System and apparatus for facilitating handover in a network and a method in association thereto

Abstract

System (100), device (104) and a method (300) for facilitating handover in a network. The method (300) comprises obtaining data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell; obtaining an applicability report from a user device based on the obtained data; and initiating a handover of the user device to a target cell based on the applicability report and data.

Description

202407786 1SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING HANDOVER IN A NETWORK AND A METHOD IN ASSOCIATION THERETOField Of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to one or both of a system and a device for facilitating handover in a network in association with, for example, a User Equipment (UE) and / or a base station or cell usable for communication. The present disclosure further relates a method which can be associated with the system and / or the device.Background of Invention

[0002] Generally, energy efficiency and power saving would be helpful in communication networks, for example, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (fifth generation) New Radio (NR) standard-based telecommunications network.

[0003] Current techniques may not address the issue of maintaining continuity of a model operation, for example an Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) model, during handover of a User Equipment (UE) or user device in a network. This may lead to re-training or re-downloading the applicable model (e.g. AI / ML model) and it may thus take a long time to provide inference. Thus, the current techniques may not facilitate energy efficiency and power saving in an optimal manner.

[0004] The present disclosure contemplates that it would be helpful to address or at least mitigate one or more issues in relation to conventional techniques for facilitating energy efficiency and power saving during handover in a network.Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for facilitating handover in a network, the method comprising: obtaining data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell; obtaining an202407786 2applicability report from a user device based on the obtained data; and initiating a handover of the user device to a target cell based on the applicability report and data.

[0006] Advantageously, the method as described herein can ensure that an operation continuity (e.g. Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning AI / ML operation continuity) is maintained even during handover in a network. The method may therefore eliminate delay due to model re-training or model re-download if the User Equipment (UE) or user device is aware of a neighbor cell’s additional conditions.

[0007] In an embodiment, the method further includes obtaining a measurement report from the user device, the measurement report comprising a target cell identity.

[0008] In an embodiment, the method further includes transmitting at least one signal to the user device, the at least one signal comprising the data associated with cell functionality for generating the applicability report.

[0009] In an embodiment, transmitting at least one signal to the user device comprises transmitting via at least one of: User Equipment (UE) specific message and / or Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration.

[0010] In an embodiment, the method further includes obtaining a cell identification related to the at least one neighboring cell; analyzing the cell identification with the at least one neighboring cell and a source cell; and initiating an inter-cell coordination between the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell if the cell identification is different from the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell.

[0011] In an embodiment, initiating an inter-cell coordination comprises transmitting an inter-cell signal between the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell for data exchange.

[0012] In an embodiment, initiating a handover of the user device comprises configuring the user device for handover to the target cell.202407786 3

[0013] In an embodiment, configuring the user device comprises transmitting inference configuration of the at least one neighboring cell to the user device.

[0014] In an embodiment, the inference configuration comprises Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) inference.

[0015] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of the first aspect.

[0016] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method of the first aspect.

[0017] In an embodiment, there is provided a device for facilitating handover in a network comprising: a first module configured to receive at least one input signal relating to data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell; a second module configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method of the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for initiating a handover of the user device to a target cell.

[0018] In an embodiment, the device corresponds to a base station communicable with an apparatus corresponding to a User Equipment (UE), and wherein the base station corresponds to a Next generation Node B (gNB) configured to receive the at least one input signal from the UE.

[0019] In an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising: at least one apparatus(es); and at least one device(s), wherein the apparatus(es) and the device(s) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.202407786 4

[0020] Advantageously, the system as described herein can maintain continuity of a model operation, for example an Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) model, during handover of the UE (or user device) in a network. Re-training and re-downloading of the applicable model (e.g. AI / ML model) can thus be eliminated and inference can be provided in a short time. Additionally, the system may provide fundamental mechanisms of interworking and data information flow in radio access network collaboration for AI / ML support. In particular, the gNB-UE collaboration operation for AI / ML support as described can improve AI / ML performance for wireless communication.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0022] Fig. 1A shows a schematic diagram illustrating a system for facilitating handover in a network which can include at least one device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 1B shows an example scenario in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Fig. 1 C shows a further example scenario in association with the system of Fig.1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the device of Fig. 1A in further detail, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a method in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.202407786 5

