Measurement configuration in selective activation of secondary cell groups

Abstract

The invention provides a method and device. In the context of the method, the method receives, by a target secondary node, a measurement configuration request from a primary node, where the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more particular frequencies. The method comprises: based on a measurement configuration request, determining, by a target secondary node, a conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set, the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set being associated with a target secondary cell group primary cell set, the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set comprising one or more measurement configurations. The method comprises the following steps: sending a condition secondary cell group main cell change configuration set to a main node;

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Example embodiments relate generally to techniques for selective activation of a primary secondary cell group, and more particularly, to techniques for maintaining conditional primary secondary cell group change configurations. BACKGROUND

[0002] User equipment often moves across vast geographical spaces. When the user equipment moves, this can result in connections with various primary secondary cell groups that provide coverage. When the user equipment switches primary secondary cell groups, it receives a range of configurations associated with the primary secondary cell group. When one of these configurations is executed, in the event of a future primary secondary cell group change, the user equipment will often retain the configuration of the nearby primary cell of the secondary cell group (PSCell). However, when the user equipment switches PSCells, there is still inefficiency that can result in delays due to the conditions associated with the configuration not being optimized for future changes.

[0003] For example, a user equipment configured with dual connectivity can be served by a primary cell operating on frequency fl and controlled by a primary node. The user equipment can also be served by a PSCell operating on frequency f2 and controlled by a secondary node. The user equipment can be configured with several conditional PSCell change (CPC) configurations. For example, the user equipment can have CPC configuration 1 for candidate PSCell 2 associated with CPC condition 1 including measurement ID 1. The user equipment can also have CPC configuration 2 for candidate PSCell 3 associated with CPC condition 2 including measurement ID 1. Additionally, the user equipment can have CPC configuration 3 for candidate PSCell 3 associated with CPC condition 3 including measurement ID 2. Measurement ID 1 can have a measurement object for frequency f2 and define different cell individual offsets for PSCell 2 and PSCell 3, for example, 1 dB for PSCell 2 and 2 dB for PSCell 3. Measurement ID 2 can have a measurement object for frequency f3 and define a cell individual offset for PSCell 4.

[0004] With selective activation, the user equipment and the network are able to keep the cached conditional PSCell addition and change (CPAC) configuration after performing the PSCell change. However, the CPC conditions (i.e., CPC condition 1, CPC condition 2, and CPC condition 3 above) associated with the CPC configuration need to be updated as the cell individual offsets and parameters of the conditional events are optimized for the change from PSCell 1 to PSCell 2, PSCell 3, or PSCell 4. These CPC conditions are not optimal for future change from, for example, PSCell 2, PSCell 3, or PSCell 4 to another PSCell. SUMMARY

[0005] Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for selective activation of a secondary cell group master cell are disclosed. Embodiments described herein optimize techniques for future change of a master cell of a secondary cell.

[0006] In an example embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving, by a target secondary node from a master node, a measurement configuration request, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies. The method further includes determining, by the target secondary node based on the measurement configuration request, a set of conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration, the set of conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration being associated with a set of target secondary cell group master cells, wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration includes one or more measurement configurations. The method further includes sending the set of conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration to the master node.

[0007] In an example embodiment, each of the one or more measurement configurations includes a measurement object and a reporting configuration.

[0008] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0009] In an example embodiment, the one or more measurement configurations include a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of the one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0010] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request includes the set of target secondary cell group master cells.

[0011] The method of an example embodiment further includes determining the one or more measurement ID values based on the one or more specific frequencies.

[0012] The method of an example embodiment further includes receiving, from the master node, an embedded measurement configuration request initiated by a source secondary node to the target secondary node.

[0013] The method of the example embodiment also includes sending, to the master node, a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set including one or more measurement configurations.

[0014] In an example embodiment, the embedded measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0015] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement quantities.

[0016] In an example embodiment, the one or more measurement configurations include, for each of the one or more specific measurement quantities, a measurement object and a reporting configuration.

[0017] In an example embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving, by a user equipment from a secondary node, a measurement request associated with one or more specific frequencies. The method also includes performing, based on the one or more specific frequencies, one or more measurements of one or more target secondary cell group master cells. The method also includes sending, based on the one or more measurements, a measurement report to the secondary node. The method also includes receiving a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set configured by the one or more target secondary nodes. The method also includes receiving a conditional secondary cell group master cell change condition set associated with at least one of the one or more target secondary cell group master cells.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set includes at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency.

[0019] The method of the example embodiment also includes performing one of the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set.

[0020] The method of the example embodiment also includes releasing the conditional secondary cell group master cell change condition set. The method also includes retaining one of the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set.

[0021] The method of the example embodiment also includes evaluating the retained one of the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set.

[0022] The method of the example embodiment also includes performing, based on the evaluation, the retained one of the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set.

[0023] In an example embodiment, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set includes at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration.

[0024] In an example embodiment, a target secondary node is provided, the target secondary node comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node at least to: receive, from a master node, a measurement configuration request, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to: determine, based on the measurement configuration request, a conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set, the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set being associated with a target secondary cell group primary cell set, wherein the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set comprises one or more measurement configurations. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to: send, to the master node, the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set.

[0025] In an example embodiment, each measurement configuration of the one or more measurement configurations comprises: a measurement object and a reporting configuration.

[0026] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0027] In an example embodiment, the one or more measurement configurations comprise: a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of the one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0028] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request comprises: the target secondary cell group primary cell set.

[0029] In an example embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to: determine the one or more measurement ID values based on the one or more specific frequencies.

[0030] Delete this blank paragraph

[0031] In an example embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to: receive, from the master node, an embedded measurement configuration request initiated by a source secondary node.

[0032] In an example embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to: send, to the master node, the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set, the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set comprising the one or more measurement configurations.

[0033] In an example embodiment, the embedded measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0034] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement quantities.

[0035] In an example embodiment, the one or more measurement configurations comprise a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of the one or more specific measurement quantities.

[0036] In an example embodiment, a user equipment is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to receive, from a secondary node, a measurement request associated with one or more specific frequencies. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to perform, based on the one or more specific frequencies, one or more measurements of one or more target secondary cell group primary cells. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to send, based on the one or more measurements, a measurement report to the secondary node. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to receive a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations configured by the one or more target secondary nodes. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to receive a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions associated with at least one cell of the one or more target secondary cell group primary cells.

[0037] In an example embodiment, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations comprises at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency.

[0038] In an example embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to perform one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0039] In an example embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to release the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to retain one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0040] In an example embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to evaluate the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0041] In an example embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: based on the evaluation, execute the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0042] In an example embodiment, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations comprises: at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration.

[0043] In an example embodiment, a target secondary node is provided, comprising: means for receiving a measurement configuration request from a master node, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies. The target secondary node of an example embodiment further comprises: means for determining, based on the measurement configuration request, a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations being associated with a set of target secondary cell group primary cells, wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations comprises one or more measurement configurations. The target secondary node of an example embodiment further comprises: means for sending the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations to the master node.

