Methods and apparatus of a scheme for coordination

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates and satisfying various service requirements. The disclosure provides a method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication network. The method includes: receiving, from a first base station, configuration information used to access a cell of a second base station for continuous data transmission; entering a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; and transmitting, to the second base station, data for the continuous data transmission based on the configuration information.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS OF A SCHEME FOR COORDINATION

[0001] The disclosure relates to the operations of network node and a terminal in wireless communication system, and more specifically, relates to a scheme of coordination between network nodes and terminal for supporting continuous data transmission.

[0002] Considering the development of wireless communication from generation to generation, the technologies have been developed mainly for services targeting humans, such as voice calls, multimedia services, and data services. Following the commercialization of 5G (5th-generation) communication systems, it is expected that the number of connected devices will exponentially grow. Increasingly, these will be connected to communication networks. Examples of connected things may include vehicles, robots, drones, home appliances, displays, smart sensors connected to various infrastructures, construction machines, and factory equipment. Mobile devices are expected to evolve in various form-factors, such as augmented reality glasses, virtual reality headsets, and hologram devices. In order to provide various services by connecting hundreds of billions of devices and things in the 6G (6th-generation) era, there have been ongoing efforts to develop improved 6G communication systems. For these reasons, 6G communication systems are referred to as beyond-5G systems.

[0003] 6G communication systems, which are expected to be commercialized around 2030, will have a peak data rate of tera (1,000 giga)-level bps and a radio latency less than 100μsec, and thus will be 50 times as fast as 5G communication systems and have the 1 / 10 radio latency thereof.

[0004] In order to accomplish such a high data rate and an ultra-low latency, it has been considered to implement 6G communication systems in a terahertz band (for example, 95GHz to 3THz bands). It is expected that, due to severer path loss and atmospheric absorption in the terahertz bands than those in mmWave bands introduced in 5G, technologies capable of securing the signal transmission distance (that is, coverage) will become more crucial. It is necessary to develop, as major technologies for securing the coverage, radio frequency (RF) elements, antennas, novel waveforms having a better coverage than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), beamforming and massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and multiantenna transmission technologies such as large-scale antennas. In addition, there has been ongoing discussion on new technologies for improving the coverage of terahertz-band signals, such as metamaterial-based lenses and antennas, orbital angular momentum (OAM), and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS).

[0005] Moreover, in order to improve the spectral efficiency and the overall network performances, the following technologies have been developed for 6G communication systems: a full-duplex technology for enabling an uplink transmission and a downlink transmission to simultaneously use the same frequency resource at the same time; a network technology for utilizing satellites, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and the like in an integrated manner; an improved network structure for supporting mobile base stations and the like and enabling network operation optimization and automation and the like; a dynamic spectrum sharing technology via collison avoidance based on a prediction of spectrum usage; an use of artificial intelligence (AI) in wireless communication for improvement of overall network operation by utilizing AI from a designing phase for developing 6G and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions; and a next-generation distributed computing technology for overcoming the limit of UE computing ability through reachable super-high-performance communication and computing resources (such as mobile edge computing (MEC), clouds, and the like) over the network. In addition, through designing new protocols to be used in 6G communication systems, developing mecahnisms for implementing a hardware-based security environment and safe use of data, and developing technologies for maintaining privacy, attempts to strengthen the connectivity between devices, optimize the network, promote softwarization of network entities, and increase the openness of wireless communications are continuing.

[0006] It is expected that research and development of 6G communication systems in hyper-connectivity, including person to machine (P2M) as well as machine to machine (M2M), will allow the next hyper-connected experience. Particularly, it is expected that services such as truly immersive extended reality (XR), high-fidelity mobile hologram, and digital replica could be provided through 6G communication systems. In addition, services such as remote surgery for security and reliability enhancement, industrial automation, and emergency response will be provided through the 6G communication system such that the technologies could be applied in various fields such as industry, medical care, automobiles, and home appliances.

[0007] The disclosure relates to a field of communication system, and more specifically, the disclosure relates to supporting continuous data transmission.

[0008] Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide methods and apparatus for providing configuration information to the UE so that the UE can perform continuous data transmission when the UE enters an RRC non-connected state.

[0009] An aspect of the disclosure is to provide methods and apparatus for generating the configuration information based on coordination / interactions between network nodes which provide service associated with the continuous data transmission.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in the various examples of the disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be considered by a person having ordinary skill in the art from the various examples of the disclosure described below.

[0011] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication network is provided. The method may includes: receiving, from a first base station, configuration information used to access a cell of a second base station for continuous data transmission; entering a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; and transmitting, to the second base station, data for the continuous data transmission based on the configuration information.

[0012] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a first base station in a wireless communication network is provided. The method may includes: receiving, from a second base station, information for continuous data transmission of a terminal to the second base station; and transmitting, to the terminal, configuration information used to access a cell of the second base station for the continuous data transmission, wherein the terminal enters a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state based on a reception of the configuration information, and wherein data for the continuous data transmission is transmitted from the terminal to the second base station based on the configuration information.

[0013] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a terminal in a wireless communication network is provided. The terminal may includes a transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor; wherein the instructions cause the terminal to: receive, from a first base station, configuration information used to access a cell of a second base station for continuous data transmission, enter a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state, and transmit, to the second base station, data for the continuous data transmission based on the configuration information.

[0014] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a first base station in a wireless communication network is provided. The first base station may includes a transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor; wherein the instructions cause the first base station to: receive, from a second base station, information for continuous data transmission of a terminal to the second base station, and transmit, to the terminal, configuration information used to access a cell of the second base station for the continuous data transmission, wherein the terminal enters a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state based on a reception of the configuration information, and wherein data for the continuous data transmission is transmitted from the terminal to the second base station based on the configuration information.

[0015] According to one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a fourth node in a wireless communication network, the method including: receiving fifth information from a second node, the fifth information comprising continuous data transmission related indication information; and performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the fifth information.

[0016] In an example, the fifth information further includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; at least one third service-related information for providing related information of the second node and / or the third node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; access layer reference configuration related information; at least one third access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node and / or the third node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0017] In an example, the at least one third service-related information includes at least one of the following: base station identity related information; cell identity related information; tracking area identity related information; area related information; and service time related information.

[0018] In an example, the service time related information includes at least one of the following: start time; duration; and end time.

[0019] In an example, the at least one third access layer configuration related information is an delta / incremental configuration based on the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0020] In an example, the method further includes: initiating a random access procedure; and after the random access is completed, not entering the connected state, performing uplink and / or downlink data transmission.

[0021] In an example, the method further includes: receiving a handover / switch command from the second node or the third node; and continuing to perform continuous data transmission at another cell or node according to the handover / switch command.

[0022] In an example, the method further includes: before performing continuous data transmission, transmitting a related / relevant indication that continuous data transmission is to be performed to the second node or the third node.

[0023] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a second node in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: receiving fifth or sixth information from a first node, the fifth or sixth information including continuous data transmission related indication information; and transmitting fifth information to the fourth node, the fifth information including continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0024] In an example, the sixth information further includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; the at least one third service-related information for providing related information of the second node and / or the third node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0025] In an example, the method further includes: receiving first information from the first node; and transmitting the second information to the first node; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; the continuous data transmission related indication information; the at least one first service-related information for providing related information of the second node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; the access layer reference configuration related information; the at least one first access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0026] In an example, the method further includes: transmitting third information to a third node; and receiving fourth information from the third node; wherein the third information includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; the continuous data transmission related indication information; the at least one second service-related information for providing related information of the third node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; the access layer reference configuration related information; wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; and at least one second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0027] In an example, the method further includes: in at least one cell of / belonging to the second node, performing uplink and / or downlink continuous data transmission with a fourth node, and the fourth node does not enter the connected state during continuous data transmission.

[0028] In an example, the method further includes: transmitting a handover / switch command to a fourth node, the handover / switch command is used for the fourth node to continue to perform continuous data transmission in another cell or node.

[0029] In an example, the method further includes: before receiving the random access preamble from the fourth node, completing preparation of related / relevant user equipment context with at least one third node.

[0030] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a third node in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: receiving third information from a second node, the third information imcluding continuous data transmission related indication information; and transmitting the fourth information to the second node; wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; at least one second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0031] In an example, the third information further includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; the at least one second service-related information for providing related information of the third node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0032] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a first node in a wireless communication network, the method including: transmitting first information to a second node, the first information comprising continuous data transmission related indication information; and receiving second information from the first node; wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; the access layer reference configuration related information; the at least one first access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0033] In an example, the first information further includes at least one of the following: the user equipment identity related information; the at least one first service-related information for providing related information of the second node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0034] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a node device in a wireless communication network, the device including: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to perform any of the methods as described above.

[0035] According to examples of the disclosure, by receiving configuration information from the network node, the terminal may perform continuous data transmission with another network node providing a service even when entering an RRC non-connected state and may receive uninterrupted service.

[0036] In addition, according to examples of the disclosure, by receiving the configuration information generated based on a coordination between network nodes, the terminal may reduce time to access other network node to for performing continuous data transmission and unnecessary signaling.

[0037] The effects that can be obtained from the disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned in the various examples, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0038] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0039] Figure 1 is an example of a wireless network;

[0040] Figure 2 is an example of a base station structure;

[0041] Figure 3 is an example of user equipment;

[0042] Figures 4 is an example of node coordination / interaction.

[0043] Figures 5 is an example of node coordination / interaction.

[0044] Figures 6 is an example of node coordination / interaction.

[0045] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a fourth node in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

[0046] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a network node in a network according to an example of the disclosure.

[0047] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0048] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term "couple" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms "transmit," "receive," and "communicate," as well as derivatives thereof, encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase "associated with," as well as derivatives thereof, means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term "controller" means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of: A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C. Likewise, the term "set" means one or more. Accordingly, a set of items can be a single item or a collection of two or more items.

[0049] Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase "computer readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer readable medium" includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A "non-transitory" computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

[0050] Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0051] The Figures included herein, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Further, those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged wireless communication system.

[0052] Figures 1-8 below describe various embodiments of the disclosure implemented in wireless communications systems. The descriptions of Figures 1-8 are not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. Different embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in any suitably-arranged communications system.

