A method for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node, a related wireless device, a related first network node, and a related second network node

Abstract

Disclosed is a method, performed in a wireless device, for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node. The method comprises receiving, from the first network node, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration. The method comprises transmitting, on the second beam, a reference signal based on the RS configuration.

Description

[0001] A METHOD FOR PREPARING A BEAM SWITCH FROM A FIRST BEAM OF A FIRST NETWORK NODE TO A SECOND BEAM OF A SECOND NETWORK NODE, A RELATED WIRELESS DEVICE, A RELATED FIRST NETWORK NODE, AND A RELATED SECOND NETWORK NODE

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to the field of wireless communications. The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node, a related wireless device, a related first network node, and a related second network node.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] In the field of wireless communication, when a wireless device, WD (such as a user equipment, UE) moves and changes position, it often necessitates a change from its current serving network node to a target network node in line with the movement of the wireless device. For example, the WD may have to change from a first set of beams of a serving network node to a second set of beams of a target network node. This change is typically executed through a handover or a beam switch process, which involves a change or transition from a serving network node to a target network node.

[0005] However, in the context of the rapidly evolving landscape of telecommunication systems, like 5G and 6G, where there’s a surge in travel speeds and bandwidth requirements, carrying out a seamless handover or beam switch from a serving network node to a target network node without encountering data loss or data interruption poses a formidable challenge. Today, a handover or a beam switch may require a registration of the WD at the new cell, e.g., the target cell, and communicating control data between the nodes. It may be appreciated that when a handover or a beam switch is enacted, a new state, known as a Transmission Configuration Indicator, TCI, state, may have to be configured.

[0006] Consequently, the process of transitioning through a handover or a beam switch is currently time-consuming and may lead to instances of data loss and / or data interruption.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] A possible approach is that a wireless device can predict a beam switch itself. The present disclosure provides a more advantageous technique where a network node (such as the serving network node and / or the target network node) predicts the beam switch. It may be appreciated that for a wireless device, such as UE, it may be the first time the wireless device encounters a network node. Therefore, the WD may not have any information about the network node. Further, a WD may not know the physical directions in which the beams point. The WD may be able to measure that a certain beam is getting stronger, while another beam is getting weaker. Consequently, the WD may lack information to be able to predict a beam switch itself. On the other hand, a network node may have statistics and data to predict a beam switch of a WD. For example, a network node can, e.g., using Al learn when beams switches should occur. In some examples of the present disclosure, the serving network node may be referred to as a first network node while the target network node may be referred to as a second network node.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node, which may mitigate, alleviate, or address the shortcomings existing and may provide for a more seamless beam switch from the first beam of the first network node to the second beam of the second network node, which in turn may reduce (and possibly avoid) data loss and / or data interruption.

[0010] Disclosed is a method, performed in a wireless device, for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node. The method comprises receiving, from the first network node, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration. The method comprises transmitting, on the second beam, a reference signal based on the RS configuration.

[0011] Further, a wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is provided. The wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods performed in a wireless device as disclosed herein.

[0012] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the disclosed method and wireless device enables preparation of a beam switch from the first beam of the first network node to the second beam of the second network node. Further, the disclosed method and wireless device enables seamless beam switch from the first beam of the first network node to the second beam of the second network node, which in turn avoids data loss and / or data interruption. In other words, the present disclosure allows continuous data even during a beam switch.

[0013] An advantage of the present disclosure is that it enables prediction of a beam switch from the first beam of the first network node to the second beam of the second network node for a wireless device. For example, the present disclosure enables predictive beam management at a first network node and / or a second network node. In other words, the present disclosure allows predicting beam switch at a serving network node and / or at a target network node. In other words, the present disclosure may enable the determination of a timing advance for a new beam of a beam switch procedure, where the beam switch procedure is a predicted beam switch procedure.

[0014] Disclosed is a method, performed in a first network node, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of the first network node to a second beam of a second network node. The method comprises transmitting, to the wireless device, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration.

[0015] Further, a first network node, such as a serving network node and / or a first transmission point, TRP 1 , comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is provided. The first network node is configured to perform any of the methods performed in a first network node as disclosed herein.

[0016] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the disclosed method and first network node enables preparation of a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node. Further, the disclosed method and first network node enables seamless beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node, which in turn avoids data loss and / or data interruption. In other words, the present disclosure allows continuous data even during a beam switch.

[0017] An advantage of the present disclosure is that it enables prediction of a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node for a wireless device. For example, the present disclosure enables predictive beam management at a first network node and / or a second network node.

[0018] Disclosed is a method, performed in a second network node, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of the first network node to a second beam of a second network node. The method comprises receiving, from the wireless device, a reference signal before communication is performed between the second network node and the wireless device. The method comprises transmitting, to the wireless device, timing information based on the reference signal.

[0019] Further, a second network node, such as a target network node and / or a second transmission point, TRP 1 , comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is provided. The second network node is configured to perform any of the methods performed in a second network node as disclosed herein. It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the disclosed method and second network node enables preparation of a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node. Further, the disclosed method and second network node enables seamless beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node, which in turn avoids data loss and / or data interruption. In other words, the present disclosure allows continuous data even during a beam switch.

