Conditional Handover

Abstract

11. A user equipment comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment UE to at least: establish a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receive configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access multiple target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell; and at least one associated access condition; determine that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; establish the connection to the target primary cell;

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to conditional handover, in part to conditional handover with dual connectivity configuration. [Background technology]

[0002] A wireless network includes a plurality of network nodes, including end nodes and access nodes, and communication between the end nodes and the access nodes is wireless.

[0003] In some situations, it may be desirable to enhance or augment the conditional handover with a target dual connectivity setup. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments: at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; A user equipment including: At least one memory, when executed by at least one processor, provides a user equipment (UE) with at least: Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and after transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of further information to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell.

[0005] In some examples, transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell includes transmitting a random access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0006] In some examples, the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to have at least: determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell has failed; and sending an access request to a second, different target primary secondary cell based at least in part on at least some of the further information maintained after sending the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0007] In some examples, the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to have at least: determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary secondary cells are satisfied if the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; selecting a target primary secondary cell to be used as the first target primary secondary cell.

[0008] In some examples, the further information includes multiple configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells, the multiple configurations having associated release and addition instructions.

[0009] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells include all configurations.

[0010] In some examples, multiple configurations configured to enable a UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells include a delta configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary secondary cell configuration to obtain a total configuration.

[0011] In some examples, the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to have at least: Instructions are stored to cause receiving an indication that the current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell configuration after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0012] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

[0013] According to various, but not all, examples, Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; After sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of further information to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell.

[0014] In some examples, transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell includes transmitting a random access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0015] In some examples, the method comprises: determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell has failed; and transmitting an access request to a second, different target primary secondary cell based at least in part on at least some of the further information maintained after transmitting the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0016] In some examples, the method comprises: determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary secondary cells are satisfied if the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; selecting a target primary secondary cell to be used as the first target primary secondary cell.

[0017] In some examples, the further information includes multiple configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells, the multiple configurations having associated release and addition instructions.

[0018] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells include all configurations.

[0019] In some examples, multiple configurations configured to enable a UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells include a delta configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary secondary cell configuration to obtain a total configuration.

[0020] In some examples, the method comprises: receiving an indication that the current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell configuration after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell;

[0021] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

[0022] According to various, but not all, embodiments, the device includes at least: Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of further information to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell.

[0023] In some examples, transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell includes transmitting a random access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0024] In some examples, the computer program causes the apparatus to at least: determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell has failed; and after sending the access request to the first target primary secondary cell, sending an access request to a second, different target primary secondary cell based at least in part on at least some of the maintained further information.

[0025] In some examples, the computer program causes the apparatus to at least: determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary secondary cells are satisfied if the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; selecting a target primary secondary cell to be used as the first target primary secondary cell.

[0026] In some examples, the further information includes multiple configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells, the multiple configurations having associated release and addition instructions.

[0027] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells include all configurations.

[0028] In some examples, multiple configurations configured to enable a UE to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells include a delta configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary secondary cell configuration to obtain a total configuration.

[0029] In some examples, the computer program causes the apparatus to at least: The method includes instructions for receiving an indication that the current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell configuration after sending a random access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0030] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

[0031] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments: at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; An apparatus comprising: The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides an apparatus with at least: establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining at the UE that a conditional handover is configured; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; An apparatus is provided that stores instructions to: after sending an access request to a first target primary secondary cell, send an indication to the UE that the current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0032] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

[0033] According to various, but not all, embodiments: establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining at the UE that a conditional handover is configured; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; After sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, sending an indication to the UE that the current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0034] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

[0035] According to various but not all embodiments, the device includes at least: establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining at the UE that a conditional handover is configured; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; and after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, sending an indication to the UE that the current primary secondary cell setting should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell setting.

[0036] In some examples, the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

[0037] According to various, but not all, embodiments: at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; A user equipment including: At least one memory, when executed by at least one processor, provides a user equipment (UE) with at least: Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling a UE to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information includes a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing a plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and applying a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0038] In some examples, the at least one memory may be configured to provide an apparatus that, when executed by the at least one processor, includes at least: Later, when it is determined that a condition for accessing a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied, instructions are stored that cause applying a first delta setting of the plurality of delta settings to the reference primary secondary cell setting to access the first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells.

[0039] In some examples, the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to have at least: Store instructions to cause receiving a reference primary secondary cell configuration determined by the target secondary node.

[0040] According to various, but not all, embodiments: Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling a UE to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the further information including a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing a plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and applying a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0041] In some examples, the method comprises: and later, if it is determined that a condition for accessing a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied, applying a first delta setting of the plurality of delta settings to the reference primary secondary cell setting to access the first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells.

[0042] In some examples, the method comprises: receiving a reference primary secondary cell configuration determined by the target secondary node;

[0043] According to various but not all embodiments, the device includes at least: Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling a UE to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information includes a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing a plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and applying a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0044] In some examples, the computer program causes the device to perform at least and later, when it is determined that a condition for accessing a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied, instructions for applying a first delta setting of the plurality of delta settings to the reference primary secondary cell setting to access the first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells.

[0045] In some examples, the computer program causes the apparatus to at least: The method includes receiving a reference primary secondary cell configuration determined by the target secondary node.

[0046] According to various, but not all, embodiments: at least one processor; and at least one memory containing computer program code, The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides an apparatus with at least: requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving a reference primary-secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration configured to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and receiving at least one requested delta setting from at least one different target secondary node.

[0047] In some examples, the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to have at least: Store instructions to cause the source master node to transmit the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0048] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments: requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving a reference primary-secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration configured to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; receiving at least one requested delta configuration from at least one different target secondary node.

[0049] In some examples, the method comprises: and transmitting the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration to the source master node.

[0050] According to various but not all embodiments, the device includes at least: requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving a reference primary-secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration configured to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; A computer program is provided that includes instructions to: receive at least one requested delta configuration from at least one different target secondary node.

[0051] In some examples, the computer program causes the apparatus to at least: The method includes instructions for causing the source master node to transmit the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0052] According to various, but not all, embodiments: at least one processor; and at least one memory containing computer program code, The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides an apparatus with at least: establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover a connection from the primary cell to the target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, wherein the further information includes a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

[0053] In some examples, the reference primary secondary cell configuration is determined by the target secondary node.

[0054] According to various, but not all, embodiments: establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover a connection from the primary cell to the target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, wherein the further information includes a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

[0055] In some examples, the reference primary secondary cell configuration is determined by the target secondary node.

[0056] According to various but not all embodiments, the device includes at least: establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover a connection from the primary cell to the target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, wherein the further information includes a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; A computer program is provided that includes instructions to transmit configuration information to the UE.

[0057] In some examples, the reference primary secondary cell configuration is determined by the target secondary node.

[0058] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments: at least one processor; and at least one memory containing computer program code, An apparatus is provided in which at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least a portion of one or more methods disclosed herein.

[0059] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes means for performing at least a portion of one or more of the methods disclosed herein.

[0060] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments, examples are provided as claimed in the following claims.

[0061] A description of a function should also be considered to disclose any suitable means for performing that function.

[0062] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. [Figure 12B] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the subject matter described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the drawings may be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale for clarity and simplicity. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate discussion. Like reference numbers are used in the figures to indicate like features. For clarity, not all reference numbers are necessarily shown in every figure.

[0065] definition Master Node (MN): A network node that provides control plane connectivity to the core network.

[0066] Master Cell Group (MCG): A group of cells associated with an MN, including P-cells and S-cells.

[0067] Secondary Node (SN): A network node that provides additional radio resources to a UE but is not an MN.

[0068] Secondary Cell Group (SCG): A group of cells associated with an SN, including PS cells and S cells.

[0069] P cell: A cell for uplink / downlink connection with the MN. A cell of the MCG used to initiate initial access to the MN.

[0070] PS cell: A cell for uplink / downlink connection with the SN. A cell in the SCG used to initiate initial access to the SN.

[0071] Conditional Handover (CHO): A handover procedure triggered by the UE only if configured execution conditions are met for a prepared candidate cell. The conditions are pre-configured by the network. In 3GPP, the conditional handover execution condition is specified by condExecutionCond in the CondReconfigToAddModList information element in the ConditionalReconfiguration information element in the RRCReconfiguration message.

[0072] Dual Connectivity (DC): The UE has simultaneous connections with the MN and the SN, which is the operation mode of the UE in RRC_CONNECTED, which is established by the master cell group and the secondary cell group.

[0073] Configuration information: Information used to configure the operation of a UE. In 3GPP, configuration information can be provided, for example, in an RRCReconfiguration message. The term "configuration information including" an entity (e.g., a handover execution condition for the primary cell, an SN addition condition for dual connectivity with the primary cell, etc.) means that the configuration information includes enough information to obtain the entity. It may or may not include all parameters of the entity, but may instead include a pointer to the entity or parameters of the entity, or it may mean that the configuration includes the entity.

