Data collection for model training or monitoring

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to RAN elements, UEs, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for data collection for model training or monitoring. In this solution, a first RAN element (gNB CU) can receive a first message from a second RAN element (gNB DU), where the first message can request measurements or assistance information associated with at least one UE. The first RAN element obtains the measurements or assistance information associated with the at least one UE from a third RAN element or from the at least one UE via RRC signaling. The first RAN element also provides the measurements or assistance information to the second RAN element. Accordingly, the second RAN element (gNB DU) can perform model training or model monitoring based on the measurements or assistance information received from the first RAN element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to radio access network (RAN) units, user equipment (UEs), methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for data collection. Background Technology

[0002] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices (such as base stations), which may also be referred to as eNodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terms. Each network communication device (such as a base station) may support wireless communication for one or more user communication devices, which may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), or other suitable terms. The wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing the resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)). Additionally, the wireless communication system may support wireless communication across a variety of radio access technologies, including third-generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth-generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth-generation (5G) radio access technology, and other suitable radio access technologies other than 5G (e.g., sixth-generation (6G)).

[0003] Artificial intelligence (AI) models can be obtained through machine learning (ML) or deep learning. These models can be called AI / ML models and have been widely used in various application areas.

[0004] In a split gNB architecture, AI / ML models can be deployed at gNB Distributed Units (DUs). In this case, the gNB DUs need to collect data for model training or model monitoring. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to RAN units, UEs, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for data collection for model training or monitoring. According to the proposed solution, data such as measurement or auxiliary information can be collected from a first RAN unit.

[0006] In some implementations, a first RAN unit is provided. The first RAN unit includes at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the first RAN unit: receives a first message from a second RAN unit requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; sends a second message to a third device instructing the third device to provide measurement or auxiliary information, wherein the third device includes at least one UE or a third RAN unit; receives a third message from the third device including measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and sends a fourth message to the second RAN unit including measurement or auxiliary information.

[0007] In some implementations, a second RAN unit is provided. The second RAN unit includes at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the second RAN unit: sends a first message to a first RAN unit requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and receives a fourth message from the first RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0008] In some implementations, a UE is provided. The UE includes at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the UE: receives a second message from a first RAN unit, the second message instructing the UE to provide measurement or auxiliary information via radio resource control (RRC) signaling; collects measurement or auxiliary information based on the second message; and sends a third message to the first RAN unit via RRC signaling, the third message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0009] In some implementations, a third RAN unit is provided. The third RAN unit includes at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the third RAN unit: receives a second message from a first RAN unit instructing the third RAN unit to provide measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE after successful execution of a Layer 1 or Layer 2 triggered mobility (LTM) procedure; collects the measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and sends a fourth message to the first RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0010] In some implementations, a method is provided performed by a first RAN unit. The method includes: receiving a first message from a second RAN unit requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; sending a second message to a third device instructing the third device to provide the measurement or auxiliary information, wherein the third device includes at least one UE or a third RAN unit; receiving a third message from the third device including the measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and sending a fourth message to the second RAN unit including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0011] In some implementations, a method is provided performed by a second RAN unit. The method includes: sending a first message to a first RAN unit requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and receiving a fourth message from the first RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0012] In some implementations, a method performed by a UE is provided. The method includes: receiving a second message from a first RAN element, the second message instructing the UE to provide measurement or auxiliary information via RRC signaling; collecting the measurement or auxiliary information based on the second message; and sending a third message to the first RAN element via RRC signaling, the third message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0013] In some implementations, a method is provided to be performed by a third RAN unit. The method includes: receiving a second message from a first RAN unit instructing the third RAN unit to provide measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE after successful execution of an LTM procedure; collecting the measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and sending a fourth message to the first RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0014] In some implementations, a processor for wireless communication is provided. The processor includes at least one controller coupled to at least one memory and configured to: receive a first message from a second RAN unit requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; send a second message to a third device instructing the third device to provide measurement or auxiliary information, wherein the third device includes at least one UE or a third RAN unit; receive a third message from the third device including the measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and send a fourth message to the second RAN unit including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0015] In some implementations, a processor for wireless communication is provided. The processor includes at least one controller coupled to at least one memory and configured to: send a first message to a first RAN unit requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and receive a fourth message from the first RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0016] In some implementations, a processor for wireless communication is provided. The processor includes at least one controller coupled to at least one memory and configured to: receive a second message from a first RAN unit instructing a UE to provide measurement or auxiliary information via RRC signaling; collect the measurement or auxiliary information based on the second message; and send a third message to the first RAN unit via RRC signaling, the third message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0017] In some implementations, a processor for wireless communication is provided. The processor includes at least one controller coupled to at least one memory and configured to: receive a second message from a first RAN unit instructing a third RAN unit to provide measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE after successful execution of an LTM procedure; collect the measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE; and send a fourth message to the first RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0018] The method described herein and some implementations of the first RAN unit further include: receiving from the second RAN unit a message including information about one of the following: a first specific signaling for triggering the determination or recording of measurement or auxiliary information, a second specific signaling for triggering the cessation of determining or recording measurement or auxiliary information, a third specific signaling for triggering the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information, or a fourth specific signaling for triggering the cessation of reporting measurement or auxiliary information; and sending to at least one UE one of the following: the first specific signaling, the second specific signaling, the third specific signaling, or the fourth specific signaling.

[0019] The method described herein and some implementations of the first RAN unit also include: receiving a request from the second RAN unit, the request including an indication that the first RAN unit collects and transmits measurement or auxiliary information.

[0020] In some implementations of the method and the second RAN unit described herein, the method further includes sending a signaling message to at least one UE that includes one of the following: a first specific signaling message for triggering the determination or recording of measurement or auxiliary information, a second specific signaling message for triggering the cessation of determining or recording measurement or auxiliary information, a third specific signaling message for triggering the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information, or a fourth specific signaling message for triggering the cessation of reporting measurement or auxiliary information.

[0021] In some implementations of the method described herein and the second RAN unit, the method further includes sending a message to the first RAN unit containing information about one of the following: a first specific signaling for triggering the determination or recording of measurement or auxiliary information, a second specific signaling for triggering the cessation of determining or recording measurement or auxiliary information, a third specific signaling for triggering the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information, or a fourth specific signaling for triggering the cessation of reporting measurement or auxiliary information.

[0022] In some implementations of the method described herein and the second RAN unit, the method further includes sending a request to the first RAN unit, the request including an indication that the first RAN unit is configured with an RRC reporting configuration, wherein the RRC reporting configuration is used to report measurement or auxiliary information.

[0023] Among the methods described in this paper and some implementations of the second RAN unit, there are also methods for: determining the reliability of the AI / ML model based on the fourth message; or updating the AI ​​or ML model based on the fourth message.

[0024] The methods described herein and some implementations of the UE also include receiving signaling from a first RAN unit or a second RAN unit that includes one of the following: a first specific signaling for triggering the determination or recording of measurement or auxiliary information, a second specific signaling for triggering the cessation of determining or recording measurement or auxiliary information, a third specific signaling for triggering the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information, or a fourth specific signaling for triggering the cessation of reporting measurement or auxiliary information.

[0025] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the third device includes at least one UE, and the first message includes one of the following: an identifier (ID) for identifying the first message, at least one UE ID of at least one UE, first information for requested measurement or auxiliary information for each of the at least one UE, periodic information for transmitting measurement or auxiliary information from the first RAN unit, or an indication indicating that the first RAN unit configures radio resource control (RRC) reporting configuration to at least one UE.

[0026] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the first information of the requested measurement or auxiliary information includes one of the following: configuration related to the measurement or auxiliary information, or second information used by the first RAN unit to determine the measurement configuration.

[0027] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the second message includes one of the following: a measurement configuration for at least one UE to determine measurement or auxiliary information, or an RRC reporting configuration for at least one UE to report measurement or auxiliary information via RRC signaling.

[0028] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the measurement configuration includes one of the following: one or more metrics of measurement or auxiliary information, a first cycle for determining the measurement or auxiliary information, a second cycle for recording the measurement or auxiliary information, a first set of conditions for triggering the determination or recording of the measurement or auxiliary information, or a second set of conditions for triggering the cessation of determining or recording the measurement or auxiliary information.

[0029] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the first set of conditions includes one of the following: successful execution of the LTM procedure, successful RRC layer-triggered handover, measurement metric below a first threshold, reception of a first specific signaling, fulfillment of the entry conditions for a Radio Resource Management (RRM) event, or detection of an RRM event.

[0030] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the second set of conditions includes one of the following: the duration for determining or recording measurement or auxiliary information has elapsed, the measurement metric is higher than a second threshold, a second specific signaling is received, the maximum amount of measurement or auxiliary information has been reached, or the departure condition for the RRM event is met.

[0031] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described in this paper, the RRC reporting configuration includes one of the following: a third cycle for reporting measurement or auxiliary information, a third set of conditions for triggering the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information, a fourth set of conditions for triggering the cessation of reporting measurement or auxiliary information, or a specific bearer for reporting measurement or auxiliary information.

[0032] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described in this paper, the third set of conditions includes one of the following: successful execution of the LTM procedure, successful RRC layer-triggered handover, measurement metric below the third threshold, reception of the third specific signaling, fulfillment of the entry conditions for the RRM event, or detection of the RRM event.

[0033] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the fourth set of conditions includes one of the following: the duration for reporting measurement or auxiliary information has elapsed, the measurement metric is higher than the fourth threshold, the fourth specific signaling has been received, the maximum amount of measurement or auxiliary information has been reported, or the departure condition for the RRM event has been met.

[0034] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the first message includes a data collection request message, and the fourth message includes a data collection update message.

[0035] In the methods, RAN units, and some implementations of the UE described in this paper, the first message includes a UE context modification request message, and the fourth message includes a UE associated F1AP message.

[0036] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the request also includes periodic information for transmitting measurement or auxiliary information from the first RAN unit to the second RAN unit.

[0037] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the third device includes a third RAN unit, and the first message includes an indication that the first RAN unit collects measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE after the successful execution of the LTM procedure.

[0038] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the first message includes a data collection request message, and the indication includes one or more bits of a specific information element in the first message.

[0039] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the first or second message includes one of the following: an indication of the duration for which measurement or auxiliary information is requested, a second period for recording measurement or auxiliary information, or a third period for reporting measurement or auxiliary information.

[0040] In the methods, RAN units, and some implementations of the UE described herein, the second RAN unit is the source RAN unit for the LTM procedure, and the third RAN unit is the target RAN unit for the LTM procedure.

