Conditional access

Abstract

An apparatus comprising means for receiving secondary radio link failure information, wherein the secondary radio link failure information indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between the user equipment and at least one source secondary node when the user equipment is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node, the user equipment is in dual connectivity with a source main node and a source auxiliary node; determining at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of the target secondary node based at least in part on the received secondary radio link failure information, where the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is to be included in information indicating at least one suggested target primary cell in the secondary cell group, the at least one suggested target primary cell is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; and transmitting information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to conditional access. Some examples relate to conditional access to a target secondary node. Background Art

[0002] A wireless network includes a plurality of network nodes, which include terminal nodes and access nodes. Communication between the terminal nodes and the access nodes is wireless.

[0003] In some cases, it may be desirable to improve or enhance the conditional access by a terminal node to a target secondary node. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided an apparatus including components for:

[0005] Receiving secondary radio link failure information, where the secondary radio link failure information indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between the user equipment and at least one source secondary node when the user equipment is configured to conditionally access a target secondary node, and the user equipment is having dual connectivity with a source master node and a source secondary node;

[0006] Determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of the target secondary node, where the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; and

[0007] Sending information indicating the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node.

[0008] In some examples, sending the information includes sending the information to the source master node or the source secondary node.

[0009] In some examples, sending the information includes sending at least one SGNB addition request confirmation message.

[0010] In some examples, the apparatus includes components for:

[0011] Determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, the number of times that the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group is a correct choice for conditional access by the user equipment; and

[0012] Transmit information indicating that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is the correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment for the determined number of times.

[0013] In some examples, the information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

[0014] In some examples, the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is excluded from the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment.

[0015] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, a method is provided, including:

[0016] Receive secondary radio link failure information, where the secondary radio link failure information indicates a situation of a failure in the secondary radio link between the user equipment and at least one source secondary node when the user equipment is configured to conditionally access a target secondary node, and the user equipment is having dual connectivity with a source primary node and a source secondary node;

[0017] Determine at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, where the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; and

[0018] Transmit information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node.

[0019] In some examples, transmitting the information includes transmitting the information to the source primary node or the source secondary node.

[0020] In some examples, transmitting the information includes transmitting at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

[0021] In some examples, the method includes:

[0022] Determine, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, the number of times that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is the correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment; and

[0023] Send information indicating that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is the correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment for the determined number of times.

[0024] In some examples, the information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

[0025] In some examples, the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is excluded from the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment.

[0026] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, a computer program is provided that includes instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations:

[0027] Receive secondary radio link failure information, where the secondary radio link failure information indicates a situation of a failure in the secondary radio link between the user equipment and at least one source secondary node when the user equipment is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node, and the user equipment is having dual connectivity with a source primary node and a source secondary node;

[0028] Determine at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node at least partially based on the received secondary radio link failure information, where the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; and

[0029] Send information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node.

[0030] In some examples, sending the information includes sending the information to the source primary node or the source secondary node.

[0031] In some examples, sending the information includes sending at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

[0032] In some examples, the computer program includes instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations:

[0033] Determine the number of times that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is the correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment at least partially based on the received secondary radio link failure information; and

[0034] Send information indicating that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is the correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment for a determined number of times.

[0035] In some examples, the information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

[0036] In some examples, the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is excluded from the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, where the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment.

[0037] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes components for performing the following operations:

[0038] Receive information indicating at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of a target secondary node, where the at least one target primary cell of the secondary cell group will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell that will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; and

[0039] Determine at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group that will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment, at least in part based on the received information.

[0040] In some examples, receiving the information includes receiving at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

[0041] In some examples, the apparatus includes components for the following operations:

[0042] Receive information indicating that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node is the correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment for a determined number of times.

[0043] In some examples, the information indicating the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

[0044] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, a method is provided that includes:

[0045] Receive information indicating at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of a target secondary node, where the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell that will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; and

[0046] Determine, at least in part based on the received information, at least one proposed target primary cell in a secondary cell group that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment.

[0047] In some examples, the received information includes receiving at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

[0048] In some examples, the method includes:

[0049] Receiving information indicating a determined number of times that the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node is the correct selection for conditional access by a user equipment.

[0050] In some examples, the information indicating at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

[0051] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following operations:

[0052] Receiving information indicating at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of a target secondary node, wherein the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment; and

[0053] Determining, at least in part based on the received information, at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment.

[0054] In some examples, the received information includes receiving at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

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

[0056] Receiving information indicating a determined number of times that the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node is the correct selection for conditional access by a user equipment.

[0057] In some examples, the information indicating at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

[0058] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0059] At least one processor; and

[0060] At least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least a portion of one or more of the methods disclosed herein.

[0061] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes components for performing at least a portion of one or more of the methods disclosed herein.

[0062] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, examples are provided as claimed in the appended claims.

[0063] Although the above-disclosed examples and alternative features are described separately, it should be understood that all possible combinations and permutations thereof are included in the present disclosure. It should be understood that various examples of the present disclosure may include any or all of the features described with respect to other examples of the present disclosure, and vice versa. Further, it should be understood that any one or more or all of the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / included in / executable by an apparatus, a method, and / or computer program instructions as needed.

[0064] The description of a function should also be considered to disclose any component suitable for performing that function. Description of the Drawings

[0065] Some examples will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0066] Figure 1 Examples of the subject matter described herein are shown;

[0067] Figure 2 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0068] Figure 3A Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0069] Figure 3B Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0070] Figure 4 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0071] Figure 5 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0072] Figure 6A Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0073] Figure 6B Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0074] Figure 7A Shows another example of the subject matter described herein; and

[0075] Figure 7B Shows another example of the subject matter described herein.

[0076] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. For clarity and conciseness, certain features and views of the drawings may be shown schematically or enlarged in scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be enlarged relative to other elements to aid in illustration. Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to represent like features. For clarity, it is not necessary to show all reference numerals in all the drawings.

[0077] Definition

[0078] Master Node (MN): A network node providing control plane connectivity towards the core network.

[0079] Master Cell Group (MCG) : A cell group associated with the MN, including the PCell and (one or more) SCell.

[0080] Secondary Node (SN) : A network node providing additional radio resources for the UE instead of the MN.

[0081] Secondary Cell Group (SCG) : A cell group associated with the SN, including the PSCell and (one or more) SCell.

[0082] PCell : A cell for the uplink / downlink connection to the MN. A cell of the MCG for initiating the initial access to the MN.

[0083] PSCell : A cell for the uplink / downlink connection to the SN. A cell of the SCG for initiating the initial access to the SN.

[0084] Conditional Handover (CHO ) - A handover procedure triggered by the UE only when (one or more) configured execution conditions are met for the prepared candidate cells. The (one or more) conditions are pre-configured by the network. In 3GPP, the conditional handover execution conditions are specified by the CondExecutionCond in the CondReconfigurationToAddModList information element within the CondReconfiguration information element in the RRCReconConfiguration message.