[0074] Conditional Handover (CHO) setting information Configuration information for handover to a primary cell. The CHO configuration information may include a handover execution condition for the primary cell and a measurement configuration for configuring measurements of the handover execution condition for the primary cell. Triggering a conditional handover to the primary cell depends on measurements satisfying the handover execution condition for the primary cell.

[0075] In 3GPP, the RRCReconfiguration message specifies the ConditionalReconfiguration information element that provides the CHO configuration. The ConditionalReconfiguration information element includes the CondReconfigToAddModList information element. The CondReconfigToAddModList information element includes condExecutionCond and condRRCReconfig. The handover execution condition for the primary cell is specified by condExecutionCond. The RRCReconfiguration message to be applied when the specified condition is met is provided by condRRCReconfig.

[0076] Dual Connectivity (DC) setting information Configuration information for dual connectivity to a primary secondary cell (PS cell). The DC configuration information may include additional conditions for the primary secondary cell for dual connectivity with the primary cell, and measurement configurations for configuring measurements of the additional conditions for the primary secondary cell for dual connectivity with the primary cell, i.e., dual connectivity of the UE with both the primary cell and the primary secondary cell.

[0077] The trigger for adding a primary secondary cell for dual connectivity depends on measurements meeting the conditions for adding a primary secondary cell.

[0078] In 3GPP, the RRCReconfiguration message specifies ConditionalReconfiguration information that provides addition / modification conditions for DC. The ConditionalReconfiguration information element includes a CondReconfigToAddModList information element. The CondReconfigToAddModList information element includes condExecutionCond and condRRCReconfig. The addition conditions for the primary secondary cell (PS cell) are specified by condExecutionCond. The RRCReconfiguration message that is applied when the specified conditions are met is provided by condRRCReconfig.

[0079] 1 illustrates an example of a network 100 including multiple network nodes, including end nodes 110, access nodes 120, and one or more core nodes 129. The end nodes 110 and the access nodes 120 communicate with each other. The one or more core nodes 129 communicate with the access nodes 120.

[0080] Network 100, in this example, is a wireless telecommunications network in which at least some of the end nodes 110 and access nodes 120 communicate with each other using the transmission / reception of radio waves / signals.

[0081] One or more core nodes 129 may communicate with one another in some instances, and one or more access nodes 120 may communicate with one another in some instances.

[0082] Network 100 may be a cellular network including multiple cells 122, each served by an access node 120. In this example, the interface between end node 110 and access node 120 that defines cell 122 is air interface 124.

[0083] The access node 120 is a cellular radio transceiver. The end node 110 is a cellular radio transceiver.

[0084] In the illustrated example, cellular network 100 is a third generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network in which terminal nodes 110 are user equipment (UE) and access nodes 120 are base stations.

[0085] In the example, network 100 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN consists of E-UTRAN Node Bs (eNBs) 120 that provide E-UTRAN user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol termination for UEs 110. The eNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by an X2 interface 126. The eNBs are also connected to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 129 by an S1 interface 128.

[0086] In another example, the network 100 is a Next Generation (or New Radio (NR)) Radio Access network (NG-RAN). The NG-RAN consists of gNodeBs (gNBs) 120 that provide user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol termination for the UEs 110. The gNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by an X2 / Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected to an Access and Mobility management Function (AMV) by an N2 interface 128.

[0087] In an example, the network 100 may include a combination of E-UTRAN and NG-RAN.

[0088] User equipment includes mobile devices. Whenever possible, references to user equipment include and encompass references to mobile devices.

[0089] For example, with reference to Figure 2, UE 150 may perform a handover procedure to change the serving cell of UE 150. In an example, the handover procedure may be a conditional handover procedure.

[0090] A conditional handover (CHO) procedure may be considered as a handover triggered by the UE 150 when one or more handover execution conditions are met. The one or more handover execution conditions may be preconfigured by the network 100.

[0091] In the example, UE 150 starts evaluating the execution conditions of the CHO candidate cells when it receives the CHO configuration, and executes the handover command when the execution conditions are met for the CHO candidate cells. UE 150 may stop evaluating the execution conditions of other candidate cells after the execution conditions are met for the candidate cells.

[0092] In an example, the UE 150 may be provided with additional radio resources using dual connectivity (DC).

[0093] In DC, the configured set of serving cells for the UE 150 has two subsets: a master cell group (MCG) containing the serving cells of the master node (MN) 152, and a secondary cell group (SCG) containing the serving cells of the secondary node (SN) 153.

[0094] In an example, a conditional handover with dual connectivity can be configured: the UE 150 can be configured with execution conditions for CHO to one or more target MNs 154 and execution conditions for handover to one or more target SNs 156.

[0095] In an example, an end node 110, such as a UE 150, may be configured to efficiently manage a conditional handover with dual connectivity and may efficiently manage a conditional handover with dual connectivity.

[0096] FIG. 2 illustrates an example method 200 .

[0097] In an example, Figure 2 can be considered to illustrate multiple methods. For example, Figure 2 shows one or more actions at multiple subjects / entities. In an example, Figure 2 can be considered to illustrate multiple methods performed by separate subjects / entities.

[0098] One or more of the features described in connection with FIG. 2 may be shown in one or more of the other figures.

[0099] In the example of Figure 2, multiple devices send and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages across and / or through and / or using a network. Any suitable form of communication in any suitable network may be used in the example. For example, at least a portion of network 100 of Figure 1 may be used.

[0100] Thus, in the example, the devices in FIG. 2 form at least a portion of a network 100 as described in relation to FIG.

[0101] In the illustrated example, one or more signals and / or one or more messages are transmitted and / or received by a terminal node 110 and four access nodes 120. In the example of Figure 2, the terminal node 110 is a UE 150, and the four access nodes 120 are a source MN 152, a target MN 154, and two target SNs 156a and 156b.

[0102] In an example (not shown in FIG. 2), UE 150 may also be connected to a source SN.

[0103] In examples, communication and / or transmission between the elements shown in FIG. 2 may proceed through any number of intervening elements, including none.

[0104] Although only one UE 150 is shown in the example of FIG. 2, any number of UEs 150 may be included in the example.

[0105] Similarly, any number of network nodes may be included in the examples.

[0106] In an example, the method 200 and / or one or more portions of the method 200 can be considered a method for enhancing conditional handover.

[0107] In an example, method 200 and / or one or more portions of method 200 can be considered a method for enhancing conditional handover with dual connectivity.

[0108] In an example, method 200 and / or one or more portions of method 200 can be considered a method for enhancing conditional handover with multiple PS cell provisioning.

[0109] In the illustrated example, the location of the block indicates the entity that performs the action, e.g., block 204 is performed at and / or by source MN 152.

[0110] At block 202, the method 200 includes, from the perspective of the source MN 152, establishing a connection to the user equipment UE 150 via the source primary cell 140 (the PC cell of the source MN 152).

[0111] In some examples, a source MN 152 may be considered a source MN 152 if a connection to a UE 150 is established.

[0112] From the perspective of the UE 150 , block 202 involves establishing a connection to the primary cell of the master node 152 .

[0113] This is indicated in the example of FIG. 2 by the double arrow 155 between the UE 150 and the source MN 152 .

[0114] Thus, block 202 can be considered to include establishing a connection between the UE 150 and the source MN 152 .

[0115] In an example, a source MN 152 may be considered a source MN 152 when a connection to a UE 150 is established.

[0116] Thus, in the example, block 202 may be considered to include establishing a connection between the UE 150 and a network, such as access node 120, which may be considered a source MN 152 if the connection is established.

[0117] In some examples, establishing the connection includes establishing an active wireless link.

[0118] In some examples, establishing a connection includes sending and / or receiving one or more signals.

[0119] In some examples, establishing a connection includes performing an access procedure, such as a random access procedure. For example, UE 150 may perform a random access process with source MN 152 to establish a connection to source MN 152.

[0120] As a result of establishing a connection between the UE 150 and the source MN 152, e.g. Direct access of the UE 150 to the source MN 152, Establishment of a radio link between the UE 150 and the source MN 152 / source primary cell may result, enabling transfer of data over an uplink (UL) and / or downlink (DL). The radio link may be established, for example, by initiating a RACH procedure at the UE 150, Traffic flow over bearers between the UE 150 and the network via the source MN 152 / source primary cell may result.

[0121] At block 204, the method 200 includes determining that a conditional handover is configured at the UE 150.

[0122] In an example, determining that a conditional handover is configured at UE 150 may be considered as determining that a conditional handover is prepared and / or arranged at UE 150.

[0123] The determination at UE 150 that a conditional handover is configured may be made in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0124] In an example, determining that a conditional handover is configured at UE 150 includes sending and / or receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0125] In an example, determining that a conditional handover is configured at UE 150 includes receiving measurement information from UE 150.

[0126] Because FIG. 2 illustrates one or more actions, eg, the transmission of one or more signals, FIG. 2 also illustrates the corresponding mechanisms / actions that transmit / cause the transmission.

