Spectrum aggregation for robust connectivity

Abstract

The present application relates to spectrum aggregation for robust connectivity. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes sending, based at least in part on detecting an impending radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request to at least one second cell that is active, wherein the activation request includes a spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource, and switching to a radio link associated with the at least one second cell that is active based at least in part on an indication from a network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically to spectrum aggregation for robust connectivity. Background Technology

[0002] Cellular communication systems can be built on top of one or more protocols that control how data and / or information is exchanged, for example, between users and the network. These protocols can be divided into a user plane (UP) portion and a control plane (CP) portion. The UP can be dedicated to the actual task of transmitting data / information between users and the network, while the CP can be dedicated to ensuring that the UP is / maintains operational status. The CP can be used to establish the UP. The CP can also ensure the functionality of the UP, particularly its uninterrupted operation. Even in the event of (multiple) cell failures (e.g., Packet Data Unit (PDU) sessions and / or Quality of Service (QoS) streams or slicing, etc.), providing and / or ensuring robust connectivity and / or connectivity for spectrum resources may be preferred. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided for several aspects. Additional aspects, advantages, and / or features are defined in the dependent claims, the description, and / or the drawings.

[0004] In the first example, an apparatus may be provided, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, and using at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell, activation of at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell is requested, the at least one spectrum resource being configured for spectrum aggregation. The radio link is switched to at least one second cell based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0005] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example, wherein the indication is used to indicate that at least one second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell.

[0006] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection of an impending RLF (Remote Link Fault) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0007] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is pre-stored in the apparatus.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Based on the Radio Resource Reconfiguration (RRC) message received from the network node, at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is determined.

[0009] In an example embodiment that may be referred to as the first example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: An RLF (Radio Link Detection Fault) is about to occur, which is associated with at least one first cell.

[0010] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly a first example embodiment according to the first example described herein, wherein an RLF (Restricted Link Failure) is detected to be about to occur on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, and a request is initiated to activate at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0012] In an example embodiment, which may be referred to as the first example, a device is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein and / or the first example, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: At least one spectrum resource is determined to be designated for spectrum aggregation, based at least in part on another indication from at least one first cell.

[0013] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly a second example embodiment according to the first example described herein, wherein another indication is received prior to the detection that an RLF (Resonance Frequency Failure) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0014] In an example embodiment of the third example embodiment, which may be referred to as the first example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein and / or the first example, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell includes at least one radio resource control (RRC) parameter for modifying at least one second cell to replace at least one first cell.

[0015] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly a third example embodiment according to the first example described herein, wherein at least one RRC parameter includes at least one of the following: - Additional Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources, - Rules for when to activate at least one second cell - Resources used for cell activation include at least one of the following: cell activation preamble, random access channel (RACH), or uplink (UL) grant, or - Carrier preference for at least one second cell.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Data is transmitted via a radio link associated with at least one second cell using at least one spectrum resource.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the first exemplary and / or associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: After switching to a radio link associated with at least one second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0018] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0019] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one second cell is a secondary cell (SCell).

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment (UE), or wherein the apparatus is included in a UE.

[0021] Furthermore, in particular according to the first example, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, and using at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell, activation of at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell is requested, the at least one spectrum resource being configured for spectrum aggregation. The radio link is switched to at least one second cell based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0022] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example, wherein the indication is used to indicate that at least one second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell.

[0023] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection of an impending RLF (Remote Link Fault) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0024] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is pre-stored in the apparatus.

[0025] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: Based on the Radio Resource Reconfiguration (RRC) message received from the network node, at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is determined.

[0026] In an example embodiment that may be referred to as the first example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein and / or the first example, wherein the component is further configured to: An RLF (Radio Link Detection Fault) is about to occur, which is associated with at least one first cell.

[0027] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly a first example embodiment according to the first example described herein, wherein an RLF (Restricted Link Failure) is detected to be about to occur on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, and a request is initiated to activate at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0028] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0029] In an example embodiment that may be referred to as the first example, a device is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein and / or the first example, wherein the component is further configured to: At least one spectrum resource is determined to be designated for spectrum aggregation, based at least in part on another indication from at least one first cell.

[0030] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly a second example embodiment according to the first example described herein, wherein another indication is received prior to the detection that an RLF (Resonance Frequency Failure) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0031] In an example embodiment of the third example embodiment, which may be referred to as the first example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein and / or the first example, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell includes at least one radio resource control (RRC) parameter for modifying at least one second cell to replace at least one first cell.

[0032] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly a third example embodiment according to the first example described herein, wherein at least one RRC parameter includes at least one of the following: - Additional Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources, - Rules for when to activate at least one second cell - Resources used for cell activation include at least one of the following: cell activation preamble, random access channel (RACH), or uplink (UL) grant, or - Carrier preference for at least one second cell.

[0033] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: Data is transmitted via a radio link associated with at least one second cell using at least one spectrum resource.

[0034] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: After switching to a radio link associated with at least one second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0035] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0036] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one second cell is a secondary cell (SCell).

[0037] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment (UE), or wherein the apparatus is included in a UE.

[0038] In the second example, a method is provided, including: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, and using at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell, activation of at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell is requested, the at least one spectrum resource being configured for spectrum aggregation. The radio link is switched to at least one second cell based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0039] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example, wherein the indication is used to indicate that at least one second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell.

[0040] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection of an impending RLF (Remote Link Fault) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0041] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is pre-stored in the device.

[0042] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: Based on the Radio Resource Reconfiguration (RRC) message received from the network node, at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is determined.

[0043] In an example embodiment of the first example embodiment, which may be referred to as the second example, a method is provided, particularly according to the second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, the method comprising: An RLF (Radio Link Detection Fault) is about to occur, which is associated with at least one first cell.

[0044] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly a first example embodiment according to the second example described herein, wherein an RLF (Resonance Level Default) is detected to be about to occur on a radio link associated with at least one first cell and a request is initiated to activate at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0045] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, the method comprising: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0046] In an example embodiment that may be referred to as the second example, a method is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein and / or the second example, the method comprising: At least one spectrum resource is determined to be designated for spectrum aggregation, based at least in part on another indication from at least one first cell.

[0047] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly a second example embodiment according to the second example described herein, wherein another indication is received prior to the detection that an RLF (Resonance Frequency) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0048] In an example embodiment that may be referred to as the second example, a method is provided, particularly according to the second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell includes at least one radio resource control (RRC) parameter for modifying at least one second cell to replace at least one first cell.

[0049] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly a third example embodiment according to the second example described herein, wherein at least one RRC parameter includes at least one of the following: - Additional Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources, - Rules for when to activate at least one second cell - Resources used for cell activation include at least one of the following: cell activation preamble, random access channel (RACH), or uplink (UL) grant, or - Carrier preference for at least one second cell.

[0050] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, the method comprising: Data is transmitted via a radio link associated with at least one second cell using at least one spectrum resource.

[0051] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, the method comprising: After switching to a radio link associated with at least one second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0052] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0053] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a second example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one second cell is a secondary cell (SCell).

[0054] In the third example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a means (particularly according to the first example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein), cause operation, including: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, and using at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell, activation of at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell is requested, the at least one spectrum resource being configured for spectrum aggregation. The radio link is switched to at least one second cell based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0055] The third example may also include one or more steps and / or features of the methods described in the second example and / or any associated example embodiments.

[0056] In the fourth example, an apparatus may be provided, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one active second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, the radio link is switched to the one associated with at least one active second cell.

[0057] In an example embodiment of the first example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the fourth example, wherein the indication is used to indicate activation of at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0058] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one spectrum resource is an inactive spectrum resource of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0059] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or a first example embodiment of the fourth example, wherein at least one spectrum resource is an active spectrum resource.

[0060] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one spectrum resource is a backup spectrum resource included in at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is designated for spectrum aggregation.

[0061] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is sent via uplink control information (UCI) to at least one active second cell.

[0062] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments of the fourth example and / or described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, assign at least one broadcast resource to at least one active second cell.

[0063] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the second example embodiment of the fourth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

[0064] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the first example embodiment of the fourth example and / or the second example embodiment of the fourth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource is a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0065] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell includes data indicating when inactive spectrum resources become available for activation.

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: The successful activation of spectrum aggregation is determined at least in part based on indications from network nodes.

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, it is determined that at least one active second cell has been configured to take over from at least one first cell.

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: After switching to the radio link associated with at least one active second cell, data is transmitted to at least one active second cell using at least one spectrum resource.

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated exemplary embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: After switching to the radio link associated with at least one active second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0070] In an example embodiment of the third example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is initiated upon detecting that an RLF (Resonance Flow Fault) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0071] In an example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0072] In an example embodiment of the fifth example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection of an impending RLF (Remote Link Fault) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0073] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly any one of the third example embodiment of the fourth example, the fourth example embodiment of the fourth example, and / or the fifth example embodiment of the fourth example, wherein the message from the network node is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0074] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0075] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one active second cell is a secondary cell (SCell).

