A method to enhance mobility for MRSS deployment

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided. In the context of a method, the method includes receiving, from a first network node, an indication of an inter-radio access technology (RAT) handover from the first network node of a first RAT to a second network node of a second RAT, wherein the first RAT is different from the second RAT, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-RAT spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-RAT handover is applied. The method further includes performing an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel (RACH)-less procedure or maintaining an uplink timing adjustment during the inter-RAT handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication indicates that the user equipment is to apply the MRSS inter-RAT handover.

Description

A METHOD TO ENHANCE MOBILITY FOR MRSS DEPLOYMENTTECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] An example embodiment relates generally to multi-random access technology (RAT) spectrum sharing (MRSS), and, more particularly, to performing an MRSS multi-RAT handover (HO).BACKGROUND

[0002] MRSS allows new radio (NR) and 6G cells to share the same carriers dynamically adapting to traffic requirements. In an inter-RAT HO procedure, a UE may move between a 6G cell and a 5G cell. There is a need for a faster inter-RAT HO procedure for MRSS deployment compared to previous procedures.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (110) to receive (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to perform an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a first network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network node (112) to transmit (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radioaccess technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channelless procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided that includes means for receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). The user equipment (110) further includes means for performing an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the interradio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a first network node (112) is provided that includes means for transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cellradio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) further includes means for transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter- radio access technology handover procedure. The first network node (112) further includes means for transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). The method includes means for performing an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a first network node (112) and includes transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing(MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The method further includes transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure. The method further includes transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to receive (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to perform an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a first network node (112), cause the first network node (112) to transmit (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b) is needed, andwherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0011] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110), is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (110) to receive (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied. The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from the first network node (112), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to perform the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover based on the indication and the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a first network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network node (112) to transmit (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, whereinthe handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0013] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110), is provided, including means for receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover is applied. The user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (510), from the first network node (112), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). The user equipment (110) further includes means for performing the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover based on the indication and the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a first network node (112) is provided, including means for transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology isdifferent from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) further includes means for transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover. The first network node (112) further includes means for transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0015] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied. The method further includes receiving (510), from the first network node (112), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). The method further includes performing the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover based on the indication and the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a first network node (112) and includes transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The method further includes transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover. The method further includes transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to bereceived by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to receive (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is applied. The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from the first network node (112), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to perform the multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover based on the indication and the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0018] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a first network node (112), cause the first network node (112) to transmit (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0019] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (110) to receive (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied. The user equipment (110) is further caused to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values of the first radio access technology of the first network node to the second network node during the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a first network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network node (112) to transmit (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication (508a) further indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit(510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0021] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided that includes means for receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover is applied. The user equipment (110) further includes means for applying time and / or frequency synchronization values of the first radio access technology of the first network node to the second network node during the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, a first network node (112) is provided that includes means for transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) further includes means for transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication (508a) further indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) further includes means for transmitting (510), to the user equipment(110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0023] In one or more embodiments, computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied. The method further includes applying time and / or frequency synchronization values of the first radio access technology of the first network node to the second network node during the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a first network node (112) and includes transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The method further includes transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover, wherein the indication (508a) further indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology. The method further includes transmitting (510), to the userequipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0025] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to receive (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is applied. The user equipment (110) is further caused to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values of the first radio access technology of the first network node to the second network node during the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a first network node (112), cause the first network node (112) to transmit (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication (508a) further indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network nodeaccess technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and where:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a user equipment, a source network node, and a target network node, configured to communicate via at least one of uplink and downlink transmission in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a communications device that may include various components configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 3 depicts MRSS with both 5G and 6G service and system aspects (SA) in accordance with previous embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a signal diagram illustrating an inter-RAT HO procedure from a 5G cell to a 6G cell in accordance with previous embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 5Ais a signal diagram illustrating a procedure for inter-RAT HO for MRSS deployment in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 5B is a signal diagram illustrating an alternative procedure for inter-RAT HO for MRSS deployment in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure performed by a user equipment for performing multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing inter-radio access technology handover in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure performed by a first network node for transmitting a resources configuration in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure performed by a user equipment for applying time and / or frequency synchronization values during a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing inter-radio access technology handover in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure performed by a first network node for indicating that the same time and / or frequency synchronization values should be applied to a second network node in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure performed by a user equipment for performing a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink timing adjustment in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0039] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure performed by a first network node for indicating that a random access channel-less procedure should be performed or an uplink timing adjustment should be maintained in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and / or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Additionally, as used herein, “higher” may be used interchangeably with “greater,” and “highest” may be used interchangeably with “greatest.” Additionally, as used herein, “lower than” may be used interchangeably with “less than,” and “lowest” may be used interchangeably with “least.”

[0042] Additionally, as used herein, the term “circuitry” refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry); (b)combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) including software and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” also includes an implementation including one or more processors and / or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and / or firmware. As another example, the term “circuitry” as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device (such as a core network apparatus), field programmable gate array, and / or other computing device.

