Baseline radio resource control configuration for mobility

Abstract

At step 0, a serving cell in a radio access network (RAN) obtains a radio capability of a user equipment (UE). The serving cell inspects the radio capability and determines at least one frequency band supported by the UE. At step 1 the serving cell generates a radio resource control (RRC) configuration for frequency band n1. At step 2, the serving cell communicates with neighbour cells that provide service, for example, in frequency bands n3 and n7. The serving cell requests a RRC configuration for the frequency band supported by each cell. At step 3, the neighbour cells generate RRC configurations for frequency bands n3 and n7 respectively. At step 4 these RRC configurations are provided to the serving cell. At step 5 the serving cell complies the RRC configurations for frequency bands n1, n3 and n7 into a baseline RRC configuration. At step 6, the baseline RRC configuration is provided to the UE which may use it for a handover when using the supported frequency bands. The advantage of the invention of the application is that the UE is not handed off to a target cell for which it does not have a RRC configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0001] The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to improved operations for a UE in a certain area and, more specifically, relate to defining a baseline RRC configuration for a UE to improve operations for the UE in a certain area. BACKGROUND:

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and / or in the Figures are herewith defined as follows: AMF Access and Mobility Management Function CA Carrier Aggregation DC Dual Connectivity MUSIM Multi Universal Subscriber Identity Module NTWK Network pc Jr o Packet Switched RACH Random Access Channel RRC Radio Resource Control Rx Receiver TDM Time Division Multiplexing Tx Transmitter UAI Assistance Information UPF User Plane Function UE User Equipment US IM Universal Subscriber Identity Module

[0004] After earlier releases of LTE and NR, mobility features were continuously evolved and increased as optional support for UE. For 6G, it is likewise expected that the baseline handover mechanism is introduced as mandatory for UE in the first release of specifications.

[0005] In the legacy RATs, such as NR and LTE, the UE RRC configuration is valid only for a serving cell. When the UE handovers to a target cell, the target gNB provides the UE RRC configuration for the UE, which is applicable to the target cell. The target gNB can do so, due to the fact that the UE RRC configuration used at the source cell and the UE radio capability are forwarded to the target gNB when the network prepares a handover for the UE.

[0006] There is no prior art on the concerning problem, since the UE specific RRC configuration is valid only at the serving cell in the legacy RATs as described herein.

[0007] Example embodiments of this invention proposes improved operations for at least RRC configuration for a UE in a certain area. SUMMARY:

[0008] This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not meant to be limiting.

[0009] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with a user equipment of a communication network, identify a radio capability of the user equipment; inspect the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment; communicate with at least one neighbor cell of the communication network that provides service over the supported at least one frequency band; based on the communicating, receive from the at least one neighbor cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; and based on the information, send towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[0010] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with a user equipment of a communication network, identifying a radio capability of the user equipment; inspecting the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment; communicating with at least one neighbor cell of the communication network that provides service over the supported at least one frequency band; based on the communicating, receiving from the at least one neighbor cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; and based on the information, sending towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band. A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein the communicating comprises providing to the at least one neighbor cell a radio resource control configuration supported by user equipment, wherein the information from the at least one neighbor cell comprises a radio resource control configuration compiled by the at least one neighbor cell for the supported at least one frequency band wherein the information from the at least one neighbor cell comprises a radio resource control configuration compiled by the at least one neighbor cell for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, producing for each supported at least one frequency band, a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment, wherein there is sending towards the user equipment the component of the radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is sending towards the user equipment the compiled radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is requesting a band specific radio resource control configuration for all frequency bands operated in the communication network, wherein the indication of a radio resource control configuration for the handover is using a baseline radio resource control configuration, and wherein the baseline radio resource control configuration applicable to all frequency bands operated by the communication network, wherein there is generating a radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, requesting from the communication network a radio resource control configuration for all operating frequency bands available to the user equipment; based on the request, receive information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration, wherein the information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration is indicating a knowledge of the operating frequency bands and a parameter setting for each of the operating frequency bands, wherein there is forwarding the new baseline radio resource control configuration to the user equipment, wherein there is, based on a network initiated redirection being used, sending towards the user equipment a new baseline radio resource control configuration for the at least one neighbor cell where the new baseline radio resource control configuration is to be established, wherein there is, obtaining, via a system information broadcast, neighbour cell measurements for handover and acquire a network node group identification of the at least one neighbor cell; and based on the measurements, determining a target cell of the at least one neighbor cell for a handover of the network device, wherein there is, identifying a user equipment initiated redirection based on the at least one neighbor cell being associated with different network node group identification than a current cell; and obtaining a new baseline radio resource control configuration from the target cell where the radio resource control configuration is re-established, wherein if a network node group identification of the target cell is different from the serving cell, the serving cell asking a context management server of the communication network to provide a new baseline radio resource control configuration to a target cell where the radio resource control configuration is to be re-established, wherein the context management server of the communication network is managing a context of the user equipment; and sending towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration from the context management server of the communication network, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment a measurement report, wherein the measurement report is composed of the node group identification for each neighbour cell as well as the node group identification for the serving cell used, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, producing for each supported at least one frequency band, a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment, wherein there is sending towards the user equipment the component of the radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is identifying a neighbour cell being associated with different network node grouping; and requesting the neighbour cell associated with the different group, provide a network node grouping specific baseline configuration, and / or wherein there is request the neighbour cell provide a network node grouping specific baseline configuration; based on the request, obtaining the network node grouping specific baseline configuration; and providing the network node grouping specific baseline configuration to the user equipment.

[0011] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0012] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with a user equipment of a communication network, for identifying a radio capability of the user equipment; means for inspecting the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment; communicating with at least one neighbor cell of the communication network that provides service over the supported at least one frequency band; means, based on the communicating, for receiving from the at least one neighbor cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; and means, based on the information, for sending towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[0013] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for identifying, inspecting, communicating, receiving, and sending comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0014] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: communicate with a network node of a serving cell of a communication network that provides service over a supported at least one frequency band; based on the communicating, send towards the serving cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; and based on the information, receive from the serving cell an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[0015] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: communicating with a network node of a serving cell of a communication network that provides service over a supported at least one frequency band; based on the communicating, sending towards the serving cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; and based on the information, receiving from the serving cell an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[0016] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein there is identifying, based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with the serving cell, the radio capability of a user equipment, wherein the identifying is based on an inspection of the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment and the communication network, wherein the communicating comprises providing to the at least one neighbor cell a radio resource control configuration supported by user equipment, wherein the information for the supported at least one frequency band comprises a radio resource control configuration compiled by the at least one neighbor cell, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, producing for each supported at least one frequency band, a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment, wherein there is receiving from the serving cell the component of the radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is generating a radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is receiving from the serving cell the generated radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, requesting from the a context management server of the communication network a baseline radio resource control configuration for all operating frequency bands available to the user equipment; based on the request, receive information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration, wherein there is, for each frequency band, producing a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment; and requesting a band specific radio resource control configuration for all frequency bands operated in the communication network, wherein the information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration is indicating a knowledge of the operating frequency bands and a parameter setting for each of the operating frequency bands; and wherein there is receiving a new baseline radio resource control configuration from the serving cell, wherein there is performing neighbor cell measurements and obtain at least one node group identification via the system information for each neighbor cell to be measured, wherein there is sending a measurement report to the serving cell, wherein the measurement report is composed of the node group identification for each neighbor cell as well as the node group identification for the serving cell, wherein based on the node group identification of a target cell being different from the serving cell, a conventional baseline handover is initiated, wherein there is, during a handover preparation phase for the conventional baseline handover, receiving from the target cell a new baseline radio resource control configuration and network node identification associated with the new baseline radio resource control configuration, wherein during the handover preparation phase, there is received a new baseline radio resource control configuration and node group identification associated with the new baseline radio resource control configuration, wherein there is, based on a network initiated redirection being used, receiving a new baseline radio resource control configuration for the neighbor cell where the new baseline radio resource control configuration is to be established, wherein there is obtaining, via a system information broadcast, neighbour cell measurements for handover and acquire a network node group identification of at least one neighbor cell, wherein a target cell of the at least one neighbor cell is determined for a handover of the network device, wherein there is determining a user equipment initiated redirection based on the at least one neighbor cell being associated with different network node group identification than a current cell; and obtaining a new baseline radio resource control configuration from the target cell where the radio resource control configuration is re-established, wherein there is identifying a neighbour cell being associated with different network node grouping; and requesting the neighbour cell associated with the different group, provide a network node grouping specific baseline configuration, and / or wherein there is requesting the neighbour cell provide a network node grouping specific baseline configuration; and based on the request, obtain the network node grouping specific baseline configuration.