[0041] In the methods, RAN units, and some implementations of the UE described in this paper, the AI / ML model is deployed at the second RAN unit.

[0042] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described herein, the collection of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered by an additional message from the first RAN unit, which instructs the target cell associated with the third RAN unit on the successful execution of the LTM procedure.

[0043] In some implementations of the methods, RAN units, and UEs described in this paper, at least one UE is switched from a second RAN unit to a third RAN unit. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 Examples of wireless communication systems in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented are illustrated;

[0045] Figure 2 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an example communication network in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0046] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a signaling process according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a signaling process according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 5 The illustration shows an example schematic diagram of a cycle used by a UE according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a signaling process according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a signaling process for a two-step configuration of a communication procedure according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a communication process for triggering or stopping signaling according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a signaling process during communication in an inter-DU LTM process according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 10 Examples of devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated;

[0054] Figure 11 Examples of processors suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated;

[0055] Figure 12The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at the first RAN unit according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0056] Figure 13 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second RAN unit according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0057] Figure 14 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at the UE according to various aspects of this disclosure; and

[0058] Figure 15 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at the third RAN unit according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0059] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below. In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0061] References to "an embodiment," "example embodiment," "embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the embodiments(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same(s) embodiments(s). Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that in conjunction with other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not) such a feature, structure, or characteristic may affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic within the scope of their knowledge.

[0062] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may also be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of the embodiments, and similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms. In some examples, values, processes, or apparatus are referred to as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “minimum,” “maximum,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that selection can be made from a number of functional alternatives used, and that these selections are not necessarily better, smaller, higher, or otherwise preferred than other selections.

[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are also intended to include the plural forms. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “comprising,” and / or “containing,” when used herein, specify the presence of said features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the term “comprising” and variations thereof should be understood as open terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one embodiment” and “embodiment” should be understood as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” should be understood as “at least one other embodiment.” The use of expressions such as “A and / or B” can mean “A only” or “B only” or “both A and B.” Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0064] Figure 1Examples of wireless communication systems 100 that may be implemented in some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated. Wireless communication system 100 may include one or more network entities 102 (also referred to as network devices (NEs)), one or more UEs 104, a core network (CN) 106, and a packet data network 108. Wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network, such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network or an Advanced LTE (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, wireless communication system 100 may be a 5G network, such as a New Radio (NR) network. In other implementations, wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of 4G and 5G networks, or other suitable radio access technologies, including IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20. Wireless communication system 100 may support radio access technologies other than 5G. In addition, the wireless communication system 100 can support technologies such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA).

[0065] One or more network entities 102 may be distributed across a geographical area to form a wireless communication system 100. The network entities 102 described herein may be, include, or may be referred to as network nodes, base stations, network elements, radio access networks (RAN), base transceiver stations, access points, NodeBs, eNodeBs (eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), or other suitable terms. Network entities 102 and UE 104 may communicate via communication link 110, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, network entities 102 and UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, send signaling) via a Uu interface.

[0066] Network entity 102 may provide a geographic coverage area 112 for which it may support services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc.) for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area 112. For example, network entity 102 and UE 104 may support wireless communication of signals associated with services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc.) based on one or more radio access technologies. In some implementations, network entity 102 may be mobile, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network. In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas 112 may be associated with different network entities 102. The information and signals described herein may be represented using a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned in the description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0067] One or more UEs 104 may be distributed across a geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system 100. UE 104 may include or be referred to as a mobile device, wireless device, remote device, remote unit, handheld device, or subscriber device, or some other suitable term. In some implementations, UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, among other examples. Alternatively or additionally, UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, among other examples. In some implementations, UE 104 may be stationary within the wireless communication system 100. In some other implementations, UE 104 may be mobile within the wireless communication system 100.

[0068] One or more UEs 104 can be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Some examples of UEs 104 are shown in... Figure 1 It is shown in the middle. For example... Figure 1 As shown, UE 104 can communicate with various types of devices, such as network entity 102, other UE 104, or network devices (e.g., core network 106, packet data network 108, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or another network device). Alternatively or additionally, UE 104 can support communication with other network entities 102 or UE 104, which can act as relays in the wireless communication system 100.

[0069] UE 104 can also support direct wireless communication with other UE 104s via communication link 114. For example, UE 104 can support direct wireless communication with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular V2X deployments, communication link 114 may be referred to as a side link. For example, UE 104 can support direct wireless communication with another UE 104 via a PC5 interface.

[0070] Network entity 102 may support communication with core network 106, or with another network entity 102, or both. For example, network entity 102 may interface with core network 106 via one or more backhaul links 116 (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). Network entities 102 may communicate with each other via backhaul links 116 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or another network interface). In some implementations, network entities 102 may communicate directly with each other (e.g., between network entities 102). In some other implementations, network entities 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via core network 106). In some implementations, one or more network entities 102 may include sub-components, such as access network entities, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). The ANC may communicate with one or more UEs 104 via one or more other access network transport entities, which may be referred to as wireless heads, smart wireless heads, or transmit-receive points (TRPs).

[0071] In some implementations, network entity 102 can be configured in a decomposed architecture that can utilize a protocol stack physically or logically distributed across two or more network entities 102, such as an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) network, an Open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a Virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a Cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, network entity 102 may include one or more of the following: a Central Unit (CU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Radio Unit (RU), a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) (e.g., a Near-RT RIC, a Non-RT RIC), a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) system, or any combination thereof.

[0072] An RU can also be referred to as a radio head, intelligent radio head, remote radio head (RRH), remote radio unit (RRU), or transmit-receive point (TRP). One or more components of network entity 102 in the decomposed RAN architecture can be co-located, or one or more components of network entity 102 can be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some implementations, one or more network entities 102 in the decomposed RAN architecture can be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0073] The functional division among CU, DU, and RU can be flexible and can support different functions depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, radio frequency functions, and any combination thereof) are performed at the CU, DU, or RU. For example, the functional division of the protocol stack can be adopted between the CU and DU, such that the CU can support one or more layers of the protocol stack, while the DU can support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some implementations, the CU can host upper-layer protocol layer (e.g., Layer 3 (L3), Layer 2 (L2)) functions and signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)). The CU can connect to one or more DUs or RUs, and one or more DUs or RUs can host lower-layer protocol layer functions and signaling, such as Layer 1 (L1) (e.g., Physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC) layer), and each can be at least partially controlled by the CU 160.

[0074] Alternatively, or alternatively, the functional division of the protocol stack can be adopted between DU and RU, such that DU can support one or more layers of the protocol stack, while RU can support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. DU can support one or more different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs). In some implementations, the functional division between CU and DU or between DU and RU can be within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions for the protocol layer can be performed by one of CU, DU, or RU, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by a different one of CU, DU, or RU).

[0075] The CU can be further functionally divided into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. The CU can be connected to one or more DUs via mid-range communication links (e.g., F1, F1c, F1-u), while the DUs can be connected to one or more RUs via front-end communication links (e.g., open front-end (FH) interfaces). In some implementations, the mid-range or front-end communication links can be implemented based on interfaces (e.g., channels) between layers of a protocol stack, supported by corresponding network entities 102 communicating via such communication links.

[0076] Core network 106 can support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. Core network 106 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core network (5GC), which may include control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF)) and user plane entities that route or interconnect packets to external networks (e.g., Serving Gateway (S-GW), Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW), or User Plane Functions (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entities may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signaling bearers, etc.) for one or more UEs 104 served by one or more network entities 102 associated with core network 106.

[0077] Core network 106 can communicate with packet data network 108 via one or more backhaul links 116 (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). Packet data network 108 may include application server 118. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 can communicate with application server 118. UE 104 can establish a session (e.g., Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, etc.) with core network 106 via network entity 102. Core network 106 can use the established session (e.g., established PDU session) to route traffic (e.g., control information, data, etc.) between UE 104 and application server 118. A PDU session can be one example of a logical connection between UE 104 and core network 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of core network 106).

[0078] In the wireless communication system 100, network entity 102 and UE 104 can use the resources of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication). In some implementations, network entity 102 and UE 104 can support different resource structures. For example, network entity 102 and UE 104 can support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, network entity 102 and UE 104 can support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and other suitable radio access technologies, network entity 102 and UE 104 can support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). Network entity 102 and UE 104 can support various frame structures based on one or more digital technologies.

[0079] One or more digital technologies may be supported in the wireless communication system 100, and the digital technologies may include subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix. The first digital technology (e.g., μ =0) can be associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first digital technique (e.g., ...) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) is... μ =0) can utilize one time slot per subframe. Second digital technologies (e.g., μ =1) can be associated with the second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. The third digital technology (e.g., μ =2) can be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth digital technology (e.g., μ =3) can be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth digital technology (e.g., μ =4) can be associated with the fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and the normal cyclic prefix.

[0080] The time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to frames (also called radio frames). Each frame can have a duration, for example, 10 milliseconds (ms). In some implementations, each frame can include multiple subframes. For example, each frame can include 10 subframes, and each subframe can have a duration, for example, 1 ms. In some implementations, each frame can have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame can have the same duration.

[0081] Alternatively or concurrently, the time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to time slots. For example, a subframe may include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of time slots. The number of time slots in each subframe may also depend on one or more digital technologies supported in the wireless communication system 100. For example, a first digital technology, a second digital technology, a third digital technology, a fourth digital technology, and a fifth digital technology (i.e., ...) associated with corresponding subcarrier intervals of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz. μ =0、 μ =1、 μ =2、 μ =3、 μ =4) One time slot per subframe, two time slots per subframe, four time slots per subframe, eight time slots per subframe, and 16 time slots per subframe can be used, respectively. Each time slot can include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of time slots in a subframe can depend on the digital technology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a time slot can include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., for a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a time slot can include 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per time slot, the number of time slots per subframe, and the number of time slots per frame for both normal and extended cyclic prefixes can depend on the digital technology. It should be understood that for the first digital technology (e.g., quantity) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz), μ The reference of =0 can be used interchangeably between subframes and time slots.

[0082] In the wireless communication system 100, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum can be divided into various categories, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc., based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can support one or more operating frequency bands, such as frequency range names FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). In some implementations, network entity 102 and UE 104 can perform wireless communication on one or more operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 can be used by network entity 102 and UE 104, as well as other devices or apparatuses, for cellular communication services (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 can be used by network entity 102 and UE 104, as well as other devices or apparatuses, for short-range, high-data-rate capabilities.