[0044] In an example embodiment, each of the one or more measurement configurations comprises: a measurement object and a reporting configuration.

[0045] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0046] In an example embodiment, the one or more measurement configurations comprise: a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of the one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0047] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request comprises: the set of target secondary cell group primary cells.

[0048] The target secondary node of an example embodiment further comprises: means for determining, based on the one or more specific frequencies, the one or more measurement ID values.

[0049] The target secondary node of an example embodiment further comprises: means for receiving, from the master node, an embedded measurement configuration request initiated by a source secondary node.

[0050] The target secondary node of an example embodiment further comprises: means for sending, to the master node, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations comprising the one or more measurement configurations.

[0051] In an example embodiment, the embedded measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0052] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement quantities.

[0053] In an example embodiment, the one or more measurement configurations comprise, for each of the one or more specific measurement quantities, a measurement object and a reporting configuration.

[0054] In an example embodiment, a user equipment is provided, the user equipment comprising: means for receiving, from a secondary node, a measurement request associated with one or more specific frequencies. The user equipment further comprises: means for performing, based on the one or more specific frequencies, one or more measurements of one or more target secondary cell group primary cells. The user equipment further comprises: means for sending, to the secondary node, a measurement report based on the one or more measurements. The user equipment further comprises: means for receiving a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations configured by the one or more target secondary nodes. The user equipment further comprises: means for receiving a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions associated with at least one of the one or more target secondary cell group primary cells.

[0055] In an example embodiment, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations comprises: at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency.

[0056] The user equipment of an example embodiment further comprises: means for performing one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0057] The user equipment of an example embodiment further comprises: means for releasing the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions. The user equipment further comprises: means for retaining one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0058] The user equipment of an example embodiment further comprises: means for evaluating the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0059] The user equipment of an example embodiment further comprises: based on the evaluation, means for performing the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0060] In an example embodiment, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations comprises: at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration.

[0061] In an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: receive, from a master node, a measurement configuration request, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: determine, based on the measurement configuration request, a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set by a target secondary cell group master cell, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set being associated with a target secondary cell group master cell set, wherein the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set comprises one or more measurement configurations. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: send, to the master node, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set.

[0062] In an example embodiment, each of the one or more measurement configurations comprises: a measurement object and a reporting configuration.

[0063] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0064] In an example embodiment, the one or more measurement configurations comprise: a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of the one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0065] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request comprises: the target secondary cell group master cell set.

[0066] In an example embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: determine the one or more measurement ID values based on the one or more specific frequencies.

[0067] In an example embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: receive, from the master node, an embedded measurement configuration request initiated by a source secondary cell.

[0068] In an example embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: send, to the master node, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set comprising the one or more measurement configurations.

[0069] In an example embodiment, the embedded measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0070] In an example embodiment, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement quantities.

[0071] In an example embodiment, the one or more measurement configurations include a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of the one or more specific measurement quantities.

[0072] In an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least receive, from a secondary node, a measurement request associated with one or more specific frequencies. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform, based on the one or more specific frequencies, one or more measurements of one or more target secondary cell group primary cells. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to transmit, based on the one or more measurements, a measurement report to the secondary node. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to receive a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations configured by the one or more target secondary nodes. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to receive a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions associated with at least one of the one or more target secondary cell group primary cells.

[0073] In an example embodiment, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations includes at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency.

[0074] In an example embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0075] In an example embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to release the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to retain one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0076] In an example embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to evaluate the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0077] In an example embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises computer instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform, based on the evaluation, the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

[0078] In example embodiments, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set includes at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0079] Having generally described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the following drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0080] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system including both a base station and a user equipment configured to communicate via at least one uplink and downlink transmission in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0081] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example communication system in which systems in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure can be deployed; Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example communication system in which systems in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure can be deployed;

[0082] Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a source node initiated inter-source node conditional secondary cell group master cell change in accordance with the foregoing embodiments;

[0083] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a primary cell and a primary cell of a secondary cell group for a user equipment operating with dual connectivity in accordance with the foregoing embodiments;

[0084] Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of an inter-source node conditional secondary cell group master cell change in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, in which a target secondary node determines a configuration based on a measurement ID determined by a source secondary node;

[0085] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of an inter-source node conditional secondary cell group master cell change in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, in which a target secondary node determines a configuration based on a measurement ID determined by a target secondary node;

[0086] Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by an apparatus such as a source node in order to cause transmission of a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by an apparatus such as a source node in order to cause transmission of a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0087] Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by an apparatus such as a source node in order to cause transmission of a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by an apparatus such as a source node in order to cause transmission of a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0088] Figure 9is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by an apparatus, such as a base station 105, to reserve one of the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration sets in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described below in greater detail with reference haded to the drawings. Indeed, various embodiments can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same elements. As used in herein, the terms "data," "content," "information," and similar terms can be used interchangeably to refer to the data that can be sent, received, and / or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] Additionally, as used herein, the term "circuitry" refers to (a) hardware-only circuitry (e.g., incorporating analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry as opposed to software implementations, manipulations, and / or computations); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and / or portion(s) thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. As another example, the term "circuitry" as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in server, cellular network device, other network device (such as a core network device), field-programmable gate array, and / or other computing device.

[0091] ​As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" refers to non-transient storage hardware, non-transient memory devices, or non-transient computer system memory that can be accessed by a controller, microcontroller, computing system, or module of a computing system to contain computer-executable instructions or software programs thereon. A non-transient "computer-readable medium" can be accessed by a computing system or module of a computing system to retrieve and / or execute computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Examples of non-transient computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transient tangible media (e.g., one or more magnetic disks, one or more optical disks, one or more Universal Synchronous Bus (USB) flash drives), computer system memory, or random access memory (such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), extended data output random access memory (EDORAM), etc.).

[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, a system 100 is provided according to an example embodiment to facilitate uplink transmission from user equipment 120. While the system can be configured in various ways, Figure 1 The document describes a system comprising both a user equipment 120 and a base station 140 configured to communicate via uplink and downlink transmit and receive beams. While one user equipment and one base station are described, in other embodiments, the system may include user equipment 120 and / or base station 140, and user equipment 120 and / or base station 140 may communicate with other user equipment and base stations in other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, user equipment 120 and base station 140 may be configured to support, for example, 5G, advanced 5G, or 6G. In one or more embodiments, system 100 may support carrier aggregation and / or bidirectional connectivity. As described below, the system is configured to send messages and reports, such as reconfiguration messages, radio resource control messages, MAC control element messages, downlink control information messages, etc.

