Method and apparatus for synchronization in mobility in a wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G communication system or a 6G communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4G communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). The method includes receiving information related to enabling UE-initiated uplink (UL) timing synchronization for mobility, receiving one or more first reference signals (RSs) for a serving cell, receiving one or more second RSs associated with a candidate cell, determining, based on the information and the one or more first and second RSs, whether to initiate a transmission of an indicator, in response to a determination to initiate the transmission: transmitting the indicator, and receiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order in response to the indicator, and determining, from the PDCCH order, to initiate a random access channel (RACH) procedure to the candidate cell.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SYNCHRONIZATION IN MOBILITY IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems and, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for synchronization in mobility.

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

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

[0004] In order to accomplish such a high data rate and an ultra-low latency, it has been considered to implement 6G communication systems in a terahertz (THz) band (for example, 95 gigahertz (GHz) to 3THz bands). It is expected that, due to severer path loss and atmospheric absorption in the terahertz bands than those in mmWave bands introduced in 5G, technologies capable of securing the signal transmission distance (that is, coverage) will become more crucial. It is necessary to develop, as major technologies for securing the coverage, Radio Frequency (RF) elements, antennas, novel waveforms having a better coverage than Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), beamforming and massive Multiple-input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and multiantenna transmission technologies such as large-scale antennas. In addition, there has been ongoing discussion on new technologies for improving the coverage of terahertz-band signals, such as metamaterial-based lenses and antennas, Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS).

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

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

[0007] The present disclosure relates to method and apparatus for synchronization in mobility in a wireless communication system.

[0008] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a communication method in a wireless communication system.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure provide efficient communication methods in a wireless communication system.

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless network according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an example BS according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an example UE according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a wireless transmit and receive paths according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a wireless transmit and receive paths according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a wireless system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5B illustrates an example of a multi-beam operation according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a transmitter structure for beamforming according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a protocol stack of NR networks according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates an example functional split option for protocol stacks according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an example protocol stack with two functional split points according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates an example primary synchronization signal (PSS) / secondary synchronization signal (SSS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SSB) block according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates an example type-1 random access procedure according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an example type-2 random access procedure according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of PG-based mobility according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates an example cell configuration according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of mobility for the UE of FIG. 14 according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates an example method performed by a UE in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure .

[0029] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a terminal or user equipment (UE) 1700 according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a base station (BS) 1800 according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0031] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a network entity 1900 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] The present disclosure relates to synchronization in mobility.

[0033] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE includes a transceiver configured to receive information related to enabling UE-initiated uplink (UL) timing synchronization for mobility, receive one or more first reference signals (RSs) for a serving cell, and receive one or more second RSs associated with a candidate cell. The UE further includes a processor operably coupled with the transceiver. The processor is configured to determine, based on the information and the one or more first and second RSs, whether to initiate a transmission of an indicator. The transceiver is further configured to, in response to a determination to initiate the transmission, transmit the indicator and receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order in response to the indicator. The processor is further configured to determine, from the PDCCH order, to initiate a random access channel (RACH) procedure to the candidate cell.

[0034] In another embodiment, a base station (BS) is provided. The BS includes a processor and a transceiver operably coupled with the processor. The transceiver configured to transmit information related to enabling UE-initiated UL timing synchronization for mobility and transmit one or more first RSs for a serving cell. The information, the one or more first RSs, and one or more second RSs associated with a candidate cell indicates whether to initiate a transmission of an indicator. The transceiver is further configured to receive the indicator and transmit a PDCCH order in response to the indicator. The PDCCH order indicates to initiate a RACH procedure to the candidate cell.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, a method performed by a UE is provided. The method includes receiving information related to enabling UL timing synchronization for mobility, receiving one or more first RSs for a serving cell, receiving one or more second RSs associated with a candidate cell, and determining, based on the information and the one or more first and second RSs, whether to initiate a transmission of an indicator. The method further includes, in response to a determination to initiate the transmission, transmitting the indicator and receiving a PDCCH order in response to the indicator, and determining, from the PDCCH order, to initiate a RACH procedure to the candidate cell.

[0036] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

[0037] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term “controller” means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0038] Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

[0039] Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In describing the embodiments, while numerous details are set forth for the purpose of illustration, it is understood that some aspects of the disclosure may be practiced with less than all of these details. Numerous variations and alternatives to the details provided herein are possible and are considered within the scope of the disclosure. In some instances, descriptions related to technical contents well-known in the art may be omitted so as to not obscure an understanding of the disclosure, and such omitted descriptions are understood to be within the scope of the disclosure.

[0042] For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated. Further, the size of each element does not completely reflect the actual size. In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are provided with identical reference numerals or different reference numerals.