[0027] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show process flow diagrams illustrating information exchange between cells and a User Equipment (UE) in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0028] Fig. 4C to Fig. 4E show schematic diagrams illustrating the flow of information in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.Detailed Description

[0029] The detailed description set forth below, with reference to annexed drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In particular, although terminology from 3GPP 5G NR may be used in this disclosure to exemplify embodiments herein, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0030] In addition, some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0031] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and / or where it is implicit that a step must follow202407786 6or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term User Equipment (UE) or wireless device or user device may be used and may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device-to-device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, PAD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, UE category Ml, UE category M2, ProSe UE, V2V UE, V2X UE, etc.

[0033] In some embodiments, a more general term “network node” may be used and may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node, which communicates with a User Equipment (directly or via another node) and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, a network node belonging to MCG or SCG, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), etc), Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Operations Support System (OSS), Self Optimized Network (SON), positioning node (e.g. Evolved- Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC)), Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), test equipment (physical node or software), etc.

[0034] Additionally, terminologies such as base station / gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and do in particular not imply a certain hierarchical relation between the two; in general, “gNodeB” could be considered as device 1 and “UE” could be considered as device 2 and these two devices communicate with each other202407786 7over some radio channel. And in the following the transmitter or receiver could be either gNodeB (gNB), or UE.

[0035] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0036] The present disclosure generally contemplates the facilitation and optimization of a network (for example in association with 3GPP based standard / specification etc.) and / or user equipment (UE) efficiency (for example energy efficiency or power saving), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, the present disclosure contemplates the possibility of facilitating handover of a user device (or UE) in connection with 3GPP standard(s).202407786 8

[0037] The present disclosure generally contemplates that there may be two types of handovers in a network (e.g. 5G New Radio NR), network-controlled and UE-controlled. A network-controlled handover can be applied to 5G NR UEs in RRC_CONNECTED mode and can be further categorized into the following two subtypes, cell level and beam level. Explicit Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling may be required to be triggered in cell level mobility or handover and messages are exchanged for such inter-gNB handover type. In beam level mobility, handover may not require explicit RRC signalling to be triggered but instead can be handled by lower layers. Moreover, RRC is not required to know which beam is being used at a given point in time.

[0038] The present disclosure further contemplates that User Equipment Assistance Information (UAI) may be supported and RRCReconfigurationComplete message can be used to report applicable functionality. The present disclosure contemplates that the applicable functionality can be signaled, the applicability reporting content can be provided and inference configuration can be signalled. The present disclosure also contemplates that the UE can report to the network when an applicable Al functionality becomes non-applicable and determine how this can be signaled, e.g. explicitly or implicitly. This may include consideration of different scenarios, such as whether it is regarding an active functionality.

[0039] The present disclosure contemplates that data collection initiation and configuration for data collection can be under network control, including how the network (NW) determines whether data collection should be initiated (e.g. via UE requests (UE directly or UE server) In an example operations such as AI / ML BM LCM operations, existing procedures and terminologies from the / channel Start Information (CSI) Framework can be used, including those defined for aperiodic, semipersistent on Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), semipersistent on Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and periodic reporting configurations. Terminology specific to the activation or deactivation for AI / ML models can also be defined.

[0040] The present disclosure also contemplates the importance of determining whether the UE’s AI / ML operation can continue after a handover. Specifically, a202407786 9neighboring cell’s applicability can be considered in applicable functionality reporting to the serving cell. It may be important to ensure AI / ML operation continuity during handover because it may lead to re-train or re-download of the applicable AI / ML model and thereby having a long interruption time. The present disclosure also contemplates that the UE assumes that the NW-side additional conditions with the same associated ID are consistent at least within a cell. A method can be defined on how the UE assumption can also be applicable for multiple cells (including the feasibility study).