[0017] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for communicating with a network node of a serving cell of a communication network that provides service over a supported at least one frequency band; means, based on the communicating, for sending towards the serving cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; and means, based on the information, for receiving from the serving cell an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[0018] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for communicating, receiving, and sending comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0019] A communication system comprising the network side apparatus and the user equipment side apparatus performing operations as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0020] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an NR baseline handover in accordance with standards at the time of this application;

[0022] FIG. 2 shows an overall procedure of baseline handover w / o NW preparation with AMF and / or UPF relocation;

[0023] FIG. 3 shows scenarios where a baseline configuration in accordance with example embodiments of the invention may or may not work;

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a deployment scenario in accordance with example embodiments of the invention where the baseline RRC configuration is different per geographical area associated with RAN node(s);

[0025] FIG. 5 shows, for each alternative, a procedure in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as described herein;

[0026] FIG. 6A shows procedures for serving RAN to produce a UE specific baseline RRC configuration in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 6B shows a procedural variant of producing a UE specific baseline RRC configuration in case of stationary UE;

[0028] FIG. 7 shows a procedural variant of producing a UE specific baseline RRC configuration in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B shows alternative baseline RRC configuration produced by serving RAN and neighbour RANs in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 9 shows a RRC kernel generation support information exchange in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 10 shows procedures for producing a UE specific baseline RRC configuration with SBA RAN in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 11 shows a procedural variant of producing a UE specific baseline RRC configuration with SBA RAN in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 12 shows an overall procedure of Alt.l (baseline RRC configuration update before handover) in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 13 shows an alternative procedure of Alt.l to provide new RRC config from target RAN in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 14 shows a procedure of Alt.2 (perform NR baseline handover) in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 15 shows Procedure of Alt.3 (perform NW initiated redirection);

[0037] FIG. 16 shows Procedure of Alt.4 (perform UE initiated redirection);

[0038] FIG. 17 shows Procedure of Alt. 5 (all RRC configs for all RAN node grouping provided);

[0039] FIG. 18 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the invention; and

[0040] FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0041] In example embodiments of this invention there is proposed at least a method and apparatus for defining a baseline RRC configuration for UE to improve operations for the UE in a certain area.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an NR baseline handover in accordance with standards at the time of this application.

[0043] As similarly stated above, after the first release of LTE and NR, mobility features were continuously evolved and increased as optional support for UE. For 6G, it is likewise expected that the baseline handover mechanism is introduced as mandatory for UE in the first release of specifications.

[0044] As previously submitted, the baseline mobility supported for all 6G capable UE can be further simplified without the preparation phase and data forwarding, to address wide range mobility requirements for 6G. One of the variants on the baseline mobility is to perform handover without NW preparation (i.e. Variant 1 in a previously submitted application).

[0045] FIG. 2 shows an overall procedure of baseline handover w / o NW preparation with AMF and / or UPF relocation;

[0046] In this approach, UE obtains a basic RRC configurations applicable to all cells / TRPs in the same PLMN beforehand as illustrated in FIG. 2. Therefore, the source RAN does not have to forward any UE specific information (e.g., UE radio capability) to the target RAN, unlike the conventional NR baseline handover as in Figure 3-1. The UE specific baseline RRC configuration is provided by the network, when UE establishes / resumes an RRC connection and goes RRCCONNECTED / CM-CONNECTED.

[0047] At the time of this application there cannot be found any prior art on the concerning problem, since the UE specific RRC configuration is valid only at the serving cell in the legacy RATs as described herein.

[0048] It is noted that a prior submission includes the baseline for 6G RRC approach with RRC Kernel as a basic RRC configuration, thought the solutions do not approach the RRC Kernel validly in a certain area nor handling in mobility scenarios.

[0049] Further, as similarly stated above, in the legacy RATs, such as NR and LTE, the UE RRC configuration is valid only for a serving cell. When the UE handovers to a target cell, the target gNB provides the UE RRC configuration for the UE, which is applicable to the target cell. The target gNB can do so, due to the fact that the UE RRC configuration used at the source cell and the UE radio capability are forwarded to the target gNB when the network prepares a handover for the UE.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows scenarios where a baseline configuration in accordance with example embodiments of the invention may or may not work.

[0051] Issue #1:

[0052] In contrast, the basic assumption behind the proposed simplified handover scheme without NW preparation is that the UE has been configured with the UE specific baseline RRC configuration applicable to all cells / TRPs in the same PLMN while the UE is in RRC CONNECTED / CM-CONNECTED. An outstanding problem behind this assumption is how such a baseline RRC configuration can be produced and what is its content (scope). Suppose that the same RRC configuration can be applied for the same carrier frequency or the same frequency band, the RRC configuration provided by the source RAN can be used for the other RAN within the same carrier or frequency band as illustrated in FIG. 3 (Band n77). On the other hand, the source RAN may not be able to provide the RRC configuration applied across all the operating frequency bands, owing to the case that the RAN does not support all of the operating frequency bands in NW as illustrated in FIG. 3 (Band n257). Therefore, it is still open howto generate the RRC configuration applied across all the operating frequency bands in the same PLMN.

[0053] Issue #2:

[0054] The assumption behind enabling the handover without NW preparation is that the UE is anytime configured with a basic RRC configurations applicable to all cells / TRPs in the same PLMN. Whilst there exists such a scenario, there are the other likely deployment scenario that the RRC configuration is different per geographical area. If a specific hotspot cell adapts the different configuration from the others, it can be reconfigured for the UE while the UE is connected to that cell as covered by another invention submission. On the other hand, there is also the deployment scenario that different RRC configuration is applied for the larger geographical granularity, e.g. different RRC configuration per state, province, etc. This is likely to occur, for instance, when functionalities supported by the network is different region by region owing to using different vendor’s products. An example is illustrated in Figure 5-2 where the baseline RRC configuration is different per geographical area served by different set of DUs. In this scenario where handover is performed without NW preparation, the following problems can be foreseen: a. How can the UE and network learn whether the current baseline RRC configuration is valid at the target cell / TRP?; b. If the current baseline RRC configuration cannot be used at the target cell / TRP, how can it be updated?

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a deployment scenario in accordance with example embodiments of the invention where the baseline RRC configuration is different per geographical area associated with RAN node(s).