[0076] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment (UE), or wherein the apparatus is included in a UE.

[0077] Furthermore, in particular according to the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one active second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, the radio link is switched to the one associated with at least one active second cell.

[0078] In an example embodiment of the first example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the fourth example, wherein the indication is used to indicate activation of at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0079] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one spectrum resource is an inactive spectrum resource of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0080] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or a first example embodiment of the fourth example, wherein at least one spectrum resource is an active spectrum resource.

[0081] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one spectrum resource is a backup spectrum resource included in at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is designated for spectrum aggregation.

[0082] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is sent via uplink control information (UCI) to at least one active second cell.

[0083] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments of the fourth example and / or described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: Using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, assign at least one broadcast resource to at least one active second cell.

[0084] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the second example embodiment of the fourth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

[0085] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the first example embodiment of the fourth example and / or the second example embodiment of the fourth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource is a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0086] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell includes data indicating when inactive spectrum resources become available for activation.

[0087] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: The successful activation of spectrum aggregation is determined at least in part based on indications from network nodes.

[0088] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, it is determined that at least one active second cell has been configured to take over from at least one first cell.

[0089] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: After switching to the radio link associated with at least one active second cell, data is transmitted to at least one active second cell using at least one spectrum resource.

[0090] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: After switching to the radio link associated with at least one active second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0091] In an example embodiment of the third example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is initiated upon detecting that an RLF (Resonance Flow Fault) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0092] In an example embodiment of the fourth example, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein and / or the fourth example, wherein the component is further configured to: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0093] In an example embodiment of the fifth example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fourth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection of an impending RLF (Remote Link Fault) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0094] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly any one of the third example embodiment of the fourth example, the fourth example embodiment of the fourth example, and / or the fifth example embodiment of the fourth example, wherein the message from the network node is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0095] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0096] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one active second cell is a secondary cell (SCell).

[0097] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment (UE), or wherein the apparatus is included in a UE.

[0098] In the fifth example, a method is provided, including: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one active second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, the radio link is switched to the one associated with at least one active second cell.

[0099] In an example embodiment of the first example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fifth example, a method is provided, particularly according to the fifth example, wherein the indication is used to indicate activation of at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0100] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to the fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one spectrum resource is an inactive spectrum resource of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0101] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a fifth example and / or a first example embodiment of the fifth example, wherein at least one spectrum resource is an active spectrum resource.

[0102] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one spectrum resource is a backup spectrum resource included in at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is designated for spectrum aggregation.

[0103] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to the fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is sent via uplink control information (UCI) to at least one active second cell.

[0104] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fifth example, a method is provided, particularly according to the fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the components are further configured to: Using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, assign at least one broadcast resource to at least one active second cell.

[0105] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fifth example, a method is provided, particularly according to the second example embodiment of the fifth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

[0106] In the example embodiments, a method is provided, particularly according to the first example embodiment of the fifth example and / or the second example embodiment of the fifth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource is a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0107] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell includes data indicating when inactive spectrum resources become available for activation.

[0108] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: The successful activation of spectrum aggregation is determined at least in part based on indications from network nodes.

[0109] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, it is determined that at least one active second cell has been configured to take over from at least one first cell.

[0110] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: After switching to the radio link associated with at least one active second cell, data is transmitted to at least one active second cell using at least one spectrum resource.

[0111] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to a fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: After switching to the radio link associated with at least one active second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0112] In an example embodiment of the third example embodiment, which may be referred to as the fifth example, a method is provided, particularly according to the fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is initiated upon detecting that an RLF (Resonance Level Failure) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0113] In an example embodiment that may be referred to as the fifth example, a method is provided, particularly according to any of the associated example embodiments described herein and / or the fifth example, wherein the method comprises: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0114] In an example embodiment of the fifth example, which may be referred to as the fifth example, a method is provided, particularly according to the fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection that an RLF associated with the radio link of at least one first cell is about to occur.

[0115] In the example embodiments, a method is provided, particularly according to any one of the third example embodiment of the fifth example, the fifth example embodiment of the fifth example, and / or the fifth example embodiment of the fifth example, wherein the message from the network node is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0116] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to the fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0117] In the example embodiments, a method is provided, particularly according to the fifth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one active second cell is a secondary cell (SCell).

[0118] In the sixth example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device (particularly according to the fourth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein), cause operation including: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one active second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, the radio link is switched to the one associated with at least one active second cell.

[0119] The sixth example may also include one or more steps and / or features of the methods described in the fifth example and / or any associated example embodiments.

[0120] In the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one inactive second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, a switch is made to a radio link associated with at least one inactive second cell.

[0121] In an example embodiment of the first example embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the seventh example, wherein an activation request is sent using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell.

[0122] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the first example embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one backup configuration includes at least one broadcast resource for cell activation.

[0123] In an example embodiment of the third example embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly any of the first example embodiment of the seventh example and / or the second example embodiment of the seventh example, wherein an activation request is sent to at least one inactive second cell using at least one broadcast resource for cell activation included in at least one backup configuration.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment of the fourth exemplary embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly any one of the second exemplary embodiment and / or the third exemplary embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, at least one broadcast resource for cell activation is assigned to at least one inactive second cell.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly any one of the second exemplary embodiment, the third exemplary embodiment, and / or the third exemplary embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one broadcast resource for cell activation includes at least one of the following: - Community activation preamble - Random Access Channel (RACH), or - Uplink (UL) authorization.

[0126] In an example embodiment of the fifth example embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any one of the second example embodiment, the third example embodiment, and / or the fourth example embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

[0127] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly any one of the second example embodiment of the seventh example, the third example embodiment of the seventh example, and / or the fourth example embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one broadcast resource is a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0128] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: It was determined that no spectrum resources were available to send an activation request to at least one inactive second cell.

[0129] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Based on the indication from the network node, it was determined that the spectrum aggregation was successful.

[0130] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Based on instructions from network nodes, it is determined that at least one inactive second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell.

[0131] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein an indication is received via at least one of the following: - Low-level signals, or - Wake-up Signal (WUS) - type of signal.

[0132] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: After switching to the radio link of at least one inactive second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0133] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the seventh example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is initiated upon detecting that an RLF (Resonance Flow Fault) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0134] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0135] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the seventh example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection of an impending RFL (Radio Frequency Limit) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0136] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the seventh example and / or any of the example embodiments associated with it described herein, wherein the message from the network node is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0137] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one inactive second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0138] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one second cell is a secondary cell (Scell).

[0139] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment (UE), or wherein the apparatus is included in the UE.

[0140] Furthermore, in particular according to the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one inactive second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, a switch is made to a radio link associated with at least one inactive second cell.

[0141] In an example embodiment of the first example embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the seventh example, wherein an activation request is sent using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell.

[0142] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the first example embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one backup configuration includes at least one broadcast resource for cell activation.

[0143] In an example embodiment of the third example embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly any of the first example embodiment of the seventh example and / or the second example embodiment of the seventh example, wherein an activation request is sent to at least one inactive second cell using at least one broadcast resource for cell activation included in at least one backup configuration.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment of the fourth exemplary embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly any one of the second exemplary embodiment and / or the third exemplary embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, at least one broadcast resource for cell activation is assigned to at least one inactive second cell.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly any one of the second exemplary embodiment, the third exemplary embodiment, and / or the third exemplary embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one broadcast resource for cell activation includes at least one of the following: - Community activation preamble - Random Access Channel (RACH), or - Uplink (UL) authorization.

[0146] In an example embodiment of the fifth example embodiment, which may be referred to as the seventh example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to any one of the second example embodiment, the third example embodiment, and / or the fourth example embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

[0147] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly any one of the second example embodiment of the seventh example, the third example embodiment of the seventh example, and / or the fourth example embodiment of the seventh example, wherein at least one broadcast resource is a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0148] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: It was determined that no spectrum resources were available to send an activation request to at least one inactive second cell.

[0149] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: Based on the indication from the network node, it was determined that the spectrum aggregation was successful.

[0150] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: Based on instructions from network nodes, it is determined that at least one inactive second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell.

[0151] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein an indication is received via at least one of the following: - Low-level signals, or - Wake-up Signal (WUS) - type of signal.

[0152] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: After switching to the radio link of at least one inactive second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0153] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the seventh example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is initiated upon detecting that an RLF (Resonance Flow Fault) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0154] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the component is further configured to: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0155] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the seventh example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection of an impending RFL (Radio Frequency Limit) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0156] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the seventh example and / or any of the example embodiments associated with it described herein, wherein the message from the network node is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0157] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one inactive second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0158] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one second cell is a secondary cell (Scell).