[0020] An advantage of the present disclosure is that it enables prediction of a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node for a wireless device. For example, the present disclosure enables predictive beam management at a first network node and / or a second network node. In other words, the present disclosure may enable the determination of a timing advance for a new beam of a beam switch procedure, where the beam switch procedure is a predicted beam switch procedure.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of examples thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system comprising an example first network node, an example second network node, and an example wireless device according to this disclosure,

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a wireless device, for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node according to this disclosure,

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a first network node, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node according to this disclosure,

[0026] Fig. 4 shows a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a second network node, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node according to this disclosure,

[0027] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless device according to this disclosure,

[0028] Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example first network node according to this disclosure,

[0029] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example second network node according to this disclosure, and

[0030] Fig. 8 is a signaling diagram of an example communication between a first network node, a second network node, and a wireless device according to this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Various examples and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In addition, an illustrated example need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0032] The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which aid understanding the disclosure, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system 1 according to this disclosure. The wireless communication system 1 comprises a wireless device 300, a first network node 400, a second network node 500, and a core network (CN) node 600.

[0034] As discussed in detail herein, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system 1 comprising a cellular system, for example, a 3GPP wireless communication system.

[0035] A network node disclosed herein refers to a radio access network (RAN) node operating in the radio access network, such as a base station, an evolved Node B, eNBs, a global Node B, gNBs in NR, and / or a transmission and reception point (TRP). In one or more examples, the RAN node is a functional unit which may be distributed in several physical units. The first network node 400 may be seen as a first transmission and reception point, TRP 1 , and the second network node 500 may be seen as a second transmission and reception point, TRP 2.

[0036] A CN node disclosed herein refers to a network node operating in the core network, such as in the Evolved Packet Core Network, EPC, and / or a 5G Core Network, 5GC. Examples of CN nodes in EPC include a Mobility Management Entity, MME.

[0037] In one or more examples, the CN node is a functional unit which may be distributed in several physical units. The wireless communication system 1 described herein may comprise one or more wireless devices 300, and / or one or more network nodes 400, 500 such as one or more of: a base station, an eNB, a global Node B, gNB, and / or an access point.

[0038] The first radio network node 400 may be configured to communicate with the CN node 600 via a wired or wireless link 12A. The second radio network node 500 may be configured to communicate with the CN node 600 via a wired or wireless link 12B.

[0039] The first radio network node 400 and the second network node 500 may be configured to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless link 14.

[0040] A wireless device may refer to as a mobile device and / or a user equipment, UE. A wireless device, such as the wireless device 300, may be seen as an object as referred to herein.

[0041] The wireless device 300 may be configured to communication with the first network node 400 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 10A. The wireless device 300 may be configured to communication with the second network node 500 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 10B.

[0042] In one or more examples or embodiments, the first network node 400 and the second network node 500 are different TRPs in the same base station. In other words, in some examples, a beam switch as disclosed herein may happen internally in the same base station. In this case, the first network node 400 and the second network node 500 may be of the same base station, such as belonging to a common base station.

[0043] In one or more examples or embodiments, the first network node 400 and the second network node 500 are different TRPs in different base stations, such as separate base stations.

[0044] In one or more examples or embodiments, examples or embodiments, the first network node 400 and the second network node 500 are part of the same cell. The WD 300 may therefore not need to register to another cell when switching beam from a first beam of the first network node 400 to a second beam of the second network node 500.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of an example method 100, performed by a wireless device, WD, according to the disclosure, for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node. The wireless device is the wireless device disclosed herein, such as wireless device 300 of Fig. 1 , and Fig. 5. The first network node as disclosed herein may be seen as a serving network node, such as a network node currently serving the WD. The second network node as disclosed herein may be seen as a target node, such as a network node being targeted to be the next network node that the WD is about to communicate with and / or the next network node to serve the WD.

[0046] A beam switch may be seen as a switch and / or change in beam and / or set of beams used for WD data communication (e.g., transmission and / or reception). Stated differently, the beam switch may be seen as a switch of a serving beam and / or a set of serving beams. A beam switch may be seen as a process of reconfiguring a direction or focus of transmitted and / or received signals (such as radiofrequency, RF, signals) between the WD and one or more network nodes. The reconfiguration of a direction or focus of signals may be a reconfiguration of a direction or focus of signals from the first network node to the second network node. A beam switch may be seen as a switch and / or change in a set of beams on which a WD communicates data. In other words, a beam switch may comprise switching from a first set of beams provided by one or more first network nodes to a second set of beams provided by one or more second network node. It may be appreciated that the one or more first network nodes and the one or more second network nodes may have network nodes in common and in some scenarios be the same network nodes. A beam switch may be seen as a change in TCI state of the WD. A beam switch indication may be indicative of a time for beam switch and / or indicative of modulation and / or coding scheme used at the second network node.

[0047] It may be appreciated that a beam switch may be performed to enhance signal strength, quality, and / or reliability, e.g., when the WD changes position and / or when radio conditions deteriorate.

