Managing measurement prediction in dual connectivity and mobility

Abstract

Aspects described herein include a method in a node of a radio access network (RAN) in communication with a user equipment (UE). The method can include receiving, from a second node of the RAN, an indication of whether a measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node. The method can further include, in accordance with the indication, either (i) transmitting, to the UE, an instruction to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the second node or (ii) transmitting, to the UE, an instruction to prevent the UE from applying the measurement prediction configuration at the second node. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC MANAGING MEASUREMENT PREDICTION IN DUAL CONNECTIVITY AND MOBILITY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 738,509 entitled “Managing measurement prediction in dual connectivity and mobility,” filed on December 23, 2024. The entire content of the provisional application is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates to wireless communications and, more particularly, to managing measurement prediction configuration in dual connectivity and mobility scenarios.BACKGROUND

[0003] This background description is provided for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0004] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) specifies a radio interface referred to as fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) (5G NR). An architecture for a 5G NR wireless communication system includes a 5G core (5GC) network, a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN), a 5G user equipment (5G UE), etc. The 5G NR architecture seeks to provide increased data rates, decreased latency, and / or increased capacity compared to previous generation cellular communication systems.

[0005] Wireless communication systems provide various telecommunication services (e.g., telephony, video, data, messaging, etc.) based on multiple-access technologies, such as orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technologies, that support communication with multiple UEs. During communication between a UE and a RAN, the RAN triggers and executes a handover based on historical measurement result(s) and / or reporting event(s) that the UE reports. This results in a reactive handover process.

[0006] The reactive handover process may be adequate when handover occurs among macro cells, when UE mobility is low, and when the network provides certain currently-available services. However, when UE mobility is high, when UE mobility is among high-PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC density micro cells, or when cells provide both existing services and high-data-rate, low-latency services, the existing reactive handover scheme may result in increased frequency of unintended events including handover failure, radio link failure, instances of the Ping-Pong phenomenon, throughput loss, early / late handover, etc. To better support high-data-rate, low-latency services such as extended Reality (XR) services, 3GPP is studying improved methods of measurement prediction based on Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) to improve mobility performance and mitigate failures.

[0007] When a base station of the RAN communicates with a UE, the base station may receive an indication of the UE’s measurement prediction capability indicating that the UE supports measurement prediction. Later in time, the base station may receive an applicability indication from the UE, indicating that measurement prediction applies to a particular measurement configuration. The base station may configure the UE to enable measurement prediction to predict measurement results using AI / ML based on the applicability indication.

[0008] However, current approaches do not clearly address how the UE and RAN manage measurement prediction for dual connectivity and during or after a mobility event such as a handover or a secondary node change. When the UE hands over from a source base station to a target base station, it remains unclear how the UE or the target base station determines whether the measurement prediction remains applicable. In some cases, the measurement prediction may not apply to cells that the target base station operates. After handover, the UE transmits a second applicability indication to the target base station, indicating that the measurement prediction does not apply. After receiving the second applicability indication, the target base station may transmit, to the UE, an RRC reconfiguration message configuring the UE to stop performing the measurement prediction. Before receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, the UE still performs the measurement prediction to predict measurement results and transmits, to the target base station, the predicted measurement results. These predicted measurement results may be inaccurate, which may delay a handover decision and cause a radio link failure that the UE detects.

[0009] Furthermore, when a master node (MN) configures the UE to operate in dual connectivity (DC) with the MN and a secondary node (SN), it remains unclear how the SN determines whether to configure measurement prediction for the UE. When the UE in DC performs a primary secondary cell (PSCell) change from a source SN to a Targets, it remainsPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC unclear how the UE and the target SN determine whether the measurement prediction remains applicable.

[0010] Additionally, it remains unclear whether the MN and SN may configure measurement predictions for the UE independently or in coordination. In some cases, the MN and SN both configure measurements on the same carrier frequency. If one of the MN and SN configures the UE to perform measurement prediction and the other does not, the UE cannot perform measurement prediction effectively.SUMMARY

[0011] An example aspect of these techniques is a method implemented in a first node of a RAN in communication with a UE comprises: receiving, from a second node of the RAN, an indication of whether a measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node. The method can further comprise, in accordance with the indication, either (i) transmitting, to the UE, an instruction to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the second node or (ii) transmitting, to the UE, an instruction to prevent the UE from applying the measurement prediction configuration at the second node.

[0012] In another aspect, a method implemented in a UE comprises performing measurement prediction on a first reference signal from a first node of a RAN. The method can further comprise transmitting, to the first node, an indication of whether the UE is configured to perform measurement prediction on a second reference signal from a second node of the RAN, when operating in dual connectivity with the first node and the second node.

[0013] In yet another aspect, a RAN node can include a transceiver and processing hardware to implement any method described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. l is a block diagram of an example system in which a radio access network (RAN) and a user equipment (UE) can implement the techniques of this disclosure for measurement prediction;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an example protocol stack that the UE of Fig. 1 uses to communicate with base stations;PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0016] Fig. 3 is a message sequence diagram of an example scenario in which a UE and a base station provide measurement predictions and measurement prediction capability information;

[0017] Fig. 4A illustrates a calibration mode during which the UE trains or tunes an ML model;

[0018] Fig. 4B illustrates a second example implementation time domain prediction, without overlap between observation and prediction windows, which can be performed by a UE;

[0019] Fig. 4C illustrates a third example implementation of time domain prediction, having sliding observation windows, which can be performed by a UE;

[0020] Fig. 5 A illustrates example measurements that a UE can make when predicting continuous measurement results;

[0021] Fig. 5B illustrates example measurements similar to Fig. 5A except that the UE can use measurements shown in Fig. 5B to predict two or more measurements;

[0022] Fig. 6A is a message sequence diagram illustrating a measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure;

[0023] Fig. 6B is a message sequence diagram illustrating a measurement prediction and configuration procedure similar to that of Fig. 6A, except that the UE indicates that measurement prediction is not applicable;

[0024] Fig. 7A is a message sequence diagram illustrating a UE and a source base station performing a measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure;

[0025] Fig. 7B is a message sequence diagram illustrating a UE and a source base station performing a measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure similar to that of Fig. 7A except that the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable and suspends measurement prediction;

[0026] Fig. 7C is a message sequence diagram illustrating a scenario similar to that of Fig.7B except that the UE disables measurement prediction after handover rather than suspending it;PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0027] Fig. 7D is a message sequence diagram illustrating a scenario similar to Fig. 7A-7C except that, upon determining to suspend measurement prediction, the UE 102 transmits, to the T-BS, an applicability indication;

[0028] Fig. 7E is a message sequence diagram illustrating a scenario similar to that of Figs.7A-7D except that the UE disables measurement prediction after determining it is not applicable at the target cell;

[0029] Fig. 7F is a message sequence diagram illustrating a scenario similar to that of Figs.7A-7E except that the target base station determines that the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable and indicates release in the handover command;

[0030] Fig. 7G is a message sequence diagram illustrating a scenario similar to that of Fig.7F except that the UE re-enables measurement prediction after the handover;

[0031] Fig. 7H is a message sequence diagram illustrating a scenario in which the target base station transmits, to the UE, a revised measurement prediction configuration after handover completion;

[0032] Fig. 8A is a message sequence diagram illustrating an SN addition procedure in which the MN configures measurement prediction for the UE before SN addition;

[0033] Fig. 8B is a message sequence diagram similar to Fig. 8A illustrating an SN addition procedure in which the UE determines measurement prediction applicability for the SN after receiving the SN configuration;

[0034] Fig. 8C is a message sequence diagram similar to Fig. 8A-8B illustrating an SN addition procedure in which the UE determines measurement prediction applicability for the SN after receiving the SN configuration;

[0035] Fig. 9A is a message sequence diagram illustrating an SN change procedure in which the UE continues measurement prediction with the target SN;

[0036] Fig. 9B is a message sequence diagram similar to Fig. 9A except that the UE determines that SN measurement prediction is not applicable;

[0037] Fig. 9C is a message sequence diagram similar to Fig. 9B except that the UE transmits an indication that SN measurement prediction is not applicable;

[0038] Fig. 9D is a message sequence diagram illustrating an SN change procedure in which the target SN determines the measurement prediction configuration is applicable;PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0039] Fig. 9E is a message sequence diagram illustrating an SN change procedure similar to that of Fig. 9D except that the UE disables measurement prediction;

[0040] Fig. 9F is a message sequence diagram illustrating an SN change procedure in which the target SN determines the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable;

[0041] Fig. 9G is a message sequence diagram illustrating an SN change procedure similar to that of Fig. 9F except that the UE re-enables measurement prediction after the PSCell change;

[0042] Fig. 10 is a message sequence diagram illustrating an SN modification procedure in which the SN releases the measurement prediction configuration;

[0043] Fig. 11 A is a flow diagram illustrating a method that can be implemented by a base station;

[0044] Fig. 1 IB is a flow diagram illustrating second example method similar to that depicted in Fig. 11 A that can be implemented by a base station;

[0045] Fig. 12A is a flow diagram illustrating a third example method that can be implemented by a base station;

[0046] Fig. 12B is a flow diagram illustrating a fourth example method that can be implemented by a base station;

[0047] Fig. 12C is a flow diagram illustrating a fifth example method that can be implemented by a base station;

[0048] Fig. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a first example method that can be implemented by a master node;

[0049] Fig. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a second example method that can be implemented by a master node;

[0050] Fig. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a first example method that a secondary node can implement;

[0051] Fig. 16A is a flow diagram illustrating a first example method that a UE can implement;

[0052] Fig. 16B is a flow diagram illustrating a second example method that a UE can implement;PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0053] Fig. 17A is a flow diagram illustrating a third example method that a UE can implement;

[0054] Fig. 17B is a flow diagram illustrating a fourth example method that a UE can implemented;

[0055] Fig. 18 is a flow diagram of a fifth example method that a UE can implement;

[0056] Fig. 19 illustrates a schematic diagram of modules, components or circuitry that can provide an example implementation for a UE to perform reference signal measurements;

[0057] Fig. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating a method that a network (e.g., first base station, master node, or source node) can implement; and

[0058] Fig. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating a method that a UE can implement.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Techniques of the disclosure are directed to dual connectivity in mobility scenarios. A base station and a UE can perform a handover procedure more quickly by selecting a target cell in advance based on measurement predictions enhanced by machine learning prediction capabilities. The UE indicates capabilities for performing such predictions. In some example aspects, the base station can use predicted measurement results for layer 3 (L3) mobility (including handovers) and / or the UE can request or initiate handovers based on predicted measurement results. The UE can perform LI measurements or filtering as described in more detail later herein. Prediction parameters, including observation window size and prediction window size, can be configured by the network to reduce measurement workload for the UE.

[0060] Referring first to Fig. 1, an example wireless communication system 100 in which communication devices can implement one or more of these techniques. The wireless communication system 100 includes a UE 102, a base station (BS) 104, a base station 106 and a core network (CN) 110. The base stations 104, 106 can operate in a radio access network (RAN) 105. The CN 110 may be or include an evolved packet core (EPC) 111, a fifth generation (5G) core (5GC) 160 and / or a sixth generation (6G) core (6GC) 170, for example. The base station 104 can be an eNB supporting an SI interface for communicating with the EPC 111, an ng-eNB supporting an NG interface for communicating with the 5GC 160, or a gNB that supports an NR radio interface as well as an NG interface for communicating with the 5GC 160. The base station 104 can also be an 6G base station (BS) supporting the NG interface, a new NG interface, or a 6G BS-to-CN (e.g., N6G) interface forPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC communicating with the 5GC 160 or the 6GC 170. To directly exchange messages with each other during the scenarios discussed below, the base stations 104 and 106 can support an X2, Xn, new Xn, or 6G BS-to-BS (e.g., X6G) interface. Among other components, the EPC 111 can include a Serving Gateway (SGW) 112, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 114, and a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) 116. The SGW 112 is generally configured to transfer user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., and the MME 114 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions. The PGW 116 provides connectivity from the UE to one or more external packet data networks, e.g., an Internet network and / or an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. The 5GC 160 includes a User Plane Function (UPF) 162 and an Access and Mobility Management (AMF) 164, and / or a Session Management Function (SMF) 166. The UPF 162 is generally configured to transfer user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., the AMF 164 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions, and the SMF 166 is configured to manage PDU sessions. The 6GC 170 includes a 6G UPF 172 and a 6G AMF 174, and / or 6G SMF 176, similar to the UPF 162, the AMF 164 and the SMF 176 with enhanced functions respectively.

[0061] With continued reference to Fig. 1, the base station 104 supports cell 124, and the base station 106 supports cells 126A, 126B, and 126C. The cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C can operate on the same carrier frequency or different carrier frequencies. For example, the cells 126A, 126B, and 126C operate on DL carrier frequencies fl, f2, and f3 respectively. The cell 124 may operate on the DL carrier frequency fl. When the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C operate in a time division duplex (TDD) mode, the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C operate in UL carrier frequencies that are the same as the DL carrier frequencies. When the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C operate in a frequency division duplex (FDD) mode, the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C operate in UL carrier frequencies different from the DL carrier frequencies. The cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C can partially overlap to provide seamless service continuity. Thus, while the UE 102 may move among the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and 126C, the UE 102 may still communicate with the CN 110 via these cells. In some other scenarios, the cells 126B and / or 126C may belong to one or more other base stations (e.g., the base station 104 and / or one or more additional base stations not shown in Fig. 1). In general, the wireless communication network 100 can include any suitable number of base stations supporting 6G cells, NR cells and / or EUTRA cells. MorePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC particularly, the EPC 111 can be connected to any suitable number of base stations supporting EUTRA cells, while the 5GC 160 and / or the 6GC 170 can be connected to any suitable number of base stations supporting 6G cells and / or NR cells. Although the examples below refer specifically to specific CN types (EPC, 5GC, 6GC) and RAT types (6G, 5GNR and EUTRA), in general the techniques of this disclosure also can apply to other suitable radio access and / or core network technologies such as seventh generation (7G) radio access and / or 7G core network.

[0062] With continued reference to Fig. 1, the base station 104 includes processing hardware 130 that includes one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and a non-transitory computer-readable medium (CRM) storing instructions that the one or more general-purpose processors execute. Additionally, or alternatively, the processing hardware 130 may include special-purpose processing units. According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the processing hardware 130 includes a processor 132 to process data that the base station 104 transmits in the downlink direction, or data that the base station 104 receives in the uplink direction. The processing hardware 130 also includes a receiver 134 configured to transmit data in the downlink direction and to receive data in the uplink direction. The processing hardware 130 also includes a measurement controller 136 configured to manage measurement configurations. The processing hardware 130 further includes a measurement prediction controller 138 configured to manage (e.g., configure, release, activate, deactivate, enable, or disable) measurement prediction configurations for UEs as described in more detail later herein. The CRM (not shown) stores executable code that, when executed on the processor 132, enables the processor 132 to perform methods according to embodiments described in this section. The base station 106 includes generally similar components. In particular, components 140, 142, 144, 146, and 148 of the base station 106 may be similar to the components 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138 respectively.