[0056] Example embodiments of the invention propose to define baseline RRC configuration for a UE in a certain area.

[0057] Before describing the example embodiments as disclosed herein in detail, reference is made to FIG. 18 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the example embodiments of this invention.

[0058] FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which the example embodiments may be practiced. In FIG. 18, a user equipment (UE) 10 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 1 or network, 1 as in FIG. 18. The wireless network 1 or network 1 as in FIG. 18 can comprise a communication network such as a mobile network e.g., the mobile network 1 or first mobile network as disclosed herein. Any reference herein to a wireless network 1 as in FIG. 18 can be seen as a reference to any wireless network as disclosed herein. Further, the wireless network 1 as in FIG. 18 can also comprises hardwired features as may be required by a communication network. A UE is a wireless, typically mobile device that can access a wireless network. The UE, for example, may be a mobile phone (or called a "cellular" phone) and / or a computer with a mobile terminal function. For example, the UE or mobile terminal may also be a portable, pocket, handheld, computer-embedded or vehicle-mounted mobile device and performs a language signaling and / or data exchange with the RAN.

[0059] The UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 10D interconnected through one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more buses may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers TRANS 10D which can be optionally connected to one or more antennas for communication to NN 12 and NN 13, respectively. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG 10C. The UE 10 communicates with NN 12 and / or NN 13 via a wireless link 11 or 16.

[0060] The NN 12 (NR / 5G / 6G Node B, an evolved NB, or LTE device) is a network node such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as NN 13 and UE 10 of FIG. 18. The NN 12 provides access to wireless devices such as the UE 10 to the wireless network 1. The NN 12 includes one or more processors DP 12A, one or more memories MEM 12B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiments these TRANS 12D can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12D can be optionally connected to one or more antennas for communication over at least link 11 with the UE 10. The one or more memories MEM 12B and the computer program code PROG 12C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 12A, the NN 12 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The NN 12 may communicate with another gNB or eNB, or a device such as the NN 13 such as via link 16 or link 18. Further, the link 11, link 16 and / or any other link may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further the link 11 and / or link 16 and / or link 18 may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 device as in FIG. 18. The NN 12 may perform functionalities of an MME (Mobility Management Entity) or SGW (Serving Gateway), such as a User Plane Functionality, and / or an Access Management functionality for LTE and similar functionality for 5G or 6G.

[0061] The NN 13 can be for WiFi or Bluetooth or other wireless device associated with a mobility function device such as an AMF or SMF, further the NN 13 may comprise a NR / 5G / 6G Node B or possibly an evolved NB a base station such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as the NN 12 and / or UE 10 and / or the wireless network 1. The NN 13 includes one or more processors DP 13 A, one or more memories MEM 13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS 13D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiments these network interfaces of NN 13 can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 13D includes a receiver and a transmitter that can optionally be connected to one or more antennas. The one or more memories MEM 13B include computer program code PROG 13C. For instance, the one or more memories MEM 13B and the computer program code PROG 13C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 13 A, the NN 13 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The NN 13 may communicate with another mobility function device and / or eNB such as the NN 12 and the UE 10 or any other device using, e.g., link 11 or link 16 or link 18 or another link. The link 16 or link 18 as shown in FIG. 18 can be used for communication with the NN12. These links maybe wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further, as stated above the link 11 and / or link 16 and / or link 18 may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE / MME / SGW device such as the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 of FIG. 18.

[0062] The one or more buses of the device of FIG. 18 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D, TRANS 13D and / or TRANS 10D may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH), with the other elements of the NN 12 being physically in a different location from the RRH, and these devices can include one or more buses that could be implemented in part as fiber optic cable to connect the other elements of the NN 12 to a RRH.

[0063] It is noted that although FIG. 18 shows a network nodes such as NN 12 and NN 13, any of these nodes may can incorporate or be incorporated into an eNodeB or eNB or gNB such as for LTE and NR, and would still be configurable to perform example embodiments.

[0064] Also it is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that the gNB that forms the cell and / or a user equipment and / or mobility management function device that will perform the functions. In addition, the cell makes up part of a gNB, and there can be multiple cells per gNB.

[0065] The wireless network 1 or any network it can represent may or may not include a NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 that may include (NCE) network control element functionality, MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and / or serving gateway (SGW), and / or MME (Mobility Management Entity) and / or SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and / or user data management functionality (UDM), and / or PCF (Policy Control) functionality, and / or Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) functionality, and / or Session Management (SMF) functionality, and / or Location Management Function (LMF), and / or Authentication Server (AUSF) functionality and which provides connectivity with a further network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet), and which is configured to perform any 5G, 6G, and / or NR operations in addition to or instead of other standard operations at the time of this application. The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 is configurable to perform operations in accordance with example embodiments in any of an LTE, NR, 5G, 6G, and / or any standards based communication technologies being performed or discussed at the time of this application. In addition, it is noted that the operations in accordance with example embodiments, as performed by the NN 12 and / or NN 13, may also be performed at the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14.

[0066] The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 includes one or more processors DP 14A, one or more memories MEM 14B, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)), interconnected through one or more buses coupled with the link 13 and / or link 16 and / or link 18. In accordance with the example embodiments these network interfaces can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. The one or more memories MEM 14B include computer program code PROG 14C. The one or more memories MEM14B and the computer program code PROG 14C are configured to, with the one or more processors DP 14A, cause the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 to perform one or more operations which may be needed to support the operations in accordance with the example embodiments.

[0067] It is noted that that the NN 12 and / or NN 13 and / or UE 10 can be configured (e g. based on standards implementations etc.) to perform functionality of a Location Management Function (LMF). The LMF functionality may be embodied in any of these network devices or other devices associated with these devices. In addition, an LMF such as the LMF of the MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 of FIG. 18, as at least described below, can be co-located with UE 10 such as to be separate from the NN 12 and / or NN 13 of FIG. 18 for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0068] The wireless Network 1 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and / or DP14A and memories MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and / or MEM 14B, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0069] The computer readable memories MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B may be means for performing storage functions. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 10, NN 12, NN 13, and other functions as described herein.

[0070] In general, various embodiments of any of these devices can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0071] Further, the various embodiments of any of these devices can be used with a UE vehicle, a High Altitude Platform Station, or any other such type node associated with a terrestrial network or any drone type radio or a radio in aircraft or other airborne vehicle or a vessel that travels on water such as a boat.

[0072] As similarly stated above, example embodiments of the invention propose to define baseline RRC configuration for a UE in a certain area.

[0073] The configuration needs to be built based on neighbouring nodes properties and UE capabilities. The baseline configuration enables the UE having valid configuration for any mobility event in advance (e.g., before handover procedure). The baseline RRC configuration (i.e., RRC kernel) can be stored in the UE regardless of RRC states transitions (in RRC IDLE, INACTIVE, CONNECTED). The UE stores multiple RRC configurations. Each RRC configuration is specific to a certain area. A fixed duration or configured duration by NW is defined until when UE stores the configuration (e.g., 3 hours upon obtaining a configuration from NW).

[0074] For Issue #1, i.e., NW to produce a UE specific baseline RRC configuration, the following solutions can be considered: Alternative 1: Serving RAN produces a UE specific baseline RRC configuration in cooperation with neighbor RANs; Alternative 2: Assuming SB A in RAN, an NF managing a UE context produces a UE specific baseline RRC configuration.

[0075] With regards to Issue 2a, the UE and network learn the validity of the current baseline RRC configuration from the system information obtained from the candidate target cells for handover.