[0048] The method 100 comprises receiving S102, from the first network node, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and / or indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration. A beam switch indication may be seen as an indication to the WD that a beam switch is predicted to occur. In other words, a beam switch indication may indicate that a new TCI state has to be configured, such as a change in TCI state has to be configured. A beam switch indication may be indicative of a beam reconfiguration from the first beam of the first network node to the second beam of the second network node. The beam switch indication may be indicative of an activation time for the beam switch.

[0049] In one or more examples, the processor circuitry of the first network node may be configured to operate according to a machine learning model. For example, the first network node may use ML to learn over time when a beam switch may occur, e.g., based on one or more RSPR reports. A beam configuration may be seen as a set of parameters and / or settings that can be used to configure how a network node’s antenna array generates and controls beams. A beam configuration may comprise parameters and / or settings such as beam direction, beam width, beam shape, and / or power distribution. A beam switch indication may be indicative of a set of parameters and / or settings of the second beam, such as the second beam direction, second beam width, second beam shape, and / or power distribution. It may be appreciated that the beam configuration may comprise parameters such as the channel gain, data rate(s), and / or time-frequency resource(s), e.g., over which the communication is intended to take place. In one or more examples or embodiments, the first network node and the second network node may agree on the beam configuration and / or the RS configuration. In other words, the first network node and the second network node may agree on the resources for the beam resources and / or the reference signal resources. This agreement may be performed without the involvement of the WD.

[0050] A reference signal, RS, configuration may be seen as a set of parameters that are used to specify how a reference signal is generated, transmitted, and / or utilized within the wireless communication system as disclosed herein. The set of parameters may be associated with the beam configuration. For example, an RS configuration may comprise parameters of a reference signal such as frequency, power, antenna pattern, time domain properties, and / or resources associated with the beam configuration. In other words, the beam switch indication may be indicative of a set of parameters of the RS configuration, such as indicative of a set of resources for transmitting the reference signal.

[0051] In one or more examples or embodiments, the WD may be configured to perform a carrier frequency offset, CFO, estimate when receiving the beam switch indication. The CFO estimate may be performed based on the CSI-RS from the second network node. In other words, for example, the CSI-RS is already sent from the second network node, thereby allowing the WD to perform CFO at the beam switch indication, which may correspond to the time of indication of the new TCI state.

[0052] The method 100 comprises transmitting S104, on the second beam, a reference signal based on the RS configuration. In other words, the method 100 comprises transmitting, to the second network node, a reference signal based on the RS configuration. In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises transmitting, to the second network node on the second beam of the second network node, a reference signal based on the RS configuration. Formulated differently, the method 100 comprises transmitting, on the second beam, a reference signal based on the beam switch indication. In one or more examples or embodiments, transmitting S104 the reference signal based on the RS configuration comprises transmitting the reference signal according to the set of parameters of the RS configuration, such as transmitting the reference signal according to the frequency, power, antenna pattern, time domain properties, and / or resources associated with the beam configuration. The reference signal may be seen as a sounding reference signal, SRS. The SRS is a RS that can be used by the second network node to estimate a timing advance in relation to the WD. In some examples, the WD transmits the SRS to the second network node prior to beam switch and in preparation for the beam switch.

[0053] In one or more example methods, the beam switch indication instructs the wireless device to transmit the reference signal that enables the second network node to estimate a timing advance in relation to the wireless device. In other words, for example, the beam switch indication instructs the WD to transmit a sounding reference signal that enables the second network node to estimate a timing advance in relation to the WD. For example, the reference signal may provide information to the second network node about the uplink, UL, channel conditions to the first network node and / or the second network node. It may be appreciated that the WD transmits the reference signal on the second beam used as an UL channel.

[0054] In one or more example methods, transmitting S104 the reference signal is before communication is transferred to the second network node. In other words, for example, the reference signal is transmitted before data communication, such as payload data communication, is transferred from the first network node to the second network node. For example, ttransmitting the reference signal is performed while the wireless device is still communicating with the first network node, such as the serving network node. This is in contrast to current beam switching processes where the WD does not transmit any signals to the second network node, such as target network node, before after the communication with the first network node, such as serving network node, is ended or interrupted. The transmission of the reference signal before communication is transferred may allow continuous data communication even across a beam switch.

[0055] In one or more example methods, transmitting S104 the reference signal is in preparation of the beam switch. It may be appreciated that the transmission of the reference signal enables the preparation of the beam switch from the first beam of the first network node to the second beam of the second network node. Further, the transmission of the reference signal enables seamless beam switch from the first beam of the first network node to the second beam of the second network node, which in turn avoids data loss and / or data interruption. In one or more examples or embodiments, the second network node may be configured to perform a carrier frequency offset, CFO, estimate based on the reference signal, e.g., in order to configure a demodulation. Stated differently, for example, the transmission S104 of the reference signal enables the second network node to perform CFO, which in turn allows proper demodulation. In some examples, the transmission S104 of the reference signal by the WD to the second network node can be performed prior to the activation time of the new TCI state.