[0159] In the example embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the seventh example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment (UE), or wherein the apparatus is included in the UE.

[0160] In the eighth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one inactive second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, a switch is made to a radio link associated with at least one inactive second cell.

[0161] In an example embodiment of the first example embodiment, which may be referred to as the eighth example, a method is provided, particularly according to the eighth example, wherein an activation request is sent using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell.

[0162] In an example embodiment of the second example embodiment, which may be referred to as the eighth example, a method is provided, particularly according to the first example embodiment of the eighth example, wherein at least one backup configuration includes at least one broadcast resource for cell activation.

[0163] In an example embodiment of the third example embodiment, which may be referred to as the eighth example, a method is provided, particularly according to any one of the first example embodiment of the eighth example and / or the second example embodiment of the eighth example, wherein an activation request is sent to at least one inactive second cell using at least one broadcast resource for cell activation included in at least one backup configuration.

[0164] In an example embodiment of the fourth example embodiment, which may be referred to as the eighth example, a method is provided, particularly according to any one of the second example embodiment and / or the third example embodiment of the eighth example, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, at least one broadcast resource for cell activation is assigned to at least one inactive second cell.

[0165] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to any one of the second example embodiment, the third example embodiment, and / or the third example embodiment of the eighth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource for cell activation includes at least one of the following: - Community activation preamble - Random Access Channel (RACH), or - Uplink (UL) authorization.

[0166] In an example embodiment of the fifth example embodiment, which may be referred to as the eighth example, a method is provided, particularly according to any one of the second example embodiment, the third example embodiment, and / or the fourth example embodiment of the eighth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

[0167] In the example embodiments, a method is provided, particularly according to any one of the second example embodiment of the eighth example, the third example embodiment of the eighth example, and / or the fourth example embodiment of the eighth example, wherein at least one broadcast resource is a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0168] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to an eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: It was determined that no spectrum resources were available to send an activation request to at least one inactive second cell.

[0169] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to an eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: Based on the indication from the network node, it was determined that the spectrum aggregation was successful.

[0170] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to an eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: Based on instructions from network nodes, it is determined that at least one inactive second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell.

[0171] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to the eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein an indication is received via at least one of the following: - Low-level signals, or - Wake-up Signal (WUS) - type of signal.

[0172] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to an eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: After switching to the radio link of at least one inactive second cell, at least one backup configuration is modified based on messages from network nodes.

[0173] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to the eighth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein an activation request is initiated upon detecting that an RLF (Resonance Flow Fault) is about to occur in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0174] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to an eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein the method comprises: The decision to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process is based at least in part on instructions from network nodes.

[0175] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to an eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is available prior to the detection that the RLF of the radio link associated with said at least one first cell is about to occur.

[0176] In the example embodiments, a method is provided, particularly according to the eighth example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein, wherein the message from the network node is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0177] In an example embodiment, a method is provided, particularly according to the eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments described herein, wherein a switch to a radio link associated with at least one inactive second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0178] In the example embodiments, a method is provided, particularly according to the eighth example and / or any of the example embodiments associated herein, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and at least one second cell is a secondary cell (Scell).

[0179] In a ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus (particularly according to the seventh example and / or any of the associated example embodiments described herein), cause operation including: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one inactive second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, a switch is made to a radio link associated with at least one inactive second cell.

[0180] The ninth example may also include one or more steps and / or features of the methods and / or any associated example embodiments described in the eighth example.

[0181] In a tenth example, which may be a combination of any of the example embodiments described herein and / or associated with the example embodiments, an apparatus, particularly a network node, may be provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell configured for spectrum aggregation is activated. Sending an instruction to indicate activation of at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0182] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a tenth example, wherein the indication is used to indicate that a radio link associated with at least one second cell is available for radio link switching.

[0183] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a tenth example, wherein the indication is used to indicate that spectral aggregation activation is successful.

[0184] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the indication is used to indicate that at least one second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell.

[0185] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein the instruction is sent via at least one of the following: - Low-level signals, or - Wake-up signal (WUS) - type of signal, or - At least one spectrum resource that is already active.

[0186] In an example embodiment, which may be referred to as the tenth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly in an example embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the descriptions herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Before an impending RLF (Remote Link Fault) is detected in the radio link associated with at least one first cell, at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell is transmitted.

[0187] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a first example embodiment of the tenth example, wherein a radio resource reconfiguration (RRC) message is used to send at least one backup configuration.

[0188] In an example embodiment, which may be referred to as the tenth example, a device is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the descriptions herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: An RLF (Radio Link Detection Fault) is about to occur, which is associated with at least one first cell.

[0189] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly a second example embodiment according to the tenth example, wherein an imminent transmission of an RLF initiation indication is detected in a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0190] In an example embodiment, which may be referred to as the tenth example, a device is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the descriptions herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Send at least one further indication that at least one spectrum resource is designated for spectrum aggregation.

[0191] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a third example embodiment of the tenth example, wherein a further indication is received prior to the detection that an RLF (Resonance Frequency Failure) of a radio link associated with at least one first cell is about to occur.

[0192] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Data is received using at least one spectrum resource via a radio link associated with at least one second cell.

[0193] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the descriptions herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Send another message to initiate modifications to at least one backup configuration.

[0194] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the examples described herein, wherein at least one second cell is active prior to the detection of an impending RLF (Remote Link Fault) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0195] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the tenth example and / or any of the example embodiments associated with it described herein, wherein at least one spectrum resource is an inactive spectrum resource.

[0196] In an example embodiment of the fourth example embodiment, which may be referred to as the tenth example, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to the tenth example and / or any of the example embodiments associated with it described herein, wherein at least one second cell is inactive until an impending RLF (Remote Link Fault) is detected in the radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0197] In an example embodiment, which may be referred to as the tenth example, a device is provided, particularly according to the fourth example embodiment of the tenth example, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: At least one inactive second cell is activated based at least in part on the detection that an impending RLF (Remote Link Default) is occurring on a radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0198] In an example embodiment, which may be referred to as the tenth example, a device is provided, particularly an example embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the descriptions herein, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: At least one primary cell should be deactivated.

[0199] In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly a fifth example embodiment of the tenth example described herein, wherein at least one first cell is deactivated based on the activation of at least one inactive second cell.

[0200] In an exemplary embodiment, which may be referred to as the tenth example, a device is provided, particularly any of the fifth exemplary embodiments according to the tenth example and / or the sixth example, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Specifically, the configuration associated with at least one first cell is maintained based on the deactivation of at least one first cell.

[0201] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, particularly according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of a tenth example, wherein at least one processor and at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: Based on the detection that the radio link associated with at least one first cell has been restored, at least one first cell is restored using the maintained configuration associated with at least one first cell.

[0202] In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided, particularly an exemplary embodiment associated with the tenth example and / or any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the apparatus is a network node, or wherein the apparatus is included in a network node.

[0203] It should be noted that the features and / or steps described in the tenth example may be defined correspondingly in other examples, such as methods and / or non-transitory computer-readable media. For example, when a feature describing an element "received / sent to an entity," it can be defined as a method step, such as receiving / sending to an entity. One or more steps, features, and / or characteristics of other examples and / or associated example embodiments described herein can be combined with the tenth example, for example, by defining the steps from the perspective of a network node rather than a device (e.g., a UE). Similarly, one or more steps, features, and / or characteristics of other examples and / or associated example embodiments described herein can be modified / formulated from the perspective of a network node rather than a device (e.g., a UE). For example, when a feature / step describes "received / sent to, for example, a UE," it can be defined / combined with the tenth example and / or associated example embodiments as corresponding features / steps respectively describing "sent to / received by a network node." This can be achieved without combining with the tenth example, for example, by making the steps, features, and / or characteristics of other examples and / or associated example embodiments described herein simply formulate from the perspective of a network node rather than a device (e.g., a UE). Attached Figure Description

[0204] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0205] The full disclosure, which is readily available and achievable by one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in more detail in the remainder of the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 Example signaling diagrams based on the topics described in this article are shown; Figure 2 Example signaling diagrams based on the topics described in this article are shown; Figure 3 Example signaling diagrams based on the topics described in this article are shown; Figure 4 Example signaling diagrams based on the topics described in this article are shown; Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example of the topic described in this article is shown; Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example of the topic described in this article is shown; Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example of the topic described in this article, and Figure 8 The apparatus as described herein is shown.

[0206] List of abbreviations 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project BW bandwidth CA carrier aggregation CC component carrier CE control elements CG Community Group CP control plane CSI Channel Status Information CU Central Unit DL downlink DRB Data Radio Bearer DRX discontinuous reception DU Distributed Unit gNB5G Node B HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request HO switching LCID Logical Channel ID MAC Media Access Control MCG main cell group NR New Radio PCell main cell PDU Protocol Data Unit PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) RACH Random Access Channel RAN Radio Access Network RLC Radio Link Control RLF radio link failure RRC Radio Resource Control SCell Auxiliary Community SR scheduling request SRB signaling radio bearer TCI Transport Configuration Indicator UE User Equipment UL uplink URLLC Ultra-Low Latency UP User Plane WUS wake-up signal List of reference numerals 800 device 810 monitor 820 processor 830 memory Detailed Implementation Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following description of the drawings, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components. Generally, only differences with respect to the various embodiments may be described. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used on or in combination with other embodiments to produce further embodiments. This specification is intended to include such modifications and variations.