[0085] Dual connectivity (DC):

[0086] The UE is simultaneously connected to the MN and the SN. This is the operating mode of the UE in RRC_CONNECTED, which is configured with a primary cell group and a secondary cell group.

[0087] Configuration Information:

[0088] Information for configuring the operation of the UE. In 3GPP, the configuration information can be provided, for example, in the RRCReConfiguration message.

[0089] The term "configuration information includes" an entity (e.g., handover execution conditions for the primary cell; SN addition conditions for dual connectivity with the primary cell, etc.) can mean that the configuration information includes information sufficient to obtain that entity. It may or may not include all parameters of the entity, it may alternatively include a pointer to the entity or the parameters of the entity, or may mean that the configuration includes the entity.

[0090] In 3GPP, the RRCReconConfiguration message specifies the ConditionalReconfiguration information element, which sets additional conditions for DC. The ConditionalReconfiguration information element includes the CondReconfigToAddModList information element. The CondReconfigToAddModList information element includes CondExecutionCond and CondRRCReconfig. The (one or more) additional conditions for the primary secondary cell (PSCell) are specified by CondExecutionCond. The RRCReconfig message to be applied when the specified conditions are met is set by CondRRCReconfig.

[0091] Measurement Configuration

[0092] Configuration information for configuring the UE to perform (one or more) measurements. In 3GPP, the measurement configuration can be provided, for example, in the RRCReConfiguration message. The term "[entity] measurement configuration" (e.g., source primary cell measurement configuration) can mean the measurement configuration prepared by the entity.

[0093] May include one or more measurement objects and one or more reporting configurations associated by one or more measurement identities.

[0094] May include the MeasConfig information element defined in TS 38.331. Detailed implementation

[0095] Figure 1Shows an example of a network 100 including a plurality of network nodes, the network nodes including terminal nodes 110, access nodes 120, and one or more core nodes 129. The terminal nodes 110 communicate with the access nodes 120. The one or more core nodes 129 communicate with the access nodes 120.

[0096] In this example, the network 100 is a radio telecommunications network, where at least some of the terminal nodes 110 and access nodes 120 use transmission / reception of radio waves / signals to communicate with each other.

[0097] In some examples, the one or more core nodes 129 may communicate with each other. In some examples, the one or more access nodes 120 may communicate with each other.

[0098] The network 100 may be a cellular network including a plurality of cells 122, each cell served by an access node 120. In this example, the interface between the terminal node 110 and the access node 120 defining the cell 122 is a radio interface 124.

[0099] The access node 120 is a cellular radio transceiver. The terminal node 110 is a cellular radio transceiver.

[0100] In the example shown, the cellular network 100 is a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, where the terminal node 110 is a User Equipment (UE) and the access node 120 is a base station.

[0101] In the example, the network 100 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). E-UTRAN includes E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 120, which provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol termination towards the UE 110. The eNBs 120 are interconnected with each other via the X2 interface 126. The eNBs are also connected to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) 129 via the S1 interface 128.

[0102] In other examples, the network 100 is a Next Generation (or New Radio NR) Radio Access Network (NG-RAN). NG-RAN includes gNodeB (gNB) 120, which provides user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol termination towards the UE 110. The gNBs 120 are interconnected with each other via the Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) via the N2 interface 128.

[0103] In the example, the network 100 may include a combination of E-UTRAN and NG-RAN.

[0104] The user equipment may include a mobile device. A reference to the user equipment includes and, where possible, encompasses a reference to the mobile device.

[0105] UE 168 may perform a handover procedure to change the serving cell of UE 168. In an example, the handover procedure may be a conditional handover procedure.

[0106] The conditional handover (CHO) procedure may be considered a handover triggered by UE 168 when one or more handover execution conditions are met. The handover execution conditions may be pre-configured by network 100.

[0107] In an example, dual connectivity (DC) may be used to provide additional radio resources to UE 168.

[0108] In DC, the set of configurations for the serving cell of UE 168 has two subsets: the master cell group (MCG) that includes the serving cell of the master node (MN) 172, and the secondary cell group (SCG) that includes the serving cell of the secondary node (SN) 170.

[0109] In an example, a change of the primary cell of the secondary cell group (PSCell) may be configured. UE 168 may be configured with (one or more) execution conditions for performing an SN change to one or more target SNs 166. Thus, UE 168 may be configured to conditionally access one or more target SNs 166.

[0110] In an example, an initiating node (e.g., source MN 172 or source SN 170), may be configured to effectively and / or intelligently determine at least one target PSCell that will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell to be prepared by SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0111] Figure 2 An example of method 200 is shown.

[0112] In an example, Figure 2 may be considered to show multiple methods. For example, Figure 2 shows one or more actions at multiple actors / entities. In an example, Figure 2 may be considered to illustrate multiple methods performed by the actors / entities.

[0113] Regarding Figure 2 One or more of the features discussed may be found in one or more other figures.

[0114] In Figure 2In an example, multiple devices send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages over and / or via and / or using a network. In the example, any suitable form of communication in any suitable network may be used. For example, at least a portion of a network 100 as shown in Figure 1 may be used.

[0115] Thus, in the example, Figure 2 multiple devices in form at least a portion of a network 100 as described with respect to Figure 1 .

[0116] In the illustrated example, the terminal node 110 and three access nodes 120 send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages. In an example as shown in Figure 2 , the terminal node 110 is a UE 168, and the three access nodes 120 are a source MN 172, a source SN 172, and a target SN 166.

[0117] In an example as shown in Figure 2 , the UE 168 has dual connectivity with the source MN 172 and the source SN 170.

[0118] In the example, Figure 2 communication and / or transmission between the elements shown in may occur via any number of intermediate elements, including no intermediate elements.

[0119] Although one UE 168 is shown in an example as shown in Figure 2 , any suitable number of UEs 168 may be included in the example.

[0120] Similarly, any suitable number of network nodes may be included in the example.

[0121] In the example, method 200 and / or at least a portion of method 200 may be considered a method for enhancing conditional access to a target SN.

[0122] In the example, method 200 and / or at least a portion of method 200 may be considered a method for enhancing the selection of at least one target PSCell for conditional access by a UE.

[0123] In the example, method 200 and / or at least a portion of method 200 may be considered a method for providing information to an originating network node (e.g., source MN 172 or source SN 170) to assist in determining at least one target PSCell, which will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell to be prepared by a target SN 166 for conditional access by a UE 168.

[0124] In the example, the position of the block indicates the entity performing the action. For example, block 202 is executed at / by target SN 166.

[0125] In the example, method 200 is part of a method for configuring, and / or enabling, and / or causing a UE 168 to conditionally access at least one target SN 166. In some examples, method 200 is part of a conditional PSCell addition and change (CPAC) method / procedure / process. For example, method 200 can be part of a conditional PSCell change (CPC) method / procedure / process or a conditional PSCell addition (CPA) method / process.