[0076] With regards to Issue b, once the UE or network learns that the current baseline RRC configuration is not applicable to the target cell for handover, the following solutions can be considered: Alt. 1. Source RAN asks RAN NF to provide a new baseline RRC configuration before handover in case SB A is supported in RAN; Alt.la. Source RAN asks target RAN to provide a new baseline RRC configuration before handover in case SBA is not supported in RAN; Alt. 2. Perform the conventional NR baseline handover, and target RAN provides a new baseline RRC configuration; Alt. 3. Perform NW initiated redirection (Variant 2 in a prior submitted application), and UE obtains a new baseline RRC configuration during connection re-establishment; Alt. 4. Perform UE initiated redirection (Variant 3 in a prior submitted application), and UE obtains a new baseline RRC configuration during connection re-establishment; Alt. 5. UE is provided with all baseline RRC configurations for all RAN node grouping configured in the entire PLMN when UE is connected to the network.

[0077] FIG. 5 shows, for each alternative, a detailed procedure in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as described;

[0078] The overall procedure with Alternative 1 is illustrated in FIG. 6A Each step in FIG. 6A is explained below.

[0079] FIG. 6A shows procedures for serving RAN to produce a UE specific baseline RRC configuration.

[0080] FIG. 6A shows communications between a UE, a serving RAN, a Neighbor RAN#1, a Neighbor RAN#2, and an AMF.

[0081] As shown in step 0 of FIG. 6A the serving RAN obtains a UE radio capability when the UE establishes an RRC connection to the RAN, where the UE radio capability is obtained from CN (AMF) if stored, or otherwise the serving gNB enquires the UE radio capability of the UE via Uu.

[0082] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 6A the serving RAN learns that the UE supports the frequency bands, nl, n3 and n77 by inspecting the UE radio capability. Since the serving RAN supports Band nl and provides the service over Band nl, and as shown the serving RAN generates a UE specific RRC configuration for Band nl.

[0083] Suppose that the serving RAN knows that Band n3 and n77 are supported by neighbor RANs (RAN #1 and #2), as shown in steps 2 of FIG. 6A the serving RAN requests the UE specific RRC configurations for Band n3 and n77 from the neighbor RANs. The serving RAN provides the neighbor RANs with the UE radio capability so that the neighbor RAN procedures the RRC configuration compliant with the capabilities supported by the UE.

[0084] There would be multiple neighbor RAN nodes serving same frequency bands. It is a likely scenario if continuous coverage is provided by a frequency band, especially for lower frequency bands.

[0085] With regards to support of RRC kernel generation (i.e., the basic RRC configuration), the following scenarios can be considered:

[0086] Scenario 1: All neighbor RAN nodes are capable of producing the RRC kernel for their operating frequency bands;

[0087] Scenario 2: Not all of neighbor RAN nodes are capable of doing so.

[0088] Even though the RAN node has the capability, it may hinges on operating frequency bands. Namely, the RAN node can produce the RRC kernel for some bands, but not for the other bands.

[0089] In case of Scenario 2, RAN node ability to produce RRC kernel per operating frequency band can be exchanged by direct IF setup procedure (e.g., Xn setup as defined in a prior submitted application) between RAN nodes, as illustrated in Figure 7-lc. In addition, the ability of producing RRC kernel can be exchanged via the RAN node configuration update procedure, e.g., NG-RAN node configuration update as defined in a prior submitted application.

[0090] In any scenarios, if multiple neighbor RAN nodes are capable of producing RRC kernel for a target frequency band, the serving RAN node selects a neighbour RAN node to which the round trip latency is shortest amongst the candidate neighbors. Alternatively, the serving RAN node selects the neighbour RAN node which can produce RRC kernel for multiple target frequency bands. Or the serving RAN node randomly selects the neighbor RAN node per target frequency band.

[0091] As shown in step 3 of FIG. 6, upon the request from the serving RAN, the neighbor RANs generate the UE specific RRC configurations for Band n3 and n77 respectively.

[0092] As shown in step 4 of FIG. 6, the neighbor RANs reply back to the serving RAN with the produced RRC configuration for Band n3 and n77.

[0093] As shown in step 5 of FIG. 6, upon receiving the RRC configurations from the neighbor RANs, the serving RAN gathers and compiles them into a single RRC configuration covering all the operating frequency bands supported by the UE (Band nl, n3 and n77).

[0094] Then as shown in step 6 of FIG. 6, the serving RAN provides the compiled RRC configuration for the UE.

[0095] Scenario 1: All neighbor RAN nodes capable of producing the RRC kernel for their operating frequency bands;

[0096] Scenario 2: Not all of neighbor RAN nodes capable of doing so. Even though the RAN node has the capability, it may hinges on operating frequency bands. Namely, the RAN node can produce the RRC kernel for some bands, but not for the other bands.

[0097] In case of Scenario 2, RAN node ability to produce RRC kernel per operating frequency band can be exchanged by direct IF setup procedure (e.g., Xn setup as defined in a prior submitted application) between RAN nodes, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In addition, the ability of producing RRC kernel can be exchanged via the RAN node configuration update procedure, e.g., NG-RAN node configuration update as defined in a prior submitted application.

[0098] In any scenarios, if multiple neighbor RAN nodes are capable of producing RRC kernel for a target frequency band, the serving RAN node selects a neighbour RAN node to which the round trip latency is shortest amongst the candidate neighbors. Alternatively, the serving RAN node selects the neighbor RAN node which can produce RRC kernel for multiple target frequency bands. Or the serving RAN node randomly selects the neighbor RAN node per target frequency band.

[0099] Upon the request from the serving RAN, the neighbor RANs generate the UE specific RRC configurations for Band n3 and n77 respectively.

[00100] The neighbor RANs reply back to the serving RAN with the produced RRC configuration for Band n3 and n77.

[00101] Upon receiving the RRC configurations from the neighbor RANs, the serving RAN gathers and compiles them into a single RRC configuration covering all the operating frequency bands supported by the UE (Band nl, n3 and n77)

[00102] The serving RAN provides the compiled RRC configuration for the UE.

[00103] FIG. 7 illustrates a procedural variant of Alt. 1. The key difference from the one illustrated in FIG. 6A is that the serving RAN is responsible for producing most of the configurations applicable to all frequency bands based on the obtained UE radio capability. Neighbor RANs provide RRC configurations specific to its own operating frequency bands as requested by the serving RAN. This frequency band specific configuration can be produced irrespective of UE radio capability. FIG. 8A illustrates the difference between Alt.l and its variant from the viewpoint of RRC configuration components produced by serving RAN and neighbor RANs. In contrast to the procedure in FIG. 6, the serving RAN thus does not have to forward the UE radio capability to neighbor RANs. The followings highlight the steps differentiated from the steps in FIG. 6.

[00104] Based on the obtained UE radio capability, for each frequency band, the serving RAN produces a component of the RRC configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by UE.

[00105] For instance, the RRC configuration is built on UE supported features which can be supported across all the operating frequency bands, which is required at least to perform the baseline handover as in FIG. 13.

[00106] Given that the serving RAN operates Band nl, the serving RAN produces a component of the RRC configuration, which is specific to Band nl and determined by the serving RAN irrespective of UE radio capability.

[00107] The serving RAN requests the band specific RRC configurations for Band n3 and n77 from the neighbor RANs. The serving RAN indicates the requesting frequency band numbers in the enquiry message.