[0043] The advantages and features of the disclosure and ways to achieve them will be apparent by making reference to embodiments as described herein in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but may be implemented in various different forms. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the disclosure. The following embodiments are merely examples to aid in an understanding of the disclosure and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way, but on the contrary, the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Throughout the specification, the same or like reference numerals designate the same or like elements. Furthermore, terms which will be described herein are terms defined in consideration of the functions in the disclosure, and may be different according to users, intentions of the operators, or customs. Therefore, the definitions of the terms should be made based on the contents throughout the specification.

[0044] Herein, it will be understood that each block of flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, may be performed based on computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded collectively onto at least one processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which perform through any one of, or in any combination of, the at least one processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer usable or computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer usable or computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that perform the function specified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a computer executed process such that the instructions that perform on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for executing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

[0045] Further, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for executing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order. For example, two blocks(or functions) shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0046] As used in embodiments of the disclosure, a “~unit / module” may refer to a software element or a hardware element, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which performs a predetermined function. However, the term including the word “~unit / module” does not always have a meaning limited to software or hardware. The “~unit / module” may be constructed either to be stored in an addressable storage medium or to execute one or more processors. Therefore, the “~unit / module” includes, for example, software elements, object-oriented software elements, components such as class elements and task elements, processes, functions, properties, procedures, sub-routines, segments of a program code, drivers, firmware, micro-codes, circuits, data, database, data structures, tables, arrays, and parameters. The components and functions provided by the “~unit / module” may be either combined into a smaller number of components and a “~unit / module,” or divided into additional components and a “~unit / module.” Moreover, the components and “~units / modules” may be implemented to reproduce one or more central processing units (CPUs) within a device or a security multimedia card. Further, in the embodiments, the “~unit / module” may include one or more processors.

[0047] The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0048] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a CPU), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, FPGA, ASIC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like. The one processor or the combination of processors executes instructions that can be stored in a memory, such as the operating system, in order to control the overall operation of the device. Also, the one processor or the combination of processors is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory, such as processes for the disclosure.

[0049] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0050] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure. Additionally, or alternatively, such software may be a computer program [product] comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

[0051] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0052] Hereinafter, the determination of priority between A and B in the present disclosure may refer to various actions such as selecting the one having a higher priority based on a predefined priority rule and performing an operation corresponding thereto, or omitting or dropping an operation corresponding to the one having a lower priority.

[0053] Hereinafter, "A or B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0054] In addition, "at least one of A, B, and C" as described in the present disclosure may be understood to include A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0055] In addition, "at least one of A, B, or C" as described in the present disclosure may be understood to include A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0056] Furthermore, "A / B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0057] Furthermore, "A, B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0058] Furthermore, "A and B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0059] Furthermore, “if condition A and condition B are satisfied,” as described in the present disclosure, may not be limited to a case where both condition A and condition B are satisfied, but may be understood to include a case where either condition A or condition B is individually satisfied, both condition A and condition B are satisfied, or one or more additional conditions are satisfied in combination.

[0060] Furthermore, throughout this disclosure, ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., (and similar qualifiers) are used merely to distinguish between different instances, occurrences, configurations, messages, stages, elements or aspects of elements, operations, or information as described herein. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the use of such ordinal terms does not itself require that the elements, operations, or information distinguished by these terms be structurally different, numerically distinct, or substantively dissimilar. For example, a "first signal" and a "second signal" may refer to instances of the same signal transmitted at different times or containing the same core information despite minor variations, or they may refer to signals with different content or characteristics, depending on the specific context. Similarly, a "first value" and a "second value" may represent the same magnitude but measured or applied in different circumstances, or they may represent different magnitudes. The interpretation should be guided by the specific technical context, function, and relationship described in the relevant portion of the specification and claims.

[0061] Furthermore, the terms “first ~”, “second ~”, etc., as described in the present disclosure with respect to various elements (e.g., information, objects, operation, sequences, or the like), should not limit those elements. These terms may only be intended to distinguish one element from another, and may not be intended to indicate a specific order. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element.

[0062] Furthermore, even if “first ~” and “second ~” are described in the present disclosure, it may be understood that element(s) referred to by “first ~” and “second ~” may be the same or different. For example, in case of element(s) being information, first information and second information may both be same information and, in some cases, are separate and different information.

[0063] In addition, the terms “if ~” and “in case that ~” as used in the disclosure or claims may be interpreted to include the meanings of “when (or upon) ~,” “in response to ~,” “based on ~,” or “according to ~,” and may be used interchangeably with these expressions. In addition, expressions other than those exemplified herein may also be used, as long as they have substantially the same meaning and do not impair the technical features of the present disclosure. If a method step (e.g. transmit a signal) is performed according to the disclosure of the application in connection with one of the above terms (such as “in case that ~” or the like), it may be interpreted to include the meanings (disclosure) of a prior determination that a feature has a specific state “~” (e.g. a bit length is above X), and then perform the method step in response to said determination.