[0056] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises receiving S106 timing information associated with the beam configuration, wherein the timing information is indicative of a timing advance in relation to the second network node. Timing information may be seen as information indicating to the WD which timing to apply in view of the beam switch. In other words, the timing information may indicate to the WD which timing advance to apply at the WD for performing the beam switch. The timing information may enable the WD to be aware of the timing advance to be applied, e.g., in preparation for the beam switch. Timing advance may be seen as a specific time delay applied to the transmission timing of a WD in relation to the timing of a network node, such as the timing of the second network node. Timing advance may be seen as a control parameter that specifies a time offset applied to the transmission timing of a WD in relation to the timing of a network node. It may be appreciated that the timing advance may be based on a distance between a WD and a network node, such as the distance between the WD and the second network node, signal propagation delays, and / or the need to avoid interference between WDs. The timing information may be indicative of an activation time of a new TCI state, such as activation of a beam switch.

[0057] In one or more example methods, receiving S106 the timing information comprises receiving S106A the timing information from the first network node. In one or more examples or embodiments, the timing information may be forwarded and / or conveyed by the first network node from the second network node. It may be appreciated that the timing advance may be obtained and / or determined at the second network node and transmitted to the first network node. The timing advance may be obtained and / or determined based on the reference signal. The first network node may determine the timing information based on the timing advance from the second network node. The timing information, such as the timing advance, may be seen as predicted by the first network node and / or the second network node based on the reference signal. For example, the second network node predicts when the beam switch is about to occur, and determines the timing information based on the prediction.

[0058] In one or more example methods, receiving S106 the timing information is before communication is transferred to the second network node.

[0059] In other words, the timing information is received / transmitted before data communication, such as payload data communication, is transferred from the first network node to the second network node. For example, receiving the timing information takes place while the wireless device is still communicating with the first network node, such as the serving network node. This is in contrast to current beam switching processes where the WD receives timing information after the communication with the first network node, such as serving network node, is ended or interrupted. The reception of the timing information before communication is transferred may enable the preparation of a beam switch and allow continuous data communication even during and / or across a beam switch.

[0060] In one or more example methods, receiving S106 the timing information comprises receiving S106B the timing information from the second network node. In other words, the timing information may be transmitted by the second network node to the WD directly and / or via the first network node. The timing information may be determined at the second network node.

[0061] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises communicating S108 with the second network node based on the timing information. In other words, the method comprises communicating data with the second network node based on the timing information or in accordance with the timing information. Communicating S108 with the second network node may comprise receiving payload data from the second network node via the second beam and / or transmitting data to the second network node via the second beam. It may be appreciated that communicating S108 with the second network node based on the timing information comprises communicating with the second network node before, at, and / or after the beam switch has occurred. In one or more examples or embodiments, the WD is configured to receive data from both the first network node and the second network node. In other words, the data communication from the first network node and the second network node to the WD may overlap during a beam switch process. In one or more examples or embodiments, the data communication from the first network node and the second network node to the WD may be seamless during a beam switch process. In other words, the data communication from the first network node and the second network node to the WD may be adjacent to each other, such as adjacent in time resources.

[0062] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises receiving from the first network node, a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS. The CSI-RS may be seen as a first primary channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS_1_1 . A CSI-RS may be seen as a reference signal that helps the WD (such as UE) estimate a channel state information. This information may include parameters such as a channel gain, phase, and frequency response, which indicate how the signal is being affected as it travels from the network node (such as transmitter, e.g., base station) to the WD (such as receiver, e.g., UE). In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises receiving from the second network node, a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS. The CSI-RS may be seen as a second primary channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS_2_1. It may be appreciated that the WD is configured to measure the CSI-RS from the first network node and / or the second network node.

[0063] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises transmitting, to the first network node, a first message indicative of one or more first reference signal received power, RSRP, reports of the wireless device. The first message may be transmitted in response to the CSI-RS from the first network node and / or the second network node, such as in response to the first primary CSI-RS_1_1 and / or the second primary CSI-RS_2_1 . A RSRP report may be indicative of measured power of reception of reference signals from the first network node and / or reference signals from the second network node.

[0064] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises receiving from the first network node, a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS. The CSI-RS may be seen as a first secondary channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS_1_2.

[0065] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises receiving from the second network node, a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS. The CSI-RS may be seen as a second secondary channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS_2_2.

[0066] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises transmitting, to the first network node, a second message indicative of one or more second reference signal received power, RSRP, reports of the wireless device. The second message may be transmitted in response to the CSI-RS from the first network node and / or the second network node, such as in response to the first secondary CSI-RS_1_2 and / or the second secondary CSI-RS_2_2.

[0067] Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an example method 200, performed by a first network node according to the disclosure, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of the first network node to a second beam of a second network node. The first network node is the network node disclosed herein, such as network node 400 of Fig. 1 , and Fig. 6.

[0068] The method 200 comprises transmitting S206, to the wireless device, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration. It may be appreciated that transmitting the beam switch indication may comprise transmitting one or more messages to the WD. The transmitting S206 may correspond to the reception S102 of Fig. 2.

