Cell switch using configured grants and configured grant indications

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to cell switch. In an aspect, a terminal device may receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple configured grants (CGs) for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device. And the terminal device may receive an indication for an index corresponding to a CG, the CG is to be used for cell switch.

Description

CELL SWITCHFIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the field of communication and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses and a computer readable storage medium for cell switch.BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication network can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network.

[0003] Such communication networks operate in accordance with standards, such as those promulgated by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of such standards include the so-called 5G (5th Generation) standard or other standards promulgated by 3GPP.SUMMARY

[0004] In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for cell switch, especially for cell switch using shared configured grants (CGs). In particular, a UE may use the shared CGs to perform the cell switch. With this solution, an efficient CG configuration will be implemented, thereby improving the performance of communication with measurement reporting.

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device at least to receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple configured grants (CGs) for cell switch, wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; determine a CG for cell switch from the multiple CGs; and transmit, to the source network device, first information associated with the determined CG to confirm whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0006] In a second aspect, there is provided a source network device. The source network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. Theinstructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the source network device at least to receive, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; receive, from the first network device, the multiple CGs in a second message; transmit, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs; and receive, from the terminal device, first information associated with a CG of the multiple CGs determined by the terminal device.

[0007] In a third aspect, there is provided a target network device. The target network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the target network device at least to transmit, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a first network device. The first network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network device at least to receive, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch; transmit, to a source network device, the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; and transmit, to the source network device, the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device at least to receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple configured grants (CGs) for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and receive an indication for an index corresponding to a CG, the CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a source network device. The source network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the source network device at least to receive, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cellswitch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; receive, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message; transmit, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; and transmit, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multiple indices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a target network device. The target network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the target network device at least to transmit, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a first network device. The first network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network device at least to receive, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; transmit, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and transmit, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message..

[0013] In a ninth aspect, there is provided a method implemented at a terminal device. The method comprises receiving, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; determining a CG for cell switch from the multiple CGs; and transmitting, to the source network device, first information associated with the determined CG to confirm whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a method implemented at a source network device.The method comprises receiving, from a target network device via a first network device,multiple CGs for cell switch in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; receiving, from the first network device, the multiple CGs in a second message; transmitting, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs; and receiving, from the terminal device, first information associated with a CG of the multiple CGs determined by the terminal device.

[0015] In a eleventh aspect, there is provided a method implemented at a target network device. The method comprises transmitting, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method implemented at a first network device. The method comprises receiving, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch; transmitting, to a source network device, the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; and transmitting, to the source network device, the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a method implemented at a terminal device. The method comprises receiving, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and receiving an indication for an index corresponding to one CG, the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a method implemented at a source network device. The method comprises receiving, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; receiving, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message; transmitting, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; and transmitting, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multiple indices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0019] In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a method implemented at a target network device. The method comprises transmitting, to a terminal device via a source network deviceand a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device.

[0020] In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a method implemented at a first network device. The method comprises receiving, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; transmitting, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and transmitting, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0021] In a seventeenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; means for determining a CG for cell switch from the multiple CGs; and means for transmitting, to the source network device, first information associated with the determined CG to confirm whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0022] In a eighteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; means for receiving, from the first network device, the multiple CGs in a second message; means for transmitting, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, first information associated with a CG of the multiple CGs determined by the terminal device.

[0023] In a nineteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device.

[0024] In a twentieth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch; means for transmitting, to a source network device, the multiple CGs in a first message, and whereinthe target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; and means for transmitting, to the source network device, the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0025] In a twenty-first aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and means for receiving an indication for an index corresponding to one CG, the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0026] In a twenty-second aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; means for receiving, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message; means for transmitting, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; and means for transmitting, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multiple indices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0027] In a twenty-third aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device.

[0028] In a twenty-fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; means for transmitting, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; means for transmitting, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0029] In a twenty-fifth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to any one of the above third and fourth aspects.

[0030] In a twenty-sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method according to any one of the above third and fourth aspects.