[0093] Data transmitted via uplink and downlink beams between user equipment 120 and base station 140 can be any of a wide range of data types, including but not limited to digital imaging data, including video data, audio data, and data provided by sensors, radar, telescopes, and radio receivers. In at least some instances, data is encoded prior to data communication via uplink and downlink beams, and decoded upon receipt. The resulting data received can be used for a variety of purposes, including presentation to a user, storage of data for later use, and / or providing data to one or more applications, such as applications that perform statistical inferences on data for a variety of purposes, including object recognition, image classification, spectrum sensing, speech transcription, and / or prediction or detection of events.

[0094] Figure 1 User equipment 120 (also referred to as UE, user equipment, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates one type of apparatus whose resources are allocated and assigned on an air interface. User equipment 120 generally refers to a portable computing device that includes a wireless mobile communication device operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handset, a device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), a laptop and / or touch screen computer, a tablet, a game console, a notebook, and a multimedia device. User equipment 120 can also be a device having the ability to operate in an Internet-of-Things (IoT) network, which is a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transfer data on a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. User equipment 120 (or a layer 3 relay node in some embodiments) is configured to perform one or more user equipment functions. User equipment 120 can also be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, or user equipment (UE), to mention a few names or apparatuses. User equipment 120 can operate in a multi-radio bidirectional connectivity.

[0095] Figure 1 Base station 140 of FIG. 1 can include, for example, a remote radio head (RRH), a transmission reception point (TRP), an access point, a Node-B (e.g., gNB), or other transmission source. Base station 140 can be configured to communicate with user equipment 120 via a network.

[0096] The base stations 140 can operate as part of a cell group. The base stations 140 can be part of a master cell group (MCG) or a secondary cell group (SCG). In one or more embodiments, the base stations 140 can operate as a primary cell in the MCG or the SCG. In one or more embodiments, the base stations 140 can operate as a secondary cell in the MCG or the SCG. In one or more alternative embodiments, the user equipment 120 can move location, require a new MCG or SCG. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 120 can utilize selective activation of SCG or selective activation of MCG. In one or more embodiments, user equipment 120 moving cells can result in a previous source secondary cell group primary cell (PSCell) changing to a target PSCell with a conditional PSCell change. In one or more embodiments, PSCell addition / change configuration configured for selective activation is retained at the user equipment side and network side.

[0097] Figure 2 An example device 200 that can be configured to function as the user equipment 120 or the base station 140 is depicted. As shown in Figure 2 The apparatus includes or is associated with or in communication with processing circuitry 220, a memory 240, and a communication interface 260, or the like. The processing circuitry 220 can communicate with the storage device 240 via a bus for passing information among components of the device. The memory device can be non-transitory and can include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device can be an electronic cache device (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium) that includes gates configured to flip-flop data (e.g., bits) that can be fetched (e.g., by a computing device analogous to the processing circuitry) by a machine. The memory device can be configured to store information, data, contexts, applications, instructions, etc. for enabling the apparatus to perform various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the memory device can be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processing circuitry. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device can be configured to store instructions for execution by the processing circuitry.

[0098] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 can be implemented in various computing devices as described above. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus can be implemented as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus can comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly can provide physical strength, conservation of size, and / or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus can therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset can constitute means for performing one or more operations described herein to provide the functions described herein.

[0099] The processing circuitry 220, also referred to as a processor, can be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, the processing circuitry can be implemented as one or more of various hardware processing circuits such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), processing elements with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other circuits that apply a hard-wired (e.g., ASIC) or firmware code approach, individual or combined, to implement one or more embodiments. As such, in some embodiments the processing circuitry can include one or more processing cores configured to independently execute instructions. A multi-core processing circuitry can enable

[0100] In example embodiments, processing circuitry 220 can be configured to execute instructions stored in memory device 240, or accessible by processing circuitry. Alternatively, or additionally, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform hard coded functionality. Thus, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, processing circuitry can represent an entity capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when processing circuitry is configured as ASIC, FPGA, or the like, processing circuitry can be specifically configured hardware for performing the operations described herein. Alternatively, for example, when processing circuitry is configured as an executor of instructions, such as program code, the instructions can specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processing circuitry can be a processor of a specific device, such as a mobile terminal or a specific portion thereof, configured to apply embodiments by further configuration of the processing circuitry via instructions for performing the algorithms and / or operations described herein. Processing circuitry can include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and logic gates configured to support operation of the processing circuitry.

[0101] Communication interface 260 can be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and / or transmit data including media content in the form of video or image files, one or more audio tracks, and the like. In this regard, the communication interface can include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and / or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface can include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle reception of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communication interface can alternatively or also support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface can include a communication modem and / or other hardware / software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

[0102] Referring now to Figure 3 , a signaling diagram illustrates a procedure 300 for source node initiated inter-source node conditional PSCell change (CPC) according to the previous approach. In this example embodiment, user equipment 120 is connected to a source primary node 302 and a source secondary node 304, and uses CPC to change to a target secondary node 306 among other potential target secondary nodes 308.

[0103] At operation 305, the source secondary node 304 indicates to the master node that there is a required source secondary node change. The source secondary node 304 sends to the master node a list of IDs of target secondary nodes to be contacted for preparing target PSCell(s). The source secondary node suggests a list of PSCells to be prepared by the target secondary node. The source secondary node 304 provides a CPC execution condition for each suggested target PSCell. The source secondary node 304 indicates a maximum number of PSCells that can be prepared by each target secondary node. The maximum number is less than or equal to the number of suggested PSCells. This step does not occur for master node initiated CPC.

[0104] The CPC execution condition can refer to a measurement ID of a serving secondary cell group measurement configuration. The measurement ID links a measurement object with a reporting configuration. The measurement object defines a frequency for measurement and a cell individual offset (CIO) for a target cell. The reporting configuration includes parameters of a conditional event. The reporting configuration can include a condA3 or condA5 event with parameters such as offset, threshold, or time-to-trigger. The CPC execution condition can refer to two measurement IDs with different measurement quantities (i.e., signal received power and reference signal received quality).

[0105] At operation 310, the master node 302 sends an addition request to the target secondary node 306. In response to the target secondary node 306 being included in the list of target secondary nodes sent in operation 305, the master node 302 sends a secondary node addition request to the target secondary node 306. The addition request includes the suggested list of PSCells. The addition request includes the maximum number of PSCells that can be prepared. For master node initiated CPC, the master node 302 provides the secondary node addition request, the list of PSCells suggested to be prepared by the target secondary node, and the maximum number of PSCells that can be prepared by the target secondary node. For master node initiated CPC, the master node 302 decides the CPAC execution condition for the PSCells to be prepared.

[0106] At operation 315, the master node 302 sends an addition request to the other target secondary node 308. In response to the target secondary node 308 being included in the list of target secondary nodes sent in operation 305, the master node 302 sends a secondary node addition request to the other target secondary node 308. The addition request includes the suggested list of PSCells. The addition request includes the maximum number of PSCells that can be prepared.

[0107] At operation 320, the target secondary node 306 decides candidate target PSCell(s) to be prepared from the list of PSCells suggested by the source secondary node 304 to be prepared. The target secondary node 306 cannot select a PSCell that is not suggested by the master node 302.

