. In some implementations, DU 174 includes a cell ID (i.e., cell ID 1) of cell 1 (i.e., cell 124B) in configuration 1. In some implementations, cell ID 1 is a PCI. In further implementations, cell ID 1 is a CGI. In some further implementations, configuration 1 includes a cell index 1 (e.g., a serving cell index) that indexes cell ID 1 or cell 124B.

[0079] In some implementations, after receiving one or more of the at least one measurement report of event 304 (e.g., in response thereto), the base station 104 (i.e., the CU 172 or the DU 174) determines to prepare other cells of the base station 104 for the UE 102. In some implementations, the base station 104 determines to prepare other cells because the at least one measurement report indicates that other cells can be used by the base station 104 to communicate with the UE 102. In further implementations, the other cells include the cell 124C and / or cells other than the cells 124A, 124B, and 124C. In some implementations, if the L3 measurement report indicates that the signal strength and / or quality of a specific cell in the other cells is higher than a corresponding predetermined threshold and / or is better (e.g., higher) than the cell 124A, the CU 172 determines to prepare the specific cell for the UE 102. In other implementations, if the L1 measurement report or the new measurement report indicates that the signal strength and / or quality of a particular cell among the other cells is above the first predetermined threshold and / or is better (e.g., higher) than cell 124A, DU 174 determines to prepare the particular cell for UE 102. In some implementations, the corresponding predetermined threshold for the other cells is different from the first predetermined threshold. In further implementations, the corresponding predetermined threshold for the other cells is the same as the first predetermined threshold. In some implementations, the corresponding predetermined threshold for the other cells is the same as the first predetermined threshold. Alternatively, base station 104 determines to prepare the other cells for UE 102 regardless of whether a measurement report is received from UE 102.

[0080] In some implementations, in response to a determination about preparing other cells, CU 172 and DU 174 perform at least one other serving cell preparation process to prepare the other cells, wherein each of the at least one other serving cell preparation process is similar to process 390. In some implementations, CU 172 includes the cell ID of the other cells in at least one CU to DU message similar to the first CU to DU message of the at least one serving cell preparation process. In some implementations, CU 172 and DU 174 perform an additional serving cell preparation process similar to process 390 to prepare each of the other cells. In some such cases, CU 172 includes the cell ID of a specific cell in the other cells in a CU to DU message similar to the first CU to DU message of the serving cell preparation process. In the serving cell preparation process, DU 174 generates configurations 2 ... N, each configuration configures a specific cell in the other cells, and sends configurations 2 ... N to CU 172, as described for configuration 1. "N" is an integer and is greater than one. For example, "N" is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16. The examples and implementations of configuration 1 may be applicable to configurations 2 . . . N.

[0081] In other implementations, CU 172 determines to prepare other cells in process 390. In some such cases, CU 172 includes a cell ID for each of the other cells in the first CU to DU message, and DU 174 includes configuration 2 ... N in the first DU to CU message. In still other implementations, DU 174 determines to prepare other cells in process 390, and includes configuration 2 ... N in the first DU to CU message.

[0082] In some implementations, after receiving configurations 2 ... N from DU 174, CU 172 includes configurations 2 ... N in the first container. In some implementations, CU 172 includes configurations 2 ... N in elements 2 ... N, and includes elements 2 ... N in the first container. In some implementations, CU 172 includes IDs 2 ... N for respectively identifying configurations 2 ... N in the RRC reconfiguration message. In some implementations, CU 172 includes IDs 2 ... N in the first container. For example, CU 172 includes IDs 2 ... N and configurations 2 ... N in elements 2 ... N in the first addition or modification list.

[0083] In some implementations, CU 172 assigns IDs 2 ... N for configurations ... N. In other implementations, CU 172 receives IDs 2 ... N from DU 174 in a first DU to CU message of process 390 or in a DU to CU message of at least one other serving cell preparation process or additional serving cell preparation processes.

[0084] In some implementations, CU 172 performs an ID allocation process with DU 174 for each of configurations 2 ... N, similar to process 392. In such cases, DU 174 includes IDs 2 ... N in configurations 2 ... N. In such cases, CU 172 does not include IDs 2 ... N in the RRC reconfiguration message, the first container, and / or elements 2 ... N.

[0085] In some alternative implementations, DU 174 assigns IDs 2 ... N in configurations 2 ... N. In some implementations, DU 174 includes IDs 2 ... N in the first DU to CU message of process 390 or in a DU to CU message of at least one other serving cell preparation process or additional serving cell preparation process. In further implementations, CU 172 includes IDs 2 ... M in the RRC reconfiguration message. In other implementations, DU 174 includes IDs 2 ... N in configurations 2 ... N. Thus, CU 172 does not include an ID identifying each of configurations 2 ... N in the RRC reconfiguration message, the first container, and / or element 1.

[0086] In some alternative implementations, CU 172 generates a second container including configuration 2 ... N or elements 2 ... N instead of using the first container. Alternatively, DU 174 generates the second container and includes the second container in the first DU to CU message or a DU to CU message of another serving cell preparation process. Then, CU 172 sends an additional RRC reconfiguration message including the second container to UE 102 via DU 174, similar to events 316 and 318. In response, UE 102 sends an additional RRC reconfiguration complete message to CU 172 via DU 174, similar to events 320 and 322. In some implementations, the second container is a second addition or modification list (e.g., ConfigToAddModList IE, CellConfigToAddModList IE, MobilityToAddModList IE, MobilityConfigToAdd ModList IE, or CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE), and in further implementations, each of elements 2...N is an addition or modification IE (e.g., Config ToAddMod IE, ReconfigToAddMod IE, CellConfigToAddModIE, MobilityToAddMod IE, MobilityConfigToAddMod IE, or CellGroupConfigToAddModIE). In some implementations, when UE 102 receives the second addition or modification list, UE 102 stores the second addition or modification list with the first addition or modification list (e.g., in a variable in RAM).

[0087] In some implementations, DU 174 includes cell IDs 2 ... N in configurations 2 ... N, respectively. Cell IDs 2 ... N identify cells 2 ... N, respectively. In some implementations, each of cell IDs 2 ... N is a PCI. In some further implementations, configurations 2 ... N include cell indexes 2 ... N (e.g., serving cell indexes) that index cell IDs 2 ... N or cells 2 ... N, respectively.

[0088] In some implementations, each of configurations 1 and / or 2 ... N is a CellGroupConfig IE. In such implementations, the following is an example structure of a first or second add or modify list (e.g., CellGroupConfigToAddModListIE), and the CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE is an element of the first or second add or modify list.

[0089] In some implementations, CU 172 sends a release list to UE 102 via DU 174 to release one or more configurations in configurations 1 ... N. For example, CU 172 sends an RRC reconfiguration message including the release list to UE 102 via DU 174. In response, UE 102 sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to CU 172 via DU 174. In some implementations, base station 104 includes IDs of one or more configurations in the release list to indicate one or more of the configurations to be released. UE 102 identifies one or more of the configurations according to the IDs, and releases one or more of the configurations in response to the release list.

[0090] In some implementations, the base station 104 sends a third addition or modification list that is empty or does not include a configuration to the UE 102 to release all of the configurations 1 ... N. In some implementations, the base station 104 sends an RRC reconfiguration message including the third addition or modification list to the UE 102. In response, the UE 102 sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the CU 172 via the DU 174. The UE 102 releases all of the configurations 1 ... N in response to the third addition or modification list.

[0091] In some implementations, CU 172 determines to release one, some, or all of configurations 1...N, and in further implementations, sends a CU-to-DU message to DU 174 to instruct DU 174 to release one, some, or all of configurations 1...N. For example, CU 172 includes one, some, or all of IDs 1...N in the CU-to-DU message to instruct DU 174 to release one, some, or all of configurations 1...N. Depending on the implementation, each of the cell IDs 1...N is a CGI or a PCI. In response, DU 174 releases one, some, or all of configurations 1...N, and in some implementations, sends a DU-to-CU message to CU 172. In other implementations, DU 174 determines to release one, some, or all of configurations 1...N, and sends a DU-to-CU message including the IDs of one, some, or all of configurations 1...N to CU 172. After receiving the DU to CU message (eg, in response thereto), the CU 172 generates a release list or a third addition or modification list to release one, some, or all of the configurations 1 . . . N.

[0092] In yet other implementations, DU 174 generates a release list or a third addition or modification list. In some such cases, DU 174 sends a DU to CU message including the release list or the third addition or modification list to CU 172. In further implementations, in response, CU 172 sends a CU to DU message to DU 174. In some implementations, DU 174 determines to release one, some, or all of configurations 1...N. In other implementations, DU 174 receives a CU to DU message including an ID of one, some, or all of configurations 1...N from CU172 to indicate the release of one, some, or all of configurations 1...N.

[0093] Example Implementation 1

[0094]

[0095] For example, the first addition or modification list is the first CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE, and the second addition or modification list is the second CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE. Element 1 is CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE 1, and elements 2...N are CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE2...N, respectively. ID 1 and configuration 1 are ConfigId and CellGroupConfigIE in CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE 1, respectively. ID 2...N and configuration 2...N are ConfigId and CellGroupConfig IE in CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE 2...N, respectively. In some implementations, the first CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE includes CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE 1, and the second CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE includes CellGroup ConfigToAddMod IE 2...N. In a further implementation, the first CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE includes CellGroupConfigToAddModIE 1...N.

[0096] In some implementations, the release list is a CellGroupConfigToReleaseList IE. In further implementations, the base station 104 includes one or more ConfigID IEs in the CellGroupConfigToReleaseListIE to release one or more CellGroupConfigToAddMod IEs in the CellGroupConfigToAddMod IEs 1...N. The one or more CellGroupConfigToAddMod IEs are identified by one or more ConfigID IEs.

[0097] Example Implementation 2

[0098] Example implementation 2 is similar to example implementation 1, except that CellGroup ConfigToAddModIE does not include ConfigId.

[0099]

[0100] In some implementations, IDs 1…N are implicitly indicated by the order of CellGroupConfigToAddMod IEs 1…N in the first or second CellGroupConfigToAddModList. For example, CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE 1 is the first IE in the first CellGroup ConfigToAddModList IE, which implicitly indicates that ID 1 has a value of X. X can be zero or one. If the first CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE includes CellGroupConfigToAddMod IEs 1…N in sequence, IDs 1…N have values ​​of X, X+1…X+(N-1). In some implementations, if the base station 104 sends a second CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE to the UE 102, the UE 102 and the base station 104 replace the first CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE with the second CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE. If the second CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE includes CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE 2...N in sequence, then ID 2...N is a value of X, X+1...X+N-2. If the second CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE includes CellGr oupConfigToAddMod IE 1...N in sequence, then ID 1...N is a value of X, X+1...X+N-1. In some alternative implementations, ID 1...N is a cell ID 1...N.

[0101] In some implementations, the base station 104 sends a CellGroupConfigToAddModList IE including zero CellGroupConfigToAddMod IEs to release all of the CellGroupConfigToAddMod IEs 1...N.

[0102] In example implementations 1 and 2, "CellGroupConfigToAddModList", "CellGroupConfigToAddMod", "configId", "ConfigId", "cellGroupConfig", "CellGroupConfigToReleaseList" and "maxNrofConfigCells" are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope and application of the present invention.

[0103] In other implementations, each of configurations 1 and / or 2 ... N is a RRCRec configuration message. In such implementations, the following (ie, example implementations 3-6) are example structures of the first or second addition or modification lists.

