Apparatus comprising at least one processor

Abstract

An apparatus, comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause a secondary node to: determine first information characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC, initiated by the secondary node.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE PROCESSOR

[0002] Specification

[0003] Field of the Disclosure

[0004] Various example embodiments relate to an apparatus comprising at least one processor.

[0005] Further embodiments relate to a method of operating related to such apparatus.

[0006] Background

[0007] Wireless communication systems may be used for wireless exchange of information between two or more entities, e.g., comprising one or more terminal devices, e.g., user equipment (UE) , and one or more network devices such as, e.g., base stations .

[0008] In some conventional approaches, terminal devices are capable of Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) . In some MR-DC configurations, a terminal device may be connected to a first base station, for example gNB, which may at least temporarily act as a master node (MN) , and to a second base station, for example gNB, which may at least temporarily act as a secondary node (SN) .

[0009] In MR-DC, a Master Cell Group (MCG) represents a group of serving cells associated with the master node, and a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) represents a group of serving cells associated with the secondary node.

[0010] In some conventional approaches, as, e.g., characterized by 3GPP Rel-18, a concept of SCG mobility was extended to conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC. In some conventional approaches using CPC, issues that can be denoted as "CPC Execution to wrong PSCell" may occur, wherein a CPC execution is not successful or an SCG failure occurs, e.g., shortly after a successful CPC execution, wherein, for example, a suitable PSCell different from a source PSCell or a target PSCell is found, e.g., based on measurements reported from a terminal device.

[0011] In some conventional approaches, there are two sub-cases of CPC execution to a wrong PSCell: a) if a suitable PSCell is one of the candidate target PSCells provided by a node initiating the CPC to a (candidate) target SN, but not one of the candidate PSCells selected by a (candidate) target SN, it is wrong target PSCell selection at the (candidate) target SN; b) else, it is wrong candidate PSCell list selection at the node initiating the CPC.

[0012] Summary

[0013] Various embodiments of the disclosure are set out by the independent claims. The exemplary embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification, that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] Some exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus, comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause a secondary node to: determine first information characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be an apparatus for a wireless communication system.

[0015] In some embodiments, the apparatus may be an apparatus for a network device of a wireless communication system, such as, e.g., a base station, e.g., gNB.

[0016] In some embodiments, the gNB may at least temporarily assume the role of a source secondary node, S-SN, of the intersource node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC.

[0017] In some embodiments, the gNB may at least temporarily assume the role of a target secondary node, T-SN, of the intersource node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC.

[0018] In some embodiments, the apparatus according to the embodiments or its functionality, respectively, may be used for or within wireless communication systems, e.g., networks, based on or at least partially adhering to third generation partnership project, 3GPP, radio standards such as 5G (fifth generation) or other radio access technology.

[0019] In some embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments may be used for at least one of: a) evaluating the time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC, initiated by the secondary node, and / or to b) reducing a probability of the above-mentioned issue related to the "CPC Execution to wrong PSCell".

[0020] In some conventional approaches, as e.g. indicated in Figure 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340, a list of proposed PSCell candidates recommended for candidate target secondary nodes, T-SN, is provided by a source secondary node, S-SN. In the conventional approaches, the S-SN initiates an SN Change procedure (see step 1. of Figure 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340) , which is followed by an SN addition procedure to each candidate T-SN (steps 2., 3. of Figure 10.5.2-4) . In some conventional approaches, the processing for an SN addition procedure may require some computing resources in the candidate T-SN, e.g., to decide which of candidate PSCells recommended by the S-SN to prepare. In some conventional approaches, only after acknowledgement of the SN addition procedure from all candidate T-SN is received by MN, and if also a possible SN modification procedure initiated by MN to S-SN (see steps 4., 5. of Fig. 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340) is completed, a CPC configuration is communicated to a UE (steps 6., 7. of Fig. 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340) .

[0021] In some embodiments, a time duration of at least some of the aforementioned procedures according to steps 2., 3., 4., 5. according to Fig. 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340, which are carried out before the UE gets a CPC configuration, may be reduced.

[0022] In some conventional approaches, a completion of these procedures may require, e.g., last for, more than 1 second (s) , which may result in the prepared PSCells being no longer the right candidates, and in that the right candidates for CPC may be missing. Thus, in some conventional approaches, an execution of the CPC may be either to a wrong PSCell, or an SCG failure may be detected, since the candidate PSCells configured according to the conventional approach are, for example, far from an execution criterion for the CPC, and, as an example, a SINR (signal to interference plus noise ratio) may become worse such that an SCG failure is triggered. In some embodiments, using the principle according to the embodiments, one or more of these disadvantages of the conventional approach may be mitigated or avoided.

[0023] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to: use the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be analyzed, e.g., to determine a current situation related to the time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node CPC initiated by the secondary node. In some embodiments, further information may be derived from the first information, such as, e.g., a related average value and / or other statistical parameters.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first information characterizes at least one of: a) an average time duration associated with a preparation of inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node, and / or b) an average time duration associated with a secondary node addition procedure related to at least one target secondary node.

[0025] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to perform at least one of: a) determining one or more candidate primary secondary cells based on the first information, b) evaluating at least one of bl) the time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node, and / or b2) the average time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node.

[0026] As an example, in some embodiments, the first information may, e.g., comprise information characterizing at least two points in time, wherein, based on these two points in time, e.g., the time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node may be derived. In other words, the first information may comprise two time values, and, in some embodiments, evaluating the time duration associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC may comprise determining the time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC based on the two time values.

[0027] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to: determine the time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change initiated by the secondary node as a time difference between a first point in time characterized by the secondary node providing to a master node one or more candidate primary secondary cells for at least one target secondary node for a specific conditional PSCell change and a second point in time characterized by the secondary node receiving from the master node an indication that the specific conditional PSCell change is prepared.

[0028] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to: determine the average time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node for a predetermined observation time.

[0029] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to: determine the average time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node over a predetermined number of CPC executions.

[0030] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to perform at least one of: a) requesting a master node to provide the first information to the secondary node, and / or b) receiving the first information from the master node.