[0064] For example, the physical layer signaling may be referred to as Layer 1 (L1) signaling and may include downlink control information (DCI). In addition, the higher layer signaling may include a medium access control (MAC) control message, a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message, a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message, or an application layer message. The RRC signaling message may be referred to as L3 (layer 3) signaling. It should be noted, however, that the higher layer signaling is not limited to the aforementioned examples.

[0065] In addition, the term "not perform" as used in the present disclosure or claims may, in context, be understood to mean that the corresponding step is omitted or skipped. Such a term may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0066] In addition, "transmitting a message including A and B" as described in the present disclosure, may be understood as encompassing both (i) transmitting A and B in a single message, and (ii) transmitting A and B separately via multiple messages (e.g., transmitting a first message including A and a second message including B). This interpretation may also apply to messages that include two or more items (e.g., A, B, C), transmitted either together or separately.

[0067] In addition, "transmitting a message including A and transmitting a message including B" may also be interpreted as transmitting a message including A and B in a single message.

[0068] In the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, terms or components included in the disclosure may be expressed in singular or plural form depending on the specific embodiments presented. However, such singular or plural expressions are selected appropriately for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to a singular or plural number of components. A component expressed in the plural form may be implemented as a single component, and a component expressed in the singular form may be implemented as multiple components.

[0069] The drawings or flowcharts described herein illustrate example methods that may be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure, and various modifications may be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts of the present disclosure. For example, although illustrated as a series of steps, various steps in each drawing or flowchart may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or be repeated. In other examples, any step may be omitted or replaced with another step.

[0070] The process of the flowchart may be performed by a device. One or more of the steps of the flowchart can be implemented by one or more processors / computer programs executing instructions to perform the noted functions.

[0071] The methods and apparatuses proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed in connection with drawings disclosing flowcharts to illustrate example methods that may be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure. Such flowcharts may contain different branches and / or sub-branches. It is understood that the principles of the present disclosure do not only contain the combination of all branches / sub-branches disclosed in the embodiment, but the present disclosure also contains at least one isolated branch / isolated sub-branch, in particular to a single branch / single sub-branch.

[0072] The methods and apparatuses proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to each embodiment individually, but may also be applied in combination of all or some of the embodiments proposed in the disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified and applied without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0073] In this case, even if certain wordings are described differently across embodiments, they may be used interchangeably or in substitution or in combination if their underlying concepts are equivalent. For example, for the same or equivalent concept, even if one embodiment uses the expression "A" and another embodiment uses the expression "B", such expressions may be understood interchangeably, in substitution, or in combination.

[0074] The terms used in the following description to refer to access nodes, network entities, messages, interfaces between network entities, various types of identification information, and the like, are provided merely for the convenience of explanation by way of example. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms describedherein, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may also be used. Such terms may also be interchangeable with terms defined in any 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) technical specifications (TS) or similar technical specifications, e.g., from the European telecommunications standards institute (ETSI), where appropriate.

[0075] Hereinafter, a base station (BS) is an entity that allocates resources to terminals, and may be at least one of a gNode B, an eNode B, a Node B, a wireless access unit, a BS controller, or a node on a network.

[0076] Furthermore, the base station of the present disclosure may include a split architecture comprising a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In this structure, the CU is configured to process the higher layers of the control and user planes, while the DU is configured to process lower-layer radio resource functions. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to 5th generation (5G) base station architectures in which such CU and DU functional splits are implemented.

[0077] A terminal may include a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, a tablet, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or any other device / system capable of performing communication functions.

[0078] In the disclosure, a downlink (DL) refers to a radio link through which a BS transmits a signal to a terminal, and an uplink (UL) refers to a radio link through which a terminal transmits a signal to a BS.

[0079] Furthermore, hereinafter, 5G mobile communication technologies (e.g., 5G new radio (NR)), 6th generation (6G) mobile communication technologies may be described by way of example, but the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems having similar technical backgrounds or channel types. For example, newly evolved mobile communication systems developed after 5G and 6G may be included. Furthermore, based on determinations by those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems (e.g., Wi-Fi systems) through some modifications without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure

[0080] In the following description, the terms physical channel and signal may be used interchangeably with data or control signal. For example, the term physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) refers to a physical channel through which data is transmitted, but the term PDSCH may also be used to refer to the data itself. That is, in the present disclosure, the expression "transmit a physical channel" may be interpreted as being equivalent to the expression "transmit data or a signal via a physical channel."