[0104] Example Implementation 3

[0105] In example implementation 3, the first or second add or modify list is a CondReconfigToAddModList-r16 IE (eg, as defined by Release 16 in 3GPP specification 38.331), and the CondReconfigToAddMod IE is an element of the list.

[0106]

[0107] For example, the first addition or modification list is a first CondReconfigToAddModList-r16 IE and a second CondReconfigToAddModList-r16 IE. Element 1 is CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE 1, and elements 2...N are CondReconfigTo AddMod-r16 IE 2...N, respectively. ID 1 and configuration 1 are CondReconfigId and RRCReconfiguration message in CondReconfigToAdd Mod IE 1, respectively. ID 2...N and configuration 2...N are CondReconfigId and RRCReconfiguration message in CondReconfigToAddMod IE 2...N, respectively. In some implementations, the first CondReconfigToAddModList-r16 IE includes CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE 1, and the second CondReconfigToAddModList-r16 IE includes CondReconfigi gToAddMod-r16 IE 2...N. In a further implementation, the first CondReconfigToAddModList-r16 IE includes CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IEs 1...N.

[0108] In this example implementation, the base station 104 includes the conditional configuration (i.e., condExecution Cond-r16) in at least one of the CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IEs. In some implementations, if the UE 102 supports conditional procedures (e.g., conditional handover (CHO), conditional PSCell addition (CPA), or conditional PSCell change (CPC)), the UE 102 evaluates one or more conditions configured in the condExecutionCond-r16 field for the conditional procedure. If the UE 102 detects that at least one or all of the one or more conditions in the condExecutionCond-r16 field in a particular CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE are met, the UE 102 immediately applies the configuration in the RRC Reconfiguration message in the CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE (e.g., as described in 3GPP specification 38.331). In some implementations, the base station 104 does not include the conditional configuration (i.e., condExecutionCond-r16) in any one or some of the CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IEs. Therefore, for the CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE that does not include the conditional configuration (i.e., condExecutionCond-r16), the UE 102 is not configured to perform or does not perform any evaluation (i.e., detection or determination) of the condition of the conditional process (e.g., conditional handover).

[0109] In some implementations, the release list is a CondReconfigToRemoveList-r16 IE. In further implementations, the base station 104 includes one or more CondReconfigID IEs in the CondReconfigToRemoveList-r16 IE to release one or more CondReconfigToAdd Mod-r16 IEs in CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IEs 1...N. The one or more CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IEs are identified by one or more CondReconfigID IEs.

[0110] Example Implementation 4

[0111] Example implementation 4 is similar to example implementation 3, except that in some implementations, a new indicator (e.g., fastServingCellChange-r18 field) is optionally included in the CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE. In some implementations, the new indicator indicates that the CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE (i.e., the RRCReconfiguration message or condRRCReconfig-r16 in the IE) is configured for fast serving cell change (i.e., see the description for event 312). If the base station 104 does not include the new indicator in the CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE, the CondReconfigToAddMod-r16 IE is not configured for fast serving cell change.

[0112]

[0113] CondReconfigToRemoveList-r16::=SEQUENCE(SIZE(1..maxNrofCondCells-r16))OF CondReconfigId-r16

[0114] Example Implementation 5

[0115] Some of the example implementations 3 and 4 may involve the UE 102 supporting conditional procedures (e.g., conditional handover (CHO), conditional PSCell addition (CPA), and / or conditional PSCell change (CPC)). If the UE 102 does not support the conditional procedures, the base station 104 does not configure or enable fast serving cell change for the UE 102. Therefore, example implementation 5 is decoupled from the conditional procedures.

[0116]

[0117] In some implementations, the first addition or modification list is a first ReconfigToAdd ModList IE, and the second addition or modification list is a second ReconfigToAddModList IE. Element 1 is ReconfigToAddMod IE1, and elements 2...N are Re configToAddMod IE 2...N, respectively. ID 1 and configuration 1 are ConfigId and RRCReconfiguration IE in ReconfigToAddMod IE 1. ID 2...N and configuration 2...N are ConfigId and RRCReconf iguration IE in ReconfigToAddMod IE 2...N, respectively. In some implementations, the first ReconfigToAddModList IE includes ReconfigToAddMod IE 1, and the second ReconfigToAddModList IE includes ReconfigToAddMod IE 2...N. In further implementations, the first Re configToAddModList IE includes ReconfigToAddMod IE 1...N.

[0118] In some implementations, the release list is a ReconfigToReleaseList IE. In further implementations, the base station 104 includes one or more ConfigID IEs in the ReconfigToReleaseList IE to release one or more ReconfigToAddMod IEs in ReconfigToAddMod IEs 1...N. The one or more ReconfigToAddMod IEs are identified by one or more ConfigID IEs.

[0119] Example Implementation 6

[0120]

[0121] Example implementation 6 is similar to example implementation 5, except that the ReconfigToAddMod IE does not include ConfigId. In some implementations, ID 1...N is implicitly indicated by the order of ReconfigToAddMod IE 1...N in the first or second ReconfigToAddModList. For example, ReconfigToAddMod IE 1 is the first IE in the first Reconfig ToAddModList IE, which implicitly indicates that ID 1 has a value of X. X can be zero or one. If the first ReconfigToAddModList IE includes ReconfigToAddMod IE 1...N in sequence, then ID 1...N has values ​​X, X+1...X+(N-1). In some implementations, if the base station 104 sends a second ReconfigToAddModList IE to the UE 102, the UE 102 and the base station 104 replace the first ReconfigToAddModList IE with the second ReconfigToAddModList IE. If the second ReconfigToAddMod List IE includes ReconfigToAddMod IEs 2 ... N in sequence, then IDs 2 ... N are values ​​X, X+1 ... X+N-2. If the second ReconfigToAddModList IE includes ReconfigToAddMod IEs 1 ... N in sequence, then IDs 1 ... N have values ​​X, X+1 ... X+N-1. In some alternative implementations, IDs 1 ... N are cell IDs 1 ... N.

[0122] In some implementations, the base station 104 sends a ReconfigToAddModList IE including zero ReconfigToAddMod IEs to release all of the ReconfigToAddMod IEs 1...N.

[0123] In example implementations 5 and 6, "ReconfigToAddModList", "Reconfig ToAddMod", "configId", "ConfigId", "cellGroupConfig", "ReconfigT oReleaseList" and "maxNrofConfigCells" are exemplary and should not limit the scope and application of the present invention.

[0124] Example Implementation 7

[0125] Example implementation 7 is a combination of example implementations 1 and 5, as shown below. Depending on the implementation, any one of configurations 1...N is a CellGroupConfig IE or an RRCReconfiguration message. The examples and implementations described for example implementations 1 and 5 may be applicable to example implementation 7.

[0126]

[0127] maxNrofConfigCells::=8 After receiving the RRC reconfiguration in event 318 or sending the RRC reconfiguration complete message in event 320, the UE 102 sends 324 at least one measurement report to the DU 174, similar to event 304. In some implementations, the DU 174 sends 326 a DU-to-CU message including the at least one measurement report to the CU 172, similar to event 306. In other implementations, the DU 174 does not send the at least one measurement report to the CU 172. In some implementations, the at least one measurement report of event 324 includes an L1 measurement report, an L3 measurement report, and / or a new type measurement report, as described for event 304. In some implementations, the UE 102 sends 324 at least one measurement report to the DU 174 on the PUCCH and / or PUSCH, similar to event 304. In other implementations, the UE 102 sends 324 at least one MAC CE including the at least one measurement report to the DU 174, similar to event 304. In some implementations, each of the at least one measurement report of event 324 is not an RRC message.

[0128] In some implementations, the UE 102 sends 324 at least one measurement report to the DU 174 according to the at least one measurement configuration. The at least one measurement configuration configures the UE 102 to perform measurements and report measurement results. The CU 172 sends the at least one measurement configuration to the UE 102 via the DU 174. For example, the CU 172 sends one or more RRC messages (e.g., RRCReconfiguration messages) including the at least one measurement configuration to the UE 102 via the DU 174 after the event 306 or 316. The one or more RRC messages may or may not include the RRC reconfiguration message of the event 316. According to the at least one measurement configuration, the UE 102 performs measurements on one or more reference signals. In some implementations, the one or more reference signals include one or more SSBs and / or one or more CSI-RSs. The UE 102 obtains at least one L1 measurement result and / or at least one L3 measurement result from the measurement, and the UE 102 includes the at least one L1 measurement result and / or the at least one L3 measurement result in at least the measurement report of the event 324. DU 174 transmits one or more reference signals on cells 124A and 124B, and in some implementations, transmits one or more reference signals on cell 124C and / or other cells. In some implementations, the at least one measurement configuration includes an L3 measurement configuration (e.g., MeasConfig IE), an L1 measurement configuration (e.g., CSI-MeasConfig IE), and / or a new measurement configuration, as described for event 304.

[0129] In some implementations, the new measurement configuration as described for events 304 and 324 is similar to an L3 measurement configuration. For example, the new measurement configuration includes a portion of the configuration parameters defined in the MeasConfig IE. In other implementations, the new measurement configuration as described for events 304 and 324 is similar to an L1 measurement configuration. For example, the new measurement configuration includes a portion of the configuration parameters defined in the CSI-MeasConfig IE (e.g., CSI-Resource Config IE and / or CSI-ReportConfig IE).

[0130] After receiving at least one measurement report in event 324 (e.g., in response thereto), DU 174 sends 330 a first configuration activation command to UE 102 to activate configuration 1. For example, base station 104 sends the first configuration activation command on cell 124A. In another example, base station 104 sends the first configuration activation command on cell 124D. In some implementations, DU 174 includes ID 1 in the first configuration activation command. UE 102 determines and activates configuration 1 based on the first configuration activation command and ID 1. In other implementations, DU 174 includes cell index 1 (e.g., serving cell index) or cell ID 1 included in configuration 1 in the first configuration activation command. UE 102 determines and activates configuration 1 based on the first configuration activation command and cell index 1 or cell ID 1.

[0131] In yet other implementations, DU 174 includes a bitmap instead of ID 1, cell ID 1, or cell index 1 (e.g., serving cell index) in the first configuration activation command to activate configuration 1. The number of bits in the bitmap is greater than or equal to "N". In some implementations, bits 1...N correspond to configurations 1...N, respectively, and DU 174 sets the corresponding bit in the bitmap (e.g., bit 1) to a first value to indicate ID 1 or configuration 1. In a further implementation, bits 0...N-1 correspond to configurations 1...N, respectively, and DU 174 sets the corresponding bit in the bitmap (e.g., bit 0) to a first value to indicate ID 1 or configuration 1. Therefore, UE 102 can determine a specific ID or a specific configuration based on bit 1 or bit 0 set to the first value in the bitmap. In such implementations, DU 174 sets the remaining bits in the bitmap to a second value to indicate that the reset of configurations 1...N is not activated. In some implementations, the first value is one and the second value is zero. In other implementations, the first value is zero and the second value is one. In some implementations, if DU 174 determines to activate another configuration (eg, configuration K) in addition to configuration 1, DU 174 sets the corresponding bit in the bitmap (eg, bit K or bit K-1) to a first value, where 1<=K<=N.