[0127] Similarly, for any sending / causing sending mechanism / action, FIG. 2 also shows the corresponding receiving / causing receiving mechanism / action.

[0128] For example, from the perspective of the source MN 152 , block 204 may be considered to indicate receiving measurement information from the UE 150 .

[0129] Similarly, from the perspective of the UE 150 , block 204 can be viewed as indicating transmitting measurement information to the source MN 152 .

[0130] In an example, determining that a conditional handover is configured at UE 150 includes receiving at least one measurement report message.

[0131] For example, at least one measurement report message may be sent from the UE 150 to the source MN 152 .

[0132] At block 206, the method 200 includes determining configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally hand over the connection from the source MN primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148 and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition.

[0133] The target primary secondary cell 151 can be considered as a target primary cell of the secondary cell group.

[0134] The target primary secondary cell 151 can be considered as a target special cell of the secondary cell group.

[0135] The target primary secondary cell 151 may be considered to be associated with the target primary cell 148 because it is linked to the target primary cell 148 to potentially provide dual connectivity with the target primary cell 148 .

[0136] Determining the settings 142 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0137] In an example, determining the configuration information 142 includes, for example, sending and / or receiving one or more signals and / or messages to and from the target MN 154. This is indicated in the example of FIG. 2 by the bidirectional arrow 157 between block 206 and the target MN 154.

[0138] For example, the source MN 152 may send a handover request message to the target MN 154 .

[0139] In an example, determining the configuration information 142 includes receiving at least a portion of the configuration information 142 from the target MN 154 .

[0140] For example, source MN 152 may receive at least a portion of configuration information 142 as part of a handover request acknowledgement message from target MN 154.

[0141] Thus, in an example, the target MN 154 can determine and / or generate at least a portion of the configuration information 142. In an example, the target MN 154 can determine at least a portion of the information 144 and the additional information 146.

[0142] In an example, determining at least a portion of the configuration information 142 by the target MN 154 includes sending and / or receiving one or more signals and / or messages, for example, between a plurality of target SNs 156a, 156b, as illustrated in the example of Figure 2 by the double arrows 161, 163 between the target MN 154 and the target SN 156a and between the target MN 154 and the target SN 156b.

[0143] For example, the target MN 154 may send an SN Add Request message to multiple target SNs 156a, 156b.

[0144] For example, the target SNs 156 a , 156 b may send an SN Add Request Acknowledgement message to the target MN 154 .

[0145] In examples, configuration information 142 may be considered any suitable information for configuring UE 150.

[0146] In examples, configuration information 142 may include any suitable information and any suitable further information 146 .

[0147] For example, the information 144 may include any suitable information 144 that enables the UE 150 to conditionally hand over the connection from the source primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 151a, 151b.

[0148] In an example, the information 144 includes one or more handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 140. The one or more handover execution conditions may be pre-configured by the network 100.

[0149] The handover execution conditions may include any appropriate conditions.

[0150] In some examples, the handover execution condition may be a radio signal condition. For example, the handover execution condition may include a received radio signal power condition and / or a received radio signal quality condition.

[0151] In examples, the handover execution condition may be based on and / or related to Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).

[0152] In an example, the handover execution condition may include, for example, an A3, A4, or A5 event.

[0153] In some examples, the handover execution condition may be a conditional handover (CHO) condition.

[0154] In some examples, the information 144 includes conditional handover (CHO) configuration information.

[0155] In examples, the further information 144 may include any suitable information that enables the UE 150 to access at least one of a plurality of target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148.

[0156] In some cases, the associated access conditions are associated with further information.

[0157] For example, information for enabling the UE 150 to access the first target primary secondary cell 156a may have one or more associated access conditions, and information for enabling the UE 150 to access the second target primary secondary cell 156b may have one or more associated access conditions.

[0158] In some examples, the further information 144 includes at least one access condition associated with information for allowing the UE 150 to access each target primary secondary cell 156 .

[0159] The associated access conditions may include any suitable conditions.

[0160] In some examples, the access conditions may be radio signal conditions. For example, the access conditions may include received radio signal power conditions and / or received radio signal quality conditions.

[0161] In examples, the access conditions may be based on and / or related to Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).

[0162] In an example, the access conditions may include, for example, an A3, A4, or A5 event.

[0163] In the example, the access conditions relate to the target primary secondary cell 151, and therefore the access conditions can be considered to be associated with information for enabling the UE 150 to access the target primary secondary cell 151. For example, the access conditions relate to radio signal conditions of the target primary secondary cell 151, and therefore the access conditions can be considered to be associated with information for enabling the UE 150 to access the target primary secondary cell 151.

[0164] In the example, the associated access conditions can be considered as access conditions for the target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0165] In some examples, the further information 146 includes dual connectivity (DC) configuration information. Thus, in examples, the associated conditions can be considered as additional / modified conditions.

[0166] In some examples, the associated condition may include or be a Conditional PS Cell Addition and Change (CPAC) condition.

[0167] In some examples, the further information 146 includes multiple settings configured to enable the UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b, the multiple settings having associated release and addition instructions.

[0168] The plurality of configurations may include any suitable configurations, for example, any suitable configurations that enable the UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0169] In an example, each setting may relate to a target primary secondary cell 151 and have one or more associated access conditions.

[0170] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE 150 conditionally access multiple primary secondary cells 151a, 151b include all configurations.

[0171] Every setting can be considered as a setting that is independent of any other setting.

[0172] All settings may be considered as settings that are directly applicable to UE 150 without considering and / or using and / or applying any other setting or settings.

[0173] The full configuration can be considered as a configuration that defines all the parameters required for the UE 150 to access the target primary secondary cell 151.

[0174] In examples, the entire configuration may be considered the complete configuration and / or the entire configuration.

[0175] In some examples, the multiple configurations configured to enable the UE 150 to conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b include a delta configuration configured to be applied to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 to obtain a total configuration.

[0176] A delta setting can be thought of as a setting that is applied on top of another setting to achieve a new setting.

[0177] A delta setting can be thought of as a setting that depends on at least one other setting.

[0178] A delta configuration may be considered a configuration that UE 150 cannot apply without considering and / or using and / or applying at least one other configuration.

[0179] A delta configuration can be considered as a configuration that defines only the parameters that need to be modified, added, or released compared to the base / reference configuration in order to access the target primary secondary cell 151.

[0180] In an example, a delta configuration can be considered an incomplete and / or partial configuration.

[0181] In an example, accessing the target primary secondary cell 151 or any other suitable cell includes performing an access procedure, such as a random access procedure, with that cell.

[0182] In an example, accessing the target primary secondary cell 151 or any other suitable cell includes establishing a connection with and / or through that cell.

[0183] At block 208 , the method 200 includes transmitting the configuration information 142 to the UE 150 .

[0184] Thus, from the perspective of the source MN 152, block 208 includes transmitting to the UE 150 configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally hand over the connection from the source primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition.

[0185] Thus, from the perspective of the UE 150, block 208 includes receiving configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally hand over the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition.

[0186] Transmission of the configuration information 142 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0187] In an example, transmitting the configuration information 142 includes transmitting one or more signals and / or messages.

[0188] In some examples, the configuration information 142 can be transmitted as part of an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0189] As mentioned above, in some examples, the multiple configurations configured to allow the UE 150 conditionally access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b include delta configurations.

[0190] Also, as mentioned above, in some examples, the UE 150 is connected to a source SN 153 .

[0191] In some such examples, the method 200 includes block 210 .

[0192] At block 210, the method 200 includes sending an indication 162 to the UE 150 that the current primary secondary cell setting 164 should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell setting 160 after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0193] Therefore, Figure 2 establishing a connection to a user equipment UE 150 via a source primary cell 140; determining at the UE 150 that a conditional handover is configured; transmitting to the UE 150 configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally hand over a connection from the source primary cell 140 to a target primary cell 148 and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells 151 a, 151 b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition; and after sending an access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151, sending an indication 162 to the UE 150 that the current primary secondary cell setting 164 should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell setting 160.

[0194] The instructions 162 may be transmitted in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0195] In an example, transmitting the configuration information 162 includes transmitting one or more signals and / or messages.

[0196] In some examples, the indication 162 can be sent along with the configuration information 142 in block 208. Thus, in some examples, block 208 and block 210 can be combined. For example, the indication 162 can be sent as part of an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0197] The indication 162 may have any suitable form. For example, the indication 162 may have any suitable form for indicating to the UE 150 that after transmitting the access request 158 ​​to the first primary secondary cell 151(1), the current primary secondary cell configuration 164 should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160. The indication 162 may include any suitable flag, indicator, or the like.

[0198] In some examples, the indication 162 includes a current primary secondary cell setting 164 .

[0199] The current primary secondary cell configuration may be considered to be the primary secondary cell configuration currently configured in and / or used by UE 150.

[0200] The current primary secondary cell configuration may be considered as the most recent primary secondary cell configuration generated by the source SN 153.