[0043] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device or non-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by a controller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module of a computational system to encored thereon computer-executable instructions or software programs. A non-transitory “computer readable medium” may be accessed by a computational system or a module of a computational system to retrieve and / or execute the computerexecutable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Examples of non- transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more universal synchronous bus (USB) flash drives), computer system memory or random-access memory (such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), extended data out random access memory (EDO RAM), and the like.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a system 100 is provided in accordance with an example embodiment. Although the system may be configured in various manners, the system of one embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1 and includes user equipment 110, source network node 112, and target network node 114 configured to communicate via at least one of uplink and downlink transmission and reception beams. Although one user equipment and two network nodes are depicted, the system may include and the user equipment 110, source network node 112, andtarget network node 114 may communicate with additional user equipment devices and / or network nodes in other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 110 and network nodes 112 / 114 may be configured to support, for example, 5G, 5G advanced, or 6G. In some examples, a source network node 112 may be configured to support 5G and a target network node 114 may be configured to support 6G or vice versa. In some examples, a user equipment 110 may be handed over from a source network node 112 to a target network node 114 using an inter-RAT HO procedure.

[0045] The data that is transmitted between the user equipment and network nodes may be any of a wide variety of data including, but not limited to digital imagery data including video data, audio data as well as data provided by sensors, radars, telescopes and radio receivers. In at least some instances, the data is encoded prior to communication of the data and decoded upon reception. The resulting data received may be utilized for a variety of purposes including presentation to a user, storage of the data for subsequent use and / or provision of the data to one or more applications, such as applications that perform statistical inference on the data for various purposes including object recognition, image classification, spectrum sensing, speech transcription and / or prediction or detection of events.

[0046] The user equipment of FIG. 1 (also called UE, user device, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates a type of an apparatus to which resources on an air interface are allocated and assigned. The user equipment typically refers to a portable computing device that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistance (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and / or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. User equipment may also be a device having capability to operate in Internet of Things (loT) network which is a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. The user equipment may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE) just to mention but a few names or apparatuses.

[0047] The source network node 112 and target network node 114 of FIG. 1 may include, for example, base stations such as remote radio heads (RRHs), transmission reception points (TRPs),Y1 access points, node Bs (e.g., eNB, gNB) or other transmission sources. The network nodes 112 / 114 may be configured to communicate with user equipment 110 via a network. The network nodes 112 / 114 may be accessed through a gateway. Source network node 112 may be of a different random access technology than target network node 114. For example, source network node 112 may be configured to support 5G and target network node 114 may be configured to support 6G or vice versa. In some examples, source network node 112 and target network node 114 may be embodied in the same network node.

[0048] FIG. 2 depicts an example apparatus 200 that may be configured to function as user equipment 110, source network node 112, target network node 114, and / or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus includes, is associated with, or is in communications with processing circuitry 220, a memory 240, and a communication interface 260. The processing circuitry 220 may be in communication with the memory device 240 via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. The memory device may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) including gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processing circuitry). The memory device may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the memory device could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processing circuitry. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processing circuitry.

[0049] The apparatus 200 may, in some embodiments, be embodied in various computing devices described as above. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus may include one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and / or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0050] The processing circuitry 220, also referenced as a processor, may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processing circuitry may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry may include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processing circuitry may enable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processing circuitry may include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and / or multithreading.

[0051] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 220 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 240 or otherwise accessible to the processing circuitry. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to execute hardcoded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processing circuitry may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processing circuitry is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processing circuitry may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processing circuitry is embodied as an executor of instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processing circuitry may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., an image or video processing system) configured to employ an embodiment by further configuration of the processing circuitry by instructions for performing the algorithms and / or operations described herein. The processing circuitry may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processing circuitry.

[0052] The communication interface 260 may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured toreceive and / or transmit data including media content in the form of video or image files, one or more audio tracks or the like. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and / or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communications interface may alternatively or also support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface may include a communication modem and / or other hardware / software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

[0053] Turning now to FIG. 3, a depiction 300 of 5G / 6GMRSS is depicted in accordance with previous embodiments. MRSS allows new radio (NR) and 6G cells to share the same carrier(s) dynamically adapting to traffic requirements. In FIG. 3, a 5G cell 310 and a 6G cell 320 share the same radio unit (RU) 330. The same coverage is expected by the 5GMRSS cell 310 and the 6G MRSS cell 320. A user equipment 340 may have a 5G connection and a user equipment 350 may have a 6G connection in the same coverage area. There is a need for a faster handover procedure for a user equipment 340 / 350 to transition between a 5G cell 310 and a 6G cell 320.

[0054] Turning now to FIG. 4, a signaling diagram 400 illustrating a procedure for inter-RAT HO is provided in accordance with previous embodiments. In the signaling diagram 400, a user equipment 410 is transitioning from a source cell 412 which supports 5Gto a target cell 414 which supports 6G. Inter-RAT HO is the main procedure to move the user equipment 410 from one RAT (e.g., 5G) to another RAT (e.g., 6G). User equipment measurements are considered as input for the handover decision.

[0055] At operation 416, a measurement configuration is transmitted from the source cell 412 to the user equipment 410. In response, the user equipment 410 transmits measurement reports to the source cell 412 at operation 418. The source cell 412 then makes a handover decision based on the measurement reports at operation 420.