[0132] In some implementations, at least one measurement report (e.g., L1 measurement report or new measurement report) of event 324 includes at least one measurement result of cell 124B. DU 174 determines to activate configuration 1 because at least one measurement result indicates that the signal strength or quality of cell 124B is above a second predetermined threshold. The second predetermined threshold is different from the first predetermined threshold. In some implementations, the second predetermined threshold is greater than the first predetermined threshold. In such an implementation, at least one measurement report of event 324 indicates that the signal strength or quality of cell 124B is suitable for communication with UE 102. In a further embodiment, the second predetermined threshold is equal to the first predetermined threshold. In such an implementation, at least one measurement report of event 324 indicates that the signal strength or quality of cell 124B has been continuously above the second predetermined threshold or the first predetermined threshold. This also indicates that cell 124B is suitable for communication with UE 102. Therefore, DU 174 determines to activate configuration 1 (i.e., a fast serving cell change to cell 124B) in response to the signal strength or quality of cell 124B being above the second predetermined threshold.

[0133] In some implementations, at least one measurement report (e.g., L3 measurement report) of events 324 and 326 includes at least one measurement result of cell 124B. CU 172 determines to activate configuration 1 because at least one measurement result indicates that the signal strength or quality of cell 124B is higher than a second predetermined threshold. The second predetermined threshold is different from the first predetermined threshold. In some implementations, the second predetermined threshold is greater than the first predetermined threshold. In such an implementation, at least one measurement report of event 326 indicates that the signal strength or quality of cell 124B is suitable for communication with UE 102. In a further embodiment, the second predetermined threshold is equal to the first predetermined threshold. In such an implementation, at least one measurement report of event 326 indicates that the signal strength or quality of cell 124B has been continuously higher than the second predetermined threshold or the first predetermined threshold. The at least one measurement report also indicates that cell 124B is suitable for communication with UE 102. Therefore, CU 172 determines to activate configuration 1 (i.e., a fast serving cell change to cell 124B) in response to determining that the signal strength or quality of cell 124B is higher than the second predetermined threshold.

[0134] In response to the determination, CU 172 sends 328 a fourth CU-to-DU message to DU 174 to activate configuration 1. In response to the fourth CU-to-DU message, DU 174 sends 330 a first configuration activation command to UE 102, and in some implementations sends a fourth DU-to-CU message to CU 172. In some implementations, CU 172 includes cell index 1 (e.g., serving cell index) in the fourth CU-to-DU message. Therefore, in some such implementations, DU 174 determines to activate configuration 1 based on cell index 1. In other implementations, CU 172 includes cell ID 1 in the fourth CU-to-DU message. Therefore, in some such implementations, DU 174 determines to activate configuration 1 based on cell ID. In still other implementations, CU 172 includes ID 1 in the fourth CU-to-DU message. Therefore, in some such implementations, DU 174 determines to activate configuration 1 based on ID 1. In some implementations, the fourth CU to DU message and the fourth DU to CU message are a UE context modification request message and a UE context modification response message, respectively. In other implementations, the fourth CU to DU message is a new interface message (e.g., an F1 application protocol (F1AP) message (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.473v18.0.0 and / or later versions)). In other implementations, the fourth DU to CU message is a new interface message (e.g., a new F1AP message (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.473v18.0.0 and / or later versions)).

[0135] In some implementations, when DU 174 determines to activate configuration 1 or sends a first configuration activation command as described above, DU 174 sends 329 a fifth DU to CU message to CU 172. In some implementations, CU 172 suspends or stops DL data transmission of UE 102 in response to the fifth DU to CU message. In further implementations, when suspending or stopping DL data transmission of UE 102, CU 172 buffers DL data of UE 102 received by CU 172 from a core network or an edge server in a further implementation. In some implementations, in the fifth DU to CU message, DU 174 indicates that a serving cell change has occurred (e.g., a serving cell change from cell 124A to cell 124B). In other implementations, in the fifth DU to CU message, DU 174 indicates that DL transmission of UE 102 is suspended or stopped.

[0136] In some implementations, the fifth DU to CU message is an existing F1AP message (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.473). In other implementations, the fifth DU to CU message is a new F1AP message (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.473 v18.0.0 and / or later). In other implementations, the fifth DU to CU message is an existing frame (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.474). In other implementations, the fifth DU to CU message is a new frame (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.474 v18.0.0 and / or later).

[0137] In some implementations, the first configuration activation command is a MAC CE included in a MAC PDU received by UE 102 from DU 174 in event 330. In some implementations, the MAC CE is a new MAC CE (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.321 v18.0.0 and / or higher). In some implementations, DU 174 includes a subheader identifying the MAC CE in the MAC PDU, and UE 102 identifies the MAC CE in the MAC PDU based on the subheader. In further implementations, the subheader includes a logical channel ID or an extended logical channel ID (e.g., defined in a 3GPP specification) to identify the MAC CE. For example, the logical channel ID or the extended logical channel ID is newly defined (e.g., in 3GPP specification 38.321 v18.0.0 and / or higher). In other implementations, the first configuration activation command is a DCI received by UE 102 on the PDCCH in event 330. DU 174 generates a CRC for the DCI, scrambles the CRC with the first C-RNTI of UE 102, and sends the DCI and the scrambled CRC on the PDCCH at event 330. In some implementations, the format of the DCI is an existing DCI format (e.g., defined in a 3GPP specification (e.g., 38.212)). In further implementations, the format of the DCI is a new DCI format (e.g., defined in a 3GPP specification (e.g., 38.212 v18.0.0 or higher)).

[0138] In some implementations, DU 174 does not perform security protection (e.g., integrity protection and / or encryption) on the first configuration activation command. Avoiding performing such security protection speeds up processing of the first configuration activation command in UE 102 because UE 102 does not spend time performing security checks (e.g., decryption and / or integrity checks) on the first configuration activation command.

[0139] In some implementations, after receiving the first configuration activation command, UE 102 sends 331 confirmation to DU 174 on cell 124A or cell 124D to indicate that UE 102 received the first configuration activation command. In some implementations, the confirmation is a HARQ ACK. In other implementations, the confirmation is a MAC CE. For example, the MAC CE is an existing MAC CE (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.321v17.1.0). In another example, the MAC CE is a new MAC CE (e.g., defined in 3GPP specification 38.321v18.0.0 and / or higher). In yet other implementations, the confirmation is a PUCCH transmission.

[0140] In some implementations, CU 172 sends 316 an RRC reconfiguration message in response to the L3 measurement report for cell 124B received by CU 172 in event 306. In further implementations, CU 172 sends a first RRC reconfiguration message including a MeasConfig IE to UE 102 to configure UE 102 to send the L3 measurement report. In some implementations, DU 174 sends 330 a first configuration activation command in response to the L1 measurement report for cell 124B received by DU 174 in event 324. In further implementations, CU 172 sends a second RRC reconfiguration message including a CSI-MeasConfig IE to UE 102 to configure UE 102 to send the L1 measurement report. In some implementations, the first RRC reconfiguration message and the second RRC reconfiguration message are the same message (i.e., the same instance). In other implementations, the first RRC reconfiguration message and the second RRC reconfiguration message are different messages. In some implementations, the second RRC reconfiguration message is the RRC reconfiguration message of event 316. In other implementations, the second RRC reconfiguration message is different from the RRC reconfiguration message of event 316.

[0141] After receiving the first configuration activation command (e.g., in response to this), the UE 102 identifies a specific configuration (e.g., configuration 1) according to a specific ID (e.g., ID1) and immediately applies configuration 1. In some implementations, the UE 102 performs 332 a random access procedure with the DU 174 on the cell 124B in response to applying configuration 1. In some implementations, the UE 102 disconnects from the cell 124A after receiving the first configuration activation command or sending an acknowledgement (e.g., in response to this). In other words, the UE 102 stops communicating on the cell 124A after receiving 330 the first configuration activation command or sending 331 an acknowledgement (e.g., in response to this). In such a case, the UE 102 performs 332 a random access procedure after disconnecting from the cell 124A. In some implementations, the UE 102 determines whether to perform a random access procedure according to configuration 1. In some implementations, if configuration 1 configures UE 102 to perform a random access procedure, UE 102 performs a random access procedure in event 332. For example, configuration 1 includes a reconfiguration with a synchronization configuration (e.g., ReconfigurationWithSync IE) to configure UE 102 to perform a random access procedure. Otherwise, if configuration 1 does not configure UE 102 to perform a random access procedure or configures UE 102 to skip a random access procedure, UE 102 avoids performing a random access procedure with DU 174 upon receiving the first configuration activation command. In such a case, UE 102 skips event 316. For example, if configuration 1 excludes a reconfiguration with a synchronization configuration, configuration 1 configures UE 102 not to perform a random access procedure. In some implementations, the random access procedure is a four-step random access procedure. In other implementations, the random access procedure is a two-step random access procedure. In some implementations, the random access procedure is a contention-free random access procedure. In other implementations, the random access procedure is a contention-based random access procedure.

[0142] In the case where the UE 102 performs 332 a random access procedure, the UE 102 communicates 336 with the DU 174 on the cell 124B using configuration 1, and communicates with the CU 172 via the DU 174 after successfully completing the random access procedure. For example, the UE 102 communicates UL PDUs, DL PDUs, and / or physical layer signals (e.g., PUCCH transmissions and PDCCH transmissions) with the base station 104 in event 318. In such a case, when the UE 102 receives contention resolution from the DU 174, the UE 102 successfully completes the random access procedure. In the case where the random access procedure is a four-step random access procedure, the UE 102 sends a message 3 including a UE identity to the DU 174 via the cell 124B during the random access procedure. In the case where the random access procedure is a two-step random access procedure, the UE 102 sends a message A including a UE identity to the DU 174 via the cell 124B during the random access procedure. In some implementations, if configuration 1 includes a second C-RNTI, the UE identity is the second C-RNTI of UE 102. Otherwise, if configuration 1 does not include a C-RNTI, the UE identity is the first C-RNTI. In the case where the random access procedure is a contention-free random access procedure, UE 102 sends a dedicated random access preamble to DU 174 via cell 124B. In such a case, configuration 1 includes a dedicated random access preamble.

[0143] DU 174 identifies or determines that UE 102 is connected to cell 124B when receiving a UE identification or a dedicated preamble from UE 102 during a random access procedure.

[0144] In some implementations, the UE 102 sends an RRC message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration complete message) to the CU 172 via the DU 174 and the cell 124B to instruct the UE 102 to apply configuration 1. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the RRC message in message 3. In further implementations, the UE 102 includes the RRC message in message A. In further implementations, the UE 102 sends the RRC message after completing the random access procedure. In other implementations, if the UE 102 maintains communication with the base station 104 on the cell 124A (i.e., the UE 102 is not disconnected from the cell 124A), the UE 102 sends the RRC message to the base station 104 via the cell 124A. In still other implementations, the UE 102 avoids sending the RRC message to the base station 104 in response to applying configuration 1 or receiving the first configuration activation command.

[0145] In some cases where the UE 102 skips the random access procedure, the UE 102, after receiving the first configuration activation command (e.g., in response thereto), directly communicates 336 with the base station 104 on the cell 124B according to configuration 1. For example, the UE 102 communicates UL PDUs, DL PDUs, and / or physical layer signals (e.g., PUCCH transmissions and PDCCH transmissions) with the base station 104 at event 318. In some such cases, after receiving the first configuration activation command (e.g., in response thereto), the UE 102 sends 336 at least one PUCCH transmission to the DU 174 on the cell 124B according to configuration 1. In some implementations, the DU 174 sends at least one DCI on the PDCCH on the cell 124B to the UE 102 to command the UE 102 to send at least one PUCCH or PUSCH transmission after sending the first configuration activation command. The DU 174 identifies or determines that the UE 102 is connected to the cell 124B upon receiving the PUCCH or PUSCH transmission. In other implementations, the UE 102 transmits at least one PUCCH or PUSCH transmission regardless of receiving DCI on the PDCCH on the cell 124B. The DU 174 identifies or determines that the UE 102 is connected to the cell 124B upon receiving the PUCCH or PUSCH transmission. In some implementations, the UE 102 sends an RRC message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration complete message) to the CU 172 via the DU 174 and the cell 124B to indicate that the UE 102 applies configuration 1. The CU 172 identifies or determines that the UE 102 is connected to the cell 124B upon receiving the RRC message. In other implementations, if the UE 102 maintains communication with the base station 104 on the cell 124A (i.e., the UE 102 is not disconnected from the cell 124A), the UE 102 sends the RRC message to the base station 104 via the cell 124A. In yet other implementations, UE 102 refrains from sending an RRC message to base station 104 in response to applying configuration 1 or receiving a first configuration activation command.