[0081] Hereinafter, in the context of the present disclosure, higher layer signaling may refer to signaling corresponding to at least one or any combination of the following: master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB) or SIB M (M = 1, 2, ...), RRC, or MAC control element (CE), or a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message, or an application layer message. The RRC signaling message may be referred to as Layer 3 (L3) signaling.

[0082] In addition, L1 signaling may refer to signaling corresponding to at least one or any combination of signaling techniques using the at least one or any combination of the following physical layer channels or signaling: physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), DCI, UE-specific DCI, group-common DCI, common DCI, scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI used for scheduling downlink or uplink data), non-scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI not used for scheduling downlink or uplink data) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), or uplink control information (UCI). The L1 signaling message may be referred to as a physical layer signaling.

[0083] Hereinafter, the expression that information is configured by the BS, as used in the present disclosure or claims, may, in context, be understood to mean that the terminal receives the corresponding information from the BS via a physical layer signaling or a higher layer signaling. Such an expression may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0084] Hereinafter, the operational principle of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0085] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 752,395 filed on January 31, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0086] Wireless communication has been one of the most successful innovations in modern history. Recently, the number of subscribers to wireless communication services exceeded five billion and continues to grow quickly. The demand of wireless data traffic is rapidly increasing due to the growing popularity among consumers and businesses of smart phones and other mobile data devices, such as tablets, “note pad” computers, net books, eBook readers, and machine type of devices. In order to meet the high growth in mobile data traffic and support new applications and deployments, improvements in radio interface efficiency and coverage are of paramount importance. To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4G communication systems, and to enable various vertical applications, 5G communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed.

[0087] FIGS. 1-16, discussed below, and the various, non-limiting embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0088] To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4G communication systems, and to enable various vertical applications, 5G / NR communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed. The 5G / NR communication system is implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands, e.g., 28 GHz or 60GHz bands, so as to accomplish higher data rates or in lower frequency bands, such as 6 GHz, to enable robust coverage and mobility support. To decrease propagation loss of the radio waves and increase the transmission distance, the beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, an analog beam forming, large scale antenna techniques are discussed in 5G / NR and 6GR communication systems.

[0089] In addition, in 5G / NR and 6GR communication systems, development for system network improvement is under way based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RANs), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, moving network, cooperative communication, coordinated multi-points (CoMP), reception-end interference cancelation and the like.

[0090] The discussion of 5G systems and frequency bands associated therewith is for reference as certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in 5G systems. However, the present disclosure is not limited to 5G systems, or the frequency bands associated therewith, and embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized in connection with any frequency band. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied to deployment of 5G communication systems, 6G, or even later releases which may use terahertz (THz) bands.

[0091] The following documents and standards descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth herein [REF 1] 3GPP TS 38.211 v16.1.0, “NR; Physical channels and modulation;” [REF 2] 3GPP TS 38.212 v16.1.0, “NR; Multiplexing and Channel coding;” [REF 3] 3GPP TS 38.213 v16.1.0, “NR; Physical Layer Procedures for Control;” [REF 4] 3GPP TS 38.214 v16.1.0, “NR; Physical Layer Procedures for Data;” [REF 5] 3GPP TS 38.321 v16.1.0, “NR; Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol specification;” and [REF 6] 3GPP TS 38.331 v16.1.0, “NR; Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification.”

[0092] FIGS. 1-3 below describe various embodiments implemented in wireless communications systems and with the use of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication techniques. The descriptions of FIGS. 1-3 are not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to how different embodiments may be implemented. Different embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communications system.

[0093] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless network 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the wireless network 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless network 100 includes a BS 101, a BS 102, and a BS 103. The BS 101 communicates with the BS 102 and the BS 103. The BS 101 also communicates with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

[0095] The BS 102 provides wireless broadband access to the network 130 for a first plurality of user equipments (UEs) within a coverage area 120 of the BS 102. The first plurality of UEs includes a UE 111, which may be located in a small business; a UE 112, which may be located in an enterprise; a UE 113, which may be a WiFi hotspot; a UE 114, which may be located in a first residence; a UE 115, which may be located in a second residence; and a UE 116, which may be a mobile device, such as a cell phone, a wireless laptop, a wireless PDA, or the like. The BS 103 provides wireless broadband access to the network 130 for a second plurality of UEs within a coverage area 125 of the BS 103. The second plurality of UEs includes the UE 115 and the UE 116. In some embodiments, one or more of the BS s 101-103 may communicate with each other and with the UEs 111-116 using 6GR, 5G / NR, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), WiMAX, WiFi, or other wireless communication techniques.