[0063] The UE 102 includes processing hardware 150 that can include one or more general-purpose processors such as CPUs and non-transitory CRM storing machine-readable instructions executable on the one or more general-purpose processors, and / or specialpurpose processing units. As schematically illustrated in Figure 1, the processing hardware 150 includes a processor 152 to prepare data that the UE 102 transmits in the uplink direction, or to process data that the UE 102 receives in the downlink direction. The processing hardware 150 also includes a transceiver 154 configured to transmit data in the uplink direction and to receive data in the downlink direction. The processing hardware 150PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC further includes a measurement controller 156 configured to manage measurement configurations, perform measurements and / or transmit measurement results. The processing hardware 150 additionally includes a measurement prediction controller 158 configured to manage (e.g., configure, release, activate, deactivate, enable, or disable) measurement predictions.

[0064] Fig. 2 illustrates, in a simplified manner, an example protocol stack 200 according to which the UE 102 can communicate with an eNB / ng-eNB or a gNB 230 or 232 (e.g., one or more of the base stations 104, 106).

[0065] In the example stack 200, a NR PHY 202B provides transport channels to a NR MAC sublayer 204B, which in turn provides logical channels to a NR RLC sublayer 206B. The NR RLC sublayer 206B in turn provides data transfer services to a NR PDCP sublayer 208B. The NR PDCP sublayer 208B in turn can provide data transfer services to a Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) 210B sublayer and / or a radio resource control (RRC) sublayer (not shown in Fig. 2). Similarly, a physical layer (PHY) 202A of 6G provides transport channels to the 6G MAC sublayer 204A, which in turn provides logical channels to the 6G RLC sublayer 206A. The 6G RLC sublayer 206A in turn provides RLC channels to a 6G PDCP sublayer 208A. The 6G PDCP sublayer 208A in turn can provide data transfer services to a 6G Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) sublayer 210A or a 6G radio resource control (RRC) sublayer (not shown in Fig. 2). In some implementations, the 6G SDAP sublayer 210A can be omitted. In such cases, the PDCP sublayer 208 A may support functionalities of the SDAP sublayer 210A. The UE 102, in some implementations, supports both the 6G and the NR stack as shown in Fig. 2, to support handover between 6G and NR base stations and / or to support DC over 6G and NR interfaces.

[0066] The 6G PDCP sublayer 208A and the NR PDCP sublayer 208B receive packets (e.g., from an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, layered directly or indirectly over the PDCP layer 208A or 208B) that can be referred to as service data units (SDUs), and output packets (e.g., to the RLC layer 206A or 206B) that can be referred to as protocol data units (PDUs).Except where the difference between SDUs and PDUs is relevant, this disclosure for simplicity refers to both SDUs and PDUs as “packets.”

[0067] On a control plane, the 6G PDCP sublayer 208A and the NR PDCP sublayer 208B can provide signaling radio bearers (SRBs) or RRC sublayer (not shown in Fig. 2) to exchange RRC messages or non-access-stratum (NAS) messages, for example. On a userPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC plane, the 6G PDCP sublayer 208A and the NR PDCP sublayer 208B can provide Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) to support data exchange. Data exchanged on the 6G PDCP sublayer 208 A and NR PDCP sublayer 208B can be SDAP PDUs, Internet Protocol (IP) packets or Ethernet packets.

[0068] Next, several example scenarios illustrate how a base station operating in the system of Fig. 1 transmits a configuration to the UE 102 and later activates a configuration for communication between the UE 102 and the base station.

[0069] Referring first to Fig. 3, in a scenario 300, the UE 102 initially communicates 302 with the base station 104 via a cell (e.g., cell 124 (Fig. 1)) on a DL carrier frequency and a UL carrier frequency. The DL carrier frequency and the UL carrier frequency can be the same or different. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 304, to the base station 104, indicators of one or more measurement prediction capabilities and / or a measurement prediction applicability reporting capability. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 304, to the base station 104, a UE capability IE including the one or more measurement prediction capabilities. In other implementations, the base station 104 receives 306 the one or more measurement prediction capabilities of the UE 102 from an additional base station (e.g., the base station 106 or a different base station) or a core network node (e.g., MME 114 or AMF 164 or 174). In some implementations, the base station 104 receives 306 a UE capability IE including the one or more measurement prediction capabilities from the additional base station or the core network node. In some implementations, the UE capability IE may indicate that the UE supports frequency bands (hereinafter referred to as band(s)) 1, ..., N, where N is a positive integer. The one or more measurement prediction capability indicators indicate support for measurement prediction, where measurement prediction is described in more detail later herein with refence to Figs. 4A-5B. To simplify the description below, “measurement prediction capability” or “measurement prediction capabilities” is used to refer to the “one or more measurement prediction capabilities”.

[0070] In some implementations, the measurement prediction capability applies to all bands supported by the UE 102. That is, the UE 102 can perform measurement prediction for all supported or configured bands with the measurement prediction capability. For example, the measurement prediction capability is a single capability, i.e., a per-UE capability.

[0071] In other implementations, the one or more measurement prediction capabilities apply to one or more specific bands supported by the UE 102. That is, the UE 102 canPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC perform measurement prediction for the one or more specific bands with the one or more measurement prediction capabilities. For example, a measurement prediction capability can be associated with a particular band supported by the UE 102. In some implementations, the measurement prediction capabilities include measurement prediction capabilities 1, ..., N for the bands 1, ..., N respectively. In other implementations, the measurement prediction capabilities include measurement prediction capabilities 1, ..., M for the bands 1, ..., M respectively, where M is a positive integer and M < N. When the UE capability IE does not include a measurement prediction capability for each of the bands M+l, ..., N, this indicates that the UE 102 does not support measurement prediction for the bands M+l, ... , N.

[0072] In yet other implementations, the one or more measurement prediction capabilities apply to one or more specific frequency ranges supported by the UE 102. That is, the UE 102 can perform measurement prediction for the one or more specific frequency ranges with the one or more measurement prediction capabilities. For example, a measurement prediction capability can be associated with a particular frequency range supported by the UE 102. In some implementations, the measurement prediction capabilities include a measurement prediction capability for each frequency range supported by the UE 102. In other implementations, the measurement prediction capabilities include a first measurement prediction capability for one of a first frequency range and the measurement prediction capabilities do not include a measurement prediction capability for a second frequency range. For example, in one implementation, one of the first frequency range and the second range can be indicated as frequency range 1 (FR1) and the other can be indicated as frequency range 2 (FR2). In another implementation, one of the first frequency range and the second range can be indicated as frequency range 3 (FR3) and the other can be indicated FR2, and measurement prediction capabilities can be provided for each of FR3 and FR2, and the measurement prediction capabilities may or may not include a third measurement prediction capability for FR1. In yet another implementation, one of the first frequency range and the second range can be indicated as FR1 and the other can be indicated as FR3, and measurement prediction capabilities can be provided for each of FR1 and FR3, and the measurement prediction capabilities may or may not include a third measurement prediction capability for FR2.

[0073] In some implementations, the one or more measurement prediction capabilities 304, 306 include at least one first measurement prediction capability, where each of the at least one first measurement prediction capability indicates support of temporal domain (i.e., time-PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC domain) measurement prediction. The temporal domain measurement prediction is illustrated in Figs. 4A-4C. Examples and implementations described above can apply to the at least first measurement prediction capability.

[0074] In some implementations, the one or more measurement prediction capabilities include at least one second measurement prediction capability, where each of the at least one second measurement prediction capability indicates support of frequency-domain measurement prediction. The frequency-domain measurement prediction is illustrated in Figs.5A-5B. Examples and implementations described above can apply to the at least first measurement prediction capability. In some implementations, the at least one second measurement prediction capability includes measurement prediction capabilities 1, ..., N-L, which are associated with the band N, for the bands 1, ..., N-l, respectively. L is a positive integer and 0 < L < N. That is, the UE 102 can perform measurement prediction for the bands 1, ..., N-l, while the UE 102 communicates with a RAN (e.g., the base station 104) on one or more carrier frequencies belonging to the band N. In some implementations, the at least one second measurement prediction capability includes measurement prediction capabilities for some of the bands 1, ..., N, which are associated with one of the other bands 1, ..., N.

[0075] In some implementations, the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability indicates that the UE 102 is capable of applicability reporting for measurement prediction such as event 318. The UE capability IE may include the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability.

[0076] After event 304 or 306, the base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE 102, a first measurement configuration, a first measurement prediction configuration, and / or a measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration, e.g., in one or more messages. The UE 102 may transmit, to the base station 104, a response message in response to each of the one or more messages 308. In some implementations, the one or more messages 308 may be one or more RRC reconfiguration messages and the one or more response messages may be an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0077] In some implementations, the first measurement configuration configures measurement and reporting that are based on a first measurement object and a first report configuration respectively. In such cases, the first measurement configuration includes the first measurement object and the first report configuration. The base station 104 transmits, toPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC the UE 102, the first measurement object and the first report configuration in event 308 or one or more other messages (e.g., RRC reconfiguration messages). In some implementations, the first measurement configuration includes a first measurement ID, a first measurement object ID, and / or a first report configuration ID. The first measurement ID indicates the first measurement configuration, and the first measurement object ID indicates a first measurement object. In some implementations, the first measurement object indicates a first frequency / time location and / or a first subcarrier spacing of reference signal(s) to be measured. The first report configuration ID indicates the first report configuration. In some implementations, the first measurement configuration configures inter-frequency measurements. In other implementations, the first measurement configuration configures intra-frequency measurements.

[0078] In some implementations, the base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE 102, the first measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration in response to the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability. In other implementations, the base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE 102, the measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration in response to receiving the measurement prediction capability. In some implementations, the base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE 102, the first measurement prediction configuration in response to receiving the measurement prediction capability.

[0079] In some implementations, the base station 104 may transmit 308, to the UE 102, an additional measurement configuration. In some implementations, the additional measurement configuration configures measurement and reporting that are based on an additional measurement object and an additional report configuration respectively. In such cases, the additional measurement configuration consists of the additional measurement object and the additional report configuration. The base station 104 transmits, to the UE 102, the measurement object and the first report configuration in event 308 or one or more other messages (e.g., RRC reconfiguration messages). In some implementations, the additional measurement configuration includes an additional measurement ID, an additional measurement object ID, and / or an additional report configuration ID. The additional measurement ID indicates the additional measurement configuration, and the additional measurement object ID indicates an additional measurement object. In some implementations, the additional measurement object indicates an additional frequency / time location and / or an additional subcarrier spacing of reference signal(s) to be measured. The additional report configuration ID indicates the additional report configuration. In somePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC implementations, the additional measurement configuration configures inter-frequency measurements. In other implementations, the additional measurement configuration configures intra-frequency measurements.

[0080] The UE 102 performs 310 first measurements. In some implementations, the UE 102 performs 310 the first measurements based on (e.g., in response to) the first measurement configuration. For example, the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on (e.g., in accordance with) the first measurement object. In other implementations, the UE 102 performs 310 the first measurements based on the additional measurement configuration. For example, the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on (e.g., in accordance with) the additional measurement object. The UE 102 generates 312 at least one first measurement result based on the first measurements 310 and without using measurement prediction. In some implementations, the UE 102 obtains intermediate measurement results from the first measurements and generates the at least one first measurement result using the intermediate measurement results as described for Fig. 19.

[0081] In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 314, to the base station 104, a first measurement report including the at least one first measurement result. When the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on the first measurement configuration, the UE 102 transmits 314 the first measurement report in accordance with the first report configuration. In some implementations, the first measurement configuration configures a first reporting event for an event-triggered measurement reporting. The UE 102 determines that the first reporting event occurs based on the at least one first measurement result. In response to the determination, the UE 102 transmits 314, to the base station 104, the first measurement report. In other implementations, the first report configuration configures a periodic measurement reporting. In such cases, the UE 102 transmits 314 the first measurement report upon occurrence of a periodicity (e.g., expiry of a periodic timer). The first report configuration configures the periodicity. In some implementations, the first measurement report or the at least one first measurement result includes a first reporting event ID that identifies the first reporting event. In some implementations, the first report configuration includes the first reporting event ID.

[0082] When the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on the additional measurement configuration, the UE 102 transmits 314 the first measurement report in accordance with the additional report configuration. In some implementations, the additionalPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC measurement configuration or the additional report configuration configures an additional reporting event for an event-triggered measurement reporting. The UE 102 determines that the additional reporting event occurs based on the at least one first measurement result. In response to the determination, the UE 102 transmits 314, to the base station 104, the first measurement report. In other implementations, the additional report configuration configures a periodic measurement reporting. In such cases, the UE 102 transmits 314 the first measurement report upon occurrence of a periodicity (e.g., expiration of a periodic timer). The additional report configuration configures the periodicity. In some implementations, the first measurement report or the at least one first measurement result includes an additional reporting event ID that identifies the additional reporting event. In some implementations, the additional report configuration includes the additional reporting event ID.

[0083] In some implementations, the at least one first measurement result indicates a signal strength, and / or a signal quality. For example, the at least one first measurement result includes the additional reporting event ID that identifies the additional reporting event. In another example, the at least one first measurement result includes a value of reference signal received power (RSRP) indicating a signal strength. In yet another example, the at least one first measurement result includes a value of reference signal received quality (RSRQ) indicating a signal quality. In yet another example, the at least one first measurement result includes a value of signal to noise and interference ratio (SINR).

[0084] The events 310, 312, and 314 are collectively referred to in Fig. 3 as a measurement without prediction procedure 382.

[0085] While communicating with the base station 104, the UE 102 determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable. In some implementations, after event 308, the UE 102 determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement configuration. In one implementation, the UE 102 determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement object. In another implementation, the UE 102 determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable to the first report configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 makes the determination 316 after (e.g., in response to) receiving the first measurement prediction configuration. In other implementations, the UE 102 makes the determination 316 after (e.g., in response to) receiving the measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration. In yet other implementations, the UE 102 makes the determination 316 after (e.g., in response to)PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC receiving the first measurement object. In yet other implementations, the UE 102 makes the determination 316 after (e.g., in response to) receiving the first report configuration.