[0031] In a twenty-seventh aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises receiving circuitry configured to receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple configured grants (CGs) for cell switch, wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device. The terminal device further comprises determining circuitry configured to, determine a CG for cell switch from the multiple CGs. The terminal device further comprises transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to the source network device, first information associated with the determined CG to confirm whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0032] In a twenty-eighth aspect, there is provided a source network device. The source network device comprises first receiving circuitry configured to receive, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; second receiving circuitry configured to receive, from the first network device, the multiple CGs in a second message; transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs; and third receiving circuitry configured to receive, from the terminal device, first information associated with a CG of the multiple CGs determined by the terminal device.

[0033] In a twenty-ninth aspect, there is provided a target network device. The target network device comprises transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device.

[0034] In a thirty aspect, there is provided a first network device. The first network device comprises receiving circuitry configured to receive, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch; first transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to a source networkdevice, the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; and second transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to the source network device, the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0035] In a thirty-first aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises first receiving circuitry configured to receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple configured grants (CGs) for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device. The terminal device further comprises second receiving circuitry configured to receive an indication for an index corresponding to a CG, the CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0036] In a thirty-second aspect, there is provided a source network device. The source network device comprises first receiving circuitry configured to receive, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; second receiving circuitry configured to receive, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message; first transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; and second transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multiple indices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0037] In a thirty-third aspect, there is provided a target network device. The target network device comprises transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device.

[0038] In a thirty-fourth aspect, there is provided a first network device. The first network device comprises receiving circuitry configured to receive, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; first transmitting circuitry configured transmit, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, andwherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and second transmitting circuitry configured to transmit, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0039] It is to be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication network in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example of determination of CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example of determination of CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example of process for cell switch using the CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example of process for cell switch using the CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a source network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a target network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a source network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a target network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 14 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0055] FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0058] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0059] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0060] It shall be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0062] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the softwaremay not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0063] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0064] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the future fifth generation (5G) and the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0065] As used herein, the term “network device” and “access network device” refer to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology.

[0066] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wirelesscommunication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0067] L3 conditional handover is a procedure where the network configures the UE with one or more signal threshold based conditions (L3 conditions) for one or more cells and provides them to the UE with the target cell configuration. The UE evaluates the conditions and at the event of a condition for a cell becoming met, executes conditional handover (by applying the target cell configuration) without a handover command to this cell. With this procedure the conditions and the target cell configurations are provided to the UE early. This approach has the drawback that the target cell resources need to be provided to the UE in advance. Additionally, the network does not know when the condition will be met and the UE will apply the target cell configuration (and perform cell change). On the other hand, this approach has the benefit that the UE receives the target cell configuration early and the risk of failure is reduced.

[0068] Rel-18 LTM (L1 / L2 triggered mobility) is a mobility procedure where the network configures the UE with up to 8 candidate cells, and eventually sends a cell switch command to the UE to perform cell switch to one of those cells. Cell switch decision may be based on LI or L3 measurements reported by the UE.

[0069] It proposed a goals to aim to support conditional LTM including subsequent LTM.Hence, for Rel-19 conditional LTM (C-LTM), procedures defined in Rel-18 LTM, which was based on network-triggered cell switch, may have to be enhanced to support UE-autonomous cell switch triggering. This includes resource grant provisioning to the UE and efficient cell switch operation in general for the cell change.

[0070] In Conditional LTM (C-LTM) for the cell switch the network has three options regarding the resource to be used after the cell switch triggering event (in the UE):Allocate a Configured Grant (CG) from the moment of the configuration of the C- LTM (at the time of preparation). o Challenge: the CG is reserved for prolonged amount of time, since the network does not know when the UE will use it.Configure the UE to perform C-LTM with RACH. o Challenge: this will lead to increase in the interruption time which contradicts with the rational behind the introduction of LTMConfigure the UE with a Dynamic Grant. o Challenge: this would require the target cells to provide in the PDCCH for extended amount of time, practically resulting in resource waste.

[0071] Thus, there exists an issue: a mechanism is needed to provide to the C-LTM- configured UEs, CGs for limited amount of time, in a way that facilitates simultaneous configuration, so as to enable efficient CG configuration.