[0096] Depending on the network type, the term “base station” or “BS” can refer to any component (or collection of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as transmit point (TP), transmit-receive point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G / NR base station (gNB), a 6GR base station, a macrocell, a femtocell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. Base stations may provide wireless access in accordance with one or more wireless communication protocols, e.g., 6GR, 5G / NR 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) NR, long term evolution (LTE), LTE advanced (LTE-A), high speed packet access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc. For the sake of convenience, the terms “BS” and “TRP” are used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. Also, depending on the network type, the term “user equipment” or “UE” can refer to any component such as “mobile station,” “subscriber station,” “remote terminal,” “wireless terminal,” “receive point,” or “user device.” For the sake of convenience, the terms “user equipment” and “UE” are used in this patent document to refer to remote wireless equipment that wirelessly accesses a BS, whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile telephone or smartphone) or is normally considered a stationary device (such as a desktop computer or vending machine).

[0097] The dotted lines show the approximate extents of the coverage areas 120 and 125, which are shown as approximately circular for the purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be clearly understood that the coverage areas associated with BSs, such as the coverage areas 120 and 125, may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending upon the configuration of the BSs and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstructions.

[0098] As described in more detail below, one or more of the UEs 111-116 include circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof for performing synchronization in mobility. In certain embodiments, one or more of the BSs 101-103 include circuitry, programing, or a combination thereof to support synchronization in mobility.

[0099] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless network, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the wireless network 100 could include any number of BSs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. Also, the BS 101 could communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide those UEs with wireless broadband access to the network 130. Similarly, each BS 102-103 could communicate directly with the network 130 and provide UEs with direct wireless broadband access to the network 130. Further, the BSs 101, 102, and / or 103 could provide access to other or additional external networks, such as external telephone networks or other types of data networks.

[0100] FIG. 2 illustrates an example BS 102 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the BS 102 illustrated in FIG. 2 is for illustration only, and the BSs 101 and 103 of FIG. 1 could have the same or similar configuration. However, BSs come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 2 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a BS.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 2, the BS 102 includes multiple antennas 205a-205n, multiple transceivers 210a-210n, a controller / processor 225, a memory 230, and a backhaul or network interface 235.

[0102] The transceivers 210a-210n receive, from the antennas 205a-205n, incoming radio frequency (RF) signals, such as signals transmitted by UEs in the wireless network 100. The transceivers 210a-210n down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are processed by receive (RX) processing circuitry in the transceivers 210a-210n and / or controller / processor 225, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. The controller / processor 225 may further process the baseband signals.

[0103] Transmit (TX) processing circuitry in the transceivers 210a-210n and / or controller / processor 225 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the controller / processor 225. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate processed baseband or IF signals. The transceivers 210a-210n up-converts the baseband or IF signals to RF signals that are transmitted via the antennas 205a-205n.

[0104] The controller / processor 225 can include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the BS 102. For example, the controller / processor 225 could control the reception of uplink (UL) channels or signals and the transmission of downlink (DL) channels or signals by the transceivers 210a-210n in accordance with well-known principles. The controller / processor 225 could support additional functions as well, such as more advanced wireless communication functions. For instance, the controller / processor 225 could support beam forming or directional routing operations in which outgoing / incoming signals from / to multiple antennas 205a-205n are weighted differently to effectively steer the outgoing signals in a desired direction. Any of a wide variety of other functions could be supported in the BS 102 by the controller / processor 225.

[0105] The controller / processor 225 is also capable of executing programs and other processes resident in the memory 230, such as supporting synchronization in mobility. The controller / processor 225 can move data into or out of the memory 230 as required by an executing process.

[0106] The controller / processor 225 is also coupled to the backhaul or network interface 235. The backhaul or network interface 235 allows the BS 102 to communicate with other devices or systems over a backhaul connection or over a network. The interface 235 could support communications over any suitable wired or wireless connection(s). For example, when the BS 102 is implemented as part of a cellular communication system (such as one supporting 6GR, 5G / NR, LTE, or LTE-A), the interface 235 could allow the BS 102 to communicate with other BSs over a wired or wireless backhaul connection. When the BS 102 is implemented as an access point, the interface 235 could allow the BS 102 to communicate over a wired or wireless local area network or over a wired or wireless connection to a larger network (such as the Internet). The interface 235 includes any suitable structure supporting communications over a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet or transceiver.

[0107] The memory 230 is coupled to the controller / processor 225. Part of the memory 230 could include a RAM, and another part of the memory 230 could include a Flash memory or other ROM.

[0108] Although FIG. 2 illustrates one example of BS 102, various changes may be made to FIG. 2. For example, the BS 102 could include any number of each component shown in FIG. 2. Also, various components in FIG. 2 could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs.