[0086] If the UE 102 determines 316 that measurement prediction is applicable, the UE 102 transmits 318, to the base station 104, an applicability indication message indicating that measurement prediction is applicable. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes, in the applicability indication message, an applicable indication indicating measurement prediction is applicable. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes at least one first identity / identifier (ID) in the applicability indication message. In some implementations, the at least one first ID includes the first measurement ID, the first measurement object ID, the first report configuration ID, and / or the first reporting event ID to indicate that measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID respectively. In other implementations, the at least one first ID includes an ID of the first measurement prediction configuration to indicate that the measurement prediction configured by the first measurement prediction configuration is applicable.

[0087] In some implementations, the UE 102 includes a second measurement prediction configuration in the applicability indication message. In some implementations, the second measurement prediction configuration is a measurement prediction configuration suggested or preferred by the UE 102. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 318 the second measurement prediction configuration because the second measurement prediction configuration enables a high prediction accuracy. When the UE 102 receives the first measurement prediction configuration from the base station 104, the second measurement prediction configuration may be different from the first measurement prediction configuration. Alternatively, the second measurement prediction configuration may be the same as the first measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the second measurement prediction configuration can be considered a preferred measurement prediction configuration indicated by the UE 102. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 318 the second measurement prediction configuration because the second measurement prediction configuration has a prediction accuracy higher than the first measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits the second measurement prediction configuration for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. In some implementations, if the UE 102 is satisfied with the first measurement predictionPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC configuration, the UE 102 does not include the second measurement prediction configuration in the applicability indication message. In such cases, the applicability indication message without a measurement prediction configuration may indicate that measurement prediction is applicable based on the first measurement prediction configuration.

[0088] In some implementations, after (e.g., in response to) receiving 318 the applicability indication message, the base station 104 transmits 320, to the UE 102, a first message. The UE 102 may transmit, to the base station 104, a first response message in response to the first message. For example, the first message and the first response message are an RRC reconfiguration message and an RRC reconfiguration complete message, respectively. In some implementations, the first message indicates enabling (e.g., activating) measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration and / or the first measurement object. In some implementations, the first message includes a third measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the third measurement prediction configuration updates (e.g., augments, modifies or replaces) the first or second measurement prediction configuration. The base station 104 may generate the third measurement prediction configuration based on the second measurement prediction configuration. The UE 102 updates the first or second measurement prediction configuration with the third measurement prediction configuration. When the base station 104 does not transmit the first measurement prediction configuration and the UE 102 does not transmit the second measurement prediction configuration, the UE 102 may apply the third measurement prediction configuration directly.

[0089] In other implementations, the base station 104 may omit a measurement prediction configuration in the first message or refrain from transmitting the first message to the UE 102 because the base station 104 determines to configure or configures the UE 102 to apply the second measurement prediction configuration. Alternatively, the base station 104 may omit the measurement prediction configuration in the first message or refrain from transmitting the first message because the base station 104 determines to configure or configures the UE 102 to apply the first measurement prediction configuration.

[0090] After events 316, 318 and / or 320, the UE 102 continuously performs 322 second measurements. In some implementations, the UE 102 performs 322 the second measurements based on (e.g., in response to) the first measurement configuration. For example, the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on (e.g., in accordance with) the first measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC object. In other implementations, the UE 102 performs 322 the second measurements based on the additional measurement configuration. For example, the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on (e.g., in accordance with) the additional measurement object.

[0091] The UE 102 generates 324 at least one second measurement result based on the second measurements and without using measurement prediction. In some implementations, the UE 102 obtains intermediate measurement results from the second measurements and generates the at least one second measurement result using the intermediate measurement results as described with reference to Fig. 19. The UE 102 then may predict 326 one or more measurement results based on the at least one second measurement result. In some implementations, the one or more predicted measurement results include a reporting event ID (e.g., the first reporting event ID), one or more signal strength values (e.g., RSRP values), one or more signal quality values (e.g., RSRQ values), and / or one or more SINR values.

[0092] In some implementations, the UE 102 may transmit 328, to the base station 104, a second measurement report including the predicted one or more measurement results. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 328 the second measurement report in accordance with the first report configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes a prediction indication in the second measurement report to indicate that the predicted one or more measurement results. In such cases, the UE 102 omits a prediction indication in the first measurement report because the first measurement report does not include a predicted measurement result. In other implementations, the UE 102 may include the predicted one or more measurement results in a first IE in the second measurement report. The first IE may be defined specifically to include one or more predicted measurement results. In such cases, the UE includes the at least one first measurement result in a second IE in the first measurement report. The second IE may be defined as including one or more non-predicted measurement results (i.e., measured measurement results). In yet other implementations, the UE 102 does not indicate whether measurement result(s) in the first measurement report and the second measurement report are predicted by measurement prediction. For example, the first measurement report and the second measurement report do not include a prediction indication.

[0093] In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the at least one second measurement result in the second measurement report. In other implementations, the UE 102 refrains from including the at least one second measurement result in the second measurement report. InPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC some implementations, after enabling the measurement prediction, the UE 102 may transmit, to the base station 104, at least one third measurement report associated with the first measurement configuration or the first report configuration. Each of the at least one third measurement reports includes at least one actual measurement result (i.e., not a predicted measurement result) and does not include a predicted measurement result.

[0094] In some implementations, a measurement prediction configuration (e.g., the first, second or third measurement prediction configuration) includes one or more configuration parameters for measurement prediction. In one implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a first parameter configuring a length of a prediction window. In another implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a second parameter configuring a length of an observation window. In yet another implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a third parameter configuring the number of measurement results used for measurement prediction. In yet another implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a fourth parameter configuring the number of measurement results predicted in the measurement prediction. In yet another implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a fifth parameter configuring an accuracy rate (e.g., a probability) for measurement prediction. The UE determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable based on the accuracy rate. For example, if the UE determines 316 accuracy of measurement prediction is below the accuracy rate, the UE determines measurement prediction is not applicable to the first measurement configuration or the first measurement object. If the UE determines 316 that accuracy of measurement prediction is above or equal to the accuracy rate, the UE determines measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement configuration or the first measurement object.

[0095] In some implementations, the UE 102 receives, from the base station 104, a second measurement configuration. Descriptions above for the first measurement configuration can apply to the second measurement configuration. The second measurement configuration includes a second measurement ID, a second measurement object ID, and / or a second report configuration ID. The second measurement ID indicates the second measurement configuration, and the second measurement object ID indicates a second measurement object. In some implementations, the second measurement object indicates a second frequency / time location and / or a second subcarrier spacing of reference signal(s) to be measured. The second report configuration ID indicates a second report configuration for measurement reporting. The second subcarrier spacing may be the same as or different from the first subcarrierPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC spacing. The second measurement configuration or the second report configuration may include a second reporting event ID indicating a second reporting event. The second reporting event ID may be the same as or different from the first reporting event ID. In some implementations, the UE 102 determines whether measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, as described earlier herein with respect to event 316. If the UE 102 does not support measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration, the UE 102 performs measurements based on the second measurement configuration and generates one or more measurement results based on the measurements and without using measurement prediction, as described with respect to events 310 and 312. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the one or more measurement results in the second measurement report. In the second measurement report, the UE 102 may indicate the one or more measurement results are based on measurements performed by the UE 102, e.g., by omitting or refraining from including a prediction indication for the one or more measurement results.

[0096] In some implementations, the UE 102 determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 indicates that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, and / or the second report configuration in the applicability indication message (i.e., a first applicability indication message) 318. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes at least one second ID in the first applicability indication message, e.g., indicating measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object and / or the second report configuration. In some implementations, the at least one second ID includes the second measurement ID, the second measurement object ID, the second report configuration ID, and / or the second reporting event ID to indicate that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID respectively. In other implementations, the at least one second ID includes an ID of the second measurement prediction configuration to indicate that the measurement prediction configured by the second measurement prediction configuration is applicable.

[0097] In other implementations, the UE 102 transmits, to the base station 104, a second applicability indication message indicating that measurement prediction is applicable to thePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC second measurement configuration, similar to the event 318. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the at least one second ID in the second applicability indication message.

[0098] In some implementations, the UE 102 may receive, from the base station 104, one or more additional measurement prediction configurations enabling measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration and / or the second measurement object as described with reference to events 308 and / or 320. In some implementations, the UE 102 may transmit a fourth measurement prediction configuration to the base station 104, similar to the second measurement prediction configuration.

[0099] In some implementations, the measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration is the same as the measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration. For example, the measurement predictions for the first and second measurement configurations are as described with reference to Fig. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 A, or 5B. In such cases, the UE 102 may use the same AI / ML model for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. In some implementations, the AEML model may use the same parameters for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. In other implementations, the AI / ML model may use different parameters for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration.

[0100] In other implementations, the measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration is different from the measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration. For example, one of the measurement predictions for the first and second measurement configurations is as described with reference to one of Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 A, and 5B, and the other is as described with reference to another of Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 A, and 5B. In such cases, the UE 102 uses different AEML models for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration.Alternatively, the UE 102 uses the same AI / ML model for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. In some implementations, the AUML model may use the same parameters for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. In other implementations, the AI / ML model may use different parameters for1PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration.

[0101] Fig. 3 collectively refers to events 322, 324, 326, and 328 as a measurement with prediction procedure 384. Fig. 3 collectively refers to events 302, 304, 306, 308, 382, 316, 318, 320, and 384 as a measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure 380.

[0102] Figs. 4A-4C illustrate example implementations in which a UE predicts continuous measurement results of a carrier frequency in a prediction window (PW) based on continuous historical measurement results of the carrier frequency in an observation window (OW). Note, the historical measurement results in the OW are actual measurement results obtained by a UE based on measurements performed by the UE.

[0103] Fig. 4A illustrates a certain mode or operational state of the UE, e.g., the calibration mode during which the UE trains or tunes an ML model. OW 490 A includes a certain number of consecutive observations (measurements) Oi, O2, ... ON, where N >= 1. PW 492A includes a certain number of consecutive predictions Pi, P2, ... PM, where M >= 1. In this example, N = M = 4, but in general the observation and prediction windows need not be of the same size, and the values of N and M can be any suitable positive integers.

[0104] The UE can train the ML model using the Oi, O2, ... ON to generate the predictions Pi, P2, ... PM. Further, as illustrated in this example, the UE can collect observations within another OW 494A at the same time as generating predictions within PW 492A, to generate predictions in PW 496A. In particular, the UE in this example generates prediction Pi based on OW 490A and, for the same frequency (or set of frequencies) and for the same instance of time (e.g., one or more frames, timeslots, symbols), generates an observation O’N within OW 494A. The overlap between PW 492A and OW 494A is one. In other words, the offset between OW 490A and OW 494A is one as measured in observation samples O or prediction samples P. More generally, the offset can be any suitable positive integer smaller than the size of the OW.

[0105] The UE can assess the difference between Pi and O’N to generate a feedback signal for training the ML model. A smaller difference Pi and O’N indicates greater accuracy of predictions, and greater difference accordingly indicates smaller accuracy of predictions. When the overlap between PW 492A and OW 494A is L > 1, the UE can assess the cumulative or average difference between groups of samples {Pi, ... PL} and {O’N, . . . O’N-L}.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0106] In some implementations, the UE starts a new OW (not shown) with an offset of one relative to OW 494A, so that there is an overlap of one between the new OW and PW 496A, similar to the overlap between OW 494A and PW 492A. This approach does not provide power saving at the UE, and the UE in some implementations operates in the mode of Fig. 4 A only when training or re-calibrating the ML model. Alternatively, the UE can start the new OW after the end of PW 496 A, in which the case the overlap between OW 494 A and the PW 492A does not provide power saving for Pi (as the UE continues to expend power to obtain the observation O’N), and results in power saving only for P2 - PN. AS another alternative, the UE can start the new OW after the end of PW 492 A, in which case the first observation in the new OW overlaps with the last prediction in PW 496A, to result in power saving for P2 - PN-I.

[0107] Although Fig. 4A illustrates observations O2 and OT for example as distinct observations, these designations can be only logical, and the UE can perform a single observation that belongs both to OW 490A and OW 494A. In this sense, because each prediction is based on a certain number of prior observations, the UE operates OW 490A and 494A as a sliding OW, and accordingly operates PW494A and 496A as a sliding PW.

[0108] When the UE determines that the ML model is sufficiently accurate, the UE can operate without overlapping between OWs and PWs as illustrated in Fig. 4B. In some implementations, the UE is configured to periodically re-enter the mode of Fig. 4A, to recalibrate or fine-tune the ML model. When predictions are sufficiently accurate, the UE can consider the predictions applicable to the relevant carrier frequency and provide an indication of applicability to the RAN.

[0109] In Fig. 4B, an OW and a PW do not overlap. Thus, the UE generates predictions within PW 492B based on the observations in OW 490B and then generates predictions within PW 496B based on the observations in OW 494B. The size of each of the OWs and the PWs is two in this example, and thus the UE generates two predictions based on two prior observations and expends approximately half the power required to generate observations at each instance of time.

[0110] In general, the OWs and the PWs in Fig. 4B can be of any suitable size, and the lengths of OWs and PWs need not be the same. In some implementations, the UE switches between the modes of Figs. 4A and 4B depending on the accuracy of predictions or based on timing as discussed above.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0111] Now referring to Fig. 4C, the UE can implement a sliding OW but omit certain observations to save power. In this example, the UE does not obtain an observation during gap Gi, which is an occasion for a potential observation that occurs between two observations, within an OW. The PW in this example spans a single prediction based on three observations within the OW, but the OW spans five observation occasions. In this manner, the UE expends less power to generate the set of observations within the OW.

[0112] Figs. 5A-5B illustrate example implementations in which a UE predicts continuous measurement results of second reference signal(s) in a carrier frequency f2 based on continuous historical measurement results of first reference signal(s) in a carrier frequency fl. In these example implementations, the UE may perform measurements of third reference signal(s) in a carrier frequency f3 while communicating with a RAN on the carrier frequency fl . In some implementations, the UE may perform measurements of third reference signal(s) because the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3. In other implementations, the UE may do so because the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the carrier frequency f3.

[0113] In some implementations, the UE receives, from a base station, a first measurement configuration configuring the UE to perform measurements of the first reference signal(s). In some implementations, the first measurement configuration configures a first measurement object indicating a first frequency / time location and / or a first subcarrier spacing of the first reference signal(s). The first frequency location may indicate the carrier frequency fl. The UE performs measurements of the first reference signal(s) based on the first measurement configuration and obtains the historical measurement results from the measurements.