[0072] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure address the configuration of CGs to multiple UE to be used after triggering of the cell change in case of C-LTM.

[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example communication network 100 in which some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication network 100 may include terminal device 110, source distributed unit (DU) 120, target DU 130 and centralized unit (CU) 140. Terminal device 110 is in connection with the source DU 120. CU 140 may control the source DU 120 and the target DU 130. Terminal device 110 may perform cell switch from the source DU 120 to the target DU 130.

[0074] It is to be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices is only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitations. The system 100 may include any suitable number of terminal devices, source DUs, target DUs and CUs with anysuitable number of cell adapted for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Communications in the communication system 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G) and the sixth generation (6G) and on the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0076] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example of process for measurement reporting according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 200 may involve the terminal device 110, source DU 120, target DU 130 and CU 140 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0077] In FIG. 2, the target DU 130 may transmit 201 multiple CGs for cell switch to CU 140. CU 140 may transmit 202 the multiple CGs in a first message to a source DU 120. CU 140 may transmit 203 the multiple CGs in a second message to the source DU 120. The source DU 120 may transmit 204 multiple CGs for cell change to the terminal device 110. The terminal device 110 may determine 205 a CG for cell switch from the multiple CGs. In the end, the terminal device 110 may transmit 206 first information to the source DU 120.

[0078] In this way, target DU configures the UE with multiple CGs at the time of preparation and informs the Source DU as well. The UE at certain point of time informs the Source DU about which CG it plans to use. It is to be noted that the details in Figure 2 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 4.

[0079] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example of determination of CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the process 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 300 may involve theterminal device 110, source DU 120, target DU 130 and CU 140 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0080] In FIG. 3, the target DU 130 may transmit 301 multiple CGs for cell switch and CG indices to CU 140. CU 140 may transmit 302 the multiple CGs and CG indices in a first message to a source DU 120. CU 140 may transmit 303 the multiple CGs and CG indices in a second message to the source DU 120. The source DU 120 may transmit 304 multiple CGs for cell change and CG indices to the terminal device 110. The source DU 120 may transmit 305 an indication for an index corresponding to a CG for cell switch.

[0081] In this way, target DU configures the source DU with a set of CGs at the time of preparation (or at the time of the Fl set up), together with the provision of the CGs to the UE. The source DU will indicate the CG to be used to the UE it informs the source DU it about the early TA acquisition. It is to be noted that the details in Figure 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example of process for cell switch using the CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 200 may involve the terminal device 110, source DU 120, target DU 130 and CU 140 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0083] In the FIG. 4, the target DU 130 provides multiple CGs to the terminal device 110 and a method to use them in a uniquely manner is defined. In step 1, the terminal device 110 provides L3 measurement reports to the CU 140. In step 2, based on L3 measurements the CU 140 decides on which cells should be prepared for C-LTM mobility. In step 3, the CU 140 sends a terminal device 110 context setup request to the target DU 130. In step 4, the target DU 130 provides to the CU 140 the UE configuration for the cell change and a set of CGs (e.g., CG-A and CG-B). These CGs are provided to more than one UEs. Optionally, an index is provided together with the CGs.

[0084] In step 5, the CU 140 provides the UE configuration to the source DU 120. This message contains the set of CGs (e.g., CG-A and CG-B) provided by target DU 130, together with the index if it is available. In step 6-8, the source DU 120 responds. If required CU 140 contacts again the Target DU 130. In steps 9-12, the CU 140 compiles the RRC Reconfiguration message containing the C-LTM configuration. This message includes the set of CGs (e.g., CG-A and CG-B) and shares it with the terminal device 110 through the source DU 120; the index is shared if it is available. The terminal device 110 acknowledges thereception.