[00108] Upon the request from the serving RAN, the neighbor RANs produces a component of the RRC configuration specific to the requested frequency bands (n3 for RAN#1 and n77 for RAN#2).

[00109] An example of such a band specific configuration is a set of parameters for a given UE feature supported for all bands, for which network wishes to apply different parameter setting for each frequency band.

[00110] The neighbor RANs reply back to the serving RAN with the produced RRC configuration for Band n3 and n77.

[00111] Steps 6 and 7 of FIG. 7 are the same as Alt.l in FIG. 6.

[00112] Advantages in accordance with example embodiments of the invention of Alternative 1:

[00113] The serving RAN can provide the UE with the baseline RRC configuration applicable to all frequency bands operated by the network, even though the serving RAN does not support all of the operating frequency bands.

[00114] FIG. 10 shows procedures for producing a UE specific baseline RRC configuration with SBA RAN in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. FIG 10 shows communications between a UE, a Serving xNB (CU), an NF (UE context management), and an AMF.

[00115] The overall procedure with Alternative 2 is illustrated in FIG. 10. Steps of FIG. 10 are as follows.

[00116] As shown in step 0 of FIG. 10, the serving RAN obtains a UE radio capability when the UE establishes an RRC connection to the RAN. The UE radio capability is obtained from CN (AMF) if stored. Otherwise, the serving gNB enquires the UE radio capability of the UE via Uu.

[00117] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 10, upon acquiring the UE radio capability, the serving RAN requests the baseline RRC configuration for all operating frequency band in the entire PLMN from the NF. The serving RAN provides the NF with the UE radio capability so that the NF can produce the baseline RRC configuration compliant with the capabilities supported by the UE.

[00118] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 10, upon the request from the serving RAN, the NF produces the baseline RRC configurations for all the operating bands. This step is based on the assumption that the NF has the full-fledged knowledge of all operating frequency bands and the parameter setting for each frequency band, in accordance with the UE radio capability.

[00119] As shown in step 3 of FIG. 10, the NF replies back to the serving RAN with the produced baseline RRC configuration.

[00120] Then as shown in step 4 of FIG. 10, upon receiving the baseline RRC configuration from the NF, the serving RAN forwards it to the UE.

[00121] A procedural variant of Alt.2 can be considered for Alt. 1 likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[00122] The followings highlight the steps differentiated from the steps in FIG. 10.

[00123] As shown in step 0 of FIG. 11, the serving RAN requests and obtains a UE capability from AMF or UE. The UE radio capability may be obtained from CN (AMF) if stored. Otherwise, the serving gNB enquires the UE radio capability of the UE via Uu.

[00124] As shown in step I of FIG. 11, upon acquiring the UE radio capability, the serving RAN generates UE capability dependent RRC config for all frequency bands.

[00125] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 11, the serving RAN send to the NF a request for band specific RRC config for all frequency bands.

[00126] As shown in step 3 of FIG. 11, upon the request from the serving RAN, the NF generates band specific RRC config for all frequency bands.

[00127] As shown in step 4 of FIG. 11 the NF replies back to the serving RAN with the produced band specific RRC configuration for all frequency bands.

[00128] Then as shown in step 5 of FIG. 11, upon receiving the band specific RRC configuration from the NF, the serving RAN compiles it into a single RRC configuration to be delivered to the UE.

[00129] Then as shown in step 6 of FIG. 11 the serving RAN sends to the UE the provided band specific RRC configuration for all frequency bands

[00130] For each frequency band, the serving RAN produces a component of the RRC configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by UE.

[00131] The serving RAN requests the band specific RRC configurations for all frequency bands operated in the entire PLMN from the NF.

[00132] Upon the request from the serving RAN, for each operating frequency band, the NF produces a component of the RRC configuration specific to the frequency bands.

[00133] The NF replies back to the serving RAN with the produced band specific RRC configuration.

[00134] Upon receiving the band specific RRC configuration from the NF, the serving RAN gathers and compiles all components into a single RRC configuration.

[00135] The compiled single RRC configuration is provided for UE.

[00136] Advantages in accordance with example embodiments of the invention of Alternative 2:

[00137] The serving RAN can provide the UE with the baseline RRC configuration applicable to all frequency bands operated by the network, even though the serving RAN does not support all of the operating frequency bands (same as Alternative 1).

[00138] Suitable to SBA as defined in a prior submitted application, if it is adopted for RAN

[00139] Additional embodiment in accordance with exempla embodiments of the invention for a case of a stationary UE:

[00140] There is a case that UE is connected to the same cell for a certain time. For instance, the UE is placed in a fixed position, e.g., a smart meter, resilience camera, etc. Automotive vehicles in a parking spot would also be connected to the same cell. Such a scenario is regarded as stationary UE. The stationary UE can be static characteristics like smart meters or temporarily regarded as stationary, e.g., vehicles in the parking slot. If NW is aware that the UE connected to the NW is regarded as stationary, there is a room to simplify and minimize the baseline RRC configuration provided for UE. FIG. 6B shows a procedural variant of producing a UE specific baseline RRC configuration in case of stationary UE.

[00141] As shown in FIG. 6B there is communications between a UE, a Serving RAN, a Neighbor RAN#1, a Neighbor RAN#2, and an AMF. As shown in FIG. 6B the Neighbor RAN#land the Neighbor RAN#2 are operating in Band nl.

[00142] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as shown steps include: Step 0. The UE indicates to the NW whether UE is stationary. It can be done by indicating the (static) stationary capability as part of UE AS / NAS capability or indicating if a stationary criterion is fulfilled (e.g., the received signal strength is stable for a while); Step 1. The serving RAN operating Band n 1 generates the baseline RRC configuration for Band nl, knowing from the UE reporting in step 0 that UE is regarded as stationary and supports Band nl; Step 2. The baseline RRC configuration for Band nl is provisioned from the serving RAN to UE; Step 3. UE goes idle or inactive and move to the other cell; Step 4. UE reselects to the cell served by the other RAN node (neighbor RAN#1) and attempts to establish an RRC connection. In the RRC connection setup procedure, UE indicates that UE stores the baseline RRC configuration for Band nl; Step 5. Since the neighbor RAN# 1 supports Band nl, the stored baseline RRC configuration is continued to use; Step 6. UE goes idle or inactive and move to the other cell (neighbor RAN#2); Step 7. Likewise in step 4, UE indicates storing the baseline RRC configuration for Band nl which is not served by the neighbor RAN#2, Step 8. Neighbor RAN#2 leans that the baseline RRC configuration for Band n77 is not provided for UE. Neighbor RAN#2 decides to create it for Band n77 and retrieve UE radio capability from AMF; Step 9. Upon retrieving the UE radio capability from AMF, Neighbor RAN#2 generates the baseline RRC configuration for Band n77; Step 10. The baseline RRC configuration for Band n77 is provisioned to Step 11. UE releases the old configuration (i.e., the baseline RRC configuration for Band nl) and store the one for Band n77