[0114] In some implementations, the UE may receive, from the base station, a second measurement configuration configuring the UE to perform measurements of the second reference signal(s). In some implementations, the second measurement configuration configures a second measurement object indicating a second frequency / time location and / or a second subcarrier spacing of the second reference signal(s). The second frequency location may indicate the carrier frequency f2. As described with reference to Fig. 3, the UE may determine measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, transmit an applicability indication indicating measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration to the base station, and / or receive a configuration of enabling measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration from the basePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC station. Thus, instead of performing measurements of the second reference signal(s), the UE predicts continuous measurement results of the second reference signal(s) in the carrier frequency f2 based on continuous historical measurement results of the first reference signal(s) in the carrier frequency fl. For example, as shown in Fig. 5 A, measurement results 590A, 590B, 590C, 590D, 590E, 590F, and 590G of reference signals in carrier frequency fl can be used to predict measurements 592A, 592B, 592C, 592D, 592E, 592F, and 592G of the reference signals in the carrier frequency f2. In some examples, as shown in Fig. 5B, measurement results 590A, 590B, 590C, 590D, 590E, 590F, and 590G can be used to predict two or more of measurements 592A, 592B, 592C, 592D, 592E, 592F, and 592G of the reference signals in the carrier frequency f2. For example, measurement 590A can be used to predict measurement 592A, 592B, 592C and 592D; measurement 590B can be used to predict measurements 592B and 592E; measurement 590C can be used to predict 592C and 592F; measurement 590D can be used to predict 592D and 592F, etc.

[0115] In some implementations, the UE receives, from the base station, a third measurement configuration configuring the UE to perform measurements of the third reference signal(s). In some implementations, the third measurement configuration configures a third measurement object indicating a third frequency / time location and / or a third subcarrier spacing of the third reference signal(s). The third frequency location may indicate the carrier frequency f3. In some implementations, the first, second and / or third subcarrier spacing may be the same or different.

[0116] In some implementations, the UE determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object because the UE supports measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f2 or the second frequency location of the second reference signal(s). In some implementations, the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object because the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3 or the third frequency location of the third reference signal(s). For example, as seen in Fig. 5A and 5B, measurement prediction is not performed, and measurements are separately obtained, for measurements 594A, 594B, 594C, 594D, 594E, 594F, and 594G of carrier frequency f3.

[0117] In some implementations, the UE determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement objectPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC because the UE supports measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f2 based on the carrier frequency fl . In some implementations, the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object because the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3 based on the carrier frequency fl .

[0118] In some implementations, the UE determines a first distance between the carrier frequency f2 (or the second frequency location of the second reference signal(s)) and the carrier frequency fl (or the first frequency location of the first reference signal(s)) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value. Because the first distance is smaller than or equal to the predetermined value, the UE determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object. In some implementations, the UE determines a second distance between the carrier frequency f3 (or the third frequency location of the third reference signal(s)) and the carrier frequency fl (or the first frequency location of the first reference signal(s)) is larger than the predetermined value. Because the second distance is larger than the predetermined value, the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object.

[0119] In some implementations, the base station determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object because the measurement prediction capability of the UE indicates that the UE supports measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f2 or the second frequency location of the second reference signal(s). In some implementations, the base station determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object because the UE capability of the UE or the measurement prediction capability of the UE indicates that the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3 or the third frequency location of the third reference signal(s).

[0120] In some implementations, the base station determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object because the measurement prediction capability of the UE indicates that the UE supports measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f2 based on the carrier frequency fl . In some implementations, the base station determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object becausePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC the UE capability of the UE or the measurement prediction capability of the UE indicates that the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3 based on the carrier frequency fl .

[0121] In some implementations, the base station determines a first distance between the carrier frequency f2 (or the second frequency location of the second reference signal(s)) and the carrier frequency fl (or the first frequency location of the first reference signal(s)) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value. Because the first distance is smaller than or equal to the predetermined value, the base station determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object. In some implementations, the base station determines a second distance between the carrier frequency f3 (or the third frequency location of the third reference signal(s)) and the carrier frequency fl (or the first frequency location of the first reference signal(s)) is larger than the predetermined value. Because the second distance is larger than the predetermined value, the base station determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object.

[0122] In some implementations, the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration described for Figs. 5A-5B are the additional measurement configuration and the first measurement configuration described for Fig. 3, respectively.

[0123] Next, Figs. 6A-6B depict example signal flows for performing measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedures. Generally speaking, similar events in Fig.3 and Figs. 6A-6B are labeled with similar reference numbers that share two least significant digits, with differences discussed below where appropriate. For example, event 380 is similar to event 680 in Fig. 6A, and event 316 is similar to event 616. With the exception of the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the other implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0124] Referring first to Fig. 6A, in a scenario 600A, the UE 102 and the base station 104 perform 680 the measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure as described with reference to procedure 380 of Fig. 3. At a point subsequent to procedure 380, the UE 102 determines 616 the measurement prediction is not applicable, e.g., for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object and / or the first report configuration. The UE 102 suspends 630 A the measurement prediction (e.g., the measurement withPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC prediction procedure 384 (Fig. 3)) in response to the determination 616. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 619A, to the base station 104, an applicability indication message indicating the measurement prediction is suspended. In response to the applicability indication message 619A, the base station 104 may transmit 621, to the UE 102, a DL message configuring the UE 102 to disable measurement prediction and / or release the measurement prediction configuration. In response to receiving the DL message, the UE 102 disables the measurement prediction and / or releases the measurement prediction configuration, e.g., for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. While or after suspending the measurement prediction, the UE 102 performs 682 the measurement without prediction procedure for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. The events 616, 630A, 619A, 621, and 382 are collectively referred to in Fig. 6A as a measurement prediction termination procedure 686A.

[0125] In some implementations, the UE 102 includes at least one first ID in the applicability indication message 619A. In some implementations, the at least one first ID includes the first measurement ID, the first measurement object ID, the first report configuration ID, and / or the first reporting event ID to indicate that measurement prediction is suspended for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration respectively. In other implementations, the at least one first ID includes an ID of the first measurement prediction configuration to indicate that the measurement prediction configured by the first measurement prediction configuration is suspended.

[0126] In some implementations, the base station 104 configures a second measurement configuration for the UE 102 as described for Fig. 3. The UE 102 may enable measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID, as described for Fig. 3. In some implementations, the UE 102 determines 616 that the measurement prediction is not applicable to the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. In response to the determination, the UE 102 indicates, in the message 619A, the measurement prediction is suspended for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the at least one first ID in the applicability indication message 619A as described for Fig. 3. In somePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC implementations, the at least one first ID includes the first measurement ID, the first measurement object ID, the first report configuration ID, and / or the first reporting event ID to indicate that measurement prediction is suspended for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID respectively. In other implementations, the at least one first ID includes an ID of the first measurement prediction configuration to indicate that the measurement prediction configured by the first measurement prediction configuration is suspended.

[0127] In some implementations, the UE 102 determines that the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In some implementations, the UE 102 excludes the at least one second ID in the applicability indication message 619A to indicate that the measurement prediction is not suspended for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. Alternatively, the UE 102 includes at least one second ID in the applicability indication message 619A to indicate that the measurement prediction is not suspended for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one first ID and the at least one second ID in different fields.

[0128] In other implementations, the UE 102 determines the measurement prediction is not applicable to the second measurement configuration. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one second ID in the applicability indication 619A, indicating the measurement prediction is suspended for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. Alternatively, the UE 102 transmits, to the base station 104, another applicability indication message including the at least one second ID the measurement prediction is suspended for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one first ID and the at least one second ID in the same field.

[0129] Referring next to Fig. 6B, in a scenario 600B similar to the scenario 600A. In response to the determination 616B, the UE 102 transmits 619B, to the base station 104, an applicability indication indicating that the measurement prediction is not applicable. After thePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC determination 616 or the transmission 619B, the UE 102 continues to perform 684 the measurement with prediction procedure. In response to the applicability indication 619B, the base station 104 may transmit 621, to the UE 102, the DL message. In response to receiving the DL message, the UE 102 disables 630B the measurement prediction, e.g., for the first measurement configuration. After disabling the measurement prediction, the UE 102 performs 682 the measurement without prediction procedure for the first measurement configuration. The events 616, 619B, 384, 621, 630B, and 682 are collectively referred to in Fig. 6B as a measurement prediction termination procedure 686B.

[0130] In some implementations, the UE 102 determines that the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In some implementations, the UE 102 excludes the at least one second ID in the applicability indication message 619B to indicate that the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. Alternatively, the UE 102 includes at least one second ID in the applicability indication message 619B to indicate that the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one first ID and the at least one second ID in different fields.

[0131] In other implementations, the UE 102 determines the measurement prediction is not applicable to the second measurement configuration. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one second ID in the applicability indication 619B, indicating the measurement prediction is not applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. Alternatively, the UE 102 transmits, to the base station 104, another applicability indication message including the at least one second ID the measurement prediction is not applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one first ID and the at least one second ID in the same field.

[0132] Next, several example scenarios are described in Figs. 7A-7G in which the source base station (S-BS) operating in the system of Fig. 1 prepares a handover for a UE with aPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC target base station operating in the system of Fig. 1. In handover preparation in these scenarios, the source base station transmits measurement prediction capability / capabilities, measurement prediction applicability reporting capability / capabilities, measurement configuration(s), measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or applicability indication(s) for the UE to the target base station and the target base station may determine whether the measurement prediction configuration(s) is / are applicable. Generally speaking, similar events in Fig. 3 and Figs. 7A-7G are labeled with similar reference numbers that share two least significant digits, with differences discussed below where appropriate. For example, event 380 is similar to event 780 in Figs. 7A-7G, event 732 is similar in Figs. 7A-7G, etc. With the exception of the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the other implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0133] Referring first to Fig. 7A, in a scenario 700A, the UE 102 and the source base station 104 perform 780 the measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure as described for Fig. 3. The S-BS 104 determines to prepare a handover for the UE 102 with a T-BS 106. In some implementations, the S-BS 104 makes the handover determination based on the predicted measurement result(s) received from the UE 102. In other implementations, the S-BS 104 makes the handover determination based on the actual (i.e., measured) measurement result(s) received from the UE 102. In response to the determination, the S-BS 104 transmits 732, to the T-BS 105, a Handover Request message for the UE 102 including the measurement prediction capability / capabilities, the measurement prediction reporting capability, the measurement configuration(s), the measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or the applicability indication(s) of the UE 102. In some implementations, the measurement configuration(s) in the Handover Request message includes the first measurement configuration and / or the second measurement configuration described with reference to Fig. 3. In some implementations, the measurement prediction configuration(s) in the Handover Request message includes the first, second, third, fourth and / or one or more additional measurement prediction configuration(s) described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0134] Upon receiving the Handover Request message, the T-BS 106 generates a handover command for handing over the UE to a target cell (e.g., cell 126A) of the T-BS 106. In some implementations, the T-BS 106 includes a T-BS configuration in the handover command. The T-BS configuration includes physical layer configuration parameters, MAC configuration parameters, RLC configurations, PDCP configuration parameters, and / or securityPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC configuration parameters. In some implementations, the T-BS 106 determines 734 that the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable. In some implementations, the T-BS 106 determines 734 that the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable to the measurement configuration(s), and / or measurement object(s), report configuration(s), and / or reporting event ID(s) associated with the measurement configuration(s). In response to the determination 734, the T-BS 106 configures the UE 102 to apply the measurement predict! on(s) configured by the S-BS 104 in the handover command.

[0135] In some implementations, the T-BS 106 includes a third measurement configuration and / or a fifth measurement prediction configuration in the handover command. The third measurement configuration includes a third measurement ID, a third measurement object ID, and / or a third report configuration ID. The third measurement ID indicates the third measurement configuration, and the third measurement object ID indicates a third measurement object. In some implementations, the third measurement object indicates a third frequency / time location and / or a third subcarrier spacing of reference signal(s) to be measured. The third measurement object ID may be the same or different from the first or second measurement object ID. The third report configuration ID indicates a third report configuration for measurement reporting. The third subcarrier spacing may be the same as or different from the first or second subcarrier spacing. The third measurement configuration or the third report configuration may include a third reporting event ID indicating a third reporting event. The third reporting event (ID) may be the same as or different from the first or second reporting event (ID). In some implementations, the fifth measurement prediction configuration configures the UE 102 to enable measurement prediction for the third measurement configuration, the third measurement object, the third report configuration, and / or the third reporting event ID.

[0136] In some implementations, the third measurement configuration is a new measurement configuration other than the measurement configuration(s) in the Handover Request message. In other implementations, the third measurement configuration updates the first measurement configuration. In such cases, the third measurement configuration ID and the first measurement configuration ID are the same (i.e., the same value). In yet other implementations, the third measurement configuration updates the second measurement configuration. In such cases, the third measurement configuration ID and the second measurement configuration ID are the same (i.e., the same value). If the third measurement configuration updates the first or second measurement configuration, the T-BS 106 may orPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC may not include a measurement prediction configuration for the third measurement configuration in the handover command. When the T-BS 106 includes the fifth measurement prediction configuration in the handover command, the fifth measurement prediction configuration may update the measurement prediction configuration for the first or second measurement configuration.

[0137] In response to the Handover Request message, the T-BS 106 transmits 736, to the S-BS 104, a Handover Request Acknowledge message including the handover command. In some alternative implementations, the T-BS 106 receives the Handover Request message from a CN (e.g., the CN 110 or the AMF 164 or 174) and transmits the Handover Request Acknowledge message to the CN. In such cases, the CN receives a Handover Required message from the S-BS 104, including the measurement prediction capability / capabilities, the measurement prediction reporting capability, the measurement configuration(s), the measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or the applicability indication(s) and includes including the measurement prediction capability / capabilities, the measurement prediction reporting capability, the measurement configuration(s), the measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or the applicability indication(s) in the Handover Request message. After receiving the Handover Request Acknowledge message, the CN transmits a Handover Command interface message including the handover command (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) to the S-BS 104.

[0138] After receiving 736 the handover command, the S-BS 104 transmits 738, to the UE 102, the handover command. After receiving the handover command, the UE 102 accesses the target cell and transmits 740A, to the T-BS 106 via the target cell, a handover complete message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration complete message). In some implementations, upon receiving 738 the handover command message, the UE 102 may determine 716A the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable and thus not indicate the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable in the handover complete message. In response to the determination 716A, the UE 102 also refrains from transmitting, to the T-BS 106, an applicability indication message indicating the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable.