[0201] From the perspective of the UE 150, block 210 includes receiving an indication 162 that the current primary secondary cell setting 164 should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell setting 160 after sending an access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0202] As mentioned above, in the example, the indication 162 includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

[0203] At block 212, the method 200 includes determining that handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are met.

[0204] Determining that the handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are met may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0205] In examples, determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell 148 is met includes determining and / or performing one or more measurements.

[0206] The one or more measurements may include one or more wireless signal measurements, such as received wireless signal quality and / or received wireless signal strength.

[0207] In some examples, determining that the handover execution condition for the target primary cell 148 is met includes monitoring the target primary cell 148 .

[0208] At block 214, the method 200 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148. Establishing the connection may be as described with respect to block 202.

[0209] In an example, block 214 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 based at least in part on the received information 144 of the configuration information 142 .

[0210] Additionally or alternatively, in an example, block 214 may include establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 based at least in part on determining that handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are met.

[0211] At block 216, the method 200 includes transmitting an access request 158 ​​to a first target primary secondary cell 151a of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information 146.

[0212] Any suitable access request 158 ​​having any suitable form may be used, for example, any suitable access request 158 ​​from any suitable access procedure may be used.

[0213] In some examples, transmitting the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151a includes transmitting a random access request to the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0214] In an example, block 216 may include at least initiating an access procedure with the first target primary secondary cell 151 a. Any suitable access procedure may be used, such as a random access channel (RACH) procedure.

[0215] Thus, in an example, the access request 158 ​​may be part of a RACH procedure.

[0216] In some examples, block 216 includes transmitting an access request 158 ​​to a first target primary secondary cell 151a of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b based at least in part on a setting of a plurality of settings configured to enable the UE 150 to conditionally access the plurality of target primary secondary cells.

[0217] In some examples, block 216 includes applying a setting from a plurality of settings.

[0218] In an example, the UE 150 applying the configuration includes the UE 150 applying the configuration to a radio network protocol of the UE to enable the UE 150 to access and / or connect to the cell.

[0219] In some examples, applying the configuration includes decoding the configuration.

[0220] At block 218, the method 200 includes, after transmitting the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151a, maintaining at least a portion of the further information 146 to enable the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151b different from the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0221] Therefore, Figure 2 Establishing a connection to the primary cell 140 of the master node 152; receiving configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling a UE 150 to conditionally hand over a connection from a primary cell 140 to a target primary cell 148, and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells 151 a, 151 b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; establishing a connection to a target primary cell 148; sending an access request 158 ​​to a first target primary secondary cell 151 a of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151 a, 151 b based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information 146; and after transmitting an access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151a, maintaining at least a portion of further information to enable the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151b different from the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0222] Maintaining at least a portion of the further information 146 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0223] For example, maintaining at least a portion of the further information 146 may include maintaining at least a portion of the further information 146 in at least one data structure.

[0224] For example, maintaining at least a portion of the further information 146 may include not resetting, and / or not deleting, and / or not removing at least a portion of the further information 146.

[0225] In an example, block 218 includes maintaining at least one setting of the plurality of settings that is not being used / applied by UE 150.

[0226] In some examples, block 218 includes maintaining at least one overall setting.

[0227] In some examples, block 218 includes maintaining at least one delta configuration and an associated reference primary secondary cell configuration. For example, block 218 may include maintaining at least one delta configuration and the current primary secondary cell configuration 164.

[0228] At block 220, the method 200 includes determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell 151a has failed and sending an access request 158 ​​to a second, different target primary secondary cell 151b based at least in part on at least some of the further information 146 maintained after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0229] Determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell 151a has failed may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0230] In an example, determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell 151a has failed includes determining that establishment of a connection to the first target primary secondary cell 151a has failed.

[0231] The transmission of the access request 158 ​​in block 220 may be as described with respect to block 216, except that it is transmitted to a second, different target primary cell 151b.

[0232] In an example, block 220 includes using and / or applying at least one setting of the plurality of settings that is not being used / applied by UE 150.

[0233] In some examples, block 220 includes using and / or applying at least one overall setting.

[0234] In some examples, block 220 includes using and / or applying at least one delta configuration and an associated reference primary-secondary cell configuration. For example, block 220 includes using and / or applying at least one delta configuration in addition to the current primary-secondary cell configuration 164.

[0235] In some examples, the method 200 includes determining that none of the associated access conditions of the multiple target primary cells 151a, 151b are satisfied when a handover execution for the target primary cell 148 is satisfied, and selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 as the one to be used as the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0236] Determining that none of the associated access conditions are satisfied may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0237] In examples, determining that none of the associated access conditions are satisfied includes determining and / or taking one or more measurements.

[0238] The one or more measurements may include one or more wireless signal measurements, such as received wireless signal quality and / or received wireless signal strength.

[0239] In some examples, determining that none of the associated conditions are met includes monitoring the target primary secondary cell 151.

[0240] Selecting a target primary secondary cell 151 to be used as the first target primary secondary cell 151a may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0241] In an example, selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 includes randomly selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 .

[0242] In an example, selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 includes selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 based at least in part on a predetermined order of the multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0243] In an example, selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 includes selecting the target primary secondary cell 151 based at least in part on one or more radio signal measurements. For example, the target primary secondary cell 151 having the best radio signal conditions may be selected.

[0244] Examples of the present disclosure are advantageous and provide technical advances.

[0245] For example, examples of the present disclosure enable a UE to efficiently recover from a target PC cell failure.

[0246] FIG. 3 illustrates an example method 300.

[0247] FIG. 3 is similar to the example of FIG. 2 and similarly illustrates multiple devices transmitting and / or receiving one or more signals and / or one or more messages across and / or through and / or using a network.

[0248] In the example, the devices of FIG. 3 are part of a network 100 as described with respect to FIG.

[0249] In an example, Figure 3 can be considered to illustrate multiple methods. For example, Figure 3 illustrates one or more actions at multiple subjects / entities. In an example, Figure 3 can be considered to illustrate multiple methods performed by separate subjects / entities.

[0250] In the illustrated example, one or more signals and / or messages are transmitted and / or received by a terminal node 110 and four access nodes 120. In the example of Figure 3, the terminal node 110 is a UE 150, and the four access nodes 120 are a source MN 152, a target MN 154, and two target SNs 151a and 151b.

[0251] In an example (not shown in FIG. 3), UE 150 may also be connected to a source SN.

[0252] In examples, communication and / or transmission between the elements shown in FIG. 3 can proceed through any number of intervening elements, including no intervening elements.

[0253] Although one UE 150 is shown in the example of FIG. 3, any suitable number of UEs 150 may be included in an example.

[0254] Similarly, any suitable number of network nodes may be included in an example.

[0255] In an example, the method 300 and / or one or more portions of the method 300 can be considered a method for enhancing conditional handover.

[0256] In an example, the method 300 and / or one or more portions of the method 300 can be considered a method for enhancing conditional handover with dual connectivity.

[0257] In an example, the method 300 and / or one or more portions of the method 300 can be considered a method for enhancing conditional handover with multiple PS cell preparation.

[0258] In the illustrated example, the location of the block indicates the entity that performs the action, e.g., block 304 is performed at / by source MN 152.

[0259] At block 302, the method 300 includes, from the perspective of the source MN 152, establishing a connection to the user equipment 150 via the source primary cell 140 (the PCell of the source MN 152).

[0260] In some examples, the source MN 152 may be considered the source MN 152 once a connection to the UE 150 is established.

[0261] From the perspective of the UE 150 , block 302 involves establishing a connection to the primary cell of the master node 152 .

[0262] This is indicated in the example of FIG. 3 by the double arrow between the UE 150 and the source MN 152.

[0263] Thus, block 203 can be considered to involve establishing a connection between the UE 150 and the source MN 152 .

[0264] In the example, block 302 may be as described with respect to block 302 in the example of Figure 2. Thus, the establishment of the connection in block 302 may be as described with respect to block 302.

[0265] At block 304, method 300 may determine that a conditional handover is configured at UE 150.

[0266] In an example, block 304 may be as described with respect to block 204 in the example of FIG.

[0267] At block 306, the method 300 includes, from the perspective of the target MN 154, receiving a handover request. Thus, from the perspective of the source MN 152, block 206 depicts sending a handover request.

[0268] The handover request may be sent in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0269] In an example, receiving the handover request includes receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0270] Receiving the handover request may include receiving a handover request message.

[0271] The handover request may include any suitable information. In an example, the handover request includes information requesting the target MN 154 to prepare to hand over the connection with the UE 150.

[0272] In some examples, the handover request indicates that a conditional handover is to be configured.

[0273] At block 308 , the method 300 includes requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0274] In examples, requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0275] In some examples, requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 includes transmitting one or more signals and / or messages.

[0276] For example, requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 may include sending an SN addition request message to the target secondary node 156.

[0277] Requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 may include sending an instruction to the target secondary node 156 to determine the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0278] The indication may have any suitable form, for example, the indication may have any suitable form for indicating to the target SN 156 that it should determine the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160. The indication 162 may include any suitable flag, indicator, or the like.