[0041] In the above manner, continuity of a model operation, for example an Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) model, can be maintained during handover of the UE (or user device) in a network. Re-training and re-downloading of the applicable model (e.g. AI / ML model) can thus be eliminated and inference can be provided in a short time. Power saving and energy consumption efficiency can possibly be facilitated in the network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig.4 hereinafter.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 1A, a schematic diagram illustrating a system 100 for facilitating handover in a network is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 can, for example, be suitable for facilitating energy and improve power efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] As shown, the system 100 can include one or more apparatuses 102, at least one device 104 and, optionally, a communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] The apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the device(s) 104. Specifically, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be coupled to the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the communication network 106 and the device(s) 104 can be coupled to the202407786 10communication network 106. Coupling can be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. The apparatus(es) 102 can, in general, be configured to communicate with the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0047] The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be associated with or correspond to or include one or more user equipment (UE) which can carry one or more computers, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, an apparatus 102 can correspond to a UE (or user device) carrying at least one computer (e.g. an electronic device or module having computing capabilities such as an electronic mobile device which can be carried into a vehicle or an electronic module which can be installed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with the UE (or user device), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] The device(s) 104 can, for example, be associated with / correspond to at least one base station or cell, where the at least one base station or cell can be a Next Generation Node B (gNB). Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to carry / be associated with / include one or more computers (e.g., an electronic device / module having computing capabilities) which can, for example, be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with the base station or cell. The device(s) 104 can be configured to generate one or more output signals which can be communicated to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This will be discussed later in further detail in the context of an example scenario, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] In an embodiment, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to receive one or more input signals and perform at least one processing task based on the input signal(s) in a manner to generate one or more output signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be generated by the apparatus(es) 102 and communicated from the apparatus(es) 102 and received by the device(s) 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The input signal can be a signal relating to data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell (or base station).202407786 11As a possible option, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The output signal may correspond to a control signal for initiating a handover of the user device to a target cell (or target base station). The device(s) 104 will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] The communication network 106 can, for example, correspond to an Internet communication network, a cellular-based communication network, a wired-based communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based communication network, a wireless-based communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication (e.g., between the apparatuses 102 and / or between the apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104) via the communication network 106 can be by manner of one or both of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0051] As mentioned, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to receive at least one input signal and perform at least one processing task in association with dynamic / adaptive / gradual control on the input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate at least one output signal. Moreover, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to generate (and communicate) the input signal(s) to the device(s) 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, the apparatus(es) 102 can generate and communicate or transmit a measurement report comprising a target cell (or target base station) identity to the device(s) 104. This will be discussed, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in the context of an example scenario with reference to Fig. 1B, hereinafter.

[0052] Figs. 1 B and 1 C show example scenarios in association with the system of Fig.1A, according to an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, Fig. 1B shows an example of a 5G Inter-gNB handover. In this example, the source gNB (or cell or base station) initiates handover and issues a Handover Request over the Xn interface. The target gNB (or cell or base station) then performs admission control and provides the RRC configuration as part of the Handover Acknowledgement. The source gNB (or cell or base station) then provides the RRC configuration to the UE in the Handover202407786 12Command. The Handover Command message may include at least cell ID and all information required to access the target cell so that the UE can access the target cell without reading system information.

[0053] In some cases, the information required for contention based and contention free random access can be included in the Handover Command message. The access information to the target cell may include beam specific information, if any. The UE then moves the RRC connection to the target gNB (or cell or base station) and replies the Handover Complete. Fig. 1C shows an example scenario where a UE or user device in a vehicle moves from one cell (gNB 1) to another cell (gNB 2), where functionalities can be different for both cells for the same model (e.g. AI / ML model). This may not maintain continuity of a model operation, e.g. AI / ML model operation, during handover as the UE (or user device) would need to be re-trained and re-download the applicable model, leading to longer time to provide inference.