[0083] FR1 can be associated with one or more digital technologies (e.g., at least three digital technologies). For example, FR1 can be associated with the following: a first digital technology (e.g., μ =0), which includes a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing; second digital technology (e.g., μ =1), which includes a 30 kHz subcarrier spacing; third digital technology (e.g., μ =2), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz. FR2 can be associated with one or more digital technologies (e.g., at least two digital technologies). For example, FR2 can be associated with a third digital technology (e.g., μ =2), which includes a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing; fourth digital technology (e.g., μ =3), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 120 kHz.

[0084] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has been discussing the use of AI / ML technologies to optimize physical layer operations, specifically AI for the air interface, for use cases such as Channel State Information (CSI) feedback compression, CSI temporal prediction, beam spatial prediction, beam temporal prediction, AI / ML-assisted localization estimation, directional localization, and Layer 1 (L1) or Layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility (LTM). For example, in Release 18 (Rel-18 or R18), RAN1 led the discussion on AI / ML for the air interface and investigated use cases for CSI compression / prediction and beam prediction using AI / ML technologies. Similarly, in Release 19 (Rel-19 or R19), RAN2 led the discussion on AI / ML for mobility and will investigate use cases for optimizing LTM using AI / ML technologies.

[0085] AI / ML models can be deployed at the UE, network entities (such as gNB), or CN functions (such as location management functions (LMF)). In the case of a split gNB architecture, the AI / ML model may be deployed at the gNB DU, and the gNB DU uses the deployed AI / ML model to perform tasks such as CSI compression, CSI prediction, beam prediction, and LTM cell handover decisions. In this case, the gNB DU may need to collect data for AI / ML model training or model monitoring.

[0086] Data used for AI / ML model training or monitoring can include L1 measurements or auxiliary information. Below are some examples of data used for AI / ML model training or monitoring for each use case.

[0087] If the AI / ML model is used for CSI compression: (1) For UE-side Type 1 training and UE-preferred Type 3 training: ground truth CSI from the network (NW) in scaler quantization and / or codebook-based quantization (e.g., similar to e-type II); and / or auxiliary information for classifying data to distinguish data characteristics due to specific configurations, scenarios, sites, etc. (2) For NW-preferred training in training collaboration Type 3: CSI-generated model training dataset (e.g., raw channel or feature vectors as model inputs, and latent space vectors before and after quantization as model outputs); and / or auxiliary information for classifying data to distinguish data characteristics due to specific configurations, scenarios, sites, etc. (3) For UE-side proxy model training in monitoring: proxy model training dataset (e.g., quantized latent space vectors as proxy model inputs, and target CSI to be recovered as proxy model outputs); and / or auxiliary information for classifying data to distinguish data characteristics due to specific configurations, scenarios, sites, etc.

[0088] If the AI / ML model is used for CSI prediction: continuous CSI (historical CSI and future CSI), where the type of CSI includes the original channel matrix, or precoded matrix indicator (PMI) or feature vector, and / or auxiliary information managed by the model, such as site / scene / dataset related information.

[0089] If the AI / ML model is used for beam prediction: (1) Set B: Layer 1 reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) measurement based on set B or a subset of set B. (2) Tag data can be one of the following: L1-RSRP measurement based on set A or a subset of set A; partial L1-RSRP measurement based on set A or a subset of set A + beam indicator; and / or Top-k beam indicator. (3) Time-related information, such as timestamps. (4) Ancillary information includes one or more of the following: site / scene / dataset-related information, such as dataset ID; gNB-side ancillary information; and / or UE-side ancillary information.

[0090] If the AI / ML model is used for localization: (1) Measurement type: Channel impulse response (CIR) / Power delay distribution (PDP) / Delay distribution (DP); and / or Reference signal received power (RSRP) / Reference signal received quality (RSRQ) / Reference signal time difference (RSTD). (2) Tag type: Location coordinates; Timing estimation; Line-of-sight (LOS) / Non-line-of-sight (NLOS). (3) Auxiliary information; Timestamp; Quality indicator; RS configuration.

[0091] Since L1 measurement or auxiliary information is determined at the UE, further research is needed on how the gNB DU can efficiently obtain L1 measurement or auxiliary information from the UE.

[0092] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication solution. In this solution, a first RAN unit (such as a gNB CU) can receive a first message from a second RAN unit (such as a gNB DU), wherein the first message may request measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE. The first RAN unit also obtains the measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE from a third RAN unit or via RRC signaling. The first RAN unit also provides the measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE to the second RAN unit. Therefore, the second RAN unit (such as a gNB DU) can perform model training or model monitoring based on the measurement or auxiliary information received from the first RAN unit. The principles and implementation of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] In this disclosure, an AI / ML model is deployed or hosted at the gNB DU, and the AI / ML model can be used for physical layer optimization (e.g., CSI compression, CSI prediction, beam prediction) or LTM determination. In this disclosure, the collected data may include measurement or auxiliary information, wherein the term "measurement" in this disclosure may refer to L1 measurement, L1 measurement results, etc. It should be understood that measurement or auxiliary information in this disclosure may refer to measurement, auxiliary information, or both. In this disclosure, measurement or auxiliary information may be replaced with L1 measurement, L1 measurement results, collected data, data used for collection, UE performance data, etc., and this disclosure is not limiting in this respect.

[0094] In this disclosure, the measurement configuration may also be referred to as the L1 measurement configuration or the low-level measurement configuration. In this disclosure, the RRC reporting configuration may also be referred to as the Layer 3 (L3) reporting configuration or the high-level reporting configuration.

[0095] Figure 2 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an example communication network 200 in which some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication network 200 may include a first RAN unit 210, a second RAN unit 220, a third RAN unit 230, and UEs 241 and 242.

[0096] The first RAN unit 210 can be a gNB CU, the second RAN unit 220 can be a gNB DU, and the third RAN unit 230 can be another gNB DU. In some implementations, the first RAN unit 210, the second RAN unit 220, and the third RAN unit 230 together can be as follows: Figure 1The network entity 102 shown. In some implementations, UE 241 or UE 242 can be as follows: Figure 1 One of the UE 104 shown.

[0097] UEs 241 and 242 can be served by the second RAN unit 220. In some cases, due to the mobility of UE 241 (e.g., moving to 241-1), UE 241 can be switched to the third RAN unit 230. In this case, the second RAN unit 220 can be the source RAN unit (i.e., the source DU), and the third RAN unit 230 can be the target RAN unit (i.e., the target DU).

[0098] It should be understood that Figure 2 The number of devices given is for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation on this disclosure. For example, there may be more UEs served by the second RAN unit 220.

[0099] Further reference Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a signaling process 300 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 300 may involve a first RAN unit 210, a second RAN unit 220, and a third device 301, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the third device can be the third RAN unit 230 or UE 241 / 242. It should be understood that procedure 300 can be applied to other communication scenarios, which will not be described in detail hereafter.

[0100] In process 300, at 310, the second RAN unit 220 sends a first message to the first RAN unit 210, wherein the first message requests measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE. At 320, the first RAN unit 210 sends a second message to the third device 301, and the second message may request the third device 301 to provide measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE.

[0101] In some implementations, the third device 301 may include at least one UE, such as UE 241 and / or UE 242. In some example embodiments, the second RAN unit 220 may initiate a non-UE-related process by sending a first message, for example, the first message may be a data collection request message that may be related to one or more UEs (such as both UE 241 and UE 242), details of which can be found below. Figure 4 In some example embodiments, the second RAN unit 220 can initiate UE-related procedures by sending a first message. For example, the first message may be a UE context modification request message related to a specific UE (such as UE 241). Details can be found below. Figure 6 .

[0102] In some embodiments, the first message may include an ID for identifying the first message, such as a measurement ID or a data collection ID. In some examples, the ID for identifying the first message may be associated with the purpose of the first message, such as a request for data collection.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first message may include at least one UE ID of at least one UE. For example, the UE ID of a UE (such as UE 241 / 242) may be a gNB-DU F1AP ID, or it may be a pair of gNB-DU F1AP IDs and gNB-CU F1AP IDs. In some examples, if the first message is used for a non-UE-related procedure, the first message may include one or more UE IDs of one or more UEs; for example, the first message may include a first UE ID of UE 241 and a second UE ID of UE 242. In some examples, if the first message is used for a UE-related procedure, the first message may include a UE ID of a specific UE; for example, the first message may include the UE ID of UE 241.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first message may include first information for requested measurement or auxiliary information for each of at least one UE. In some examples, the first information may include configuration related to the measurement or auxiliary information; for example, the first information may include measurement configuration for at least one UE to determine the measurement or auxiliary information. In some other examples, the first information may include second information used by the first RAN unit 210 to determine the measurement configuration.

[0105] For example, the first information may include a low-level configuration containing measurement configurations. This low-level configuration is intended for use via RRC reporting (e.g., CellGroupConfig The measurement is reported by the second RAN unit 220. The low-level configuration can be generated by the second RAN unit 220 and can be included in the DU to CU RRC information F1AP information element (IE) of the first message.

[0106] For example, the first piece of information may include a dedicated measurement configuration. This dedicated measurement configuration is intended for use in RRC reporting (e.g., L1MeasurementL3ReportConfig The measurement is reported by the second RAN unit 220. The dedicated measurement configuration can be generated by the second RAN unit 220 and can be included in the DU to CU RRC information F1AP IE of the first message.

[0107] For example, the first information may include second information required by the first RAN unit 210 to generate the measurement configuration. The generated measurement configuration is used for measurements that are expected to be reported via RRC reporting. For example, the second information may include one or more of the following: relevant SSB index, frequency information, CSI-RS information, etc.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first message may include an indication that the first RAN unit 210 configures an RRC reporting configuration for at least one UE. In some examples, the indication may be an explicit indicator. In some examples, the indication may request the first RAN unit 210 to generate an RRC reporting configuration specifically for reporting measurement or ancillary information.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first message may include periodic information for transmitting measurement or auxiliary information from the first RAN unit 210 to the second RAN unit 220. In some examples, the first message may include a period value, which may be represented as P0, in which case the second RAN unit 220 may request the first RAN unit 210 to periodically transmit the collected data (measurement or auxiliary information).

[0110] If the first message is used in a non-UE-related process, the first information can be used for all UEs in one or more UEs, or it can be dedicated to one UE in one or more UEs. For example, the first message may include a set of first information, where different UEs can be associated with different first information.