[0053] Figure 1 illustrates an example wireless network according to embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiment of the wireless network shown in Figure 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 could be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, the wireless network includes a base station (next generation nodeB, gNB or gNodeB) 101, a gNB 102, and a gNB 103. The gNB 101 communicates with the gNB 102 and the gNB 103. The gNB 101 also communicates with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

[0055] The gNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to the network 130 for a first plurality of user equipments (UEs) within a coverage area 120 of the gNB 102. The first plurality of UEs includes a UE 111, which may be located in a small business; a UE 112, which may be located in an enterprise (E); a UE 113, which may be located in a WiFi hotspot (HS); a UE 114, which may be located in a first residence (R1); a UE 115, which may be located in a second residence (R2); and a UE 116, which may be a mobile device (M), such as a cell phone, a wireless laptop, a wireless personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like. The gNB 103 provides wireless broadband access to the network 130 for a second plurality of UEs within a coverage area 125 of the gNB 103. The second plurality of UEs includes the UE 115 and the UE 116, as well as subscriber stations (SS, for example, UEs) 117, 118 and 119. In some examples, one or more of the gNBs 101-103 may communicate with each other and with the UEs 111-116 using existing wireless communication techniques, and one or more of the UE 111-119 may communicate directly with each other (e.g., UEs 117-119) using other existing or proposed wireless communication techniques.

[0056] Depending on the network type, the term "base station" or "BS" can refer to any component (or collection of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as transmit point (TP), transmit-receive point (TRP), an enhanced (or "evolved") base station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G base station (gNB), a macrocell, a femtocell, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) access point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. Base stations may provide wireless access in accordance with one or more wireless communication protocols, e.g., 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), high speed packet access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc. For the sake of convenience, the various names for a base station-type apparatus and functionality are used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. Also, depending on the network type, the term "user equipment" (UE) can refer to any component such as a mobile station (MS), subscriber station (SS), remote terminal, wireless terminal, receive point, or user device. For the sake of convenience, the various names for a user equipment-type device and functionality are used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to remote wireless equipment that wirelessly accesses a BS, whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile telephone or smartphone) or is normally considered a stationary device (such as a desktop computer or vending machine).

[0057] Dotted lines show the approximate extents of the coverage areas 120 and 125, which are shown as approximately circular for the purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be clearly understood that the coverage areas associated with gNBs, such as the coverage areas 120 and 125, may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending upon the configuration of the gNBs and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstructions.

[0058] As described in more detail below, one or more of the UEs 111-119 include circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof. In certain examples, and one or more of the gNBs 101-103 includes circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof.

[0059] Although Figure 1 illustrates one example of a wireless network, various changes may be made to Figure 1. For example, the wireless network could include any number of gNBs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. Also, the gNB 101 could communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide those UEs with wireless broadband access to the network 130. Similarly, each gNB 102-103 could communicate directly with the network 130 and provide UEs with direct wireless broadband access to the network 130. Further, the gNBs 101, 102, and / or 103 could provide access to other or additional external networks, such as external telephone networks or other types of data networks.

[0060] Figure 2 illustrates an example base station according to examples of the disclosure. The example of the gNB 102 illustrated in Figure 2 is for illustration only, and the gNBs 101 and 103 of Figure 1 could have the same or similar configuration. However, gNBs come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIGURE 2 does not limit the scope of the disclosure to any particular example of a gNB.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the gNB 102 includes multiple antennas 200a-200n, multiple radio frequency (RF) transceivers 201a-201n, transmit (Tx) processing circuitry 203, and receive (Rx) processing circuitry 204. The gNB 102 further includes a controller / processor 205, a memory 206, and a backhaul or network interface 207.

[0062] The RF transceivers 201a-201n receive, from the antennas 200a-200n, incoming RF signals, such as signals transmitted by UEs in the network 100. The RF transceivers 201a-201n down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are sent to the RX processing circuitry 204, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. The RX processing circuitry 204 transmits the processed baseband signals to the controller / processor 205 for further processing.

[0063] The TX processing circuitry 203 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, web data, electronic mail, or interactive video game data) from the controller / processor 205. The TX processing circuitry 203 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate processed baseband or IF signals. The RF transceivers 201a-201n receive the outgoing processed baseband or IF signals from the TX processing circuitry 203 and up-converts the baseband or IF signals to RF signals that are transmitted via the antennas 201a-201n.

[0064] The controller / processor 205 can include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the gNB 102. For example, the controller / processor 205 could control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceivers 201a-201n, the RX processing circuitry 204, and the TX processing circuitry 203 in accordance with well-known principles. The controller / processor 205 could support additional functions as well, such as more advanced wireless communication functions.

[0065] For instance, the controller / processor 205 could support beam forming or directional routing operations in which outgoing signals from multiple antennas 200a-200n are weighted differently to effectively steer the outgoing signals in a desired direction. Any of a wide variety of other functions could be supported in the gNB 102 by the controller / processor 205.

[0066] The controller / processor 205 is also capable of executing programs and other processes resident in the memory 206, such as an operating system (OS). The controller / processor 205 can move data into or out of the memory 206 as required by an executing process.

[0067] The controller / processor 205 is also coupled to the backhaul or network interface 207. The backhaul or network interface 207 allows the gNB 102 to communicate with other devices or systems over a backhaul connection or over a network. The interface 207 could support communications over any suitable wired or wireless connection(s). For example, when the gNB 102 is implemented as part of a cellular communication system (such as one supporting 5G, LTE, or LTE-A), the interface 207 could allow the gNB 102 to communicate with other gNBs over a wired or wireless backhaul connection. When the gNB 102 is implemented as an access point, the interface 207 could allow the gNB 102 to communicate over a wired or wireless local area network or over a wired or wireless connection to a larger network (such as the Internet). The interface 207 includes any suitable structure supporting communications over a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet or RF transceiver.

[0068] The memory 206 is coupled to the controller / processor 205. Part of the memory 206 could include a random access memory (RAM), and another part of the memory 206 could include a Flash memory or other read only memory (ROM).

[0069] Although Figure 2 illustrates one example of gNB 102, various changes may be made to Figure 2. For example, the gNB 102 could include any number of each component shown in Figure 2. As a particular example, an access point could include a number of interfaces 207, and the controller / processor 205 could support routing functions to route data between different network addresses. As another particular example, while shown as including a single instance of TX processing circuitry 203 and a single instance of RX processing circuitry 204, the gNB 102 could include multiple instances of each (such as one per RF transceiver). Also, various components in Figure 2 could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs.

[0070] Figure 3 illustrates an example user equipment according to examples of the disclosure. The example of the UE 116 illustrated in Figure 3 is for illustration only, and the UEs 111-115 and 117-119 of Figure 1 could have the same or similar configuration. However, UEs come in a wide variety of configurations, and Figure 3 does not limit the scope of the disclosure to any particular example of a UE.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, the UE 116 includes an antenna 301, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 302, TX processing circuitry 303, a microphone 304, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 305. The UE 116 further includes a speaker 306, a controller or processor 307, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 308, an input device 309, a touchscreen display 310, and a memory 311. The memory 311 includes an OS 312 and one or more applications 313.

[0072] The RF transceiver 302 receives, from the antenna 301, an incoming RF signal transmitted by a gNB of the network 100. The RF transceiver 302 down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an IF or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is sent to the RX processing circuitry 305, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuitry 305 transmits the processed baseband signal to the speaker 306 (such as for voice data) or to the processor 307 for further processing (such as for web browsing data).

[0073] The TX processing circuitry 303 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 304 or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the processor 307. The TX processing circuitry 303 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The RF transceiver 302 receives the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from the TX processing circuitry 303 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal that is transmitted via the antenna 301.

[0074] The processor 307 can include one or more processors or other processing devices and execute the OS 312 stored in the memory 311 in order to control the overall operation of the UE 116. For example, the processor 307 could control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceiver 302, the RX processing circuitry 305, and the TX processing circuitry 303 in accordance with well-known principles. In some examples, the processor 307 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0075] The processor 307 is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory 311, such as processes for CSI reporting on uplink channel. The processor 307 can move data into or out of the memory 311 as required by an executing process. In some embodiments, the processor 307 is configured to execute the applications 313 based on the OS 312 or in response to signals received from gNBs or an operator. The processor 307 is also coupled to the I / O interface 308, which provides the UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices, such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I / O interface 308 is the communication path between these accessories and the processor 307.

[0076] The processor 307 is also coupled to the touchscreen display 310. The user of the UE 116 can use the touchscreen display 310 to enter data into the UE 116. The touchscreen display 310 may be a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, or other display capable of rendering text and / or at least limited graphics, such as from web sites.

[0077] The memory 311 is coupled to the processor 307. Part of the memory 311 could include RAM, and another part of the memory 311 could include a Flash memory or other ROM.

[0078] Although Figure 3 illustrates one example of UE 116, various changes may be made to Figure 3. For example, various components in Figure 3 could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs. As a particular example, the processor 307 could be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Also, while Figure 3 illustrates the UE 116 configured as a mobile telephone or smartphone, UEs could be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.

[0079] The exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0080] The text and drawings are provided as examples only to assist in understanding the disclosure. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. Although certain examples and examples have been provided, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, based upon this disclosure, that changes can be made to the embodiments and examples shown without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0081] Before introducing the details, some assumptions and some definitions of the disclosure are given below:

[0082] - The message names in this disclosure are only examples, and other message names may also be used.

[0083] - The "first", "second", etc. included in the message names of this disclosure are only examples of messages and do not represent the execution order.

[0084] - Detailed descriptions of steps irrelated / relevant to the disclosure are omitted in this disclosure.

[0085] - In the disclosure, the steps in each process can be executed in combination with each other or individually. The execution steps of each process are only examples and other possible execution orders are not excluded.

[0086] - In this disclosure, the base station can be a 5G base station (such as gNB, ng-eNB), a 4G base station (such as eNB), a 6G base station, or other types of access nodes.

[0087] - In this disclosure, the transmission of data refers to the reception or transmission of data.

[0088] - In this disclosure, the non-connected state indicates that the user equipment is in an inactive state or deactivated state, one example being a Radio Resource Control (RRC: Radio Resource Control) Inactive state, or indicates that the user equipment is in an Idle state, one example being an RRC Idle state.

[0089] Nodes involved in this disclosure:

[0090] - First node: a node in the core network. In one example, the node is a node of Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)

[0091] - Second node: first base station, or a centralized unit of a base station, or a control plane part of a centralized unit of a base station

[0092] - Third node: second base station, or a centralized unit of a base station, or a control plane part of a centralized unit of a base station

[0093] - Fourth node: User Equipment (UE)

[0094] - Fifth node: third base station, or a centralized unit of the base station, or the control plane part of the centralized unit of the base station

[0095] The disclosure provides a node coordination / interaction method, which ensures data transmission of user equipment in a non-connected state compared to traditional methods.

[0096] It should be pointed out that the data transmission of the user equipment in the non-connected state may mean that the user equipment can perform continuous data transmission across cells and / or across base stations (inter-cell and / or inter-base station continuous data transmission) in the non-connected state, or may mean that the user equipment may continue to perform data transmission on the target cell or candidate cell when initial mobility occurs in the non-connected state, or the user equipment can continue to perform data transmission on the candidate cell when subsequent mobility occurs in the non-connected state. The beneficial effects are described below collectively using "performing continuous data transmission across cells and / or across base stations (inter-cell and / or inter-base station continuous data transmission)".