[0207] The accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams not drawn to scale. Some elements in the drawings may be enlarged to highlight aspects of this disclosure and / or for clarity.

[0208] Cellular communication systems can be built on one or more protocols that control how data and / or information is exchanged, for example, between users and the network. These protocols can be divided into a user plane (UP) portion and a control plane (CP) portion. The UP can be dedicated to the actual task of sending data / information between users and the network, while the CP can be dedicated to ensuring that the UP is / maintains operational status. The CP can be used to establish the UP. The CP can also ensure the functionality of the UP, particularly uninterrupted operation. Even in the event of cell failure, it may be preferable to provide spectrum resources and / or ensure robust connectivity and / or connectivity.

[0209] An example protocol that can be used for CP is Radio Resource Control (RRC) or an RRC protocol. For example, this can define mechanisms for establishing connections, establishing other (e.g., UP) protocol layers, and / or changing or reconfiguring their parameters, as well as various procedures designed to maintain UP and / or CP operation. RRC protocols can also provide RRC configuration options.

[0210] A “Radio Link Failure” (RLF) can refer to the condition, state, and / or condition of a link (e.g., a communication link or a radio link) between two parties (e.g., two devices, such as a user equipment (UE) and a network node), in which the link becomes unstable, volatile, unstable, fragile, deteriorates (e.g., becomes (worse) in quality), and / or fails or is about to fail. It can also refer to a situation in which the connection provided by the link cannot be maintained, for example, partially or completely. The occurrence of an RLF can result in the loss of service, functionality, and / or the connection itself. An RLF can be caused, for example, by low signal strength (e.g., moving out of coverage), high interference (e.g., due to other devices), hardware failure (e.g., a UE or a network node), network congestion (e.g., resulting in resource unavailability and / or poor link quality) (e.g., due to environmental factors such as obstacles and / or weather).

[0211] Determining that an RLF is “imminent” can be understood as identifying, detecting, and / or noticing that a radio link is deteriorating and may or will fail. This can be referred to as an impending RLF, a soon-to-be-occurring RLF, a nearby RLF, an upcoming RLF, a near RLF, a potential RLF, and / or a looming RLF (these terms are used interchangeably herein). In other words, the link may deteriorate to the point where reliable communication cannot be supported. Determining an RLF can be performed by a device (e.g., a UE and / or a network node). For example, a UE can monitor, observe, observe, measure, monitor, and / or track a link, such as a radio link, to determine and / or detect an impending RLF. In other words, a UE can detect an impending RLF by (particularly continuously) monitoring at least one of the following: signal strength, quality, error rate, synchronization, and / or interference level. By identifying such warning signs early, the UE and / or network node can take proactive measures to avoid a complete link / connectivity failure. There are several ways to do this. For example, a UE can (particularly continuously) monitor the quality of the radio link and / or radio signals. It can perform i) signal quality measurements, including measuring the strength of at least one reference signal (Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP), which can be threshold-based; for example, if RSRP drops below a predefined threshold, the UE can consider the link to be at risk of failure. It can measure signal quality relative to noise and / or interference (Reference Signal Received Quality, RSRQ); for example, a sharp drop in RSRQ can indicate deteriorating link conditions and an impending RLF. It can determine ii) error rates and / or decoding failures, including block error rate (BLER), such as tracking the error rate in received data blocks, which can be threshold-based; for example, a high BLER can indicate the link is becoming unreliable; HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) retransmissions; for example, the UE can monitor the number of retransmissions required for successful data decoding, where frequent and / or excessive retransmissions may indicate link deterioration. It can determine iii) timing advance (TA) drift; for example, large and / or frequent changes in TA values ​​can indicate problems with signal propagation and / or link quality, thus signaling a potential RLF. It can identify iv) loss of synchronization, for example, since the UE can maintain synchronization with the base station for both uplink and / or downlink transmissions, it can declare an out-of-synchronization (OoS) condition, for example, when it fails to decode critical reference signals on (particularly consecutive) subframes. It can identify v) Physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission failure, for example, failure to send acknowledgments, control information, and / or scheduling requests may indicate uplink instability. It can identify vi) handover failure, for example, if the UE cannot successfully hand over to a stronger neighboring cell when the signal deteriorates, it may face an impending RLF.It can identify vii) interference; for example, the UE can detect increased inter-cell and / or intra-cell interference levels, which may degrade signal quality and / or cause RLF. In other words, the UE can monitor one or more parameters as described above, and when these metrics cross, for example, predefined thresholds, the UE can predict an impending link failure. The UE can also combine one or more of the indicators i)-vii) above to provide more robust / reliable detection of impending RLF. Upon detecting an impending RLF (i.e., the link is deteriorating and / or nearing failure), the UE can take proactive actions, as mentioned herein, by initiating requests to prevent total link loss and / or ensure robust connectivity.

[0212] The examples mentioned in this article describe scenarios where either the UE detects an impending RLF or the network or a network node detects an impending RLF. The timing can vary considerably depending on the fault; for example, in some cases, the UE may detect it faster, and in others, the network node may detect it faster. It should be noted that both examples (e.g., UE / network node detection) can also be combined in this article.

[0213] A “network node” or base station can correspond to a device or (particularly a functional) element in a mobile or cellular network responsible for managing radio communications with another device (e.g., a UE) and / or processing control plane (CP) and / or user plane (UP) operations / functions. In a non-limiting example of fifth-generation (5G) technology, a network node can be referred to as a gNodeB (gNB), which may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The centralized unit (CU) may manage control plane signaling and / or higher-level functions (such as radio resource control (RRC)), while the distributed unit (DU) may process lower-level functions and / or user plane data, for example, closer to the radio interface. A network node can be divided into and / or include different (particularly serving) cells, particularly at least one first cell and at least one second cell. The first cell may be considered (particularly the current) serving cell and / or the primary serving cell or main serving cell, which, for example, establishes and / or maintains connections to the UE. In a non-limiting example of 5G, at least one first cell may correspond to at least one primary cell (PCell), which can handle and / or be bound to CP-related functions, such as initial connection establishment, e.g., RRC protocol, handling signaling messages, mobility management (e.g., handover), and / or radio resource management. The RRC layer of the PCell may be responsible for managing radio resources, including the configuration and / or activation of spectrum aggregation as mentioned herein, and / or may ensure that the UE is aware of available spectrum resources. A second cell may be considered as an additional cell, for example, in addition to at least one first cell, to enhance connectivity and / or data throughput. At least one second cell may be used for data transmission. In a non-limiting example of 5G, at least one second cell may correspond to at least one secondary cell (SCell) used for user plane data transmission, for example, to increase throughput and / or capacity. It is possible that at least one first cell is associated with a primary connection that can be activated first, and / or that at least one first cell can be ensured to be operational. Subsequently, at least one additional unit, such as at least one second cell, may be added, for example, on top of at least one first cell and / or the primary connection, which can be used as a backup.

[0214] When at least one first cell and at least one second cell are included in the same network node, “spectrum aggregation” can be applied, which enables the aggregation of traffic from different spectrum resources. This can be referred to as intra-node aggregation. It can allow the UE to send and / or receive (especially combined) data on multiple spectrum resources (particularly simultaneously). Spectrum aggregation can be viewed as a technique in which multiple spectrum resources are combined to enhance the overall capacity, reliability, and / or speed of the connection between the UE and the network. Spectrum aggregation can include: i) carrier aggregation, which aggregates multiple carriers with the same or different frequency bands; ii) dual connectivity (DC), which can be referred to as inter-node aggregation. When at least one first cell and at least one second cell are included in different network nodes (e.g., two network nodes), “dual connectivity” can be applied, which enables the aggregation of resources from different network nodes, and this allows the UE to maintain simultaneous connections with two different network nodes or base stations (typically one acting as the primary node (MN) and the other as the secondary node (SN)); and / or iii) bandwidth portions (BWP), for example, allowing dynamic switching between different bandwidth portions within the same carrier. Spectrum aggregation can provide increased data throughput, improved reliability / robust connectivity (e.g., if one link deteriorates, another link can maintain the connection), and / or better resource utilization (e.g., allowing efficient use / sharing of available spectrum) by using multiple carriers or frequency bands simultaneously. "Spectrum resources" can be considered as a portion of radio frequency used, for example, to transmit data between the UE and the network, its elements and blocks, and their association and / or relatedness. It can refer to and / or include at least one frequency band, at least one carrier, and / or bandwidth unit that can be allocated, assigned, and / or activated.