[0126] In some examples, method 200 can be considered SN-initiated. That is, in some examples, method 200 can be initiated by source SN 170. For example, method 200 can be part of an SN-initiated CPAC method / procedure / process.

[0127] In the example shown, method 200 can be considered SN-initiated, and blocks 202 and 206 pertain to target SN 166, and block 208 is executed at / by source SN 170.

[0128] In some examples, method 200 can be considered MN-initiated. That is, in some examples, method 200 can be initiated by source MN 172. For example, method 200 can be part of an MN-initiated CPAC method / procedure / process.

[0129] In such an MN-initiated example, blocks 202 and 206 pertain to target SN 166, and block 208 is executed at / by source MN 172.

[0130] At block 202, method 200 includes receiving secondary radio link failure (S-RLF) information 164, where the S-RLF information indicates a situation of failure in the secondary radio link between UE 168 and at least one source SN 170 when UE 168 is configured to conditionally access target SN 166, and UE 168 is having dual connectivity with source MN 172 and source SN 170.

[0131] In some examples, method 200 includes receiving secondary radio link failure (S-RLF) information 164 associated with target secondary node 166, where the S-RLF information indicates a situation of failure in the secondary radio link between UE 168 and at least one source SN 170 when UE 168 is configured to conditionally access target SN 166, and UE 168 is having dual connectivity with source MN 172 and source SN 170.

[0132] Since Figure 2 shows one or more actions of receiving, for example, one or more signals, Figure 2 it also shows corresponding transmit / make transmit features / actions.

[0133] Similarly, for any transmit / make transmit (one or more) feature / (one or more) action, Figure 2 it also shows corresponding receive / make receive (one or more) feature / (one or more) action.

[0134] For example, from the perspective of UE 168, it can be considered that block 202 shows the transmission of S-RLF information 164.

[0135] In some examples, the S-RLF information 164 can be considered as secondary cell group (SCG) failure information.

[0136] Receiving the S-RLF failure information 164 can be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method. In an example, receiving the S-RLF information 164 includes receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0137] In an example, the S-RLF information 164 can be received from any suitable number of different UEs 168. Thus, in an example, the S-RLF information 164 indicates a situation of failures in the secondary radio link experienced by multiple different UEs.

[0138] In some examples, at block 202, method 200 includes receiving secondary link failure (S-RLF) information 164, where the S-RLF information indicates a situation of failures in the secondary radio link between multiple UEs 168 and a source SN 170 when the multiple UEs 168 are configured to conditionally access at least one target SN 166, and the multiple UEs 168 are having dual connectivity with a source MN 172 and the source SN 170.

[0139] The S-RLF information 164 can be received and / or collected over any suitable time period. For example, the S-RLF information 164 can be received from multiple UEs 168 over a long enough time period that is long enough to allow receiving sufficient S-RLF information 164 to permit the execution of method 200. For example, the S-RLF information 164 can be received over a long enough time period to allow receiving sufficient S-RLF information 164 to permit determining at least one target PSCell in block 204.

[0140] In an example, the time period can be 2 to 3 hours, half a day, one day, 2 to 3 days, one week, 2 to 3 weeks, one month, and so on.

[0141] In an example, S-RLF information 164 can be received during a key performance indicator (KPI) collection period.

[0142] The S-RLF information 164 can include any suitable information. For example, the S-RLF information 164 can include any suitable information indicating a failure condition in a secondary radio link between the UE 168 and at least one source SN 170 when the UE 168 is configured to conditionally access at least one target SN 166, and the UE 168 is having dual connectivity with the source MN 172 and the source SN 170.

[0143] For example, the S-RLF information 164 can include any suitable information that allows determination of at least one target PSCell at block 204.

[0144] In an example, the S-RLF information 164 includes SCG failure report information sent by the UE 168 when the UE 168 detects a radio link failure in the connection to the PSCell of the source SN 170.

[0145] The S-RLF information 164 can include a failure type (e.g., due to a downlink or uplink radio problem), and / or location information of the UE 168, and / or received signal power information, and / or time information, and / or information about the configuration of the UE 168, etc.

[0146] In Figure 2 an example, method 200 is SN-initiated, and the S-RLF information 164 is sent from the UE 168 to the source MN 172, forwarded by the source MN 172 to the source SN 170, and forwarded by the source SN 170 to the target SN 166.

[0147] However, in an MN-initiated example, the S-RLF information 164 can be sent from the UE 168 to the source MN 172 and forwarded from the source MN 172 to the target SN 166 without forwarding the S-RLF information 164 to the source SN 170.

[0148] Thus, in an example, the S-RLF information 164 is sent from the UE 168 to the source MN 172 and forwarded by the source MN 172 to the target SN 166.

[0149] In an example, the S-RLF information 164 is associated with the target SN 166 and indicates a failure condition in a secondary radio link between the UE 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the UE 168 is configured to conditionally access the target SN 166.

[0150] The S-RLF information 164 can be considered to be associated with the target SN 166, because the S-RLF information 164 is generated due to a secondary radio link failure that occurs when the UE 168 is configured to access the target SN 166 conditionally.

[0151] A fault situation in the secondary radio link can be considered as a fault condition in the secondary radio link.

[0152] A fault situation in the secondary radio link can be considered as the setting and / or circumstance of a fault in the secondary radio link.

[0153] A fault situation in the secondary radio link can be considered as the radio situation and / or physical situation that the UE 168 experiences during a period of time before the S-RLF.

[0154] Any appropriate time period can be used. For example, any appropriate time period that sufficiently covers the situation of the S-RLF can be used.

[0155] For example, a time period in the range of 5 seconds to 30 minutes can be used.

[0156] For example, a time period in the range of 30 seconds to 20 minutes can be used.

[0157] For example, a time period in the range of 1 minute to 15 minutes can be used.

[0158] For example, a time period in the range of 5 minutes to 10 minutes can be used.

[0159] In the example, the time period can be at least M seconds, where M is a positive integer.

[0160] In the instance, the time period can be at least X minutes, where X is a positive integer.

[0161] As an example, refer to Figure 3A the example of

[0162] Figure 3A shows an example scenario. In the example of Figure 3, the UE 168 is located within and served by the source PSCell 188.

[0163] In the shown example, the UE 168 moves along the trajectory 196, and when the UE 168 moves along the trajectory 196, the UE detects two PSCells: PSCell1 190 and PSCell2 192.

[0164] Figure 3B shows when the UE 168 is along Figure 3AA graph of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the source PSCell 188, PSCell1 190, and PSCell2 192 as the trajectory 196 shown in the example of

[0165] Regarding Figure 3B the graph shown in the example of , at time t1, PSCell1 190 reaches a measurable signal strength that satisfies the RSRP offset 194 configured at the UE 168, and triggers the preparation of PSCell1 190 as a candidate cell for conditional access by the UE 168, such as CPC.