[0097] Figure 4 illustrates an example method of node coordination / interaction in accordance with the disclosure.

[0098] As illustrate in Figure 4, at step 401, the first node transmits first information to the second node, wherein the first information is used to request / prepare user equipment context-related information.

[0099] Wherein the first information includes at least one of:

[0100] - User equipment identity related information which is used to identify user equipment.

[0101] - Continuous data transmission related indication information for indicating that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0102] - The first service-related information for providing related information of the second node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0103] Optionally, the first service-related information may be a service information list, which includes at least one service information.

[0104] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0105] - Base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0106] - Cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0107] - Tracking area identity related information for identifying a tracking area.

[0108] - Area-related information for providing a service area.

[0109] - Service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0110] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0111] - Start time.

[0112] - Duration.

[0113] - End time.

[0114] Optionally, the first information may be included in the first interface message between the core network and the base station, and the message name may be such as a user equipment context request message, a user equipment context setup request message, a user equipment context modification request message, or a continuous data transmission request message, etc.

[0115] In an example, the second node identifies that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0116] In an example, the second node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the second node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment according to the first service-related information.

[0117] In an example, the second node determines at least one cell that provides continuous data transmission for the user equipment based on the first service-related information.

[0118] At step 402: after receiving the first information, the second node transmits second information to the first node according to the content of the first information, wherein the second information is used to respond to the user equipment context-related information.

[0119] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0120] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0121] - The access layer reference configuration related information for providing the access layer reference configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0122] - The first access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0123] Optionally, the second information may be included in the first interface message, and the message name may be such as a user equipment context response message, a user equipment context setup response message, a user equipment context modification response message, a continuous data transmission response message, etc.

[0124] Optionally, the first node identifies the reference configuration provided by the second node according to the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0125] In an example, the access layer reference configuration related information is included in a container and sent to the first node. Subsequently, the first node may transmit the container including the access layer reference configuration related information to the third node.

[0126] In an example, the first node identifies the access layer configuration provided by the second node according to the first access layer configuration related information.

[0127] In an example, the first access layer configuration related information is included in a container and sent to the first node. Subsequently, the first node may transmit the container including the first access layer configuration related information to the second node.

[0128] The second node generates the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0129] The second node generates the first access layer configuration related information based on the access layer reference configuration related information. In an example, the first access layer configuration related information is generated by performing delta configuration on the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0130] In an example, the second node reserves the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0131] In an example, the second node reserves the first access layer configuration related information.

[0132] At step 403, the first node transmits third information to the third node, wherein the third information is used to request / prepare user equipment context-related information.

[0133] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0134] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0135] - Continuous data transmission related indication information for indicating that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0136] - Second service-related information for providing related information of the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) to provide services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0137] - Access layer reference configuration related information for providing access layer reference configuration provided for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0138] Optionally, the second service-related information may be a service information list, which includes at least one service information.

[0139] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0140] - The base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0141] - The cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0142] - The tracking area identity related information for identifying the tracking area.

[0143] - The area related information for providing the service area.

[0144] - The service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0145] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0146] - The start time.

[0147] - The duration.

[0148] - The end time.

[0149] Optionally, the third information may be included in the first interface message, and the message name may be such as the user equipment context request message, the user equipment context setup request message, the user equipment context modification request message, the continuous data transmission request message, etc.

[0150] In an example, the third node identifies that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0151] In an example, the third node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the third node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment according to the second service-related information.

[0152] In an example, the third node determines at least one cell that provides continuous data transmission for the user equipment based on the second service-related information.

[0153] In an example, the third node reserves the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0154] At step 404: after receiving the third information, the third node transmits fourth information to the first node according to the content of the third information, wherein the fourth information is used to respond to the user equipment context-related information.

[0155] Optionally, the fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0156] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0157] - The second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0158] - The first uplink synchronization configuration information which is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform the early uplink synchronization procedure with the candidate cell.

[0159] - The first reference signal configuration information for providing reference signal related configuration of the serving cell and / or candidate cell to the related / relevant user equipment.

[0160] Optionally, the second access layer configuration related information may be a configuration list, which contains at least one configuration information.

[0161] Optionally, the configuration information includes at least one of cell identity related information and access layer configuration.

[0162] Optionally, the first uplink synchronization configuration information may be an uplink synchronization configuration list, which includes at least one uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0163] The uplink synchronization configuration information, or the first uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0164] - Frequency information for providing frequency related information for performing early uplink synchronization on the candidate cell.

[0165] - Preamble sequence related information.

[0166] - Power ramping step related information.

[0167] - Information related to maximum number of preamble transmissions

[0168] - Random access response window related information.

[0169] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information may be a reference signal configuration list, which includes at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0170] Wherein the reference signal configuration information, or the first reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:

[0171] - Reference signal frequency information.

[0172] - Reference signal subcarrier spacing information.

[0173] - Reference signal periodicity related information.

[0174] - Reference signal position related information.

[0175] The fourth information may be included in the first interface message, and the message name may be such as the user equipment context response message, the user equipment context setup response message, the user equipment context modification response message, or the continuous data transmission response message, etc.

[0176] In an example, the first node identifies the access layer configuration provided by the third node according to the second access layer configuration related information.

[0177] In an example, the second access layer configuration related information is included in a container and sent to the first node. Subsequently, the first node may transmit the container including the access layer configuration related information to the second node.

[0178] In an example, the third node generates access layer configuration related information associated with at least one cell that provides continuous data transmission for related / relevant user equipment based on the access layer reference configuration related information. In an example, the access layer configuration related information is generated by performing delta configuration on the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0179] In an example, the third node reserves the second access layer configuration related information.

[0180] In an example, the first uplink synchronization configuration information is included in a container and sent to the first node. Subsequently, the first node may transmit the container including the uplink synchronization configuration related information to the second node.

[0181] In an example, the first reference signal configuration information is included in a container and sent to the first node. Subsequently, the first node may transmit the container including the reference signal configuration related information to the second node.

[0182] At step 405, the first node transmits fifth information to the second node, wherein the fifth information is for providing related information required by the user equipment to perform continuous data transmission.

[0183] Optionally, the fifth information includes at least one of the following:

[0184] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0185] - The continuous data transmission related indication information for indicating that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0186] - The first service-related information for providing related information of the second node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0187] - The second service-related information for providing related information of the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) to provide services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0188] - The access layer reference configuration related information for providing access layer reference configuration provided for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0189] - The first access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0190] - The second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0191] - The first uplink synchronization configuration information which is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform the early uplink synchronization procedure with the candidate cell.

[0192] - The first reference signal configuration information for providing reference signal related configuration of the serving cell and / or candidate cell to the related / relevant user equipment.

[0193] Optionally, the first or second service-related information may be a service information list, which includes at least one service information.

[0194] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0195] - The base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0196] - The cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0197] - The tracking area identity related information for identifying the tracking area.

[0198] - The area related information for providing the service area.

[0199] - The service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0200] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0201] - The start time.

[0202] - The duration.

[0203] - The end time.

[0204] Optionally, the first uplink synchronization configuration information may be an uplink synchronization configuration list, which includes at least one uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0205] The uplink synchronization configuration information, or the first uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0206] - The frequency information for providing frequency related information for performing early uplink synchronization on the candidate cell.

[0207] - The preamble sequence related information.

[0208] - The power ramping step related information.

[0209] - The information related to maximum number of preamble transmissions

[0210] - The random access response window related information.

[0211] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information may be a reference signal configuration list, which includes at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0212] Wherein the reference signal configuration information, or the first reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:

[0213] - The reference signal frequency information.

[0214] - The reference signal subcarrier spacing information.

[0215] - The reference signal periodicity related information.

[0216] - The reference signal position related information.

[0217] Optionally, the fifth information may be included in the first interface message and the message name may be such as the user equipment context request message, the user equipment context setup request message, the user equipment context modification request message, the continuous data transmission request message, the user equipment context transfer messages, or the continuous data transfer information messages, etc.

[0218] In an example, the second node identifies the provided access layer reference configuration according to the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0219] In an example, the access layer reference configuration related information is included in a container and sent to the second node.

[0220] The second node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the second node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment, according to the first service related information.

[0221] In an example, the first service-related information is included in a container and sent to the second node.

[0222] The second node identifies the access layer configuration provided by the second node according to the first access layer configuration related information.

[0223] In an example, the first access layer configuration related information is included in a container and sent to the second node.

[0224] In an example, the first uplink synchronization configuration information is included in a container and sent to the second node.

[0225] In an example, the first reference signal configuration information is included in a container and sent to the second node.

[0226] The second node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the third node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment according to the second service related information.

[0227] In an example, the second service-related information is included in a container and sent to the second node.

[0228] The second node identifies the access layer configuration provided by the third node according to the second access layer configuration related information.

[0229] In an example, the second access layer configuration related information is included in a container and sent to the second node.

[0230] In an example, the first service-related information is included in the first access layer configuration-related information.

[0231] In an example, the second service-related information is included in the second access layer configuration related information.

[0232] At step 406, the second node transmits the fifth information to the fourth node, for providing the fourth node with related information required by the fourth node to perform continuous data transmission.

[0233] Optionally, the fifth information may be included in an air interface message, and the message name may be such as a radio resource control reconfiguration message, a radio resource control release message, a radio resource control suspend message, a continuous data transmission information message, or a downlink information transmission message, etc.

[0234] The fourth node configures and / or stores the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0235] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first service related information.

[0236] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first access layer configuration related information.

[0237] The fourth node configures and / or stores the second service related information.

[0238] The fourth node configures and / or stores the second access layer configuration related information.

[0239] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0240] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first reference signal configuration information.

[0241] In an example, the first service-related information is included in the first access layer configuration-related information.

[0242] In an example, the second service-related information is included in the second access layer configuration related information.

[0243] In an example, the fifth information includes third service-related information, and the third service-related information includes the first service-related information and the second service-related information.

[0244] In an example, the fifth information includes third access layer configuration related information, and the third access layer configuration related information includes the first access layer configuration related information and the second access layer configuration related information.

[0245] In an example, after receiving the fifth information, the fourth node enters the inactive state or the idle state.

[0246] In an example, the fourth node transmits a preamble to the corresponding candidate cell according to the first uplink synchronization configuration information, and receives the timing advance of the related / relevant candidate cell from the serving cell.

[0247] The fourth node identifies that the fifth information is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0248] At step 407: optionally, the fourth node initiates the random access procedure for the fourth node to perform continuous data transmission.

[0249] In another example, the fourth node can directly perform continuous data transmission without initiating the random access procedure.