[0146] In some implementations, when DU 174 determines that UE 102 is successfully connected to cell 124B in event 332 or 336, DU 174 sends 334 a DU to CU message (e.g., an access success message) to CU 172. In some implementations, DU 174 includes the cell ID of cell 124B in the DU to CU message of event 334. Depending on the implementation, the cell ID is a PCI or a CGI. Therefore, CU 172 determines that UE 102 is connected to cell 124B upon receiving the DU to CU message of event 334. In further implementations, when DU 174 determines that UE 102 is successfully connected to cell 124B in event 332 or 336, DU 174 sends a DL data delivery status message or frame to CU 172. In some implementations, when CU 172 receives 334 the DU to CU message, CU 172 resumes or continues DL data transmission of UE 102. In further implementations, after resuming or continuing DL data transmission of UE 102 (eg, in response thereto), CU 172 sends the DL data of UE 102 to DU 174 , which in turn sends the DL data to UE 102 at event 336 .

[0147] In some implementations, when it is determined that the UE 102 is connected to the cell 124B, the first configuration activation command is sent 330, or the confirmation is received 331, the DU 174 stops communicating with the UE 102 on the cell 124A. In some implementations, when it is determined that the UE 102 is connected to the cell 124B, the first configuration activation command is sent 330, or the confirmation is received 331, the DU 174 releases the resources of the cell 124A that are configured for the UE 102.

[0148] Events 304, 306, 390, 392, 316, 318, 320, 322 Figure 3 are collectively referred to as serving cell configuration process 380. Events 324, 326, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, 336, 394 are Figure 3 It is collectively referred to as the service cell change process 382.

[0149] In some implementations, DU 174 generates configuration 1 and / or configuration 2 . . . N as a complete configuration that replaces the first configuration or a specific configuration in the first configuration. In some implementations, if configuration 1 is a complete configuration, UE 102 and DU 174 communicate 336 with each other according to configuration 1 instead of the first configuration or the specific configuration. In some implementations, DU 174 includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration in configuration 1. In other implementations, the RRC reconfiguration message of events 316, 318 includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration. In other implementations, the first container includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration. In other implementations, element 1 (e.g., ConfigToAddMod IE, CellGroupConfigToAddMod, MobilityToAddMod IE, MobilityConfigToAddMo d IE, or CellGroupConfigToAddMod IE) includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration. In some implementations, UE 102 determines that configuration 1 is a complete configuration based on the indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration. In some implementations, the indication for configuration 1 is different from the fullConfig field (e.g., defined in current 3GPP specifications). In other implementations, the indication for configuration 1 is the fullConfig field in the RRCReconfiguration message (e.g., defined in current 3GPP specifications).

[0150] In other implementations, DU 174 generates configuration 1 and / or configuration 2 ... N as an incremental configuration that enhances at least a portion of the first configuration. In other words, DU 174 generates configuration 1 ... N on top of the first configuration. For example, if configuration 1 is an incremental configuration, UE 102 and DU 174 enhance at least a portion of the first configuration with configuration 1. Therefore, UE 102 and base station 104 communicate 336 with each other based on configuration 1 and the unenhanced portion of the first configuration. In some implementations, configuration 1 includes an indication that configuration 1 is an incremental configuration. In other implementations, the first container includes an indication that configuration 1 is an incremental configuration. In yet other implementations, element 1 includes an indication that configuration 1 is an incremental configuration. In some implementations, UE 102 determines that configuration 1 is a complete configuration based on the indication that configuration 1 is an incremental configuration. In some alternative implementations, configuration 1, the first container, or element 1 excludes the indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration to indicate that configuration 1 is an incremental configuration. In a further implementation, UE 102 determines that configuration 1 is an incremental configuration based on determining that the indication is excluded in configuration 1, first container, or element 1.

[0151] In some implementations, if configuration 1 is a complete configuration, the UE 102 releases the first configuration or a specific configuration in the first configuration after (e.g., in response to) receiving 330 a first configuration activation command, sending 331 an acknowledgement, successfully performing 332 a random access procedure, or receiving a first DCI on a PDCCH addressed to a UE identity of the UE 102 on the cell 124B. In some implementations, if configuration 1 is a complete configuration, the DU 174 releases the first configuration or a specific configuration in the first configuration after (e.g., in response to) sending 330 a first configuration activation command, receiving 331 an acknowledgement, successfully performing 332 a random access procedure, or receiving a specific transmission from the UE 102 on the cell 124B. In some implementations, the specific transmission is a PUCCH transmission. In further implementations, the transmission is a PUSCH transmission. In some implementations, after sending the first configuration activation command, the DU 174 generates a DCI and a CRC for the DCI, scrambles the CRC with the UE identity of the UE 102, and sends the DCI and the scrambled CRC on the PDCCH on the cell 124B. When the UE 102 receives the DCI and the scrambled CRC and verifies that the scrambled CRC is valid using the UE identity, the UE 102 sends a PUSCH transmission to the DU 174 on the cell 124B.

[0152] In some implementations, the first configuration or the specific configuration is a first CellGroupConfig IE (ie, the first configuration includes configuration parameters defined in the first CellGroupConfig IE), and Configuration 1 is a second CellGroupConfig IE.

[0153] In some implementations, the UE 102 uses a UE MAC entity (e.g., MAC 204B) to communicate with the DU 174 (e.g., events 302, 304, 318, 320, 324, 330, and / or 331). In some implementations, the base station 104 configures whether the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity upon receiving the first configuration activation command. In some implementations, the base station 104 includes a MAC reset indication in configuration 1 or element 1 to configure the UE 102 to reset the UE MAC entity, and excludes the MAC reset indication in configuration 1 or element 1 to configure the UE 102 not to reset the UE MAC entity. If configuration 1 or element 1 includes a MAC reset indication, the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity in response to the MAC reset indication upon receiving the first configuration activation command.

[0154] Otherwise, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include a MAC reset indication, the UE 102 avoids resetting the UE MAC entity upon or when the first configuration activation command is received. In some implementations, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include a MAC reset indication and includes an indication that the configuration is a complete configuration, the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity upon or when the first configuration activation command is received 330. Otherwise, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include a MAC reset indication and an indication that the configuration is a complete configuration, the UE 102 avoids resetting the UE MAC entity upon or when the first configuration activation command is received 330.

[0155] In some implementations, the base station 104 (e.g., DU 174 or CU 172) uses a DU MAC entity (e.g., NRMAC 204B) to communicate with the UE 102 (e.g., events 302, 304, 318, 320, 324, 330, and / or 331). If the base station 104 includes a MAC reset indication in configuration 1 or element 1, the DU 174 resets the DU MAC entity in response to the MAC reset indication after sending 330 a first configuration activation command, receiving 331 an acknowledgement, or determining in events 332 or 336 that the UE 102 is connected to the cell 124B.

[0156] Otherwise, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include a MAC reset indication, DU 174 avoids resetting the DU MAC entity after (e.g., in response to) sending 330 the first configuration activation command. Thus, after sending 330 the first configuration activation command, receiving 331 an acknowledgement, or determining in event 332 or 336 that UE 102 is connected to cell 124B, DU 174 continues to communicate with UE 102 using the retained (i.e., non-reset) DU MAC entity.

[0157] In some implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC reset indication in a MAC-CellGroupConfig IE (e.g., CellGroupConfig IE) in Configuration 1. In other implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC reset indication in the CellGroupConfig IE and outside the MAC-CellGroupConfig IE. In still other implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC reset indication in Element 1 and outside Configuration 1.

[0158] In some implementations, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include a MAC reset indication and includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration, DU 174 resets the DU MAC entity after sending 330 the first configuration activation command, receiving 331 an acknowledgement, or determining in event 332 or 336 that UE 102 is connected to cell 124B. Alternatively, DU 174 releases the DU MAC entity and establishes a new DU MAC entity for communicating with UE 102 via cell 124B, rather than resetting the DU MAC entity. Otherwise, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include a MAC reset indication and an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration, DU 174 avoids resetting the DU MAC entity after (e.g., in response to) sending 330 the first configuration activation command.

[0159] In an alternative implementation, the base station 104 (e.g., DU 174 or CU 172) includes a MAC retention indication in a configuration or element (e.g., configuration 1 or element 1) to configure the UE 102 not to reset the UE MAC entity, and the base station 104 excludes the MAC retention indication in the configuration or element to configure the UE 102 to reset the UE MAC entity. If the configuration or element includes the MAC retention indication, the UE 102 avoids resetting the UE MAC entity in response to the MAC retention indication when receiving a configuration activation command (e.g., a first configuration activation command). Otherwise, if the configuration or element does not include the MAC retention indication, the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity at or when the configuration activation command is received.

[0160] DU 174 uses a DU MAC entity (e.g., NR MAC 204B) to communicate with UE 102 (e.g., events 302, 304, 318, 320, 324, 330, and / or 331). If base station 104 includes a MAC retention indication in a configuration or element (e.g., configuration 1 or element 1), DU 174 avoids resetting the DU MAC entity in response to the MAC retention indication after sending a configuration activation command (e.g., a first configuration activation command) to UE 102. Therefore, after sending 330 the first configuration activation command, receiving 331 an acknowledgment, or determining at events 332 or 336 that UE 102 is connected to cell 124B, DU 174 continues to communicate with UE 102 using the retained (i.e., non-reset) DU MAC entity.

[0161] In some implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC reservation indication in a MAC-CellGroupConfig IE (e.g., CellGroupConfig IE) in Configuration 1. In other implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC reservation indication in the CellGroupConfig IE and outside the MAC-CellGroupConfig IE. In still other implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC reservation indication in Element 1 and outside Configuration 1.

[0162] Otherwise, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include a MAC retention indication, the DU 174 resets the DU MAC entity after (eg, in response to) sending 330 the first configuration activation command.

[0163] In some implementations, the base station 104 includes or does not include an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration. If the base station 104 includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration in configuration 1 or element 1, the base station 104 avoids including a MAC reservation indication in configuration 1 or element 1. Otherwise, in further implementations, if the base station 104 does not include an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration in configuration 1 or element 1, the base station 104 includes a MAC reservation indication in configuration 1 or element 1.

[0164] In some alternative implementations, the base station 104 (e.g., DU 174 or CU 172) includes a MAC partial reset indication in a configuration or element (e.g., configuration 1 or element 1) to configure the UE 102 to partially reset the UE MAC entity, and the base station 104 excludes the MAC partial reset indication in the configuration or element to configure the UE 102 to completely reset the UE MAC entity. If the configuration or element includes the MAC partial reset indication, the UE 102 partially resets the UE MAC entity upon receiving a configuration activation command (e.g., a first configuration activation command). Otherwise, if the configuration or element does not include the MAC partial reset indication, the UE 102 completely resets the UE MAC entity after receiving the configuration activation command (e.g., in response thereto). In some implementations, when the UE partially resets the UE MAC entity, the UE 102 retains (e.g., maintains or keeps) the operating state of the UE MAC entity, or omits one or more actions performed by the UE 102 in some implementations when the UE 102 completely resets the UE MAC entity.