[0054] The above-described aspect(s) of the system 100 of the present invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described device 104 of the present invention. Likewise, all below described aspect(s) of the device 104 of the invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above-described system 100 of the invention.

[0055] The aforementioned device(s) 104 or base station (or gNB) will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 2 hereinafter.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 2, a schematic diagram illustrating a device 104 is shown in further detail in the context of an example implementation 200, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0057] In the example implementation 200, the device 104 can correspond to an electronic module 200a. The electronic module 200a can, in one example, correspond to a base station or a cell (or gNB), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In another example, the electronic module 200a can correspond to an electronic202407786 13device which can be installed / mounted in the base station or cell (or gNB), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0058] It is contemplated that the electronic module 200a can be capable of performing one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive / dynamic / gradual control related processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] The electronic module 200a can, for example, include a casing 200b. Moreover, the electronic module 200a can, for example, carry any one of a first module 202, a second module 204, a third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0060] In one embodiment, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206. In a specific example, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and a third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] In this regard, it is appreciable that, in one embodiment, the casing 200b can be shaped and dimensioned to carry any one of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0062] The first module 202 can be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, the first module 202 can be coupled to the second module 204 and the second module 204 can be coupled to the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204 and / or the third module 206 can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. Each of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206 can correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] In one example, the first module 202 can correspond to a hardware-based receiver which can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input202407786 14signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102 (or user device or User Equipment UE), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0064] The second module 204 can, for example, correspond to a hardware-based processor which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals) as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0065] The third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based transmitter which can be configured to communicate one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. The output signal(s) can, for example, include one or more instructions / commands / control signals in association with the aforementioned dynamic / adaptive / gradual control configuration / determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency (e.g., power / energy efficiency and / or communication efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, the output signal(s) can be a control signal(s) for initiating a handover of the user device (or UE) to a target cell or target base station.

[0066] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the first and second modules 202, 204 can be an integrated software-hardware based module, for example, an electronic part which can carry a software program or algorithm in association with receiving and processing functions or an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and processing. The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202, 206 can be an integrated softwarehardware based module, for example an electronic part which can carry a software program or algorithm in association with receiving and transmitting functions or an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and transmitting. The present disclosure yet further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202, 206 can be an integrated hardware module, for example a hardwarebased transceiver, capable of performing the functions of receiving and transmitting.

[0067] The device 104 (or base station or UE) can, for example, be further configured to process the input signal(s), as will be discussed later in further detail with reference202407786 15to Fig. 3, in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals in a manner so as to facilitate efficiency, for example power efficiency or energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one specific example, the output signal(s) can include one or more control signals to facilitate some form of dynamic / adaptive / gradual control configuration / determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency, for example power efficiency or energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, the output signal(s) can be a control signal(s) for initiating a handover of the user device (or UE) to a target cell or target base station.

[0068] The above-described aspect(s) of the device 104 of the present invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described processing / communication method of the present invention. Likewise, all below described aspect(s) of the method of the invention can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described device 104 of the invention. It is to be appreciated that these remarks apply analogously to the earlier discussed system 100 of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to Fig. 3, a method 300 (or a communication method) facilitating handover in a network in association with the system 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0070] The method 300 can, for example, be suitable for facilitating energy efficiency, network optimization and power saving in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0071] The method 300 can include any one of an input step 302, a processing step 304 and an output step 306, or any combination thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0072] In an embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302 and the processing step 304. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet202407786 16another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304 and one or both of the input step 302 and the output step 306. In yet a further embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet a further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304. In yet another further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include any one of or any combination of the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306 (i.e. , the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306).

[0073] With regard to the input step 302, one or more input signal(s) can be received. For example, the input signal(s) can be communicated from the apparatus 102 and can be received by the device 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment, the input signal(s) can be communicated from another device and received by the device 104.

[0074] The input step 302 can include receiving at least one input signal relating to data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell.