[0111] In some implementations, the second message may include measurement configuration and / or RRC reporting configuration related to measurement or auxiliary information. In some implementations, the first RAN unit 210 may generate a second message for each UE indicated by the first message. In some implementations, the second message may be an RRC reconfiguration message. In some implementations, the measurement configuration and RRC reporting configuration may be indicated by different RRC IEs in the RRC reconfiguration message. For example, the measurement configuration may be indicated by the IE " L1MeasurementL3ReportConfig "Instructions, and RRC report configuration can be provided by IE." ReportL1MeasurementConfig "instruct.

[0112] In some example embodiments, for a specific UE (such as UE 241) or one of at least one UE indicated by the first message, the first RAN unit 210 may generate an associated measurement configuration and / or RRC report configuration.

[0113] In some examples, measurement configurations can be used for measurement or ancillary information that is expected to be reported via RRC signaling. In other examples, RRC reporting configurations are dedicated to reporting measurement or ancillary information that can be generated based on the measurement configuration.

[0114] In some examples, if the first message includes the aforementioned first information, the first RAN unit 210 can determine the measurement configuration based on the first information. For example, the measurement configuration included in the second message can be the same as the configuration related to measurement or auxiliary information included in the first message. For example, the measurement configuration included in the second message can be generated based on the second information included in the first message.

[0115] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration may include one or more metrics of measurement or auxiliary information, such as CSI-RS resources, SSB indexes, etc. In some examples, the one or more metrics may be measurement objects(s) or L1 measurement objects(s).

[0116] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration may include a first period for determining measurement or auxiliary information, and / or a second period for recording the measurement or auxiliary information. In some examples, the first period may be equal to the second period; for example, the first period / second period may be represented by P1. Therefore, UE 241 / 242 may acquire and record a measurement instance within a period of periodicity P1.

[0117] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration may include a first set of conditions for triggering the determination or recording of measurement or auxiliary information. In some examples, if one of the conditions in the first set is met, the UE 241 / 242 will perform (or begin) the measurement / recording.

[0118] In some examples, the first set of conditions may include: (1.1) Successful execution of the LTM process, (1.2) Successful switching triggered by the RRC layer, (1.3) The measured value is below the first threshold. (1.4) The first specific signaling is received. (1.5) The entry conditions for the RRM event are met, or (1.6) The RRM event was detected.

[0119] For example, if UE 241 / 242 successfully switches to another cell based on the LTM command MAC CE (triggered by it), then condition (1.1) is met, and then the determination / recording of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered.

[0120] For example, if UE 241 / 242 is based on ReconfigurationWithSyncIf a successful handover to another cell is triggered, then condition (1.2) is met, and then measurement or auxiliary information is determined / recorded.

[0121] For example, if the measured L1 RSRP is below a first threshold, such as in the last one or more measurement instances, then condition (1.3) is met, and then determination / recording of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered.

[0122] For example, if the first specific signaling is received, then condition (1.4) is met, and then the determination / recording of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered. For example, the first specific signaling can be an explicit L1 signaling, an explicit L2 signaling, or an explicit L3 signaling.

[0123] For example, if ReportConfig If the A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 events defined in the code are met, then condition (1.5) is satisfied, and measurement or auxiliary information is then determined / recorded. For example, the L3 measurement of the current serving cell / beam is below or above a threshold. For example, the L3 measurement of a neighboring cell is better than the offset of the current serving cell, and the offset is greater than a threshold.

[0124] For example, if ReportConfig If a radio link failure (RLF), beam failure, or A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 event as defined in the code is detected, then condition (1.6) is met, and then the determination / recording of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered.

[0125] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration may include a second set of conditions for triggering a halt to determining or recording measurement or auxiliary information. In some examples, if one of the conditions in the second set is met, the UE 241 / 242 will stop performing (or stop) the measurement / recording.

[0126] In some examples, the second set of conditions may include: (2.1) The duration used to determine or record measurement or auxiliary information has elapsed. (2.2) The measured value is higher than the second threshold. (2.3) The second specific signaling is received. (2.4) The maximum amount of measurement or auxiliary information has been reached, or (2.5) The exit condition for the RRM event is met.

[0127] For example, the duration could be the length of time that UE 241 / 242 should maintain measurement and recording of measurement or auxiliary information, once the duration ends, condition (2.1) is satisfied, and then the determination / recording of measurement or auxiliary information stops. For example, UE 241 / 242 should stop 3 seconds after cell handover.

[0128] For example, if the measured L1 RSRP is higher than the second threshold, for example, in the last one or more measurement instances, then condition (2.2) is met, and then the determination / recording of measurement or auxiliary information stops.

[0129] For example, if the second specific signaling is received, condition (2.3) is met, and then the determination / recording of measurement or auxiliary information stops. For example, the second specific signaling could be an explicit L1 signaling, an explicit L2 signaling, or an explicit L3 signaling.

[0130] For example, depending on the capabilities of UE 241 / 242, if the maximum amount of measurements or records to be stored for reporting is reached, then condition (2.4) is satisfied, and the determination / recording of measurements or auxiliary information then stops.

[0131] For example, the exit condition for an RRM event could be... ReportConfig The A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 events are defined in the table. For example, if the L3 measurement of the current serving cell / beam is below or above a threshold, then condition (2.5) is satisfied. For example, if the L3 measurement of a neighboring cell becomes better than the offset of the current serving cell, and the offset is less than a threshold, then condition (2.5) is satisfied.

[0132] It should be understood that the first set of conditions or the second set of conditions can also be referred to as the first set of criteria or the second set of criteria. In some implementations, the first set of conditions or the second set of conditions can be predefined at UE 241 / 242. In this case, it is not necessary to include the first set of conditions or the second set of conditions in the second message, thus reducing signaling overhead.

[0133] In some embodiments, the RRC reporting configuration may include a third cycle for reporting measurement or ancillary information. In some examples, the RRC reporting configuration may include L3 measurement reporting (e.g., Measurement Report The relevant periodic value (represented by P2). For example, UE 241 / 242 should report to the first RAN unit 210 once within a period of periodicity P2.

[0134] In some embodiments, the RRC reporting configuration may include a third set of conditions for triggering the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information. In some examples, if one of the conditions in the third set is met, the UE 241 / 242 will report the recorded measurement or auxiliary information to the first RAN unit 210.

[0135] In some examples, the third set of conditions may include: (3.1) Successful execution of the LTM process, (3.2) Successful switching triggered by the RRC layer, (3.3) The measured value is below the third threshold. (3.4) A third specific signaling message is received. (3.5) The entry conditions for the RRM event are met, or (3.6) The RRM event was detected.

[0136] For example, if UE 241 / 242 successfully switches to another cell based on the LTM command MAC CE (triggered by it), then condition (3.1) is met, and then the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered.

[0137] For example, if UE 241 / 242 is based on ReconfigurationWithSync If a successful handover to another cell is triggered, condition (3.2) is met, and then a report of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered.

[0138] For example, if the measured L1 RSRP is below the third threshold, such as in the last one or more measurement instances, then condition (3.3) is met, and then the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered.

[0139] For example, if a third specific signaling is received, condition (3.4) is met, and then the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered. For example, the third specific signaling can be an explicit L1 signaling, an explicit L2 signaling, or an explicit L3 signaling.

[0140] For example, if ReportConfig If the events A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 defined in the code are satisfied, then condition (3.5) is satisfied, and then the report of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered.

[0141] For example, if ReportConfig If a radio link failure (RLF), beam failure, or A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 event as defined in the code is detected, then condition (3.6) is met, and then a report of measurement or auxiliary information is triggered.

[0142] In some embodiments, the RRC reporting configuration may include a fourth set of conditions for triggering a halt to reporting measurement or auxiliary information. In some examples, if one of the conditions in the fourth set is met, the UE 241 / 242 will stop reporting the recorded measurement or auxiliary information to the first RAN unit 210.

[0143] In some examples, the fourth set of conditions may include: (4.1) The duration for reporting measurements or auxiliary information has elapsed. (4.2) The measured value is higher than the fourth threshold. (4.3) The fourth specific signaling is received. (4.4) The maximum amount of measurement or auxiliary information has been reported, or (4.5) The exit condition for the RRM event is met.

[0144] For example, the duration could be the length of time that UE 241 / 242 should maintain reporting measurement or auxiliary information, once the duration ends, condition (4.1) is satisfied, and then reporting measurement or auxiliary information stops. For example, UE 241 / 242 should stop 3 seconds after cell handover.

[0145] For example, if the measured L1 RSRP is higher than the fourth threshold, such as in the last one or more measurement instances, then condition (4.2) is met, and then the reporting of measurement or auxiliary information stops.

[0146] For example, if the fourth specific signaling is received, then condition (4.3) is met, and then reporting of measurement or auxiliary information stops. For example, the fourth specific signaling can be an explicit L1 signaling, an explicit L2 signaling, or an explicit L3 signaling.

[0147] For example, depending on the capabilities of UE 241 / 242, if the maximum amount of measurements or records to be stored for reporting is reached, then condition (4.4) is satisfied, and reporting of measurements or auxiliary information then stops.

[0148] For example, the exit condition for an RRM event could be... ReportConfig The A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 events are defined in the table. For example, if the L3 measurement of the current serving cell / beam is below or above a threshold, then condition (4.5) is satisfied. For example, if the L3 measurement of a neighboring cell becomes better than the offset of the current serving cell, and the offset is less than a threshold, then condition (4.5) is satisfied.

[0149] In some embodiments, RRC reporting configuration may include a specific bearer for reporting measurement or ancillary information. In some examples, a dedicated bearer may be designated for reporting measurement or ancillary information. In some examples, different bearers may be designated for different UEs, or the same bearer may be designated for different UEs.

[0150] In some other implementations, the third device 301 may include a third RAN unit 330, such as a target RAN unit associated with the LTM procedure of UE 241. In some example embodiments, the first message may include an indication that the first RAN unit 210 collects measurement or auxiliary information associated with UE 241 after the successful execution of the LTM procedure. A detailed description of the case where the third device 301 includes a third RAN unit 230 can be found in the following references. Figure 9 Examples of implementations.

[0151] In process 300, at point 330, the third device 301 collects data (measurement or auxiliary information).

[0152] In some implementations, the third device 301 may be UE 241 / 242. In some implementations, UE 241 / 242 may, for example, perform measurements and record measurement or auxiliary information based on the measurement configuration indicated by the second message.

[0153] In some implementations, UE 241 / 242 may determine and record measurements (measurement results or measurement instances) for each time period based on measurement configurations, such as CSI-RS or SSB, where the time period is determined based on a first / second cycle (e.g., P1). In some examples, the measurement results within a time period may be the average value within that time period.