[0165] If the base station 104 includes a MAC partial reset indication in a configuration or element (e.g., configuration 1 or element 1), the DU 174 partially resets the DU MAC entity in response to the MAC partial reset indication after sending a configuration activation command (e.g., a first configuration activation command) to the UE 102.

[0166] In some implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC partial reset indication in a MAC-CellGroupConfig IE (e.g., CellGroupConfig IE) in Configuration 1. In other implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC partial reset indication in the CellGroupConfig IE and outside the MAC-CellGroupConfig IE. In still other implementations, the DU 174 includes the MAC partial reset indication in Element 1 and outside Configuration 1.

[0167] Otherwise, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include a MAC partial reset indication, the DU 174 completely resets the DU MAC entity after (e.g., in response to) sending 330 the first configuration activation command. In some implementations, the base station 104 includes or does not include an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration. In some implementations, if the base station 104 includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration in configuration 1 or element 1, the base station 104 avoids including a MAC partial reset indication in configuration 1 or element 1. Otherwise, in further implementations, if the base station 104 does not include an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration in configuration 1 or element 1, the base station 104 includes a MAC partial reset indication in configuration 1 or element 1. In some alternative implementations, in the case where the base station 104 includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration in configuration 1 or element 1, the base station 104 includes a MAC partial reset indication.

[0168] In some implementations, the base station 104 (e.g., DU 174 or CU 172) does not include an indication related to resetting the UE MAC entity in a configuration or element (e.g., configuration 1 or element 1) or an RRC message (e.g., events 316, 318) including the configuration or element. In such a case, the UE 102 partially resets the UE MAC entity after (e.g., in response to) receiving the first configuration activation command. In such a case, the DU 174 partially resets the DU MAC entity after sending the first configuration activation command, receiving 331 an acknowledgment, performing 336 a random access procedure with the UE 102, or determining that the UE 102 is connected to the cell 124B.

[0169] In some implementations, when the UE 102 determines to reset the UE MAC entity as described above or the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity as described above, the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity before performing 332 a random access procedure or communicating 336 with the base station 104 via the cell 124B. In some implementations, when the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity, the UE 102 performs at least one of the following actions for the UE MAC entity (i.e., a UE MAC reset or a complete UE MAC reset): (i) initialize Bj of the configured logical channel to zero; (ii) stop one or more timers; (iii) if the UE 102 is configured to perform a random access procedure (e.g., event 332) in a configuration (e.g., configuration 1), then timeAlignmentTimer is considered to have expired; (iv) a new data indicator (NDI) of the UL HARQ process is set to a value of 0; (v) the NDI of the HARQ process ID is set to a value of 0 for monitoring the PDCCH in sidelink resource allocation mode 1; (vi) the Msg3 buffer is refreshed; (vii) the MSGA buffer is refreshed; (viii) the triggered scheduling request procedure is canceled (if any); (ix) the triggered buffer status report procedure is canceled (if any); (x) the triggered power headroom report procedure is canceled (if any); (xi) the triggered consistent LBT failure is canceled (if any); (x ii) cancel (if any) the triggered BFR; (xiii) cancel (if any) the triggered sidelink buffer status reporting process; (xiv) cancel (if any) the triggered preemptive buffer status reporting process; (xv) cancel (if any) the triggered timing advance reporting process; (xvi) cancel (if any) the triggered recommended bit rate query process; (xvii) cancel (if any) the triggered configured uplink grant confirmation; (xviii) cancel (if any) the triggered configured sidelink grant confirmation; (xix) cancel (if any) the triggered expected protection symbol query; (xx) cancel (if any) the triggered positioning measurement gap activation / deactivation request process; (xxi) refresh the DL soft buffer for the HARQ process; (xxii) for each of the DL HARQ processes, treat the next received transmission of the TB as the first transmission; (xxiii) release (if any) the temporary C-RNTI; (xiv) reset one or more counters (e.g., BFI_COUNTER and / or LBT_COUNTER); (xxv) and so on.

[0170] In some implementations, when DU 174 resets the DU MAC entity, DU 174 performs at least one of the following actions for the DU MAC entity (i.e., a DU MAC reset or a full DU MAC reset): (i) stops one or more timers; (ii) if UE 102 is configured to perform a random access procedure (e.g., event 332) in a configuration (e.g., configuration 1), considers that the timeAlignmentTimer started and / or maintained by DU 174 for UE 102 has expired; (iii) sets the NDI of the DL HARQ process to a value of 0; (iv) refreshes the soft buffers of the UL HARQ process; (v) for each of the UL HARQ processes, considers the next received transmission of the TB as the first transmission; (vi) resets one or more counters (e.g., BFI_COUNTER and / or LBT_COUNTER); (vii) and the like.

[0171] Depending on the implementation, the UE 102 determines to partially or completely reset the UE MAC entity. In some implementations, when the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity as described above, the UE 102 completely resets the UE MAC entity (i.e., a complete UE MAC reset). In a complete UE MAC reset, the UE 102 performs some or all of the above actions. In other implementations, when the UE 102 resets the UE MAC entity as described above, the UE 102 partially resets the UE MAC entity (i.e., a partial UE MAC reset). In a partial UE MAC reset, the UE 102 performs a subset or portion of some or all of the actions in a complete UE MAC reset.

[0172] In some implementations, the partial UE MAC reset includes at least one of the following actions: (i) if UE 102 is configured to perform a random access procedure (e.g., event 332) in a configuration (e.g., configuration 1), then the timeAlignmentTimer of UE 102 is considered expired; (ii) flushing the Msg3 buffer; (iii) flushing the MSGA buffer; (iv) releasing (if any) the temporary C-RNTI; and / or (v) resetting one or more counters (e.g., BFI_COUNTER and / or LBT_COUNTER).

[0173] In some implementations, some UEs The MAC reset further includes at least one of the following actions: (i) cancelling (if any) the triggered scheduling request process; (ii) cancelling (if any) the triggered buffer status report process; (iii) cancelling (if any) the triggered power headroom report process; (iv) cancelling (if any) the triggered consistent LBT failure; (v) cancelling (if any) the triggered BFR; (vi) cancelling (if any) the triggered sidelink buffer status report process; (vii) cancelling (if any) the triggered preemptive buffer status report process; (viii) cancelling (if any) the triggered timing advance report process; (ix) cancelling (if any) the triggered recommended bit rate query process; (x) cancelling (if any) the triggered configured uplink grant confirmation; (xi) cancelling (if any) the triggered configured sidelink grant confirmation; (xii) cancelling (if any) the triggered expected protection symbol query; and / or (xiii) cancelling (if any) the triggered positioning measurement gap activation / deactivation request process.

[0174] In some implementations, the partial UE MAC reset further includes at least one of the following actions: (i) stopping a first portion of one or more timers and retaining the remainder of one or more timers; (ii) setting a new data indicator (NDI) for the UL HARQ process to a value of 0; (iii) setting the NDI for the HARQ process ID to a value of 0 for monitoring the PDCCH in sidelink resource allocation mode 1; (iv) flushing soft buffers for DL ​​HARQ processes; and / or (v) for each of the DL HARQ processes, treating the next received transmission of the TB as the first transmission.

[0175] Depending on the implementation, DU 174 determines to partially or completely reset the DU MAC entity. In some implementations, when DU 174 resets the DU MAC entity as described above, DU 174 completely resets the DU MAC entity (i.e., a complete DU MAC reset). In a complete DU MAC reset, DU 174 performs some or all of the above actions. In other implementations, when DU 174 resets the DU MAC entity as described above, DU 174 partially resets the DU MAC entity (i.e., a partial DU MAC reset). In a partial DU MAC reset, DU 174 performs a subset or portion of some or all of the actions in a complete DU MAC reset.

[0176] In some implementations, the partial DU MAC reset includes at least one of the following actions in the partial MAC reset: (i) if UE 102 is configured to perform a random access procedure (e.g., event 332) in a configuration (e.g., configuration 1), then DU 174 is considered to have expired a timeAlignmentTimer started and / or maintained by UE 102; and / or (ii) resetting one or more counters (e.g., BFI_COUNTER and / or LBT_COUNTER).

[0177] In some implementations, the partial DU MAC reset includes at least one of the following actions for the MAC entity (i.e., the DU MAC reset): (i) stopping a first portion of one or more timers and retaining the remainder of one or more timers; (ii) setting the NDI for the DL HARQ process to a value of 0; (iii) flushing soft buffers for the UL HARQ processes; (iv) for each of the UL HARQ processes, treating the next received transmission of the TB as the first transmission; and / or (v) resetting one or more counters (e.g., BFI_COUNTER and / or LBT_COUNTER).

[0178] In some implementations, configuration 1 includes or does not include one or more RLC reestablishment indications (e.g., reestablishRLC fields) that configure UE 102 to reestablish one or more RLC entities (e.g., RLC 206B) that UE 102 uses to communicate with DU 174 (e.g., events 302, 304, 318, 320, 324, 330, and / or 331). If configuration 1 includes an RLC reestablishment indication that configures UE 102 to reestablish an RLC entity (e.g., RLC 206B) that UE 102 uses to communicate RLC PDUs (e.g., events 302, 304, 318, 320, 324, 330, and / or 331) with base station 104, UE 102 reestablishes the RLC entity in response to the RLC reestablishment indication. In some implementations, UE 102 reestablishes the RLC entity before performing 332 a random access procedure or communicating 336 with base station 104 via cell 124B. In other implementations, the UE 102 reestablishes the RLC entity while or after performing the random access procedure 332. In some implementations, when the UE 102 reestablishes the RLC entity, the UE 102 performs at least one of the following actions for the RLC entity: (i) discarding the RLC SDU, RLC SDU segment, and RLC PDU (if any); (ii) stopping and resetting the timer (if running); (iii) resetting the state variable to an initial value. In some implementations, the state variables and timers are currently defined (e.g., in 3GPP specification 38.322).

[0179] Otherwise, if configuration 1 does not include an RLC re-establishment indication for the RLC entity, the UE 102 avoids re-establishing the RLC entity upon or when the first configuration activation command is received. In other words, the UE 102 avoids performing actions for re-establishing the RLC entity of the UE 102 upon or when the first configuration activation command is received. In some implementations, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include an RLC re-establishment indication and includes an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration, the UE 102 re-establishes the RLC entity of the UE 102 upon or when the first configuration activation command is received. Otherwise, if configuration 1 or element 1 does not include an RLC re-establishment indication and an indication that configuration 1 is a complete configuration, the UE 102 avoids re-establishing the RLC entity upon or when the first configuration activation command is received.

[0180] Similarly, DU 174 reestablishes the RLC entity (e.g., NR RLC 206B) used by DU 174 to communicate with the RLC entity of UE 102 (e.g., events 302, 304, 318, 320, 324, 330, and / or 331) in response to the RLC reestablishment indication. In some implementations, DU 174 reestablishes the RLC entity after sending the first configuration activation command, receiving an acknowledgment of the first configuration activation command from UE 102, or determining that UE 102 is connected to cell 124B. In some implementations, the acknowledgment is a HARQ ACK. In other implementations, the acknowledgment is a MAC CE. In still other implementations, the acknowledgment is a PUCCH transmission. In some implementations, when the base station 104 reestablishes the RLC entity, the DU 174 performs at least one of the following actions for the RLC entity: (i) discarding the RLC SDU, RLC SDU segment, and RLC PDU (if any); (ii) stopping and resetting the timer (if running); and / or (iii) resetting the state variable to an initial value. In some implementations, the state variables and timers are currently defined (e.g., in 3GPP specification 38.322).