[0109] FIG. 3 illustrates an example UE 116 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the UE 116 illustrated in FIG. 3 is for illustration only, and the UEs 111-115 of FIG. 1 could have the same or similar configuration. However, UEs come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 3 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a UE.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 3, the UE　116 includes antenna(s) 305, a transceiver(s) 310, and a microphone 320. The UE　116 also includes a speaker 330, a processor 340, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 345, an input 350, a display 355, and a memory 360. The memory 360 includes an operating system (OS) 361 and one or more applications 362.

[0111] The transceiver(s) 310 receives from the antenna(s) 305, an incoming RF signal transmitted by a BS of the wireless network 100. The transceiver(s) 310 down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is processed by RX processing circuitry in the transceiver(s) 310 and / or processor 340, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuitry sends the processed baseband signal to the speaker 330 (such as for voice data) or is processed by the processor 340 (such as for web browsing data).

[0112] TX processing circuitry in the transceiver(s) 310 and / or processor 340 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 320 or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the processor 340. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The transceiver(s) 310 up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal that is transmitted via the antenna(s) 305.

[0113] The processor 340 can include one or more processors or other processing devices and execute the OS 361 stored in the memory 360 in order to control the overall operation of the UE 116. For example, the processor 340 could control the reception of DL channels or signals and the transmission of UL channels or signals by the transceiver(s) 310 in accordance with well-known principles. In some embodiments, the processor 340 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0114] The processor 340 is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory 360. For example, the processor 340 may execute processes that utilize synchronization in mobility as described in embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor 340 can move data into or out of the memory 360 as required by an executing process. In some embodiments, the processor 340 is configured to execute the applications 362 based on the OS 361 or in response to signals received from BSs or an operator. The processor 340 is also coupled to the I / O interface 345, which provides the UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices, such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I / O interface 345 is the communication path between these accessories and the processor 340.

[0115] The processor 340 is also coupled to the input 350, which includes, for example, a touchscreen, keypad, etc., and the display 355. The operator of the UE 116 can use the input 350 to enter data into the UE 116. The display 355 may be a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, or other display capable of rendering text and / or at least limited graphics, such as from web sites.

[0116] The memory 360 is coupled to the processor 340. Part of the memory 360 could include a random-access memory (RAM), and another part of the memory 360 could include a Flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0117] Although FIG. 3 illustrates one example of UE 116, various changes may be made to FIG. 3. For example, various components in FIG. 3 could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs. As a particular example, the processor 340 could be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). In another example, the transceiver(s) 310 may include any number of transceivers and signal processing chains and may be connected to any number of antennas. Also, while FIG. 3 illustrates the UE 116 configured as a mobile telephone or smartphone, UEs could be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.

[0118] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate an example of wireless transmit and receive paths 400 and 450, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a transmit path 400 may be described as being implemented in a BS (such as BS 102), while a receive path 450 may be described as being implemented in a UE (such as UE 116). However, it will be understood that the receive path 450 can be implemented in a BS and that the transmit path 400 can be implemented in a UE. In some embodiments, the transmit path 400 is configured to support synchronization in mobility as described in embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the receive path 450 is configured to support synchronization in mobility as described in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the transmit path 400 includes a channel coding and modulation block 405, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block 410, a size N Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) block 415, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block 420, an add cyclic prefix block 425, and an up-converter (UC) 430. The receive path 450 includes a down-converter (DC) 455, a remove cyclic prefix block 460, a S-to-P block 465, a size N Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block 470, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block 475, and a channel decoding and demodulation block 480.

[0120] In the transmit path 400, the channel coding and modulation block 405 receives a set of information bits, applies coding (such as a low-density parity check (LDPC) coding), and modulates the input bits (such as with Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)) to generate a sequence of frequency-domain modulation symbols. The serial-to-parallel block 410 converts (such as de-multiplexes) the serial modulated symbols to parallel data in order to generate N parallel symbol streams, where N is the IFFT / FFT size used in the BS 102 and the UE 116. The size N IFFT block 415 performs an IFFT operation on the N parallel symbol streams to generate time-domain output signals. The parallel-to-serial block 420 converts (such as multiplexes) the parallel time-domain output symbols from the size N IFFT block 415 in order to generate a serial time-domain signal. The add cyclic prefix block 425 inserts a cyclic prefix to the time-domain signal. The up-converter 430 modulates (such as up-converts) the output of the add cyclic prefix block 425 to a RF frequency for transmission via a wireless channel. The signal may also be filtered at a baseband before conversion to the RF frequency.