[0139] After transmitting the handover complete message, the UE 102 performs 784 a measurement with prediction procedure with the T-BS 106, similar to the procedure 384. After event 784, the UE 102 may perform 786 a measurement prediction termination procedure with the T-BS 106, similar to the procedure 686 A or 686B.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0140] Referring next to Fig. 7B, scenario 700B is similar to scenario 700A except that, in operation 716B, the UE 102 determines that measurement prediction is not applicable and suspends measurement prediction in response to the determination at operation 73 OB.Subsequently to suspending measurement prediction, the UE 102 transmits 740B, to the T-BS 106, a Handover complete message indicating that measurement prediction is suspended. In response, the T-BS 106 transmits 721 a messaging disabling measurement prediction and / or releasing one or more measurement prediction configuration(s). Measurement may proceed at operation 782 without prediction.

[0141] Referring next to Fig. 7C, scenario 700C is similar to scenario 700A and scenario 700B except that, upon determining that measurement prediction is not applicable, the UE 102 transmits 740C, to the T-BS 106, a Handover complete message indicating that measurement prediction is not applicable. Then, the UE 102 disables 730C measurement prediction in response 780 to the T-BS 106 releasing or disabling measurement prediction. Measurement may proceed at operation 782 without prediction.

[0142] Referring next to Fig. 7D, scenario 700D is similar to scenarios 700A, 700B and 700C except that, upon determining suspending measurement prediction at operation 730B and transmitting 740 A a Handover Complete message, the UE 102 transmits 719D, to the T-BS 106, an applicability indication indicating that measurement prediction is suspended.

[0143] Referring next to Fig. 7E, scenario 700E is similar to scenarios 700A-700D, except that upon determining in operation 716B that measurement prediction is not applicable, the UE 102 transmits 740A, to the T-BS 106, a Handover complete message, followed by transmitting 719E an applicability indication indicating that measurement prediction is not applicable. The UE 102 and T-BS 106 perform a measurement with prediction procedure 784, after which the T-BS disables 721 measurement prediction and / or releases the measurement prediction configuration. Then, the UE 102 disables 730C measurement prediction.

[0144] Referring next to Fig. 7F, scenario 700F is similar to scenarios 700A-700E, except that, subsequently to receiving 732 a Handover Request including a measurement prediction configuration, the T-BS 106 can determine 735 that the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable. The T-BS 106 can thereafter transmit 737 a Handover Request Acknowledge message releasing the measurement prediction configuration. The S-PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC BS transmits 739, to the UE 102, the handover command and either disables measurement prediction and / or releases an appropriate measurement configuration.

[0145] Referring next to Fig. 7G, scenario 700G is similar to scenarios 700A-700F. As in scenario 700F, subsequently to receiving 732 a Handover Request including a measurement prediction configuration, the T-BS 106 can determine 735 that the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable. The T-BS 106 can thereafter transmit 737 a Handover Request Acknowledge message releasing the measurement prediction configuration. The S-BS transmits 739, to the UE 102, the handover command and either disables measurement prediction and / or releases an appropriate measurement configuration. The UE 102 determines 716A that measurement prediction is applicable and transmits 740G a Handover complete message indicating that measurement prediction is applicable. Measurement may proceed at operation 782 without prediction. The T-BS 106 can subsequently transmit 720 a message enabling measurement prediction and / or measurement prediction configuration. The UE 102 and T-BS 106 perform a measurement with prediction procedure 784 followed by a measurement prediction termination procedure 786.

[0146] Referring next to Fig. 7H, scenario 700H is similar to scenarios 700A-700G except that the S-BS 104 transmits 738H a handover command that does not include T-BS106 measurement prediction configuration. Instead, after the UE 102 transmits 740 A the Handover complete message, the T-BS 106 transmits 741, to the UE 102, T-BS measurement prediction configurations.

[0147] Next, several example scenarios are described in Figs. 8A-8C in which a UE 102 operates in dual connectivity (DC) with a master node (MN) 106 and a second base station (e.g., SN 104A). In these scenarios, the MN 106 transmits measurement prediction capability / capabilities, measurement prediction applicability reporting capability / capabilities, measurement configuration(s), measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or applicability indication(s) for the UE to the SN 104 A and the SN 104 A may determine whether the measurement prediction configuration(s) is / are applicable. Generally speaking, similar events in Figs. 3 and 8A-8C are labeled with similar reference numbers that share two least significant digits, with differences discussed below where appropriate. For example, event 302 is similar to event 802 in Figs. 8A-8C, etc. With the exception of the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the other implementations discussed with respectPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0148] Referring first to Fig. 8 A, in a scenario 800A, the UE 102 initially communicates 802 with the MN 106 and the UE 102 and MN 106 perform a measurement prediction and configuration procedure 880. The MN 106 transmits 842, to an SN 104A, the measurement prediction capability / capabilities, the measurement prediction reporting capability, the measurement configuration(s), the measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or the applicability indication(s) of the UE 102 using, for example, an SN Addition Request message. In some implementations, the SN Addition Request can be based on or in response to measurement reports received from the UE 102 or S-SN 104 A. In some implementations, the measurement configuration(s) in the SN Addition Request message includes the first measurement configuration and / or the second measurement configuration described with reference to Fig. 3. In some implementations, the measurement prediction configuration(s) in the SN Addition Request message includes the first, second, third, fourth and / or one or more additional measurement prediction configuration(s) described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0149] By providing 842 the measurement prediction capability / capabilities, the measurement prediction reporting capability, the measurement configuration(s), the measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or the applicability indication(s) of the UE 102 to the SN 104A, the MN 106 and SN 104A can coordinate observation windows and prediction windows. For example, if MN 106 and SN 104A observation windows overlap, then the UE 102 can achieve measurement and prediction power savings by being able to predict measurements MN 106 and SN 104A reference signals in one prediction window, at the same time or point in the time domain, can get better power savings out of the prediction windows. When frequency domain prediction and measurement prediction configuration parameters are coordinated between the MN 106 and the SN 104 A such that the MN 106 and the SN 104A observe the same inter-frequency, then prediction for both frequency windows may be more accurate. Still further, a generic or common portion of the measurement prediction configuration can be configured that applies to both the MN 106 and the SN 104 A MN & SN to reduce signaling overhead.

[0150] Upon receiving the SN Addition Request message, the SN 104A can transmit 844A a message (e.g., SN Addition Request Acknowledge message including for example RRC reconfiguration) including SN measurement configuration, SN measurement predictionPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC applicability reporting configuration, and / or SN measurement prediction configuration. The MN transmits 846 A, to the UE 102, the SN configuration, SN measurement configuration, SN measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration, and / or SN measurement prediction configuration in, for example, an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0151] The UE 102 determines 816 whether SN measurement prediction is applicable. The UE 102 signals 848 A to the MN 106, that RRC reconfiguration is complete, providing an indication of whether measurement prediction is applicable or enabled with the SN, and a measurement prediction configuration. In operation 850, the UE 102 accesses the SN. The MN 106 transmits 852A, to the SN 104A, an RRC reconfiguration complete message indicating whether measurement prediction is applicable or enabled with the SN, as well as providing a measurement prediction configuration. The UE communicates 854 in DC with the MN 106 and the SN 104. The UE may enable 820 SN measurement prediction and / or configures SN measurement prediction. The UE 102 may perform 884 a measurement with prediction procedure with the SN 104A, similar to the procedure 384. After event 884, the UE 102 may perform 886 a measurement prediction termination procedure with the SN 104 A, similar to the procedure 686 A or 686B.

[0152] Referring next to Fig. 8B, scenario 800B is similar to scenario 800A except that the UE signals 848B to the MN 106, that RRC reconfiguration is complete without an indication of whether measurement prediction is applicable or enabled with the SN 104A. Instead, the UE 102 accesses 850 the SN 104A and the MN 106 signals 852B to the SN 104A that reconfiguration is complete. The UE 102 then performs 882 measurements without a prediction procedure before the UE 102 determines 816 whether SN measurement prediction is applicable. In some implementations, the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability indicates that the UE 102 is capable of applicability reporting for measurement prediction such as event 818, similarly to event 318. In some implementations, the UE 102 can transmit 818, to the MN 106, an applicability indication and the MN 106 can provide the applicability indication to the SN 104A. In some implementations, after (e.g., in response to) receiving 818 the applicability indication message, the SN 104 A transmits 820, to the UE 102, a first message similarly to transmission 320. The UE 102 may perform 884 a measurement with prediction procedure with the SN 104A, similar to the procedure 384. After event 884, the UE 102 may perform 886 a measurement prediction termination procedure with the SN 104A, similar to the procedure 686A or 686B.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0153] Referring next to Fig. 8C, scenario 800C is similar to scenario 800A and scenario 800B except that the SN 104A can transmit 844C a message (e.g., SN Addition Request Acknowledge message including for example RRC reconfiguration). The MN transmits 846C, to the UE 102, the SN configuration in, for example, an RRC reconfiguration message. As in scenario 800B, the UE signals 848B to the MN 106, that RRC reconfiguration is complete without an indication of whether measurement prediction is applicable or enabled with the SN 104A. Instead, the UE 102 accesses 850 the SN 104A and the MN 106 signals 852B to the SN 104A that reconfiguration is complete. The UE in DC communicates 854 with the MN 106 and SN 104 A. Next, the SN 104 A transmits 808, to the UE 102, a measurement configuration, a measurement prediction configuration, and / or a measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration, e.g., in one or more messages similarly to transmission 308. The UE 102 then performs 882 measurement without a prediction procedure before the UE 102 determines 816 whether SN measurement prediction is applicable. Similarly to scenario 800B, in some implementations, the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability indicates that the UE 102 is capable of applicability reporting for measurement prediction such as event 818, similarly to event 318. In some implementations, similarly to scenario 800B, after (e.g., in response to) receiving 818 the applicability indication message, the SN 104 A transmits 820, to the UE 102, a first message similarly to transmission 320. The UE 102 performs 884 a measurement with prediction procedure with the SN 104A, similar to the procedure 384. After event 884, the UE 102 may perform 886 a measurement prediction termination procedure with the SN 104A, similar to the procedure 686 A or 686B.

[0154] Referring next to Fig. 9A, in a scenario 900A, the SN 104A operates as a serving or source SN (S-SN) and the SN 104B operates as a target SN (T-SN) and. The S-SN 104A may include a CU and a DU (not shown in Fig. 6A), similar to the C-SN 106A.

[0155] Initially, the UE 102 in DC communicates 988 with the MN 106 and with S-SN 104 A. In some implementations, the UE 102 performs an MN measurement configuration and reporting procedure 980 with the MN 106, similar to procedure 380. During communication 988 and / or 980, the MN 106 may determine to send 942, to a different T-SN 104B, the measurement prediction capability / capabilities and the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability of the UE 102, MN measurement prediction configuration, SN measurement prediction configuration and / or applicability indication using, for example, an SN Addition Request message. In some implementations, the measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC configuration(s) in the SN Addition Request message includes the first measurement configuration and / or the second measurement configuration described with reference to Fig.3. In some implementations, the measurement prediction configuration(s) in the SN Addition Request message includes the first, second, third, fourth and / or one or more additional measurement prediction configuration(s) described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0156] The T-SN 104B determines 934 that the SN measurement prediction configuration is applicable. In some implementations, the T-SN 104B determines 934 that the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable to the measurement configuration(s), and / or measurement object(s), report configuration(s), and / or reporting event ID(s) associated with the measurement configuration(s). The T-SN 104B transmits 944, to the MN 106, an acknowledgment (e.g., SN Addition Request Acknowledge). The acknowledgement includes an RRC reconfiguration message, which includes SN configuration, SN measurement configuration and / or SN measurement prediction configuration. The MN 106 transmits 946, to the UE 102, the SN configuration, SN measurement configuration, SN measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration, and / or SN measurement prediction configuration in, for example, an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0157] The UE 102 determines 916A whether SN measurement prediction is applicable. The UE 102 signals 948 A to the MN 106, that RRC reconfiguration is complete. In operation 950, the UE 102 accesses the T-SN 104B. The MN 106 transmits 952A, to the T-SN 104B, an RRC reconfiguration complete message. The UE communicates 954 in DC with the MN 106 and the T-SN 104B. The UE 102 may perform 984 a measurement with prediction procedure with the T-SN 104B, similar to the procedure 384. After event 984, the UE 102 may perform 986 a measurement prediction termination procedure with the T-SN 104A, similar to the procedure 686 A or 686B.

[0158] Referring next to Fig. 9B, scenario 900B is similar to scenario 900A except that, in operation 916B, the UE 102 determines 916B that SN measurement prediction is not applicable. The UE 102 suspends 930B SN measurement prediction in response to the determination and transmits 948B, to the MN 106, an RRC reconfiguration complete message indicating that SN measurement prediction is suspended. The MN 106 transmits 952B, to the T-SN 104B, an RRC reconfiguration complete message with an indication that SN measurement prediction is suspended.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0159] Referring next to Fig. 9C, scenario 900C is similar to scenario 900B except that the UE 102 transmits 948C, to the MN 106, an RRC reconfiguration complete message indicating that SN measurement prediction is not applicable. The T-SN 104B transmits 921, to the UE 102, a message disabling SN measurement prediction and / or releasing an SN measurement prediction configuration. The UE 102 disables 930C SN measurement prediction in response to the disabling or releasing, and an SN measurement without prediction procedure 982 proceeds between the UE 102 and the T-SN 104B.

[0160] Referring next to Fig. 9D, scenario 900D is similar to scenario 900A and scenario 900B except that, after the UE 102 begins to communicate 954 in DC with the MN 106 and the T-SN 104B, the UE 102 transmits 919D applicability indicating that SN measurement prediction is suspended.

[0161] Referring next to Fig. 9E, scenario 900E is similar to scenarios 900A-900D except that, after the UE 102 begins to communicate 954 in DC with the MN 106 and the T-SN 104B, the UE 102 transmits 919E applicability indicating that SN measurement prediction is not applicable.