[0056] At operation 422, the source cell 412 transmits, to the target cell 414, a handover request for context transfer. At operation 424, the target cell 414 performs admission control before confirming the handover request at operation 426. The handover request confirmation transmitted at operation 426 includes a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI). Atoperation 428, the source cell 412 transmits a radio resource control reconfiguration with the new C-RNTI to the user equipment 410. At operation 430, the user equipment 410 performs synchronization and establishes a physical random access channel with target cell 414. At operation 432, the target cell 414 transmits random access channel resources to the user equipment 410 and, at operation 434, the user equipment 410 responds to the target cell 414 by confirming that the radio resource control reconfiguration is complete.

[0057] A delay during the inter-RAT HO may be around 50 ms in New Radio (NR) or 80 ms in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) between operation 416 and operation 434. This delay depends on the architecture of source cell 412 and target cell 414 (e.g., whether they are of centralized unit / distributed unit disaggregated architecture or monolithic gNBs). In addition, the delay depends on the interface between the source cell 412 and the target cell 414. The delay may increase for inter-RAT HO with respect to intra-RAT HO. Higher delay to complete a HO is correlated with an increase of HO failure and radio link failure.

[0058] Thus, there is a need to enable a fast and reliable handover between a 5G MRSS cell and a 6GMRSS cell considering that the 5GMRSS cell and the 5GMRSS cell are sharing the same spectrum and potentially the same RU, and that they are dynamically sharing resources. Information exchange between a 5G gNB and a 6G gNB is assumed.

[0059] Turning now to FIG. 5A, a signal diagram illustrating a procedure for inter-RAT HO for MRSS deployment is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, at operation 502, source cell 112 of a first RAT decides to move user equipment devices to a target cell 114 of a second RAT. In some examples, source cell 114 decides to move user equipment 110 to the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, source cell 112 supports a 5G RAT and target cell 114 supports a 6G RAT. In another example, source cell 112 supports a 6G RAT and target cell 114 supports a 5G RAT. In some examples, each of the first RAT and the second RAT have a MRSS feature enabled. In some examples, the source cell 112 determines to move the user equipment 110 for network energy savings purposes. For example, moving user equipment 110 from a 6G cell to a 5G cell may save power consumption at the distributed unit side of 6G. In some examples, the decision may be service based. For example, 6G may have limitations in supported services, such as voice. In some examples, a user equipment initiating one of these supported services can be moved to a5G cell. For example, voice may be supported over new radio in 5G. In some examples, no user equipment measurement is needed to determine to move the user equipment 110.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, at operation 504, source cell 112 of the first RAT sends a handover request 5044 to the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In one or more embodiments, the handover request 504a includes an indication 508a that inter-RAT handover MRSS is applied. In some examples, the handover request 504a includes an indication of whether a new C-RNTI 506b is needed. In some examples, the handover request 504a implicitly indicates that a new C- RNTI 506b is not needed by indicating the handover reason as inter-RAT HO MRSS. In some examples, target cell 114 interprets this as the same C-RNTI 506c can be used. In some examples, the handover request 504a explicitly indicates that the same C-RNTI 506c should be used. In some examples, the handover request explicitly indicates that a new C-RNTI 506c should be used.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, at operation 506, target cell 114 transmits, to source cell 112, a handover request confirmation 506a. In one or more embodiments, a new C-RNTI 506b is generated. In alternative embodiments, the same C-RNTI 506c is used. For example, a new C- RNTI 506b or a same C-RNTI 506c is used based on the indication in the handover request 504a of whether a new C-RNTI 506b is needed. In some examples, a cell specific configuration is transmitted from the target cell 114 of the second RAT to the source cell 112 of the first RAT. In some examples, a C-RNTI is generated when source cell 112 and target cell 114 are coordinating such that one C-RNTI is used by either source cell 112 or target cell 114 but cannot be used by both. In some examples, since source cell 112 and target cell 114 are coordinating , it is possible to have a C-RNTI as identification to the user equipment 110 for two MRSS cells (e.g., the source cell 112 of the first RAT and the second cell 114 of the second RAT).

[0063] In one or more embodiments, at operation 508, source cell 112 transmits, to user equipment 110, a dynamic indication 508a of MRSS inter-RAT handover. In some examples, the indication 508a indicates that MRSS inter-RAT handover is applied between the source cell 112 of the first RAT and the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the indication 508a can be downlink control information (DCI)-based or medium access control (MAC)-control element (CE) based signaling. In some examples, the indication contains a flag indicating that MRSS inter-RAT handover is applied. In some examples, the indication 508a includes a cell identity (e.g., physical cell identifier) of target cell 114 of the second RAT if it is different thanthe source cell 112 of the first RAT. In some examples, based on the indication 508a from source cell 112 of the first RAT, user equipment assumes that time and frequency synchronization of source cell 112 of the first RAT are applicable for target cell 114 of the second RAT during the handover procedure. In some examples, based on the indication 508a from the source cell 112 of the first RAT, the user equipment 112 assumes that a synchronization signal block (SSB) for the source cell 112 is considered as a reference signal (RS) reference for the target cell 114 during the handover procedure. In some examples, based on the indication 508a from the source cell 112 of the first RAT, the user equipment 110 assumes that no user equipment measurements, measurement gaps, or SMTC windows are needed by the user equipment for moving from source cell 112 to target cell 114. In some examples, a resources configuration 510a is sent with the indication 508a of the MRSS inter-RAT handover. In some examples, the same service capability server is used for MRSS inter-RAT handover. In some examples, system frame number counting is used when source cell 112 timing is re-used. In some examples,

[0064] In some examples, user equipment 110 is not requires to detect a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or secondary synchronization signal (SSS) 518 for downlink synchronization. For example, when the source cell 112 and the target cell 114 share the same RU, the user equipment 110 can consider the time / frequency synchronization from the PSS / SSS of the source cell 112 of the first RAT to apply to the target cell 112 of the second RAT.