[0069] In one or more example methods, the beam switch indication instructs the wireless device to transmit a reference signal that enables the second network node to estimate a timing advance in relation to the wireless device.

[0070] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises communicating S208, to the wireless device, timing information associated with the beam configuration. In one or more example methods, the timing information is indicative of a timing advance in relation to the second network node. The communication S208 may correspond to the reception S106 of Fig.

[0071] 2.

[0072] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises receiving S202 the timing information from the second network node.

[0073] In one or more example methods, transmitting S206 the timing information is before communication is transferred to the second network node.

[0074] In one or more example methods, the RS configuration is indicative of a sounding RS configuration.

[0075] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises obtaining S204, from the second network node, the beam configuration of the second beam and the associated reference signal configuration.

[0076] In one or more example methods, wherein the beam switch indication is indicative of a time for beam switch and / or indicative of modulation and / or coding scheme used at the second network node. A time for beam switch may be seen as an activation time of a new TCI state. For example, the beam switch indication is indicative of modulation and / or coding resources of the second network node.

[0077] In one or more example methods, the beam configuration comprises one or more resources in time-frequency domain. For example, the beam configuration may comprise one or more resources in time-frequency domain which are associated with UL in the second beam and derived from the CSI-RS report.

[0078] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method comprises transmitting, to the second network node, a third message indicative of a beam switch, such as a beam switch request. In other words, the third message may be indicative of a beam reconfiguration. In one or more examples or embodiments, the third message may be indicative of and / or comprise the RSRP reports as disclosed herein.

[0079] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method comprises transmitting, to the first network node, a fourth message in response to the third message, wherein the fourth message is indicative of an acknowledgment of the beam switch, such as an acknowledgement of the beam switch request. In one or more examples or embodiments, the fourth message is indicative of and / or comprises modulation and / or coding resources of the second network node. For example, the fourth message may be indicative of a modulation and / or coding scheme of the second network node.

[0080] It may be appreciated that any of the definitions and terms used in the description of Fig. 2 may also apply to the description of Fig. 3. For example, any definitions and terms associated with the method performed by the wireless device disclosed herein may apply to the definitions and terms relating to the method performed by the first network node as disclosed herein.

[0081] Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of an example method 700, performed by a second network node according to the disclosure, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of the second network node. The second network node is the network node disclosed herein, such as network node 400 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 7. The method 700 comprises receiving S702, from the wireless device, a reference signal before communication is performed between the second network node and the wireless device. The receiving S702 may correspond to the transmitting S104 of Fig. 2.

[0082] The method 700 comprises transmitting S704, to the wireless device, timing information based on the reference signal. The transmitting S704 may correspond to the reception S106B of Fig. 2.

[0083] In one or more example methods, the method 700 comprises communicating S706, with the wireless device, data based on the timing information. The communicating S706 may correspond to the communicating S108 of Fig. 2.

[0084] In one or more example methods, transmitting S704 the timing information comprises transmitting S704A the timing information via the first network node.

[0085] In other words, in one or more examples, the second network node generates the timing information (such as timing advance) and transmits the timing information to the WD, possibly via the first network node. It may be appreciated that any of the definitions and terms used in the description of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 may also apply to the description of Fig. 4. For example, any definitions and terms associated with the method performed by the wireless device and the first network node as disclosed herein may apply to the definitions and terms relating to the method performed by the second network node as disclosed herein.

[0086] Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of an example wireless device, WD, 300 according to the disclosure. The WD 300 comprises memory circuitry 301 , processor circuitry 302, and a wireless interface 303. The WD 300 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 2. In other words, the WD 300 may be configured for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node.

[0087] The WD 300 is configured to communicate with a first network node, such as the first network node 400 disclosed herein, and a second network node, such as the second network node 500 as disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system.

[0088] The wireless interface 303 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, millimeter-wave communications, such as millimeterwave communications in licensed bands, such as device-to-device millimeter-wave communications in licensed bands, such as NTN and / or sidelink communication.

[0089] The WD 300 is configured to receive, such as via the wireless interface 303 and / or the memory circuitry 301 and from the first network node, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration. The WD 300 is configured to transmit, such as via the wireless interface 303 and / or using the processor circuitry 302 and on the second beam, a reference signal based on the RS configuration.

[0090] The operations of the WD 300 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 301) and are executed by processor circuitry 302.

[0091] Furthermore, the operations of the WD 300 may be considered a method that the WD 300 is configured to carry out and vice versa. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0092] Memory circuitry 301 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 301 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 302. Memory circuitry 301 may exchange data with processor circuitry 302 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 301 and processor circuitry 302 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 5). Memory circuitry 301 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0093] Memory circuitry 301 may for example be configured to store measurements, configurations, measurement data, and capabilities in a part of the memory.

[0094] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an example first network node, NN, 400 according to the disclosure. The NN 400 comprises memory circuitry 401 , processor circuitry 402, and a wireless interface 403. The NN 400 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 3. In other words, the NN 400 may be configured for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of the first network node to a second beam of a second network node.