[0162] Referring next to Fig. 9F, scenario 900F is similar to scenarios 900A-900E except that, after the T-SN 104B receives 942 the measurement prediction capability / capabilities and the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability of the UE 102, MN measurement prediction configuration, SN measurement prediction configuration and / or applicability indication, the T-SN 104B can determine 935 that SN measurement prediction configuration is not applicable. The T-SN 104B transmits 945, to the MN 106, an acknowledgment (e.g., SN Addition Request Acknowledge). The acknowledgement includes an RRC reconfiguration message, which includes SN configuration, SN measurement configuration and / or a release of SN measurement prediction configuration. The MN 106 transmits 947, to the UE 102, the SN configuration, SN measurement configuration, SN measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration, and / or release of the SN measurement prediction configuration in, for example, an RRC reconfiguration message. After the UE 102 begins to communicate 954 in DC with the MN 106 and the T-SN 104B, the UE 102 transmits 918, to the T-SN 104B, an applicability indication 918 including an SN measurement prediction applicable field, and an SN measurement prediction configuration. The T-SN 104B can subsequently transmit 920 a message enabling SN measurement prediction and / or SN measurement prediction configuration.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0163] Referring next to Fig. 9G, scenario 900G is similar to scenarios 900F except that, before the UE 102 accesses 950 the T-SN 104B, the UE 102 transmits 948G, to the MN an RRC reconfiguration complete message indicating that SN measurement prediction is applicable. Before the LE 102 begins to communicate 954 in DC with the MN 106 and the T-SN 104B, the MN 106 transmits 952G, to the T-SN 104B, an RRC reconfiguration complete message indicating that SN measurement prediction is applicable. UE 102 transmits 918, to the T-SN 104B, an applicability indication including an SN measurement prediction applicable field, and an SN measurement prediction configuration. The T-SN 104B can subsequently transmit 920 a message enabling SN measurement prediction and / or SN measurement prediction configuration.

[0164] Referring next to Fig. 10, in a scenario 1000 that can be similar to scenarios 800A-800C, the UE 102 initially communicates 1002 with an MN 106 and SN 104 A. The UE 102 and MN 106 may perform 1080 a measurement prediction and configuration procedure. The MN 106 transmits 1042, to the SN 104A, an MN measurement configuration, an MN measurement prediction configuration and / or the applicability indication(s) using, for example, an SN Modification Request message.

[0165] Subsequent to receiving the SN Modification Request message, the SN 104 A can transmit 1044, to the MN 106 a message (e.g., SN Modification Request Acknowledge). The UE 102 can transmit 1018A, to the SN 104 A, an applicability indication including SN measurement prediction applicable and SN measurement prediction configuration parameters. The SN 104A can transmit 1056, to the MN 106, an SN Modification Required message including an SN measurement configuration and / or an SN measurement prediction configuration. The MN 106 can transmit 1058 an SN Modification Confirm message including the SN measurement prediction configuration. For example, if the MN 106 is not satisfied with parameters or indications provided 1018A by the UE via the SN 104 A, the MN 106 can override the SN measurement configuration in transmission 1058 to, e.g., perform coordination (described earlier herein (with reference to event 842) of the SN measurement prediction configuration to achieve or enhance power savings, accuracy, etc. of prediction and related signaling.

[0166] The SN 104A can transmit 1048, to the UE 102, an RRC reconfiguration including an SN measurement configuration and an SN measurement prediction configuration. The UE 102 may perform 1084 a measurement with prediction procedure with the SN 104 A, similarPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC to the procedure 384. After event 1084, the UE 102 may perform 1086 a measurement prediction termination procedure with the SN 104A, similar to the procedure 686A or 686B.

[0167] The SN 104A may transmit 1060, to the MN 106, an SN Modification Required message releasing SN measurement prediction configuration, and the MN 106 can respond 1062 with an SN Modification Confirm.

[0168] Next, several example methods, which can be implemented in a UE (e.g., the UE 102 in Figs. 1, 2, 3, or 6A-7G or the UE described for Figs. 4A-5B) or a base station (e.g., the base station 104 or the base station 106 in Figs. 1, 2, 3, or 6A-10, or the base station described for Fig. 4A-5B), are discussed with reference to Figs. 11 A-17. Descriptions described for Figs. 3 and 6A-10 can apply to Figs. 11 A-17. Generally speaking, similar events in Figs. 3 and 6A-17 are labeled with similar reference numbers that share two least significant digits, with differences discussed below where appropriate. For example, event 302 is similar to event 1602 of Figs. 16A-16B, event 732 is similar to event 1132 of Figs. 11 A-l IB, etc. With the exception of the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the other implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0169] Fig. 11 A illustrates an example method 1100A, which can be implemented by a first base station (BS) or other network node. The method 1100A begins at block 1132, with the first BS receiving, from a network node, a first interface message for a UE, including measurement prediction capability / capabilities, a measurement prediction applicability reporting capability, a measurement prediction configuration, and / or an applicability indication for measurement prediction (e.g., event 732, 842, or 942). At block 1134, the first BS determines that the measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE (e.g., event 734 or 934). At block 1176A, the first BS generates a BS-to-UE message configuring the UE to continuously apply the measurement prediction configuration based on the determination (e.g., event 736, 844A, 808, or 944). At block 1136, the first BS transmits, to the network node, a second interface message including the BS-to-UE message (e.g., event 736, 846A, 808, or 946).

[0170] In some implementations, the network node is a second BS or a CN node. In some implementations, the first BS and the second BS are a T-BS and an S-BS respectively, as described for Figs. 7A-7E. In other implementations, the first BS and the second BS are anPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC SN and an MN respectively, as described for Figs. 8A-8C. In yet other implementations, the first BS and the second BS are a T-SN and an MN respectively, as described for Figs. 9A-9E. In some implementations, the CN node is an AMF (e.g., AMF 164 or 174).

[0171] In some implementations, the first interface message is a Handover Request message requesting handover to a cell of the first BS. In some implementations, the BS-to-UE message is a handover command (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) and the second interface message is a Handover Request Acknowledge message in response to the Handover Request message. In other implementations, the first interface message is an SN Addition Request message requesting an SN addition or an SN change. The first BS prepares a cell of the first BS for the SN addition or the SN change. In some implementations, the BS-to-UE message is an RRC reconfiguration message for the SN addition or the SN change. In some implementations, the second interface message is an SN Addition Request Acknowledge message in response to the SN Addition Request message. In other implementations, the second interface message is an SN Modification Required message.

[0172] In some implementations, the first interface message includes a first measurement configuration (e.g., an intra-frequency measurement configuration or an inter-frequency measurement configuration). In some implementations, the first measurement configuration is as described for Fig. 3. In other implementations, the first measurement configuration indicates at least one carrier frequencies. For each of the at least one carrier frequency, the first measurement configuration may indicate a reference signal (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) and / or a subcarrier spacing.

[0173] In some implementations, the first BS makes 1134 the determination based on the applicability indication. In other implementations, the first BS makes 1134 the determination based on the measurement prediction capability / capabilities. In some implementations, the applicability indication indicates that measurement prediction is applicable, e.g., to the first measurement configuration. In other implementations, the applicability indication indicates that the measurement prediction configuration is applicable, e.g., to the first measurement configuration. In some implementations, the applicability indication or measurement prediction capability / capabilities indicate that measurement prediction is applicable to at least one carrier frequency, at least one reference signal and / or at least one subcarrier spacing. In other implementations, the applicability indication or measurement predictionPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC capability / capabilities indicate that measurement prediction is applicable to an intrafrequency measurement configuration and / or an inter-frequency measurement configuration.

[0174] In some implementations, the second BS-to-UE message includes a second measurement configuration. In some implementations, the second measurement configuration updates (e.g., modifies or replaces) the first measurement configuration. In other implementations, the second measurement configuration is a new measurement configuration (e.g., an intra-frequency measurement configuration or an inter-frequency measurement configuration). In some implementations, the second BS-to-UE message configures the UE to apply the first measurement configuration. In some implementations, the first BS determines 1134 the measurement prediction configuration is applicable to the second measurement configuration based on the applicability indication or the measurement prediction capability / capabilities. In some implementations, the first BS determines 1134 the measurement prediction configuration is applicable to the first measurement configuration based on the applicability indication or the measurement prediction capability / capabilities.

[0175] In some implementations, the applicability indicates that measurement prediction is applicable to one or more areas. In such cases, the applicability indication may include area information indicating the one or more areas. In some implementations, the one or more areas consist of one or more cells, tracking areas, RAN notification areas, and / or PLMNs. In such cases, the area information may include at least one cell ID, tracking area ID, RAN notification area ID, and / or PLMN ID. In other implementations, each of the one or more areas is identified by a geographic location (identified by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal) and a radius. In some implementations, the first BS makes 1134 the determination because the first BS or the cell of the first BS is within the one or more areas.

[0176] Fig. 1 IB is a flow diagram of an example method 1100B similar to the method 1100A, except that the method 1100B includes blocks 1135, 1176B and 1137 instead of block 1134, 1176A, and 1136. At block 1135, the first BS determines that the measurement prediction is not applicable to the UE (e.g., event 735 or 935). At block 1176B, the first BS generates a BS-to-UE message configuring the UE to not apply the measurement prediction configuration based on the determination (e.g., event 737, 844A, 844C, or 945). Descriptions for event 737, 844A, 844C, or 945 can apply to block 1136.

[0177] In some implementations, the first BS and the second BS are a T-BS and an S-BS respectively, as described for Figs. 7F-7G. In other implementations, the first BS and thePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC second BS are an SN and an MN respectively, as described for Figs. 8A-8C. In yet other implementations, the first BS and the second BS are a T-SN and an MN respectively, as described for Figs. 9F-9G.

[0178] In some implementations, the first BS makes 1135 the determination based on the applicability indication. In other implementations, the first BS makes 1135 the determination based on the measurement prediction capability / capabilities. In some implementations, the first BS determines 1135 the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable to the second measurement configuration based on the applicability indication or measurement prediction capability / capabilities. For example, the second measurement configuration indicates a measurement object, a carrier frequency, a subcarrier spacing and / or a reference signal to which measurement prediction is not applicable as indicated in the applicability indication or measurement prediction capability / capabilities. In other implementations, the first BS determines 1135 the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable to the first measurement configuration based on the applicability indication or measurement prediction capability / capabilities. In some implementations, the applicability indication may indicate the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable. In some implementations, the first BS makes 1135 the determination because the first BS or the cell of the first BS is outside the one or more areas. In other implementations, the first BS makes 1135 the determination because the first BS determines to receive measurement results measured by the UE without using measurement prediction.

[0179] Fig. 12A illustrates an example method 1200A, which can be implemented by a first BS. The method 1200A begins at block 1232 which can be similar to block 1132 as described with reference to Fig. 11 A or 1 IB. At block 1272, the first BS includes a measurement configuration in a BS-to-UE message for the UE. At block 1274, the first BS determines whether the applicability indication indicates measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration. If the applicability indication indicates measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration (i.e., the “Yes” branch of block 1274), the flow proceeds to block 1275A. At block 1276A, the first BS configures the UE to apply measurement configuration to the measurement configuration in the BS-to-UE message. Otherwise, if the applicability indication indicates measurement prediction is not applicable to the measurement configuration (i.e., “No” branch of block 1274), the flow proceeds to block 1277B. At block 1276B, the first BS configures the UE notPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC to apply measurement prediction to the measurement configuration in the BS-to-UE message. The flow proceeds to block 1236 from block 1277A as well as block 1277B.

[0180] Fig. 12B is a flow diagram of an example method 1200B similar to the method 1200A, except that the method 1200B includes block 1275 instead of block 1274. At block 1275, the first BS determines whether the measurement prediction capability / capabilities indicate measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration. If the measurement prediction capability / capabilities indicate measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration (“Yes” branch of block 1274), the flow proceeds to block 1277A. Otherwise, if the measurement prediction capability / capabilities indicate measurement prediction is not applicable to the measurement configuration (i.e., “No” branch of block 1275), the flow proceeds to block 1277B.

[0181] Fig. 12C is a flow diagram of an example method 1200C similar to the methods 1200A and 1200B, except the method 1200C includes block 1273 instead of blocks 1274 and 1275. Block 1273 can be seen as a combination of blocks 1274 and 1275. At block 1273, the first BS determines whether the applicability indication and the applicability indication indicate measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration. If the applicability indication and the applicability indication indicate measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration (i.e., “Yes” branch of block 1273), the flow proceeds to block 1277A. Otherwise, if the applicability indication and the applicability indication indicate measurement prediction is not applicable to the measurement configuration, the flow proceeds to block 1277B.

[0182] Descriptions for Figs. 11 A and 1 IB can apply to Figs. 12A-12C.

[0183] Fig. 13 illustrates an example method 1300, which can be implemented by an MN. The method begins at block 1302, with the MN communicating with a UE (e.g., event 302, 380, 802, or 988). At block 1342, the MN transmits, to an SN, a first measurement configuration and a first measurement prediction configuration for measurement coordination and measurement prediction coordination respectively (e.g., event 842, or 942). At block 1344, the MN receives, from the second BS, a second measurement configuration and a second measurement prediction configuration for the UE (e.g., event 844A, 808, or 946). At block 1346, the MN transmits, to the UE, the second measurement configuration and / or the second measurement prediction configuration (e.g., event 846A, 808, or 946).PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0184] Descriptions for the first BS and second BS with respect to Figs. 11 A and 1 IB can apply to the SN and the MN in Fig 13, respectively. In some implementations, the MN transmits the second measurement configuration and the second measurement prediction configuration to the UE via a serving cell operated by the MN. In some implementations, the SN generates the second measurement prediction configuration based on the first measurement prediction configuration. For example, the SN may configure the second measurement prediction configuration same as or similar to the first measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the SN generates the second measurement configuration based on the first measurement configuration. For example, the SN may configure the second measurement configuration same as or similar to the first measurement configuration. For example, a measurement object and / or a report configuration indicated in the second measurement configuration is similar to a measurement object and / or a report configuration indicated in the first measurement configuration. Thus, the UE uses a unified measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration, which saves power and operation complexity of the UE.

[0185] In some implementations, the MN at block 1344 receives, from the SN, a first message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) including the second measurement configuration and the second measurement prediction configuration. In such cases, the MN transmits, to the UE, at block 1346 the first message. The MN may receive, from the UE, a response message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration complete message) in response to the first message. In other implementations, the MN may receive, from the SN, a first message and a second message including the second measurement configuration and the second measurement prediction configuration respectively. In such cases, the MN at block 1346 transmits, to the UE, the first message and the second message. The MN may receive a first response message and a second response message from the UE in response to the first message and the second message respectively. In some implementations, the first and second messages are RRC reconfiguration messages, and the first and second response messages are RRC reconfiguration complete messages. Descriptions for Figs. 11 A-12C may apply to Fig.13.

[0186] Fig. 14 illustrates an example method 1400, which can be implemented by an MN. The method begins at block 1456, with the MN receiving, from an SN, a first measurement configuration and a first measurement prediction configuration for a UE. At block 1464, the MN generates a second measurement configuration. At block 1466, the MN generates aPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC second measurement prediction configuration based on the first measurement prediction configuration for the UE, where the second measurement prediction configures measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration. At block 1420, the MN transmits, to the UE, the second measurement configuration and the second measurement prediction configuration.