[0166] At time t2, PSCell2 192 also meets the RSRP offset 194 preparation criteria configured at the UE 168, and a measurement event report is sent from the UE 168 to the source PSCell 188, which in turn triggers, for example, an SgNB (conditional) change required message to the MN, and an SgNB (conditional) addition request message from the MN to the target SN, which includes the measurement results of the target PSCell1 190 and PSCell2 192.

[0167] In the example shown, the target SN can decide on the preparation of the target PSCell1 190 because the target PSCell1 190 has the best received measurement.

[0168] However, later in Figure 3B the example of , at time t3, the UE 168 experiences a secondary radio link failure on the current serving PSCell and sends S-RLF failure information to the MN.

[0169] In the example shown, the target SN misses the preparation of the target PSCell2 192, which results in an S-RLF in the source PSCell188 because the conditional access execution criteria for the prepared PSCell1 190 are not met.

[0170] Figure 3A and Figure 3B can be considered to show the situation of S-RLF experienced by the UE 168. In the example of Figure 3, the S-RLF information 164 includes information indicating the situation, such as the UE trajectory 196, and / or RSRP measurements, and / or timing, and / or UE configuration, etc.

[0171] In Figure 3A and 3B the example of , the information included in the S-RLF information 164 can indicate that the target PSCell2 192 should have been prepared in this case (because it had the best measurement when the S-RLF occurred).

[0172] However, in the example shown, the target SN 166 determines, based on the information available at that time, the cells to be prepared as candidates for conditional access by the UE 196, e.g., candidates for CPAC. Additionally, the number of cells that can be prepared may be limited.

[0173] Furthermore, in some examples, the target SN 166 cannot prepare a PSCell that is not included in the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell provided by the originating node. For example, in Figure 3A the example, if multiple proposed target PSCs do not include the target PSCell2 192, the target SN 166 cannot prepare the target PSCell 192 for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0174] Return Figure 2 the example, in the example, the S-RLF information 164 indicates a situation of a failure in the secondary radio link between the UE 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the UE 168 is configured to conditionally access at least one target SN 166.

[0175] The UE 168 can be configured to use any suitable method to conditionally access at least one target SN 166 in any suitable manner. For example, the UE 168 can receive any suitable configuration information to configure the UE 168 to access at least one target SN 166 when at least one criterion is met.

[0176] In the example, the UE 168 is configured with at least one CPAC configuration. For example, the UE 168 can be configured with at least one CPC or CPA configuration.

[0177] In the example, accessing a PSCell or any other suitable cell includes performing a random access procedure with that cell.

[0178] In the example, accessing a PSCell or any other suitable cell includes establishing a connection with that cell.

[0179] In the example, the target SN 166 can determine statistical information at least partially based on the received S-RLF information 164. For example, the target SN 166 can determine statistics based on the preparation of a large number of erroneous target PSCs observed via the S-RLF information 164, see e.g. Figure 3A and 3B .

[0180] In the example, this can be done until statistical convergence is achieved.

[0181] At block 204, method 200 includes determining at least one target PSCell 220 of target SN 166 based at least in part on the received S-RLF information 164, wherein the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0182] In some examples, at block 204, method 200 includes determining at least one target PSCell 220 of target SN 166 based at least in part on the received S-RLF information 164, wherein the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is to be considered for inclusion in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0183] In an example, the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that may be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0184] Block 204 may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method. In an example, the received S-RLF information 164 may be used in any suitable way to determine at least one target PSCell 220 of target SN 166, wherein the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0185] For example, the S-RLF information 164 may be processed and / or analyzed in any suitable way to determine at least one target PSCell 220 of target SN 166, wherein the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168. For example, statistical information determined from the S-RLF information 164 may be used to determine at least one target PSCell 220.

[0186] Thus, in the example, determining at least one target PSCell 220 at block 204 based at least in part on the received S-RLF information 164 includes: at block 204, determining at least one target PSCell 220 based at least in part on an analysis of the received S-RLF information 164 and / or statistics determined according to the received S-RLF information.

[0187] In the example, if a target PSCell is not indicated in the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168, the target SN 166 cannot prepare that target PSCell for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0188] Thus, in the example, at block 204, the target SN 166 determines at least one target PSCell 220 that is to be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168, to ensure that the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is available for the target SN 166 to be prepared for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0189] In the example, determining at least one target PSCell 220 at block 204 includes: determining that at least one target PSCell 220 is a good and / or relevant choice for the target SN 166 to be prepared for conditional access by the UE 168, based at least in part on the received S-RLF information 164.

[0190] In some examples, determining at least one target PSCell 220 at block 204 includes: determining the at least one target PSCell 220 that can prevent S-RLF from occurring if the at least one target PSCell 220 is already included in the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0191] For example, for the example of FIG. 3, the target SN 166 may determine that the target PSCell 192 is to be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell that is to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168, and thus the target PSCell 192 is available for the target SN 166 to be prepared for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0192] In some examples, determining at least one target PSCell 220 at block 204 includes: using a mobility robustness optimization algorithm, and / or artificial intelligence, and / or one or more machine learning techniques.

[0193] Information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168 can include any suitable information. In an example, the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell includes at least one cell identifier, such as at least one physical cell identifier (PCI), and / or at least one global cell identifier, etc.

[0194] In some examples, method 200 includes: determining, at least in part based on the received S-RLF information 164, the number of times the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is a correct selection for conditional access by the UE 168. This can be performed by any suitable network node, for example, this can be performed by the target SN 166.

[0195] Any suitable method can be used to perform, in any suitable manner, determining, at least in part based on the received S-RLF information 164, the number of times the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is a correct selection for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0196] In an example, if, in the case of S-RLF, conditional access by the UE 168 to the target PSCell can prevent S-RLF, then the target PSCell can be considered a correct selection for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0197] Thus, in an example, determining, at least in part based on the received S-RLF information 164, the number of times the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is a correct selection for conditional access by the UE 168 can include: determining, at least in part based on the received S-RLF information 164, the number of times that conditional access by the UE 168 to the target PSCell can prevent S-RLF in the event of an S-RLF.

[0198] For example, in Figure 3A the example of, PSCell2 192 can be considered a correct selection for conditional access by the UE 168 because in Figure 3A the example of an S-RLF failure, if the UE 168 is configured to conditionally access PSCell2 192, then S-RLF can be prevented.

[0199] In some examples, at least one determined PSCell 220 is excluded from information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0200] That is, in the example, target SN 166 may receive from source SN 170 or source MN 172 information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that is to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168, and may determine that at least one determined PSCell 220 is not included in the received information and thus cannot be prepared for conditional access by UE 168.

[0201] In some examples, block 204 includes determining whether the at least one determined target PSCell 220 is excluded from information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell that is to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0202] For example, in Figure 3A the example, target SN 166 may determine whether target PSCell 2 192 is missing from information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell that is to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0203] In block 206, method 200 includes transmitting information 222 indicating at least one determined PSCell 220 of target SN 166.