[0215] As described herein, at least one cell (e.g., at least one first cell and at least one second cell) can be a) active or in an active state or condition, or b) inactive or in an inactive state or condition. An active cell can be (especially fully) considered to be operational and / or capable of participating in CP and / or UP functions, operation and / or activity. An inactive cell can be considered to be a cell that is currently not operational or configured, for example, it may not (especially actively) transmit and / or receive, for example, data. It may be in a dormant or sleep state, not yet configured, and / or CP / UP activity is minimal or substantially absent in an inactive cell. The state / condition (e.g., active / inactive) of at least one cell as mentioned herein can be changed and / or switched, for example, it can be activated, deactivated and / or reactivated, etc. A cell can become inactive when data demand is low, for example, to reduce power consumption on the UE side and / or network nodes, when resources are allocated to, for example, the most needed cells, for example, to optimize spectrum use and / or due to deteriorating signal quality and / or connectivity links.

[0216] As mentioned herein, at least one cell (e.g., at least one first cell and at least one second cell) may be associated with at least one spectrum resource (e.g., at least one carrier). At least one spectrum resource may be A) active or in an active state or condition, or B) inactive or in an inactive state or condition. Different spectrum resources may be active / inactive independently of each other. At least one spectrum resource may be configured, specified, intended, set, and / or defined for spectrum aggregation. Activation of at least one spectrum resource may imply activation for spectrum aggregation. This may correspond to on-demand activation, such as when traffic increases, more capacity is needed, and / or when an RLF is about to occur, as described herein. Therefore, at least one spectrum resource may also be referred to as an activatable spectrum resource or a conditionally activatable spectrum resource. This may also be pre-configured, for example, by network nodes. A conditionally activatable spectrum resource may be a spectrum resource activated under specific conditions and / or on demand, as previously described, for example, activated only when necessary, such as upon triggering or triggering a criterion. A conditionally activatable spectrum resource may be considered a dynamic spectrum resource, a backup spectrum resource, and / or a secondary spectrum resource. Accordingly, when data demand decreases and / or radio links against RLF threats have been restored, at least one spectrum resource can be deactivated again, for example to conserve resources while maintaining basic connectivity via, for example, at least one first cell. In a non-limiting example of 5G and / or carrier aggregation as spectrum aggregation, a conditionally active carrier can be used for a secondary cell (SCell) and can remain dormant, for example, until the primary cell (PCell) requires additional resources, for example, in the event of an impending RLF. In dual connectivity, a conditionally active carrier can be associated with a secondary node (SN) and activated when connectivity to the primary node (MN) weakens or more capacity is required. A bandwidth portion (BWP) can be configured to be conditionally activated, where it remains inactive, for example, until a specific QoS requirement or network policy activates it.

[0217] "Handover" to a radio link can be understood as changing to, moving to, and / or hopping to, or navigating to another radio link that is different from the currently used radio link. For example, a handover can occur from a radio link associated with at least one first cell (e.g., the first radio link currently in use or serving the UE and / or for which an RLF is determined to occur) to a radio link associated with at least one second cell (e.g., another radio link or a second radio link). The handover to the radio link associated with at least one second cell can occur without interruption of data flow, such as uninterrupted, continuous, smooth, and / or can support and / or allow robust connectivity, for example, ensuring that data flow is not (particularly negatively) affected. It can also be described as minimal data flow interruption. For example, if a carrier fails, an interruption may exist, for example, at a lower layer, but may be invisible, for example, at a higher layer such as PDCP.

[0218] An "indication" can be a flag or pointer, for example, directly included or encoded in a message, such as from a network node, using one or more bits. This indication can be an explicit indication, for example, one that can be read and / or directly cause an action, such as a switch. However, instead of an explicit indication, data / information can be provided to determine the indication. Thus, the indication can be determined, for example, from the data / information (e.g., within the message). In some cases, "determining the indication" can be understood as: i) for example, directly accessing, reading, and / or extracting the (explicit) indication from the message; in this case, it can also be referred to as "receiving the indication," or ii) for example, indirectly deriving, calculating, and / or inferring the indication from the data / information within the message. Therefore, an indication can be called an explicit indication (e.g., if it is readable) or as an implicit indication (e.g., if it is derivable). In the case of an implicit indication, data or information can be provided to determine or derive the indication, as described above. Such data or information can be another information element into which the indication is already embedded. In this case, the UE can first decode the information element and then derive the indication (and another indication) from the information element. It should be noted that "explicit / implicit" does not necessarily refer to "indication" in relation to (multiple) indications, as this fact can simply follow the terminology, such as "indication" (e.g., explicit) or "data or information," to determine / derive the same, for example, implicit. The "data or information" used to determine or derive the indication may allow the UE to interpret and / or infer the indication, for example, by using bits. In some cases, the indication may occupy fewer bits compared to using data or information. Furthermore, in some cases, data or information may require the UE to perform at least some processing, such as determining / deriving and / or inferring the indication.

[0219] It should be noted that an indication as described herein may correspond to "at least one indication," or the indication may correspond to a single indication having multiple parts. In other words, there may be a first indication and a second indication, or there may be a single indication having at least a first part indicating first information and a second part indicating second information. Regarding the foregoing, this may mean that the indication uses one (first) part to indicate (e.g., switching) and another (second) part to indicate (e.g., successful activation of spectral aggregation), or vice versa. Additional parts of the indication are conceivable, which may indicate other / further information. Alternatively, two indications may be used. "At least partially based on an indication" may, for example, mean based on one or more parts of the indication. In other cases, it may mean, for example, based on the indication as a whole, and also based on additional information and / or additional information elements, parameters, or data.

[0220] According to the example, at least one second cell has been configured or is configured to “take over” at least one first cell. This can be understood as at least one second cell taking on, adopting, and / or handling one or more responsibilities, operations, and / or functions of at least one first cell. It can also be understood that at least one second cell has become the new at least one first cell, for example, at least one second cell has been configured to replace, substitute, supersede, and / or act as the new at least one first cell, for example, in the event of an impending RLF (Renewable Level Default) of at least one (old) first cell.

[0221] A “backup configuration” may include one or more (particularly a predefined set) parameters that a device (e.g., a UE) can use, such as Radio Resource Control (RRC) parameters, settings, and / or resources, for example, for handover, such as in the event of a link failure or degradation, such as an impending RLF. At least one backup configuration for at least one first cell may be available before an impending RLF is detected for the radio link associated with at least one first cell. This can be understood as the UE already having access to the backup configuration, for example, before an impending RLF is detected. Making the backup configuration available in advance allows the UE to quickly offset a potential RLF without waiting for, for example, new instructions / messages from the network, and / or can ensure robust connectivity. At least one backup configuration for at least one first cell may be stored or pre-stored in the device, for example, within the UE itself, rather than being dynamically requested from the network, for example, at the moment of failure. Because the configuration is already stored, the UE can quickly switch to an alternative cell without waiting for the network. At least one backup configuration for at least one first cell may be provided, for example, by a network node, for example, within a message (e.g., an RRC message), particularly using the radio link associated with at least one first cell, for example, before an impending RLF. Using at least one backup configuration also ensures that spectrum aggregation provides robust connectivity for all spectrum resources. At least one backup configuration for at least one first cell may include data or information indicating when a spectrum resource (e.g., an inactive spectrum resource and / or a conditionally active spectrum resource) becomes active. When a UE detects an impending RLF, it may already have at least one second cell in use at least partially (or fully), or alternatively, it may have one or more second cells configured (e.g., configured by RRC) but not activated. In this case, a complete RRC re-establishment and reconfiguration of the UE may not be necessary. This would result in long data interruptions and / or the inability to provide services such as URLLC. However, the examples mentioned herein can allow the reuse of already provided backup configurations, for example, to activate and / or configure any redundant cells as new first cells, which can accelerate configuration changes, such as configuring a redundant cell as an active cell.

[0222] For example, after switching from a faulty connection (associated with at least one first cell) to a new connection (associated with at least one second cell), the apparatus (e.g., a network node and / or UE) may modify at least one backup configuration. After the handover, the backup configuration may be updated, changed, adjusted, and / or modified, for example, to account for and / or reflect the changes following the handover. For example, after the handover, the network node may send a message to the UE instructing / triggering it to modify the backup configuration. The handover can be completed according to rules (e.g., backup configuration) as outlined herein. Therefore, a radio link may have (already) been present, but now, for example, after the handover, some new services (such as voice) begin using that link.

[0223] According to the example embodiment, detecting an impending RLF can initiate or trigger an activation request. This could mean that once the UE detects an impending RLF, it can specifically respond to this and / or immediately send a request to, for example, a network node to activate spectrum aggregation for at least one alternative or conditionally activatable spectrum resource. This allows the UE to decide when to activate spectrum aggregation. This allows the UE to rely less on the network node and / or avoids triggering additional messages for the UE, thus minimizing signaling overhead.