[0031] In some embodiments, the secondary node may receive the first information, e.g., from the master node, e.g., without requesting the master node to transmit the first information. In other words, in some embodiments, the master node may determine the first information, for example repeatedly, for example periodically, and may transmit the first information, for example repeatedly, for example periodically, to at least one secondary node.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first information characterizes the average time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secondary node, which may for example at least temporarily assume the role of a target secondary node, to: compare the received average time duration associated with the preparation of inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell changes with the time period required by the secondary node to prepare one or more candidate primary secondary cells.

[0033] In some embodiments, optionally, the secondary node, which may for example at least temporarily assume the role of the target secondary node, may provide feedback to the master node based on the comparison. In some embodiments, the feedback may, e.g., comprise at least one of: a) proposing to prepare additional PSCELLs, and / or b) removing some, e.g., one or more, PSCELLS from a list with candidate PSCELLs.

[0034] As an example, as indicated above, in some embodiments, the secondary node may, e.g., at least temporarily assume the role of a target secondary node, T-SN, and may receive the first information as transmitted by the master node according to some embodiments.

[0035] In some embodiments, the secondary node, which may for example at least temporarily assume the role of the target secondary node, triggers, for example, an SN Initiated Modification procedure as e.g. defined by Note 3b in the chapter 10.3.2 of 3GPP TS 37.340.

[0036] Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus, comprising means for causing a secondary node to: determine first information characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node. In some embodiments, the means for causing the secondary node to determine the first information may, e.g., comprise at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the secondary node to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0037] In some embodiments, the means for causing the secondary node to determine the first information may, e.g., comprise circuitry configured to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0038] In some embodiments, the apparatus according to the embodiments may e.g. be used for, e.g., within, a network device that may at least temporarily assume the role of a secondary node, such as, e.g., a source secondary node and / or a target secondary node. In some embodiments, the apparatus according to the embodiments may e.g. be used for, e.g., within, a network device that may at least temporarily assume the role of the master node.

[0039] Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method, comprising: determining, by a secondary node, first information characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node.

[0040] Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus, comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause a master node to: determine first information characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node, transmit the first information at least to the secondary node.

[0041] In some embodiments, the apparatus may be an apparatus for a wireless communication system.

[0042] In some embodiments, the apparatus may be an apparatus for a network device of a wireless communication system, such as, e.g., a base station, e.g., gNB.

[0043] In some embodiments, the gNB may at least temporarily assume the role of the master node, MN, of the inter-source node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC.

[0044] In some embodiments, as already mentioned above, the first information characterizes at least one of: a) an average time duration associated with a preparation of intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node, and / or b) an average time duration associated with a secondary node addition procedure related to at least one target secondary node .

[0045] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the master node to: determine the time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change initiated by the secondary node as a time difference between a first point in time characterized by the master node receiving from the secondary node one or more candidate primary secondary cells for at least one target secondary node for a specific conditional PSCell change and a second point in time characterized by the master node providing to the secondary node an indication that the specific conditional PSCell change is prepared.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second point in time can be characterized by the master node transmitting to the secondary node the indication that the specific conditional PSCell change is prepared, which second point in time can, in some embodiments, efficiently be determined by the master node .

[0047] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the master node to: determine the average time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node for a predetermined observation time, and / or for a predetermined number of CPC executions.

[0048] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the master node to perform at least one of: a) receiving a request from the secondary node to provide the first information to the secondary node, and / or b) transmitting the first information to the secondary node. In other words, in some embodiments, the master node may provide, e.g., transmit, the first information to the secondary node, i.e., without receiving a corresponding request .

[0049] Further exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus, comprising means for causing a master node to: determine first information characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node, transmit the first information at least to the secondary node, e.g., at least one of a) a source secondary node, and / or b) a target secondary node.

[0050] In some embodiments, the means for causing the master node to determine the first information and to transmit the first information may, e.g., comprise at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the master node to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0051] In some embodiments, the means for causing the master node to determine the first information and to transmit the first information may, e.g., comprise circuitry configured to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0052] Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method, comprising: determining, by a master node, first information characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node, transmitting the first information at least to the secondary node, e.g., at least one of a) a source secondary node, and / or b) a target secondary node.

[0053] Further exemplary embodiments relate to a network device comprising at least one apparatus according to the embodiments .

[0054] Further exemplary embodiments relate to a communication system comprising at least one of: a) an apparatus according to the embodiments and / or b) a network device according to the embodiments. Brief Description of the Figures

[0055] Fig. 1A schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0056] Fig. IB schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0057] Fig . 2 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0058] Fig. 3A schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0059] Fig. 3B schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0060] Fig. 4 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0061] Fig . 5 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0062] Fig . 6 schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to some embodiments,

[0063] Fig. 7 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0064] Fig. 8 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0065] Fig . 9 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0066] Fig. 10A schematically depicts a simplified block diagram odiments, Fig. 10B schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0067] Fig. 11 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0068] Fig. 12 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0069] Fig. 13 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0070] Fig. 14 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0071] Fig. 15 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0072] Fig. 16A schematically depicts a simplified time diagram according to some embodiments,

[0073] Fig. 16B schematically depicts a simplified time diagram according to some embodiments,

[0074] Fig. 17A schematically depicts simplified time diagrams according to some embodiments,

[0075] Fig. 17B schematically depicts simplified time diagrams according to some embodiments,

[0076] Fig. 18 schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to some embodiments.

[0077] Description of some Exemplary Embodiments

[0078] Some exemplary embodiments, Fig. 1A, 2, 3A, relate to an apparatus 100 (Fig. 1A) , comprising at least one processor 102, and at least one memory 104 storing instructions 106 that, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause a secondary node 10 (Fig. 2) to: determine 300 first information 1-1 characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC, initiated by the secondary node 10.

[0079] In some embodiments, Fig. 1A, 2, the apparatus 100 may be an apparatus for a wireless communication system 1000.

[0080] In some embodiments, Fig. 2, the apparatus 100 may be an apparatus for a network device 10' of a wireless communication system 1000, such as, e.g., a base station, e . g . , gNB .

[0081] In some embodiments, the gNB 10 ' may at least temporarily assume the role of a source secondary node, S-SN, of the inter-source node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC.

[0082] In some embodiments, the gNB 10 ' may at least temporarily assume the role of a target secondary node, T-SN, of the inter-source node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC.