[0065] In some examples, a random access channel (RACH)-less procedure 520 is applied for maintaining uplink timing synchronization for the target cell 114 of the second RAT. For example, the user equipment 110 does not expect any RACH configuration and doesn’t need to initiate RACH on the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the user equipment 110 maintains the uplink timing adjustment using the equation+ NTA, offset')xTc, where N^urceis the latest timing advance command received by the user equipment from a source cell of a first RAT. In some examples, the user equipment 110 maintains or applies at least part of an uplink power control configuration, such as closed-loop and / or open-loop power control, of the source cell 112 of the first RAT for the target cell 114 of the second RAT. For example, an uplink multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained or indicated in the switching. In some examples, the same beam for the first RAT may be re-used for the second RAT.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, at operation 510, the source cell 112 of the first RAT signals the user equipment 110 with a resources configuration 510a. In some examples, the resources configuration 510a is pre-defined. In some examples, the resources configuration schedules resources 512a and / or a cell-specific configuration that may be transmitted via a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to the user equipment 110 by the source cell 112 of the first RAT or the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the resources configuration 510a is a pre-configured downlink resources (PDR) resources configuration. In some examples, the resources configuration 510a is transmitted via physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration 510a is signaled by DCI. In some examples, the resources configuration includes physical layer parameters (e.g., frequency domain resource assignment, modulation and coding scheme, and the like) for the scheduled resources 512a.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, at operation 512, the source cell (i.e., first network node) 112 of the first RAT (depicted in FIG. 5 A) or the target cell (i.e., second network node) 114 of the second RAT transmits, to the user equipment 110, the scheduled resources 512a. In some examples, the resources include time, frequency, and / or spatial resources where a user equipment can acquire a cell-specific configuration. In some examples, the resources are transmitted via physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In some examples, the resources are transmitted with at least part of the cell-specific configuration of the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the user equipment 110 decodes the scheduled resources 512a to acquire the cell-specific configuration of the target cell 114 of the second RAT.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, at operation 514, the user equipment 110 transmits, to the source cell (i.e., first network node) 112 of the first RAT, an acknowledgment 514a that the user equipment 110 received the scheduled resources 512a. In some examples, the acknowledgment 514a is interpreted at the network side as the MRSS inter-RAT handover being complete. In some examples, a negative acknowledgment is sent by the user equipment 110 to the source cell 112 of the first RAT if the scheduled resources 512a are not received.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, at operation 516, user equipment 110 is connected with target cell (i.e., second network node) 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the user equipment 110 is in a radio resource control connected state with target cell 114 of the second RAT.

[0070] Turning now to FIG. 5B, an alternative signal diagram illustrating a procedure for inter- RAT HO for MRSS deployment is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, at operation 502, source cell 112 of a first RAT decides to move user equipment devices to a target cell 114 of a second RAT. In some examples, source cell 114 decides to move user equipment 110 to the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, source cell 112 supports a 5G RAT and target cell 114 supports a 6G RAT. In another example, source cell 112 supports a 6G RAT and target cell 114 supports a 5G RAT. In some examples, each of the first RAT and the second RAT have a MRSS feature enabled. In some examples, the source cell 112 determines to move the user equipment 110 for network energy savings purposes. For example, moving user equipment 110 from a 6G cell to a 5G cell may save power consumption at the distributed unit side of 6G. In some examples, the decision may be service based. For example, 6G may have limitations in supported services, such as voice. In some examples, a user equipment initiating one of these supported services can be moved to a 5G cell. For example, voice may be supported over new radio in 5G. In some examples, no user equipment measurement is needed to determine to move the user equipment 110.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, at operation 504, source cell 112 of the first RAT sends a handover request 5044 to the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In one or more embodiments, the handover request 504a includes an indication 508a that inter-RAT handover MRSS is applied. In some examples, the handover request 504a includes an indication of whether a new C-RNTI 506b is needed. In some examples, the handover request 504a implicitly indicates that a new C- RNH 506b is not needed by indicating the handover reason as inter-RAT HO MRSS. In some examples, target cell 114 interprets this as the same C-RNTI 506c can be used. In some examples, the handover request 504a explicitly indicates that the same C-RNTI 506c should be used. In some examples, the handover request explicitly indicates that a new C-RNTI 506c should be used.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, at operation 506, target cell 114 transmits, to source cell 112, a handover request confirmation 506a. In one or more embodiments, a new C-RNTI 506b is generated. In alternative embodiments, the same C-RNTI 506c is used. For example, a new C- RNTI 506b or a same C-RNTI 506c is used based on the indication in the handover request 504a of whether a new C-RNTI 506b is needed. In some examples, a C-RNTI is generated whensource cell 112 and target cell 114 are coordinating such that one C-RNU is used by either source cell 112 or target cell 114 but cannot be used by both.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, at operation 508, source cell 112 transmits, to user equipment 110, a dynamic indication 508a of MRSS inter-RAT handover. In some examples, the indication 508a indicates that MRSS inter-RAT handover is applied between the source cell 112 of the first RAT and the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the indication 508a can be downlink control information (DCI)-based or medium access control (MAC)-control element (CE) based signaling. In some examples, the indication contains a flag indicating that MRSS inter-RAT handover is applied. In some examples, the indication 508a includes a cell identity (e.g., physical cell identifier) of target cell 114 of the second RAT if it is different than the source cell 112 of the first RAT. In some examples, based on the indication 508a from source cell 112 of the first RAT, user equipment assumes that time and frequency synchronization of source cell 112 of the first RAT are applicable for target cell 114 of the second RAT during the handover procedure. In some examples, based on the indication 508a from the source cell 112 of the first RAT, the user equipment 112 assumes that a synchronization signal block (SSB) for the source cell 112 is considered as a reference signal (RS) reference for the target cell 114 during the handover procedure. In some examples, based on the indication 508a from the source cell 112 of the first RAT, the user equipment 110 assumes that no user equipment measurements, measurement gaps, or SMTC windows are needed by the user equipment for moving from source cell 112 to target cell 114. In some examples, a resources configuration 510a is sent with the indication 508a of the MRSS inter-RAT handover. In some examples, the same service capability server is used for MRSS inter-RAT handover. In some examples, system frame number counting is used when source cell 112 timing is re-used. In some examples,