[0154] In some embodiments, UE 241 / 242 may measure (multiple) metrics indicated by a measurement configuration. In some embodiments, UE 241 / 242 may measure and record once within a period of period P1. In some embodiments, UE 241 / 242 may measure and record if one of the conditions in a first set of conditions is met. In some embodiments, UE 241 / 242 may stop measuring and recording if one of the conditions in a second set of conditions is met. In some examples, a timestamp or time offset associated with the measurement instance may also be recorded.

[0155] In process 300, at 340, a third device 301 (such as UE 241 / 242) sends a third message to the first RAN unit 210, wherein the third message includes measurement or auxiliary information. In some example embodiments, the third message from UE 241 / 242 is an RRC message.

[0156] In some implementations, UE 241 / 242 can generate a measurement report, and the measurement report can be included in a third message. In some implementations, the third message can be reported to the first RAN unit 210 based on an RRC report configuration. In some embodiments, UE 241 / 242 can report the third message once within a period of period P2. For example, the third message can include multiple record instances acquired within multiple periods of period P1. For example, P2>P1. In some embodiments, UE 241 / 242 can report the third message if one of the conditions in the third set of conditions is met. In some embodiments, UE 241 / 242 can stop reporting if one of the conditions in the fourth set of conditions is met.

[0157] In process 300, at point 350, the first RAN unit 210 sends a fourth message to the second RAN unit 220. In some implementations, the fourth message may include measurement or auxiliary information reported by the third device 301 (e.g., UE 241 / 242). For example, the measurement or auxiliary information may be carried in the CU-DU RRC information F1AP IE of the fourth message.

[0158] In some implementations, if the first message is used for a non-UE-related procedure, for example, if the first message is a data collection request message, then the fourth message can be a data collection update message. In some implementations, if the first message is used for a UE-related procedure, for example, if the first message is a UE context modification request message, then the fourth message is a UE-associated F1AP message, such as a dedicated measurement result message or an existing UE-associated F1AP message (such as a UE context modification request message).

[0159] In some implementations, the fourth message may be sent once within the period of the periodic information indicated by the first message.

[0160] In some embodiments, the fourth message may include an ID that identifies the fourth message. In some examples, the ID identifying the fourth message may be the same as the ID identifying the first message; for example, the ID may be a measurement ID or a data collection ID.

[0161] In some embodiments, the fourth message may include at least one UE ID. For example, the UE ID of a UE (such as UE 241 / 242) may be a gNB-DU F1AP ID, or it may be a pair of gNB-DU F1AP IDs and gNB-CU F1AP IDs.

[0162] Alternatively or concurrently, the second RAN unit 220 may perform other operations based on a fourth message (e.g., based on received measurement or auxiliary information). In some implementations, the second RAN unit 220 may perform model training or model monitoring based on the fourth message.

[0163] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a signaling process 400 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 400 may involve, for example... Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210, the second RAN unit 220, UE 241, and UE 242 are shown. It should be understood that procedure 400 can be applied to other communication scenarios, which will not be described in detail here.

[0164] Process 400 can be viewed as a non-UE-related process utilizing one-step configuration, where UE-to-CU configuration and CU-to-DU configuration are indicated in a first message, which may be a data collection request message.

[0165] At least one AI / ML model (such as a gNB DU) may be deployed at the second RAN unit 220. At 410, the second RAN unit 220 determines the data collection required for AI / ML model training or monitoring. In some implementations, the second RAN unit 220 expects the first RAN unit 210 to collect measurement or auxiliary information via RRC signaling.

[0166] At 420, the second RAN unit 220 sends a data collection request to the first RAN unit (such as gNB CU) 210. In some implementations, the second RAN unit 220 initiates a non-UE-related procedure by sending the data collection request. In some implementations, the data collection request may include relevant information related to the associated UE(s) and required measurement or auxiliary information. In some examples, the data collection request may include an ID identifying the data collection request. In some examples, the data collection request may include multiple UE IDs of the associated UE(s), for example, the data collection request includes a first UE ID of UE 241 and a second UE ID of UE 242. In some examples, the data collection request may also include references... Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the information included in the first message will not be repeated here.

[0167] At 430, the first RAN unit 210 determines that it accepts the data collection request and sends a data collection response to the second RAN unit 220. For example, the data collection response may be an acknowledgment of the data collection request.

[0168] The first RAN unit 210 can also generate an RRC reconfiguration message for the corresponding UE indicated by the data collection request. The first RAN unit 210 can generate a first RRC reconfiguration message for UE 241 at 440 and send it to UE 241, and can generate second RRC reconfiguration information for UE 242 at 445 and send it to UE 242. In some implementations, the first RRC reconfiguration message / second RRC reconfiguration message may include a reference... Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the information included in the second message will not be repeated here.

[0169] In some examples, the measurement configurations of UE 241 and UE 242 may be the same or different. For example, the same metric may be indicated to be measured. For example, UE 241 and UE 242 may use different period values ​​for measurement / recording.

[0170] In some examples, the RRC reporting configurations for UE 241 and UE 242 can be the same or different. For example, UE 241 and UE 242 can report using different period values. Alternatively, UE 241 and UE 242 can report using the same bearer.

[0171] UE 241 and UE 242 can send an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the first RAN unit 210 at 450 and 455 respectively to indicate that the first RRC reconfiguration message / second RRC reconfiguration message has been successfully received.

[0172] UE 241 records measurement or auxiliary information at 460, and UE 242 records measurement or auxiliary information at 465, which is consistent with the reference. Figure 3 The operation described is similar to 330, so for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0173] At 470, UE 241 sends RRC signaling to the first RAN unit 210, which includes a measurement report, wherein the measurement report includes recorded measurement or auxiliary information. Similarly, at 475, UE 242 sends RRC signaling to the first RAN unit 210, which includes a measurement report, wherein the measurement report includes recorded measurement or auxiliary information.

[0174] Additionally, at 480, the first RAN unit 210 sends a data collection update to the second RAN unit 220. In some examples, the data collection update may include a combination of measurement or auxiliary information from UE 241 and UE 242.

[0175] Alternatively, the second RAN unit 220 can determine to stop data collection used for AI / ML model training or monitoring. For example... Figure 4 As shown, at 490, the second RAN unit 220 can also send another data collection request to the first RAN unit 210.

[0176] For example, an additional data collection request may include an ID that may be the same as the ID included in the data collection request at 420, where the ID may be a measurement ID or a collection ID. For example, an additional data collection request may include a stop instruction that may indicate the cessation of data collection.

[0177] Figure 5 The illustration shows an example schematic diagram of cycle 500 used by a UE according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 5As shown, the period for measurement / recording is denoted as P1, and the period for reporting is denoted as P2. The UE can measure and record instances within the period of period P1, and can report once within the period of period P2. For example, after a duration of length P2 has elapsed, the UE can report through the RRC layer, where the report can include the recorded instances 1-5.

[0178] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a signaling process 600 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 600 may involve, for example... Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210, the second RAN unit 220, and the UE 241 are shown. It should be understood that procedure 600 can be applied to other communication scenarios, which will not be described in detail here.

[0179] Process 600 can be viewed as a UE-related process that utilizes a one-step configuration (such as a UE context modification process), where UE to CU configuration and CU to DU configuration are indicated in a first message, which may be a UE context modification request message.

[0180] At least one AI / ML model (such as a gNB DU) may be deployed at the second RAN unit 220. At 610, the second RAN unit 220 determines the data collection required for AI / ML model training or monitoring. In some implementations, the second RAN unit 220 expects the first RAN unit 210 to collect measurement or auxiliary information of the UE 241 via RRC signaling.

[0181] At 620, the second RAN unit 220 sends a UE context modification request message to the first RAN unit (such as gNB CU) 210. For example, this request is made per UE. In some implementations, the second RAN unit 220 initiates UE-related procedures by sending the UE context modification request. In some examples, the UE context modification request may include the UE ID of UE 241. In some examples, the UE context modification request may also include a reference... Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the information included in the first message will not be repeated here.

[0182] The first RAN unit 210 can also generate an RRC reconfiguration message for UE 241 indicated by a UE context modification request. At 630, the first RAN unit 210 can send the RRC reconfiguration message to UE 241. In some implementations, the RRC reconfiguration message may include a reference... Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the information included in the second message will not be repeated here.

[0183] At 640, UE 241 can send an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the first RAN unit 210, indicating that the RRC reconfiguration message has been successfully received.

[0184] At position 650, the first RAN unit 210 sends a UE context modification confirmation back to the second RAN unit 220. For example, the UE context modification confirmation could be an acknowledgment of a UE context modification request.

[0185] UE 241 records measurement or auxiliary information at 660, and UE 241 sends RRC signaling including a measurement report to the first RAN unit 210 at 670, wherein the measurement report includes the recorded measurement or auxiliary information. Operations 660 and 670 are related to... Figure 4 The operations in steps 460 and 470 are basically the same, and therefore will not be repeated here for the sake of simplicity.

[0186] Furthermore, at 680, the first RAN unit 210 communicates via F1AP messages (such as...) Figure 6 The L1 measurement result message shown sends the measurement or auxiliary information of UE 241 to the second RAN unit 220. In some examples, the F1AP message from the first RAN unit 210 to the second RAN unit 220 can be the first message of a Class 1 procedure or a message of a Class 2 procedure.

[0187] In some examples, the F1AP message from the first RAN unit 210 to the second RAN unit 220 may include the UE ID of UE 241 and measurement or auxiliary information of UE 241.

[0188] Alternatively, the second RAN unit 220 may determine to stop data collection used for AI / ML model training or monitoring associated with UE 241. For example... Figure 6 As shown, at 690, the second RAN unit 220 can also send another UE context modification request message to the first RAN unit 210.

[0189] For example, an additional UE context modification request message may include an updated low-layer (L1) configuration that may exclude the measurement configuration described above for measurement or auxiliary information expected to be reported via RRC signaling. For example, an additional UE context modification request message may include a stop indication that can indicate the cessation of data collection. For example, the stop indication may be an explicit indicator instructing the first RAN unit 210 to stop the RRC reporting configuration dedicated to measurement or auxiliary information.

[0190] According to the reference Figure 4 and Figure 6In the discussed embodiments, the second RAN unit 220 (i.e., gNB DU) can obtain data for model training or monitoring from the first RAN unit 210 (i.e., gNB CU) by triggering a data collection process, which can be a non-UE-related process or a UE-related process.