[0083] In some embodiments, Fig. 2, the apparatus 100 according to the embodiments or its functionality, respectively, may be used for or within wireless communication systems, e.g., networks, 1000 based on or at least partially adhering to third generation partnership project, 3GPP, radio standards such as 5G (fifth generation) or other radio access technology .

[0084] In some embodiments, Fig. 3A, the principle according to the embodiments and / or the first information 1-1 may be used, see block 302, for at least one of: a) evaluating the time duration associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC, initiated by the secondary node, and / or b) reducing a probability of the above-mentioned issue related to the "CPC Execution to wrong PSCell".

[0085] In some conventional approaches, as e.g. indicated in Figure 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340, a list of proposed PSCell candidates recommended for candidate target secondary nodes, T-SN, is provided by a source secondary node, S-SN. In the conventional approaches, the S-SN initiates an SN Change procedure (see step 1. of Figure 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340) , which is followed by an SN addition procedure to each candidate T-SN (steps 2., 3. of Figure 10.5.2-4) . In some conventional approaches, the processing for an SN addition procedure may require some computing resources in the candidate T-SN, e.g., to decide which of candidate PSCells recommended by the S-SN to prepare. In some conventional approaches, only after acknowledgement of the SN addition procedure from all candidate T-SN is received by MN, and if also a possible SN modification procedure initiated by MN to S-SN (see steps 4., 5. of Fig. 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340) is completed, a CPC configuration is communicated to a UE (steps 6., 7. of Fig. 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340) .

[0086] In some embodiments, a time duration of at least some of the aforementioned procedures according to steps 2., 3., 4., 5. according to Fig. 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340, which are carried out before the UE gets a CPC configuration, may be reduced. In some conventional approaches, a completion of these procedures may require, e.g., last for, more than 1 second (s) , which may result in the prepared PSCells being no longer the right candidates, and in that the right candidates for CPC may be missing. Thus, in some conventional approaches, an execution of the CPC may be either to a wrong PSCell, or an SCG failure may be detected, since the candidate PSCells configured according to the conventional approach are, for example, far from an execution criterion for the CPC, and, as an example, a SINR (signal to interference plus noise ratio) may become worse such that an SCG failure is triggered. In some embodiments, using the principle according to the embodiments, one or more of these disadvantages of the conventional approach may be mitigated or avoided.

[0087] Returning to Fig. 2, in some embodiments, the communication system comprises a further network device, e.g., gNB 20', which may at least temporarily assume the role of a master node 20 for the CPC. Also depicted by Fig. 2 is a terminal device, e.g., UE, 30, wherein a data connection between the UE 30 and the master node 20 is symbolized by double arrow Al, wherein a data connection between the UE 30 and the secondary node, e.g., source secondary node, 10 is symbolized by double arrow A2, and wherein dashed double arrows A3 symbolize an optional CPC associated with further, e.g., target secondary nodes 10a, 10b.

[0088] In some embodiments, Fig. 3A, as mentioned above, the instructions 106, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10 to: use 302 the first information 1-1. In some embodiments, the first information 1-1 may be analyzed, e.g., to determine a current situation related to the time duration associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node CPC initiated by the secondary node 10.

[0089] In some embodiments, further information may be derived from the first information 1-1, such as, e.g., a related average value and / or other statistical parameters.

[0090] In some embodiments, Fig. 3A, using 302 may comprise at least one aspect of any of the blocks 310, 312 explained further below with reference to Fig. 4.

[0091] In some embodiments, Fig. 12, the first information 1-1 characterizes at least one of: a) an average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with a preparation of inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10 (Fig. 2) , and / or b) an average time duration TD-ADD-PROC associated with a secondary node addition procedure related to at least one target secondary node 10a.

[0092] In some embodiments, the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG can, for example, be determined over a predetermined period of time or over a predetermined number of CPC executions.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first information 1-1 may also comprise respective average time durations TD-CPC-AVG with an associated number of target secondary nodes. As an example, in some embodiments, the average time duration TD- CPC-AVG may be provided in the form of a list of average CPC preparation times depending on the number of target secondary nodes associated with the respective CPC procedure (s) . As a further example, in some embodiments, the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG may be provided in the form of a list of average CPC preparation times depending on, e.g., a particular target secondary node associated with the respective CPC procedure ( s ) .

[0094] In some embodiments, Fig. 3B, the determining 300 of the first information 1-1 may comprise at least one of: a) determining 300a the first information 1-1 locally, e.g., by the secondary node 10, and / or b) receiving 300b the first information 1-1 from the master node 20 (which, in some embodiments, may determine the first information 1-1, e.g., alternatively or additionally to the determination of the first information 1-1 by the secondary node 10) .

[0095] In some embodiments, Fig. 4, the instructions 106, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10 to perform at least one of: a) determining 310 one or more candidate primary secondary cells CAND-PSCELL based on the first information 1-1, b) evaluating 312 at least one of bl) the time duration TD-CPC associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10, and / or b2) the average time duration TD- CPC-AVG associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node.

[0096] In some embodiments, the secondary node 10 may, e.g., after reception of the first information 1-1, either a) use directly the first information 1-1, e.g., to re-evaluate the list of candidate PSCells, or b) first determine, e.g., the time duration TD-CPC (and / or the related average time duration TD-CPC-AVG) based on the first information 1-1 and then re-evaluate the list of candidate PSCells, e.g., if needed .

[0097] In some embodiments, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, the instructions 106, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10 to: determine 320 the time duration TD-CPC associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change initiated by the secondary node 10 as a time difference between a first point tl in time characterized by the secondary node 10 providing to the master node 20 one or more candidate primary secondary cells, see element el of Fig. 6, for at least one target secondary node for a specific conditional PSCell change and a second point t2 in time characterized by the secondary node 10 receiving from the master node 20 an indication e3 that the specific conditional PSCell change is prepared. In some embodiments, after receiving the one or more candidate primary secondary cells el, e.g., organized in the form of a list, the master node 20 may perform an optional procedure e2, which, in some embodiments, may, e.g., comprise one or more aspects of steps 2., 3., 4., 5. according to Fig. 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340.