[0085] In step 13, the terminal device 110 performs early TA acquisition. The acquisition can be either using RACH (via PDCCH order or via a configured event), or UE based TA estimation. In step 14, the terminal device 110 decides the CG to use at the cell switch. The decision can be random, or based on the beam measurements. In step 15, the terminal device 110 informs the source DU 120 about the configured grant to use, e.g., CG-A. Optionally, the terminal device 110 can use the index ID to describe the CG-A. In steps 16-17, the source DU 120 evaluates if the CG is already reserved by another terminal device using the same procedure. If not, it acknowledges its use from the UE.

[0086] Alternatively, if in step 16 the Source DU 120 identify that the CG that the terminal device 110 intends to use is already reserved by another terminal device, it will send a NACK to the terminal device 110. And it will inform the target DU 130 via CU 140 to start providing at least one Dynamic Grant (DG) in the PDCCH. The target DU 130 will start providing at least one DG in the PDCCH and the terminal device 110 use it once it changes cell.

[0087] Alternatively, in case of bad radio conditions, the terminal device 110 may have its lost connectivity with source DU 120. Then, messages in step 15 and 17 are likely to be lost. In case the UE does not receive an ACK / NACK message in a predefined time, it will proceed in RACH to the target cell. The predefined time can be configured in steps 4, 5, 9, 10.

[0088] In step 18, the source DU 120 informs target DU 130 about the reservation of the CG, e.g., CG-A. In step 19, the terminal device 110, based on its local measurements and the configured event, decides to trigger C-LTM. In step 20, the terminal device 110 uses the CG (i.e., CG-A) to access the target DU 130 (target cell). In steps 21-25, a cell switch procedure takes place, as it is specified in Rel.18 LTM. Specifically, the target DU 130 informs CU 140 about the access success of the terminal device 110, and the terminal device 110 sends an RRC Reconfiguration Complete to the CU 140 through the target DU 130. CU 140 will decide if it will release the UE context or not from the Source, or the other prepared target DUs.

[0089] In this way, a process is proposed, in which target DU provides multiple CGs to the UE, the target DU informs the source DU about the CGs the target DU configured to the UE, and the UE randomly selects one of the CGs to use at the time of the cell change. The source DU ACKs / NACKs the usage. Alternatively, the UE can decide the CG usage based on the beam measurements, and the UE based on the decision uses the CG or changes to RACH.

[0090] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an example of process for cell switch using the CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the process 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 500 may involve the terminal device 110, source DU 120, target DU 130 and CU 140 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0091] FIG. 5 shows the target DU 130 provides multiple CGs to the terminal device 110 and a method to use them in a uniquely manner is defined. In step 1, the terminal device 110 provides L3 measurement reports to the CU. In step 2, based on L3 measurements the CU 140 decides on which cells should be prepared for C-LTM mobility. In step 3, the CU 140 sends a UE context setup request to the target DU 130. In step 4, the target DU 130 provides to the CU 140 the UE configuration for the cell change and a set of CGs (e.g., CG-A and CG- B), these CGs are provided to more than one UEs. An index is provided together with the CGs.

[0092] In step 5, the CU 140 provides the UE configuration to the source DU 130. This message contains the set of CGs (e.g., CG-A and CG-B) provided by target DU 130, together with the index. In step 6-8, the source DU 120 responds. If required CU 140 contacts again the target DU 130. In steps 9-12, the CU 140 compiles the RRC Reconfiguration message containing the C-LTM configuration. This message includes the set of CGs (e.g., CG-A and CG-B) and shares it with the terminal device 110 through the Source DU 120. Also, the index is shared. The terminal device 110 acknowledges the reception.

[0093] In step 13, the source DU 120 sends a PDCCH order to the terminal device 110 and provides a CG index to be used at the cell change. In step 14, the source DU 120 informs target DU 130 about the reservation of the CG, e.g., CG-A. In step 15, the terminal device 110 performs RACH to the target DU 130 (target cell). In steps 16-17, the terminal device 110 decides to trigger cell change to a cell that it has TA and a CG and uses them to perform cell switch.

[0094] In steps 21-25, a cell switch procedure takes place, as it is specified in Rel.18 LTM. Specifically, the target DU 130 informs the CU 140 about the access success of the terminal device 110, and the terminal device 110 sends an RRC Reconfiguration Complete to the CU 140 through the target DU 130. The CU 140 will decide if it will release the UE context or not from the source, or the other prepared target DUs.