[0181] In some implementations, the above description of configuration 1 also applies to configurations 2 . . . N.

[0182] In some implementations, after determining that UE 102 is connected to cell 124B (e.g., in response thereto), CU 172 sends 338 a CU-to-DU message (e.g., a UE context modification request message) to DU 174 to instruct DU 174 to stop communicating with UE 102 and / or release or suspend resources of cell 124A configured for UE 102. In further implementations, in response, DU 174 stops communicating with UE 102 on cell 124A, releases or suspends resources of cell 124A configured for UE 102, and / or sends 340 a DU-to-CU message (e.g., a UE context modification response message) to CU 172. Events 338 and 340 are described in detail below. Figure 3 are collectively referred to as process 394 (e.g., UE context modification process).

[0183] Next reference Figure 4 In scenario 400, base station 104 includes CU 172, source DU (S-DU) 174A, and target DU (T-DU) 174B. S-DU 174A operates cell 124A, and in some implementations, operates cell 124B, while T-DU 174B operates cell 124C. Scenario 400 is similar to scenario 300. Therefore, the description of scenario 300 may generally apply to scenario 400. In particular, the description of cell 124B in scenario 300 may apply to cell 124C. Events 404, 406, 490, 492, 416, 418, 420, 422 are described in detail in detail. Figure 4 are collectively referred to as serving cell configuration process 480. Events 424, 426, 428, 430, 431, 432, 434, 436, 494 are Figure 4 It is collectively referred to as the service cell change process 482.

[0184] In some implementations, after determining that the UE 102 is connected to the cell 124C (e.g., in response thereto), the CU 172 sends 438 a CU-to-DU message (e.g., a UE Context Release Command message) to the S-DU 174A to release the UE context of the UE 102. In response, the S-DU 174A releases the UE context of the UE 102 and sends 440 a DU-to-CU message (e.g., a UE Context Release Complete message) to the CU-172. Alternatively, the CU 172 sends 438 a CU-to-DU message (e.g., a UE Context Modification Request message) to the S-DU 174A to instruct the S-DU 174A to stop communicating with the UE 102 and / or to release or suspend resources of the cell 124A configured for the UE 102. In response, in some such implementations, the S-DU 174A ceases communicating with the UE 102 on the cell 124A, releases or suspends resources of the cell 124A configured for the UE 102, and / or sends 440 a DU to CU message (e.g., a UE context modification response message) to the CU-172.

[0185] Next reference Figure 5A, in scenario 500A, base station 106 operates as a MN and base station 104 operates as a SN. SN 104 includes CU 172 and DU 174. Scenario 500A is similar to scenario 300, except that scenario 500A is a DC scenario and scenario 300 is a single connection (SC) scenario. Initially, UE 102 in DC communicates with MN 106 and SN 104. In event 502, UE 102 communicates with DU 174 on cell 124A using a first configuration and communicates with CU 172 via DU 174, similar to event 302. In some implementations, UE 102 in DC communicates 502 UL PDUs and / or DL ​​PDUs with MN 106 and / or SN 104 via a radio bearer, which in some further implementations includes SRBs and / or DRBs. In a further implementation, the MN 106 and / or the SN 104 configure a radio bearer to the UE 102. The UE 102 in DC communicates 502 UL PDUs and / or DL ​​PDUs with the SN 104 on the SCG that the SN 104 configures for communication with the UE 102. The UE 102 in DC communicates UL PDUs and / or DL ​​PDUs with the MN 106 on the MCG according to the MN configuration (i.e., the MCG configuration). In some implementations, the first configuration is the SN configuration (i.e., the SCG configuration). In the MN configuration, the MN 106 configures an MCG that includes at least one service cell operated by the MN 106 (e.g., the cell 126 and / or other cells). In the first configuration, the SN 106A configures an SCG that includes at least one service cell operated by the SN 104 (e.g., the cell 124A and / or other cells). In some implementations, the MN configuration includes a plurality of configuration parameters and UE 102 receives the configuration parameters in one or more RRC messages from MN 106. In other implementations, the first configuration includes a plurality of configuration parameters and UE 102 receives the configuration parameters in one or more RRC messages from SN 104 (e.g., via MN 106) or on an SRB (e.g., SRB3) that MN 106 or SN 104 configures to exchange RRC messages between UE 102 and SN 104.

[0186] In some implementations, when communicating with MN 106 and SN 104 under DC, MN 106 performs 580 a fast serving cell configuration procedure with UE 102, similar to process 380. In some implementations, when communicating with MN 106 and SN 104 under DC, UE 102 sends at least one measurement report to CU 172 via DU 174 and cell 124A in events 504 and 506, similar to events 304 and 306, respectively. In other implementations, when communicating with MN 106 and SN 104 under DC, UE 102 sends 505 at least one measurement report to MN 106 via cell 126. MN 106 then sends 507 at least one measurement report to CU 172. In some implementations, MN 106 generates at least one SN message including at least one measurement report, and sends the at least one SN message to CU 172 in event 507. In some implementations, the at least one SN message includes an RRC Transfer message and / or an SN Modification Request message.

[0187] After receiving at least one measurement report (e.g., in response thereto) or while base station 104 is communicating with UE 102, base station 104 determines to prepare cell 124B for UE 102, such as for Figure 3 Events 590, 592, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 531, 532, 534, 536, and 594 are similar to events 390, 392, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, 336, and 394. After receiving the first configuration activation command, sending an acknowledgment, or determining that UE 102 is connected to cell 124B, UE 102 operating with MN 106 and SN 104 under DC communicates 536 with SN 104 on cell 124B according to configuration 1, similar to event 336.

[0188] Events 504, 506, 505, 507, 590, 592, 516, 518, 520, 522 Figure 5A Events 524, 526, 528, 530, 531, 532, 534, 536, 594 are collectively referred to as serving cell configuration process 581A. Figure 5A It is collectively referred to as the service cell change process 583.

[0189] Next reference Figure 5B, scenario 500B is generally similar to scenario 500A, except that SN 104 sends 517, 519 RRC reconfiguration messages to UE 102 via MN 106, and receives 521, 523 RRC reconfiguration complete messages from UE 102 via MN 106. In some implementations, SN 104 generates a first SN message (e.g., an SN Modification Required message, an SN Modification Required message, or an RRC Transfer message) including an RRC reconfiguration message, and sends the first SN message to MN 106 in event 517. In some implementations, MN 106 generates a second SN message (e.g., an SN Reconfiguration Complete message or an RRC Transfer message) including an RRC reconfiguration complete message, and sends the second SN message to SN 104 in event 523.

[0190] Events 504, 506, 505, 507, 590, 592, 517, 519, 521, 523 Figure 5B It is collectively referred to as the service cell configuration process 581B.

[0191] Next reference Fig. 6A In scenario 600A, base station 106 operates as a MN and base station 104 operates as a SN, similar to scenarios 300-500B. SN 104 includes CU 172, S-DU 174A, and T-DU 174B, similar to base station 104 in scenario 400. Events 604, 606, 605, 607, 690, 692, 616, 618, 620, 622 are Fig. 6A Events 624, 626, 628, 630, 631, 632, 634, 636, 694 are collectively referred to as serving cell configuration process 681A. Fig. 6A 600A, but for one or both of the S-DU 174A or T-DU 174B (e.g., events 608, 610, 632, 634, etc.).

[0192] Next reference Figure 6BScenario 600B is similar to scenarios 300-500B and 600A, except that SN 104 sends 617, 619 RRC reconfiguration messages to UE 102 via MN 106, and receives 621, 623 RRC reconfiguration complete messages from UE 102 via MN 106. Events 604, 606, 605, 607, 690, 692, 617, 619, 621, 623 are Figure 6B It is collectively referred to as the service cell configuration process 681B.

[0193] Next reference Fig. 7A In scenario 700A, base station 104 operates as a MN and a SN, similar to scenarios 300-600B. Base station 104 includes CU 172, a master DU (M-DU) 174A, and a secondary DU (S-DU) 174B. CU 172 operates with M-DU 174A as a MN, similar to Figure 3 Base station 104 or FIG. 5A to FIG. 6B MN 106 in, and CU 172 operates with S-DU 174B as SN, similar to FIG. 5A to FIG. 6B SN 104 in.

[0194] In scenario 700A, UE 102 initially communicates 702 with M-DU 174A and S-DU 174B under DC and communicates 702 with CU 172 via M-DU 174A and S-DU 174B. At event 702, UE 102 communicates with S-DU 174B on cell 124A and communicates with CU 172 via S-DU 174B using the first configuration. Events 704 and 706 are similar to events 304 and 306. In some implementations, UE 102 sends 705 at least one measurement report to M-DU 174A, similar to event 304. Similar to event 306, M-DU 174A then sends 707 at least one DU-to-CU message including at least one measurement report to CU 172.

[0195] Events 704, 706, 705, 707, 790, 792, 716, 718, 720, 722 Fig. 7A Events 724, 726, 728, 730, 731, 732, 734, 736, 794 are collectively referred to as serving cell configuration process 781A. Fig. 7A It is collectively referred to as the service cell change process 783.

[0196] Next reference Figure 7BScenario 700B is similar to scenarios 300-600B and 700A, except that CU 172 sends 717, 719 RRC reconfiguration messages to UE 102 via M-DU 174A and receives 721, 723 RRC reconfiguration complete messages from UE 102 via M-DU 174A. Events 704, 706, 705, 707, 790, 792, 717, 719, 721, 723 are Figure 7B It is collectively referred to as the service cell configuration process 781B.

[0197] Next reference Fig. 8A In scenario 800A, base station 104 operates as a MN and a SN, similar to scenarios 300-700B. Base station 104 includes CU 172, master DU (M-DU) 174A, secondary DU (S-DU) 174B, and T-DU 174C. CU 172 operates with M-DU 174A as a MN and with S-DU 174B as a SN. Events 804, 806, 805, 807, 890, 892, 816, 818, 820, 822 are described in detail in detail. Fig. 8A Events 824, 826, 828, 830, 831, 832, 834, 836, 894 are collectively referred to as serving cell configuration process 881A. Fig. 8A 800A, but is applicable to one, some, or all of the M-DU 174A, S-DU 174B, or T-DU 174C (e.g., events 808, 810, 832, 834, etc.).

[0198] Next reference Figure 8B Scenario 800B is similar to scenarios 300-700B and 800A, except that CU 172 sends 817, 819 RRC reconfiguration messages to UE 102 via M-DU 174A and receives 821, 823 RRC reconfiguration complete messages from UE 102 via M-DU 174A. Events 804, 806, 805, 807, 890, 892, 817, 819, 821, 823 are Fig. 8A It is collectively referred to as the service cell configuration process 881B.

[0199] Next reference Fig.9A In scenario 900A, base station 104 includes CU 172, source DU (S-DU) 174A, and target DU (T-DU) 174B, similar to scenarios 300 and 400. The differences between scenarios 900A, 300, and 400 are described below.