[0098] The optional block 322 of Fig. 5 symbolizes using the time duration TD-CPC as obtained by block 320, e.g., for at least one of: a) controlling an operation of the secondary node 10 based on the time duration TD-CPC, e.g., re-evaluating a list of candidate PSCells, and / or b) determining an associated average value TD-CPC-AVG, e.g., average time duration, and / or c) controlling the operation of the secondary node 10 based on the average time duration TD-CPC- AVG. In some embodiments, Fig. 7, the instructions 106, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10 to: determine 330 the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10 for a predetermined observation time TIM-OBSERV.

[0099] In some embodiments, the instructions 106, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10 to: determine the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10 over a predetermined number of CPC executions.

[0100] In some embodiments, Fig. 7, the instructions 106, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10 to: determine 332 the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC, initiated by the secondary node 10 repeatedly, for example periodically.

[0101] In some embodiments, a period for the periodical determination 332 of the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG is equal to an observation interval obtained as an average of samples from the observation interval, wherein each one of the samples represents an interval between a) a providing of a list of candidate PSCells by the source secondary node 10 for at least one of the candidate target secondary nodes and b) communicating a resulting CPC configuration to the terminal device 30 after preparing the candidate PSCells in all candidate target secondary nodes for a given CPC instance .

[0102] The optional block 334 of Fig. 7 symbolizes using the so determined average time duration TD-CPC-AVG, e.g., for at least temporarily controlling the operation of the secondary node 10 based on the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG, e.g., for re-evaluating a list of candidate PSCells.

[0103] In some embodiments, Fig. 8, the instructions 106, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10 to perform at least one of: a) requesting 340 a master node 20 (Fig. 2) to provide the first information 1-1 to the secondary node 10, and / or b) receiving 342 the first information 1-1 from the master node 20.

[0104] In some embodiments, Fig. 8, the secondary node 10 may receive 342 the first information 1-1, e.g., from the master node 20, e.g., without requesting 340 the master node 20 to transmit the first information 1-1. In other words, in some embodiments, the master node 20 may, e.g., determine the first information 1-1, for example repeatedly, for example periodically, and may transmit the first information 1-1, for example repeatedly, for example periodically, to at least one secondary node 10. In some embodiments, the master node 20 may also transmit the first information 1-1, for example repeatedly, for example periodically, to at least one further secondary node 10a, 10b (Fig. 2) , which, in some embodiments, enables the at least one further secondary node 10a, 10b, which may, e.g., at least temporarily assume the role of a target secondary node, to adapt its operation based on the first information 1-1, e.g., similar to the secondary node odiments, based on the first information 1-1, the at least one further secondary node 10a, 10b may perform a comparing operation as detailed in the following with reference to Fig. 9.

[0105] In some embodiments, Fig. 9, the first information 1-1 characterizes the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10, and the instructions 106, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10a, which may for example at least temporarily assume the role of a target secondary node, to: compare 345 the received average time duration (as, e.g., characterized by the first information 1-1) associated with the preparation of inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell changes with the time period TD-PREP required by the secondary node to prepare one or more candidate primary secondary cells.

[0106] In some embodiments, Fig. 9, optionally, the secondary node 10a may provide feedback FB-COMP to the master node 20 based on the comparison 345. In some embodiments, the feedback FB- COMP may, e.g., comprise at least one of: a) proposing to prepare additional PSCELLs, and / or b) removing some, e.g., one or more, PSCELLS from a list with candidate PSCELLs.

[0107] As an example, in some embodiments, the secondary node 10a (Fig. 2) may, e.g., at least temporarily assume the role of a target secondary node, T-SN, and may receive 342 (Fig. 8) the first information 1-1 as transmitted by the master node 20 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the target secondary node 10a may perform the comparison 345, and, optionally, provide 347 the feedback FB-COMP, which, in some embodiments, enables the master node 20 to adapt its CPC strategy, e.g., a selection of PSCell candidates.

[0108] In some embodiments, Fig. 2, the target secondary node 10a triggers, for example, an SN Initiated Modification procedure as, e.g., defined by Note 3b in the chapter 10.3.2 of 3GPP TS 37.340.

[0109] Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. IB, relate to an apparatus 100', comprising means 102' for causing a secondary node 10 to: determine 300 first information 1-1 characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10.

[0110] In some embodiments, Fig. IB, the means 102' for causing the secondary node to determine 300 the first information may, e.g., comprise at least one processor 102, and at least one memory 104 storing instructions 106 that, when executed by the at least one processor 102, cause the secondary node 10 to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0111] In some embodiments, Fig. IB, the means 102' for causing the secondary node 10 to determine the first information may, e.g., comprise circuitry configured to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0112] In some embodiments, Fig. 2, the apparatus 100, 100' according to the embodiments may e.g. be used for, e.g., within, a network device 10 ' that may at least temporarily assume the role of a secondary node 10, such as, e.g., a source secondary node 10 and / or a target secondary node 10a, 10b. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100, 100' according to the embodiments may, e.g., be used for, e.g., within, a network device, e.g., gNB 20' that may at least temporarily assume the role of the master node 20.

[0113] Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 3A, relate to a method, comprising: determining 300, by a secondary node 10, first information 1-1 characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10.

[0114] Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 10A, relate to an apparatus 200, comprising at least one processor 202, and at least one memory 204 storing instructions 206 that, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause a master node 20 (Fig. 2) to: determine 350 (Fig. 11) first information 1-1 characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node 10, transmit 352 the first information 1-1 at least to the secondary node 10.

[0115] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may be an apparatus for a wireless communication system 100 (Fig. 2) .

[0116] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may be an apparatus for a network device of a wireless communications system, such as, e.g., a base station, e.g., gNB 20' .

[0117] In some embodiments, the gNB 20 ' may at least temporarily assume the role of the master node, MN, 20 of the intersource node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC. In some embodiments, Fig. 11, transmitting 352 may comprise at least one of a) transmitting the first information 1-1 to a source secondary node 10, and / or b) transmitting the first information 1-1 to at least one further secondary node, e.g., target secondary node 10a, 10b.

[0118] In some embodiments, Fig. 12, as already mentioned above, the first information I-lcharacterizes at least one of: a) an average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with a preparation of inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10, and / or b) an average time duration TD- ADD-PROC associated with a secondary node addition procedure related to at least one target secondary node 10a, 10b.