[0204] Thus, Figure 2 illustrates method 200, including:

[0205] Receiving secondary radio link failure information 164, where the secondary radio link failure information 164 indicates a failure in a secondary radio link between user equipment 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the user equipment 168 is configured to conditionally access target secondary node 166, and the user equipment 168 is having dual connectivity with source master node 172 and source secondary node 170;

[0206] Determining at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group 220 of target secondary node 166, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information 164, where at least one determined target primary cell 220 in the secondary cell group 220 is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell that is to be prepared by target secondary node 166 for conditional access by user equipment 168; and

[0207] Transmit information 222 indicating at least one determined target primary cell in serving cell group 220 of target secondary node 166.

[0208] The information 220 indicating at least one determined target PSCell 220 of target SN 166 may include any suitable information.

[0209] In some examples, the information 220 indicating at least one determined target PSCell 220 of target SN 166 includes at least one cell identifier, such as at least one PCI, and / or a global cell identifier, and so on.

[0210] Block 206 may be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method. In an example, transmitting information 220 at block 206 includes transmitting at least one signal and / or message.

[0211] In some examples, transmitting information 220 includes transmitting information 220 to source MN 172 or source SN 170.

[0212] In some examples, transmitting information 220 includes transmitting information 220 to source MN, and then source MN forwards the information to source SN 170.

[0213] In some examples, transmitting information 220 includes transmitting at least one gNB addition request confirmation message.

[0214] As described above, in an example, method 200 includes, for example by target SN 166, determining, at least in part based on the received S-RLF information 164, the number of times the determined at least one PSCell 220 is the correct choice for conditional access by UE 168.

[0215] In some examples, method 200 includes: for example by target SN 166, transmitting information indicating the determined number of times the determined at least one target PSCell 220 is the correct choice for conditional access by UE 168.

[0216] Thus, in an example, method 200 includes: for example by target SN 166, determining, at least in part based on the received S-RLF information 164, the number of times the determined at least one PSCell 220 is the correct choice for conditional access by UE 168; and

[0217] For example by target SN 166, transmitting information indicating the determined number of times the determined at least one target PSCell is the correct choice for conditional access by UE 168.

[0218] In some examples, the information indicating the number of times that at least one determined target PSCell 220 is the correct choice for conditional access by the UE 168 may include appropriate information in any form. For example, the information indicating the number of times that at least one determined target PSCell 220 is the correct choice for conditional access by the UE 168 may indicate that number in absolute values and relative values.

[0219] For example, the information may indicate the number of times that each of at least one determined target PSCell 220 is the correct choice, and / or the percentage of the number of times that each of at least one determined target PSCell 220 is the correct choice.

[0220] Any appropriate method may be employed and performed in any appropriate manner to send the determined number of times of information indicating that at least one determined target PSCell is the correct choice for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0221] In an example, sending the information indicating the determined number of times that at least one determined target PSCell is the correct choice for conditional access by the UE 168 includes sending at least one signal and / or message.

[0222] In some examples, the information indicating the determined number of times that at least one determined target PSCell is the correct choice for conditional access by the UE 168 may be sent together with the information indicating at least one determined target PSCell 220 in block 206.

[0223] In an example, from the perspective of the source SN 170, or from the perspective of the source MN 172 in at least some MN-initiated examples, block 206 includes receiving information 222 indicating at least one target PSCell of the target SN 166, where the at least one target PSCell will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0224] In an example, from the perspective of the source SN 170, or from the perspective of the source MN 172 in at least some MN-initiated examples, receiving the information 222 includes receiving at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

[0225] In an example, from the perspective of the source SN 170, or from the perspective of the source MN 172 in at least some MN-initiated examples, method 200 (e.g., block 206) includes receiving information indicating the number of confirmations that at least one target PSCell 220 of the target SN 166 is the correct selection for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0226] The information indicating the number of confirmations that at least one target PSCell 220 of the target SN 166 is the correct selection for conditional access by the UE 168 can be received together with and / or as part of the information 222.

[0227] At block 208, method 200 includes determining at least one proposed target PSCell 174 to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168, at least in part based on the received information 222.

[0228] Thus, Figure 2 Method 200 is shown to include:

[0229] Receiving information 222 indicating at least one target PSCell of the target SN 166, where the at least one target PSCell will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168; and

[0230] Determining at least one proposed target PSCell 174 to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168, at least in part based on the received information.

[0231] Block 208 can be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0232] For example, determining multiple proposed target PSCs 174 at block 208 can be performed as part of a CPAC method / process / procedure, such as part of a CPC method / process / procedure or a CPA method / process / procedure.

[0233] In an example, the received information 222 can be used in any suitable manner to determine at least one proposed target PSCell 174 to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0234] In an example, at least one target PSCell indicated in the received information 222 is determined as a proposed target PSCell 174 to be prepared by target SN 166 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0235] In at least some examples, in a case where source SN 170 (or source MN 172) receives information on the number of times that at least one target PSCell indicated in the received information 222 is the correct choice for conditional access by UE 168, target SN 166 (or source MN 172) may determine which one or more of the indicated at least one target PSCells have the top N highest association times, and include the determined (one or more) target PSCells in the determined at least one proposed target PSCell 174, where N is a positive integer.

[0236] In an example, target SN 166 cannot prepare a PSCell not included in the proposed target PSCell 174 for conditional access by UE 168.

[0237] In an example, source SN 170 (or source MN 172 in an MN-initiated example) may determine that UE 168 may need to make a change on a PSCell, and perform block 208 at least in part based on that determination. For example, source SN 170 (or source MN 172) may receive at least one measurement report from UE 168, and determine that UE 168 may need to make a change on a PSCell at least in part based on the received at least one measurement report.

[0238] UE 168 may be a UE 168 from which S-RLF information 164 has been received, or may be a UE 168 from which S-RLF information 164 has not been received.

[0239] In some examples, source SN 170 (or source MN 172) determines the conditional access execution conditions for each of the at least one proposed target PSCell 174. For example, source SN 170 (or source MN 172) may determine the CPAC execution conditions for each of the at least one proposed target PSCell 174, such as CPC or CPA execution conditions.

[0240] In some examples, source SN 170 (or source MN) determines the maximum number of target PSCells that target SN 166 can prepare. Thus, in an example, target SN will prepare a limited number of target PSCells from the at least one proposed target PSCell 174.

[0241] In an example, method 200 may thus be carried out according to a conditional access method / process / procedure such that the target SN 166 uses the determined at least one proposed target PSCell 174 to prepare at least one target PSCell for conditional access by the UE 168, and configures the UE 168 to conditionally access the target SN 165 at least in part based on the information sent in block 212.

[0242] For example, method 200 may thus be carried out according to a CPAC method / process / procedure, such as a CPA or CPC method / process / procedure. For example, see Figure 6A and 6B .

[0243] In an example, method 200 may be repeated any suitable number of times.