[0224] The device can be notified in advance which of at least one spectrum resources can be designated, configured, available, and / or intended for spectrum aggregation. This can be achieved through indications as described herein. For example, prior to detecting an impending RLF, the UE can receive, for instance, an indication (e.g., a first indication) from at least one first cell indicating that at least one spectrum resource is designated for spectrum aggregation. Subsequently, for example, upon detecting an impending RLF, the UE can receive another indication, such as a second indication for handover. However, the first indication can be optional.

[0225] Activation request can be understood, for example, as sending an activation request. An activation request can be, for example, a message sent by the UE to at least one second cell, such as to activate spectrum aggregation for at least one spectrum resource. However, an activation request can also be at least one indication. At least one second cell can be (already) active or inactive.

[0226] When at least one second cell is active, an activation request can be sent to, for example, the at least one active second cell via uplink control information (UCI). Uplink control information (UCI) can be understood as a signaling mechanism used by the UE, for example, to send control messages to network nodes in the uplink (UL) direction. In other words, an activation request can be sent using UCI, for example, through an existing uplink control channel. UCI can allow for rapid transmission of control plane information, for example, avoiding the need to establish a new connection to at least one second cell. UCI can also be considered lightweight and / or frequently transmitted, which may result in low-latency requests, such as activation of additional spectrum resources.

[0227] An apparatus (e.g., a UE) may, for example, use at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell to assign at least one broadcast resource to at least one active second cell. The at least one broadcast resource may be at least one system resource, which may include, for example, at least one channel, signal, and / or frequency. For example, the at least one broadcast resource may carry uplink control information (UCI). The at least one broadcast resource may be a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). A PUSCH can be considered a shared (e.g., uplink) channel primarily used for transmitting user plane data, but may also carry control plane signaling. By utilizing an already active PUSCH, additional signaling (e.g., spectrum aggregation requests) may not require a separate channel, thus reducing resource overhead. A PUCCH may be a dedicated (e.g., uplink) channel used for, for example, transmitting control plane information like UCI. A PUCCH can allow active cells to manage uplink resources more efficiently, for example, reserving other channels for user data.

[0228] Sending activation requests via PUCCH or PUSCH and / or using / assigning at least one broadcast resource (such as UCI) can provide an efficient and / or reliable way to achieve seamless communication, robust connectivity, dynamic optimization, and / or real-time response to changing network conditions, thereby ensuring robust and / or efficient utilization of radio links. Since the cell is already active, connection rebuilding may not be necessary, enabling rapid and / or near-instantaneous transmission of information such as control messages. Utilizing existing channels (via UCI on PUCCH or PUSCH) avoids the need for additional setup on both the network node side and / or the UE side, saving spectrum and / or computational resources. UCI on PUCCH or PUSCH allows the UE to request activation of spectrum resources without interrupting ongoing communication, ensuring smooth performance enhancements. Active cells can respond quickly to requests (e.g., activating backup configurations or enabling additional carriers) to maintain connectivity robustness during degradation.

[0229] At least one broadcast resource may be a broadcast resource for cell activation, for example, when at least one second cell is inactive. An apparatus (e.g., a UE) may, for example, use at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell to allocate at least one broadcast resource for cell activation to at least one active second cell. The at least one broadcast resource for cell activation may include at least one of the following: i) a cell activation preamble, for example, a signaling sequence sent by the UE to indicate its intention to activate a secondary cell (SCell), which can be used as a handshake to initiate communication with the inactive cell; ii) a random access channel (RACH), for example, an uplink channel used by the UE to request resources and / or establish connections with network nodes, which can facilitate the activation of the inactive second cell; and / or iii) an uplink (UL) grant, for example, a grant or grant signal for allocating uplink resources. For example, after receiving an UL grant, the UE may use these resources to send further activation-related signaling or data.

[0230] When at least one second cell is inactive, the UE can use broadcast resources to signal its activation. These resources include cell activation preamble, RACH, and UL authorization, which enables efficient and / or reliable activation. By utilizing the backup configuration of the first cell, it can be ensured that the second cell can be integrated into the communication flow without incurring additional signaling overhead. For example, by using predefined broadcast resources (e.g., RACH), it can be ensured that the second cell can be activated quickly without requiring a large amount of signaling. Furthermore, utilizing the stored configuration from the first cell can simplify the process of activating the second cell.

[0231] A Logical Channel Identifier (LCID) can be, for example, a field, indication, identifier, or indicator in a protocol that identifies a specific logical channel (e.g., used for transmitting data and / or control information). A Conditional LCID can refer to an identifier that can become operational or active under certain conditions. It is possible that when a conditional spectrum resource is activated, the corresponding LCID becomes active. If the cell is inactive, the LCID can remain dormant. Activation of conditional spectrum resources can occur first (e.g., activating a cell or carrier). Subsequently, logical channels (LCIDs) bound to these resources can become active, for example, to enable the transmission of specific data or signaling. LCIDs can be used to map and / or manage data streams on spectrum resources.

[0232] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0233] As used herein, at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements, and similar wording, wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0234] The device may include a processor configured to send and receive signals and control the functions of the device. The processor may be configured to control other elements of the device via electrical leads connecting the processor to other elements, such as a display or memory, to implement control signaling. The processor may be embodied in various ways, including circuitry, at least one processing core, one or more microprocessors with an accompanying digital signal processor, one or more processors without an accompanying digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.), or some combination thereof.

[0235] The term "circuit" can refer to one or more, or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implemented with purely analog and / or digital circuits) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and (c) The operation requires software (e.g., firmware) for the operation of (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or parts thereof, but the software may be absent when the operation does not require the software.

[0236] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors), or a portion of hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, where applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0237] The apparatus may include memory capable of storing information elements. The apparatus may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. For example, volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM), including dynamic and / or static RAM, on-chip or off-chip cache memory, etc. Non-volatile memory may be embedded and / or removable, including, for example, read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic storage devices such as hard disks, floppy disk drives, magnetic tape, optical disk drives and / or media, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), etc. Similar to volatile memory, non-volatile memory may include cache regions for temporary data storage. At least a portion of the volatile and / or non-volatile memory may be embedded in a processor. The memory may store one or more software programs, instructions, information fragments, data, etc., that can be used by the apparatus to perform the operations disclosed herein.

[0238] In the example, the device can be a UE or can be at least included in a UE. In the example, the device can be a network node or can be at least included in a network node.

[0239] Figure 1 An example signaling diagram based on the examples described herein is shown. Figure 1 An example could correspond to a situation where at least one second cell (cell 2) is active and / or where the UE can detect (see step 4) an impending radio link failure (RLF) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell (cell 1).

[0240] Figure 1 This can be explained through the following non-restrictive steps: 1. In step 1, the UE may receive at least one message, such as a first message, like a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message, which includes at least one backup cell 1 configuration. The UE may determine, retrieve, and / or identify the backup configuration from this message. The backup cell 1 configuration may include RRC parameters, for example, to modify at least one second cell to replace / act as at least one (new) first cell; (additional) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources; (additional) Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resources; and rules when, for example, the UE is able to activate at least one (e.g., conditionally activated) second cell. The backup cell 1 configuration may include or indicate at least one spectrum resource specified and configured for spectrum aggregation (e.g., conditionally activated). The backup cell 1 configuration may be stored or pre-stored in the UE, for example, for an upcoming RLF, for example, as a backup. For example, in addition to the backup cell 1 configuration, the first message may optionally include spectrum aggregation (e.g., carrier aggregation (CA)) configuration.

[0241] 2. In optional step 2, the network node (e.g., cell 1) may send at least one indication, such as a first indication. This indication may indicate at least one spectrum resource, such as at least one carrier, designated for spectrum aggregation and / or at least one conditional LCID. For example, the indication may indicate at least one spectrum resource conditionally active, for example, in the event of a failure. In this step, the network node may activate spectrum aggregation for at least some spectrum resources. The indication may include or indicate at least one conditionally active spectrum resource. The indication may also include or indicate one or more (already) activated / active spectrum resources.

[0242] 3. In step 3, data can be exchanged between the UE and the network node, particularly for active spectrum resources. This step can also be optional.

[0243] 4. In step 4, the UE may detect an impending radio link failure (RLF) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell (cell 1). Instead of triggering an RLF and / or reconstruction procedure, particularly a radio resource control (RRC) reconstruction procedure, the UE may request activation, for example, by sending a message (e.g., an activation request) of at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation associated with at least one second cell. Skipping the reconstruction procedure may be initiated by an indication from a network node. This may be encoded at least in part in the indication. In other examples, the UE may decide to skip its own reconstruction procedure, for example, based on the detection of an impending RLF. In this step, the UE may request activation of at least one spectrum resource for the spectrum resource of backup cell 1, for example, activating / using the backup cell 1 configuration.