[00143] Solutions for Issue #2

[00144] With regards to Issue 2a, the baseline RRC configuration is associated with a group of RAN nodes. The group of RAN nodes is comprised of any nodes in RAN, e g. 6G gNB, CU, DU and RU, etc. A unique identifier is assigned to the group of RAN nodes called RAN node group ID hereafter. The RAN node group ID is provided together with the baseline RRC configuration. Whenever the UE is connected to NW and in the connected mode, the UE knows the RAN node group ID associated with the current connection and location. The UE can learn it by obtaining the RAN node group ID of the current connection and location via the system information. From the NW side, a RAN node can obtain the RAN node group ID of neighbor RAN nodes via the peer-to-peer interface or in-direct interface (i.e. the connection via an intermediate node, e.g. one DU to the other DU via CU as in Figure 3-1). When the UE performs neighbor cell measurements for handover, the UE acquires the RAN node group ID of neighbor cells via the system information broadcast over the neighbour cells. If the UE decides the target cell for handover and the RAN node group ID of the target cell is different from the current RAN node group ID, the UE can learn that the current baseline RRC configuration is not valid at the target cell. Likewise, if the UE reports the measurement results of the neighbor cells to the network, the network can also learn if the current baseline RRC configuration is valid or not at the target cell. The baseline RRC configuration can be RRC Kernel associated with RAN node group ID. It can be stored in the UE regardless of RRC states transitions (in RRC IDLE, INACTIVE, CONNECTED). Upon detecting (either by the UE via reading broadcast or by the NW via information from a neighbour or Core Network) that the RRC baseline configuration needs to be updated the RRC Kernel needs to be associated with a new RAN node group ID (e.g. new frequency). Such RRC Kernel parameters can be grouped to ‘RRC Kernel for Mobility’ or Handover purposes.

[00145] With regards to Issue 2b, the overall procedure on Alternative 1 is illustrated in FIG. 12.

[00146] FIG. 12 shows an overall procedure of Alt.l (baseline RRC configuration update before handover) in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. FIG 12 shows communications between a UE, a Serving RAN, an NF (UE context management), and an AMF.

[00147] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 12, the UE performs neighbor cell measurements and obtains the RAN node group ID via the system information for each neighbor cell to be measured. As shown in step 2 of FIG. 12, the UE sends a measurement report to the serving RAN. From the measurement results obtained from the UE and the other information in the NW side (e.g. traffic load). It is noted that the measurement report can be composed of the node group identification for each neighbor cell as well as the node group identification for a serving cell.

[00148] As shown in step 3 of FIG. 12, the serving RAN decides a target cell for handover.

[00149] If the RAN node group ID of the target cell is different from the one of the serving cell, the serving RAN asks the NF (managing the UE context) to provide a new baseline RRC configuration applied to the target cell.

[00150] As shown in step 4 of FIG. 12, the serving RAN provides to the NF the target RAN node group ID of target cell as well as UE identity (some temporary ID like TMSI, etc ).

[00151] From the RAN node group ID of the target cell and UE identity, the NF can identify the corresponding UE capability stored in NF and the supported functionality and parameters in the RAN node group where the target cell is associated.

[00152] As shown in step 5 of FIG. 12, there is based on these knowledge, generating by the a new baseline RRC configuration used in the new RAN node group.

[00153] As shown in step 6 of FIG. 12, the NF replies back to the serving RAN with the new baseline RRC configuration.

[00154] As shown in step 7 of FIG. 12, serving RAN sends to UE the handover command which includes the new baseline RRC configuration.

[00155] As shown in step 8 of FIG. 12, the remaining handover procedure is performed as illustrated in step 4 and onwards of FIG. 1.

[00156] In this alternative, if the RRC kernel (i.e. baseline RRC configuration) is built on UE features which are supported by all UEs, the serving RAN node can store the RRC kernel used for neighbor nodes if the neighbor node uses different RRC kernel configuration. In this case, steps 4 to 6 can be skipped, and the serving RAN provide the new RRC kernel w / o coordinating with NF.

[00157] FIG. 13 shows an alternative procedure of Alt.l to provide new RRC config from target RAN in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. FIG. 13 shows communications between a UE, a Serving RAN, a Target RAN, and an AMF.

[00158] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 13, the UE performs neighbor cell measurements and obtains the RAN node group ID via the system information for each neighbor cell to be measured.

[00159] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 13, the UE sends a measurement report to the serving RAN. From the measurement results obtained from the UE and the other information in the NW side (e.g. traffic load). As indicated the measurement report can be composed of the node group identification for each neighbor cell as well as the node group identification for a serving cell.

[00160] As shown in step 3 of FIG. 13, the serving RAN decides a target cell for handover.

[00161] As shown in step 4 of FIG. 13, the serving RAN provides to the Target RAN the target RAN node a new RRC configuration and a UE identify.

[00162] As shown in step 5 of FIG. 13, the Target RAN generates a new RRC configuration.

[00163] As shown in step 6 of FIG. 13, the Target RAN provides the new RRC configuration to the Serving RAN.

[00164] As shown in step 7 of FIG. 13, the Serving RAN sends to the UE a HO command including a new RRC configuration.

[00165] As shown in step 8 of FIG. 13, the remaining handover procedure is performed as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[00166] Alternatively, the new baseline RRC configuration is provided by the target RAN in case SB A is not supported in RAN, as illustrated in FIG. 13. The difference from Alt.l is that upon deciding a target cell for handover in Step 3, the serving RAN asks the target RAN to provide a new baseline RRC configuration in Step 4. The serving RAN indicates the UE identity in the request so that the target RAN can obtain the corresponding UE capability from AMF. In Step 5, how to generate the baseline RRC configuration applicable in the new RAN node group area is the same as in the solutions for Issue #1 (FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and / or FIG. 7). In Step 6, the new baseline RRC configuration and RAN node group ID is provided for the serving RAN, which is finally provided for UE in Step 7.

[00167] In case of Alternative 2, the overall procedure is illustrated in FIG. 14.

[00168] FIG. 14 shows a procedure of Alt.2 (perform NR baseline handover) in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[00169] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 14, the UE performs neighbor cell measurements and obtains the RAN node group ID via the system information for each neighbor cell to be measured.

[00170] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 14, the UE sends a measurement report to the serving RAN.

[00171] From the measurement results obtained from the UE and the other information in the NW side (e.g. traffic load), as shown in step 3 of FIG. 14, the serving RAN decides a target cell for handover.

[00172] If the RAN node group ID of the target cell is different from the one of the serving cell, the serving RAN initiates the conventional NR baseline handover as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[00173] During the handover preparation phase, as shown in step 4 of FIG. 14, the target RAN provides a new baseline RRC configuration and RAN node ID associated with the new configuration.

[00174] In case of Alternative 3, the procedure is similar to Alternative 2 as illustrated in FIG. 15. If the NW initiated redirection is used, the UE obtains a new baseline RRC configuration from the target cell where the RRC connection is reestablished.

[00175] FIG. 15 shows Procedure of Alt.3 (perform NW initiated redirection);

[00176] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 15, the UE performs neighbor cell measurements and obtains the RAN node group ID via the system information for each neighbor cell to be measured.

[00177] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 15, the UE sends a measurement report to the serving RAN.

[00178] From the measurement results obtained from the UE and the other information in the NW side (e.g. traffic load), as shown in step 3 of FIG. 15, the serving RAN decides a target cell for handover.

[00179] Then as shown in step 4 of FIG. 15 there is performing NW initiated redirection.

[00180] Likewise, the procedure of Alternative 4 is illustrated in FIG. 16.

[00181] FIG. 16 shows Procedure of Alt.4 (perform UE initiated redirection). FIG. 16 shows communications between a UE, a Serving RAN, an NF (UE context management), and an AMF.

[00182] As shown in step 1 of FIG. 16, the UE performs neighbor cell measurements.

[00183] As shown in step 2 of FIG. 16, the UE decides target cell for handover and the current RRC configuration is not valid at Target cell.