[0108] At operation 325, the other target secondary node 308 decides the candidate target PSCell(s) to be prepared from the list of suggested PSCells by the source secondary node 304 to be prepared. The target secondary node 306 cannot select a PSCell that is not suggested by the master node 302.

[0109] At operation 330, the target secondary node 306 sends the CPC configuration of each prepared target PSCell to the master node 302. At operation 330, the target secondary node 306 sends the ID of each prepared target PSCell to the master node 302.

[0110] At operation 335, the other target secondary node 308 sends the CPC configuration of each prepared target PSCell to the master node 302. At operation 335, the other target secondary node 308 sends the ID of each prepared target PSCell to the master node 302.

[0111] At operation 340, the master node 302 sends the conditional (re)configuration containing the CPC configuration of the candidate target PSCell(s) to the user equipment 120. At operation 340, the master node 302 sends the CPC execution condition corresponding to the sent CPC configuration of the candidate target PSCell(s) to the user equipment 120.

[0112] At operation 345, the user equipment sends the master node 302 an acknowledgement that the user equipment 120 received the conditional (re)configuration.

[0113] At operation 350, the master node 302 sends the source secondary node 304 an acknowledgement that the user equipment 120 received the (re)configuration. The master node 302 acknowledges the secondary node change preparation to the source secondary node 304. The master node 302 sends a change acknowledgement message to the source secondary node 304 to indicate that the CPC has been prepared. The source secondary node 304 continues to provide user data to the user equipment 120. In examples where early data forwarding is applied, the master node 302 informs the source secondary node 304 of the data forwarding address received from the target secondary node 306 or 308. The source secondary node 304 starts early data forwarding. Packet data convergence protocol packet data unit and / or packet data convergence protocol service data unit forwarding can occur during early data forwarding. In case of multiple target secondary units being prepared, the master node 302 includes a list of target secondary node IDs and a list of data forwarding addresses to the source secondary node.

[0114] At operation 355, the user equipment 120 evaluates the CPC execution condition corresponding to the sent CPC configuration of the candidate target PSCell(s). At operation 355, the user equipment 120 evaluates the CPC execution condition of the prepared target PSCell(s).

[0115] At operation 360, for the candidate target PSCell in the target secondary node 306, the CPC execution condition is satisfied and the CPC configuration is performed. In a case where the CPC condition includes two measurement IDs, if both measurement IDs are satisfied, the conditional configuration is performed.

[0116] At operation 365, the user equipment 120 sends a message to the master node 302 indicating the execution of the CPC configuration. The message includes an embedded secondary node radio resource control reconfiguration complete to the target source node corresponding to the executed CPC configuration. The radio resource control reconfiguration complete is to the target source node 306.

[0117] At operation 370, the master node 302 sends a secondary node release request to the source secondary node 304. The master node 302 triggers a master node initiated secondary node release procedure to inform the source secondary node 304 to stop providing user data to the user equipment 120.

[0118] At operation 375, the source secondary node 304 sends an acknowledgement of the reception of the secondary node release request to the master node 302. The source secondary node 304 stops providing user data to the user equipment 120.

[0119] At operation 380, an Xn-U address indication procedure is triggered to inform the source secondary node 304 of the address of the selected target secondary node. If applicable, the source secondary node 304 starts late data forwarding.

[0120] At operation 385, the master node 302 sends a secondary node radio resource control reconfiguration complete message to the target secondary node 306.

[0121] At operation 390, the user equipment 320 completes a random access procedure for the target source node 306.

[0122] In a case where the packet data convergence protocol changes to use radio link control AM bearers, at operation 392, the source secondary node 304 sends a secondary node state transition.

[0123] At operation 394, the master node 302 sends a secondary node state transition to the selected target secondary node 306, if needed.

[0124] At operation 396, data forwarding from the source secondary node 304 to the master node 302 occurs. Operation 396 is initiated as soon as the source secondary node 304 receives data forwarding address related information from the master node 302. In one case, this is initiated at operation 350.

[0125] At operation 398, data forwarded from the source secondary node 304 is relayed from the master node 302 to the target secondary node 306.

[0126] Reference is now made to Figure 4FIG. 4, an example system of cells is shown. In one or more embodiments, a user equipment configured with a bi-directional connection can be served by a system of a primary cell and a secondary cell. For example, a user equipment can be served by a primary cell 400 and a primary cell of a secondary cell group 410. However, as the user equipment moves about, it can experience a conditional secondary cell group primary cell change. In this case, one of the PSCells 420, 430, or 440 can replace the PSCell 410 as the PSCell serving the user equipment.

[0127] Referring now to Figure 5 FIG. 5, a signaling diagram illustrates a procedure 500 for conditional PSCell change (CPC) according to an example embodiment, the CPC conditions are optimized for future CPCs. In this example embodiment, a user equipment 120 is connected to a source primary node 302 and a source secondary node 304, and switches to a PSCell connected to a target secondary node 306 or a target secondary node 308. In this example embodiment, the source secondary node 304 is associated with PSCell 1, which is associated with frequency f2. In this example embodiment, the target secondary node 306 is associated with PSCell 2 and PSCell 3, which are associated with frequency f2. In this example embodiment, the target secondary node 308 is associated with PSCell 4, which is associated with frequency f3.

[0128] In one or more embodiments, at operation 505, the PSCell 1 configures the user equipment 120 to perform measurements for frequencies f2 and f3, candidate target PSCells for CPC operate on frequencies f2 and f3 (i.e., PSCell 2, PSCell 3, and PSCell 4).

[0129] In one or more embodiments, at operation 510, the user equipment 120 performs measurements on the candidate target PSCells (i.e., PSCell 2, PSCell 3, and PSCell 4). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 120 sends a report of the measurements to the source secondary node 304.

[0130] In one or more embodiments, at operation 515, the serving PSCell 1 decides to reserve a set of measurement IDs for selective activation of PSCell change (SAPC). In this example embodiment, the PSCell 1 reserves measurement ID 1 for frequency f1 and measurement ID 2 for frequency f2.

[0131] In one or more embodiments, at operation 520, the source secondary node 304 triggers preparation of CPC by providing the master node 302 with a list of suggested candidate PSCells (e.g., PSCell 2, PSCell 3, and PSCell 4) and CPC execution conditions associated with each suggested candidate PSCell. For example, the CPC execution conditions include measurement ID 1 for PSCell 2 and PSCell 3 and measurement ID 2 for PSCell 4. In one or more embodiments, the source secondary node 304 requests the target secondary node to provide measurement object and reporting configuration for measurement ID 1 and measurement ID 2 at frequency f2 and frequency f3, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the source secondary node 304 can request the target secondary node 306 to provide measurement object and reporting configuration for at least one measurement ID, frequency, and measurement quantity (e.g., reference signal received power or reference signal received quality). This is useful in case the CPC conditions are associated with multiple measurement IDs.