[0191] For example, if the gNB DU performs spatial beam prediction, the gNB CN can configure the UE to measure and report the quality of downlink (DL) beam set A (e.g., L1-RSRP of SSB1, SSB3, and SSB5), and the gNB DU will predict the DL beam quality of set B (e.g., L1-RSRP of SSB2 and SSB4) based on the measurement results of DL beam quality set A. To train such an AI / ML model at the gNB DU, the gNB DU needs ground truth data for both the measured DL beam quality sets A and B. To monitor the accuracy of the predictions for DL ​​beam set B by the gNB DU, the gNB DU will need ground truth data for the measured quality of DL beam set B, and if the prediction accuracy degrades, the AI / ML model needs to be switched / disabled / rolled back. According to the above embodiment, the gNB DU can obtain the required data from the gNB CU, so model training or monitoring can be performed accordingly.

[0192] For example, if the gNB DU performs temporal prediction, the gNB CU can configure the UE to measure and report the quality of a certain DL beam (e.g., L1-RSRP of SSB1) and predict the future quality of the same DL beam based on historical measurements. To train such an AI / ML model at the gNB DU, the gNB DU needs ground truth data on the measurement quality of a given DL beam over a certain time period. To monitor the accuracy of predictions made by the gNB DU, the gNB DU will need ground truth data on the measurement quality of the same beam, and if the prediction accuracy degrades, the AI / ML model needs to be switched / disabled / rolled back. According to the above embodiment, the gNB DU can obtain the required data from the gNB CU, and therefore model training or monitoring can be performed accordingly.

[0193] For example, if the gNB DU performs CSI compression, the gNB CU configures the UE to send a compressed CSI report and decompresses it upon receipt. To train such an AI / ML model at the gNB DU, the gNB DU will need real data pairs of the compressed CSI report and the original CSI report. To monitor whether the decompressed CSI report is identical to the original CSI report, the gNB DU needs to know the original CSI report and can switch / deactivate / roll back the AI / ML model as needed. According to the above embodiment, the gNB DU can obtain the necessary data from the gNB CU, and therefore model training or monitoring can be performed accordingly.

[0194] If the gNB DU performs time-domain CSI prediction, the gNB can configure the UE to measure and report the quality of the CSI reference signal (e.g., L1-RSRP of CSI-RS) and predict the future quality of CSI-RS based on historical measurements. To train such an AI / ML model at the gNB DU, the gNB DU needs ground truth data on the measurement quality of the given CSI-RS over a given time period. To monitor the accuracy of predictions made by the gNB DU, the gNB DU will require ground truth data on the measurement quality of the CSI-RS, and if prediction accuracy degrades, the AI / ML model needs to be switched off / disabled / rolled back. According to the above embodiment, the gNB DU can obtain the required data from the gNB CU, and therefore model training or monitoring can be performed accordingly.

[0195] In some other implementations, a two-step configuration can be used. For example, the configuration for the transmission from gNB CU to gNB DU can be configured first, and then the configuration for the reporting from UE to gNB CU via RRC signaling can be configured. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a signaling process 700 for a two-step configuration according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 700 may involve, for example... Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210, the second RAN unit 220, and the UE 241 are shown. It should be understood that procedure 700 can be applied to other communication scenarios, which will not be described in detail here.

[0196] It should be understood that although UE 241 participates in process 700, in some other examples, more than one UE may be involved. For example, two-step configuration can be applied to non-UE-related processes. Two-step configuration may include two phases, the first phase may be referred to as the F1 report configuration phase, and the second phase may be referred to as the UE configuration phase.

[0197] At 710, the second RAN unit 220 determines the general requirements for data collection. In some implementations, the second RAN unit 220 may determine the need for data collection for AI / ML model training or monitoring.

[0198] At 720, the second RAN unit 220 sends a data collection request message to the first RAN unit 210. In some implementations, the data collection request message may include an ID identifying the request; for example, the ID may be a measurement ID or a data collection ID. In some implementations, the data collection request message may include periodic information for transmitting measurement or auxiliary information from the first RAN unit 210 to the second RAN unit 220. For example, the second RAN unit 220 may request the first RAN unit 210 to periodically transmit the collected data. For example, the first RAN unit 210 should transmit the collected data based on the periodic information. In some implementations, the data collection request message may include instructions indicating that the first RAN unit 210 collects and transmits measurement or auxiliary information. For example, the instructions in the data collection request message may indicate the need for data collection at the second RAN unit 220 for AI / ML model training or monitoring.

[0199] At 730, the first RAN unit 210 determines that it accepts the data collection request and sends a data collection response to the second RAN unit 220. For example, the data collection response may be an acknowledgment of the data collection request.

[0200] In process 700, at 740, the second RAN unit 220 determines the need for data collection from at least one UE. At 750, the second RAN unit 220 sends a data collection start message to the first RAN unit 210. In some implementations, the data collection start message may include an ID, such as a measurement ID or a collection ID. In some implementations, the data collection start message may include at least one UE ID, such as a first UE ID and a second UE ID. In some implementations, the data collection start message may include first information related to measurement or auxiliary information of at least one UE.

[0201] It should be understood that although the data collection started message was in Figure 7 The image is shown at 750, but in some other implementations, it can be replaced by another message, such as a UE context modification request message, which includes a UE ID for a specific UE (such as UE 241). In some implementations, the UE context modification request message may include an ID, such as a measurement ID or a collection ID. In some implementations, the UE context modification request message may include first information related to the measurement or auxiliary information of UE 241.

[0202] It should be noted that the first piece of information included in the data collection request message or the UE context modification request message may refer to... Figure 3 The first message discussed in the first message is referenced here, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0203] Other operations 760, 770, 780, 790, and 795 are related to... Figure 4 / Figure 6 The operations discussed in the previous section, 440 / 640, 450 / 650, 460 / 660, 470 / 670, and 480 / 680, are similar and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0204] According to the reference Figure 7 In some embodiments, the data collection process can involve a two-step configuration. For example, in the first phase, without providing details about recording or reporting measurements or auxiliary information via RRC signaling, the second RAN unit 220 (gNBDU) can send a data collection request via a non-UE-related process (e.g., a data collection report initiation process), which can be a general request. For example, in the second phase, with details about recording or reporting measurements or auxiliary information via RRC signaling, the second RAN unit 220 (gNBDU) can send another message to trigger data collection, which can be a non-UE-related message or a UE-related message. Therefore, the first phase can be shared across multiple rounds of the second phase, and thus signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0205] As described above, measurement / recording can be triggered by a first specific signaling, and the end of measurement / recording can be triggered by a second specific signaling. Reporting can be triggered by a third specific signaling, and the end of reporting can be triggered by a fourth specific signaling. The first / second / third / fourth specific signaling can be L1 or L2 signaling, for example, sent from the second RAN unit 220 to UE 241; or the first / second / third / fourth specific signaling can be L3 signaling, for example, sent from the first RAN unit 210 to UE 241.

[0206] Taking the first specific signaling as an example, Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a communication process 800 that triggers or stops signaling according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 800 may involve, for example... Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210, the second RAN unit 220, and UE 241 are shown. It should be understood that this procedure can also be applied to UE 242 if UE 242 is involved.

[0207] In process 800, at point 810, the configuration for L1 measurements reported via RRC reporting can be configured; for example, configuration 810 can be configured with... Figure 3 The second message discussed in the text is related, or could be Figure 4 / Figure 6 / Figure 7 The RRC reconfiguration message is sent from the first RAN unit 210 to the UE 241.

[0208] In process 800, option 820 or option 830 can be executed to trigger the measurement / recording of measurement or auxiliary information at UE 241.

[0209] In option 820, the second RAN unit 220 may send a first specific signaling to the UE 241 at 822. This first specific signaling may be L1 / L2 signaling used to trigger measurement / recording. For example, the first specific signaling may be DCI or MAC CE. In some examples, at 824, the second RAN unit 220 may also send a message to the first RAN unit 210 to notify of the triggering. For example, the message at 824 may notify the first RAN unit 210 of the start of data collection. In this way, the first RAN unit 210 can know whether there is any RRC measurement report carrying measurement or auxiliary information expected from the UE 241.

[0210] In operation 830, the second RAN unit 220 may send a message to the first RAN unit 210 at 832, wherein the message at 832 may request the first RAN unit 210 to generate a first specific signaling. For example, the message at 832 may include information about the first specific signaling. Then, at 834, the first RAN unit 210 may send the first specific signaling to the UE 241, wherein the first specific signaling may be RRC signaling for triggering measurement / recording.

[0211] Furthermore, at 840, UE 241 can begin performing a measurement / recording triggered by a first specific signaling from the second RAN unit 220 or from the first RAN unit 210.

[0212] Alternatively, UE 241 may receive third specific signaling from the second RAN unit 220 or the first RAN unit 210. In addition, at 850, UE 241 may also send a measurement report triggered by the third specific signal.

[0213] In some implementations, the transmission of the second, third, or fourth specific signaling is similar to the transmission of the first specific signaling (i.e., option 820 or option 830), and the details will not be elaborated further here.

[0214] For reference Figure 3The third device 301 discussed can be Figure 2 The third RAN unit 230 shown, for example, may have an AI / ML model deployed at the second RAN unit 220, and the second RAN unit 220 may make LTM decisions based on the AI / ML model. For example, beam or CSI prediction results may be used as model inputs for LTM decisions. In the case of inter-DU LTM procedures, the second RAN unit 220 (source gNB DU) needs to know the UE performance after LTM cell handover. UE performance may include uplink (UL) throughput, DL throughput, latency, and data loss rate.

[0215] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a signaling process 900 in an inter-DU LTM process according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 900 may involve, for example... Figure 2 The diagram shows a first RAN unit 210, a second RAN unit 220, a third RAN unit 230, and a UE 241. It should be understood that the second RAN unit 220 can be a source gNB DU for the LTM procedure of the UE 241, and the third RAN unit 230 can be a target gNB DU for the LTE procedure of the UE 241. For example, the source cell is associated with (provided by) the second RAN unit 220, and the target cell is associated with (provided by) the third RAN unit 230.

[0216] In process 900, at 910, the second RAN unit 210 performs an AI-based LTM decision. For example, the second RAN unit 210 may make an LTM decision based on an AI / ML model.

[0217] At 920, the second RAN unit 220 sends a data collection request message (i.e., a DU to CU data collection request message) to the first RAN unit 210. In some implementations, if the second RAN unit 210 wishes to collect UE performance data after the LTM procedure, the DU to CU data collection request message can be sent from the second RAN unit 220 to the first RAN unit 210 at 920.