[0250] In another example, the fourth node may perform continuous data transmission at another node (such as a third node) different from the second node without initiating the random access procedure.

[0251] In another example, the fourth node may transmit an indication to the third node that continuous data transmission is to be performed, and the fourth node performs continuous data transmission after transmitting the indication.

[0252] At step 408: optionally, the third node transmits a handover / switch command to the fourth node, for the third node to handover / switch the fourth node to another cell or node.

[0253] In an example, the other cell to be handed over to is a cell associated with the cell identity related information included in the first or second service-related information.

[0254] In another example, the fourth node may directly perform continuous data transmission in any cell associated with the cell identity related information included in the stored first or second service-related information without initiating random access procedure and / or receiving the handover / switch command.

[0255]

[0256] Through the above method, it is ensured that the user equipment can perform continuous data transmission across cells and / or across base stations (inter-cell and / or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0257] Figure 5 illustrates an example method of node coordination / interaction in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

[0258] As illustrate in Figure 5, at step 501, the first node transmits sixth information to the second node, wherein the sixth information is used to trigger the continuous data transmission coordination / interaction procedure.

[0259] Optionally, the sixth information includes at least one of the following:

[0260] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0261] - The continuous data transmission related indication information for indicating that the sixth information is used for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0262] - The third service-related information for providing related information of the second node and / or the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) to provide services to related / relevant user equipment.

[0263] - The access layer reference configuration related information for providing access layer reference configuration provided for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0264] Optionally, the third service-related information may be a service information list, which includes at least one service information.

[0265] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0266] - The base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0267] - The cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0268] - The tracking area identity related information for identifying a serving tracking area.

[0269] - The area related information for providing the service area.

[0270] - The service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0271] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0272] - The start time.

[0273] - The duration.

[0274] - The end time.

[0275] Optionally, the sixth information may be included in the first interface message, and the message name may be such as the user equipment context request message, the user equipment context setup request message, the user equipment context modification request message, the continuous data transmission request message, or the continuous data transmission message, etc.

[0276] In an example, the second node identifies that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0277] The second node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the second node and / or the third node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment according to the third service-related information.

[0278] In an example, the second node determines at least one cell that provides continuous data transmission for the user equipment based on the third service-related information.

[0279] In an example, the second node reserves the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0280] In an example, the first node determines the access layer reference configuration related information, and includes the access layer reference configuration related information in the sixth information and transmits it to the second node. In another example, the second node determines the access layer reference configuration related information (in this case, the sixth information does not include the access layer reference configuration related information).

[0281] In an example, the third service-related information includes the first service-related information and / or the second service-related information, and the first service-related information and / or the second service-related information is a subset of the third service-related information.

[0282] At step 502, the second node transmits third information to the third node, wherein the third information is used to request / prepare user equipment context-related information.

[0283] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0284] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0285] - The continuous data transmission related indication information for indicating that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0286] - The second service-related information for providing related information of the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) to provide services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0287] - The access layer reference configuration related information for providing access layer reference configuration provided for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0288] Optionally, the second service-related information may be the service information list, which includes the at least one service information.

[0289] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0290] - The base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0291] - The cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0292] - The tracking area identity related information for identifying the tracking area.

[0293] - The area related information for providing the service area.

[0294] - The service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0295] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0296] - The start time.

[0297] - The duration.

[0298] - The end time.

[0299] Optionally, the third information may be included in a second interface message between base stations, and the message name may be such as the user equipment context request message, the user equipment context setup request message, the user equipment context modification request message, the continuous data transmission request message, the user equipment context transmission message, a user equipment context preparation message, or a user equipment context preparation request message, etc.

[0300] In an example, the third node identifies that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0301] According to the second service related information, the third node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the third node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment.

[0302] In an example, the third node determines at least one cell that provides continuous data transmission for the user equipment based on the second service-related information.

[0303] In an example, the third node reserves the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0304] At step 503: after receiving the third information, the third node transmits fourth information to the second node according to the content of the third information, wherein the fourth information is used to respond / provide the user equipment context-related information.

[0305] Optionally, the fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0306] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0307] - The second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0308] - The first uplink synchronization configuration information which is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform the early uplink synchronization procedure with the candidate cell.

[0309] - The first reference signal configuration information for providing reference signal related configuration of the serving cell and / or candidate cell to the related / relevant user equipment.

[0310] Optionally, the second access layer configuration related information may be the configuration list, which contains the at least one configuration information.

[0311] Optionally, the configuration information includes at least one of the cell identity related information and access layer configuration.

[0312] Optionally, the first uplink synchronization configuration information may be an uplink synchronization configuration list, which includes at least one uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0313] The uplink synchronization configuration information, or the first uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0314] - The frequency information for providing the frequency related information for performing early uplink synchronization on the candidate cell.

[0315] - The preamble sequence related information.

[0316] - The power ramping step related information.

[0317] - The information related to maximum number of preamble transmissions

[0318] - The random access response window related information.

[0319] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information may be the reference signal configuration list, which includes the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0320] Wherein the reference signal configuration information, or the first reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:

[0321] - The reference signal frequency information.

[0322] - The reference signal subcarrier spacing information.

[0323] - The reference signal periodicity related information.

[0324] - The reference signal position related information.

[0325] Optionally, the fourth information may be included in the second interface message and the message name may be such as the user equipment context response message, the user equipment context setup response message, the user equipment context modification response message, the continuous data transmission response message, the user equipment context transmission confirmation message, the user equipment context preparation confirmation message, or the user equipment context preparation response message, etc.

[0326] In an example, the second node identifies the access layer configuration provided by the third node according to the second access layer configuration related information.

[0327] In an example, the second access layer configuration related information is included in a container and sent to the second node. Subsequently, the second node may transmit the container including the access layer configuration related information to the fourth node.

[0328] In an example, the first uplink synchronization configuration information is included in a container and sent to the second node. Subsequently, the second node may transmit the container including the uplink synchronization configuration related information to the fourth node.

[0329] In an example, the first reference signal configuration information is included in a container and sent to the second node. Subsequently, the second node may transmit the container including the reference signal configuration related information to a fourth node.

[0330] The third node generates, based on the access layer reference configuration related information, access layer configuration related information associated with at least one cell that provides continuous data transmission for the related / relevant user equipment. In an example, the access layer configuration related information is generated by performing delta configuration on the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0331] In an example, the third node reserves the second access layer configuration related information.

[0332] At step 504, the second node transmits the fifth information to the fourth node, for providing the fourth node with related information required by the fourth node to perform continuous data transmission.

[0333] Optionally, the fifth information includes at least one of the following:

[0334] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0335] - The continuous data transmission related indication information for indicating that the fifth information is used for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0336] - The first service-related information for providing related information of the second node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0337] - The second service-related information for providing related information of the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) to provide services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0338] - The access layer reference configuration related information for providing the access layer reference configuration provided for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0339] - The first access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0340] - The second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0341] - The first uplink synchronization configuration information which is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform the early uplink synchronization procedure with the candidate cell.

[0342] - The first reference signal configuration information for providing the reference signal related configuration of the serving cell and / or candidate cell to the related / relevant user equipment.

[0343] Optionally, the first or second service-related information may be the service information list, which includes the at least one service information.

[0344] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0345] - The base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0346] - The cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0347] - The tracking area identity related information for identifying the tracking area.

[0348] - The area related information for providing the service area.

[0349] - The service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0350] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0351] - The start time.

[0352] - The duration.

[0353] - The end time.

[0354] Optionally, the first uplink synchronization configuration information may be the uplink synchronization configuration list, which includes the at least one uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0355] The uplink synchronization configuration information, or the first uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0356] - The frequency information for providing the frequency related information for performing the early uplink synchronization on the candidate cell.

[0357] - The preamble sequence related information.

[0358] - The power ramping step related information.

[0359] - The information related to maximum number of preamble transmissions

[0360] - The random access response window related information.

[0361] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information may be the reference signal configuration list, which includes the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0362] Wherein the reference signal configuration information, or the first reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:

[0363] - The reference signal frequency information.

[0364] - The reference signal subcarrier spacing information.

[0365] - The reference signal periodicity related information.

[0366] - The reference signal position related information.

[0367] Optionally, the fifth information may be included in an air interface message and the message name may be such as the radio resource control reconfiguration message, the radio resource control release message, the radio resource control suspend message, the continuous data transmission information message, or the downlink information transmission message, etc.

[0368] The fourth node configures and / or stores the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0369] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first service related information.

[0370] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first access layer configuration related information.

[0371] The fourth node configures and / or stores the second service related information.

[0372] The fourth node configures and / or stores the second access layer configuration related information.

[0373] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0374] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first reference signal configuration information.

[0375] In an example, the first service-related information is included in the first access layer configuration-related information.

[0376] In an example, the second service-related information is included in the second access layer configuration related information.

[0377] In an example, the fifth information includes third service-related information, and the third service-related information includes the first service-related information and the second service-related information.

[0378] In an example, the fifth information includes third access layer configuration related information, and the third access layer configuration related information includes the first access layer configuration related information and the second access layer configuration related information.

[0379] In an example, after receiving the fifth information, the fourth node enters the inactive state or the idle state.

[0380] In an example, the fourth node transmits a preamble to the corresponding candidate cell according to the first uplink synchronization configuration information, and receives the timing advance of the related / relevant candidate cell from the serving cell.

[0381] The fourth node identifies that the fifth information is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0382] At step 505: optionally, the fourth node initiates a random access procedure for the fourth node to perform continuous data transmission.

[0383] In another example, the fourth node can directly perform continuous data transmission without initiating the random access procedure.

[0384] In another example, the fourth node may perform continuous data transmission at another node (such as a third node) different from the second node without initiating the random access procedure.

[0385] In another example, the fourth node may transmit an indication to the third node that continuous data transmission is to be performed, and the fourth node performs continuous data transmission after transmitting the indication.

[0386] At step 506: optionally, the third node transmits a handover / switch command to the fourth node, for the third node to handover / switch the fourth node to another cell or node.

[0387] In an example, the other cell to be handovered to is a cell associated with the cell identity related information included in the first or second service-related information.

[0388] In another example, the fourth node may directly perform continuous data transmission in any cell associated with the cell identity related information included in the stored first or second service-related information without initiating random access. procedure and / or receiving handover / switch command.

[0389] Through the above method, it is ensured that the user equipment can perform continuous data transmission across cells and / or across base stations (inter-cell and / or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0390] Figure 6 illustrates an example method of node coordination / interaction in accordance with the disclosure.

[0391] As illustrate in Figure 6, at step 601, the second node transmits the third information to the third node, wherein the third information is used to request / prepare the user equipment context-related information, or to request / prepare related / relevant configuration information for the user equipment to perform continuous data transmission across cells (inter-cell continuous data transmission) in a non-connected state.