[0200] In some scenarios or implementations, UE 102 receives configurations 1 ... N from base station 104 in process 380 and / or receives configurations N+1 ... N+P from base station 104 in process 480. Depending on the implementation, each of "N" and "P" is an integer greater than zero. Before activating one of these configurations, UE 102 determines 902 a communication failure with base station 104. In response to the communication failure, UE 102 initiates 906 an RRC connection reestablishment process to recover the communication failure. In response to the initiation, UE 102 selects a cell operating on S-DU 174A and performs 904 a random access process with S-DU 174A on the cell. In some scenarios or implementations, the cell is cell 124A. In other scenarios or implementations, the cell is a cell other than cell 124A. In some implementations, the communication failure is a radio link failure, an integrity check failure, or a synchronization reconfiguration failure.

[0201] In some implementations, the random access procedure is a four-step random access procedure or a two-step random access procedure. In the four-step random access procedure, the UE 102 sends a random access preamble to the S-DU 174A, and in response, the S-DU 174A sends a random access response to the UE 102. Then, the UE 102 sends a message 3 including an RRC reestablishment request message to the S-DU 174A according to the uplink grant included in the random access response. The S-DU 174A then sends the RRC reestablishment request message to the CU 172. In some implementations, the S-DU 174A sends a first MAC PDU including a contention resolution MAC CE to the UE 102 in response to the message 3.

[0202] In response to the RRC reestablishment request message, CU 172 sends an RRC reestablishment message to UE 102 via S-DU 174A. In some implementations, S-DU 174A includes the RRC reestablishment message in a first MAC PDU. In other implementations, S-DU 174A sends a second MAC PDU including the RRC reestablishment message. In response to the RRC reestablishment message, UE 102 sends an RRC reestablishment completion message to CU 172 via S-DU 174A. After sending the RRC reestablishment message or receiving the RRC connection reestablishment completion message, CU 172 then performs 908 an RRC reconfiguration process with UE 102 via S-DU 174A. During the RRC reconfiguration process, CU 172 sends an RRC reconfiguration message including configuration parameters to UE 102 via S-DU 174A. In response, UE 102 sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to CU 172 via S-DU 174A. After performing the RRC reconfiguration procedure, the UE 102 communicates 922 with the S-DU 174A using the configuration parameters and communicates with the CU 172 via the S-DU 174A.

[0203] In some implementations, CU 172 performs 912 a UE context modification procedure with S-DU 174A to obtain configuration parameters for UE 102 while or after (e.g., in response to) performing the RRC connection reestablishment procedure. In some implementations, CU 172 initiates procedure 912 by sending a UE context modification request message to S-DU 174A. In response, S-DU 174A sends a UE context modification response message including the configuration parameters to CU 172. CU 172 includes the configuration parameters in the RRC reconfiguration message of procedure 908. In other implementations, S-DU 174A initiates the UE context modification procedure by sending a UE context modification required message including the configuration parameters to CU 172. In response, CU 172 sends a UE context modification confirmation message to S-DU 174A. CU 172 includes the configuration parameters in the RRC reconfiguration message of procedure 908.

[0204] In some implementations, the UE 102 releases 910 configurations 1 ... N and / or configurations N+1 ... N+P in response to the communication failure 902 or the RRC connection reestablishment procedure 906. Alternatively, the CU 172A includes a release indication in the RRC reconfiguration message of the procedure 908 to release configurations 1 ... N and / or configurations N+1 ... N+P. Thus, the UE 102 releases 910 configurations 1 ... N and / or configurations N+1 ... N+P in response to the release indication. In some implementations, the S-DU 174A releases 914 configurations 1 ... N in response to the UE context modification procedure. In some implementations, the CU 172 includes a release indication in the UE context modification request message to instruct the S-DU 174A to release the configuration for later activation, and the S-DU 174A releases configurations 1 ... N in response to the release indication. In a further implementation, the S-DU 174A releases configurations 1 ... N in response to the UE CONTEXT MODIFY REQUEST message, regardless of whether the UE CONTEXT MODIFY REQUEST message includes a release indication for the S-DU 174A to release the configuration for later activation.

[0205] In some implementations, the CU 172 sends 916 a UE Context Release Command message to the T-DU 174B to release configurations N+1 ... N+P. In response, the T-DU 174B sends 918 a UE Context Release Complete message to the S-DU 174A and releases 920 configurations N+1 ... N+P.

[0206] In other implementations, the UE 102 retains configurations 1 ... N and / or configurations N+1 ... N+P after (e.g., in response to) determining the communication failure 902 or performing the RRC connection reestablishment process 906. In some such cases, the S-DU 174A retains configurations 1 ... N in response to the process 912. Similarly, in further implementations, the CU 172 does not send a UE context release command message to the T-DU 174B, causing the T-DU 174B to retain configurations N+1 ... N+P.

[0207] Events 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 920, and 922 are Fig.9A are collectively referred to as recovery process 970.

[0208] Next reference Fig. 9BScenario 900B is similar to scenario 900A, except that a random access procedure 905 occurs between UE 102 and T-DU 174B, and an RRC connection reestablishment procedure 907 and an RRC reconfiguration procedure 909 occur between UE 102, T-DU 174B, and CU 172. By replacing S-DU 174A with T-DU 174B, Fig.9A The description of the random access procedure, RRC connection reestablishment procedure and RRC reconfiguration procedure may be applicable to Fig. 9B After performing the RRC reconfiguration procedure, the UE 102 communicates 923 with the T-DU 174B using the configuration parameters of the RRC reconfiguration message of the RRC reconfiguration procedure and communicates with the CU 172 via the T-DU 174B.

[0209] In some implementations, in scenario 900B, CU 172 sends 911 a UE context release command message to S-DU 174A in response to the RRC connection reestablishment process to release the UE context of UE 102. In response, S-DU 174A sends 913 a UE context release complete message to CU 172 and releases the UE context of UE 102. In some implementations, the UE context includes a first configuration or a portion of the first configuration. In a further implementation, S-DU 174A further releases configurations 1 ... N in response to the UE context release command message. Alternatively, CU 172 does not send a UE context release command message to S-DU 174A, so that S-DU 174A retains the first configuration and configurations 1 ... N. In a further alternative implementation, CU 172 performs a UE context modification process with S-DU 174A to release or retain configurations 1 ... N, similar to process 912.

[0210] In some implementations, CU 172 and T-DU 174B perform a UE context modification procedure to release configurations N+1 ... N+P, similar to process 912. In response to the UE context modification procedure, T-DU 174B releases configurations N+1 ... N+P.

[0211] Events 905, 907, 909, 911, 913, 914, 920, and 923 Fig. 9B It is collectively referred to as the connection reestablishment process 971.

[0212] Next reference Fig. 9CScenario 900C is similar to scenario 900A. After determining 902 a communication failure or initiating an RRC connection reestablishment procedure with base station 104 (e.g., in response thereto), UE 102 selects 903C a suitable cell. If a suitable cell is prepared or configured in configurations 1 ... N, UE 102 connects to the cell. In some scenarios or implementations, the suitable cell is Figure 3 , and UE 102 is connected to cell 1, as for Figure 3 Otherwise, if UE 102 selects a cell that is not prepared or configured in configurations 1 . . . N, UE 102 performs process 970 .

[0213] Next reference Fig.9D , scenario 900D is similar to scenarios 900B and 900C. After determining 902 a communication failure or initiating an RRC connection reestablishment procedure with base station 104 (e.g., in response thereto), UE 102 selects 903D a suitable cell. If the suitable cell is a cell prepared or configured in configurations N+1...N+P, UE 102 connects to the cell. In some scenarios or implementations, the suitable cell is Figure 4 , and UE 102 is connected to cell 1, as for Figure 4 Otherwise, if UE 102 selects a cell that is not prepared or configured in configurations N+1 . . . N+P, UE 102 performs process 971.

[0214] Next, refer to FIG. 10A to FIG. 14C Several example methods that may be implemented in one or more RAN nodes (e.g., base stations 104 / 106, DU 174, or CU 172) to handle communication failures and configuration for later activation are discussed. Figures 3 to 9D The examples and implementations described can be applied to FIG. 10A to FIG. 14C .

[0215] Fig. 10A A method 1000A is shown that may be implemented by a CU (eg, CU 172) for processing configuration for later activation with a UE (eg, UE 102).

[0216] The method 1000A begins at block 1102, where the CU communicates with the UE via a first DU (e.g., events 302, 380, 402, 480, 502, 580, 582, 581A, 581B, 602, 680, 682, 681A, 681B, 702, 780, 782, 781A, 781B, 802, 880, 882, 881A, 881B). At block 1004, the CU receives at least one first configuration for later activation from the first DU (e.g., events 310, 380, 510, 580, 581A, 581B, 710, 780, 781A, 781B). At block 1006, the CU sends at least one first configuration to the UE (e.g., events 316, 318, 380, 416, 418, 480, 516, 518, 517, 519, 580, 581A, 581B, 616, 618, 617, 619, 680, 681A, 681B, 716, 718, 717, 719, 780, 781A, 781B, 816, 818, 817, 819, 880, 881A, 881B). At block 1008, the CU performs a protocol process for a communication failure with the UE via the first DU or the second DU (e.g., events 906, 907, 970, 971). In some implementations, at block 1010, the CU releases at least one first configuration in response to the protocol process or the communication failure. At block 1012 , the CU performs a first CU-DU procedure with the first DU to release the at least one first configuration (eg, 912 , 911 , 913 , 970 ) in response to the protocol procedure or the communication failure.

[0217] In some implementations, the protocol process is an RRC connection reestablishment process. In other implementations, the protocol process is an SCG failure information process. In some such cases, the CU (e.g., the CN of the SN) receives secondary cell group (SCG) failure information (e.g., SCGFailureInformation message or SCGFailureInformationNR message) from the UE via the MN. In some implementations, the first CU-DU process is a UE context modification process. In other implementations, the first CU-DU process is a UE context release process.

[0218] Fig. 10B1 is a flow chart of an example method 1000B, which is similar to method 1000A, except that method 1000B includes blocks 1005, 1007, 1011, and 1013 instead of blocks 1004, 1006, 1010, and 1012. At block 1005, the CU receives at least one second configuration for later activation from the second DU (e.g., events 410, 480, 610, 680, 681A, 681B, 810, 880, 881A, 881B). At block 1007, the CU sends at least one second configuration to the UE (e.g., events 416, 418, 480, 616, 618, 617, 619, 680, 681A, 681B, 816, 818, 817, 819, 880, 881A, 881B). In some implementations, at block 1011, the CU releases at least one second configuration in response to the protocol process or the communication failure. At block 1013, the CU performs a second CU-DU process with the second DU in response to the protocol process or the communication failure to release the at least one second configuration (e.g., 916, 918, 970).

[0219] In some implementations, the second CU-DU process is a UE context release process. In other implementations, the second CU to DU process is a UE context modification process.

[0220] Fig. 10C is a flow chart of an example method 1000C that is a combination of methods 1000A and 1000B. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The implementation discussed can be applied to Fig. 10C .

[0221] Fig.11A A method 1100A is shown that may be implemented by a SN (eg, base station 104) for processing configuration for later activation with a UE (eg, UE 102).

[0222] The method 1100A starts at block 1102, where the SN communicates with a UE under DC with the MN and the SN (e.g., events 502, 580, 582, 581A, 581B, 602, 680, 682, 681A, 681B, 702, 780, 782, 781A, 781B, 802, 880, 882, 881A, 881B). In some implementations, at block 1104, in the case where the SN includes a CU and a first DU, the CU receives at least one first configuration for later activation from the first DU (e.g., events 510, 581A, 581B, 710, 781A, 781B). At block 1106, the SN sends the at least one first configuration to the UE (e.g., events 516, 518, 517, 519, 581A, 581B, 716, 718, 717, 719, 781A, 781B). At block 1108, the SN receives an SN message from the MN. At block 1110, the SN releases the at least one first configuration in response to the SN message. In some implementations, at block 1112, the CU of the SN performs a first CU-DU procedure with the first DU in response to the SN message to release the at least one first configuration.