[0075] In some examples, user equipment 110 is not requires to detect a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or secondary synchronization signal (SSS) 518 for downlink synchronization. For example, when the source cell 112 and the target cell 114 share the same RU, the user equipment 110 can consider the time / frequency synchronization from the PSS / SSS of the source cell 112 of the first RAT to apply to the target cell 112 of the second RAT.

[0076] In some examples, a random access channel (RACH)-less procedure 520 is applied for maintaining uplink timing synchronization for the target cell 114 of the second RAT. For example, the user equipment 110 does not expect any RACH configuration and doesn’t need toinitiate RACH on the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the user equipment 110 maintains the uplink timing adjustment using the equation+ NTA, offsetXTc, where N^urceis the latest timing advance command received by the user equipment from a source cell of a first RAT. In some examples, the user equipment 110 maintains or applies at least part of an uplink power control configuration, such as closed-loop and / or open-loop power control, of the source cell 112 of the first RAT for the target cell 114 of the second RAT. For example, an uplink multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained or indicated in the switching. In some examples, the same beam for the first RAT may be re-used for the second RAT.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, at operation 510, the source cell 112 of the first RAT signals the user equipment 110 with a resources configuration 510a. In some examples, source cell 112 of the first RAT further exchanges 510b information including resources configuration 510a with target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the resources configuration 510a is pre-defined. In some examples, the resources configuration schedules resources 512a and / or a cell-specific configuration that may be transmitted via a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to the user equipment 110 by the source cell 112 of the first RAT or the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the resources configuration 510a is a packet detection rules resources configuration. In some examples, the resources configuration 510a is transmitted via physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration 510a is signaled by DCI. In some examples, the resources configuration includes physical layer parameters (e.g., frequency domain resource assignment, modulation and coding scheme, and the like) for the scheduled resources 512a.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, at operation 512, the target cell 112 of the first RAT or the target cell 114 of the second RAT (depicted in FIG. 5B) transmits, to the user equipment 110, the scheduled resources 512b. In some examples, the resources include time, frequency, and / or spatial resources where a user equipment can acquire a cell-specific configuration. In some examples, the resources are transmitted via physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In some examples, a cell specific configuration is transmitted from the target cell 114 of the second RAT to the user equipment 110. In some examples, the resources are transmitted with at least part of the cell-specific configuration of the target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, theuser equipment 110 decodes the scheduled resources 512b to acquire the cell-specific configuration of the target cell 114 of the second RAT.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, at operation 514, the user equipment 110 transmits, to the target cell 114 of the second RAT, an acknowledgment 514b that the user equipment 110 received the scheduled resources 512b. In some examples, the acknowledgment 514b is interpreted at the network side as the MRSS inter-RAT handover being complete. In some examples, a negative acknowledgment is sent by the user equipment 110 to the target cell 114 of the second RAT if the scheduled resources 512a are not received.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, at operation 516, user equipment 110 is connected with target cell 114 of the second RAT. In some examples, the user equipment 110 is in a radio resource control connected state with target cell 114 of the second RAT.

[0081] Turning now to FIG. 6, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 600 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) in order to perform multiradio access technology spectrum sharing inter-radio access technology handover in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] As shown in block 602 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) of the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is one of downlink control (DL) information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) received from the first network node (112) includes: a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) of the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover sharing further indicates at least one or more of that a synchronization signal block (SSB) for thefirst network node (112) is to be considered as a reference signal (RS) reference for the second network node (114) or that no measurement gap or S SB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window is needed. In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated; wherein at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 5G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 6G radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, at least one of an uplink multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

[0083] As shown in block 604 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for receiving (510), from the first network node (112), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) configures the user equipment to perform at least one of: receive at least a first portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b) that are carried in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology or activate at least a second portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b) that are pre-configured in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) includes physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0084] As shown in block 606 of FIG. 6, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for performing the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover based on the indication and the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment further includes means for receiving (512), from one of the first network node (112) or the second network node (114), a cell-specific configuration of the second network node (114), wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b). In one or moreembodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for transmitting (514), to one of the first network node (112) or the second network node (114), a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment (514a / 514b) to indicate whether the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is successful or not. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for applying at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration includes at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control.