[0392] At step 602, the third node transmits the fourth information to the second node, wherein the fourth information is used to respond / provide the user equipment context-related information, or to respond / provide the related / relevant configuration information for the user equipment to perform continuous data transmission across cells (inter-cell continuous data transmission) in a non-connected state.

[0393] At step 603, the second node transmits the third information to the fifth node, wherein the third information is used to request / prepare the user equipment context-related information, or to request / prepare the related / relevant configuration information for the user equipment to perform the continuous data transmission across cells (inter-cell continuous data transmission) in the non-connected state.

[0394] At step 604, the fifth node transmits the fourth information to the second node, wherein the fourth information is used to respond / provide the user equipment context-related information, or to respond / provide the related / relevant configuration information for the user equipment to perform the continuous data transmission across cells (inter-cell continuous data transmission) in the non-connected state.

[0395] It is worth mentioning that the third information transmitted in step 601 and step 603 are different third information. The fourth information transmitted in steps 602 and 604 are different fourth information.

[0396] Wherein the third information in step 601 and step 603 includes at least one of the following:

[0397] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0398] - The continuous data transmission related indication information for indicating that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission). The information name may be as continuous data transmission indication, subsequent data transmission indication, continuous small data transmission indication, subsequent small data transmission indication, etc. The beneficial effect of this information is to help the third node or the fifth node to configure configuration related information for continuous data transmission when user equipment in the non-connected state accesses the cell, and reduce the interruption of data transmission when the user equipment accesses the cell.

[0399] - The second service-related information for providing related information of the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) to provide services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0400] - The access layer reference configuration related information for providing access layer reference configuration provided for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0401] Optionally, the second service-related information may be the service information list, which includes the at least one service information.

[0402] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0403] - The base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0404] - The cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0405] - The tracking area identity related information for identifying the tracking area.

[0406] - The area related information for providing the service area.

[0407] - The service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0408] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0409] - The start time.

[0410] - The duration.

[0411] - The end time.

[0412] The third information may be included in the first interface message, and the message name may be such as the user equipment context request message, the user equipment context setup request message, the user equipment context modification request message, the continuous data transmission request message, or the subsequent data transmission request message, etc.

[0413] The third node identifies that the request is for the related / relevant user equipment to perform continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0414] When the third node or the fifth node receives the continuous data transmission related indication information, the third node or the fifth node will consider that the third information is used to request to configure the continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) for the user device in the non-connected state. Further, if the third information includes at least one cell identity related information, the indication information also indicates a request to configure continuous data transmission for the user equipment when accessing at least one cell indicated by the at least one cell identity information, and the fourth information further includes corresponding at least one cell identity information, which is used to indicate that the fourth information is for at least one cell indicated by the at least one cell identity information.

[0415] In an example, the continuous data transmission related indication information may be explicit indication information; in another example, the continuous data transmission related indication information may be implicit indication information. If the third information includes the access layer reference configuration related information, it implicitly indicates that the second node requests to configure continuous data transmission of the user equipment.

[0416] According to the second service related information, the third node or the fifth node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the third node or the fifth node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment.

[0417] The third node or the fifth node determines at least one cell that provides continuous data transmission for the user equipment based on the second service-related information.

[0418] The third node or the fifth node reserves the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0419] Wherein the fourth information in steps 602 and 604 includes at least one of the following:

[0420] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0421] - The second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0422] - The first uplink synchronization configuration information which is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform the early uplink synchronization procedure with the candidate cell. Possible names of this information are UL sync configuration, early sync configuration, early UL sync configuration, etc. The beneficial effect of this information is that the fourth node is provided with related / relevant configuration information for uplink synchronization with the candidate cell in advance, and the fourth node can perform uplink transmission for uplink synchronization to the candidate cell in advance, thereby reducing interruption of subsequent data transmission when the user equipment accesses a candidate cell(s).

[0423] - The first reference signal configuration information for providing reference signal related configuration of the serving cell and / or candidate cell to the related / relevant user equipment.

[0424] Optionally, the second access layer configuration related information may be the configuration list, which contains the at least one configuration information.

[0425] Optionally, the configuration information includes at least one of cell identity related information and access layer configuration.

[0426] Optionally, the first uplink synchronization configuration information may be the uplink synchronization configuration list, which includes the at least one uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0427] The uplink synchronization configuration information, or the first uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0428] - The frequency information for providing frequency related information for performing early uplink synchronization on the candidate cell with an information name such as frequencyInfo, etc.

[0429] - The preamble sequence related information with an information name such as prach-RootSequenceIndex and the like.

[0430] - The random access channel subcarrier spacing with an information name such as PRACH(physical random access channel)-SubcarrierSpacing, etc.

[0431] - Uplink and downlink configuration related information with information name such as TDD-UL-DL-Config, etc.

[0432] - Occasion related information. The occasion related information includes at least one of the following: a mask index used for random access resource selection, with a name such as physical random access channel mask index, etc.; a SSB / CSIRS-index of corresponding SSB or CSI-RS; the index of the preamble ra-Preamblelndex; the number of SSBs corresponding to each RACH occasion with a name such as ssb-PerRACH-Occasion, etc.

[0433] - Random access configuration index related information with an information name such as prach-ConfigurationIndex and the like.

[0434] - The preamble received target power information with an information name such as preambleReceivedTargetPower, etc.

[0435] - Power ramping step related information with an information name such as powerRampingStep and the like.

[0436] - The information related to maximum number of preamble transmissions with an information name such as preambleTransMax, etc.

[0437] - The random access response window related information with an information name such as ra-ResponseWindow, etc.

[0438] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information may be the reference signal configuration list, which includes the at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0439] Wherein the reference signal configuration information, or the first reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:

[0440] - The reference signal frequency information with an information name ssb-Frequency, etc.

[0441] - The reference signal subcarrier spacing information with an information name subcarrierSpacing and the like.

[0442] - The reference signal periodicity related information with an information name ssb-Periodicity, etc.

[0443] - The reference signal position related information with an information name ssb-PositionsInBurst and the like.

[0444] Optionally, the fourth information may be included in the second interface message, and the message name may be such as the user equipment context response message, the user equipment context setup response message, the user equipment context modification response message, the continuous data transmission response message, the subsequent Data transmission corresponding messages, the user equipment context transmission confirmation messages, the user equipment context preparation confirmation messages, or the user equipment context preparation response messages, etc.

[0445] The second node identifies the access layer configuration provided by the third node or the fifth node according to the second access layer configuration related information.

[0446] In an example, the second access layer configuration related information is included in a container and sent to the second node. Subsequently, the second node may transmit the container including the access layer configuration related information to the fourth node.

[0447] If the fourth information includes the first uplink synchronization configuration information, the second node considers that the generated uplink synchronization information is for a candidate cell(s) accepted by the third node or the fifth node.

[0448] In an example, the first uplink synchronization configuration information is included in a container and sent to the second node. Subsequently, the second node may transmit the container including the uplink synchronization configuration related information to the fourth node.

[0449] In an example, the first uplink synchronization configuration information is information provided separately for different cells; in another example, the first uplink synchronization configuration information is information common to candidate cells in the third node or the fifth node.

[0450] In an example, the first reference signal configuration information is included in a container and sent to the second node. Subsequently, the second node may transmit the container including the reference signal configuration related information to a fourth node.

[0451] If the third information includes the access layer reference configuration related information, the third node or the fifth node will consider the access layer reference configuration related information when generating the second access layer configuration related information included in the fourth information.

[0452] The third node or the fifth node generates, based on the access layer reference configuration related information, access layer configuration related information associated with at least one cell that provides continuous data transmission for related / relevant user equipment. In an example, the access layer configuration related information is generated by performing delta configuration on the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0453] The third node or the fifth node reserves the second access layer configuration related information.

[0454] At step 605, the second node transmits seventh information to the third node, wherein the seventh information for providing the third node with related / relevant configuration information prepared by the fifth node.

[0455] The seventh information includes at least one of the following:

[0456] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0457] - Fourth service-related information for providing related information of the fifth node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0458] - Second uplink synchronization configuration information which is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform the early uplink synchronization procedure with the candidate cell under the fifth node.

[0459] Optionally, the fourth service-related information may be a service information list, which includes at least one service information.

[0460] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0461] - The base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0462] - The cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0463] - The tracking area identity related information for identifying the tracking area.

[0464] - The area related information for providing the service area.

[0465] - The service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0466] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0467] - The start time.

[0468] - The duration.

[0469] - The end time.

[0470] Optionally, the second uplink synchronization configuration information may be an uplink synchronization configuration list, which includes at least one uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0471] The uplink synchronization configuration information, or the second uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0472] - The frequency information for providing frequency related information for performing the early uplink synchronization on the candidate cell with an information name such as frequencyInfo, etc.

[0473] - The preamble sequence related information with an information name such as prach-RootSequenceIndex and the like.

[0474] - The random access channel subcarrier spacing with an information name such as PRACH-SubcarrierSpacing, etc.

[0475] - The uplink and downlink configuration related information with an information name such as TDD-UL-DL-Config, etc.

[0476] - The occasion related information. The occasion related information includes at least one of the following: the mask index used for random access resource selection with an information name such as physical random access channel mask index, etc.; the SSB / CSIRS-index of the corresponding SSB or CSI-RS; the index of the preamble ra-Preamblelndex; the number of SSBs corresponding to each RACH occasion with an information name such as ssb-PerRACH-Occasion, etc.

[0477] - The random access configuration index related information with an information name such as such as prach-ConfigurationIndex and the like.

[0478] - The preamble received target power information with an information name such as preambleReceivedTargetPower, etc.

[0479] - The power ramping step related information with an information name such as powerRampingStep and the like.

[0480] - The information related to maximum number of preamble transmissions with an information name such as preambleTransMax, etc.

[0481] - The random access response window related information with an information name such as ra-ResponseWindow, etc.

[0482] Optionally, the seventh information may be included in the second interface message, and the message name may be such as a user equipment context notification message, continuous data transmission notification message, user equipment context transmission notification message, continuous data transmission information notification message, user equipment context update message, continuous data transmission update message, user equipment context transmission update message, or continuous data transmission information update message, etc.

[0483] According to the fourth service-related information, the third node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the fifth node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment.

[0484] If the fourth service-related information included in the seventh information includes at least one cell identity related information, the third node considers that the fifth node accepts the cell corresponding to the at least one cell identity related information as a candidate cell.

[0485] The third node identifies the configuration-related information prepared by the fifth node for early uplink synchronization according to the second uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0486] In an example, the second uplink synchronization configuration information included in the seventh information is the first uplink synchronization configuration information included in the fourth information of step 604.

[0487] It should be pointed out that the above steps 603-605 are only one example.

[0488] In another possible example, step 603 includes the third information, which is sent by the third node to the fifth node; step 604 includes the fourth information and the seventh information which are sent by the fifth node to the third node.