[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the down-converter 455 down-converts the received signal to a baseband frequency, and the remove cyclic prefix block 460 removes the cyclic prefix to generate a serial time-domain baseband signal. The serial-to-parallel block 465 converts the time-domain baseband signal to parallel time-domain signals. The size N FFT block 470 performs an FFT algorithm to generate N parallel frequency-domain signals. The (P-to-S) block 475 converts the parallel frequency-domain signals to a sequence of modulated data symbols. The channel decoding and demodulation block 480 demodulates and decodes the modulated symbols to recover the original input data stream.

[0122] Each of the BSs 101-103 may implement a transmit path 400 that is analogous to transmitting in the downlink to UEs 111-116 and may implement a receive path 450 that is analogous to receiving in the uplink from UEs 111-116. Similarly, each of UEs 111-116 may implement a transmit path 400 for transmitting in the uplink to BSs 101-103 and may implement a receive path 450 for receiving in the downlink from BSs 101-103.

[0123] Each of the components in FIGS. 4A and 4B can be implemented using only hardware or using a combination of hardware and software / firmware. As a particular example, at least some of the components in FIGS. 4A and 4B may be implemented in software, while other components may be implemented by configurable hardware or a mixture of software and configurable hardware. For instance, the FFT block 470 and the IFFT block 415 may be implemented as configurable software algorithms, where the value of size N may be modified according to the implementation.

[0124] Furthermore, although described as using FFT and IFFT, this is by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other types of transforms, such as Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) functions, can be used. It will be appreciated that the value of the variable N may be any integer number (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or the like) for DFT and IDFT functions, while the value of the variable N may be any integer number that is a power of two (such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or the like) for FFT and IFFT functions.

[0125] Although FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate examples of wireless transmit and receive paths 400 and 450, respectively, various changes may be made to FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, various components in FIGS. 4A and 4B can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components can be added according to particular needs. Also, FIGS. 4A and 4B are meant to illustrate examples of the types of transmit and receive paths that can be used in a wireless network. Any other suitable architectures can be used to support wireless communications in a wireless network.

[0126] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, in a wireless system 500, a beam 501 for a device 504 can be characterized by a beam direction 502 and a beam width 503. For example, the device 504 (or UE 116) transmits RF energy in a beam direction and within a beam width. The device 504 receives RF energy in a beam direction and within a beam width. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a device at point A 505 can receive from and transmit to device 504 as Point A is within a beam width and direction of a beam from device 504. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a device at point B 506 cannot receive from and transmit to device 504 as Point B 506 is outside a beam width and direction of a beam from device 504. While FIG. 5A, for illustrative purposes, shows a beam in 2-dimensions (2D), it should be apparent to those skilled in the art, that a beam can be in 3-dimensions (3D), where the beam direction and beam width are defined in space.

[0127] FIG. 5B illustrates an example of a multi-beam operation 550 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the multi-beam operation 550 can be utilized by UE 116 of FIG. 3. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] In a wireless system, a device can transmit and / or receive on multiple beams. This is known as “multi-beam operation”. While FIG. 5B, for illustrative purposes, a beam is in 2D, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art, that a beam can be 3D, where a beam can be transmitted to or received from any direction in space.

[0129] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a transmitter structure 600 for beamforming according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, one or more of BS 102 or UE 116 includes the transmitter structure 600. For example, one or more of antenna 205 and its associated systems or antenna 305 and its associated systems can be included in transmitter structure 600. This example is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0130] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that Rel-14 LTE and Rel-15 NR support up to 32 channel state information refence signal (CSI-RS) antenna ports which enable an eNB or a BS to be equipped with a large number of antenna elements (such as 64 or 128). A plurality of antenna elements can then be mapped onto one CSI-RS port. For mmWave bands, although a number of antenna elements can be larger for a given form factor, a number of CSI-RS ports, that can correspond to the number of digitally precoded ports, can be limited due to hardware constraints (such as the feasibility to install a large number of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) / digital-to-analog converters (DACs) at mmWave frequencies) as illustrated in FIG. 6. Then, one CSI-RS port can be mapped onto a large number of antenna elements that can be controlled by a bank of analog phase shifters 601. One CSI-RS port can then correspond to one sub-array which produces a narrow analog beam through analog beamforming 605. This analog beam can be configured to sweep across a wider range of angles 620 by varying the phase shifter bank across symbols or slots / subframes. The number of sub-arrays (equal to the number of RF chains) is the same as the number of CSI-RS portsNCSI-PORT. A digital beamforming unit 610 performs a linear combination acrossNCSI-PORTanalog beams to further increase a precoding gain. While analog beams are wideband (hence not frequency-selective), digital precoding can be varied across frequency sub-bands or resource blocks. Receiver operation can be conceived analogously.

