Inter-DU path change management

Abstract

A path change is made in a network comprising a CU that controls a plurality of DUs and a remote UE that is served by at least two paths. Each path may be managed by the same DU or by different DUs. The CU determines that a path change from a source DU to a target DU is required and sends a request to the source DU to configure the source DU to support the DU change. The source DU releases the path based on a triggering condition. The remote UE receives configuration information for establishing a path with the target DU and sends a notification of establishment. The target DU receives a message from the CU with information for setting up or modifying a context of the remote UE. An intra-DU to inter-DU direct or indirect path change, or an inter-DU to intra-DU direct or indirect path change, in a multipath scenario using a sidelink (PC5) relay UE is achieved using a single release-and-add procedure.

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