[0489] In another possible example, step 603 includes the third information, which is sent by the third node to the fifth node; step 604 includes the fourth information, which is transmitted by the fifth node to the third node; step 605 includes the seventh information which is transmitted by the fifth node to the third node.

[0490] In another possible example, step 603 includes the third information, which is sent by the second node to the fifth node; step 604 includes the fourth information which is transmitted by the fifth node to the second node; step 605 includes the seventh information which is transmitted by the fifth node to the third node.

[0491] At step 606, the second node transmits the fifth information to the fourth node. Optionally, after receiving the fifth information, the fourth node enters a non-connected state.

[0492] Wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following:

[0493] - The user equipment identity related information which is used to identify the user equipment.

[0494] - The continuous data transmission related indication information for indicating that the fifth information is used for the related / relevant user equipment to be able to perform / be capable of performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission). The information name may be continuous data transmission indication, subsequent data transmission indication, continuous small data transmission indication, subsequent small data transmission indication, etc. The beneficial effect of this information is to provide the fourth node with configuration-related information for continuous data transmission when accessing the cell in the non-connected state, thereby reducing the interruption of data transmission by the fourth node accessing the cell.

[0495] - The first service-related information for providing related information of the second node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0496] - The second service-related information for providing related information of the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) to provide services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0497] - The access layer reference configuration related information for providing access layer reference configuration provided for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0498] - The first access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0499] - The second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node and / or other nodes (such as the fifth node) for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0500] - The first uplink synchronization configuration information which is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform the early uplink synchronization procedure with the candidate cell. Possible names of this information are UL sync configuration, early sync configuration, early UL sync configuration, etc. The beneficial effect of this information is that the fourth node is provided with related / relevant configuration information for uplink synchronization with the candidate cell in advance, and the fourth node can perform uplink transmission for uplink synchronization to the candidate cell in advance, thereby reducing interruption of data transmission when the user equipment subsequently accesses the candidate cell(s).

[0501] - The first reference signal configuration information for providing reference signal related configuration of the serving cell and / or candidate cell to the related / relevant user equipment.

[0502] Optionally, the first or second service-related information may be a service information list, which includes at least one service information.

[0503] Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0504] The base station identity related information which is used to identify the base station.

[0505] - The cell identity related information which is used to identify the serving cell.

[0506] - The tracking area identity related information for identifying the tracking area.

[0507] - The area related information for providing the service area.

[0508] - The service time related information for providing time information when the related / relevant serving cell / tracking area / area serves the related / relevant user equipment.

[0509] Optionally, the service time related information includes at least one of the following:

[0510] - The start time.

[0511] - The duration.

[0512] - The end time.

[0513] Optionally, the first uplink synchronization configuration information may be an uplink synchronization configuration list, which includes at least one uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0514] The uplink synchronization configuration information, or the first uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0515] - The frequency information for providing frequency related information for performing early uplink synchronization on the candidate cell with an information name such as frequencyInfo, etc.

[0516] - The preamble sequence related information with an information name such as prach-RootSequenceIndex and the like.

[0517] - The random access channel subcarrier spacing with an information name such as PRACH-SubcarrierSpacing, etc.

[0518] - The uplink and downlink configuration related information with an information name such as TDD-UL-DL-Config, etc.

[0519] - The occasion related information. The occasion related information includes at least one of the following: a mask index used for random access resource selection with a name such as physical random access channel mask index, etc.; the index SSB / CSIRS-index of the corresponding SSB or CSI-RS; the index of the preamble ra-Preamblelndex; the number of SSBs corresponding to each RACH occasion, name such as ssb-PerRACH-Occasion, etc.

[0520] - The random access configuration index related information with an information name such as prach-ConfigurationIndex and the like.

[0521] - The preamble received target power information with an information name such as preambleReceivedTargetPower, etc.

[0522] - The power ramping step related information with an information name such as powerRampingStep and the like.

[0523] - The information related to maximum number of preamble transmissions with an information name such as preambleTransMax, etc.

[0524] - The random access response window related information with an information name such as ra-ResponseWindow, etc.

[0525] Optionally, the first reference signal configuration information may be a reference signal configuration list, which includes at least one reference signal configuration information.

[0526] Wherein the reference signal configuration information, or the first reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:

[0527] - The reference signal frequency information with an information name such as ssb-Frequency, etc.

[0528] - The reference signal subcarrier spacing information. Information name such as subcarrierSpacing and the like.

[0529] - The reference signal periodicity related information with an information name such as ssb-Periodicity, etc.

[0530] - The reference signal position related information with an information name such as ssb-PositionsInBurst and the like.

[0531] Optionally, the fifth information may be included in the air interface message and the message name may be such as the radio resource control reconfiguration message, the radio resource control release message, the radio resource control suspend message, the continuous data transmission information message, or the downlink information transmission message, etc.

[0532] The fourth node configures and / or stores the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0533] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first service related information.

[0534] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first access layer configuration related information.

[0535] The fourth node configures and / or stores the second service related information.

[0536] The fourth node configures and / or stores the second access layer configuration related information.

[0537] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first uplink synchronization configuration information.

[0538] The fourth node configures and / or stores the first reference signal configuration information.

[0539] In an example, the first service-related information is included in the first access layer configuration-related information.

[0540] In an example, the second service-related information is included in the second access layer configuration related information.

[0541] In an example, the fifth information includes third service-related information, and the third service-related information includes the first service-related information and the second service-related information.

[0542] In an example, the fifth information includes third access layer configuration related information, and the third access layer configuration related information includes the first access layer configuration related information and the second access layer configuration related information.

[0543] After receiving the fifth information, the fourth node enters the inactive state or the idle state.

[0544] The fourth node transmits a preamble to the corresponding candidate cell according to the first uplink synchronization configuration information, and receives the timing advance of the related / relevant candidate cell from the serving cell.

[0545] The fourth node identifies that the fifth information is used by the related / relevant user equipment to perform continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0546]

[0547] When the fourth node receives the continuous data transmission related indication information, the fourth node will consider that the fifth information is for providing related / relevant configuration information for the fourth node to perform continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) when in a non-connected state. Further, if the fifth information includes at least one cell identity related information, the indication information also instructs the fourth node to perform continuous data transmission when accessing at least one cell corresponding to the at least one cell identity information.

[0548] In an example, the continuous data transmission related indication information may be explicit indication information; in another example, the continuous data transmission related indication information may be implicit indication information. If the fifth information includes the access layer reference configuration related information, it implicitly indicates the provided continuous data transmission configured for by user equipment.

[0549] The fourth node identifies information related to at least one cell / tracking area / area under the second node or the third node or the fifth node providing continuous data transmission for the user equipment according to the first / second / third service related information.

[0550]

[0551] If the fifth information includes the first uplink synchronization configuration information, the fourth node considers that the generated uplink synchronization information is for a candidate cell accepted by the second node or the third node or the fifth node.

[0552] In an example, the first uplink synchronization configuration information is information provided separately for different cells; in another example, the first uplink synchronization configuration information is information common to candidate cells in the second node, the third node, or the fifth node.

[0553] In an example, if the fifth information includes the access layer reference configuration related information, the fourth node considers that the access layer configuration first / second related information is generated based on delta configuration according to the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0554] At step 606a, optionally, when the fourth node has uplink data to be transmitted, the fourth node initiates a random access procedure. After the random access procedure is completed, the fourth node may perform uplink and downlink data transmission with the second node.

[0555] At step 607, the second node transmits a first instruction message to the fourth node, wherein the first instruction message may be downlink control information. The first instruction message is used to trigger the fourth node to transmit a first uplink transmission to the third node. In an example, the first uplink transmission is a preamble. Wherein the first instruction message comprises at least one of:

[0556] - Cell-related information for indicating the cell that needs the fourth node to transmit the first uplink transmission. In an example, the cell-related information may be a cell indicator.

[0557] - The first uplink transmission index information for indicating the index corresponding to the first uplink transmission that needs to be sent by the fourth node. In an example, the first uplink transmission index information may be a random access preamble index.

[0558] - A reference signal index for the fourth node to determine a random access channel occasion. In an example, the reference signal index may be a synchronization signal index (SS / PBCH index).

[0559] - A random access channel mask index for the fourth node to determine a random access channel occasion associated with the reference signal index. In an example, the random access channel mask index may be a PRACH mask index.

[0560] - Random access channel transmission related information which is used by the fourth node to determine the transmission status of the first uplink transmission. In an example, the random access channel transmission related information may be a random access channel retransmission indicator (PRACH retransmission indicator).

[0561] At step 607a, the fourth node transmits the first uplink transmission to the candidate cell under the third node.

[0562] In an example, the first uplink transmission is the preamble.

[0563] In an example, the fourth node transmits the first uplink transmission to the candidate cell of the third node, which is one step in the early uplink synchronization procedure.

[0564] At step 607b, the third node transmits eighth information to the second node, wherein the eighth information is for providing information related to early uplink synchronization.

[0565] The eighth information includes at least one of the following:

[0566] - Cell identity related information for indicating the corresponding candidate cell or target cell. In an example, the cell identity related information may be a target configuration ID.

[0567] - Timing advance amount related information for providing the timing advance used by the fourth node when performing uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the third node. In an example, the timing advance related information may be a timing advance command.

[0568] - Transmission control information related information for providing transmission control information state related information that needs to be activated when the fourth node performs uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the third node. In an example, the transmission control information related information may be a transmission control information state identifier(TCI state ID).

[0569] - First uplink transmission index information for indicating the index corresponding to the first uplink transmission used by the fourth node for non-contention random access. In an example, the first uplink transmission index information may be the random access preamble index.

[0570] - The reference signal index for the fourth node to determine the random access channel occasion for non-contention random access. In an example, the reference signal index may be the synchronization signal index (SS / PBCH index).

[0571] - The random access channel mask index for the fourth node to determine a random access channel occasion associated with a reference signal index for non-contention random access. In an example, the random access channel mask index may be a PRACH mask index.

[0572] - The number of repetitions which is used by the fourth node to determine the number of repetitions of the first uplink transmission for non-contention random access. In an example, the number of repetitions may be a repetition number.

[0573] The eighth information may be included in the second interface message, and the message name may by such as early uplink synchronization notification message, early uplink synchronization transmission message, early uplink synchronization information message, etc.

[0574] In an example, the eighth information is included in a container and sent to the second node.

[0575] At step 607c, the second node transmits the first handover / switch command to the fourth node. In an example, the first handover / switch command may be a layer 1 or layer 2 triggered mobility cell switch command medium access control control element (LTM cell switch command MAC CE(medium access control control element)).

[0576] Wherein the first handover / switch command includes at least one of:

[0577] - The cell identity related information for indicating the corresponding candidate cell or target cell. In an example, the cell identity related information may be a target configuration ID.