[0218] In some implementations, the DU to CU data collection request message may include an ID for identifying the DU to CU data collection request message, for example, the ID may be a first measurement ID or a first collection ID.

[0219] In some implementations, the DU to CU data collection request message may include an indicated duration, which indicates the time period for which UE performance is requested. In some examples, the indicated duration may be carried within... collect DurationIn IE, this can indicate that UE performance should be measured and provided within the indicated time period after the LTM procedure. For example, UE performance can be measured or provided once or periodically.

[0220] In some implementations, the DU to CU data collection request message may include a second cycle for measuring / recording UE performance. In some examples, the second cycle may be carried within... Collection cycle In IE, this can indicate that UE performance should be recorded periodically in a second cycle.

[0221] In some implementations, the DU-to-CU data collection request message may include a third cycle for reporting UE performance. In some examples, the third cycle may be carried within... Reporting cycle In IE, this can indicate that UE performance should be provided periodically in a third cycle.

[0222] In process 900, at 925, the first RAN unit 210 may determine that it accepts the DU to CU data collection request and send a data collection response to the second RAN unit 220. For example, the data collection response at 925 may be an acknowledgment of the data collection request at 920.

[0223] In process 900, at point 930, the first RAN unit 210 sends a data collection request message (i.e., a CU to DU data collection request message) to the third RAN unit 230. In some implementations, the first RAN unit 210 may determine that the third RAN unit 230 is the target (or candidate) gNB DU of the LTM procedure of UE 241, and then the CU to DU data collection request message may be sent.

[0224] In some implementations, the CU-DU data collection request message may include an indication that the third RAN unit 230 provides UE performance after a successful LTM procedure. In some examples, the indication in the CU-DU data collection request message may include at least one bit (such as a single bit) from a bitmap. For example, a bitmap may be carried in the CU-DU data collection request message. Reporting features in IE.

[0225] In some implementations, the CU to DU data collection request message may include an ID for identifying the CU to DU data collection request message, for example, the ID may be a second measurement ID or a second collection ID.

[0226] In some implementations, the CU-DU data collection request message may include an indicated duration, which may be the same as the duration included in the DU-CU data collection request message. In some implementations, the CU-DU data collection request message may include a second period, which may be the same as the second period included in the DU-CU data collection request message. In some implementations, the CU-DU data collection request message may include a third period, which may be the same as the third period included in the DU-CU data collection request message.

[0227] In process 900, at 935, the third RAN unit 230 sends a data collection response to the first RAN unit 210, indicating confirmation of the CU to DU data collection request message.

[0228] At 940, the second RAN unit 220 triggers an LTM procedure, for example, by sending an LTM command to UE 241 in the MAC CE. After triggering the inter-DU LTM procedure, at 950, the second RAN unit 220 sends a cell handover notification (i.e., a DU-to-CU cell handover notification) to the first RAN unit 210. In some implementations, the cell handover notification may include the UE ID of UE 241 and information about the target cell associated with the LTM procedure. Alternatively, the DU-to-CU cell handover notification may also include an ID identical to the ID included in the DU-to-CU data collection response; for example, this ID may be a first measurement ID or a first collection ID.

[0229] At position 955, the first RAN unit 210 sends a cell handover notification (i.e., a CU-to-DU cell handover notification) to the third RAN unit 230. In some implementations, the cell handover notification may include the UE ID of UE 241 and information about the target cell associated with the LTM procedure. Alternatively, the CU-to-DU cell handover notification may also include an ID that is the same as the ID included in the CU-to-DU data collection response; for example, this ID may be a second measurement ID or a second collection ID.

[0230] At position 955, the third RAN element 230 may begin collecting UE performance data (e.g., triggered by the reception of a CU to DU cell handover notification). In some implementations, UE performance data may include UL / DL average throughput, average packet delay, average packet loss, etc.

[0231] In process 900, at point 960, the third RAN unit 230 sends a data collection update message (i.e., DU to CU data collection update information) to the first RAN unit 210. In some implementations, the DU to CU data collection update message may include UE performance, and optionally, may also include a second measurement ID or a second collection ID.

[0232] In process 900, at point 965, the first RAN unit 210 sends a data collection update message (i.e., CU to DU data collection update information) to the second RAN unit 220.

[0233] In some implementations, the CU to DU data collection update message may include UE performance, and optionally, may also include a first measurement ID or a first collection ID.

[0234] According to the reference Figure 9 In one embodiment, the second RAN unit 220 (source gNB DU) can make an LTM decision based on the deployed AI / ML model. The second RAN unit 220 (source gNB DU) can obtain UE performance data from the first RAN unit 210 (gNB CU) after the LTM process, which is collected by the third RAN unit 230 (target gNB DU). In this way, the second RAN unit 220 (source gNB DU) can determine whether the LTM decision is appropriate. In some examples, the second RAN unit 220 (source gNB DU) can use the UE performance data after the LTM process to make another LTM decision more accurate.

[0235] Figure 10 An example of a device 1000 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Device 1000 may be an example of a RAN unit of a UE as described herein. Device 1000 may support wireless communication with a first RAN unit 210, a second RAN unit 220, a third RAN unit 230, a UE 241 / 242, or any combination thereof. Device 1000 may include components for bidirectional communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a processor 1002, a memory 1004, a transceiver 1006, and an optional I / O controller 1008. These components may communicate electronically or be otherwise coupled (e.g., operative ground, communication ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground) via one or more interfaces (e.g., a bus).

[0236] Processor 1002, memory 1004, transceiver 1006, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of components used to perform the various aspects of this disclosure described herein. For example, processor 1002, memory 1004, transceiver 1006, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof, may support methods for performing one or more of the operations described herein.

[0237] In some implementations, processor 1002, memory 1004, transceiver 1006, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuitry system). The hardware may include a processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, configured to or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in this disclosure. In some implementations, processor 1002 and memory 1004 coupled to processor 1002 may be configured to perform one or more functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in memory 1004 by processor 1002).

[0238] For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, processor 1002 may support wireless communication at device 1000. Processor 1002 may be configured to operate to support components for the aforementioned actions.

[0239] Processor 1002 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., general-purpose processors, DSPs, CPUs, microcontrollers, ASICs, FPGAs, programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, processor 1002 may be configured to use a memory controller to operate a memory array. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1002. Processor 1002 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 1004) to cause device 1000 to perform various functions of this disclosure.

[0240] Memory 1004 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 1004 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed by processor 1002, cause device 1000 to perform the various functions described herein. This code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. In some implementations, the code may not be directly executed by processor 1002, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some implementations, memory 1004 may include a basic I / O system (BIOS) that controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0241] I / O controller 1008 can manage input and output signals for device 1000. I / O controller 1008 can also manage peripheral devices not integrated into device M02. In some implementations, I / O controller 1008 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some implementations, I / O controller 1008 can utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In some implementations, I / O controller 1008 can be implemented as part of a processor, such as processor 1002. In some implementations, a user can interact with device 1000 via I / O controller 1008 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 1008.

[0242] In some implementations, device 1000 may include a single antenna 1010. However, in other implementations, device 1000 may have more than one antenna 1010 (i.e., multiple antennas), including multiple antenna panels or antenna arrays, which may be able to transmit or receive multiple wireless transmissions concurrently. Transceiver 1006 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 1010, wired or wireless links, as described herein. For example, transceiver 1006 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 1006 may also include a modem for modulating packets, providing modulated packets to one or more antennas 1010 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 1010. Transceiver 1006 may include one or more transmit chains, one or more receive chains, or combinations thereof.

[0243] The transmission chain can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmission chain may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. At least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmission chain may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. The transmission chain may also include one or more antennas 1010 for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0244] The receiver chain can be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) via a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain may include one or more antennas 1010 for receiving signals over the air or via a wireless medium. The receiver chain may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and acquire transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during signal transmission. The receiver chain may include at least one decoder for decoding the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0245] Figure 11 An example of a processor 1100 suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Processor 1100 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. Processor 1100 may include a controller 1102 configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. Processor 1100 may optionally include at least one memory 1104, such as an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally or alternatively, processor 1100 may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) 1106. One or more of these components may be electronically communicated or otherwise coupled (e.g., operative ground, communicative ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0246] Processor 1100 may be a processor chipset and includes a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receive, acquire, retrieve, send, output, forward, store, determine, identify, access, write, read) according to the examples described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to the processor chipset or included in the processor chipset (e.g., processor 1100)) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM), etc.).

[0247] Controller 1102 can be configured to manage and coordinate various operations of processor 1100 (e.g., signaling, receiving, acquiring, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, and reading) to enable processor 1100 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. For example, controller 1102 can operate as a control unit of processor 1100, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of processor 1100. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory accesses, and coordinating the timing of operations.

[0248] Controller 1102 may be configured to fetch (e.g., fetch, retrieve, receive) instructions from memory 1104 and determine subsequent instructions(s) to be executed, such that processor 1100 supports various operations according to the examples described herein. Controller 1102 may be configured to track the memory addresses of instructions associated with memory 1104. Controller 1102 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operations to be performed and the operands involved. For example, controller 1102 may be configured to interpret instructions and determine control signals to be output to other components of processor 1100, such that processor 1100 supports various operations according to the examples described herein. Additionally or alternatively, controller 1102 may be configured to manage data flow within processor 1100. Controller 1102 may be configured to control data transfers between registers, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and other functional units of processor 1100.

[0249] Memory 1104 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to processor 1100 or included in processor 1100) or other memories such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some implementations, memory 1104 may reside within or on the processor chipset (e.g., locally on processor 1100). In other implementations, memory 1104 may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., remotely from processor 1100).

[0250] Memory 1104 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed by processor 1100, cause processor 1100 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. Controller 1102 and / or processor 1100 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 1104 to cause processor 1100 to perform various functions. For example, processor 1100 and / or controller 1102 may be coupled to or coupled to memory 1104, and processor 1100, controller 1102, and memory 1104 may be configured to perform the various functions described herein. In some examples, processor 1100 may include multiple processors, and memory 1104 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled to one or more of the multiple memories, which may be configured individually or collectively to perform the various functions described herein.