[0095] The first NN 400 is configured to communicate with a WD, such as the WD disclosed herein, and a second network node, such as the second network node as disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system.

[0096] The wireless interface 403 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, millimeter-wave communications, such as millimeterwave communications in licensed bands, such as device-to-device millimeter-wave communications in licensed bands, such as NTN and / or sidelink communication.

[0097] The NN 400 is configured to transmit, such as via the wireless interface 403 and / or the memory circuitry 401 and to the wireless device, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration. The operations of the NN 400 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 401 ) and are executed by processor circuitry 402.

[0098] Furthermore, the operations of the NN 400 may be considered a method that the NN 400 is configured to carry out and vice versa. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0099] Memory circuitry 401 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 401 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 402. Memory circuitry 401 may exchange data with processor circuitry 402 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 401 and processor circuitry 402 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 6). Memory circuitry 401 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0100] Memory circuitry 401 may be configured to store measurements, configurations, measurement data, and capabilities in a part of the memory.

[0101] Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an example second network node 500 according to the disclosure. The second NN 500 comprises memory circuitry 501 , processor circuitry 502, and a wireless interface 503. The second network node 500 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 4.

[0102] The second NN 500 is configured to communicate with a WD, such as the WD disclosed herein, and a first network node, such as the first network node as disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system.

[0103] The wireless interface 503 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, millimeter-wave communications, such as millimeterwave communications in licensed bands, such as device-to-device millimeter-wave communications in licensed bands, such as NTN and / or sidelink communication. The second NN 500 is configured to receive, for example, via the wireless interface 503, from the wireless device, a reference signal before communication is performed between the second network node and the wireless device. The second NN 500 is configured to transmit, for example, via the wireless interface 503, to the wireless device, timing information based on the reference signal.

[0104] The operations of the second NN 500 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 501) and are executed by processor circuitry 502.

[0105] Furthermore, the operations of the second NN 500 may be considered a method that the second NN 500 is configured to carry out and vice versa. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0106] Memory circuitry 501 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 501 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 502. Memory circuitry 501 may exchange data with processor circuitry 502 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 501 and processor circuitry 502 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 7). Memory circuitry 501 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0107] Memory circuitry 501 may be configured to store measurements, configurations, measurement data, and capabilities in a part of the memory in a part of the memory.

[0108] Fig. 8 shows a signaling diagram of an example communication 1000 between network nodes 400, 500 (such as radio network nodes) and a wireless device 300 according to this disclosure. Fig. 8 shows an example scenario where an example technique as disclosed herein is applied. In other words, Fig. 8 shows an example of a preparation of a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node.

[0109] The network node 400 may be seen as the first network node as disclosed herein, such as the first network node 400 of Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 6, such as the serving network node as disclosed herein. The network node 500 may be seen as the second network node as disclosed herein, such as the second network node 500 of Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 7, such as the target network node as disclosed herein. The wireless device 300 may be seen as the wireless device as disclosed herein, such as the wireless device 300 of Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 5.

[0110] In one or more examples or embodiments, the first network node 400 transmits 1002 to the wireless device 300, a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS. The CSI-RS may be seen as a first primary channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS_1_1 . A CSI-RS may be seen as a reference signal that helps the WD 300 (such as UE) estimate a channel state information. This information may include parameters such as a channel gain, phase, and frequency response, which indicate how the signal is being affected as it travels from the network node (such as transmitter, e.g., base station) to the WD (such as receiver, e.g., UE).

[0111] In one or more examples or embodiments, the second network node 500 transmits 1004, to the wireless device 300, a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS. The CSI-RS may be seen as a second primary channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS_2_1.

[0112] In one or more examples or embodiments, the wireless device 300 transmits 1006, to the first network node 400, a first message indicative of one or more first reference signal received power, RSRP, reports of the wireless device 300. The first message may be transmitted 1006 in response to the CSI-RS from the first network node 400 and / or the second network node 500, such as in response to the first primary CSI-RS_1_1 and / or the second primary CSI-RS_2_1 . A RSRP report may be indicative of measured power of reception of reference signals from the first network node 400 and / or reference signals from the second network node 500.

[0113] In one or more examples or embodiments, the first network node 400 communicates 1008, to the WD 300, data. In other words, the first network node 400 being the serving network node of the WD 300 transmits payload data to the WD 300.

[0114] In one or more examples or embodiments, the first network node 400 transmits 1010 to the wireless device 300, a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS. The CSI-RS may be seen as a first secondary channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS_1_2.

[0115] In one or more examples or embodiments, the second network node 500 transmits 1012, to the wireless device 300, a channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS. The CSI-RS may be seen as a second secondary channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS_2_2.

[0116] In one or more examples or embodiments, the wireless device 300 transmits 1014, to the first network node 400, a second message indicative of one or more second reference signal received power, RSRP, reports of the wireless device 300. The second message may be transmitted 1014 in response to the CSI-RS from the first network node 400 and / or the second network node 500, such as in response to the first secondary CSI-RS_1_2 and / or the second secondary CSI-RS_2_2.