[0578] - The timing advance related information for providing the timing advance used by the fourth node when performing uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the third node. In an example, the timing advance related information may be a timing advance command.

[0579] - The transmission control information related information for providing transmission control information state related information that needs to be activated when the fourth node performs uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the third node. In an example, the transmission control information related information may be a transmission control information state identifier (TCI state ID).

[0580] - The first uplink transmission index information for indicating the index corresponding to the first uplink transmission used by the fourth node for non-contention random access. In an example, the first uplink transmission index information may be the random access preamble index.

[0581] - The reference signal index for the fourth node to determine the random access channel occasion for non-contention random access. In an example, the reference signal index may be the synchronization signal index (SS / PBCH index).

[0582] - The random access channel mask index for the fourth node to determine the random access channel occasion associated with the reference signal index for non-contention random access. In an example, the random access channel mask index may be the PRACH mask index.

[0583] - The number of repetitions which is used by the fourth node to determine the number of repetitions of the first uplink transmission for non-contention random access. In an example, the number of repetitions may be the repetition number.

[0584] After receiving the handover / switch command, the fourth node performs uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the third node. After uplink synchronization is successful, the fourth node uses the candidate cell corresponding to the third node as a new serving cell, and performs uplink and downlink data transmission with the new serving cell.

[0585] It should be noted that the second node may decide to trigger step 607c based on the channel state information report reported by the fourth node.

[0586] It is worth mentioning that through the method of steps 607-607c, it is realized that the user equipment can continue to perform data transmission on the target cell or candidate cell when initial mobility occurs in the non-connected state.

[0587] At step 608, the third node transmits a first instruction message to the fourth node, wherein the first instruction message may be downlink control information. The first instruction message is used to trigger the fourth node to transmit a first uplink transmission to the fifth node. In an example, the first uplink transmission is the preamble. Wherein the first instruction message comprises at least one of:

[0588] - The cell-related information for indicating the cell that needs the fourth node to transmit the first uplink transmission. In an example, the cell-related information may be the cell indicator.

[0589] - The first uplink transmission index information for indicating the index corresponding to the first uplink transmission that needs to be sent by the fourth node. In an example, the first uplink transmission index information may be the random access preamble index.

[0590] - The reference signal index for the fourth node to determine the random access channel occasion. In an example, the reference signal index may be the synchronization signal index (SS / PBCH index).

[0591] - The random access channel mask index for the fourth node to determine a random access channel occasion associated with the reference signal index. In an example, the random access channel mask index may be the PRACH mask index.

[0592] - The random access channel transmission related information which is used by the fourth node to determine the transmission status of the first uplink transmission. In an example, the random access channel transmission related information may be the random access channel retransmission indicator (PRACH retransmission indicator).

[0593] At step 608a, the fourth node transmits the first uplink transmission to the candidate cell under the fifth node.

[0594] In an example, the first uplink transmission is the preamble.

[0595] In an example, the fourth node transmits the first uplink transmission to the candidate cell of the fifth node, which belongs to one step in the early uplink synchronization procedure.

[0596] At step 608b, the fifth node transmits eighth information to the third node, wherein the eighth information is for providing information related to early uplink synchronization.

[0597] The eighth information includes at least one of the following:

[0598] - The cell identity related information for indicating the corresponding candidate cell or target cell. In an example, the cell identity related information may be the target configuration ID.

[0599] - The timing advance related information for providing the timing advance used by the fourth node when performing uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the fifth node. In an example, the timing advance related information may be the timing advance command.

[0600] - The transmission control information related information for providing transmission control information state related information that needs to be activated when the fourth node performs uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the fifth node. In an example, the transmission control information related information may be the transmission control information state identifier (TCI state ID).

[0601] - The first uplink transmission index information for indicating the index corresponding to the first uplink transmission used by the fourth node for non-contention random access. In an example, the first uplink transmission index information may be the random access preamble index.

[0602] - The reference signal index for the fourth node to determine the random access channel occasion for non-contention random access. In an example, the reference signal index may be the synchronization signal index (SS / PBCH index).

[0603] - The random access channel mask index for the fourth node to determine the random access channel occasion associated with the reference signal index for non-contention random access. In an example, the random access channel mask index may be the PRACH mask index.

[0604] - The number of repetitions which is used by the fourth node to determine the number of repetitions of the first uplink transmission for non-contention random access. In an example, the number of repetitions may be the repetition number.

[0605] The eighth information may be included in the second interface message, and the message name may be such as early uplink synchronization notification message, early uplink synchronization transmission message, early uplink synchronization information message, etc.

[0606] In an example, the eighth information is included in a container and sent to the third node.

[0607] At step 608c, the third node transmits a first handover / switch command to the fourth node. In an example, the first handover / switch command may be a layer 1 or layer 2 triggered mobility cell handover / switch command medium access control control element (LTM cell switch command MAC CE).

[0608] Wherein the first handover / switch command includes at least one of:

[0609] - The cell identity related information for indicating the corresponding candidate cell or target cell. In an example, the cell identity related information may be the target configuration ID.

[0610] - The timing advance related information for providing the timing advance used by the fourth node when performing uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the fifth node. In an example, the timing advance related information may be the timing advance command.

[0611] - The transmission control information related information for providing transmission control information state related information that needs to be activated when the fourth node performs uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the fifth node. In an example, the transmission control information related information may be a transmission control information state identifier (TCI state ID).

[0612] - The first uplink transmission index information for indicating the index corresponding to the first uplink transmission used by the fourth node for non-contention random access. In an example, the first uplink transmission index information may be the random access preamble index.

[0613] - The reference signal index for the fourth node to determine the random access channel occasion for non-contention random access. In an example, the reference signal index may be the synchronization signal index (SS / PBCH index).

[0614] - The random access channel mask index for the fourth node to determine the random access channel occasion associated with the reference signal index for non-contention random access. In an example, the random access channel mask index may be the PRACH mask index.

[0615] - The number of repetitions which is used by the fourth node to determine the number of repetitions of the first uplink transmission for non-contention random access. In an example, the number of repetitions may be the repetition number.

[0616] After receiving the handover / switch command, the fourth node performs uplink synchronization with the candidate cell corresponding to the fifth node. After uplink synchronization is successful, the fourth node uses the candidate cell corresponding to the fifth node as a new serving cell, and performs uplink and downlink data transmission with the new serving cell.

[0617] It should be noted that the third node may decide to trigger step 608c based on the channel state information report reported by the fourth node.

[0618] It is worth mentioning that through the method of steps 608-608c, it is achieved that the user equipment can continue to perform data transmission on the candidate cell when subsequent mobility occurs in the non-connected state.

[0619] Through the above method, it is ensured that the user equipment can perform continuous data transmission across cells and / or across base stations (inter-cell and / or inter-base station continuous data transmission).

[0620] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a fourth node in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0621] Referring to Figure 7, the fourth node according to the disclosure may be a user equipment, which may include a transceiver 710 and a processor 720, wherein the transceiver 710 is coupled with the processor 720. Optionally, the network node may also include a memory 730. The transceiver 710, the processor 720, and the memory 730 are configured to perform the operations of the methods and / or examples of the present disclosure. Although the transceiver 710, the processor 720 and the memory 730 are shown as separate entities, they may be implemented as a single entity, such as a single chip. The transceiver 710, the processor 720, and the memory 730 may be electrically connected or coupled to each other. Transceiver 710 may transmit signals to and receive signals from other network nodes, such as other UEs, base stations, or core network equipment (e.g., AMF), etc. Processor 720 may include one or more processing units, and may control the UE to perform operations and / or functions according to one of the above examples. The memory 730 may store instructions for implementing the operations and / or functions of one of the above examples.

[0622] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a fourth node in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: receiving fifth information from a second node, the fifth information comprising continuous data transmission related indication information; and performing continuous data transmission across cells or across base stations (inter-cell or inter-base station continuous data transmission) according to the fifth information.

[0623] In an example, the fifth information further includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; at least one third service-related information for providing related information of the second node and / or the third node to provide services to related / relevant user equipment; access layer reference configuration related information; at least one third access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node and / or the third node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0624] In an example, the at least one third service-related information includes at least one of the following: base station identity related information; cell identity related information; tracking area identity related information; area related information; service time related information.

[0625] In an example, the service time related information includes at least one of the following: start time; duration; and end time.

[0626] In an example, the at least one third access layer configuration related information is an delta / incremental configuration based on the access layer reference configuration related information.

[0627] In an example, the method further includes: initiating the random access procedure; and after the random access is completed, not entering the connected state, performing uplink and / or downlink data transmission.

[0628] In an example, the method further includes: receiving a handover / switch command from the second node or the third node; and continuing to perform continuous data transmission at another cell or node according to the handover / switch command.

[0629] In an example, the method further includes: before performing continuous data transmission, transmitting a related / relevant indication that continuous data transmission is to be performed to the second node or the third node.

[0630] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a network node in a network according to the disclosure.

[0631] The network node in the network can be used to implement the first node, the second node or the third node, etc. in the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 8, a network node according to the disclosure includes a transceiver 810 and a processor 820, wherein the transceiver 810 is coupled with the processor 820. Optionally, the network node may also include a memory 830. The transceiver 810, the processor 820, and the memory 830 are configured to perform the operations of the methods and / or examples of the present disclosure. Although the transceiver 810, the processor 820 and the memory 830 are shown as separate entities, they may be implemented as a single entity, such as a single chip. The transceiver 810, the processor 820, and the memory 830 may be electrically connected or coupled to each other. The transceiver 810 may transmit signals to and receive signals from other network nodes, such as UEs, other base stations, parts of a base station or core network equipment (e.g., AMF), etc. Processor 820 may include one or more processing units, and may control the network node to perform operations and / or functions according to one of the above examples. The memory 830 may store instructions for implementing the operations and / or functions of one of the above examples.

[0632] According to one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a second node in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: receiving fifth or sixth information from a first node, the fifth or sixth information comprising continuous data transmission related indication information; and transmitting fifth information to the fourth node, the fifth information including continuous data transmission related indication information.

[0633] In an example, the sixth information further includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; at least one third service-related information for providing related information of the second node and / or the third node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; access layer reference configuration related information.

[0634] In an example, the method further includes: receiving first information from the first node; and transmitting the second information to the first node; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; continuous data transmission related indication information; at least one first service-related information for providing related information of the second node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; access layer reference configuration related information; at least one first access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0635] In an example, the method further includes: transmitting third information to a third node; and receiving fourth information from the third node; wherein the third information includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; continuous data transmission related indication information; at least one second service-related information for providing related information of the third node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; access layer reference configuration related information; wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; at least one second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0636] In an example, the method further includes: in at least one cell of / belonging to the second node, performing uplink and / or downlink continuous data transmission with a fourth node, wherein the fourth node does not enter the connected state when performing the continuous data transmission.