[0132] In one or more embodiments, at operation 525, the master node 302 relays the request from the source secondary node 304 to the target secondary node 306.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, at operation 530, the target secondary node 306 decides the measurement object and reporting configuration for measurement ID 1 at frequency f2 and measurement ID 2 at frequency f3. In one or more embodiments, the target secondary node 306 includes the measurement object and reporting configuration (CPC conditions) in the prepared CPC configuration of target cells PSCell 2 and PSCell 3. In one or more embodiments, the target secondary node 306 generates measurement object and reporting configuration with conditional measurement events for at least one measurement ID, frequency, and measurement quantity indicated by the source secondary node 304. In one or more embodiments, the target secondary node 306 configures measurement object and reporting configuration for mobility from the target cell to other prepared cells, so that the serving PScell itself can prepare for CPC.

[0134] In one or more embodiments, at operation 535, the target secondary node 306 sends the CPC configuration of PSCell 2 and PSCell 3 to the master node 302. In one or more embodiments, the measurement object set by the target secondary node 306 includes a cell individual offset for each candidate target PSCell, which is for the prepared PSCell 2 and PSCell 3 controlled by the target secondary node 306.

[0135] In one or more embodiments, at operation 540, the master node 302 relays the request from the source secondary node 204 to the target secondary node 308.

[0136] In one or more embodiments, at operation 545, the target secondary node 308 decides the measurement object and reporting configuration for the measurement ID 1 of frequency f2 and the measurement ID 2 of frequency f3. In one or more embodiments, the target secondary node 308 includes the measurement object and reporting configuration (CPC condition) in the prepared CPC configuration of the target cell PSCell 4. In one or more embodiments, the target secondary node 308 generates the measurement object and reporting configuration with conditional measurement event for at least one measurement ID, frequency, and number of measurements indicated by the source secondary node 304. In one or more embodiments, the target secondary node 308 configures the measurement object and reporting configuration for mobility from the target cell to other prepared cells, so that the serving PScell itself can prepare for CPC.

[0137] In one or more embodiments, at operation 550, the target secondary node 308 sends the CPC configuration of PSCell 4 to the master node 302. In one or more embodiments, the measurement object set by the target secondary node 308 includes a cell individual offset for each candidate target PSCell, which is for the prepared PSCell 4 controlled by the target secondary node 308.

[0138] In one or more embodiments, at operation 555, the master node 302 sends a radio resource control configuration to the user equipment 120. In one or more embodiments, the radio resource control configuration comprises: a CPC configuration 1 for PSCell 2 associated with CPC condition 1. In one or more embodiments, the CPC condition 1 comprises measurement ID 1, where measurement ID 1 refers to an ID in the serving PSCell 1 measurement configuration. In one or more embodiments, the CPC configuration 1 for PSCell 2 contains measurement ID 1 and measurement ID 2, where the measurement object and reporting configuration are decided by the target secondary node 306. In one or more embodiments, the radio resource control configuration comprises: a CPC configuration 2 for PSCell 3 associated with CPC condition 2. In one or more embodiments, the CPC condition 2 comprises measurement ID 1, where measurement ID 1 refers to an ID in the serving PSCell 1 measurement configuration. In one or more embodiments, the CPC configuration 2 for PSCell 3 contains measurement ID 1 and measurement ID 2, where the measurement object and reporting configuration are decided by the target secondary node 306. In one or more embodiments, the radio resource control configuration comprises: a CPC configuration 3 for PSCell 4 associated with CPC condition 3. In one or more embodiments, the CPC condition 3 comprises measurement ID 2, where measurement ID 2 refers to one ID in the serving PSCell 1 measurement configuration. In one or more embodiments, the CPC configuration 3 for PSCell 4 contains measurement ID 1 and measurement ID 2, where the measurement object and reporting configuration are decided by the target secondary node 308.

[0139] In one or more embodiments, at operation 560, the user equipment 120 sends a radio resource control reconfiguration complete to the master node 302.

[0140] In one or more embodiments, at operation 565, the user equipment 120 evaluates the CPC condition 1, the CPC condition 2, and the CPC condition 3 configured by the PSCell 1.

[0141] In one or more embodiments, at operation 570, the CPC condition 1 for PSCell 2 is satisfied. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 120 executes the CPC configuration 1 and keeps the CPC configuration 2 and the CPC configuration 3. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 120 keeps the association between the CPC configuration 2 and the CPC configuration 3 and the CPC configuration and the CPC condition provided by the source PSCell. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment applies the measurement configuration of the target PSCell 2 (new serving PSCell) to the CPC condition.

[0142] In one or more embodiments, at operation 575, the user equipment 120 applies the measurement ID1 and measurement ID2 configured by the CPC configuration 1 to the evaluation of the CPC conditions associated with the CPC configuration 2 and the CPC configuration 3. This is technically advantageous because from the perspective of the PSCell 2, the user equipment already has the measurement ID1 and measurement ID2, making future CPCs have lower latency.

[0143] In one or more embodiments, at operation 580, the user equipment 120 sends a radio resource control reconfiguration complete to the master node 302.

[0144] In one or more embodiments, at operation 585, the master node 302 confirms the secondary node cell change to the source secondary node 304.

[0145] In one or more embodiments, at operation 590, the master node 302 confirms the secondary node reconfiguration complete to the target secondary node 306.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, at operation 595, the user equipment 120 completes a random access procedure associated with the target secondary node 306. In one or more embodiments, the random access procedure is associated with the PSCell 2.

[0147] In one or more embodiments, at operation 598, the master node 302 performs a user equipment context release to the source secondary node 304.

[0148] Referring now to Figure 6 , a signaling diagram illustrates a procedure 600 for conditional PSCell change (CPC) with CPC conditions optimized for future CPCs, according to an alternative example embodiment. In this example embodiment, the user equipment 120 is connected to a source master node 302 and a source secondary node 304, and is handed over to a PSCell connected to a target secondary node 306 or a target secondary node 308. In this example embodiment, the source secondary node 304 is associated with a PSCell 1, which is associated with a frequency f2. In this example embodiment, the target secondary node 306 is associated with a PSCell 2 and a PSCell 3, which are associated with the frequency f2. In this example embodiment, the target secondary node 308 is associated with a PSCell 4, which is associated with a frequency f3.

[0149] In one or more embodiments, at operation 505, the PSCell 1 configures the user equipment 120 to perform measurements for frequencies f2 and f3, for which candidate target PSCells for CPC operate (i.e., PSCell 2, PSCell 3, and PSCell 4).

[0150] In one or more embodiments, at operation 510, the user equipment 120 performs measurements on the candidate target PSCells (i.e., PSCell 2, PSCell 3, and PSCell 4). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 120 sends a measurement report to the source secondary node 304.

[0151] In one or more embodiments, at operation 605, the source secondary node 304 triggers preparation of CPC by providing a list of suggested candidate PSCells (e.g., PSCell 2, PSCell 3, and PSCell 4) and CPC execution conditions associated with each suggested candidate PSCell to the master node 302. For example, the CPC execution conditions include measurement ID 1 for PSCell 2 and PSCell 3 and measurement ID 2 for PSCell 4. In one or more embodiments, the source secondary node 304 requests the target secondary node to provide measurement IDs and measurement objects and reporting configurations for frequency f2 and frequency f3, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the request for measurement IDs, measurement objects, and reporting configurations is associated with a conditional measurement event.