[0279] In some examples, the indication includes a "null" indication for the base target SCG Config in the SN addition request message.

[0280] The target MN 154 may request any suitable target SN 156 to determine the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160. In the example of FIG.

[0281] The target SN 156 a determines the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0282] Determining the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0283] For example, if the target MN 154 already has a reference primary secondary cell setting, the target MN 154 can share this reference primary secondary cell setting with the target MN 154, and the target SN 156 can consider the reference primary cell setting from the target MN 154 when determining the reference primary secondary cell setting.

[0284] In an example, the target MN 154 does not provide a reference primary secondary cell configuration to the target SN 156, but rather the target 156 determines / generates the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160.

[0285] In some examples, the target SN 156 considers the source primary secondary cell configuration and / or the target primary cell configuration when determining the reference primary secondary cell configuration 150.

[0286] At block 310 , the method 300 , from the perspective of the target MN 154 , includes receiving a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 from the target secondary node 156 .

[0287] Receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 from the target secondary node 156 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0288] In an example, block 310 includes receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0289] In some examples, receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 includes receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 as part of an SN addition request acknowledgement message.

[0290] The reference primary secondary cell configuration may be any suitable reference configuration.

[0291] For example, the reference primary secondary cell configuration may be the current primary secondary cell configuration.

[0292] For example, the reference primary secondary cell configuration may be based at least in part on the current primary secondary cell configuration.

[0293] For example, the reference primary secondary cell configuration may be independent of the current primary secondary cell configuration.

[0294] In some examples, the method 300 includes receiving, from the target secondary node 156, a determined delta configuration relative to the determined reference primary secondary cell configuration 160.

[0295] The delta configuration can be received together with the determined reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 or separately.

[0296] For example, the delta setting may be received as part of an SN add request acknowledgement.

[0297] At block 312, the method 300 includes requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine a delta setting relative to the reference primary secondary cell setting 160 configured to enable the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151 associated with the at least one different target secondary node 156b.

[0298] In an example, requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine a delta setting relative to the reference primary secondary cell setting 160 to enable the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151 associated with the at least one different target secondary node 156b may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0299] In some examples, requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine a delta setting relative to the reference primary secondary cell setting 160 includes transmitting one or more signals and / or messages.

[0300] For example, requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine a delta configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 may include sending an SN addition request message to the target secondary node 156b.

[0301] Requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine a delta setting relative to the reference primary secondary cell setting 160 includes sending an instruction to the at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine a delta setting relative to the reference primary secondary cell setting 160.

[0302] The instruction may have any suitable form, for example, the instruction may have any suitable form indicating to the at least one different target SN 156b that the at least one different SN 156b should determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 configured to enable the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151 associated with the at least one different target secondary node 156b.

[0303] In some examples, the instruction includes a reference primary secondary cell setting 160 in the SN addition request message.

[0304] In an example, the target MN 154 sends the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 to at least one different target SN 156, whether as an instruction or not.

[0305] The at least one different target SN 156b determines a delta configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160, and at block 314, the method 300 includes, from the perspective of the target MN 154, receiving at least one requested delta configuration from the at least one different target secondary node 156b.

[0306] Therefore, Figure 3 requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160; receiving a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node (156) to determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration (160) configured to enable the UE (150) to access at least one target primary secondary cell (151) associated with the at least one different target secondary node (156); and receiving at least one requested delta setting from at least one different target secondary node 156.

[0307] In the example, block 314 includes receiving the requested delta settings from multiple different target secondary nodes 156 .

[0308] Receiving at least one requested delta setting from at least one different target secondary node 156 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0309] In an example, block 314 includes receiving one or more signals and / or messages.

[0310] In some examples, receiving the at least one requested delta configuration includes receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 as part of an SN addition request acknowledgement message.

[0311] At block 316 , the method 300 , from the perspective of the target MN 154 , includes transmitting the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary configuration 160 to the source master node 154 .

[0312] In some examples, block 316 includes transmitting the delta configuration received from the target SN 156 that determined the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0313] Transmitting the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0314] In an example, transmitting the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 includes transmitting one or more signals and / or messages.

[0315] In some examples, the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 can be transmitted as part of a handover request acknowledgement message.

[0316] At block 317, the method 300 includes determining configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148 and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information 146 includes multiple delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 and the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160.

[0317] In an example, block 317 may be as described in connection with block 206 of the example of FIG.

[0318] Thus, in some examples, block 317 includes receiving information from the target MN 154 in block 316 .

[0319] Thus, in some examples, the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 is determined by the target secondary node 156.

[0320] At block 318 , the method 300 includes transmitting the configuration information 142 to the UE 150 .

[0321] Therefore, Figure 3 establishing a connection to a user equipment UE 150 via a source primary cell 140; determining configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling a UE 150 to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell 140 to a target primary cell 148 and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access a plurality of target secondary cells 151 a, 151 b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information 146 includes a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 and the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160; and transmitting the configuration information 142 to the UE 150.

[0322] Transmitting the configuration information 142 may be done in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0323] In an example, transmitting the configuration information 142 includes transmitting one or more signals and / or messages.

[0324] In some examples, the configuration information 142 can be transmitted as part of an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0325] From the perspective of UE 150, block 318 includes receiving configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling UE 150 to conditionally hand over a connection from primary cell 140 to target primary cell 148, further information 146 for enabling UE 150 to access multiple target secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition, wherein further information 146 includes multiple delta settings for application to reference primary secondary cell setting 160 and reference primary secondary cell setting 160.

[0326] Thus, in the example, the method 300 includes receiving, at and / or by the UE 150, a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160, the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 having been determined by the target secondary node 156.

[0327] At block 320, the method 300 includes determining that a handover execution condition is met for the target primary cell 140 and that none of the conditions for accessing the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151 a, 151 b are met. Determining that a handover execution condition is met for the target primary cell 140 and that none of the conditions for accessing the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151 a, 151 b are met may be performed in any suitable manner using any suitable method.

[0328] In examples, block 320 includes determining and / or taking one or more measurements.

[0329] The one or more measurements may include one or more wireless signal measurements, such as received wireless signal quality and / or received wireless signal strength.

[0330] In some examples, block 320 includes monitoring the target primary cell 148 and multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0331] At block 322, the method 300 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148. Establishing the connection may be as described with respect to block 202.

[0332] In an example, block 322 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 based at least in part on the received information 144 of the configuration information 142 .

[0333] Additionally or alternatively, in the example, block 214 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 based at least in part on determining that handover execution conditions for the target primary cell 148 are met.

[0334] At block 324 , the method 300 includes applying the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0335] Thus, in the example of FIG. 3, after block 320, UE 150 applies reference primary secondary cell configuration 160, thereby preparing UE 150 for application of the delta configuration.

[0336] Therefore, Figure 3 Establishing a connection to the primary cell 140 of the master node 142; receiving configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling a UE 150 to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell 140 to a target primary cell 148 and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target secondary cells 151 a, 151 b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information 146 includes multiple delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 and the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160; establishing a connection to the target primary cell 140; and applying the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160.

[0337] At block 326, the method 300 includes determining that a condition is met for subsequently accessing the first target primary secondary cell 151b of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0338] In examples, block 326 includes determining and / or taking one or more measurements.

[0339] The one or more measurements may include one or more signal measurements, such as received radio signal quality and / or received radio signal strength.

[0340] In some examples, block 326 includes monitoring multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0341] At block 328, the method 300 includes applying a first delta setting of the plurality of delta settings to the reference primary secondary cell setting to access a first target primary secondary cell 151b of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0342] Therefore, in some examples, the method 300 includes, when it is later determined that a condition for accessing the first target primary secondary cell 151b of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b is met, applying a first delta setting of the plurality of delta settings to the reference primary secondary cell setting 160 to access the first target primary secondary cell 151b of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b.

[0343] Examples of the present disclosure are advantageous and provide one or more technical advantages.

[0344] For example, examples of the present disclosure allow the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 to be determined by the target SN.

[0345] For example, examples of the present disclosure may prepare the UE for application of a delta configuration to access the target primary secondary cell when it is determined that the CHO condition is met.

[0346] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method 400 .

[0347] In examples, method 400 may be performed by any suitable apparatus including any suitable means for performing method 400, such as an apparatus as described with respect to Figures 12A and / or 12B.

[0348] In an example, the method 400 may be performed by a UE 150, such as the UE 105 of FIG. 1 and / or FIG.

[0349] At block 402 , the method 400 includes establishing a connection to the primary cell 140 of the master node 152 .

[0350] At block 404, the method 400 includes receiving configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally hand over a connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition.

[0351] At block 406, the method 400 includes determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell 148 is met.

[0352] At block 408 , the method 400 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 .

[0353] At block 410, the method 400 includes transmitting an access request 158 ​​to a first primary secondary cell 151 a of the plurality of target primary secondary cells 151 a, 151 b based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information 146; and after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151a, maintaining at least a portion of the further information 146 to enable the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151b different from the first target primary secondary cell 151a.