[0095] In this way, a process is proposed in which target DU provides multiple CGs to theUE, the target DU informs the source DU about the CGs it configured to the UE, and the source DU triggers TA acquisition and provides the index of the CG to be used.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a terminal device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 600 will be described from the perspective of the terminal device 110 with reference to FIG. 4.

[0097] At block 610, the terminal device may receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device. At block 620, the terminal device may determine a CG for cell switch from the multiple CGs. At block 630, the terminal device may transmit, to the source network device, first information associated with the determined CG to confirm whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further receive, from the source network device, feedback information, wherein the feedback information is associated with a determination of the source network device for the determined CG and confirm, based on the feedback information, whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0099] In some embodiments, the terminal device may confirm whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch based on the feedback information by: confirming the determined CG is to be used for cell switch based on determining that the feedback information comprises acknowledgment (ACK) for the first information associated with the determined CG.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terminal device may confirm whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch based on the feedback information by: confirming the determined CG is not to be used for cell switch based on determining that the feedback information comprises negative acknowledgment (NACK) for the first information associated with the determined CG.

[0101] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further in case no feedback information is received in a predetermined time period, perform random access (RA) to the target network device, and wherein a configuration of the predetermined time period is transmitted with the multiple CGs.

[0102] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further receive, from the sourcenetwork device, multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, wherein the terminal device is caused to determine a CG for cell switch from the multiple CGs by: determining an index corresponding to the determined CG from the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs.

[0103] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further transmit, to the source network device, the index corresponding to the determined CG from the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs.

[0104] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is used for the reservation of the determined CG: the index, or the first information.

[0105] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a source network device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the source network device 120 with reference to FIG. 4.

[0106] At block 710, the source network device may receive, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device. At block 720, the source network device may receive, from the first network device, the multiple CGs in a second message. At block 730, the source network device may transmit, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs. At block 740, the source network device may receive, from the terminal device, first information associated with a CG of the multiple CGs determined by the terminal device.

[0107] In some embodiments, the source network device may further determine, based on the first information, feedback information, the feedback information is associated with whether the determined CG is reserved for another terminal device; and transmit, to the terminal device, the feedback information.

[0108] In some embodiments, the source network device may determine the feedback information by: determining the feedback information comprises ACK for the first information based on the determined CG is not reserved for the another terminal device.

[0109] In some embodiments, the source network device may further transmit, to the target network device via the first network device, information associated with the determined CG is reserved by the terminal device.

[0110] In some embodiments, the source network device may determine the feedback information by: determining the feedback information comprises NACK for the first information based on the determined CG is reserved for the another terminal device.

[0111] In some embodiments, the source network device may further transmit, to the target network device via the first network device, an indication that the target network device starts transmitting at least one DG to the terminal device.

[0112] In some embodiments, at least one of the following: the multiple CGs and multiple indices corresponding the multiple CGs are comprised in the first message; the multiple CGs and multiple indices corresponding the multiple CGs are comprised in the second message; the multiple indices corresponding the multiple CGs transmitted with the multiple CGs to the terminal device; and an index of the multiple indices corresponding the multiple CGs transmitted from the terminal device.

[0113] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example method 800 implemented at a target network device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 800 will be described from the perspective of the target network device 130 with reference to FIG. 4.

[0114] At block 810, the target network device may transmit, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device.

[0115] In some embodiments, the target network device may further receive, from the source network device via the first network device, information associated with a CG of the multiple CGs is reserved by the terminal device, wherein the CG is determined by the terminal device for cell switch.

[0116] In some embodiments, the target network device may further receive, from the source network device via the first network device, an indication that the target network device start transmitting multiple DGs to the terminal device.

[0117] In some embodiments, the target network device may further transmit, to the terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs.

[0118] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an example method 900 implemented at the firstnetwork device (CU 140) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 900 will be described from the perspective of the first network device (CU 140) with reference to FIG. 4.