[0152] In one or more embodiments, at operation 610, the master node 302 relays the request from the source secondary node 304 to the target secondary node 306.

[0153] In one or more embodiments, at operation 615, the target secondary node 306 decides measurement IDs and associated measurement objects and reporting configurations for frequency f2 and frequency f3 (e.g., measurement ID 3 for frequency f2 and measurement ID 4 for frequency f3). In one or more embodiments, the target secondary node 306 includes the measurement IDs and corresponding measurement objects and reporting configurations (CPC conditions) in the prepared CPC configuration of the target cells PSCell 2 and PSCell 3. In one or more embodiments, the generated measurement IDs, measurement objects, and reporting configurations are associated with a conditional measurement event.

[0154] In one or more embodiments, at operation 620, the target secondary node 306 sends the CPC configuration of PSCell 2 and PSCell 3. In one or more embodiments, the configuration is sent to the master node 302 together with the physical cell identities of PSCell 2 and PSCell 3 and the frequencies.

[0155] In one or more embodiments, at operation 625, the master node 302 relays the request from the source secondary node 304 to the target secondary node 308.

[0156] In one or more embodiments, at operation 630, the target secondary node 308 decides the measurement IDs and associated measurement objects and reporting configuration for frequency f2 and frequency f3 (e.g., measurement ID 6 for frequency f2 and measurement ID 7 for frequency f3). In one or more embodiments, the target secondary node 308 includes the measurement IDs and corresponding measurement objects and reporting configuration (CPC condition) in the prepared CPC configuration of the target cell PSCell 4. In one or more embodiments, the generated measurement IDs, measurement objects, and reporting configuration are associated with a conditional measurement event.

[0157] In one or more embodiments, at operation 635, the target secondary node 308 transmits the CPC configuration of PSCell 4. In one or more embodiments, the configuration is sent to the master node 302 with the physical cell identity of PSCell 4 and the frequencies.

[0158] In one or more embodiments, at operation 640, the master node 302 sends a radio resource control configuration to the user equipment 120. In one or more embodiments, the radio resource control configuration includes: CPC configuration 1 of PSCell 2 associated with CPC condition 1. In one or more embodiments, the CPC condition 1 includes measurement ID 1, where measurement ID 1 refers to the ID in the serving PSCell 1 measurement configuration. In one or more embodiments, the CPC configuration 1 of PSCell 2 contains measurement ID 3 and measurement ID 4, the measurement IDs and associated measurement objects and reporting configuration are decided by the target secondary node 306. In one or more embodiments, the radio resource control configuration includes: CPC configuration 2 of PSCell 3 associated with CPC condition 2. In one or more embodiments, the CPC condition 2 includes measurement ID 1, where measurement ID 1 refers to the ID in the serving PSCell 1 measurement configuration. In one or more embodiments, the CPC configuration 2 of PSCell 3 contains measurement ID 3 and measurement ID 4, the measurement IDs and associated measurement objects and reporting configuration are decided by the target secondary node 306. In one or more embodiments, the radio resource control configuration includes: CPC configuration 3 of PSCell 4 associated with CPC condition 3. In one or more embodiments, the CPC condition 3 includes measurement ID 2, where measurement ID 2 refers to the ID in the serving PSCell 1 measurement configuration. In one or more embodiments, the CPC configuration 3 of PSCell 4 contains measurement ID 6 and measurement ID 7, the measurement IDs and associated measurement objects and reporting configuration are decided by the target secondary node 308. In one or more embodiments, the master node 302 sends the physical cell identity and frequencies of the CPC configuration to the user equipment 120.

[0159] In one or more embodiments, at operation 560, the user equipment 120 sends a radio resource control reconfiguration complete to the master node 302.

[0160] In one or more embodiments, at operation 565, the user equipment 120 evaluates the CPC condition 1, the CPC condition 2, and the CPC condition 3 configured by the PSCell 1.

[0161] In one or more embodiments, at operation 570, the CPC condition 1 of the PSCell 2 is met. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 120 executes the CPC configuration 1 and keeps the CPC configurations 2 and 3.

[0162] In one or more embodiments, at operation 575, the user equipment 120 keeps the CPC configurations 1 and 2, but releases their respective CPC conditions. This is technically advantageous because the respective conditions are configured by the source PSCell 1 and are not optimal for the CPC from the PSCell 2. Instead, the CPC configuration 1 of the target PSCell 2 (now serving cell) contains the measurement ID 3 and the measurement ID 4 for future evaluation, reducing the overhead. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 120 releases the association between the CPC configurations and the CPC conditions.

[0163] In one or more embodiments, at operation 580, the user equipment 120 sends a radio resource control reconfiguration complete to the master node 302.

[0164] In one or more embodiments, at operation 585, the master node 302 confirms the secondary node cell change to the source secondary node 304.

[0165] In one or more embodiments, at operation 590, the master node 302 confirms the secondary node reconfiguration complete to the target secondary node 306.

[0166] In one or more embodiments, at operation 595, the user equipment 120 completes a random access procedure associated with the target secondary node 306. In one or more embodiments, the random access procedure is associated with the PSCell 2.

[0167] In one or more embodiments, at operation 598, the master node 302 performs a user equipment context release towards the source secondary node 304.

[0168] In one or more embodiments, at operation 650, the user equipment evaluates the measurement ID 3 and the measurement ID 4 configured by the CPC configuration 1 for evaluation of the CPC condition associated with the CPC configuration 2 and the CPC configuration 3. In one or more embodiments, the measurement ID 3 and the measurement ID 4 are evaluated in association with a conditional measurement event. In one or more embodiments, the evaluation of the measurement ID 3 and the measurement ID 4 is done with a conditional report.

[0169] In one or more embodiments, at operation 655, the user equipment 120 executes the respective CPC configuration in case the measurement ID 3 or the measurement ID 4 is satisfied for the target PSCell 3 or the PSCell 4. In one or more embodiments, when the target PSCell satisfies the CPC condition, the user equipment 120 checks whether it has the CPC configuration for the target PSCell that satisfies the CPC condition. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment checks by using the physical cell identity and the frequency associated with each CPC configuration. Thus, the user equipment will not have to decode the CPC configuration to get the physical cell identity of the target PSCell and check whether the CPC condition is satisfied for the prepared PSCell.

[0170] The embodiments of the preceding two figures provide technical advantages. The overhead is reduced by eliminating the need for radio resource control reconfiguration after each cell switch. The user equipment applies cell individual offsets and / or conditional PSCell addition or change conditions optimized with respect to each pair of source secondary node and target secondary node. Furthermore, the signaling on the Xn interface is simple without nested signaling.