[0117] In one or more examples or embodiments, the first network node 400 transmits 1016, to the second network node 500, a third message indicative of a beam switch, such as a beam switch request. In other words, the third message may be indicative of a beam reconfiguration. In one or more examples or embodiments, the third message may be indicative of and / or comprise the RSRP reports as disclosed herein. The processor circuitry of the first network node 400 may be configured to operate according to a machine learning model. For example, the first network node 400 may use ML to learn over time when a beam switch may occur based on one or more RSPR reports.

[0118] In one or more examples or embodiments, the second network node 500, transmits 1018, to the first network node 400, a fourth message in response to the third message, wherein the fourth message is indicative of an acknowledgment of the beam switch, such as an acknowledgement of the beam switch request. In one or more examples or embodiments, the fourth message is indicative of and / or comprises modulation and / or coding resources of the second network node 500. For example, the fourth message may be indicative of a modulation and / or coding scheme of the second network node 500.

[0119] The first network node 400 transmits 1020, to the wireless device 300, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration. The beam switch indication may be indicative of an activation time for the beam switch.

[0120] The WD 300 transmits 1022, on the second beam, a reference signal based on the RS configuration.

[0121] In one or more examples or embodiments, the WD 300 transmits 1022 the reference signal to the second network node 500.

[0122] In one or more examples or embodiments, the second network node 500 transmits, to the WD 300, timing information based on the reference signal.

[0123] In one or more examples or embodiments, the second network node 500 transmits the timing information to the WD 300 via the first network node 400. For example, the second network node 500 transmits 1024 the timing information to the first network node 400 and then the first network node 400 communicates 1026 the timing information to the WD 300.

[0124] In one or more examples or embodiments, the first network node 400 communicates 1028, with the WD 300, based on the timing information.

[0125] In one or more examples or embodiments, the second network node 500 communicates 1030, with the WD 300, based on the timing information.

[0126] Examples of methods and products (wireless device and network nodes) according to the disclosure are set out in the following items:

[0127] Item 1 . A method (100), performed by a wireless device, for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node, the method comprising:

[0128] - receiving (S102), from the first network node, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration; and

[0129] - transmitting (S104), on the second beam, a reference signal based on the RS configuration.

[0130] Item 2. The method according to item 1 , wherein the beam switch indication instructs the wireless device to transmit the reference signal that enables the second network node to estimate a timing advance in relation to the wireless device.

[0131] Item 3. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein transmitting (S104) the reference signal is before communication is transferred to the second network node.

[0132] Item 4. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein transmitting (S104) the reference signal is in preparation of the beam switch.

[0133] Item 5. The method according to any of the previous items, the method (100) comprising: - receiving (S106) timing information associated with the beam configuration, wherein the timing information is indicative of a timing advance in relation to the second network node.

[0134] Item 6. The method according to item 5, wherein receiving (S106) the timing information comprises receiving (S106A) the timing information from the first network node.

[0135] Item 7. The method according to any of items 5-6, wherein receiving (S106) the timing information is before communication is transferred to the second network node.

[0136] Item 8. The method according to any of items 5-7, wherein receiving (S106) the timing information comprises receiving (S106B) the timing information from the second network node.

[0137] Item 9. The method according to any of the previous items, the method (100) comprising: communicating (S108) with the second network node based on the timing information.

[0138] Item 10. A method (200), performed by a first network node, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of the first network node to a second beam of a second network node, the method comprising:

[0139] - transmitting (S206), to the wireless device, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration.

[0140] Item 11.The method according to item 10, wherein the beam switch indication instructs the wireless device to transmit a reference signal that enables the second network node to estimate a timing advance in relation to the wireless device.

[0141] Item 12. The method according to any of items 10-11 , the method (200) comprising communicating (S208), to the wireless device, timing information associated with the beam configuration, wherein the timing information is indicative of a timing advance in relation to the second network node. Item 13. The method according to item 12, wherein the method (200) comprises receiving (S202) the timing information from the second network node.

[0142] Item 14. The method according to any of items 12-13, wherein transmitting (S206) the timing information is before communication is transferred to the second network node.

[0143] Item 15. The method according to any of items 10-14, wherein the RS configuration is indicative of a sounding RS configuration.

[0144] Item 16. The method according to any of items 10-15, the method (200) comprising: obtaining (S204), from the second network node, the beam configuration of the second beam and the associated reference signal configuration.

[0145] Item 17. The method according to any of items 10-16, wherein the beam switch indication is indicative of a time for beam switch and / or indicative of modulation and / or coding scheme used at the second network node.

[0146] Item 18. The method according to any of items 10-17, wherein the beam configuration comprises one or more resources in time-frequency domain.

[0147] Item 19. A method (700), performed by a second network node, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of the second network node, the method comprising:

[0148] - receiving (S702), from the wireless device, a reference signal before communication is performed between the second network node and the wireless device; and

[0149] - transmitting (S704), to the wireless device, timing information based on the reference signal.

[0150] Item 20. The method according to item 19, the method (700) comprising:

[0151] - communicating (S706), with the wireless device, data based on the timing information. Item 21. The method according to any of items 19-20, wherein transmitting (S704) the timing information comprises transmitting (S704A) the timing information via the first network node.