[0251] One or more ALUs 1106 can be configured to support various operations as described in the examples herein. In some implementations, one or more ALUs 1106 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., processor 1100). In some other implementations, one or more ALUs 1106 may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., processor 1100). One or more ALUs 1106 can perform one or more operations on data, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, one or more ALUs 1106 can receive input operands and opcodes that determine the operation to be performed. One or more ALUs 1106 are configured with various logic and arithmetic circuitry, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate data according to the operations. Alternatively or concurrently, one or more ALU 1106 may support logical operations such as AND, OR, XOR, NOR, and NAND, enabling one or more ALU 1106 to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0252] Based on the examples disclosed herein, processor 1100 may support wireless communication. Processor 1100 may be configured or operable to support components for the operations described in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0253] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating method 1200 performed by a first RAN unit according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 1200 may be implemented by the devices or components thereof described herein. For example, operation of method 1200 may be performed by… Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210 in the device is used for execution. In some implementations, the device can execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Alternatively or alternatively, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0254] At 1210, the method may include: receiving a first message from a second RAN unit, the first message requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE. The operation of 1210 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1210 may be derived from references... Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210 performs this action.

[0255] At 1220, the method may include: sending a second message to a third device, the second message instructing the third device to provide measurement or auxiliary information, wherein the third device includes at least one UE or a third RAN unit. The operation of 1220 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1220 may be derived from references... Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210 performs this action.

[0256] At 1230, the method may include: receiving a third message from a third device, the third message including measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE. The operation of 1230 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1230 may be derived from references... Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210 performs this action.

[0257] At 1240, the method may include sending a fourth message to the second RAN unit, the fourth message including measurement or auxiliary information. The operation of 1240 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1240 can be derived from references... Figure 2 The first RAN unit 210 performs this action.

[0258] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating method 1300 performed by a second RAN unit according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 1300 can be implemented by the devices or components thereof described herein. For example, operation of method 1300 can be performed by… Figure 2 The second RAN unit 220 in the device executes the function. In some implementations, the device can execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described function. Alternatively or concurrently, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described function.

[0259] At 1310, the method may include: sending a first message to a first RAN unit, the first message requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE. The operation of 1310 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1310 may be derived from references... Figure 2 The second RAN unit 220 is used to perform this operation.

[0260] At 1320, the method may include: receiving a fourth message from a first RAN unit, the fourth message including measurement or auxiliary information. The operation of 1320 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1320 may be derived from references... Figure 2 The second RAN unit 220 is used to perform this operation.

[0261] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating a method 1400 performed by a UE according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 1400 may be implemented by the device or its components described herein. For example, operation of method 1400 may be performed by… Figure 2 The device is executed using UE241 / 242. In some implementations, the device can execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Alternatively or concurrently, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0262] At 1410, the method may include: receiving a second message from a first RAN unit, the second message instructing the UE to provide measurement or auxiliary information via RRC signaling. The operation of 1410 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1410 may be derived from references... Figure 2 The aforementioned UE 241 / 242 is used for execution.

[0263] At point 1420, the method may include: collecting measurement or auxiliary information based on the second message. The operation at 1420 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation at 1420 can be derived from references... Figure 2 The aforementioned UE 241 / 242 is used for execution.

[0264] At 1430, the method may include: sending a third message to the first RAN unit via RRC signaling, the third message including measurement or auxiliary information. The operation of 1430 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1430 can be derived from references... Figure 2 The aforementioned UE 241 / 242 is used for execution.

[0265] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating method 1500 performed by a third RAN unit according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 1400 can be implemented by the devices or components thereof described herein. For example, operation of method 1500 can be performed by… Figure 2 The third RAN unit 230 in the device is used for execution. In some implementations, the device can execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Alternatively or concurrently, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0266] At 1510, the method may include: receiving a second message from a first RAN unit, the second message instructing a third RAN unit to provide measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE after successful execution of the LTM procedure. The operation of 1510 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1510 may be derived from references... Figure 2 The third RAN unit 230 is used to perform this operation.

[0267] At point 1520, the method may include: collecting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one UE. The operation of 1520 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1520 can be derived from references... Figure 2 The third RAN unit 230 is used to perform this operation.

[0268] At 1530, the method may include sending a fourth message to the first RAN unit, the fourth message including measurement or auxiliary information. The operation of 1530 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1530 can be derived from references... Figure 2 The third RAN unit 230 is used to perform this operation.

[0269] It should be noted that the methods described in this paper describe possible implementations, and the operations and steps can be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are also possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more methods can be combined.

[0270] The various illustrative blocks and components disclosed herein can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware component or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0271] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that portions of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0272] Computer-readable media include both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, with communication media including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, optical disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

[0273] As used herein, including in the claims, the article “a” preceding an element is unrestricted and should be understood to refer to “at least one” or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” are interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, the use of “or” in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with phrases such as “at least one of…” or “one or more of…” or “one or two of…”) indicates an inclusive list, such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as “based on condition A” without departing from the scope of this disclosure could be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase “at least partially based on.” Furthermore, as used herein, including in the claims, “set” can include one or more elements.

[0274] The description provided herein is intended to enable those skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A first radio access network (RAN) unit, comprising: At least one memory; as well as At least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory, and configured such that the first RAN unit: Receive a first message from the second RAN unit, the first message requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one user equipment (UE); A second message is sent to a third device, the second message instructing the third device to provide the measurement or auxiliary information, wherein the third device includes the at least one UE or a third RAN unit; Receive a third message from the third device, the third message including the measurement or auxiliary information associated with the at least one UE; as well as A fourth message is sent to the second RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

2. The first RAN unit according to claim 1, wherein the third device includes the at least one UE, and wherein the first message includes one of the following: The identifier ID used to identify the first message. At least one UE ID of the at least one UE, First information for the requested measurement or auxiliary information for each of the at least one UE. Periodic information used to transmit the measurement or auxiliary information from the first RAN unit, or This indicates that the first RAN unit configures the Radio Resource Control (RRC) report configuration to the at least one UE.

3. The first RAN unit of claim 2, wherein the first information of the requested measurement or auxiliary information includes one of the following: Configuration related to the measurement or auxiliary information, or The second information used by the first RAN unit to determine the measurement configuration.

4. The first RAN unit according to claim 2, wherein the second message includes one of the following: Measurement configuration used by the at least one UE to determine the measurement or auxiliary information, or RRC reporting configuration for the at least one UE to report the measurement or auxiliary information via RRC signaling.

5. The first RAN unit according to claim 4, wherein the measurement configuration includes one of the following: One or more measures of the measurement or auxiliary information. The first period used to determine the measurement or auxiliary information The second cycle is used to record the measurement or auxiliary information. The first set of conditions used to trigger the determination or recording of the measurement or auxiliary information, or The second set of conditions is used to trigger the cessation of determining or recording the measurement or auxiliary information.

6. The first RAN unit according to claim 5, wherein the first set of conditions includes one of the following: Successful execution of the mobility LTM procedure triggered by Layer 1 or Layer 2. Successful switching triggered by the RRC layer. The measured value is below the first threshold. The first specific signaling was received. The entry conditions for a Radio Resource Management (RRM) event are met, or An RRM event was detected.

7. The first RAN unit according to claim 5, wherein the second set of conditions includes one of the following: The duration for determining or recording the measurement or auxiliary information has elapsed. The measured value is higher than the second threshold. The second specific signaling was received. The maximum amount of the measurement or the auxiliary information has been reached, or The exit conditions for the RRM event have been met.

8. The first RAN unit of claim 4, wherein the RRC report configuration includes one of the following: The third period used to report the aforementioned measurement or auxiliary information The third set of conditions is used to trigger the reporting of the measurement or auxiliary information. The fourth set of conditions used to trigger a stop reporting of the measurement or auxiliary information, or A specific bearer used to report the measurement or auxiliary information.

9. The first RAN unit according to claim 8, wherein the third set of conditions includes one of the following: Successful execution of the LTM process Successful switching triggered by the RRC layer. The measured value is below the third threshold. A third specific signaling message was received. The entry conditions for the RRM event are met, or An RRM event was detected.

10. The first RAN unit according to claim 8, wherein the fourth set of conditions includes one of the following: The duration for reporting the measurement or auxiliary information has expired. The measured value is above the fourth threshold. The fourth specific signaling was received. The maximum amount of the measurement or auxiliary information has been reported, or The exit conditions for the RRM event have been met.

11. The first RAN unit of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is further configured such that the first RAN unit: Receive a message from the second RAN unit that includes information about one of the following: A first specific signaling is used to trigger the determination or recording of the measurement or auxiliary information. A second specific signaling is used to trigger a stop to determine or record the measurement or auxiliary information. A third specific signaling used to trigger the reporting of the measurement or auxiliary information, or A fourth specific signaling used to trigger a stop reporting of the measurement or auxiliary information; and Send to the at least one UE one of the following: the first specific signaling, the second specific signaling, the third specific signaling, or the fourth specific signaling.

12. The first RAN unit of claim 1, wherein the first message includes a data collection request message, and the fourth message includes a data collection update message.

13. The first RAN unit of claim 1, wherein the first message includes a UE context modification request message, and the fourth message includes a UE association F1AP message.

14. The first RAN unit of claim 1, wherein the third device includes the third RAN unit, and wherein the first message includes an indication indicating that the first RAN unit collects the measurement or auxiliary information associated with the at least one UE after successful execution of the LTM procedure.

15. The first RAN unit of claim 14, wherein the first message includes a data collection request message, and the indication includes one or more bits of a specific information element in the first message.

16. The first RAN unit of claim 14, wherein the second RAN unit is a source RAN unit for the LTM process, and the third RAN unit is a target RAN unit for the LTM process.

17. The first RAN unit of claim 1, wherein an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) model is deployed at the second RAN unit.

18. A second radio access network (RAN) unit, comprising: At least one memory; as well as At least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory, and configured such that the second RAN unit: Send a first message to a first RAN unit, the first message requesting measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one user equipment (UE); and A fourth message is received from the first RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

19. A user equipment (UE), comprising: At least one memory; as well as At least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory, and configured such that the UE: The UE receives a second message from the first radio access network (RAN) unit, the second message instructing the UE to provide measurement or auxiliary information via radio resource control (RRC) signaling; The measurement or auxiliary information is collected based on the second message; as well as A third message, including the measurement or auxiliary information, is sent to the first RAN unit via the RRC signaling.

20. A third radio access network (RAN) unit, comprising: At least one memory; as well as At least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory, and configured such that the third RAN unit: The third RAN unit receives a second message from the first RAN unit, the second message instructing the third RAN unit to provide measurement or auxiliary information associated with at least one user equipment (UE) after the successful execution of a mobility LTM procedure triggered by layer 1 or layer 2. Collect the measurement or auxiliary information associated with the at least one UE; as well as A fourth message is sent to the first RAN unit, the fourth message including the measurement or auxiliary information.

Images