[0244] 5. In step 5, the UE may send a message to the network node, at least in part, based on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link associated with at least one first cell. This message may be or include an activation request, which may include spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. As described above, in Figure 1 In this process, at least one second cell (cell 2) is already active. Thus, an activation request can be sent to at least one second cell (cell 2) via uplink control information (UCI). This step may include allocating at least one broadcast resource to at least one active second cell. To allocate at least one broadcast resource, at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell can be used (s. step 1). At least one broadcast resource may carry uplink control information (UCI). At least one broadcast resource may be a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0245] 6. In optional step 6, the UE may receive a message, such as a second message, such as a radio resource control reconfiguration message. Alternatively or additionally, the UE may receive another / further indication, such as a second indication, that i) spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource is successful, and / or ii) at least one active second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell. Particularly after a switch to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell, the second message may initiate a modification to at least one backup configuration. This step may not result in resynchronization or data loss, as the UE may already have a connection to at least one second cell.

[0246] 7. In optional step 7, data may be exchanged between the UE and the network node. Specifically, after switching to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell, the UE may use at least one spectrum resource to send (and / or receive) data (to or from at least one second cell).

[0247] Figure 2 An example signaling diagram based on the examples described herein is shown. Figure 2 Examples could correspond to a situation where at least one second cell (cell 2) is already active and / or where a network node can detect (see step 4) an impending radio link failure (RLF) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell (cell 1). Steps 1-3 could correspond to... Figure 1 The steps discussed, for example, are from the perspective of only the network node side.

[0248] Figure 2 This can be explained through the following non-restrictive steps: 4. In step 4, the network node may detect an impending radio link failure (RLF) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell (cell 1). The network node may activate at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell that is configured for spectrum aggregation, based at least in part on the detection of an impending RLF of the radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0249] 5. In step 5, the network node may send an indication indicating the activation of at least one spectrum resource and / or at least one or more conditional LCIDs configured for spectrum aggregation associated with at least one second cell, based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell. This indication may also indicate that at least one second cell is active or already active. This indication may also be included in the message. This indication may indicate that the availability of radio link handover and / or spectrum aggregation activation for at least one second cell is successful. As described above, in Figure 1 In this context, at least one second cell (cell 2) is already active. This indication can be transmitted via at least one of lower-layer signals and / or UCI.

[0250] 6. In step 6, the network node may send a message, such as a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message. Specifically, after a handover to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell, the message may initiate modifications to at least one backup configuration. The message may include an indication that at least one second cell has replaced at least one first cell. An indication may also be sufficient, as the UE may already have a connection to at least one active second cell.

[0251] 7. In an optional step 7, data may be exchanged between the UE and the network node. Specifically, after switching to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell, the network node may use at least one spectrum resource to transmit (and / or receive) data.

[0252] Figure 3 An example signaling diagram based on the examples described herein is shown. Figure 3 An example could correspond to a situation where at least one second cell (cell 2) is inactive and / or where the UE can detect (see step 4) an impending radio link failure (RLF) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell (cell 1).

[0253] Figure 3 This can be explained through the following non-restrictive steps: 1. In step 1, the UE may receive at least one message, such as a first message, like a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message, which includes at least one backup cell 1 configuration. The UE may determine and / or retrieve or determine the backup configuration from this message. The backup cell 1 configuration may include RRC parameters, for example, for modifying at least one second cell to replace / act as at least one (new) first cell; (additional) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources; (additional) Physical Shared Control Channel (PUSCH) resources; and rules for activating at least one (e.g., conditionally activated) second cell and / or for cell activation resources, including at least one of the following: cell activation preamble, Random Access Channel (RACH) and / or Uplink (UL) grant and / or carrier preference for at least one second cell. The backup cell 1 configuration may include or indicate at least one spectrum resource designated and configured for spectrum aggregation (e.g., conditionally activated). The backup cell 1 configuration may be stored or pre-stored in the UE, for example, for an upcoming RLF, for example, as a backup. In addition to the backup cell 1 configuration, the first message may optionally include spectrum aggregation (e.g., carrier aggregation (CA)) configuration.

[0254] 2. In optional step 2, the network node (e.g., cell 1) may send at least one indication, such as a first indication. This indication may indicate at least one spectrum resource (e.g., at least one carrier) designated for spectrum aggregation and / or at least one conditional LCID. For example, the indication may indicate at least one spectrum resource conditionally active, for example, in the event of a failure. In this step, the network node may activate spectrum aggregation for at least some spectrum resources. The indication may include or indicate at least one conditionally active spectrum resource. The indication may also include or indicate one or more (already) activated / active spectrum resources.

[0255] 3. In step 3, data can be exchanged between the UE and the network node, particularly for active spectrum resources. This step can also be optional.

[0256] 4. In step 4, the UE may detect an impending radio link failure (RLF) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell (cell 1). Instead of triggering an RLF and / or reconstruction procedure, particularly a radio resource control (RRC) reconstruction procedure, the UE may request activation, for example, by sending a message (e.g., an activation request) of at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell and configured for spectrum aggregation. Skipping the reconstruction procedure may be initiated by an indication from a network node. This may be encoded at least in part in the indication. In other examples, the UE may decide to skip its own reconstruction procedure, for example, based on the detection of an impending RLF. In this step, the UE may request activation of at least one spectrum resource of the desired spectrum resource, for example, activation / use of the backup cell 1 configuration.

[0257] 5. In step 5, the UE may send a message to the network node, at least in part, based on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link associated with at least one first cell. This message may be or include an activation request, which may include spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. As described above, in Figure 3 In this process, at least one second cell (cell 2) is inactive. Thus, an activation request can be sent to at least one second cell (cell 2) via a predefined resource (e.g., at least one broadcast resource in the backup cell 1 configuration). This step may include allocating at least one broadcast resource for cell activation to the inactive at least one second cell. To allocate at least one broadcast resource for cell activation, at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell can be used (s. step 1). The at least one broadcast resource for cell activation may include at least one of the following: a cell activation preamble, a random access channel (RACH), and / or an uplink (UL) grant. The at least one broadcast resource may be a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0258] 6. In optional step 6, the UE may receive a message, such as a second message, like a radio resource control reconfiguration message. Alternatively or additionally, the UE may receive another / further indication, such as a second indication, that i) spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource is successful, and / or ii) at least one active second cell has been configured to replace at least one first cell. Particularly after a switch to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell, a second message may initiate a modification to at least one backup configuration. This step may not result in resynchronization or data loss, as the UE may already have a connection to at least one second cell.

[0259] 7. In optional step 7, data may be exchanged between the UE and the network node. Specifically, after switching to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell, the UE may use at least one spectrum resource to send (and / or receive) data (to at least one second cell / from at least one second cell).

[0260] Figure 4 An example signaling diagram based on the examples described herein is shown. Figure 4 An example could correspond to a situation where at least one second cell (cell 2) is inactive and / or where a network node can detect (see step 4) an impending radio link failure (RLF) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell (cell 1). Steps 1-3 could correspond to... Figure 3 The steps discussed, for example, are from the perspective of only the network node side.

[0261] Figure 4 This can be explained through the following non-restrictive steps: 4. In step 4, the network node may detect an impending radio link failure (RLF) of the radio link associated with at least one first cell (cell 1). The network node may activate at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell that is configured for spectrum aggregation, based at least in part on the detection of an impending RLF of the radio link associated with at least one first cell.

[0262] 5. A network node may activate at least one inactive second cell to replace at least one first cell, for example, as a new first cell or acting as a new first cell. In step 5, the network node may send an indication indicating the activation of at least one spectrum resource and / or at least one conditional LCID associated with at least one second cell, configured for spectrum aggregation, based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on the radio link associated with at least one first cell. This indication may also be included in the message. The indication may indicate that the availability of the radio link associated with at least one second cell for radio link handover and / or spectrum aggregation activation is successful. As described above, in Figure 3In this configuration, at least one second cell (cell 2) is inactive. This indication can be transmitted via at least one of a lower-layer signal or a wake-up signal (WUS) type signal. A network node can deactivate at least one first cell, specifically based on the activation of the inactive at least one second cell. However, the network node can maintain or preserve the configuration associated with at least one first cell, particularly based on the deactivation of at least one first cell, for example in the event of a temporary failure and / or in the event of restoring at least one first cell using the maintained configuration associated with at least one first cell, based on the detection that the radio link associated with at least one first cell has been restored.

[0263] 6. In step 6, the network node may send a message, such as a radio resource control reconfiguration message. Specifically, after a switch to a radio link associated with at least one active second cell, the message may initiate modifications to at least one backup configuration. The message may include an indication that at least one second cell has replaced at least one first cell. This indication may also be sufficient, as the UE may already have a connection to at least one active second cell.

[0264] 7. In an optional step 7, data may be exchanged between the UE and the network node. Specifically, after switching to a radio link associated with at least one second cell, the network node may use at least one spectrum resource to transmit (and / or receive) data.