[0119] At block 910, the first network device may receive, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch. At block 920, the first network device may transmit, to a source network device, the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device. At block 930, the first network device may transmit, to the source network device, the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first network device may further receive, from the source network device, information associated with a CG is reserved by a terminal device and transmit, to the target network device, the information associated with the CG is reserved by the terminal device.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first network device may further receive, from the source network device, an indication that the target network device start transmitting multiple DGs to the terminal device and transmit, to the target network device, the indication.

[0122] In some embodiments, at least one of the following: the multiple indices corresponding the multiple CGs are received with the multiple CGs from the target device; the multiple CGs and multiple indices corresponding the multiple CGs are comprised in the first message; and the multiple CGs and multiple indices corresponding the multiple CGs are comprised in the second message.

[0123] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an example method 1000 implemented at a terminal device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 1000 will be described from the perspective of the terminal device 110 with reference to FIG. 5.

[0124] At block 1010, the terminal device may receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple configured grants (CGs) for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device. At block 1020, the terminal device may receive an indication for an index corresponding to a CG, the CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further perform, random accesschannel (RACH) to the target cell.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further determine to trigger conditional L1 / L2 triggered mobility (C-LTM).

[0127] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further perform cell switch to the target network device based on the CG.

[0128] In some embodiments, the indication comprises the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) order.

[0129] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an example method 1100 implemented at a source network device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 1100 will be described from the perspective of the source network device 120 with reference to FIG. 5.

[0130] At block 1110, the source network device may receive, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device. At block 1120, the source network device may receive, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message. At block 1130, the source network device may transmit, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs. At block 1140, the source network device may transmit, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multiple indices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0131] In some embodiments, the source network device may further transmit, to the target network device via the first network device, information associated with one CG of the multiple CGs, wherein the one CG is indicated by the source network device for cell switch.

[0132] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an example method 1200 implemented at a target network device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 1200 will be described from the perspective of the target network device 130 with reference to FIG. 5

[0133] At block 1210, the target network device may transmit, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and thesource network device is controlled by the first network device.

[0134] In some embodiments, the target network device may further receive, from the source network device via the first network device, information associated with one CG of the multiple CGs, wherein the one CG is indicated by the source network device for cell switch.

[0135] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an example method 1300 implemented at a first network device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 1300 will be described from the perspective of the first network device (CU 140) with reference to FIG. 5.

[0136] At block 1310, the first network device may receive, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs. At block 1320, the first network device may transmit, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device. At block 1330, the first network device may transmit, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first network device may further receive, from the source network device, information associated with one CG of the multiple CGs, wherein the one CG is indicated by the source network device for cell switch; and transmit, to the target network device, the information associated with the one CG of the multiple CGs for cell switch.

[0138] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 600 (for example, the terminal device 110 in FIG. 4) may comprise means for: receiving, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; determining a CG for cell switch from the multiple CGs; and transmitting to the source network device, first information associated with the determined CG to confirm whether the determined CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0139] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 700 (for example, the source network device 120 in FIG. 4) may comprise means for: receiving, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch in a firstmessage, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; receiving, from the first network device, the multiple CGs in a second message; transmitting, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs; and receiving, from the terminal device, first information associated with a CG of the multiple CGs determined by the terminal device.

[0140] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 800 (for example, the target network device 130 in FIG. 4) may comprise means for: transmitting, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device.

[0141] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 900 (for example, the first network device (CU) 140 in FIG. 4) may comprise means for: receiving, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch; transmitting, to a source network device, the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device are controlled by the first network device; and transmitting, to the source network device, the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0142] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 1000 (for example, the terminal device 110 in FIG. 5) may comprise means for: receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple configured grants (CGs) for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and receiving an indication for an index corresponding to a CG, the CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0143] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 1100 (for example, the source network device 120 in FIG. 5) may comprise means for: receiving, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; receiving, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message; transmitting, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; and transmitting, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multipleindices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

[0144] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 1200 (for example, the target network devicel30 in FIG. 5) may comprise means for: transmitting, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device.