[0085] Turning now to FIG. 7, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 700 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a first network node (112) in order to transmit a resources configuration in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] As shown in block 702 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover includes: the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, when the handover request (504a) indicates a handover reason as inter-radio access technology handover multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing, the handover request does not include the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, when the handover request (504a) indicates that the new cell radio network temporary identifier (506b) is needed, the indication (508a) to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover includes the new cell radio network temporary identifier (506b). In one or more embodiments,the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated; wherein at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 5G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 6G radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, at least one of an uplink multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

[0087] As shown in block 704 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is one of downlink control information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover further indicates at least one or more of: that a synchronization signal block (SSB) for the first network node (112) is to be considered as a reference signal (RS) reference for the second network node (114); or that no measurement gap or S SB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window is needed.

[0088] As shown in block 706 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) further performs one or more of: receive (506), from the second network node (114), a handover request confirmation (506a); transmit the handover request (504a) in response to an energy efficiency determination (502); transmit, to the user equipment (110) or the second network node (114), the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a); transmit (512), to the user equipment (110), a cell-specific configuration of the second network node (114), wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a); or receive(514), from the user equipment (110), a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment (514a). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) further includes means for causing the user equipment (110) to apply at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration includes at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control. In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) includes physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0089] Turning now to FIG. 8, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 800 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) in order to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values during a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing interradio access technology handover in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] As shown in block 802 of FIG. 8, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication (508a) indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) of the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is one of downlink control (DL) information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) received from the first network node (112) includes: a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated; wherein at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 5G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 6G radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, at least one of an uplink multiple-input,multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

[0091] As shown in block 804 of FIG. 8, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for applying time and / or frequency synchronization values of the first radio access technology of the first network node to the second network node during the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, the applying of the time and / or frequency synchronization values of the first radio access technology of the first network node to the second network node further includes the user equipment caused to omit the time and / or frequency synchronization values of the second radio access technology of the second network node. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (510), from the first network node (112), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) configures the user equipment to perform at least one of: receive at least a first portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b) that are carried in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology; or activate at least a second portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b) that are preconfigured in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for transmitting (514), to one of the first network node (112) or the second network node (114), a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment (514a / 514b) to indicate whether the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is successful or not. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (512), from one of the first network node (112) or the second network node (114), a cell-specific configuration of the second network node (114), wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b). In one or more embodiments, thetime and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node are determined based on synchronization signals received in downlink (DL). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for applying at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration includes at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control. In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) includes physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0092] Turning now to FIG. 9, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 900 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a first network node (112) in order to indicate that the same time and / or frequency synchronization values should be applied to a second network node in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0093] As shown in block 902 of FIG. 9, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover includes: the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, when the handover request (504a) indicates a handover reason as inter-radio access technology handover multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing, the handover request does not include the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, when the handover request (504a) indicates that the new cell radio network temporary identifier (506b) is needed, the indication (508a) to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handoverincludes the new cell radio network temporary identifier (506b). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated; wherein at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 5G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 6G radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, at least one of an uplink multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

[0094] As shown in block 904 of FIG. 9, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication (508a) further indicates that the user equipment (110) is to apply time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) from the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology to the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is one of downlink control information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based. In one or more embodiments, the time and / or frequency synchronization values (518) of the first network node are determined based on synchronization signals received in downlink (DL).

[0095] As shown in block 906 of FIG. 9, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) further performs one or more of: receive (506), from the second network node (114), a handover request confirmation (506a); transmit the handover request (504a) in response to an energy efficiency determination (502); transmit, to the user equipment (110) or the second network node (114), the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a); transmit (512), to the user equipment (110), a cell-specific configuration of the second network node (114), wherein thecell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a); or receive (514), from the user equipment (110), a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment (514a). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) further includes means for causing the user equipment (110) to apply at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration includes at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control. In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) includes physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0096] Turning now to FIG. 10, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 1000 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) in order to perform a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink timing adjustment in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] As shown in block 1002 of FIG. 10, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) of the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is one of downlink control (DL) information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) received from the first network node (112) includes: a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated; wherein at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 5G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 6G radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, at least one of an uplink multiple-input,multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

[0098] As shown in block 1004 of FIG. 10, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for performing an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving, from the first network node (112), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) configures the user equipment to perform at least one of: receive at least a first portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b) that are carried in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology; or activate at least a second portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b) that are pre- configured in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (512), from one of the first network node (112) or the second network node (114), a cell-specific configuration of the second network node (114), wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b). In one or more embodiments, the uplink timing adjustment is based at least on a latest timing advance command received from the first network node. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for transmitting (514), to one of the first network node (112) or the second network node (114), a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment (514a / 514b) to indicate whether the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is successful or not. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for applying at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration includes at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter foropen-loop power control. In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) includes physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0099] Turning now to FIG. 11, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 1100 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a first network node (112) in order to indicate that a random access channel-less procedure should be performed or an uplink timing adjustment should be maintained in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] As shown in block 1102 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover includes: the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, when the handover request (504a) indicates a handover reason as inter-radio access technology handover multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing, the handover request does not include the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b). In one or more embodiments, when the handover request (504a) indicates that the new cell radio network temporary identifier (506b) is needed, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover includes the new cell radio network temporary identifier (506b). In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 5G radio access technology, and wherein at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 6G radio access technology. In one or more embodiments, at least one of an uplink multiple- input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state ismaintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

[0101] As shown in block 1104 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter- radio access technology handover procedure. In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is one of downlink control information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based. In one or more embodiments, the uplink timing adjustment is based at least on a latest timing advance command received from the first network node.