[0265] Figure 5 A flowchart 500 illustrating an example of the subject matter described herein is provided. The flowchart may include steps of apparatus, methods, and / or non-transitory computer-readable media as described herein.

[0266] Flowchart 500 may include the following steps: at least in part based on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, requesting 510, using at least one backup configuration of at least one first cell, the activation of at least one spectrum resource associated with at least one second cell, said spectrum resource being configured for spectrum aggregation. The flowchart may also include the following step: at least in part based on an instruction from a network node, switching 520 to the radio link associated with at least one second cell.

[0267] Flowchart 500 may include or incorporate one or more additional steps associated with some examples and / or related example embodiments described herein.

[0268] Figure 6A flowchart 600 illustrating an example of the subject matter described herein is provided. The flowchart may include steps of apparatus, methods, and / or non-transitory computer-readable media as described herein.

[0269] Flowchart 600 may include the following steps: sending an activation request 610 to at least one active second cell, based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. The flowchart may also include the following steps: switching 620 to the radio link associated with the at least one active second cell, based at least in part on an instruction from a network node.

[0270] Flowchart 600 may include or incorporate one or more additional steps associated with some examples and / or the related example embodiments described herein.

[0271] Figure 7 A flowchart 700 illustrating an example of the subject matter described herein is provided. The flowchart may include steps of apparatus, methods, and / or non-transitory computer-readable media as described herein.

[0272] Flowchart 700 may include the following steps: sending an activation request 710 to at least one inactive second cell, based at least in part on the detection of an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. The flowchart may also include the following step: switching 720 to the radio link associated with the at least one inactive second cell, based at least in part on an instruction from a network node.

[0273] Flowchart 700 may include or incorporate one or more additional steps associated with some examples and / or the related example embodiments described herein.

[0274] Figure 8 An example device 800, such as a user equipment (UE), is illustrated. Device 800 may include at least one processor 820 or at least one processing unit configured to provide and / or receive signals and / or control the functions of device 800. Processor 820 may be configured, for example, to connect the processor to other components (such as a display 810, only when...) Figure 8Control signals are implemented via electrical leads of at least one memory (830) to control other elements of the device 800. Needless to say, the device 800 may include other / additional components, such as those for software and / or hardware-assisted execution of the tasks designed to be performed. Furthermore, the device 800 may receive and transmit signals, for example, via an interface (not shown) and / or an antenna arrangement (e.g., internally or externally arranged in / on the device 800). The processor 820 and / or memory 830 may be mounted on a circuit board. Other components may be provided, such as suitable connectors (e.g., wired and / or wireless), user interfaces (e.g., keyboards, touch-sensitive elements, and / or combinations thereof).

[0275] While the foregoing describes embodiments of this disclosure, other and further embodiments of this disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

[0276] Furthermore, the various implementations of this disclosure can be described with reference to the following terms, and their features can be combined in any reasonable manner.

[0277] Clause 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: sending an activation request to at least one active second cell based at least in part on detecting an impending radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link associated with at least one first cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource, and switching to the radio link associated with the active at least one second cell based at least in part on an instruction from a network node.

[0278] Clause 2. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the indication indicates activation of the at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0279] Clause 3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is an inactive spectrum resource of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0280] Clause 4. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2 above, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is an active spectrum resource.

[0281] Clause 5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is a spare spectrum resource included in at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is designated for spectrum aggregation.

[0282] Clause 6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the activation request is sent to the at least one active second cell via uplink control information (UCI).

[0283] Clause 7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: assign at least one broadcast resource to the active at least one second cell using at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell.

[0284] Clause 8. The apparatus according to Clause 7, wherein the at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

[0285] Clause 9. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 7 to 8, wherein the at least one broadcast resource is a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0286] Clause 10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell includes data indicating when inactive spectrum resources become active.

[0287] Clause 11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine, at least in part, based on the indication from the network node, that spectrum aggregation activation was successful.

[0288] Clause 12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine, at least in part based on the indication from the network node, that the active at least one second cell has been configured to replace the at least one first cell.

[0289] Clause 13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit data to the at least one active second cell using the at least one spectrum resource after switching to the radio link associated with the active at least one second cell.

[0290] Clause 14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: modify the at least one backup configuration based on a message from the network node after switching to the radio link associated with the active at least one second cell.

[0291] Clause 15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the activation request is initiated upon detecting that the RLF of the radio link associated with the at least one first cell is about to occur.

[0292] Clause 16. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) rebuild process based at least in part on the indication from the network node.

[0293] Clause 17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell is available before the RLF of the radio link associated with the at least one first cell is detected to be imminent.

[0294] Clause 18. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 14 to 17, wherein the message from the network node is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0295] Clause 19. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a switch to the radio link associated with the at least one active second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0296] Clause 20. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein the at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein the at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein the at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and the at least one active second cell is a secondary cell (SCell).

[0297] Clause 21. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the device is a user equipment (UE), or wherein the device is included in the UE.

[0298] Clause 22. A method comprising: sending an activation request to at least one active second cell based at least in part on detecting an impending radio link failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource, and switching to the radio link associated with the active at least one second cell based at least in part on an indication from a network node.

[0299] Clause 23. The method according to Clause 22, wherein the indication indicates activation of the at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

[0300] Clause 24. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 23 above, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is an inactive spectrum resource of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0301] Clause 25. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 23 above, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is an active spectrum resource.

[0302] Clause 26. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 25 above, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is a spare spectrum resource included in at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is designated for spectrum aggregation.

[0303] Clause 27. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 26 above, wherein the activation request is sent to the at least one active second cell via uplink control information (UCI).

[0304] Clause 28. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 27 above, wherein the method further comprises: assigning at least one broadcast resource to the active at least one second cell using at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell.

[0305] Clause 29. The method according to Clause 28, wherein the at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

[0306] Clause 30. The method according to any one of Clauses 28 to 29, wherein the at least one broadcast resource is a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0307] 31. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 22 to 30, wherein the at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell includes data indicating when inactive spectrum resources can be activated.

[0308] Clause 32. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 31 above, wherein the method further comprises: determining, at least in part, based on the indication from the network node, that the spectrum aggregation activation was successful.

[0309] Clause 33. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 32 above, wherein the method further comprises: determining, at least in part based on the indication from the network node, that the active at least one second cell has been configured to replace the at least one first cell.

[0310] Clause 34. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 33 above, wherein the method further comprises: transmitting data to the at least one active second cell using the at least one spectrum resource after switching to the radio link associated with the active at least one second cell.

[0311] Clause 35. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 34 above, wherein the method further comprises: modifying the at least one backup configuration based on a message from the network node after switching to the radio link associated with the active at least one second cell.

[0312] Clause 36. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 34 above, wherein the activation request is initiated upon detecting that the RLF of the radio link associated with the at least one first cell is about to occur.

[0313] Clause 37. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 36, wherein the method further comprises: determining, at least in part, based on the indication from the network node, to skip the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction process.

[0314] Clause 38. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 37 above, wherein the at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell is available before the RLF of the radio link associated with the at least one first cell is detected to be imminent.

[0315] Clause 39. The method according to any one of Clauses 35 to 38, wherein the message from the network node is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0316] Clause 40. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 39 above, wherein a switch to the radio link associated with the at least one active second cell occurs without interruption of data flow.

[0317] Clause 41. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 40 above, wherein spectrum aggregation includes carrier aggregation (CA), wherein the at least one spectrum resource is at least one carrier, wherein the at least one first cell is configured for control plane functions, wherein the at least one first cell is a primary cell (PCell), and the active at least one second cell is a secondary cell (SCell).

[0318] Clause 42. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus specifically according to any one of Clauses 1 to 21, cause operation comprising: sending an activation request to at least one active second cell based at least in part on detecting an impending radio link failure (RLF) of a radio link associated with at least one first cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource; and switching to the radio link associated with the active at least one second cell based at least in part on an instruction from a network node.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Based at least in part on the detection of an impending Radio Link Failure (RLF) on a radio link associated with at least one first cell, an activation request is sent to at least one active second cell, wherein the activation request includes spectrum aggregation activation for at least one spectrum resource. Based at least in part on instructions from network nodes, the radio link is switched to the one or more active second cells.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication indicates activation of the at least one spectrum resource configured for spectrum aggregation.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is an inactive spectrum resource of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is an active spectrum resource.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is a spare spectrum resource included in at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell, wherein the at least one spectrum resource is designated for spectrum aggregation.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the activation request is sent to the at least one active second cell via uplink control information (UCI).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: Using at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell, at least one broadcast resource is assigned to the at least one active second cell.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one broadcast resource carries uplink control information (UCI).

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one broadcast resource is a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

10. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one backup configuration of the at least one first cell includes data indicating when inactive spectrum resources can be activated.

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