[0187] In some implementations, the MN at block 1420 generates a first message including the second measurement configuration and the second measurement prediction configuration and transmits the first message to the UE. In other implementations, the MN at block 1420 generates a first message and a second message including the second measurement configuration and the second measurement prediction configuration respectively, and transmits the first message and the second message to the UE. In some implementations, the second measurement configuration and the first measurement configuration are similar. Descriptions for Fig. 13 may apply to Fig. 14.

[0188] Fig. 15 illustrates an example method 1500, which can be implemented by an SN. The method begins at block 1542, with the SN receiving, from an MN, a first measurement configuration and a first measurement prediction configuration for a UE. At block 1564, the SN generates a second measurement configuration. At block 1566, the SN generates a second measurement prediction configuration based on the first measurement prediction configuration for the UE, where the second measurement prediction configures measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration. The flow proceeds to block 1544 or block 1546. At block 1544, the SN transmits, to the MN, the second measurement configuration and the second measurement prediction configuration. At block 1546, the SN transmits, to the UE, the second measurement configuration and the second measurement prediction configuration. Descriptions for Figs. 13 and 14 may apply to Fig. 15.

[0189] Fig. 16A illustrates a first example method 1600A, which a UE can implement. The method 1600 A begins at block 1602, with the UE communicating with a network. At block 1604A, the UE transmits, to the networkjoint measurement prediction capability / capabilities and a joint measurement prediction applicability reporting capability for measurement prediction (e.g., measurement with prediction procedures) with an MN and an SN of the network. At block 1608, the UE receives, from the MN, a first measurement configuration and / or a first measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration. At block 1646, the UE receives, from the SN, a second measurement configuration and / or a secondPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration. At block 1618-1, the UE transmits, to the MN, a first applicability indication, indicating measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement configuration. At block 1618-2, the UE transmits, to the SN, a second applicability indication, indicating measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration. At block 1620-1, the UE may receive, from the MN, a first measurement prediction configuration, configuring and / or enabling measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration (e.g., event 320, 380, 880). At block 1620-2, the UE may receive, from the SN, a second measurement prediction configuration, configuring and / or enabling measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration.

[0190] In some implementations, the UE transmits the second applicability indication to the SN via the MN. In such cases, the MN can be transparent or non-transparent to the second applicability indication. In some implementations, the UE can transmit a single message or transmission including the first applicability indication and the second applicability indication to the MN. In other implementations, the UE transmits the first applicability indication and the second applicability indication in different messages or transmissions to the MN. In other implementations, the UE transmits the second applicability indication to the SN via the MN via a cell operated by the SN.

[0191] In some implementations, the UE transmits the joint measurement prediction capability / capabilities and / or the joint measurement prediction applicability reporting capability (e.g., in a UE capability container IE such as a UE-NR-Capability or UE-6G-Capaiblity IE) to the MN. The MN determines to transmit the first measurement prediction configuration and / or the first measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration to the UE based on the joint measurement prediction capability / capabilities and / or the joint measurement prediction applicability reporting capability. In some implementations, the MN transmits the joint measurement prediction capability / capabilities and the joint measurement prediction applicability reporting capability to the SN. The SN determines to transmit the second measurement prediction configuration and / or the second measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration to the UE based on the joint measurement prediction capability / capabilities and / or the joint measurement prediction applicability reporting capability.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0192] Fig. 16B is a flow diagram of an example method 1600B similar to the method 1600 A, except that the method 1600B includes block 1604B instead of block 1604 A. At block 1604B, the UE transmits, to the network, 1) MN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and an MN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability for measurement prediction with an MN and 2) SN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and an SN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability for measurement prediction with an SN. The MN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and an MN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability includes measurement prediction capability / capabilities and a measurement prediction applicability reporting capability for a measurement with prediction procedure with the MN. If the MN does not receive the MN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and an MN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability, the MN determines that the UE does not support measurement prediction for a measurement configuration configured by the MN. The SN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and an SN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability includes measurement prediction capability / capabilities and a measurement prediction applicability reporting capability only for a measurement with prediction procedure with the SN. If the SN does not receive the MN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and an MN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability, the SN determines that the UE does not support measurement prediction for a measurement configuration configured by the SN.

[0193] In some implementations, the UE transmits, to the MN, the MN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and / or the MN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability (e.g., in a first UE capability container IE such as a UE-NR-Capability or UE-6G-Capability IE). The MN determines to transmit the first measurement prediction configuration and / or the first measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration to the UE based on the MN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and / or the MN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability. In some implementations, the UE transmits, to the MN, the SN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and / or the SN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability (e.g., in a second UE capability container IE such as a UE-MRDC-Capability or UE-6G-MRDC-Capability IE). The MN transmits, to the SN, the SN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and the SN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability. The SN determines to transmit, to the UE, the second measurement prediction configuration and / or the second measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC prediction applicability reporting configuration based on the SN measurement prediction capability / capabilities and / or the SN measurement prediction applicability reporting capability.

[0194] Fig. 17A illustrates a first example method 1700A, which a UE can implement. The method 1700A begins at block 1718, with the UE transmitting, to a network, a first applicability indication, indicating measurement prediction is applicable. At block 1738, the UE performs a serving cell change from a serving cell to a target cell. At block 1716, the UE determines whether the measurement prediction is applicable after the serving cell change. If the measurement with prediction procedure is not applicable after the serving cell change (i.e., “No” branch of block 1716), the flow proceeds to block 1719. At block 1719, the UE transmits, to the network, a second applicability indication, indicating that the measurement prediction is not applicable. Otherwise, if the measurement prediction is not applicable after the serving cell change (i.e., “Yes” branch of block 1716), the flow proceeds to block 1768. At block 1768, the UE refrains from transmitting, to the network, an applicability indication, indicating that the measurement prediction is applicable.

[0195] In some implementations, the network is or includes an MN or an SN. In some implementations, the serving cell change is a handover. In other implementations, the serving cell change is a PSCell change or an SN change. In such cases, the UE may transmit the second applicability indication to the SN via the MN or a cell operated by the SN.

[0196] Fig. 17B is a flow diagram of an example method 1700B similar to the method 1700A, except that the method 1700B includes block 1769 instead of block 1768. At block 1768, the UE transmits, to the network, a third applicability indication, indicating that the measurement prediction is applicable. Descriptions for Figs. 16A-16B can apply to Figs. 17A-17B.

[0197] Fig. 18 illustrates a first example method 1800, which a UE can implement. The method 1800 begins at block 1884, with the UE performing a measurement with prediction procedure with a network. The flow proceeds to block 1838 from block 1884. At block 1816, the UE determines whether the measurement with prediction procedure is still applicable after the handover. If the measurement with prediction procedure is applicable after the handover (i.e., “Yes” branch of block 1816), the flow proceeds to block 1885. At block 1885, the UE performs the measurement with prediction procedure continuously with the network after the handover. Otherwise, if the measurement with prediction procedure is not applicablePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC after the handover (i.e., “No” branch of block 1816), the flow proceeds to block 1830. At block 1830, the UE stops performing the measurement with prediction procedure. At block 1882, the UE performs measurement without prediction procedure with the network.Descriptions for Figs. 16A-17B can apply to Fig. 18.

[0198] In some implementations, the UE performs 1884, 1885 the measurement with prediction procedure in response to receiving or based on a measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the UE receives the measurement prediction configuration from the network (e.g., event 308 or 320). In other implementations, the UE transmits the measurement prediction configuration to the network (e.g., event 318). In some implementations, the UE receives a message from the network, configuring the UE to stop performing the measurement with prediction procedure (e.g., event 621). The UE stops performing 930 the measurement with prediction procedure in response to receiving the message (e.g., event 630B). In other implementations, the UE 102 determines to stop performing the measurement with prediction procedure and stops performing the measurement with prediction procedure (e.g., event 630A).

[0199] In some implementations, the UE at block 1884 performs the measurement with prediction procedure using a first measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the UE receives a serving cell change command (e.g., a handover command or an RRC reconfiguration message configuring a new PSCell) for the serving cell change. If the serving cell change command includes a second measurement prediction configuration for the measurement with prediction procedure, the UE performs the measurement with prediction procedure using the second measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the second measurement prediction configuration may update (e.g., replace or modify) the first measurement prediction configuration. The UE performs the measurement with prediction procedure using the updated measurement prediction configuration. If the serving cell change command does not include a second measurement prediction configuration for the measurement with prediction procedure, the UE performs the measurement with prediction procedure using the first measurement prediction configuration.

[0200]

[0201] Fig. 19 illustrates a schematic diagram of modules, components or circuitry that can provide an example implementation for a UE to perform reference signal measurements. When the UE is in RRC CONNECTED, the UE measures multiple beams (or at least onePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC beam) of a cell. The UE then averages the measurements results or power values to derive the cell quality. In doing so, the UE is configured to consider a subset of the detected beams. Filtering takes place at two different levels: at the physical layer filtering is done to derive beam quality and then filtering is done at RRC level to derive cell quality from multiple beams. The UE derives cell quality from beam measurements in the same way for the serving cell(s) and for the non-serving cell(s). The gNB may configure the UE to provide measurement reports that contain the measurement results of the X best beams. K beams correspond to the measurements on SSB or CSI-RS resources configured for L3 mobility by gNB and detected by UE at LI. The control points / blocks / modules shown in Figure 13 are further described below. For example, element “A” refers to measurements (beam specific samples) internal to the physical layer.

[0202] Layer 1 filtering refers to internal layer 1 filtering of the inputs measured at point A. Exact filtering is implementation dependent. How the measurements are executed in the physical layer by an implementation (inputs A and Layer 1 filtering) is not constrained by the standard.

[0203] Al refers to measurements (i.e. beam specific measurements) reported by layer 1 to layer 3 after layer 1 filtering.

[0204] Beam Consolidation / Selection refers to beam specific measurements consolidated to derive cell quality. The behavior of the Beam consolidation / selection is standardized, and the configuration of this module is provided by RRC signaling. Reporting period at B equals one measurement period at AL

[0205] Element “B” defines a measurement (i.e. cell quality) derived from beam-specific measurements reported to layer 3 after beam consolidation / selection.

[0206] Layer 3 filtering for cell quality refers to filtering performed on the measurements provided at point B. The behavior of the Layer 3 filters is standardized, and the configuration of the layer 3 filters is provided by RRC signaling. Filtering reporting period at C equals one measurement period at B.

[0207] Element “C” refers to a measurement after processing in the layer 3 filter. The reporting rate is identical to the reporting rate at point B. This measurement is used as input for one or more evaluation of reporting criteria.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0208] Evaluation of reporting criteria checks whether actual measurement reporting is necessary at point D. The evaluation can be based on more than one flow of measurements at reference point C e.g. to compare between different measurements. This is illustrated by input C and Cl. The UE shall evaluate the reporting criteria at least every time a new measurement result is reported at point C, Cl. The reporting criteria are standardized, and the configuration is provided by RRC signaling (UE measurements).

[0209] Element “D” is measurement report information (message) sent on the radio interface.

[0210] L3 Beam filtering is performed on the measurements (i.e. beam specific measurements) provided at point Al. The behavior of the beam filters is standardized, and the configuration of the beam filters is provided by RRC signaling. Filtering reporting period at E equals one measurement period at Al.

[0211] Element “E” refers to a measurement (i.e. beam-specific measurement) after processing in the beam filter. The reporting rate is identical to the reporting rate at point Al. This measurement is used as input for selecting the X measurements to be reported.

[0212] Beam Selection for beam reporting refers to selecting the X measurements from the measurements provided at point E. The behavior of the beam selection is standardized, and the configuration of this module is provided by RRC signaling.

[0213] Element “F” is beam measurement information included in measurement report (sent) on the radio interface.

[0214] Layer 1 filtering introduces a certain level of measurement averaging. How and when the UE exactly performs the required measurements is implementation specific to the point that the output at B fulfils the performance requirements set in 3GPP TS 38.133. Layer 3 filtering for cell quality and related parameters used are specified in 3GPP TS 38.331 and do not introduce any delay in the sample availability between B and C. Measurement at point C, C1is the input used in the event evaluation. L3 Beam filtering and related parameters used are specified in TS 38.331 and do not introduce any delay in the sample availability between E and F.

[0215] Fig. 20 illustrates a method 2000 that a network (e.g., first base station, master node, or source node) can implement.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0216] The method 2000 can begin at block 2044with the first node receiving, from a second node of the RAN, an indication of whether a measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node (e.g., event 736, 844A, 844B, or 844C). The receiving can include receiving the measurement prediction configuration (e.g., event 736 or 844) or a request to release the measurement prediction configuration (e.g., event 737 or 945).

[0217] The measurement prediction configuration can specify a reference signal for measurement prediction, and wherein the measurement prediction configuration includes a measurement object indicating at least one of (i) a frequency location, (ii) a time location, or (iii) subcarrier spacing of the reference signal.

[0218] The method 2000 can continue at block 2038 with the first node transmitting, to the UE and in accordance with the indication, either (i) an instruction to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the second node (e.g., event 738) or (ii) an instruction to prevent the UE from applying the measurement prediction configuration at the second node (e.g., event 739).

[0219] The first node can operate as a source node, and the second node can operate as a target node for a handover of the UE from the source node to the target node. The first node can receive the indication of whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node in a handover request acknowledge message (e.g., event 736 or 737). The transmitting can comprise transmitting, to the second node, an applicability indication received from the UE. The applicability indication can indicate whether a first measurement prediction configuration is applicable at the first node (e.g., event 732).

[0220] The first node can operate as a master node (MN), and the second node can operate as a secondary node (SN). Procedures can include an SN addition procedure or an SN modification procedure configuring the UE to operate in dual connectivity (DC) with the MN (e.g., event 842, 844A, 1042, 1056). The method 2000 can include transmitting, to the second node, one or more of an indication of a capability of the UE to perform measurement prediction, or an indication of a capability of the UE to report measurement prediction applicability (e.g., event 842). The method 2000 can include the MN transmitting, to the SN, a first measurement configuration and a first measurement prediction configuration for measurement coordination and measurement prediction coordination respectively (e.g., event 842 or 942).PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0221] Fig. 21 illustrates a method 2100 that a UE can implement. The method 2100 can begin at block 2108 with the UE performing measurement prediction on a first reference signal from a first node of a radio access network (RAN (e.g., event 1608, 310, 312, or 326).

[0222] The method 2100 can continue with block 2118 the UE transmitting, to the first node, an indication of whether the UE is configured to perform measurement prediction on a second reference signal from a second node of the RAN, when operating in dual connectivity with the first node and the second node (e.g., event 1618-1, 1618-2). The transmitting can include transmitting the indication to the second node via the first node, wherein the first node operates as an MN, and the second node operates as an SN.