[0354] Therefore, Figure 4 Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and after transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of further information to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell.

[0355] FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 .

[0356] In examples, method 500 may be performed by any suitable apparatus including any suitable means for performing method 500, such as an apparatus as described with respect to Figures 12A and / or 12b.

[0357] In an example, the method 500 may be performed by a source MN 152, such as the source MN 152 of FIG.

[0358] At block 502 , the method 500 includes establishing a connection for the user equipment UE 150 via the source primary cell 140 .

[0359] At block 504, the method 500 includes determining that a conditional handover is configured at the UE 150.

[0360] At block 506, the method 500 includes transmitting configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally hand over the connection from the source primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition.

[0361] At block 506, the method 500 includes, after sending the access request 158 ​​to the first target primary secondary cell 151b, sending an indication 162 to the UE 150 that the current primary secondary cell setting 164 should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell setting 160.

[0362] Therefore, Figure 5 establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining at the UE that a conditional handover is configured; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated condition; and sending an indication to the UE that the current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell configuration after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0363] FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 .

[0364] In examples, method 600 may be performed by any suitable apparatus including any suitable means for performing method 500, such as an apparatus as described with respect to Figures 12A and / or 12B.

[0365] In an example, the method 600 may be performed by a UE 150, such as the UE 150 of FIG. 1 and / or FIG.

[0366] At block 602 , the method 600 includes establishing a connection to the primary cell 140 of the master node 152 .

[0367] At block 604, the method 600 includes receiving configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally hand over a connection from the primary cell 140 to a target primary cell 148, and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information 146 includes multiple delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160.

[0368] At block 606, the method 600 includes determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell 148 is met and that none of the conditions for accessing the multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b are met.

[0369] At block 608 , the method 600 includes establishing a connection to the target primary cell 148 .

[0370] At block 610 , the method 600 includes applying the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0371] Therefore, Figure 6 Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling a UE to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information includes a plurality of delta information for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing a plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and applying a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0372] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700.

[0373] In examples, method 700 may be performed by any suitable apparatus including any suitable means for performing method 500, such as an apparatus as described in connection with Figures 12A and / or 12B.

[0374] In an example, the method 700 may be performed by a target MN 154, such as the target MN 154 of FIG.

[0375] At block 702 , the method 700 includes requesting the target secondary node 156 to determine a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 .

[0376] At block 704 , the method 700 includes receiving a reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 from the target secondary node 156 .

[0377] At block 706, the method 700 includes requesting at least one different target secondary node 156b to determine a delta setting relative to the reference primary secondary cell setting 160 configured to enable the UE 150 to access at least one target primary secondary cell 151b associated with the at least one different target secondary node 151b.

[0378] At block 708, the method 700 includes receiving at least one requested delta setting from at least one different target secondary node 156b.

[0379] Therefore, Figure 7 requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving a reference primary-secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration configured to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and receiving at least one requested delta configuration from at least one different target secondary node.

[0380] FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 .

[0381] In examples, method 800 may be performed by any suitable apparatus including any suitable means for performing method 400, such as an apparatus as described in connection with Figures 12A and / or 12B.

[0382] In an example, the method 800 may be performed by a source MN 152, such as the source MN 152 of FIG.

[0383] At block 802 , the method 800 includes establishing a connection for the user equipment UE 150 via the source primary cell 140 .

[0384] At block 804, the method 800 includes determining configuration information 142 including information 144 for enabling the UE 150 to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell 140 to the target primary cell 148, and further information 146 for enabling the UE 150 to access multiple target primary secondary cells 151a, 151b associated with the target primary cell 148, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information 146 includes multiple delta configurations to apply to the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160 and the reference primary secondary cell configuration 160.

[0385] At block 806, the method 800 includes transmitting configuration information to the UE.

[0386] Therefore, Figure 8 establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover a connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the further information including a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

[0387] FIG. 9 illustrates an example method 900 .

[0388] Some examples relate to 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks. Figures 9, 10 and 11 can be seen to illustrate some such examples.

[0389] The following description can be considered to illustrate some such examples.

[0390] In FIG. 9, after block 130, UE 150 evaluates the conditional PS cell addition and modification (CPAC) conditions.

[0391] FIG. 9 can be seen as showing the method for a Conditional PSCell Addition (CPA) scenario where the SCG config is full configuration.

[0392] In the example of FIG. 9, after UE 150 applies and executes a CPA configuration during CHO execution, UE 150 can switch between one or more CPA configurations by maintaining the other CPA configuration.

[0393] In the example of FIG. 9, UE 150 receives both CPA settings from the network in block 8 and stores these settings in two separate UE variables, each of which is marked with a “release and add” indicator for the CPA setting portion.

[0394] In the example of Figure 9, if access to SN-1 fails, UE 150 switches to the other prepared configuration by simply selecting the CPA configuration from the second variable and implementing it, which automatically releases the previous configuration and switches to the new configuration because this variable has the "release and add" instruction.

[0395] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a method 1000 .

[0396] Figure 10 can be seen to show a method for a conditional PS cell change (CPC) scenario that allows switching between one or more CPC configurations by combining the current source SCG configuration with a target SCG-specific delta configuration.

[0397] In the example of FIG. 10, the network provides the UE 150 with a baseline source SCG configuration and instructs it to keep the existing source SCG configuration when performing the delta target SCG configuration.

[0398] In case of a random access failure to the target SN 156, as a recovery mechanism the UE can retrieve the stored source SCG configuration and apply a different SCG config for a different target cell.

[0399] In the example of FIG. 10, the UE 150 receives both CPC settings from the network in block 8 and stores these settings in two separate UE variables, each of which is marked with a “release and add” indicator for the CPC setting portion.

[0400] Additionally, UE 150 receives the SCG configuration (SCG0) of the current serving SN (or an instruction to keep the current SCG configuration in the UE, which is SCG0) in block 8.

[0401] UE 150 prepares these variables by applying an SCG-specific configuration (SCG1 or SCG2) to the current configuration of the SCG in UE 150 (SCG0).

[0402] To prevent problems after a random access failure to the target SN 156, the UE 150 maintains SCG0, which is used in block 15 when applying one of the two SCG configurations (SCG1 in the example of Figure 10).

[0403] Thus, if random access fails in block 16 of the example of FIG. 10, UE 150 switches to the other prepared configuration (delta SCG config2) using the retained SCG0 config and the delta config of the other prepared configuration from the second variable and executes it.

[0404] This variable has a "release and add" instruction so that if necessary (e.g. random access failure of the selected SCG config) it will automatically release the previous configuration and switch to the new configuration, but only need to apply the delta in addition to the stored source SCG0.

[0405] FIG. 11 illustrates an example method 1100.

[0406] 11 can be seen as illustrating a method of CPC scenarios that allows switching between one or more CPC configurations by using a reference SCG-based configuration that is applied during CHO execution if none of the CPC conditions are met. UE 150 then applies a target SCG-specific delta configuration when the CPC conditions are later met.

[0407] In the example of FIG. 11, in block 3, the target MN 154 adjusts the “base target SCG configuration” that is used as a template by SN-1 and SN-2 to prepare the “cell-specific” delta configurations that are sent in blocks 6 and 7. In some instances, the target MN 154 may already have a "base target SCG configuration" that can be shared with SN-1 and SN-2 in the SN addition request procedure. · In some instances, target MN154 receives the "base target SCG setting" from SN-1 and shares it with SN-2.

[0408] The base configuration can be prepared by the first SN participating in the DC. There can be two ways to collect this: a. Option 1: The MN 154 may request the SN 156 to provide the base SCG config (as part of the MN-issued SN addition request). b. Option 2: The MN 154 can provide a base config based on the current SN setting (SCG0 config), and the target SN 156 provides a delta config with respect to the base config.

[0409] In the example of Figure 11, UE 150 receives (at block 15) a "base target SCG configuration" that will be applied by UE 150 during CHO. After CHO, UE 150 continues to evaluate the CPC conditions and applies one delta configuration corresponding to SN-1 and SN-2 in addition to the base configuration (common to all prepared target PS cells), as shown in block 17.

[0410] The examples of the present disclosure are advantageous.

[0411] For example, examples of the present disclosure enable a UE to efficiently recover from a failure to access a target secondary node during a conditional handover with dual connectivity.

[0412] 12A shows an example of the apparatus 130. The apparatus 130 may be a controller of an apparatus or device, such as an end node 110, e.g., a UE 150, or a network element 152, 154, and / or 156, such as an eNB or a gNB.

[0413] The implementation of the controller 130 may be as a controller circuit, may be implemented solely in hardware, may have certain aspects of software including firmware alone, or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0414] As shown in FIG. 12A, the controller 130 can be implemented using instructions that enable the hardware functionality, for example, in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 132 using executable instructions of a computer program 136 that can be stored on a computer-readable medium (disk, memory, etc.) that are executed by such processor 132.