[00184] Then as shown in step 3 of FIG. 16 there is performing UE initiated redirection.

[00185] Upon obtaining the neighbor cell measurements, if all of the neighbor cells are associated with different RAN node ID than the current cell, the UE decides the target cell for handover per se, and initiates the UE initiated redirection. The UE obtains a new baseline RRC configuration from the target cell where the RRC connection is re-established.

[00186] In case of Alternative 5, upon UE being connected to the serving RAN, the serving RAN or NF in RAN provides all baseline RRC configurations used in the entire PLMN. For each RAN node group ID used within the same PLMN, one baseline RRC configuration is generated by the serving RAN or NF. In Step 2, the serving RAN produces the baseline RRC configuration per RAN node group ID, according to the procedures invented for Issue #1 (FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and / or FIG. 7). In case the serving RAN produces the baseline RRC configurations for all RAN node group ID, the serving RAN obtains neighbor RAN information which belongs to the different RAN node grouping. The neighour RAN information can be obtained by 0AM, for instance. The serving RAN then requests each neighbor RAN belonging to the different RAN node grouping to provide the RAN node grouping specific baseline configuration, according to the procedures in Figure 7-1 / 1 a. In case of NF in RAN, the NF has the full knowledge of RAN node grouping which is obtained by, e.g., 0AM. Once the UE capability is obtained, the NF produces the baseline RRC configuration per RAN node group ID and provides it for the serving RAN. Upon generating or obtaining the baseline RRC configuration per RAN node grouping, the serving RAN in Step 3 provides all the produced RRC configurations for UE.

[00187] Advantages in accordance with example embodiments of the invention include: Alt. 1 and Alt.2 can address the problem to provide the solution to update the baseline RRC configuration in advance of handover, whereas the preparation in the NW side is required; Alt.3 and Alt.4 can also address the problem to provide the solution to update the baseline RRC configuration in advance. Furthermore, NW preparation is not required beforehand; Likewise, Alt.5 can address the issue and once all the baseline RRC configuration are provided, any further update is not needed even though UE moves across the border of RAN node grouping.

[00188] Further, assuming that the proposed example embodiments of the invention are standardized, by observing the signaling exchanged between UE and RAN over the air, it can be identified if the proposed handover scheme, i.e., handover without NW preparation is used in the network.

[00189] In addition, the proposed solution to provide UE with RRC kernel for mobility can be detected, owning to the solution scheme that RRC kernel for mobility is conveyed to UE over the air. Thus, the use of the proposed solution can be detected by monitoring the signaling exchanged between UE and RAN.

[00190] FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.

[00191] FIG. 19A illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as a network device (e.g., the NN12 and / or NN 13 as in FIG. 18). As shown in block 1905 of FIG. 19A there is, based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with a user equipment of a communication network, identifying a radio capability of the user equipment. As shown in block 1910 of FIG. 19A there is inspecting the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment. As shown in block 1915 of FIG. 19A there is communicating with at least one neighbor cell of the communication network that provides service over the supported at least one frequency band. As shown in block 1920 of FIG. 19A there is, based on the communicating, receiving from the at least one neighbor cell information for the supported at least one frequency band, Then as shown in block 1925 of FIG. 19A there is, based on the information, sending towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[00192] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the communicating comprises providing to the at least one neighbor cell a radio resource control configuration supported by user equipment.

[00193] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the communicating comprises providing to the at least one neighbor cell a radio resource control configuration supported by user equipment.

[00194] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the information from the at least one neighbor cell comprises a radio resource control configuration compiled by the at least one neighbor cell for the supported at least one frequency band.

[00195] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, producing for each supported at least one frequency band, a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment.

[00196] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is sending towards the user equipment the component of the radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

[00197] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is sending towards the user equipment the compiled radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

[00198] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is requesting a band specific radio resource control configuration for all frequency bands operated in the communication network.

[00199] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the indication of a radio resource control configuration for the handover is using a baseline radio resource control configuration, and wherein the baseline radio resource control configuration applicable to all frequency bands operated by the communication network.

[00200] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is generating a radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

[00201] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, requesting from the communication network a radio resource control configuration for all operating frequency bands available to the user equipment; based on the request, receive information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration.

[00202] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration is indicating a knowledge of the operating frequency bands and a parameter setting for each of the operating frequency bands.

[00203] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is forwarding the new baseline radio resource control configuration to the user equipment.

[00204] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, based on a network initiated redirection being used, sending towards the user equipment a new baseline radio resource control configuration for the at least one neighbor cell where the new baseline radio resource control configuration is to be established.

[00205] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, obtaining, via a system information broadcast, neighbour cell measurements for handover and acquire a network node group identification of the at least one neighbor cell; and based on the measurements, determining a target cell of the at least one neighbor cell for a handover of the network device.

[00206] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, identifying a user equipment initiated redirection based on the at least one neighbor cell being associated with different network node group identification than a current cell; and obtaining a new baseline radio resource control configuration from the target cell where the radio resource control configuration is re-established.

[00207] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein if a network node group identification of the target cell is different from the serving cell, the serving cell asking a context management server of the communication network to provide a new baseline radio resource control configuration to a target cell where the radio resource control configuration is to be reestablished, wherein the context management server of the communication network is managing a context of the user equipment; and sending towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration from the context management server of the communication network.

[00208] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is receiving from the user equipment a measurement report, wherein the measurement report is composed of the node group identification for each neighbour cell as well as the node group identification for the serving cell used.

[00209] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, producing for each supported at least one frequency band, a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment.

[00210] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is sending towards the user equipment the component of the radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

[00211] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is identifying a neighbour cell being associated with different network node grouping; and requesting the neighbour cell associated with the different group, provide a network node grouping specific baseline configuration.

[00212] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is request the neighbour cell provide a network node grouping specific baseline configuration; based on the request, obtaining the network node grouping specific baseline configuration; and providing the network node grouping specific baseline configuration to the user equipment.

[00213] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B as in FIG. 18) storing program code (PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C as in FIG. 18), the program code executed by at least one processor (DP 12A and / or DP 13 A as in FIG. 18) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[00214] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means, based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with a user equipment of a communication network, for identifying (TRANS 12D and / or TRANS 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B, PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, and DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 18) a radio capability of the user equipment; means for inspecting (TRANS 12D and / or TRANS 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B, PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, and DP 12A and / or DP 13 A as in FIG. 18) the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment; means for communicating (TRANS 12D and / or TRANS 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B, PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, and DP 12A and / or DP 13 A as in FIG. 18) with at least one neighbor cell of the communication network that provides service over the supported at least one frequency band; means, based on the communicating, for receiving (TRANS 12D and / or TRANS 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B, PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, and DP 12A and / or DP 13 A as in FIG. 18) from the at least one neighbor cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; and means, based on the information, for sending (TRANS 12D and / or TRANS 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B, PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, and DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 18) towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[00215] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for identifying, inspecting, communicating, receiving, and sending comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B as in FIG. 18] encoded with a computer program [PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C as in FIG. 18] executable by at least one processor [DP 12A and / or DP 13A as in FIG. 18],

[00216] FIG. 19B illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as a network device (e.g., the UE 10 as in FIG. 18). As shown in block 1950 of FIG. 19B there is communicating with a network node of a serving cell of a communication network that provides service over a supported at least one frequency band. As shown in block 1955 of FIG. 19B there is based on the communicating, sending towards the serving cell information for the supported at least one frequency band. Then as shown in clock 1960 of FIG. 19B there is, based on the information, receiving from the serving cell an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[00217] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein there is identifying, based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with the serving cell, the radio capability of a user equipment.