[0244] As previously mentioned, the examples may utilize one or more mobility robustness optimization algorithms. In this regard, a self-organizing network (SON) is a network capable of automatically adjusting radio network parameters based on statistics collected from the network. Mobility robustness optimization (MRO) is an example of a SON, in which the SON handles the adjustment of parameters that control cell changes (such as changes to the PSCell).

[0245] In MRO, in an example, the network collects statistics (fault reports can be one of them) over a certain period of time (such as represented by a KPI collection period). For example, within each KPI collection period, the KPI statistics are processed by the network, and a decision is made to make a change. The network applies these changes to, for example, the auxiliary information, and uses these changes to collect new statistics in, for example, a new KPI collection period.

[0246] This process may be repeated by the network until a KPI collection cycle is reached where it decides that nothing needs to be done (e.g., the problem is solved or it is no longer possible to adjust the threshold / offset).

[0247] In this case, it can be considered that the MRO has converged. In an example, the values of the performance metrics collected within each KPI collection period should be statistically significant (a large number of statistics) to make reliable network decisions when making changes.

[0248] The examples of the present disclosure are advantageous and provide technical benefits.

[0249] For example, the examples of the present disclosure allow the target SN to select a suitable target PSCell among the proposed target PSCs.

[0250] For example, the examples of the present disclosure reduce radio link failures caused by preparing incorrect candidate PSCs.

[0251] Figure 4 An example of method 400 is shown.

[0252] In the example, method 400 can be performed by any suitable device including any suitable components for performing method 400. For example, as described with respect to Figure 7A and / or the device of FIG. 7B.

[0253] In the example, method 400 can be performed by target SN 166 (e.g., Figure 2 target SN 166 as shown).

[0254] At block 402, method 400 includes receiving secondary radio link failure information 164, where the secondary radio link failure information 164 indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between user equipment 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the user equipment 168 is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node 166, and the user equipment 168 is having dual connectivity with a source master node 172 and the source secondary node 170.

[0255] At block 404, method 400 includes determining at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166 at least partially based on the received secondary radio link failure information 164, where the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node 166 for conditional access by the user equipment 168.

[0256] At block 406, method 400 includes transmitting information 222 indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166.

[0257] Thus, Figure 4 Method 400 is shown, including:

[0258] Receiving secondary radio link failure information 164, where the secondary radio link failure information 164 indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between user equipment 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the user equipment 168 is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node 166, and the user equipment 168 is having dual connectivity with a source master node 172 and the source secondary node 170;

[0259] Determine at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group 220 of a target secondary node 166, at least in part based on received secondary radio link failure information 164, wherein the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node 166 for conditional access by a user equipment 168; and

[0260] Transmit information 222 indicating the at least one target primary cell determined in the secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166.

[0261] Figure 5 An example of method 500 is shown.

[0262] In an example, method 500 may be performed by any suitable apparatus including any suitable components for performing method 500. For example, as described with respect to Figure 7A and / or apparatus 7B.

[0263] In an example, method 500 may be performed by a source SN 170 (e.g., Figure 2 source SN 170).

[0264] In an example, method 500 may be performed by a source SN 172 (e.g., Figure 2 source SN 172).

[0265] At block 502, method 500 includes receiving information 222 indicating at least one target PSCell of a target secondary node SN 166, wherein the at least one target PSCell will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that will be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by a UE 168.

[0266] At block 504, method 500 includes determining, at least in part based on the received information, at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that will be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by a UE 168.

[0267] Therefore, Figure 5 An example of method 500 is shown, including:

[0268] Receive information 222 of at least one target PSCell indicating the target SN 166, where the at least one target PSCell will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174, and the at least one proposed target PSCell 174 will be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168; and

[0269] Determine at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that will be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168, at least in part based on the received information.

[0270] Figure 6A and 6B Illustrates an example of method 600.

[0271] Some examples relate to a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network. Figure 6A and 6B May be considered to illustrate some such examples.

[0272] The following description may be considered to illustrate some such examples.

[0273] In Figure 6A and 6B In examples, multiple devices send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages via and / or through and / or using a network. In an example, any suitable form of communication in any suitable network may be used. For example, at least a portion of network 100 of Figure 1 may be used.

[0274] Thus, in an example, Figure 6A and 6B The multiple devices in form at least a portion of network 100 as described with respect to Figure 1 .

[0275] In the illustrated example, the terminal node 110 and four or more access nodes 120 send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages. In Figure 2 In an example, the terminal node 110 is the UE 168, and the four or more access nodes 120 are the source MN 172, the source SN 170, the target SN 166, and (one or more) other potential target nodes 166n.

[0276] In Figure 6A and 6B In an example, the UE 168 has dual connectivity with the source MN 172 and the source SN 170.

[0277] In an example,Figure 6A and 6B Communication and / or transmission between the elements shown in 6B can be carried out via any number of intermediate elements, including none.

[0278] Although one UE 168 is shown in the examples of Figure 6A and 6B any suitable number of UE 168s can be included in the examples.

[0279] Similarly, any suitable number of network nodes can be included in the examples.

[0280] Figure 6A and 6B show high-level flowcharts,

[0281] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The difference between the two alternatives in the examples of Figure 6B is that in alternative 2, a new IE is included as part of the SN addition request confirmation message.

[0282] Figure 7A illustrates an example of apparatus 130. Apparatus 130 can be a controller of the apparatus of a device, such as terminal node 110 (e.g., UE 168), or network elements 172, 170, and / or 166 (e.g., eNB or gNB). Apparatus 130 can be considered a controller.

[0283] The implementation of 130 can be as a controller circuit. Controller 130 can be implemented solely in hardware, with certain aspects of software including separate firmware, or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0284] As Figure 7A shown, controller 130 can be implemented using instructions, such as by using executable instructions of computer program 136 in general or special purpose processor 132, and the executable instructions can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.) to be executed by such a processor 132.

[0285] Processor 132 is configured to read from and write to memory 134. Processor 132 can also include an output interface and an input interface, via which processor 132 outputs data and / or commands and inputs data and / or commands into processor 132.

[0286] The memory 134 stores a computer program 136 including computer program instructions (computer program code) that control the operation of the device 130 when loaded into the processor 132. The computer program instructions of the computer program 136 provide the logic and routines that enable the device to execute the method shown in the drawings. The processor 132 can load and execute the computer program 136 by reading the memory 134.

[0287] In an example, the device 130 includes:

[0288] at least one processor 132; and

[0289] at least one memory 134 including computer program code,

[0290] the at least one memory 134 and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor 132, cause the device 130 to at least perform:

[0291] receiving secondary radio link failure information 164, where the secondary radio link failure information 164 indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between the user equipment 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the user equipment 168 is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node 166, and the user equipment 168 is having dual connectivity with a source master node 172 and the source secondary node 170;

[0292] determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information 164, at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166, where the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node 166 for conditional access by the user equipment 168, and

[0293] sending information 222 indicating the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166.