[0415] Processor 132 is configured to read from and write to memory 134. Processor 132 may also include an output interface, through which data and / or commands are output by processor 132, and an input interface, through which data and / or commands are input to processor 132.

[0416] The memory 134 stores a computer program 136 that includes computer program instructions (computer program code) that, when loaded into the processor 132, control the operation of the device 130. The computer program instructions of the computer program 136 provide the logic and routines that enable the device to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The processor 132 can load and execute the computer program 136 by reading the memory 134.

[0417] In an example, the device 130 at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the device with at least: Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of further information to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell.

[0418] In an example, the device 130 at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the device with at least: establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining that a conditional handover is configured at the UE; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; and storing instructions to cause the UE to transmit an indication that the current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell configuration after transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0419] In an example, the device 130 at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the device with at least: Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling a UE to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the further information including a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing a plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and applying the reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0420] In an example, the device 130 at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the device with at least: requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving a reference primary-secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration configured to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; receiving at least one requested delta setting from at least one different target secondary node;

[0421] In an example, the device 130 at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, provides the device with at least: establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover a connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the further information including a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

[0422] 12A, the computer program 136 may reach the device 130 via any suitable distribution mechanism 162. The distribution mechanism 162 may be, for example, a recording medium or article of manufacture, such as a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disc (DVD) or a solid-state memory, that contains or tangibly embodies the computer program 136. The distribution mechanism may also be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 136. The device 130 may propagate or transmit the computer program 136 as a computer data signal.

[0423] Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, maintaining at least a portion of further information to enable the UE to access at least one primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell.

[0424] establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining at the UE that a conditional handover is configured; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; Computer program instructions for at least causing the device to, or for at least performing, after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell, sending an indication that the current primary secondary cell setting should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell setting.

[0425] Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling a UE to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the further information including a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing a plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied; establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and applying a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0426] requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving a reference primary-secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration configured to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and receiving at least one requested delta configuration from at least one different target secondary node.

[0427] establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; determining configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover a connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the further information including a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

[0428] The computer program instructions may be included in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium, or in some, but not necessarily all, instances, the computer program instructions may be distributed across multiple computer programs.

[0429] Although shown as a single component / circuit, memory 134 may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which may be internal / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cache storage.

[0430] In an example, the memory 134 includes a random access memory 158 and a read-only memory 160. In an example, the computer program 136 can be stored in the read-only memory 158. See, for example, Figure 12B.

[0431] In some examples, memory 134 can be divided into random access memory 158 and read-only memory 160 .

[0432] Although the processor 132 is shown as a single component / circuit, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which may be integrated or removable. The processor 132 may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0433] References to "computer-readable storage medium," "computer program product," "tangibly embodied computer program," etc., or to "controller," "computer," "processor," etc., should be understood to encompass computers having different architectures, such as single- and multi-processor architectures and sequential (von Neumann) and parallel architectures, as well as special-purpose circuitry, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuitry. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to encompass software or firmware for programmable processors, such as the programmable content of a hardware device, whether, for example, instructions for a processor or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array, or programmable logic device.

[0434] The term "circuitry" as used in this application may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., an analog and / or digital-only circuit implementation); (b) any combination of hardware circuitry and software, as applicable, that: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; (ii) any portion of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) having software, software and one or more memories that cooperate to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate but the software may be absent when not required for operation. This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, the term circuit as used in this application also covers implementations of a mere hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to a particular claim element.

[0435] The blocks illustrated in the accompanying figures may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the computer program 136. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply a necessary or preferred order for the blocks, and the order and arrangement of the blocks may be different, and some blocks may be omitted.

[0436] Where a structural feature is described, it may be replaced by a means that performs one or more of the functions of that structural feature, whether that function or functions are explicitly stated or implicitly stated.

[0437] Thus, the device 130 may, in the example: means for establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; means for receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; means for determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; means for establishing a connection to a target primary cell; means for transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and means for maintaining at least a portion of further information to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell after sending the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

[0438] Thus, the device 130 may, in the example: means for establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; means for determining in the UE that a conditional handover is configured; means for transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over a connection from a source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition; and means for transmitting, after transmitting the access request to the first target primary secondary cell, an indication that the current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0439] Thus, the device 130 may, in the example: means for establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; means for receiving configuration information and at least one associated condition, the configuration information including information for enabling a UE to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the further information including a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration; means for determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that none of the conditions for accessing a plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied; means for establishing a connection to a target primary cell; and means for applying a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

[0440] Thus, the device 130 may, in the example: means for requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; means for receiving a reference primary secondary cell configuration from a target secondary node; means for requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a delta configuration relative to a reference primary secondary cell configuration, the delta configuration being configured to enable the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node; and means for receiving at least one requested delta configuration from at least one different target secondary node.

[0441] Thus, the device 130 may, in the example: means for establishing a connection for a user equipment (UE) via a source primary cell; means for determining configuration information and at least one associated access condition, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover a connection from a primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the further information including a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and means for transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

[0442] In an example, the device 130 may include means for performing one or more methods or at least a portion of one or more methods as disclosed herein.

[0443] In an example, device 130 is configurable to perform one or more methods or at least a portion of one or more methods as disclosed herein.

[0444] The above examples apply as enabling components to automotive systems, telecommunications systems, electronic systems including consumer electronic products, distributed computing systems, media systems for generating or rendering media content including audio, visual, and audiovisual content and mixed, mediated, virtual, and / or augmented reality, personal systems including personal health systems or personal fitness systems, navigation systems, user interfaces also known as human-machine interfaces, networks including cellular, non-cellular, and optical networks, ad hoc networks, the Internet, the Internet of Things, virtual networks, and related software and services.

[0445] The apparatus, according to examples of the present disclosure, can be provided in an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal. However, it should be understood that a mobile terminal is merely an example of an electronic device that may benefit from example implementations of the present disclosure, and thus should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to mobile terminals. In certain example implementations, the apparatus can be provided in a mobile terminal, but other types of electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, mobile communication devices, handheld portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices, and other types of electronic systems, can also readily employ examples of the present disclosure. Additionally, devices can readily employ examples of the present disclosure regardless of their intent to provide mobility.

[0446] The term "comprising" is used herein in an inclusive rather than exclusive sense. That is, when X includes Y, it indicates that X may include only one Y, or may include multiple Ys. If the exclusive sense of "comprising" is intended, this will be made clear by saying "including only one of" or by using "consisting of."

[0447] As used herein, the terms "connect," "couple," and "communicate," along with their derivatives, mean to be optionally connected / coupled / communicate. It should be understood that any number or combination of intervening components may be present (including when there are no intervening components), i.e., to provide a direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components may include hardware and / or software components.

[0448] As used herein, "determining" (including grammatical variations thereof) may include, among other things, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, etc. "Determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. "Determining" may also include resolving, selecting, choosing, ascertaining, etc.

[0449] Reference is made herein to various examples. The description of features and functions relative to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the terms "example" or "for example" or "may" or "may" in a sentence, whether explicitly stated or not, indicates that such feature or function is present in at least the example being described, whether or not it is described as an example, and may, but is not necessarily present in, some or all other examples. Thus, "example," "for example," "may," or "may" refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. The characteristics of that instance may be characteristics of that instance alone, or of the class, or of a subclass of that class that includes some but not all of the instances within the class. Thus, a feature described in connection with one example but not in connection with another example is implicitly disclosed as usable, where possible, as part of an implementation combination in that other example, but not necessarily used in that other example.

[0450] Although the examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be understood that modifications can be made to those examples shown without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0451] The features described in the above description may be used in combinations other than those explicitly stated above.

[0452] Although functions are described with reference to particular mechanisms, those functions may be performed by other mechanisms, whether or not described.

[0453] Although features have been described with reference to particular examples, those features may also be present in other examples, whether or not they are described.

[0454] The terms "a," "an," or "the" are used herein in an inclusive, rather than exclusive, sense. That is, when X includes a / an / the Y, X may include only one Y or may include multiple Ys, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If "a," "an," or "the" is intended to be exclusive, this will be made clear in the context. In some contexts, the use of "at least one" or "one or more" may be used to emphasize an inclusive sense, but the absence of these terms should not be construed as implying any exclusionary sense.

[0455] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference both to the feature (or combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). Equivalent features include, for example, features that are modifications and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0456] Various examples are referred to herein using adjectives or adjective phrases to describe features of those examples. Such description of a feature with respect to an example indicates that the feature is present in some examples exactly as described and in other examples substantially as described.

[0457] While the above description describes some examples of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize possible alternative structures and method mechanisms that provide equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and mechanisms described herein above and that have been omitted from the above description for the sake of clarity. Nevertheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method mechanisms that provide equivalent functionality, unless such alternative structures or method mechanisms are expressly excluded in the above description of examples of the present disclosure.