[0223] The method 2100 can further include the UE performing a serving cell change from a serving cell to a target cell (e.g., event 1738). The method 2100 can further include the UE determining whether the measurement prediction is applicable after the serving cell change (e.g., event 1716). In accordance with the determining, the UE can either transmit, to the target cell, an applicability indication indicating that the measurement prediction is not applicable, or refrain from transmitting an applicability indication that the measurement prediction is applicable.

[0224] The method can include the UE transmitting, to the first node, a joint measurement prediction capability for measurement prediction with both the first node and the second node. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE can transmit, to the first node, a first measurement prediction capability for measurement prediction with the first node and a second measurement prediction capability for measurement prediction with the second node.

[0225] The following list of examples reflects a variety of the embodiments explicitly contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0226] In Example 1, a method implemented in a first node of a radio access network (RAN) in communication with a user equipment (UE) comprises: receiving, from a second node of the RAN, an indication of whether a measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node; and in accordance with the indication, either (i) instructing the UE to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the second node or (ii) preventing the UE from applying the measurement prediction configuration at the second node.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0227] Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the receiving the indication of whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable includes: receiving, from the second node, the measurement prediction configuration.

[0228] Example 3 includes the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the receiving the indication of whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable includes: receiving, from the second node, a request to release the measurement prediction configuration.

[0229] Example 4 includes the subject matter of Example 2 or 3, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration is a second measurement prediction configuration and is associated with at least the second node; the method further comprising: transmitting, to the second node, a first measurement prediction configuration for the UE, the first measurement associated with the first node.

[0230] Example 5 includes the subject matter of Example 4, further comprising: transmitting, to the second node, an applicability indication received from the UE, the applicability indication indicative of whether the first measurement prediction configuration is applicable at the first node.

[0231] Example 6 includes the subject matter of Example 4 or 5, further comprising: transmitting, to the second node, an indication of a capability of the UE to perform measurement prediction.

[0232] Example 7 includes the subject matter of Example 6, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to perform measurement prediction pertains to an indicated frequency band.

[0233] Example 8 includes the subject matter of Example 6, wherein the indication of the capability of the UE to perform measurement prediction pertains to all frequency bands the UE supports.

[0234] Example 9 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 4-6, further comprising: transmitting, to the second node, an indication of a capability of the UE to report measurement prediction applicability.

[0235] Example 10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 4-9, further comprising: transmitting, to the second node, a third measurement prediction configuration for the UE, the third measurement associated with a third node.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0236] Example 11 includes the subject matter of Example 2, further comprising: generating a coordinated measurement prediction configuration for the UE based on the measurement prediction configuration received from the second node.

[0237] Example 12 includes the subject matter of Example 11, wherein the generating the coordinated measurement prediction configuration for the UE includes using a coordinated measurement prediction configuration associated with the first node.

[0238] Example 13 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-10, wherein: the first node operates as a source node, and the second node operates as a target node, for a handover of the UE from the source node to the target node.

[0239] Example 14 includes the subject matter of Example 13, wherein: the source node is a source base station (S-BS), and the target node is a target base station (T-BS).

[0240] Example 15 includes the subject matter of Example 13 or 14, wherein: the indication of whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node is received in a handover request acknowledge message.

[0241] Example 16 includes the subject matter of Example 15, wherein the indication of whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node is received in a handover command included in the handover request acknowledge message.

[0242] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-5, wherein: the first node operates as a master node (MN), and the second node operates as a secondary node (SN), for an SN addition procedure configuring the UE to operate in dual connectivity (DC) with the MN and the SN.

[0243] Example 18 includes the subject matter of Example 17, wherein: the indication of whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node is received in an SN addition request acknowledge message.

[0244] Example 19 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-5, wherein: the first node operates as an MN, and the second node operates as an SN for an SN addition modification procedure configuring the UE to modify a bearer context.

[0245] Example 20 includes the subject matter of Example 19, wherein the indication of whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node is received in an SN modification required message.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0246] Example 21 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-3 or 13-18, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration specifies a reference signal for measurement prediction.

[0247] Example 22 includes the subject matter of Example 21, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration includes a measurement object indicating at least one of (i) a frequency location, (ii) a time location, or (iii) subcarrier spacing of the reference signal.

[0248] Example 23 includes the subject matter of Example 21 or 22, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration for the UE includes a configuration for event-triggered measurement reporting.

[0249] Example 24 includes the subject matter of Example 21 or 22, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration for the LTE includes a configuration for periodic measurement reporting.

[0250] Example 25 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 21-24, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration for the LTE indicates one or more of: (i) a length of an observation window during which the LIE is to obtain observed measurement results, (ii) a length of a prediction window during which the LTE is to obtain the one or more predicted measurement results, (iii) a number of observed measurement results necessary to generate the one or more predicted measurement results, (iv) a number of predicted measurement results to generate in each instance of the prediction window, or (v) an accuracy rate of the measurement prediction to achieve in order to determine that the measurement prediction is applicable to the reference signal.

[0251] Example 26 includes the subject matter of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the instructing the LTE to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the second node includes: transmitting, to the LTE, the measurement prediction configuration for the second node.

[0252] Example 27 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-25, wherein the instructing the LTE to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the second node includes: transmitting, to the LTE, an indication that the LTE is to continue applying a previously received measurement configuration.

[0253] Example 28 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1-25, wherein the instructing the LTE to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the second nodePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC includes: refraining from transmitting, to the UE, an indication that the UE is to release a previously received measurement configuration.

[0254] In Example 29, a method implemented in a second node of a radio access network (RAN), the method comprising: receiving, from a first node of the RAN, a request to establish a radio connection with a UE currently in communication with the first node; and transmitting, to the first node and in response to the request, an indication for the UE to either (i) apply a measurement prediction configuration at the second node or (ii) refrain from applying the measurement prediction configuration at the second node.

[0255] Example 30 includes the subject matter of Example 29, wherein: the first node operates as a source node; the second node operates as a target node; and the request to establish the radio connection with the UE includes a handover request message.

[0256] Example 31 includes the subject matter of Example 30, wherein the transmitting of the indication for the UE to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the target node includes: including the measurement prediction configuration in a handover command.

[0257] Example 32 includes the subject matter of Example 30 or 31, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration is a second measurement prediction configuration; the method further comprising: receiving, from the source node, one or more of: a first measurement prediction configuration associated with the source node, an indication of a capability of the UE to report measurement prediction capability, or an applicability indication the source node received from the UE, the applicability indication indicative of whether the first measurement prediction configuration is applicable at the first node; and generating the second measurement prediction configuration using one or more (i) - (iii).

[0258] Example 33 includes the subject matter of Example 30, wherein the transmitting of the indication for the UE to refrain from applying the measurement prediction configuration at the second node includes: including, in a handover command, an indication that the UE is to release the measurement prediction configuration.

[0259] Example 34 includes the subject matter of Example 29, wherein: the request to establish the radio connection with the UE includes a secondary node (SN) addition request message.

[0260] Example 35 includes the subject matter of Example 29, wherein: the request to establish the radio connection with the UE includes an SN modification request message.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0261] In Example 36, a method implemented in a first node of a radio access network (RAN) in communication with a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving, from a second node of the RAN, a second measurement prediction configuration for the UE, the second measurement prediction configuration associated with the second node; and generating, in view of the second measurement prediction configuration for the UE, a first measurement prediction configuration for the UE.

[0262] Example 37 includes the subject matter of Example 36, wherein: the first node operates as a source node; the second node operates as a target node; the receiving of the second measurement prediction configuration for the UE includes receiving a handover request message acknowledge message.

[0263] Example 38 includes the subject matter of Example 36, wherein: the first node operates as a master node (MN), the second node operates as a secondary node (SN), and the receiving of the second measurement prediction configuration for the UE includes receiving an SN addition request acknowledge message.

[0264] Example 39 includes the subject matter of Example 36, wherein: the first node operates as a target node; the second node operates as a source node; the receiving of the second measurement prediction configuration for the UE includes receiving a handover request message.

[0265] Example 40 includes the subject matter of Example 39, further comprising: transmitting the first measurement prediction configuration to the UE after completing a handover from the source node.

[0266] Example 41 includes the subject matter of Example 36, wherein: the first node operates as a secondary node (SN), the second node operates as a master node (MN), and the receiving of the second measurement prediction configuration for the UE includes receiving an SN addition request message.

[0267] Example 42 includes the subject matter of Example 41, further comprising: transmitting the first measurement prediction configuration to the UE via the MN.

[0268] Example 43 includes the subject matter of Example 41, further comprising: transmitting the first measurement prediction configuration to the UE directly via an SN radio link.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0269] In Example 44, a method implemented in a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: performing measurement prediction on a first reference signal from a first node of a radio access network (RAN); and transmitting, to the first node, an indication of whether the UE is configured to perform measurement prediction on a second reference signal from a second node of the RAN, when operating in dual connectivity with the first node and the second node.

[0270] In Example 45, a method implemented in a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: performing measurement prediction in a first cell of a radio access network (RAN), in accordance with a measurement prediction configuration; and in response to performing a serving cell change from the first cell to a second cell of the RAN, notifying the RAN whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable in the second cell.

[0271]

[0272] The following description may be applied to the description above.

[0273] Generally speaking, description for one of the above figures can apply to another of the above figures. Examples, implementations and methods described above can be combined, if there is no conflict. An event or block described above can be optional or omitted. For example, an event or block with dashed lines in the figures can be optional. The description described from the perspective of the receiving node also applies to the sending node. For example, a description that a receiving node (e.g., DU) receives a message from a sending node (e.g., CU) may be replaced by the sending node sending a message to the receiving node. Similarly, a description that a receiving node (e.g., CU) receives a message from a sending node (e.g., DU) may be replaced by the sending node sending a message to the receiving node.

[0274] In some implementations, “message” is used and can be replaced by “information element (IE)”, and vice versa. In some implementations, “IE” is used and can be replaced by “field”, and vice versa. In some implementations, “configuration” can be replaced by “configurations” or “configuration parameters”, and vice versa. In some implementations, the “indication” can be replaced by “indicator”, and vice versa. In some implementations, the “measurement prediction” can be replaced by “measurement prediction function”, “measurement AI / ML inference”. In some implementations, “in a carrier frequency” can be replaced by “on a carrier frequency”. In some implementations, “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration” can be replaced by “applicable to a / the (first,PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC second or third) measurement object associated with a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration”. In some implementations, “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration” can be replaced by “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement object associated with a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration”. In some implementations, “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration” can be replaced by “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) reporting event ID associated with a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration”.

[0275] A user device in which the techniques of this disclosure can be implemented (e.g., the UE 102) can be any suitable device capable of wireless communications such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a mobile gaming console, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a health monitoring device, a drone, a camera, a media- streaming dongle or another personal media device, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a wireless hotspot, a femtocell, or a broadband router. Further, the user device in some cases may be embedded in an electronic system such as the head unit of a vehicle or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Still further, the user device can operate as an internet-of-things (loT) device or a mobile-internet device (MID). Depending on the type, the user device can include one or more general-purpose processors, a computer-readable memory, a user interface, one or more network interfaces, one or more sensors, etc.

[0276] Certain embodiments are described in this disclosure as including logic or a number of components or modules. Modules may be software modules (e.g., code, or machine-readable instructions stored on non-transitory machine-readable medium) or hardware modules. A hardware module is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. A hardware module can comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. The decision to implement a hardware module in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and timeconsiderations.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC

[0277] When implemented in software, the techniques can be provided as part of the operating system, a library used by multiple applications, a particular software application, etc. The software can be executed by one or more general-purpose processors or one or more special-purpose processors.

[0278] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional and alternative structural and functional designs for handling mobility between base stations through the principles disclosed herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC What is claimed is:

1. A method implemented in a first node of a radio access network (RAN) in communication with a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:receiving, from a second node of the RAN, an indication of whether a measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node; andin accordance with the indication, either (i) transmitting, to the UE, an instruction to apply the measurement prediction configuration at the second node or (ii) transmitting, to the UE, an instruction to prevent the UE from applying the measurement prediction configuration at the second node.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving further includes:receiving, from the second node, the measurement prediction configuration.

3. The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein:the measurement prediction configuration specifies a reference signal for measurement prediction, and wherein the measurement prediction configuration includes a measurement object indicating at least one of (i) a frequency location, (ii) a time location, or (iii) subcarrier spacing of the reference signal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving further includes:receiving, from the second node, a request to release the measurement prediction configuration.

5. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein:the first node operates as a source node, and the second node operates as a target node for a handover of the UE from the source node to the target node; andthe indication of whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE at the second node is received in a handover request acknowledge message.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:transmitting, to the second node, an applicability indication received from the UE, the applicability indication indicative of whether a first measurement prediction configuration is applicable at the first node.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC 7. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein: the first node operates as a master node (MN), and the second node operates as a secondary node (SN), for an SN addition procedure or an SN modification procedure configuring the UE to operate in dual connectivity (DC) with the MN and the SN.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:transmitting, to the second node, one or more of: an indication of a capability of the UE to perform measurement prediction, or an indication of a capability of the UE to report measurement prediction applicability.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the transmitting the instruction to the UE is performed before the UE accesses the target node.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising:transmitting, by the MN to the SN, a first measurement configuration and a first measurement prediction configuration for measurement coordination and measurement prediction coordination respectively.

11. A method implemented in a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:performing measurement prediction on a first reference signal from a first node of a radio access network (RAN); andtransmitting, to the first node, an indication of whether the UE is configured to perform measurement prediction on a second reference signal from a second node of the RAN, when operating in dual connectivity with the first node and the second node.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitting the indication includes:transmitting the indication to the second node via the first node, wherein the first node operates as a master node (MN), and the second node operates as a secondary node (SN).

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:performing a serving cell change from a serving cell to a target cell; determining whether the measurement prediction is applicable after the serving cell change; andPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730-308748-00 / PC in accordance with the determining, either (i) transmitting an applicability indication to the target cell indicating that the measurement prediction is not applicable, or (ii) refraining from transmitting an applicability indication indicating that the measurement prediction is applicable.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:transmitting, to the first node, either (i) a joint measurement prediction capability for measurement prediction with both the first node and the second node, or (ii) a first measurement prediction capability for measurement prediction with the first node and a second measurement prediction capability for measurement prediction with the second node.

15. A radio access network (RAN) node comprising:a transceiver; andprocessing hardware;wherein the RAN node is configured to implement a method of any of claims 1-10.

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