[0294] In an example, the device 130 includes:

[0295] at least one processor 132; and

[0296] at least one memory 134 including computer program code,

[0297] the at least one memory 134 and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor 132, cause the device 130 to at least perform:

[0298] Receive information 222 of at least one target PSCell indicating the target SN 166, where the at least one target PSCell will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that will be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168; and

[0299] Determine at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that will be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168, at least in part based on the received information.

[0300] In an example, the apparatus 130 includes:

[0301] At least one processor 132; and

[0302] At least one memory 134 including computer program code,

[0303] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 132, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0304] Receive secondary radio link failure information 164, where the secondary radio link failure information 164 indicates a situation of a failure in the secondary radio link between the user equipment 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the user equipment 168 is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node 166, and the user equipment 168 is having dual connectivity with the source master node 172 and the source secondary node 170;

[0305] Determine at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information 164, where the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node 166 for conditional access by the user equipment 168; and

[0306] Transmit information 222 indicating the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166.

[0307] In an example, the apparatus 130 includes:

[0308] At least one processor 132; and

[0309] At least one memory 134 including computer program code,

[0310] The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 132, cause the device to at least:

[0311] Receive information 222 indicating at least one target PSCell of a target SN 166, where the at least one target PSCell is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168; and

[0312] Determine, at least in part based on the received information, at least one proposed target PSCell 174 to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 166.

[0313] As Figure 7A shown, the computer program 136 can reach the device 130 via any suitable delivery mechanism 162. The delivery mechanism 162 can be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disc (DVD) or a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture including or tangibly embodying the computer program 136. The delivery mechanism can be a signal configured to reliably convey the computer program 136. The device 130 can propagate or transmit the computer program 136 as a computer data signal.

[0314] Computer program instructions for causing a device to at least perform the following operations or for at least performing the following operations:

[0315] Receive secondary radio link failure information 164, where the secondary radio link failure information 164 indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between the user equipment 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the user equipment 168 is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node 166, and the user equipment 168 is having dual connectivity with a source master node 172 and a source secondary node 170;

[0316] Determine, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information 164, at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166, where the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group to be prepared by the target secondary node 166 for conditional access by the user equipment 168; and

[0317] Transmit information 222 indicating at least one determined target primary cell in a serving cell group 220 of a target secondary node 166.

[0318] Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following operations or for performing at least the following operations:

[0319] Receive information 222 indicating at least one target PSCell of a target SN 166, where the at least one target PSCell is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by a UE 168; and

[0320] Determine, at least in part based on the received information, that at least one proposed target PSCell 174 is to be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0321] The computer program instructions may be included in a computer program, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a computer program product, a machine-readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed over more than one computer program.

[0322] Although the memory 134 is illustrated as a single component / circuit, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / buffered storage.

[0323] In an example, the memory 134 includes a random access memory 158 and a read-only memory 160. In an example, the computer program 136 may be stored in the read-only memory 158. For example, see Figure 7B .

[0324] Although the processor 132 is illustrated as a single component / circuit, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which may be integrated / removable. The processor 132 may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0325] References to "computer-readable storage media", "computer program products", "tangibly implemented computer programs", etc. or "controllers", "computers", "processors", etc. should be understood to cover not only computers with different architectures (e.g., single / multi-processor architectures and sequential (von Neumann) / parallel architectures), but also dedicated circuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuits). References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc. should be understood to cover software or firmware for programmable processors, such as programmable content for hardware devices, whether instructions for a processor or configuration settings for fixed function devices, gate arrays, or programmable logic devices, etc.

[0326] As used in this application, the term "circuit" can refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0327] (a) Implementations with only hardware circuits (e.g., implementations using only analog and / or digital circuits for transmission) and

[0328] (b) Combinations of hardware circuits and software, e.g., (where applicable):

[0329] (i) Combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and

[0330] (ii) Any portion of a hardware processor with software (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that work together to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and

[0331] (c) Hardware circuits and / or processors (e.g., a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor) that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but where the software may be absent when not required for operation.

[0332] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuit also covers implementations with only hardware circuits or a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit also covers, for example (and if applicable to a particular claim element), a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking device.

[0333] Blocks shown in the figures may represent steps in a method and / or segments of code in a computer program 136. Specification of a particular order of the blocks does not necessarily imply a required or preferred order of the blocks, and the order and arrangement of the blocks may vary. Additionally, some blocks may be omitted.

[0334] Where structural features have been described, whether the function or functions are explicitly described or implicitly described, the structural features may be replaced by a component or components for performing one or more of the functions of the structural features.

[0335] Thus, in an example, apparatus 130 may include components for the following operations:

[0336] Receiving secondary radio link failure information 164, where the secondary radio link failure information 164 indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between user equipment 168 and at least one source secondary node 170 when the user equipment 168 is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node 166, and the user equipment 168 is having dual connectivity with a source master node 172 and the source secondary node 170;

[0337] Determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information 164, at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166, where the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node 166 for conditional access by the user equipment 168; and

[0338] Transmitting information 222 indicating the at least one determined target primary cell in the secondary cell group 220 of the target secondary node 166.

[0339] Thus, in an example, apparatus 130 may include components for the following operations:

[0340] Receiving information 222 indicating at least one target PSCell of the target SN 166, where the at least one target PSCell will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that will be prepared by the target secondary node 166 for conditional access by the UE 168; and

[0341] Determining, at least in part based on the received information, at least one proposed target PSCell 174 that will be prepared by the target SN 166 for conditional access by the UE 168.

[0342] In an example, apparatus 130 may include components for performing one or more methods or at least a portion of one or more methods as disclosed herein.

[0343] In an example, apparatus 130 may be configured to perform one or more methods or at least a portion of one or more methods as disclosed herein.

[0344] These systems, devices, methods, and computer programs can use machine learning, including statistical learning. Machine learning is a field of computer science that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. A computer can learn from experience E with respect to a task T of some type and a performance measure P if its performance (measured by P) on task T improves with experience E. A computer can generally learn from previous training data to make predictions about future data. Machine learning includes fully or partially supervised learning and fully or partially unsupervised learning. It can achieve discrete outputs (e.g., classification, clustering) and continuous outputs (e.g., regression). For example, machine learning can be implemented using different methods such as cost function minimization, artificial neural networks, support vector machines, and Bayesian networks. For example, cost function minimization can be used for linear and polynomial regression and K-means clustering. Artificial neural networks, such as those with one or more hidden layers, model complex relationships between input vectors and output vectors. Support vector machines can be used for supervised learning. Bayesian networks are directed acyclic graphs that represent the conditional independence of several random variables.

[0345] The above examples can be applied to enable the following components:

[0346] Automotive systems; telecommunications systems; electronic systems including consumer electronics; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or presenting media content including audio, visual, and audiovisual content as well as mixed, mediated, virtual, and / or augmented reality; personal systems, including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces, also known as human-machine interfaces; networks, including cellular, non-cellular, and optical networks; ad-hoc networks; the Internet; the Internet of Things; virtualized networks; and associated software and services.