[0075] With regard to the processing step 304, at least a processing task can be performed in association with the received input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0076] The processing step 304 may include at least one of: obtaining data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell obtaining an applicability report from a user device based on the obtained data. The processing step 304 may further include obtaining a measurement report from the user device, the measurement report comprising a target cell identity and transmitting at least one signal to the user device, the at least one signal comprising the data associated with cell functionality for generating the applicability report. Transmitting the at least one signal to the user device includes transmitting via at least one of: User Equipment (UE) specific message and / or Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration.202407786 17

[0077] The processing step 304 may also include obtaining a cell identification related to the at least one neighboring cell; analyzing the cell identification with the at least one neighboring cell and a source cell; and initiating an inter-cell coordination between the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell if the cell identification is different from the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell. Initiating an inter-cell coordination comprises transmitting an inter-cell signal between the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell for data exchange and initiating a handover of the user device comprises configuring the user device for handover to the target cell. Configuring the user device comprises transmitting inference configuration of the at least one neighboring cell to the user device and the inference configuration comprises Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) inference.

[0078] In an embodiment, the apparatus 102 (or UE or user device) may be allowed to report neighbor cells’ applicable functionalities based on neighbor cells’ network (NW)-side additional conditions. The apparatus 102 (or UE or user device) may assume that NW-side additional conditions with the same associated ID are consistent at least within a cell (or gNB or base station). In an example situation when the associated ID is different between a source cell and a target cell, an inter-node coordination procedure can be introduced. For example, a new signaling may be introduced at the Xn interface for the inter-node message exchange and an uplink applicability reporting may be introduced in addition to current existing mechanisms, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0079] In an embodiment, the network (or cell or base station) may configure an AI / ML event, which can be an event triggered to predict the handover (HO) procedure. Once the AI / ML event is triggered, the network (or cell or base station) may issue the HO command along with the inference configuration of the neighbor cell (or base station). The UE (or user device) after receiving the HO command may also receive the inference configuration of the neighboring cell (or base station). This can enable seamless operation of AI / ML inference during or after handover and AI / ML operation continuity can be maintained during handover. Accordingly, the delay due to model retraining or re-download can be eliminated as the UE (or user device) is aware of a neighbor cell’s additional conditions.202407786 18

[0080] With regards to the output step 306, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated, as an option, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, the output signal(s) can be communicated from the device 104. In a more specific example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the device 104 to one or both of at least one other device (or cell or base station), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the device 104 to one or both of at least one apparatus 102.

[0081] The present disclosure further contemplates a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer program can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and / or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0082] The present disclosure yet further contemplates a computer readable storage medium (not shown) having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer readable storage medium can have data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and / or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0083] Further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates a device 104 for facilitating handover in a network include a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206.202407786 19

[0084] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be related to data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell.

[0085] The second module 204 can be configured to process and / or facilitate processing of the input signal(s) according to the method 300 as discussed earlier to generate one or more output signals.

[0086] The third module 206 can be configured to communicate one or more output signals. The output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to one or more control signals for initiating a handover of the user device to a target cell.

[0087] In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) which can communicate with a device 104 corresponding to a base station. The base station can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., output signal(s)) to the UE.

[0088] Yet further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates a system 100 which can include one or more apparatuses 102 and one or more devices 104. The apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104 can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and / or wireless coupling.

[0089] It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above can be combined in any manner as appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).

[0090] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of embodiments described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments.202407786 20