[00218] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the identifying is based on an inspection of the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment and the communication network.

[00219] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein the communicating comprises providing to the at least one neighbor cell a radio resource control configuration supported by user equipment.

[00220] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein the information for the supported at least one frequency band comprises a radio resource control configuration compiled by the at least one neighbor cell.

[00221] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, producing for each supported at least one frequency band, a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment.

[00222] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is receiving from the serving cell the component of the radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

[00223] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is generating a radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

[00224] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is receiving from the serving cell the generated radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band, wherein there is, based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, requesting from the a context management server of the communication network a baseline radio resource control configuration for all operating frequency bands available to the user equipment; and based on the request, receive information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration.

[00225] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is, for each frequency band, producing a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment; and requesting a band specific radio resource control configuration for all frequency bands operated in the communication network.

[00226] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration is indicating a knowledge of the operating frequency bands and a parameter setting for each of the operating frequency bands; and wherein there is receiving a new baseline radio resource control configuration from the serving cell.

[00227] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is performing neighbor cell measurements and obtain at least one node group identification via the system information for each neighbor cell to be measured.

[00228] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is sending a measurement report to the serving cell, wherein the measurement report is composed of the node group identification for each neighbor cell as well as the node group identification for the serving cell.

[00229] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein based on the node group identification of a target cell being different from the serving cell, a conventional baseline handover is initiated.

[00230] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is, during a handover preparation phase for the conventional baseline handover, receiving from the target cell a new baseline radio resource control configuration and network node identification associated with the new baseline radio resource control configuration.

[00231] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein during the handover preparation phase, there is received a new baseline radio resource control configuration and node group identification associated with the new baseline radio resource control configuration.

[00232] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is, based on a network initiated redirection being used, receiving a new baseline radio resource control configuration for the neighbor cell where the new baseline radio resource control configuration is to be established.

[00233] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is obtaining, via a system information broadcast, neighbour cell measurements for handover and acquire a network node group identification of at least one neighbor cell.

[00234] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein a target cell of the at least one neighbor cell is determined for a handover of the network device, wherein there is determining a user equipment initiated redirection based on the at least one neighbor cell being associated with different network node group identification than a current cell; and obtaining a new baseline radio resource control configuration from the target cell where the radio resource control configuration is re-established.

[00235] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is identifying a neighbour cell being associated with different network node grouping; and requesting the neighbour cell associated with the different group, provide a network node grouping specific baseline configuration.

[00236] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above wherein there is requesting the neighbour cell provide a network node grouping specific baseline configuration; and based on the request, obtain the network node grouping specific baseline configuration.

[00237] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM 10B as in FIG. 18) storing program code (PROG 10C as in FIG. 18), the program code executed by at least one processor (DP 10A as in FIG. 18) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[00238] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for communicating (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 18) with a network node of a serving cell of a communication network that provides service over a supported at least one frequency band; means, based on the communicating, for sending (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 18) towards the serving cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; and means, based on the information, for receiving (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 18) from the serving cell an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

[00239] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for communicating, receiving, and sending comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [MEM 10B as in FIG. 18] encoded with a computer program [PROG 10C as in FIG. 18] executable by at least one processor [DP lOAasinFIG. 18],

[00240] Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is circuitry for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. This circuitry can include any type of circuitry including content coding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc.). Further, this circuitry can include discrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and / or field-programmable gate array circuitry (FPGA), etc. as well as a processor specifically configured by software to perform the respective function, or dual-core processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, there are provided necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuitry, the function performed by the circuitry and the interconnection (perhaps via the inputs and outputs) of the circuitry with other components that may include other circuitry in order to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein.

[00241] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application this application, the “circuitry” provided can include at least one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware; and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein); and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[00242] This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[00243] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[00244] Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[00245] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

[00246] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and nonlimiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of example embodiments of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[00247] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and / or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[00248] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with a user equipment of a communication network, identify a radio capability of the user equipment;inspect the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment;communicate with at least one neighbor cell of the communication network that provides service over the supported at least one frequency band;based on the communicating, receive from the at least one neighbor cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; andbased on the information, send towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communicating comprises providing to the at least one neighbor cell a radio resource control configuration supported by user equipment.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information from the at least one neighbor cell comprises a radio resource control configuration compiled by the at least one neighbor cell for the supported at least one frequency band.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one memorystores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, produce foreach supported at least one frequency band, a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one memorystores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:send towards the user equipment the component of the radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory stores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:send towards the user equipment the compiled radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory stores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:request a band specific radio resource control configuration for all frequency bands operated in the communication network.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication of a radio resource control configuration for the handover is using a baseline radio resource control configuration, and wherein the baseline radio resource control configuration applicable to all frequency bands operated by the communication network.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory stores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:generate a radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one memorystores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, request from the communication network a radio resource control configuration for all operating frequency bands available to the user equipment; andbased on the request, receive information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration is indicating a knowledge of the operating frequency bands and a parameter setting for each of the operating frequency bands; andwherein the at least one memory stores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:forward the new baseline radio resource control configuration to the user equipment.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one memory stores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:based on a network initiated redirection being used, send towards the user equipment a new baseline radio resource control configuration for the at least one neighbor cell where the new baseline radio resource control configuration is to be established.

13. A method, comprising:based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with a user equipment of a communication network, identifying a radio capability of the user equipment;inspecting the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment;communicating with at least one neighbor cell of the communication network that provides service over the supported at least one frequency band;based on the communicating, receiving from the at least one neighbor cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; andbased on the information, sending towards the user equipment an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

14. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:communicate with a network node of a serving cell of a communication network that provides service over a supported at least one frequency band;based on the communicating, send towards the serving cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; andbased on the information, receive from the serving cell an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one memorystores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:identify, based on an established radio resource control configuration connection with the serving cell, the radio capability of a user equipment;wherein the identifying is based on an inspection of the radio capability of the user equipment to determine at least one frequency band supported by the user equipment and the communication network;16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the communicating comprises providing to the at least one neighbor cell a radio resource control configuration supported by user equipment.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the information for the supported at leastone frequency band comprises a radio resource control configuration compiled by the at least one neighbor cell.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one memorystores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, produce for each supported at least one frequency band, a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one memorystores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:receive from the serving cell the component of the radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one memorystores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:generate a radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one memory stores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:receive from the serving cell the generated radio resource control configuration for the supported at least one frequency band.

22. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one memorystores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:based on the identified radio capability of the user equipment, request from the a context management server of the communication network a baseline radio resourcecontrol configuration for all operating frequency bands available to the user equipment; andbased on the request, receive information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one memory stores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:for each frequency band, produce a component of the radio resource control configuration in accordance with the functionalities supported by user equipment; andrequest a band specific radio resource control configuration for all frequency bands operated in the communication network.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the information comprising the baseline radio resource control configuration is indicating a knowledge of the operating frequency bands and a parameter setting for each of the operating frequency bands; andwherein the at least one memory stores further instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:receive a new baseline radio resource control configuration from the serving cell.

25. A method, comprising:communicating with a network node of a serving cell of a communication network that provides service over a supported at least one frequency band;based on the communicating, sending towards the serving cell information for the supported at least one frequency band; andbased on the information, receiving from the serving cell an indication of a radio resource control configuration for a handover using the supported at least one frequency band.

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