[0119] In some embodiments, Fig. 13, the instructions 206, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause the master node 20 to: determine 360 the time duration TD-CPC associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change initiated by the secondary node as a time difference between a first point tl (Fig. 6) in time characterized by the master node 20 receiving from the secondary node 10 one or more candidate primary secondary cells for at least one target secondary node for a specific conditional PSCell change and a second point t2 in time characterized by the master node 20 providing to the secondary node an indication that the specific conditional PSCell change is prepared.

[0120] In some embodiments, the second point t2 in time can be characterized by the master node 20 transmitting to the secondary node the indication that the specific conditional PSCell change is prepared, which second point t2 in time can, in some embodiments, efficiently be determined by the master node 20. The optional block 362 of Fig. 13 symbolizes using the determined time duration TD-CPC, e.g., for at least one of: a) deriving further information based on the time duration TD-CPC, such as, e.g., one or more statistical parameters, b) transmitting the determined time duration TD- CPC (and / or information derived therefrom) , e.g., to at least one secondary node 10, 10a, 10b, e.g., for at least temporarily controlling the operation of the secondary node 10, 10a, 10b based on the average time duration.

[0121] In some embodiments, Fig. 14, the instructions 206, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause the master node 20 to: determine 370 the average time duration TD-CPC- AVG associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node 10 for a predetermined observation time TIM-OBSERV, and / or for a predetermined number of CPC executions.

[0122] In some embodiments, Fig. 14, the instructions 206, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause the master node 20 to: determine 372 the average time duration TD-CPC- AVG repeatedly, e.g., periodically.

[0123] In some embodiments, Fig. 14, the instructions 206, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause the master node 20 to: use 374 the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG. In some embodiments, using 374 the average time duration TD- CPC-AVG may comprise at least one of: a) transmitting the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG to at least one secondary node 10, 10a, 10b, b) processing or evaluating the average , locally in the master node, e.g., for deriving at least one (further) statistical parameter therefrom.

[0124] In some embodiments, Fig. 15, the instructions 206, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause the master node 20 to perform at least one of: a) receiving 380 a request REQ-I-1 from the secondary node 10 to provide the first information 1-1 to the secondary node 10 (and / or to at least one further secondary node 10a, 10b) , and / or b) transmitting 382 the first information 1-1 to the secondary node 10 (and / or to the at least one further secondary node 10a, 10b) .

[0125] In some embodiments, Fig. 15, the master node 20 may provide, e.g., transmit 382, the first information 1-1 to the at least one secondary node 10, 10a, 10b, i.e., without receiving a corresponding request before.

[0126] Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 10B, relate to an apparatus 200', comprising means 202' for causing a master node 20 to: determine 350 (Fig. 11) first information 1-1 characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node, transmit 352 the first information 1-1 at least to the secondary node 10.

[0127] In some embodiments, Fig. 10B, the means 202' for causing the master node 20 to determine 350 the first information I- 1 and to transmit 352 the first information 1-1 may, e.g., comprise at least one processor 202, and at least one memory 204 storing instructions 206 that, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause the master node 20 to perform the aforementioned aspects. In some embodiments, the means 202' for causing the master node 20 to determine the first information 1-1 and to transmit the first information 1-1 may, e.g., comprise circuitry configured to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0128] Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 11, relate to a method, comprising: determining 350, by a master node 20, first information 1-1 characterizing at least a time duration associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node, transmitting 352 the first information 1-1 at least to the secondary node 10.

[0129] Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 2, relate to a network device 10', 20' comprising at least one apparatus 200, 200' according to the embodiments.

[0130] Further exemplary embodiments, Fig. 2, relate to a communication system 1000 comprising at least one of: a) an apparatus 100, 100', 200, 200' according to the embodiments and / or b) a network device 10', 20' according to the embodiments .

[0131] Fig. 16A schematically depicts a simplified time diagram according to some embodiments, which are, e.g., related to a signaling as depicted by 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, which relates to a conditional SN change procedure, which is initiated by a SN, e.g., source SN, S-SN, 10 (Fig. 2) . In Fig. 16A, arrows A10, All symbolize an exemplary intersecondary node CPC preparation (also see the dashed ellipse collectively denoting both arrows A10, All) initiated by the source SN 10 (Fig. 2) . More precisely, arrow A10 symbolizes a point in time in which a list of candidate PSCells is selected by the source SN 10 for one or more candidate target SN(s) (see, for example, transmission of the message "1. SN Change Required" of 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4) , and arrow All symbolizes a point in time where a respective CPC configuration is communicated to the terminal device 30, e.g., triggered on reception of an XnAP : SN CHANGE CONFIRM from MN 20 (see, for example, reception of message "8. SN Change Confirm" of 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4) . Arrow A12 symbolizes an exemplary CPC execution "to wrong cell", which may have been caused by one or more of the effects explained above.

[0132] Similarly, the further arrow pairs A13, A14, A15, A16, A17 of Fig. 16A symbolize further exemplary inter-SN CPC preparations according to further embodiments, wherein, some further CPC executions "to wrong cell" A18, A19, A20, A21 may occur.

[0133] However, in some embodiments, Fig. 16A, the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with, e.g., required for, the inter-SN CPC preparations A10 / A11, A13, A14, A15, A16, A17 is determined, e.g., during the predetermined observation time TIM-OBSERV, and may, in some embodiments, be used for preparing future inter-SN CPC preparations, e.g., in a subsequent observation time TIM-OBSERV' as exemplarily depicted by Fig. 16B.

[0134] From Fig. 16B, it can be seen, that, by using the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG as obtained according to some embodiments, inter-SN CPC preparations may be improved such that, for exemplary further inter-SN CPC preparations A22, A23, ... comparatively few CPC executions "to wrong cell" A24, A25 occur, e.g., as compared with Fig. 16A, where the principle of the embodiments has not yet been applied, apart from determining the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG in the predetermined observation time TIM-OBSERV.