[0102] As shown in block 1106 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the first network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), the like, for transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) further includes means for performing one or more of: receive (506), from the second network node (114), a handover request confirmation (506a); transmit the handover request (504a) in response to an energy efficiency determination (502); transmit, to the user equipment (110) or the second network node (114), the scheduled resources (512a); transmit (512), to the user equipment (110), a cell-specific configuration of the second network node (114), wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a); or receive (514), from the user equipment (110), a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment (514a). In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) further includes means for causing the user equipment (110) to apply at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration includes at least one of: a first parameter for closed- loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control. In one or moreembodiments, the resources configuration (510a) includes physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (512a / 512b).

[0103] FIGS. 6-11 illustrate flowcharts depicting methods according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and combination of blocks in the flowcharts may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and / or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device 240 of an apparatus employing an embodiment and executed by a processor 220. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0104] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (110) to receive (508), from a first network node(112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to perform an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to receive, from the first network node (112), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (H4).

[0107] In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) configures the user equipment to perform at least one of: receive at least a first portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b) that are carried in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology; or activate at least a second portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b) that are pre-configured in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (512), from one of the first network node (112) or the second network node (114), a cell-specific configuration of the second network node (114), wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) of the multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is one of downlink control (DL) information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) received from the first network node (112) includes: a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNH) (506b).

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the uplink timing adjustment is based at least on a latest timing advance command received from the first network node.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (514), to one of the first network node (112) or the second network node (114), a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment (514a / 514b) to indicate whether the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is successful or not.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated, wherein at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 5G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 6G radio access technology.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to apply at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration includes at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, at least one of an uplink multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

[0116] In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) includes physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a / 512b).

[0117] In one or more embodiments, a first network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network node (112) to transmit (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio accesstechnology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channelless procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0118] In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover includes: the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b).

[0119] In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) further receives (506), from the second network node (114), a handover request confirmation (506a). Additionally or alternatively, the first network node (112) transmits the handover request (504a) in response to an energy efficiency determination (502). Additionally or alternatively, the first network node (112) transmits, to the user equipment (110) or the second network node (114), the scheduled resources (512a). Additionally or alternatively, the first network node (112) transmits (512), to the user equipment (110), a cell-specific configuration of the second network node (114), wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH) (512a). Additionally or alternatively, the first network node (112) receives (514), from the user equipment (110), a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment (514a).

[0120] In one or more embodiments, when the handover request (504a) indicates a handover reason as inter-radio access technology handover multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing, the handover request does not include the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (506b).

[0121] In one or more embodiments, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is one of downlink control information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based.

[0122] In one or more embodiments, when the handover request (504a) indicates that the new cell radio network temporary identifier (506b) is needed, the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover includes the new cell radio network temporary identifier (506b).

[0123] In one or more embodiments, the uplink timing adjustment is based at least on a latest timing advance command received from the first network node.

[0124] In one or more embodiments, the first network node (112) of the first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated; wherein at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 5G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology includes a 6G radio access technology.

[0125] In one or more embodiments the first network node (112) is further caused to cause the user equipment (110) to apply at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration includes at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control.

[0126] In one or more embodiments, at least one of an uplink multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

[0127] In one or more embodiments, the resources configuration (510a) includes physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (512a / 512b).

[0128] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided that includes means for receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). The user equipment (110) further includes means for performing an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the interradio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication(508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

[0129] In one or more embodiments, a first network node (112) is provided that includes means for transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi- radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) further includes means for transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter- radio access technology handover procedure. The first network node (112) further includes means for transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0130] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes receiving (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). The method includes means for performing an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

[0131] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a first network node (112) and includes transmitting (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The method further includes transmitting (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) interradio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure. The method further includes transmitting (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114).

[0132] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to receive (508), from a first network node (112), an indication (508a) of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology to a second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied (508a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to perform an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication (508a) indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a first network node (112), cause the first network node (112) to transmit (504), to a second network node (114), a handover request (504a) including an indication (508a) to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request (504a) indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) (506b) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node (114) of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (508), to a user equipment (110), the indication (508a) to apply the multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure (520) or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure. The first network node (112) is further caused to transmit (510), to the user equipment (110), a resources configuration (510a) that schedules resources (512a / 512b) to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node (112) or the second network node (114). Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A user equipment, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: receive, from a first network node, an indication of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node of a first radio access technology to a second network node of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied; and perform an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

2. The user equipment of claim 1, further caused to receive, from the first network node, a resources configuration that schedules resources to be received from one of: the first network node or the second network node.