[0637] In an example, the method further includes: transmitting a handover / switch command to a fourth node, wherein the handover / switch command is used for the fourth node to continue to perform continuous data transmission in another cell or node.

[0638] In an example, the method further includes: before receiving the random access preamble from the fourth node, completing preparation of related / relevant user equipment context with at least one third node.

[0639] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a third node in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: receiving third information from a second node, the third information comprising continuous data transmission related indication information; and transmitting the fourth information to the second node; wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; at least one second access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the third node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0640] In an example, the third information further includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; at least one second service-related information for providing related information of the third node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment; and access layer reference configuration related information.

[0641] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a first node in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: transmitting first information to a second node, the first information comprising continuous data transmission related indication information; and receiving second information from the first node; wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; access layer reference configuration related information; at least one first access layer configuration related information for providing the access layer configuration provided by the second node for continuous data transmission of the related / relevant user equipment.

[0642] In an example, the first information further includes at least one of the following: user equipment identity related information; at least one first service-related information for providing related information of the second node which provides services for related / relevant user equipment.

[0643] According to an example of the disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions may also be provided, wherein when the instructions are executed by at least one processor, the at least one processor is caused to execute an exemplary embodiment according to the disclosure. Any of the above methods. Examples of computer readable storage media herein include: read-only memory (ROM), random access programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), flash memory, non-volatile memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD + R, CD-RW, CD + RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, Blu-ray or optical disc memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state disk (SSD), card memory such as, a Multimedia Card, a Secure Digital (SD) card or an Extreme Digital (XD) card, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical data storage device, an optical data storage device, a hard disk, a solid-state disk and any other device that is configured to store and provide a computer program and any associated data, data files and data structures in a non-transitory fashion to a processor or computer so that the processor or computer can execute the computer program. The instructions or computer program in the computer readable storage medium described above may run in an environment deployed in computer equipment such as a client, host, proxy device, server, etc. Further, in one example, the computer program and any associated data, data files, and data structures are distributed across networked computer systems so that the computer program and any associated data, data files, and data structures are stored, accessed, and executed in a distributed fashion by one or more processors or computers.

[0644] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above illustrative examples are described herein and are not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that any two or more of the examples disclosed herein may be combined in any combination. Additionally, other examples may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the invention of the disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0645] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and steps described herein may be implemented as hardware, software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such design decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

[0646] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0647] The steps of a method or algorithm described herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0648] In one or more exemplary designs, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

[0649] The above descriptions are only exemplary examples of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1.A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication network, the method comprising:receiving, from a first base station, configuration information used to access a cell of a second base station for continuous data transmission;entering a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state; andtransmitting, to the second base station, data for the continuous data transmission based on the configuration information.2.The method of claim 1,wherein the configuration information includes at least one of:indication information indicating the terminal to perform the continuous data transmission for a service;identity information for the terminal;at least one service information for providing information on at least one base station which provides the service to the terminal;access layer reference configuration related information;at least one access layer configuration related information for providing an access layer configuration provided by the at least one base station for the continuous data transmission of the terminal;at least one uplink synchronization configuration information; andat least one reference signal configuration information,wherein the at least one uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of:frequency information for performing early uplink synchronization on the cell of the second base station;preamble sequence related information;random access channel subcarrier spacing;uplink and downlink configuration related information;occasion related information;random access configuration index related information;preamble received target power information;power ramping step related information;information related to the maximum number of preamble transmissions; andrandom access response window related information, andwherein the at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:frequency information for a reference signal;subcarrier spacing information for the reference signal;periodicity related information for the reference signal; andposition related information for the reference signal.3.The method of claim 1, further comprising:initiating a random access procedure to access the second base station based on the configuration information,wherein the data is transmitted after the random access procedure is completed, without entering an RRC connected state.4.The method of claim 1, further comprising:initiating a random access procedure to access the first base station;receiving, from the first base station, an instruction message for triggering the terminal to transmit a random access preamble to the second base station;transmitting, to the second base station, the random access preamble, wherein information for early uplink synchronization associated with the second base station is transmitted from the second base station to the first base station based on a transmission of the random access preamble;receiving, from the first base station, a handover command including identity information for the cell of the second base station; andperforming handover to the second base station,wherein the data is transmitted to the second base station based on the handover.5.The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving, from the second base station, a handover command including identity information for a cell of a third base station;performing handover to the third base station; andtransmitting, to the third base station, the data for the continuous data transmission,wherein the identity information for the cell of the third base station is further included in the configuration information, andwherein the handover command further includes at least one of:timing advance related information;transmission control information related information;preamble index information;a reference signal index;a random access channel mask index; andnumber of repetitions.6.A method performed by a first base station in a wireless communication network, the method comprising:receiving, from a second base station, information for continuous data transmission of a terminal to the second base station; andtransmitting, to the terminal, configuration information used to access a cell of the second base station for the continuous data transmission,wherein the terminal enters a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state based on a reception of the configuration information, andwherein data for the continuous data transmission is transmitted from the terminal to the second base station based on the configuration information.7.The method of claim 6,wherein the configuration information includes at least one of:indication information indicating the terminal to perform the continuous data transmission for a service;identity information for the terminal;at least one service information for providing information on at least one base station which provides the service to the terminal;access layer reference configuration related information;at least one access layer configuration related information for providing an access layer configuration provided by the at least one base station for the continuous data transmission of the terminal;at least one uplink synchronization configuration information; andat least one reference signal configuration information,wherein the at least one uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of:frequency information for performing early uplink synchronization on the cell of the second base station;preamble sequence related information;random access channel subcarrier spacing;uplink and downlink configuration related information;occasion related information;random access configuration index related information;preamble received target power information;power ramping step related information;information related to the maximum number of preamble transmissions; andrandom access response window related information, andwherein the at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:frequency information for a reference signal;subcarrier spacing information for the reference signal;periodicity related information for the reference signal; andposition related information for the reference signal.8.The method of claim 6, further comprising:performing a random access procedure with the terminal;transmitting, to the terminal, an instruction message for triggering the terminal to transmit a random access preamble to the second base station;receiving, from the second base station, information for early uplink synchronization associated with the second base station, based on a transmission of a random access preamble transmitted from the terminal to the second base station; andtransmitting, to the terminal, a handover command including identity information for the cell of the second base station,wherein the data is transmitted from the terminal to the second base station, based on a handover of the terminal from the first base station to the second base station.9.A terminal in a wireless communication network, the terminal comprising:a transceiver;a processor coupled to the transceiver; anda memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor;wherein the instructions cause the terminal to:receive, from a first base station, configuration information used to access a cell of a second base station for continuous data transmission,enter a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state, andtransmit, to the second base station, data for the continuous data transmission based on the configuration information.10.The terminal of claim 9,wherein the configuration information includes at least one of:indication information indicating the terminal to perform the continuous data transmission for a service;identity information for the terminal;at least one service information for providing information on at least one base station which provides the service to the terminal;access layer reference configuration related information;at least one access layer configuration related information for providing an access layer configuration provided by the at least one base station for the continuous data transmission of the terminal;at least one uplink synchronization configuration information; andat least one reference signal configuration information,wherein the at least one uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of:frequency information for performing early uplink synchronization on the cell of the second base station;preamble sequence related information;random access channel subcarrier spacing;uplink and downlink configuration related information;occasion related information;random access configuration index related information;preamble received target power information;power ramping step related information;information related to the maximum number of preamble transmissions; andrandom access response window related information, andwherein the at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:frequency information for a reference signal;subcarrier spacing information for the reference signal;periodicity related information for the reference signal; andposition related information for the reference signal.11.The terminal of claim 9,wherein the instructions further cause the terminal to:initiate a random access procedure to access the first base station,receive, from the first base station, an instruction message for triggering the terminal to transmit a random access preamble to the second base station,transmit, to the second base station, the random access preamble, wherein information for early uplink synchronization associated with the second base station is transmitted from the second base station to the first base station based on a transmission of the random access preamble,receive, from the first base station, a handover command including identity information for the cell of the second base station, andperform handover to the second base station,wherein the data is transmitted to the second base station based on the handover.12.The terminal of claim 9,wherein the instructions further cause the terminal to:initiate a random access procedure to access the second base station based on the configuration information, wherein the data is transmitted after the random access procedure is completed, without entering an RRC connected state,receive, from the second base station, a handover command including identity information for a cell of a third base station,perform handover to the third base station, andtransmit, to the third base station, the data for the continuous data transmission,wherein the identity information for the cell of the third base station is further included in the configuration information, andwherein the handover command further includes at least one of:timing advance related information;transmission control information related information;preamble index information;a reference signal index;a random access channel mask index; andnumber of repetitions.13.A first base station in a wireless communication network, the first base station comprising:a transceiver;a processor coupled to the transceiver; anda memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor;wherein the instructions cause the first base station to:receive, from a second base station, information for continuous data transmission of a terminal to the second base station, andtransmit, to the terminal, configuration information used to access a cell of the second base station for the continuous data transmission,wherein the terminal enters a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or an RRC idle state based on a reception of the configuration information, andwherein data for the continuous data transmission is transmitted from the terminal to the second base station based on the configuration information.14.The first base station of claim 13,wherein the configuration information includes at least one of:indication information indicating the terminal to perform the continuous data transmission for a service;identity information for the terminal;at least one service information for providing information on at least one base station which provides the service to the terminal;access layer reference configuration related information;at least one access layer configuration related information for providing an access layer configuration provided by the at least one base station for the continuous data transmission of the terminal;at least one uplink synchronization configuration information; andat least one reference signal configuration information,wherein the at least one uplink synchronization configuration information includes at least one of:frequency information for performing early uplink synchronization on the cell of the second base station;preamble sequence related information;random access channel subcarrier spacing;uplink and downlink configuration related information;occasion related information;random access configuration index related information;preamble received target power information;power ramping step related information;information related to the maximum number of preamble transmissions; andrandom access response window related information, andwherein the at least one reference signal configuration information includes at least one of:frequency information for a reference signal;subcarrier spacing information for the reference signal;periodicity related information for the reference signal; andposition related information for the reference signal.15.The first base station of claim 13,wherein the instructions further cause the first base station to:perform a random access procedure with the terminal,transmit, to the terminal, an instruction message for triggering the terminal to transmit a random access preamble to the second base station,receive, from the second base station, information for early uplink synchronization associated with the second base station, based on a transmission of a random access preamble transmitted from the terminal to the second base station, andtransmit, to the terminal, a handover command including identity information for the cell of the second base station,wherein the data is transmitted from the terminal to the second base station, based on a handover of the terminal from the first base station to the second base station.

Images