[0135] As an example, in some embodiments, the S-SN 10 (Fig. 2) considers for inter-SN CPC preparations A22, A23, ... during the time interval TIM-OBSERV' of Fig,16B the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG as determined during the preceding time interval TIM-OBSERV (Fig. 16A) . In some embodiments, the S- SN 10 may use the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG for selecting candidate PSCells for potential target SN(s) 10a, 10b (Fig. 2) , thus considering the first information 1-1 gained from the preceding time interval TIM-OBSERV according to some embodiments. It can be seen From Fig. 16B that using this information according to some embodiments, in some embodiments, the number of CPC executions "to wrong cell" may be reduced.

[0136] Fig. 17A schematically depicts simplified time diagrams, similar to Fig. 16A, according to some embodiments. Ellipse A30 symbolizes a first inter-SN CPC preparation initiated by S-SN 10 (Fig. 2) . Fig. 17A also depicts further inter-SN CPC preparation initiated by the S-SN 10, which are collectively indicated with bracket A31 in Fig. 17A for the sake of intelligibility.

[0137] Ellipse A32 of Fig. 17A symbolizes a first addition procedure related to addition of a first target secondary node, T-SN1, initiated by MN 20 (Fig. 2) according to some embodiments. Fig. 17A also depicts further addition procedures related to addition (s) of the first target secondary node T-SN-1, initiated by MN 20 (Fig. 2) according to some embodiments, which are collectively indicated with bracket A33 in Fig. 17A for the sake of intelligibility. Further exemplary addition procedures related to addition of a further target secondary nodes, T-SN2, T-SN3, initiated by MN 20 (Fig. 2) according to some embodiments, are also depicted by Fig. 17A, respectively denoted with brackets A34, A35.

[0138] Also depicted by Fig. 17A are exemplarily CPC executions "to wrong cell", collectively symbolized with bracket A36, associated with the inter-SN CPC preparations of Fig. 17A explained above. A first predetermined observation time interval TIM-OBSERV-1 is also depicted by Fig. 17A.

[0139] It can be seen from Fig. 17A that, e.g., due to long CPC preparation times, a comparatively large number of CPC executions to wrong cell A36 occurred.

[0140] Fig. 17B schematically depicts, similar to Fig. 17A, simplified time diagrams according to some embodiments, collectively indicating inter-SN CPC preparations initiated by S-SN 10 with bracket A40, collectively indicating T-SN additions related to T-SNs T-SN1, T-SN2 with brackets A41, A42, indicating a single CPC execution "to wrong cell" with bracket A43, and indicating a second predetermined observation time interval TIM-OBSERV-2 , which is, e.g., subsequent to the first predetermined observation time interval TIM-OBSERV-1.

[0141] In some embodiments, in the second observation interval TIM- OBSERV-2, the S-SN 10 (Fig. 2) considers the first information 1-1, e.g. characterizing an average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with a preparation of intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the source secondary node 10 and an average time duration TD-ADD-PROC associated with a secondary node addition procedure related to the at least one target secondary nodes T-SN1, T-SN2, T-SN3 (e.g., reflecting a time needed for execution of the SN addition procedure for T-SN1, T-SN2 and T-SN3) , as e.g. determined during the preceding first observation interval TIM-OBSERV- 1.

[0142] In some embodiments, the S-SN 10 considers the first information 1-1 for selecting a list of candidate PSCells for the T-SN(s) , for SN-initiated inter-SN CPC.

[0143] In some embodiments, e.g., in parallel, the first information 1-1, e.g. characterizing an average time duration TD-CPC-AVG associated with a preparation of inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the source secondary node 10 and an average time duration TD-ADD-PROC associated with a secondary node addition procedure related to the at least one target secondary nodes T-SN1, T-SN2 is determined based on the CPC preparations in the second predetermined observation interval TIM-OBSERV-2 and may, e.g., be used for at least one further, e.g., subsequent, CPC preparation.

[0144] It can be seen from Fig. 17B that, after applying the method according to the embodiments, e.g. considering the first information 1-1 for planning CPC procedures, the occurrence of CPC executions to wrong cell is decreased, see element A43 of Fig. 17B.

[0145] In present exemplary embodiments according to Fig. 17B, due to an extensive value of average time interval reflecting the time needed for execution of the SN addition procedure for T-SN3 (see, Fig. 17A) , the node T-SN3 was removed as candidate T-SN for CPCs from the second predetermined observation period TIM-OBSERV-2.

[0146] Fig. 18 schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to some embodiments, e.g., related to a signaling as depicted by 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, which relates to a conditional SN change procedure, which is initiated by a source SN.

[0147] Element El of Fig. 18 symbolizes a terminal device, e.g., UE (e.g., similar to element 30 of Fig. 2) . Element E2 of Fig. 18 symbolizes a master node, MN, (e.g., similar to element 20 of Fig. 2) , element E3 symbolizes a source secondary node, S-SN, element E4 symbolizes a, for example first, target secondary node, T-SN, and element E5 symbolizes a, for example further, target secondary node.

[0148] Element elO symbolizes an SN Change Required message, e.g., as defined in relation to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, step 1, wherein the message elO inter alia comprises a list of proposed PSCell candidates recommended by the S-SN E3. In some embodiments, the S-SN E3 may provide the proposed PSCell candidates based on the first information 1-1, e.g. taking into consideration aspects of the first information 1-1 as e.g. determined earlier, e.g., in a preceding observation time .

[0149] Elements ell, el2 of Fig. 18 symbolize respective SN addition requests, e.g., as defined in relation to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, which are provided by the MN E2, e.g., upon receipt of the message elO.

[0150] Elements el3, el4 symbolize respective acknowledge messages, e.g., as defined in relation to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4 (see step 3. in Fig. 10.5.2-4) , to the SN addition requests ell, el2.

[0151] Elements el5, el6 symbolize optional Address Indication messages, e.g., according to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2- 4, step 3a., to the candidate T-SNs E4, E5.

[0152] Elements el7, el8 symbolize optional SN Modification Request and SN Modification Request Acknowledge messages, e.g., according to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, steps 4., 5.

[0153] Element el9 symbolizes a RRCReconf iguration message, e.g., according to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, step 6. Element e20 symbolizes a RRCReconf igurationComplete message, e.g., according to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, step 7.

[0154] Element e21 symbolizes an SN Change Confirm message, e.g., according to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, step 8.