3. The user equipment of claim 2, wherein the resources configuration configures the user equipment to perform at least one of: receive at least a first portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) that are carried in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology; or activate at least a second portion of the scheduled resources (PDSCH) that are preconfigured in one of: the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology.

4. The user equipment of claim 3, further caused to:receive, from one of the first network node or the second network node, a cell-specific configuration of the second network node, wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH).

5. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the indication of the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is one of downlink control (DL) information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based.

6. The user equipment of claim 1 , wherein the indication received from the first network node comprises: a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

7. The user equipment of claim 6, wherein the uplink timing adjustment is based at least on a latest timing advance command received from the first network node.

8. The user equipment of claim 1, further caused to: transmit, to one of the first network node or the second network node, a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment to indicate whether the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover is successful or not.

9. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein: the first network node of the first radio access technology and the second network node of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated; at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology comprises a 5 G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology comprises a 6G radio access technology.

10. The user equipment of claim 1, further caused to: apply at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configurationcomprises at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control.

11. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein at least one of an uplink multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

12. The user equipment of claim 2, wherein the resources configuration comprises physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources (PDSCH).

13. A first network node, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network node to: transmit, to a second network node, a handover request comprising an indication to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node of a first radio access technology and the second network node of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology; transmit, to a user equipment, the indication to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure; and transmit, to the user equipment, a resources configuration that schedules resources to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node or the second network node.

14. The first network node of claim 13, wherein the indication to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover comprises: the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

15. The first network node of claim 13, wherein the first network node further performs one or more of: receive, from the second network node, a handover request confirmation; transmit the handover request in response to an energy efficiency determination; transmit, to the user equipment or the second network node, the scheduled resources; transmit, to the user equipment, a cell-specific configuration of the second network node, wherein the cell-specific configuration is acquired from the scheduled resources (PDSCH); or receive, from the user equipment, a scheduled resources (PDSCH) acknowledgment.

16. The first network node of claim 13, wherein when the handover request indicates a handover reason as inter-radio access technology handover multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing, the handover request does not comprise the new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

17. The first network node of claim 13, wherein the indication to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is one of downlink control information based or medium access control (MAC) control element based.

18. The first network node of claim 13, wherein when the handover request indicates that the new cell radio network temporary identifier is needed, the indication to apply the multiradio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover comprises the new cell radio network temporary identifier.

19. The first network node of claim 13, wherein the uplink timing adjustment is based at least on a latest timing advance command received from the first network node.

20. The first network node of claim 13, wherein:the first network node of the first radio access technology and the second network node of the second radio access technology are either collocated or non-collocated; at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology comprises a 5 G radio access technology, and at least one of the first radio access technology or the second radio access technology comprises a 6G radio access technology.

21. The first network node of claim 13, further caused to: cause the user equipment to apply at least part of an uplink power control related configuration of the first network node to the second network node, wherein the uplink power control related configuration comprises at least one of: a first parameter for closed-loop power control or a second parameter for open-loop power control.

22. The first network node of claim 12, wherein at least one of an uplink multipleinput, multiple-output (MIMO) scheme or an uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is maintained when a common beam is used for the first random access technology and the second random access technology.

23. The first network node of claim 12, wherein the resources configuration comprises physical layer parameters for the scheduled resources.

24. A user equipment, comprising: means for receiving, from a first network node, an indication of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node of a first radio access technology to a second network node of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied; and means for performing an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the receivedindication indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover.

25. A first network node, comprising: means for transmitting, to a second network node, a handover request comprising an indication to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node of a first radio access technology and the second network node of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology; means for transmitting, to a user equipment, the indication to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure; and means for transmitting, to the user equipment, a resources configuration that schedules resources to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node or the second network node.

26. A computer-implemented method, performed by a user equipment, comprising: receiving, from a first network node, an indication of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node of a first radio access technology to a second network node of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied; and performing an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the interradio access technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indicationindicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

27. A computer-implemented method, performed by a first network node, comprising: means for transmitting, to a second network node, a handover request comprising an indication to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNU) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node of a first radio access technology and the second network node of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology; means for transmitting, to a user equipment, the indication to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure; and means for transmitting, to the user equipment, a resources configuration that schedules resources to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node or the second network node.

28. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to: receive, from a first network node, an indication of an inter-radio access technology handover (inter-RAT HO) from the first network node of a first radio access technology to a second network node of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology, and wherein the indication indicates that multi -radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover is applied; and perform an access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radioaccess technology handover procedure, when it is determined that the received indication indicates that the user equipment is to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover.

29. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a first network node, cause the first network node to: transmit, to a second network node, a handover request comprising an indication to apply a multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover, wherein the handover request indicates whether a new cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) is needed, and wherein the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter-radio access technology handover takes place between the first network node (112) of a first radio access technology and the second network node of a second radio access technology, wherein the first radio access technology is different from the second radio access technology; transmit, to a user equipment, the indication to apply the multi-radio access technology spectrum sharing (MRSS) inter- radio access technology handover, wherein the indication further indicates to perform an initial access to the second network node via at least one or both of: a random access channel-less procedure or maintaining an uplink (UL) timing adjustment during the inter-radio access technology handover procedure; and transmit, to the user equipment, a resources configuration that schedules resources to be received by the user equipment from one of: the first network node or the second network node.

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