[0171] Reference is now made to Figure 7 FIG. 13 illustrates an example flow diagram of a process 700 performed by an apparatus associated with or otherwise in communication with a base station 140, to cause transmission of a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0172] As Figure 7As shown in block 710, the apparatus implemented by base station 140 includes components such as processing circuitry 220, communication interface 260, etc., for receiving a measurement configuration request from master node (302) by target secondary node (306), wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies. In one or more embodiments, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values. In one or more embodiments, the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement quantities. In one or more embodiments, the measurement configuration request includes: a target secondary cell group master cell set (PSCell 2 and PSCell 3 controlled by target secondary node 306). In one or more embodiments, the apparatus implemented by base station 140 includes components such as processing circuitry 220, communication interface 260, etc., for determining one or more measurement ID values ​​based on one or more specific frequencies. In one or more embodiments, the one or more measurement configurations include: measurement objects and reporting configurations for each of the one or more specific measurement ID values.

[0173] like Figure 7 As shown in block 720, the apparatus implemented by base station 140 includes components such as processing circuitry 220, communication interface 260, etc., for determining, based on a measurement configuration request, a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations (CPC1 and CPC2) associated with a set of primary cells of a target secondary cell group (PSCell 2 and PSCell 3 controlled by the target secondary node 306) by a target secondary node (306), wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations (CPC1 and CPC2) includes one or more measurement configurations. In one or more embodiments, each of the one or more measurement configurations includes a measurement object and a reporting configuration. In one or more embodiments, the one or more measurement configurations include a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of one or more specific measurement ID values. In one or more embodiments, the one or more measurement configurations include a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of one or more specific measurement quantities.

[0174] like Figure 7 As shown in block 730, the apparatus implemented by base station 140 includes components such as processing circuit system 220, communication interface 260, etc., for sending conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration sets (CPC1 and CPC2) to master node (302) for sending the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration sets (CPC1 and CPC2).

[0175] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus implemented by the base station 140 includes means, such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, etc., for receiving, from the master node (302), an embedded measurement configuration request initiated by a source secondary node (304). In one or more embodiments, the embedded measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus implemented by the base station 140 includes means, such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, etc., for receiving, by the master node (302), from a target secondary node (306), a conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set (CPC1 and CPC2) comprising one or more measurement configurations.

[0176] Referring now to Figure 8 , an example flowchart of a process 800 performed by an apparatus implemented by, associated with, or otherwise in communication with the user equipment 120 (hereinafter collectively referred to as implemented by the user equipment 120) to receive a conditional secondary cell group master cell change condition set associated with one or more target secondary cell groups master cells.

[0177] As shown in block 810 of Figure 8 , the apparatus implemented by the user equipment 120 includes means, such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, etc., for receiving, by the user equipment (120), from the secondary node (304), a measurement request associated with one or more specific frequencies.

[0178] As shown in block 820 of Figure 8 , the apparatus implemented by the user equipment 120 includes means, such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, etc., for performing one or more measurements of one or more target master cells of a secondary cell group (PSCell 2, 3, and 4) based on the one or more specific frequencies.

[0179] As shown in block 830 of Figure 8 , the apparatus implemented by the user equipment 120 includes means, such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, etc., for sending, to the secondary node (304), a measurement report based on the one or more measurement results. In one or more embodiments, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set comprises at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus implemented by the user equipment 120 includes means, such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, etc., for performing one of the change configurations (e.g., CPC1 or CPC2 or CPC3) in the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set. In one or more embodiments, the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set comprises at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration.

[0180] like Figure 8 As shown in block 840, the apparatus implemented by user equipment 120 includes components such as processing circuitry 220, communication interface 260, etc., for receiving a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations (CPC1, CPC2, and CPC3) configured by one or more target secondary nodes (target SN-2 (306) and target SN-3 (308)).

[0181] like Figure 8 As shown in block 850, the apparatus implemented by user equipment 120 includes components such as processing circuitry 220, communication interface 260, etc., for receiving a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions (conditions associated with CPC1, CPC2, and CPC3) associated with at least one of the target secondary cell group primary cells (PSCell 2, PSCell 3, and PSCell 4).

[0182] For reference Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an example flowchart of a process 900 performed by a device implemented by, associated with, or otherwise communicating with user equipment 120 (collectively referred to as "implemented by user equipment 120"), to retain a change configuration in the set of change configurations for the primary cell of the secondary cell group.

[0183] like Figure 9 As shown in box 910, the apparatus implemented by user equipment 120 includes components such as processing circuitry 220, communication interface 260, etc., for releasing the set of conditions for changing conditions of the secondary cell group primary cell (conditions associated with CPC1, CPC2, and CPC3).

[0184] like Figure 9 As shown in box 920, the apparatus implemented by user equipment 120 includes components such as processing circuitry 220, communication interface 260, etc., for reserving a change configuration (CPC1, CPC2, and CPC3) in the set of change configurations for the secondary cell group primary cell.

[0185] like Figure 9 As shown in optional box 930, the apparatus implemented by user equipment 120 includes components for evaluating a change configuration retained in the set of change configurations for the secondary cell group primary cell, such as processing circuitry 220, communication interface 260, etc.

[0186] like Figure 9The apparatus implemented by the user equipment 120 includes, as indicated by optional block 940, means, such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, etc., for performing one of the retained change configurations in the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set based on the evaluation.

[0187] Figures 7-9 A flow diagram that illustrates a method in accordance with the example embodiments of this disclosure is shown in FIG. 10. It will be understood that each block of the flow diagram, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and / or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above can be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above can be stored by a memory device 240 of an apparatus employing an embodiment, executed by a processor 220 of the apparatus, and / or the like. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flow diagrams block(s). These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the functions specified in the flow diagrams block(s). The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which reside on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagrams block(s).

[0188] Accordingly, blocks of the flow diagrams support combinations for performing the specified functions, combinations of operations for performing the specified functions and combinations of both. One will also appreciate that one or more blocks of the flow diagrams, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform some or all of the specified functions, or combinations of some or all of the specified functions.

[0189] Many modifications and other embodiments with respect to the methods and systems described herein will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and the attached drawings. Therefore, the specific embodiments set forth herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the claims of the disclosure and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s) that causes

[0190] Furthermore, although example embodiments have been described in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other combinations of elements and / or functions are also possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order or by different actors without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition, it is to be understood that features described herein are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and that the scope of the disclosure is not to be limited to the details given herein, but can be capable of other adaptations and / or combinations.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by a target secondary node, a measurement configuration request from a master node, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies; determining, by the target secondary node, a set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations based on the measurement configuration request, the set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations being associated with a set of target secondary node group primary cells, wherein the set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations comprises one or more measurement configurations; and sending the set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations to the master node.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein each measurement configuration of the one or more measurement configurations comprises: measurement objects and reporting configurations.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the one or more measurement configurations comprise: measurement objects and reporting configurations for each of the one or more specific measurement ID values.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the measurement configuration request comprises: the set of target secondary node group primary cells.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: determining one or more measurement ID values based on the one or more specific frequencies.

7. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1-6, further comprising: receiving, from the master node, an embedded measurement configuration request initiated by a source secondary node.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, further comprising: sending the set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations to the master node, the set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations comprising the one or more measurement configurations.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the embedded measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement quantities.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the one or more measurement configurations comprise: measurement objects and reporting configurations for each of the one or more specific measurement quantities.

12. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by a user equipment from a secondary node, a measurement request associated with one or more specific frequencies; performing one or more measurements of one or more target secondary node group primary cells based on the one or more specific frequencies; sending a measurement report to the secondary node based on the one or more measurements; receiving a set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations configured by one or more target secondary nodes; and receiving a set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change conditions associated with at least one of the one or more target secondary node group primary cells.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set comprises: at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, further comprising: performing one of the set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprising: releasing the set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change conditions; and retaining one of the set of conditional secondary node group primary cell change configurations.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, further comprising: evaluate the retained one of the set of conditional SCG MCG change configurations.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, further comprising: based on the evaluation, executing the retained one of the set of conditional SCG MCG change configurations.

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 17, wherein the conditional secondary cell group master cell change configuration set comprises: at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration.

19. A target secondary node, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to perform: receiving, from a master node, a measurement configuration request, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies; based on the measurement configuration request, determining a set of conditional SCG MCG change configurations, the set of conditional SCG MCG change configurations being associated with a set of target SCG MCGs, wherein the set of conditional SCG MCG change configurations comprises one or more measurement configurations; and sending, to the master node, the set of conditional SCG MCG change configurations.

20. The target secondary node of Claim 19, wherein each measurement configuration of the one or more measurement configurations comprises: measurement objects and reporting configurations.

21. The target secondary node of claim 19, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

22. The target secondary node of Claim 21, wherein the one or more measurement configurations comprise: measurement objects and reporting configurations for each ID value of the one or more specific measurement ID values.

23. The target secondary node of Claim 19, wherein the measurement configuration request comprises: the set of target SCG MCGs.

24. The target secondary node of claim 19, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to: determine one or more measurement ID values based on the one or more specific frequencies.

25. The target secondary node of any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to: receive, from the master node, an embedded measurement configuration request initiated by a source secondary node.

26. The target secondary node of claim 25, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the target secondary node to: send, to the master node, the set of conditional SCG MCG change configurations, the set of conditional SCG MCG change configurations comprising the one or more measurement configurations.

27. The target secondary node of claim 25, wherein the embedded measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

28. The target secondary node of claim 19, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement quantities.

29. The target secondary node of Claim 28, wherein the one or more measurement configurations comprise: measurement objects and reporting configurations for each specific measurement quantity of the one or more specific measurement quantities.

30. A user equipment, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to perform: receiving, from a secondary node, a measurement request associated with one or more specific frequencies; performing one or more measurements of one or more target secondary cell group primary cells based on the one or more specific frequencies; sending, to the secondary node, a measurement report based on the one or more measurements; receiving a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations configured by one or more target secondary nodes; and receiving a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions associated with at least one target secondary cell group primary cell of the one or more target secondary cell group primary cells.

31. The user equipment of claim 30, wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group master cell change configurations comprises: at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency.

32. The user equipment of claim 30, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: perform one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

33. The user equipment of claim 32, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: release the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions; and retain one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

34. The user equipment of claim 33, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: evaluate the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

35. The user equipment of claim 34, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: perform, based on the evaluation, the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

36. The user equipment of claim 30, wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group master cell change configurations comprises: at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration.

37. A target secondary node, comprising: means for receiving, from a master node, a measurement configuration request, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies; means for determining, based on the measurement configuration request, a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations being associated with a set of target secondary cell group primary cells, wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations comprises one or more measurement configurations; and means for sending, to the master node, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

38. The target secondary node of Claim 37, wherein each measurement configuration of the one or more measurement configurations comprises: a measurement object and a reporting configuration.

39. The target secondary node of claim 37, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

40. The target secondary node of Claim 39, wherein the one or more measurement configurations comprise: a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each ID value of the one or more specific measurement ID values.

41. The target secondary node of Claim 37, wherein the measurement configuration request comprises: the set of target secondary cell group primary cells.

42. The target secondary node of claim 37, further comprising: means for determining, based on the one or more specific frequencies, one or more measurement ID values. at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency.

32. The user equipment of claim 30, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: perform one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

33. The user equipment of claim 32, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: release the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions; and retain one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

34. The user equipment of claim 33, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: evaluate the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations.

35. The user equipment of claim 34, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: perform, based on the evaluation, the retained one of the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations. at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration.

37. A target secondary node, comprising: means for receiving, from a master node, a measurement configuration request, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific frequencies; means for determining, based on the measurement configuration request, a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations being associated with a set of target secondary cell group primary cells, wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations comprises one or more measurement configurations; and means for sending, to the master node, the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configurations. a measurement object and a reporting configuration.

39. The target secondary node of claim 37, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values. a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each ID value of the one or more specific measurement ID values. the set of target secondary cell group primary cells. means for determining, based on the one or more specific frequencies, one or more measurement ID values.

43. The target secondary node of any of claims 37-42, further comprising: means for receiving an embedded measurement configuration request from the master node (302).

44. The target secondary node of claim 43, further comprising: means for sending the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set to the master node, the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set comprising the one or more measurement configurations.

45. The target secondary node of claim 43, wherein the embedded measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement ID values.

46. The target secondary node of claim 37, wherein the measurement configuration request is associated with one or more specific measurement quantities.

47. The target secondary node of Claim 46, wherein the one or more measurement configurations comprise: a measurement object and a reporting configuration for each of the one or more specific measurement quantities.

48. A user equipment comprising: means for receiving a measurement request from a secondary node associated with one or more specific frequencies; means for performing one or more measurements of one or more target secondary cell group primary cells based on the one or more specific frequencies; means for sending a measurement report to the secondary node based on the one or more measurements; means for receiving a conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set configured by one or more target secondary nodes; and means for receiving a set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions associated with at least one of the one or more target secondary cell group primary cells.

49. The user equipment of claim 48, wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group master cell change configurations comprises: at least one physical cell identity and at least one frequency.

50. The user equipment of claim 48, further comprising: means for executing one of the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set.

51. The user equipment of claim 50, further comprising: means for releasing the set of conditional secondary cell group primary cell change conditions; and means for retaining one of the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set.

52. The user equipment of claim 51, further comprising: means for evaluating the retained one of the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set.

53. The user equipment of claim 52, further comprising: based on the evaluation, means for executing the retained one of the conditional secondary cell group primary cell change configuration set.

54. The user equipment of claim 53, wherein the set of conditional secondary cell group master cell change configurations comprises: at least one measurement ID, at least one measurement object, and at least one reporting configuration.

55. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1-11.

56. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 12-18.

Images