[0145] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 1300 (for example, the first network device (CU) 140 in FIG. 5) may comprise means for: receiving, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; transmitting, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and transmitting, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message.

[0146] FIG. 14 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1400 that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1400 may be provided to implement the communication device, for example the terminal device 110, the source network device 120, the target network device 130 and the first network device (CU) 140 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 1400 includes one or more processors 1410, one or more memories 1420 coupled to the processor 1410, and one or more communication modules 1440 coupled to the processor 1410.

[0147] The communication module 1440 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 1440 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0148] The processor 1410 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 1400 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0149] The memory 1420 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or morevolatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1424, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random access memory (RAM) 1422 and other volatile memories that will not last in the power-down duration.

[0150] A computer program 1430 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 1410. The program 1430 may be stored in the ROM 1424. The processor 1410 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 1430 into the RAM 1422.

[0151] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 1430 so that the device 1400 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 to 13. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0152] In some embodiments, the program 1430 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 1400 (such as in the memory 1420) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 1400. The device 1400 may load the program 1430 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 1422 for execution. The computer readable medium may include any types of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like.

[0153] FIG. 15 shows an example of the computer readable medium 1500 in form of CD or DVD. The computer readable medium has the program 1430 stored thereon.

[0154] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. While various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0155] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor, to carry out the methods 600-1300 as described above with reference to FIGS. 6-13. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0156] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program codes, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0157] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0158] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD- ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself(i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0159] Further, while operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, while several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0160] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A terminal device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device at least to: receive, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple configured grants (CGs) for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and receive an indication for an index corresponding to a CG, the CG is to be used for cell switch.

2. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: perform , random access channel (RACH) to the target cell.

3. The terminal device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: determine to trigger conditional L1 / L2 triggered mobility (C-LTM).

4. The terminal device of any of claims 1-3, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: perform cell switch to the target network device based on the CG.

5. The terminal device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the indication comprises the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) order.

6. A source network device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the source network device at least to: receive, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device;receive, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message; transmit, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; and transmit, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multiple indices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

7. The source network device of claim 6, wherein the source network is further caused to: transmit, to the target network device via the first network device, information associated with one CG of the multiple CGs, wherein the one CG is indicated by the source network device for cell switch.

8. A target network device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the target network device at least to: transmit, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device.

9. The target network device of claim 8, wherein the target network is further caused to: receive, from the source network device via the first network device, information associated with one CG of the multiple CGs, wherein the one CG is indicated by the source network device for cell switch.

10. A first network device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the source network device at least to: receive, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs;transmit, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and transmit, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message.

11. The first network device of claim 10, wherein the first network device is further caused to: receive, from the source network device, information associated with one CG of the multiple CGs, wherein the one CG is indicated by the source network device for cell switch; and transmit, to the target network device, the information associated with the one CG of the multiple CGs for cell switch.

12. A method for communication comprising: receiving, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and receiving an indication for an index corresponding to one CG, the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

13. A method for communication comprising: receiving, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; receiving, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message; transmitting, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; and transmitting, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multiple indices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

14. A method for communication comprising: transmitting, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device.

15. A method for communication comprising: receiving, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; transmitting, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and transmitting, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message.

16. An apparatus for communication comprising: means for receiving, from a target network device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; and means for receiving an indication for an index corresponding to one CG, the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

17. An apparatus for communication comprising: means for receiving, from a target network device via a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; means for receiving, from the first network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message; means for transmitting, to a terminal device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; and means for transmitting, to a terminal device, an indication for an index of the multiple indices corresponding to one CG, wherein the one CG is to be used for cell switch.

18. An apparatus for communication comprising: means for transmitting, to a terminal device via a source network device and a first network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device.

19. An apparatus for communication comprising: means for receiving, from a target network device, multiple CGs for cell switch and multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs; means for transmitting, to a source network device, the multiple CGs for cell switch and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a first message, and wherein the target network device and the source network device is controlled by the first network device; means for transmitting, to the source network device, the multiple CGs and the multiple indices corresponding to the multiple CGs in a second message.

20. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method of claims 12 to 15.

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