[0155] In some embodiments, the further messages e22, e23, e24, e25, e26, e27, e28, e29, e30, e31, e32, e33 symbolize respective message according to 3GPP TS 37.340, Figure 10.5.2-4, steps 9a., .., 13.

[0156] In some embodiments, the S-SN E3 may determine the first information 1-1, e.g., during a time interval comprising exchange of the messages elO to 21, wherein the so obtained first information 1-1 may, e.g., be used for subsequent CPC procedures .

[0157] In some embodiments, e.g., if the S-SN E3 determines the first information 1-1, a time interval for determining the first information 1-1 starts with the transmission of the message elO by S-SN E3 and ends with the reception of the message e21 by S-SN E3. In some embodiments, e.g., if the MN E2 determines the first information 1-1, a time interval for determining the first information 1-1 starts with the reception of the message elO by MN E2 and ends with the transmission of the message e21 by the MN E2.

[0158] In the following, further exemplary aspects and exemplary embodiments are disclosed, which, in some embodiments, may be combined with each other and / or with at least one of the aforementioned aspects.

[0159] In some embodiments, aspects for addressing a problem related to "CPC Execution to wrong PSCell" for SN initiated inter- SN CPC, e.g., for fast moving UEs 30 are provided, wherein, e.g., due to, for example extensive, delay in configuring the CPC to the UE 30, a list of candidate PSCells as prepared by the S-SN 10 may be outdated.

[0160] In some embodiments, a repeated, e.g., periodical, determination, e.g., measurement, e.g., of a so called "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC", as e.g. characterized by the first information 1-1, with a period equal to an observation interval TIM- OBSERV (Fig. 16A) is performed. In some embodiments, the measurement is, e.g., obtained as an average of samples from the observation interval TIM-OBSERV, where each one of the samples, e.g., represents an interval between the providing the list of candidate PSCells by the S-SN for the candidate T-SN(s) and communicating the CPC configuration to UE after preparing the PSCell in all candidate T-SNs for the given CPC instance, see, for example, the time difference between arrows A10, All of Fig. 16A. As an example, if, in some embodiments, in the given observation interval TIM-OBSERV, 100 CPC preparations were done (note that Fig. 16A schematically depicts a substantially smaller number, for the sake of intelligibility) , the first information 1-1, e.g., "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC" in this observation interval TIM-OBSERV, may be measured from those 100 CPC preparations.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first information 1-1, as e.g. characterized by the "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC" may be:

[0162] A) determined by, e.g., measured in, a S-SN 10 (e.g., via a performance measurement, which may e.g. be based on some accepted and / or planned standard) , or

[0163] B) determined by, e.g., measured in, a MN 20, and may, in some embodiments, communicated repeatedly, e.g., periodically, e.g., to at least one SN, e.g., the S-SN 10, and / or at least one further SN, e.g., T-SN 10a, 10b.

[0164] In some embodiments, for the performance measurement of preceding aspect A) , a new performance measurement may be provided in some planned and / or accepted standard.

[0165] In some embodiments, e.g., for providing the first information 1-1 from the MN 20 to the at least one SN 10, 10a, 10b, one or more, e.g., new information elements (IES) may be provided, e.g., in an Xn interface message according to some planned and / or accepted standard.

[0166] In some embodiments, a S-SN having the latest determined, e.g., measured, first information 1-1, as, e.g., characterized by the "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC", which may represent current conditions in the MN 20, e.g., for a given observation interval, may consider the first information I- 1, e.g., for selecting a one or more candidate PSCells, e.g., organized in the form of a list, e.g., for one or more T- SN(s) , e.g., for a future SN initiated inter-SN CPC, e.g., in a next observation interval.

[0167] In some embodiments, the selected one or more candidate PSCells, e.g., in form of the list, may reflect a situation of the most suitable PSCells for the UE 30 related to a point in time e.g. delayed by a latest determined, e.g., measured, first information 1-1, e.g., characterized by the "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC", e.g., from a point in time the decision is done by the S-SN.

[0168] In some embodiments, optionally, the first information 1-1, e.g., characterized by the "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC", may be transmitted, e.g., by the MN 20, to at least one T-SN 10a, 10b, e.g., using an SN Addition Request message (see, for example, step 2. in Figure 10.5.2-4 of 3GPP TS 37.340) . In some embodiments, the at least one T-SN 10a, 10b may compare the received first information 1-1, e.g., the "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC", with a time period used, e.g., by the at least one T-SN 10a, 10b, to prepare the candidate PSCells from the list provided by S-SN 10. In some embodiments, e.g., in case the time period needed to prepare the candidate PSCells in the at least one T-SN is higher than the "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC", the at least one T-SN may, e.g., further propose to a) prepare some more candidate PSCells, and / or b) remove some of the candidate PSCells from the list provided by S-SN 10. In some embodiments, a number of prepared PSCells by the T-SN may be even higher than a maximum number communicated in an SN Addition Request message from the MN 20. In some embodiments, the T-SN triggers, for example, an SN Initiated Modification procedure as e.g. defined by Note 3b in the chapter 10.3.2 of 3GPP TS 37.340.

[0169] While some exemplary embodiments at least partially relate to aspects of dual connectivity scenarios according to 5G, note that the principle according to the embodiments is not restricted to 5G, but also applicable to other technologies such as, e.g., any of future technologies.

[0170] In some embodiments, wherein the MN 20 determines the first information, see, for example block 350 of Fig. 11, the MN 20 may report the first information to at least one SN, e.g., S-SN, e.g., using at least one of: a) a MN-initiated modification, e.g., according to some accepted standard, and / or b) a response to an SN-initiated modification, e.g., according to some accepted standard.

[0171] In some embodiments, at least one integer value may be used to characterize, e.g., encode, at least one aspect of the first information 1-1. In some embodiments, one integer value ranging, e.g., from 1 to 320, may be used, e.g., indicating the average time duration TD-CPC-AVG according to some embodiments, e.g., measured in milliseconds. In some embodiments, one integer value ranging, e.g., from 1 to 320, may be used, e.g., indicating the average time duration TD- ADD-PROC according to some embodiments, e.g., measured in milliseconds. In some embodiments, different ranges and / or different values may be used for the aspects TD-CPC-AVG, TD- ADD-PROC.