[0223] In some implementations, the SN message is an SCG failure information message. In other implementations, the SN message is an SN release request message. In other implementations, the SN message is a UE context release message. In other implementations, the SN message is an SN modification request message. In some implementations, the first CU-DU process is a UE context modification process. In other implementations, the first CU-DU process is a UE context release process.

[0224] Fig. 11B 1 is a flow chart of an example method 1100B, which is similar to method 1100A, except that method 1100B includes blocks 1105, 1107, 1111, and 1113 instead of blocks 1104, 1106, 1110, and 1112. At block 1105, the SN receives at least one second configuration (e.g., 610, 681A, 681B, 810, 881A, 881B) from the second DU for later activation. At block 1107, the SN sends the at least one second configuration to the UE (e.g., events 616, 618, 617, 619, 681A, 681B, 816, 818, 817, 819, 881A, 881B). At block 1111, the SN releases the at least one second configuration in response to the SN message. At block 1113, the SN performs a second CU-DU process with the second DU in response to the SN message to release the at least one second configuration

[0225] In some implementations, the second CU-DU process is a UE context release process. In other implementations, the second CU to DU process is a UE context modification process.

[0226] Fig. 11C is a flow chart of an example method 1100C that is a combination of methods 1100A and 1100B. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The implementation discussed can be applied to Fig. 11C .

[0227] Fig.12 A method 1200 is shown that may be implemented by a RAN node (eg, DU 174 or base station 104 / 106) for configuring and activating a configuration with a UE (eg, UE 102).

[0228] Method 1200 begins at box 1202, where the RAN node sends a first configuration to the UE for later activation, where the first configuration includes a C-RNTI (e.g., events 316, 318, 380, 410, 416, 418, 480, 516, 518, 517, 519, 580, 581A, 581B, 610, 616, 618, 617, 619, 680, 680A, 680B, 716, 718, 717, 719, 780, 781A, 781B, 810, 816, 818, 817, 819, 880, 881A, 881B). At block 1204, the RAN node performs a random access procedure with the UE after sending the first configuration (e.g., events 332, 382, ​​432, 482, 582, 532, 583, 632, 683, 732, 783, 832, 883). In some implementations, the RAN node performs the random access procedure before sending the configuration activation command to the UE.

[0229] At block 1206, the RAN node receives a C-RNTI from the UE. In some implementations, the RAN node receives a MAC PDU including the C-RNTI in a random access procedure at block 1206. At block 1208, the RAN node activates the first configuration to communicate with the UE after (e.g., in response to) receiving the C-RNTI (e.g., events 336, 382, ​​436, 482, 536, 582, 583, 636, 682, 683, 736, 782, 783, 836, 882, 883).

[0230] Fig.13 A method 1300 is shown that may be implemented by a RAN node (eg, DU 174 or base station 104 / 106) for configuring and activating a configuration with a UE (eg, UE 102).

[0231] Method 1300 begins at box 1302, where the RAN node sends a first configuration to the UE for later activation, where the first configuration includes a first C-RNTI (e.g., events 316, 318, 380, 410, 416, 418, 480, 516, 518, 517, 519, 580, 581A, 581B, 610, 616, 618, 617, 619, 680, 680A, 680B, 716, 718, 717, 719, 780, 781A, 781B, 810, 816, 818, 817, 819, 880, 881A, 881B). At block 1304, the RAN node performs a random access procedure with the UE after sending the first configuration (e.g., events 332, 382, ​​432, 482, 582, 532, 583, 632, 683, 732, 783, 832, 883). At block 1306, the RAN node receives a MAC PDU for the random access procedure from the UE. At block 1308, the RAN node receives a MAC PDU for the random access procedure from the UE. At block 1310, the RAN node determines whether the MAC PDU includes a first C-RNTI of the UE. If the RAN node determines at block 1310 that the MAC PDU includes the first C-RNTI of the UE, the flow proceeds to block 1312. At block 1312, the RAN node activates the first configuration to communicate with the UE (e.g., events 336, 382, ​​436, 482, 536, 582, 583, 636, 682, 683, 736, 782, 783, 836, 832, 836). In some implementations, the RAN node generates a DCI and a CRC for the DCI in response to the MAC PDU, scrambles the CRC with the first C-RNTI, and sends the DCI and the scrambled CRC to the UE on the PDCCH.

[0232] Otherwise, if the RAN node determines at block 1310 that the MAC PDU does not include the first C-RNTI of the UE, the flow proceeds to block 1314. At block 1314, the RAN node refrains from activating the first configuration. In some scenarios or implementations, the MAC PDU includes a second C-RNTI of the UE. The RAN node generates a DCI and a CRC of the DCI in response to the MAC PDU, scrambles the CRC with the second C-RNTI of the UE, and sends the DCI and the scrambled CRC to the UE on the PDCCH.

[0233] Fig.14A A method 1400A is shown that may be implemented by a base station (eg, base station 104 or 106) for configuring and activating a configuration with a UE (eg, UE 102).

[0234] Method 1400A begins at box 1402, where a base station communicates with a UE using multiple configuration parameters (e.g., events 302, 380, 402, 480, 502, 580, 582, 581A, 581B, 602, 680, 682, 681A, 681B, 702, 780, 782, 781A, 781B, 802, 880, 882, 881A, 881B). At box 1404, the base station sends a first configuration for later activation to the UE (e.g., events 316, 318, 380, 416, 418, 480, 516, 518, 517, 519, 580, 581A, 581B, 716, 718, 717, 719, 780, 781A, 781B, 816, 818, 817, 819, 880, 881A, 881B). At box 1406, the base station performs a protocol process for a communication failure with the UE (e.g., events 906, 907, 970, 971). At box 1408, the base station releases the first configuration for later activation in response to the protocol process. At box 1410, the base station retains at least a first portion of the plurality of communications in response to the protocol process. At box 1412, the base station releases a second portion of the plurality of communications in response to the protocol process.

[0235] In some implementations, the protocol process is an RRC connection reestablishment process. In other implementations, the protocol process is an SCG failure information process. In some such cases, a base station (e.g., SN) receives SCG failure information (e.g., SCGFailureInfo message) from a UE via a MN.

[0236] Fig. 14B 14 is a flow chart of an example method 1400B, which is similar to method 1400A, except that method 1400B includes blocks 1409 and 1414 instead of block 1408. At block 1409, the base station retains the first configuration for later activation in response to the protocol procedure. At block 1414, the base station activates the first configuration to communicate with the UE after performing the protocol procedure (e.g., events 336, 382, ​​436, 482, 536, 582, 583, 636, 682, 683, 736, 782, 783, 836, 832, 836).

[0237] Fig. 14C1400C is a flow chart of an example method 1400C, which is similar to methods 1400A and 1400B, except that method 1400C includes block 1407. At block 1407, the base station determines whether the protocol process is an RRC connection reestablishment process. If the base station determines at block 1407 that the protocol process is an RRC connection reestablishment process, the flow proceeds to block 1408, and in some implementations proceeds to blocks 1410 and 1412. Otherwise, if the base station determines at block 1407 that the protocol process is not an RRC connection reestablishment process (e.g., the protocol process is an SCG failure information process), the flow proceeds to block 1409, and in some implementations proceeds to blocks 1410, 1412, and 1414.

[0238] The following description can be applied to the above description.

[0239] In general, the description of one of the above figures may apply to another of the above figures. If there is no conflict, the above examples, implementations and methods may be combined. The events or boxes described above may be optional or omitted. For example, the events or boxes with dashed lines in the figures may be optional. In some implementations, "message" is used and "information element (IE)" can be replaced with "message", and vice versa. In some implementations, "IE" is used and "field" can be replaced with "IE", and vice versa. In some implementations, "configuration" or "configuration parameter" can be replaced with "configuration", and vice versa. In some implementations, "configuration activation command" can be replaced by "serving cell change command", "layer 1 / layer 2 handover command", "lower layer handover command" or "lower layer serving cell change command". "Fast serving cell configuration process" can be replaced by "fast serving cell change process".

[0240] The user device (e.g., UE 102) in which the technology of the present disclosure can be implemented can be any suitable device capable of wireless communication, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a mobile game console, a point of sale (POS) terminal, a health monitoring device, a drone, a camera, a media streaming dongle or another personal media device, a wearable device such as a smart watch, a wireless hotspot, a femtocell or a broadband router. In addition, in some cases, the user device can be embedded in an electronic system (such as a head unit of a vehicle or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)). Further, the user device can be operated as an Internet of Things (IoT) device or a mobile Internet device (MID). Depending on the type, the user device may include one or more general-purpose processors, a computer-readable memory, a user interface, one or more network interfaces, one or more sensors, etc.

[0241] Certain embodiments are described in the present disclosure as including logic or multiple components or modules. A module may be a software module (e.g., a code or machine-readable instruction stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium) or a hardware module. A hardware module is a tangible unit that is capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. A hardware module may include a dedicated circuit system or logic that is permanently configured to perform certain operations (e.g., as a dedicated processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.). A hardware module may also include a programmable logic or circuit system (e.g., as contained in a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. The decision to implement a hardware module in a dedicated and permanently configured circuit system or in a temporarily configured circuit system (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0242] When implemented in software, the techniques may be provided as part of an operating system, as a library used by multiple applications, as a specific software application, etc. The software may be executed by one or more general-purpose processors or one or more special-purpose processors.

[0243] Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate additional and alternative structural and functional designs for handling mobility between base stations through the principles disclosed herein. Therefore, although specific embodiments and applications have been shown and described, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art may be made to the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method implemented in a node of a radio access network (RAN), the method include: sending a message including a configuration for performing a serving cell change to a second cell following an activation command to a user equipment (UE) in a first cell; After the sending and while the UE awaits the activation command, determining a communication failure between the UE and the RAN; and Responsive to the determination, the configuration is released.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the node of the RAN is a centralized unit (CU) of a distributed base station, the distributed base station further comprising a distributed unit (DU), in: The sending of the message is performed via the DU.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the releasing of the configuration comprises sending a command to the DU to release the context of the UE.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the releasing of the configuration comprises sending a command to the DU to modify the context of the UE.

5. The method according to claim 2, in: The DU is a first DU; The configuration for performing the serving cell change is received from a second DU of the distributed base station; and The method further includes, in response to the determination of the communication failure, performing, via the first DU, a protocol procedure for the communication failure with the UE.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the protocol procedure is an RRC connection reestablishment procedure.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the protocol process is a SCG fault information process.

8. The method of claim 2, further comprising: include: The configuration for performing the serving cell change is received from the DU.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the node of the RAN is a DU of a distributed base station, the distributed base station further comprising a CU, wherein: Releasing the configuration includes receiving a command from the CU to modify a context of the UE.

10. The method according to claim 9, in: The DU is a source DU associated with the first cell; and The second cell is associated with a target DU of the distributed base station.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: include: The configuration for performing the serving cell change is sent to the CU.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the node of the RAN is a DU of a distributed base station, the distributed base station further comprising a CU, wherein: Releasing the configuration includes receiving a command from the CU to release a context of the UE.

13. The method according to claim 10, in: The DU is a target DU associated with the second cell; and The first cell is associated with a source DU of the distributed base station.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: include: including in the message an identifier assigned to the configuration; in The UE waits for the activation command including the identifier.

15. A node in a Radio Access Network (RAN) comprising processing hardware and configured to implement the method of any preceding claim.

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