[0347] According to an example of the present disclosure, the apparatus can be provided in an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal. However, it should be understood that the mobile terminal is only an example of an electronic device that can benefit from an implementation manner of the present disclosure, and thus the scope of the present disclosure should not be considered limited thereto. In some implementation examples, the apparatus can be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as but not limited to: mobile communication devices, handheld portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices, and other types of electronic systems can easily adopt the examples of the present disclosure. In addition, regardless of the purpose of the device to provide mobility, they can adopt the examples of the present disclosure at any time.

[0348] As used in this document, the term "comprising" has an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, whenever it is stated that X comprises Y, it means that X may contain only one Y or may contain more than one Y. If the term "comprising" with an exclusive meaning is to be used, it should be clearly stated in the context as "comprising only one..." or "consisting of...".

[0349] In this specification, the terms "connected", "coupled", and "communicate" and their derivatives refer to an operational connection / coupling / communication. It should be understood that any number or combination of intermediate components (including no intermediate components) may exist, i.e., providing a direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intermediate components may include hardware and / or software components.

[0350] As used herein, the term "determine" (and its grammatical variants) may include, but is not limited to: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, etc. Moreover, "determine" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. Moreover, "determine" may include parsing, selecting, picking, establishing, etc.

[0351] In this specification, various examples have been referred to. The description of a feature or function related to an example indicates that those features or functions exist in that example. The use of the terms "example" or "for example" or "may" or "can" in the text indicates that, whether or not explicitly stated, such features or functions exist in at least the described example, whether or not described as an example, and they may but do not necessarily exist in some or all other examples. Thus, "example", "for example", "may" or "can" refer to a specific instance in a class of examples. The attributes of an instance may be the attributes of only that instance or the attributes of the class or the attributes of a subclass of the class that includes some, but not all, of the instances in the class. Thus, features described with reference to one example and not to another are implicitly disclosed and, where possible, may be used as part of a working combination in that other example, but do not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

[0352] Although examples have been described in the foregoing paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be understood that the examples given may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0353] In addition to the combinations explicitly described above, the features described previously may be used in other combinations.

[0354] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performed by other features (whether or not described).

[0355] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples, whether or not they are described.

[0356] The terms "a", "an", or "the" as used in this document have an inclusive rather than an exclusive meaning. That is, whenever X is referred to as including a / an / the Y, it means that X may contain only one Y or may contain more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If "a", "an", or "the" is intended to have an exclusive meaning, it should be clearly stated in the context. In some cases, the use of "at least one" or "one or more" may be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but the absence of these terms should not be taken as inferring any exclusive meaning.

[0357] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also a reference to features (equivalent features) that achieve substantially the same technical effect. For example, equivalent features include variant features that achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. For example, equivalent features include features that perform substantially the same function and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way.

[0358] In this specification, adjectives or adjective phrases are used to describe the features of various examples. Such feature descriptions related to examples indicate that the characteristic exists in some examples that are exactly the same as those described and also in other examples that are substantially the same as those described.

[0359] Some examples of the present disclosure have been described above. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize possible alternative structural and method features that provide functionality equivalent to the specific examples of such structures and features described above, and for the sake of brevity and clarity, have been omitted from the above description. Nevertheless, the above description should be understood to implicitly include references to such alternative structural and method features that provide equivalent functionality, unless such alternative structural or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

[0360] Although in the foregoing specification the applicant has endeavored to draw attention to those features that are considered important, it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection by the claims for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not they are emphasized.

Claims

1. A device, comprising components for the following operations: Receiving secondary radio link failure information, wherein the secondary radio link failure information indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between the user equipment and at least one source secondary node when the user equipment is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node, and the user equipment is having dual connectivity with a source master node and a source secondary node; Determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of the target secondary node, wherein the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; And Sending information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein Sending the information includes sending the information to the source master node or the source secondary node.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein Sending the information includes sending at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising components for the following operations: Determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, the number of times the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is a correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment; and Sending information indicating the determined number of times the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is a correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is excluded from the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment.

7. A method, comprising: Receiving secondary radio link failure information, wherein the secondary radio link failure information indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between the user equipment and at least one source secondary node when the user equipment is configured to conditionally access at least one target secondary node, and the user equipment is having dual connectivity with a source master node and a source secondary node; Determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of the target secondary node, wherein the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group will be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; And Sending information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Sending the information includes sending the information to the source master node or the source secondary node.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The transmission information includes transmitting at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising: determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, the number of times that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is a correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment; and transmitting information indicating the determined number of times that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is a correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell of the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein The determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is excluded from the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment.

13. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: receiving secondary radio link failure information, wherein the secondary radio link failure information indicates a situation of a failure in a secondary radio link between the user equipment and at least one source secondary node when the user equipment is configured to conditionally access a target secondary node, and the user equipment is having dual connectivity with a source primary node and a source secondary node; determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node, wherein the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group will be included in the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment; and transmitting information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node.

14. The computer program according to claim 13, wherein, The transmission information includes transmitting information to the source primary node or the source secondary node.

15. The computer program according to claim 13, wherein, The transmission information includes transmitting at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

16. The computer program according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: determining, at least in part based on the received secondary radio link failure information, the number of times that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is a correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment; and transmitting information indicating the determined number of times that the determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is a correct selection for conditional access by the user equipment.

17. The computer program according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein The information indicating the determined at least one target primary cell of the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein The determined at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is excluded from the information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group, and the at least one proposed target primary cell will be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by the user equipment.

19. An apparatus, comprising components for the following operations: Receiving information indicating at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of a target secondary node, wherein the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment; and Determining, at least in part based on the received information, at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, Receiving the information includes receiving at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, comprising components for the following operations: Receiving information indicating the determined number of times that the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node is the correct selection for conditional access by a user equipment.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The information indicating at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

23. A method, comprising: Receiving information indicating at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of a target secondary node, wherein the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment; And Determining, at least in part based on the received information, at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Receiving the information includes receiving at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, comprising: Receiving information indicating the determined number of times that the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node is the correct selection for conditional access by a user equipment.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein The information indicating at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

27. A computer program, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following operations: Receiving information indicating at least one target primary cell in a secondary cell group of a target secondary node, wherein the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group is to be included in information indicating at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment; and Determining, at least in part based on the received information, at least one proposed target primary cell in the secondary cell group that is to be prepared by the target secondary node for conditional access by a user equipment.

28. The computer program according to claim 27, wherein, Receiving the information includes receiving at least one SgNB addition request confirmation message.

29. The computer program according to claim 27 or 28, comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the following operations: Receiving information indicating the determined number of times that the at least one target primary cell in the secondary cell group of the target secondary node is the correct selection for conditional access by a user equipment.

30. The computer program according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein, The information of at least one target primary cell in the indicated secondary cell group includes at least one cell identifier.

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