[0172] In some embodiments, one or more information elements, e.g., new information elements (IES) , e.g., for messages related to an S-SN initiated modification procedure, may be provided, e.g., defined. In some embodiments, a S-SN 10 (Fig. 2) may request to report the first information 1-1, e.g. characterized by at least the "Average Time Interval for Preparation of the SN initiated inter-SN CPC", e.g., from the MN 20, e.g., if a last reporting was done after some, e.g., predetermined, maximum interval or some conditions have changed in the S-SN 10.

[0173] In some embodiments, the principle according to the embodiments may, e.g., be used to enable an S-SN 10, e.g., to make better decisions in terms of which PScells to add to a candidate PScell list. In some embodiments, this, in turn, may increase the chances that a related CPC preparation is done in a timely manner and may thus reduce a probability that the CPC will be executed too late or that an SCG failure will be experienced by the UE .

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus (100) , comprising at least one processor (102) , and at least one memory (104) storing instructions (106) that, when executed by the at least one processor (102) , cause a secondary node (10) to: determine (300) first information (1-1) characterizing at least a time duration (TD-CPC) associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node (10) .

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions (106) , when executed by the at least one processor (102) , cause the secondary node (10) to: use (302) the first information (1-1) .

3. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first information (1-1) characterizes at least one of: a) an average time duration (TD-CPC-AVG) associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node (10) , and / or b) an average time duration (TD-ADD-PROC) associated with a secondary node addition procedure related to at least one target secondary node (10a) .

4. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions (106) , when executed by the at least one processor (102) , cause the secondary node (10) to perform at least one of: a) determining (310) one or more candidate primary secondary cells(CAND-PSCELL) based on the first information (1-1) , b) evaluating (312) at least one of bl) the time duration (TD-CPC) associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node (10) , and / or b2) the average time duration (TD-CPC-AVG) associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node (10) .

5. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions (106) , when executed by the at least one processor (102) , cause the secondary node (10) to: determine (320) the time duration (TD- CPC) associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change initiated by the secondary node (10) as a time difference between a first point (tl) in time characterized by the secondary node (10) providing to a master node (20) one or more candidate primary secondary cells for at least one target secondary node (10a, 10b) for a specific conditional PSCell change and a second point (t2) in time characterized by the secondary node (10) receiving from the master node (20) an indication that the specific conditional PSCell change is prepared.

6. The apparatus (100) according to any of the claims 3 to 5, wherein the instructions (106) , when executed by the at least one processor (102) , cause the secondary node (10) to: determine (330) the average time duration (TD- CPC-AVG) associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell,PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node(10) for a predetermined observation time (TIM-OBSERV) .

7. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions (106) , when executed by the at least one processor (102) , cause the secondary node (10) to perform at least one of: a) requesting (340) a master node (20) to provide the first information (1-1) to the secondary node (10) , and / or b) receiving (342) the first information (1-1) from the master node (20) .

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first information (1-1) characterizes the average time duration (TD-CPC-AVG) associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node (10) , wherein the instructions (106) , when executed by the at least one processor (102) , cause the secondary node (10a) to: compare (345) the received average time duration (TD-CPC-AVG) associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell changes with a time period (TD- PREP) for the secondary node (10a) to prepare one or more candidate primary secondary cells (CAND-PSCELL) .

9. An apparatus (100' ) , comprising means (102' ) for causing a secondary node (10) to: determine (300) first information (1-1) characterizing at least a time duration (TD-CPC) associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node ( 10 ) .

10. A method, comprising: determining (300) , by a secondary node (10) , first information (1-1) characterizing at least a time duration (TD-CPC) associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by the secondary node (10) .

11. An apparatus (200) , comprising at least one processor (202) , and at least one memory (204) storing instructions (206) that, when executed by the at least one processor (202) , cause a master node (20) to: determine (350) first information (1-1) characterizing at least a time duration (TD-CPC) associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node (10) , transmit (352) the first information (1-1) at least to the secondary node (10; 10a) .

12. The apparatus (200) according to claim 11, wherein the first information (1-1) characterizes at least one of: a) an average time duration (TD-CPC-AVG) associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node (10) , and / or b) an average time duration (TD-ADD-PROC) associated with a secondary node addition procedure related to at least one target secondary node (10a) .

13. The apparatus (200) according to any of the claims 11 to 12, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202) , cause the master node (20) to: determine (360) the time duration (TD-CPC)associated with the preparation of the inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change initiated by the secondary node (10) as a time difference between a first point in time (tl) characterized by the master node (20) receiving from the secondary node (10) one or more candidate primary secondary cells for at least one target secondary node (10a, 10b) for a specific conditional PSCell change and a second point in time characterized by the master node (20) providing to the secondary node (10) an indication that the specific conditional PSCell change is prepared .

14. The apparatus (200) according to any of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202) , cause the master node (20) to: determine (370) an average time duration (TD- CPC-AVG) associated with the preparation of the intersecondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, changes, CPC initiated by the secondary node (10) for a predetermined observation time (TIM-OBSERV) .

15. The apparatus (200) according to any of the claims 11 to 14, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202) , cause the master node (20) to perform at least one of: a) receiving (380) a request from the secondary node (10) to provide the first information (1-1) to the secondary node (10) , and / or b) transmitting (382) the first information (I- 1) to the secondary node (10) .

16. An apparatus (200' ) , comprising means (202' ) for causing a master node (10) to: determine (350) firstinformation (1-1) characterizing at least a time duration (TD-CPC) associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node (10) , transmit (352) the first information (1-1) at least to the secondary node (10; 10a) .

17. A method, comprising: determining (350) , by a master node (20) , first information (1-1) characterizing at least a time duration (TD-CPC) associated with a preparation of an inter-secondary node conditional primary secondary cell, PSCell, change, CPC initiated by a secondary node (10) , transmitting (352) the first information (1-1) at least to the secondary node (10; 10a) .

18. A network device (10'; 20') comprising at least one apparatus (100; 100'; 200; 200') according to any of the claims 1 to 9 and / or 11 to 16.

19. A communication system (1000) comprising at least one of: a) an apparatus (100; 100'; 200; 200') according to any of the claims 1 to 9 and / or 11 to 16, and / or b) a network device (10'; 20') according to claim 18.

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