[0458] While an effort has been made herein to draw attention to features believed to be important, it should be understood that applicants may seek claimed protection for any patentable feature or combination of features referred to above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not emphasized.

Claims

1. at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; A user equipment including: The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the user equipment UE to Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; and establishing a connection to the target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and maintaining at least a portion of the further information that enables the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell after sending the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

2. The user equipment of claim 1 , wherein transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell comprises transmitting a random access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

3. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell has failed; and transmitting an access request to a second, different target primary secondary cell based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information maintained after transmitting the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

4. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary secondary cells are satisfied if the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; and and selecting a target primary secondary cell to be used as the first target primary secondary cell.

5. 2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the further information includes a plurality of settings configured to enable the UE to conditionally access a plurality of target primary secondary cells, the plurality of settings having associated release and add instructions.

6. The user equipment of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of settings configured to enable the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary secondary cells includes all settings.

7. 6. The user equipment of claim 5, wherein the plurality of configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary secondary cells includes a delta configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary secondary cell configuration to obtain a total configuration.

8. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least:

7. The user equipment of claim 6, further comprising: storing instructions for causing the user equipment to receive, after transmitting the access request to the first target primary secondary cell, an indication that a current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

9. The user equipment of claim 8 , wherein the indication includes the current primary secondary cell configuration.

10. Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; and establishing a connection to the target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and maintaining at least a portion of the further information that enables the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell different from the first target primary secondary cell after sending the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell comprises transmitting a random access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

12. determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell has failed; and transmitting an access request to a second, different target primary secondary cell based at least in part on at least some of the further information maintained after transmitting the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

13. determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary secondary cells are satisfied if the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; and and selecting a target primary secondary cell to be used as the first target primary secondary cell.

14. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the further information includes a plurality of settings configured to enable the UE to conditionally access a plurality of target primary secondary cells, the plurality of settings having associated release and add instructions.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary secondary cells includes all configurations.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary secondary cells includes a delta configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary secondary cell configuration to obtain a total configuration.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising receiving an indication that a current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary secondary cell configuration after transmitting the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

19. The device shall include at least Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is met; and establishing a connection to the target primary cell; transmitting an access request to a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information; and maintaining at least a portion of the further information that enables the UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell that is different from the first target primary secondary cell after sending the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

20. 20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein transmitting an access request to the first target primary secondary cell comprises transmitting a random access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

21. The device shall include at least determining that access to the first target primary secondary cell has failed; and transmitting an access request to a second, different target primary secondary cell based at least in part on at least a portion of the further information maintained after transmitting the access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

22. The device shall include at least determining that none of the associated access conditions of the plurality of target primary secondary cells are satisfied if the handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied; and and selecting a target primary secondary cell to be used as the first target primary secondary cell.

23. 23. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the further information includes a plurality of settings configured to enable the UE to conditionally access a plurality of target primary secondary cells, the plurality of settings having associated release and add instructions.

24. The computer program product of claim 23 , wherein the plurality of configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary secondary cells includes all configurations.

25. 24. The computer program product of claim 23, wherein the plurality of configurations configured to enable the UE to conditionally access the plurality of target primary secondary cells includes a delta configuration configured to be applied to a reference primary secondary cell configuration to obtain a total configuration.

26. The device shall include at least 26. The computer program product of claim 25, comprising instructions for causing, after transmitting the random access request to the first target primary secondary cell, receiving an indication that a current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary secondary cell configuration.

27. 27. The computer program product of claim 26, wherein the indication includes the current primary-secondary cell setting.

28. at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; An apparatus comprising: The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: establishing a connection for a user equipment UE via a source primary cell; determining that a conditional handover is configured at the UE; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over the connection from the source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and sending an instruction to the UE that the current primary secondary cell setting should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell setting after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

29. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

30. establishing a connection for a user equipment UE via a source primary cell; determining that a conditional handover is configured at the UE; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over the connection from the source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and sending an indication to the UE that a current primary secondary cell configuration should be maintained as a reference primary secondary cell configuration after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the indication includes the current primary secondary cell setting.

32. The device shall include at least establishing a connection for a user equipment UE via a source primary cell; determining that a conditional handover is configured at the UE; transmitting to the UE configuration information, the configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over the connection from the source primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and sending an instruction to the UE that the current primary secondary cell setting should be maintained as the reference primary secondary cell setting after sending an access request to the first target primary secondary cell.

33. 33. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the indication includes the current primary-secondary cell setting.

34. at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; A user equipment including: The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the user equipment UE to Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that a handover execution condition for any primary secondary cell associated with the target primary cell is not satisfied; establishing a connection to the target primary cell and maintaining at least two primary-secondary cell configurations associated with the target primary cell; and applying the reference primary secondary cell configuration.

35. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least:

35. The apparatus of claim 34, further storing instructions for causing, when it is determined that a condition for accessing a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells is met, to apply a first delta setting of the plurality of delta settings to the reference primary secondary cell setting to access the first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells.

36. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least:

36. The apparatus of claim 34 or 35, storing instructions to cause receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration determined by a target secondary node.

37. Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling a UE to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that a handover execution condition for any primary secondary cell associated with the target primary cell is not satisfied; establishing a connection to the target primary cell and maintaining at least two primary-secondary cell configurations associated with the target primary cell; and applying the reference primary secondary cell configuration.

38. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: if it is later determined that a condition for accessing a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied, applying a first delta configuration of the plurality of delta configurations to the reference primary secondary cell configuration to access the first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells.

39. 39. A method according to claim 37 or 38, comprising receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration determined by a target secondary node.

40. The device shall include at least Establishing a connection to a primary cell of a master node; receiving configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a reference primary secondary cell configuration, and a plurality of associated delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; determining that a handover execution condition for the target primary cell is satisfied and that a handover execution condition for any primary secondary cell associated with the target primary cell is not satisfied; establishing a connection to the target primary cell and maintaining at least two primary-secondary cell configurations associated with the target primary cell; and applying the reference primary secondary cell configuration.

41. The computer program causes the device to perform at least 41. The computer program product of claim 40, comprising instructions for causing, if it is later determined that a condition for accessing a first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells is satisfied, to apply a first delta configuration of the plurality of delta configurations to the reference primary secondary cell configuration to access the first target primary secondary cell of the plurality of target primary secondary cells.

42. The device shall include at least 42. A computer program product as claimed in claim 40 or 41, comprising instructions for causing receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration determined by a target secondary node.

43. at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; An apparatus comprising: The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, secondary cell group configuration information including a plurality of reference primary secondary cell configurations, and a delta configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration, configured to enable a UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; and receiving at least one requested delta setting from the at least one different target secondary node.

44. The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least:

44. The apparatus of claim 43, storing instructions to cause the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration to be transmitted to a source master node.

45. requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, secondary cell group configuration information including a plurality of reference primary secondary cell configurations, and a delta configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration, configured to enable a UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; receiving at least one requested delta configuration from the at least one different target secondary node.

46. 46. ​​The method of claim 45, comprising transmitting the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration to a source master node.

47. The device shall include at least requesting a target secondary node to determine a reference primary-secondary cell configuration; receiving the reference primary secondary cell configuration from the target secondary node; requesting at least one different target secondary node to determine a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, secondary cell group configuration information including a plurality of reference primary secondary cell configurations, and a delta configuration relative to the reference primary secondary cell configuration, configured to enable a UE to access at least one target primary secondary cell associated with the at least one different target secondary node, wherein the access is related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; receiving at least one requested delta configuration from the at least one different target secondary node.

48. The device shall include at least 48. The computer program of claim 47, comprising instructions for causing the received at least one requested delta configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration to be transmitted to a source master node.

49. at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; An apparatus comprising: The at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: establishing a connection for a user equipment UE via a source primary cell; configuration information comprising information for enabling the UE to conditionally hand over the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, wherein the access relates to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell; determining at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a plurality of reference primary secondary cell configurations, and a plurality of delta configurations for application to the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

50. 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the reference primary secondary cell configuration is determined by a target secondary node.

51. establishing a connection for a user equipment UE via a source primary cell; determining configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the access being related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a plurality of reference primary secondary cell configurations, and a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

52. 52. The method of claim 51 , wherein the reference primary secondary cell configuration is determined by a target secondary node.

53. The device shall include at least establishing a connection for a user equipment UE via a source primary cell; determining configuration information including information for enabling the UE to conditionally handover the connection from the primary cell to a target primary cell and further information for enabling the UE to access a plurality of target primary secondary cells associated with the target primary cell, the access being related to dual connectivity access including access to a primary cell and at least one associated primary secondary cell, and at least one associated access condition, wherein the further information includes a plurality of conditional PS cell addition configurations, a secondary cell group configuration including a plurality of reference primary secondary cell configurations, and a plurality of delta configurations for application to a reference primary secondary cell configuration and the reference primary secondary cell configuration; and transmitting the configuration information to the UE.

54. 54. The computer program product of claim 53, wherein the reference primary secondary cell configuration is determined by a target secondary node.

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