[0152] Item 22. A wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 1-9.

[0153] Item 23. A first network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the first network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 10-18.

[0154] Item 24. A second network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the second network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 19-21 .

[0155] The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order, but are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0156] It may be appreciated that the figures comprise some circuitries or operations which are illustrated with a solid line and some circuitries, components, features, or operations which are illustrated with a dashed line. Circuitries or operations which are comprised in a solid line are circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in the broadest example. Circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in a dashed line are examples which may be comprised in, or a part of, or are further circuitries, components, features, or operations which may be taken in addition to circuitries, components, features, or operations of the solid line examples. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that not all of the operations need to be performed. The example operations may be performed in any order and in any combination. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in a dashed line may be considered optional.

[0157] Other operations that are not described herein can be incorporated in the example operations. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations.

[0158] Certain features discussed above as separate implementations can also be implemented in combination as a single implementation. Conversely, features described as a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any sub-combination or variation of any sub-combination

[0159] It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed. It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0160] It is to be noted that the term "indicative of may be seen as “associated with”, “related to”, “descriptive of’, “characterizing”, and / or “defining”. The terms “indicative of”, “associated with” “related to”, “descriptive of’, “characterizing”, and “defining” can be used interchangeably. The term “indicative of” can be seen as indicating a relation. For example, weight data indicative of weight may comprise one or more weight parameters.

[0161] It is to be noted that the word "based on" may be seen as “as a function of” and / or “derived from”. The terms “based on” and “as a function of’ can be used interchangeably. For example, a parameter determined “based on” a data set can be seen as a parameter determined “as a function of” the data set. In other words, the parameter may be an output of one or more functions with the data set as an input.

[0162] A function may be characterizing a relation between an input and an output, such as mathematical relation, a database relation, a hardware relation, logical relation, and / or other suitable relations. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the examples may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0163] The various example methods, devices, nodes, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computerexecutable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program circuitries may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuitries represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0164] Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method (100), performed by a wireless device, for preparing a beam switch from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of a second network node, the method comprising: receiving (S102), from the first network node, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration; and transmitting (S104), on the second beam, a reference signal based on the RS configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the beam switch indication instructs the wireless device to transmit the reference signal that enables the second network node to estimate a timing advance in relation to the wireless device.

3. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein transmitting (S104) the reference signal is before communication is transferred to the second network node.

4. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein transmitting (S104) the reference signal is in preparation of the beam switch.

5. The method according to any of the previous claims, the method (100) comprising: receiving (S106) timing information associated with the beam configuration, wherein the timing information is indicative of a timing advance in relation to the second network node.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein receiving (S106) the timing information comprises receiving (S106A) the timing information from the first network node.

7. The method according to any of claims 5-6, wherein receiving (S106) the timing information is before communication is transferred to the second network node.

8. The method according to any of claims 5-7, wherein receiving (S106) the timing information comprises receiving (S106B) the timing information from the second network node.

9. The method according to any of claims 5-8, the method (100) comprising: communicating (S108) with the second network node based on the timing information.

10. A method (200), performed by a first network node, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of the first network node to a second beam of a second network node, the method comprising: transmitting (S206), to the wireless device, a beam switch indication indicative of a beam configuration of the second beam and indicative of a reference signal, RS, configuration of a reference signal associated with the beam configuration.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the beam switch indication instructs the wireless device to transmit a reference signal that enables the second network node to estimate a timing advance in relation to the wireless device.

12. The method according to any of claims 10-11 , the method (200) comprising communicating (S208), to the wireless device, timing information associated with the beam configuration, wherein the timing information is indicative of a timing advance in relation to the second network node.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method (200) comprises receiving (S202) the timing information from the second network node.

14. The method according to any of claims 12-13, wherein transmitting (S206) the timing information is before communication is transferred to the second network node.

15. The method according to any of claims 10-14, wherein the RS configuration is indicative of a sounding RS configuration.

16. The method according to any of claims 10-15, the method (200) comprising: obtaining (S204), from the second network node, the beam configuration of the second beam and the associated reference signal configuration.

17. The method according to any of claims 10-16, wherein the beam switch indication is indicative of a time for beam switch and / or indicative of modulation and / or coding scheme used at the second network node.

18. The method according to any of claims 10-17, wherein the beam configuration comprises one or more resources in time-frequency domain.

19. A method (700), performed by a second network node, for preparing a wireless device in switching from a first beam of a first network node to a second beam of the second network node, the method comprising:- receiving (S702), from the wireless device, a reference signal before communication is performed between the second network node and the wireless device; and- transmitting (S704), to the wireless device, timing information based on the reference signal.

20. The method according to claim 19, the method (700) comprising:- communicating (S706), with the wireless device, data based on the timing information.

21. The method according to any of claims 19-20, wherein transmitting (S704) the timing information comprises transmitting (S704A) the timing information via the first network node.

22. A wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 1-9.

23. A first network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the first network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 10-18.

24. A second network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the second network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 19-21.

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