[0091] In one example, the possibility of the output signal(s) being communicated from the device(s) 104 was discussed. It is appreciable that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated from the device(s) 104. Specifically, the possibility that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated outside of the device(s) 104 is contemplated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to internal command(s) / instruction(s) (e.g., communicated only within a device 104) for adaptively controlling operational configuration of a device 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0092] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show process flow diagrams illustrating information exchange between cells and a User Equipment (UE) in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0093] In the example process as shown in Fig. 4A, a source cell (or base station or gNB) may request for NW-side additional conditions from a neighbor cell (or base station or gNB). The neighbor cell (or base station or gNB) may exchange NW-side additional condition with the source cell (or base station or gNB) or another neighbor cell. The source cell (or base station or gNB) may then transmit the NW-side additional conditions of the neighbor cell to via Radio Resource Control (RRC) Reconfiguration. The UE (or user device) then transmits an applicability report for the neighbor cell to the source cell (or base station or gNB) based on the received NW-side additional conditions. The source cell (or base station or gNB) may then initiate a handover (HO) decision to the neighbor cell. This may include requesting the neighbor cell for inference configuration for the UE (or user device). The neighbor cell may exchange the UE (or user device) capability and inference configuration with neighbor cell to the source cell (or base station or gNB). The source cell (or base station or gNB) transmits the HO command including the inference configuration in the neighbor cell to the UE (or user device). The UE (or user device) completes the RRC Reconfiguration and transmits the completion to the source cell (or base station or gNB).

[0094] In the example process as shown in Fig. 4B, the UE (or user device) transmits a measurement report for the neighbor cell indicating the target cell (or base station or202407786 21gNB) identification to a source cell (or base station or gNB). The remaining steps of this process are similar to the process as above-described for Fig. 4A.

[0095] Fig. 4C to Fig. 4E show schematic diagrams illustrating the flow of information in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0096] In the example process as shown in Fig. 4C, a source gNB (or cell or base station) can, for example, be configured to provide NW additional conditions of the neighbor cell. In the example process as shown in Fig. 4D, a User Equipment UE (or user device) can, for example, be configured to provide the applicability report of the neighbor cell to the source cell (or base station or gNB) NW additional conditions of the neighbor cell. In the example process as shown in Fig. 4E, a target gNB (or cell or base station) can, for example, be configured to provide NW additional conditions of the neighbor cell to the source cell (or base station or gNB).

[0097] In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and / or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

202407786 22Claim(s)1. A method (300) for facilitating handover in a network, the method comprising:obtaining data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell;obtaining an applicability report from a user device based on the obtained data; andinitiating a handover of the user device to a target cell based on the applicability report and data.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1, further comprising obtaining a measurement report from the user device, the measurement report comprising a target cell identity.

3. The method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising transmitting at least one signal to the user device, the at least one signal comprising the data associated with cell functionality for generating the applicability report.

4. The method (300) according to claim 3, wherein transmitting at least one signal to the user device comprises transmitting via at least one of: User Equipment (UE) specific message and / or Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration.

5. The method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising:obtaining a cell identification related to the at least one neighboring cell; analyzing the cell identification with the at least one neighboring cell and a source cell; andinitiating an inter-cell coordination between the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell if the cell identification is different from the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell.

6. The method (300) according to claim 5, wherein initiating an inter-cell coordination comprises transmitting an inter-cell signal between the at least one neighboring cell and the source cell for data exchange.202407786 237. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein initiating a handover of the user device comprises configuring the user device for handover to the target cell.

8. The method (300) according to claim 7, wherein configuring the user device comprises transmitting inference configuration of the at least one neighboring cell to the user device.

9. The method (300) according to claim 8, wherein the inference configuration comprises Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) inference.

10. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (300) according to any of the preceding claims.

11. A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method (300) according to any one of claims 1-9.

12. A device (104) for facilitating handover in a network comprising:a first module (202) configured to receive at least one input signal relating to data associated with cell functionality from at least one neighboring cell;a second module (204) configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method (300) of claim 1 to claim 9 to generate at least one output signal; anda third module (206) configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for initiating a handover of the user device to a target cell.

13. The device (104) according to claim 12,wherein the device (104) corresponds to a base station communicable with an apparatus (102) corresponding to a User Equipment (UE), andwherein the base station corresponds to a Next generation Node B (gNB) configured to receive the at least one input signal from the UE.202407786 2414. A system (100) comprising:at least one device (104) according to any of claims 12 and 13; andat least one apparatus (102) according to claim 13,wherein the apparatus (102) and the device (104) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

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