[0131] Since the transmitter structure 600 of FIG. 6 utilizes multiple analog beams for transmission and reception (wherein one or a small number of analog beams are selected out of a large number, for instance, after a training duration that is occasionally or periodically performed), the term “multi-beam operation” is used to refer to the overall system aspect. This includes, for the purpose of illustration, indicating the assigned DL or UL TX beam (also termed “beam indication”), measuring at least one reference signal for calculating and performing beam reporting (also termed “beam measurement” and “beam reporting”, respectively), and receiving a DL or UL transmission via a selection of a corresponding RX beam. The system of FIG. 6 is also applicable to higher frequency bands such as >52.6GHz. In this case, the system can employ only analog beams. Due to the O2 absorption loss around 60 GHz frequency (~10 dB additional loss per 100 m distance), a larger number and narrower analog beams (hence a larger number of radiators in the array) are needed to compensate for the additional path loss.

[0132] In this disclosure, a beam is determined by either of;

[0133] -A transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, that establishes a quasi-colocation (QCL) relationship between a source reference signal (e.g., synchronization signal block (SSB) and / or CSI-RS) and a target reference signal

[0134] -A spatial relation information that establishes an association to a source reference signal, such as SSB or CSI-RS or sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0135] In either case, the ID of the source reference signal identifies the beam.

[0136] The TCI state and / or the spatial relation reference RS can determine a spatial Rx filter for reception of downlink channels at the UE, or a spatial TX filter for transmission of uplink channels from the UE.

[0137] Rel-17 introduced the unified TCI framework, where a unified or master or main TCI state is signaled to the UE. The unified or master or main TCI state can be one of:

[0138] -In case of joint TCI state indication, wherein a same beam is used for DL and UL channels, a joint TCI state that can be used at least for UE-dedicated DL channels and UE-dedicated UL channels.

[0139] -In case of separate TCI state indication, wherein different beams are used for DL and UL channels, a DL TCI state can be used at least for UE-dedicated DL channels.

[0140] -In case of separate TCI state indication, wherein different beams are used for DL and UL channels, a UL TCI state can be used at least for UE-dedicated UL channels.

[0141] The unified (main or indicated) TCI state is TCI state of UE-dedicated reception on PDSCH / PDCCH or dynamic-grant / configured-grant based PUSCH and all of dedicated PUCCH resources. In this disclosure, a TCI state can be referred to as a spatial resource unit.

[0142] The unified TCI framework also applies to intra-cell beam management, wherein, the TCI states have a source RS that is directly or indirectly associated, through a quasi-co-location relation, e.g., spatial relation, with an SSB or port / PG of a serving cell (e.g., the TCI state is associated with a TRP of a serving cell). The unified TCI state framework also applies to inter-cell beam management, wherein a TCI state can have a source RS that is directly or indirectly associated, through a quasi-co-location relation, e.g., spatial relation, with an SSB or port / PG of cell that has a physical cell identity (PCI) different from the PCI of the serving cell (e.g., the TCI state is associated with a TRP of a cell having a PCI different from the PCI of the serving cell).

[0143] Quasi-co-location (QCL) relation, can be quasi-location with respect to one or more of the following relations [38.214 - section 5.1.5]:

[0144] -Type A, {Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread}

[0145] -Type B, {Doppler shift, Doppler spread}

[0146] -Type C, {Doppler shift, average delay}

[0147] -Type D, {Spatial Rx parameter} or port / PG

[0148] In addition, quasi-co-location relation and source reference signal or port / PG can also provide a spatial relation for UL channels, e.g., a DL source reference signal or ports / PGs provides information on the spatial domain filter or port / PG to be used for UL transmissions, or the UL source reference signal or ports / PGs provides the spatial domain filter to be used for UL transmissions, e.g., same spatial domain filter for UL source reference signal and UL transmissions.

[0149] The unified (main or indicated) TCI state applies at least to UE dedicated DL and UL channels. The unified (main or indicated) TCI can also apply to other DL and / or UL channels and / or signals e.g. non-UE dedicated channel and sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0150] A UE is indicated a TCI state by MAC CE when the CE activates one TCI state code point. The UE applies the TCI state code point after a beam application time from the corresponding HARQ-ACK feedback. A UE is indicated a TCI state by a DL related DCI format (e.g., DCI Format 1_1, or DCI format 1_2) or an UL related DCI format (e.g. format 0_1 or 0_2), wherein the DCI format includes a “transmission configuration indication” field that includes / indicates a TCI state code point out of the TCI state code points activated by a MAC CE. A DL related DCI format (or an UL related DCI format) can be used to indicate a TCI state when the UE is activated with more than one TCI state code points. The DL related DCI format can be with a DL assignment for PDSCH reception or without an DL assignment. Likewise, the UL related DCI format can be with a UL grant for PUSCH transmission or without an UL grant. A TCI state (TCI state code point) indicated / included in a DL related DCI format or UL related DCI format is applied after a beam application time from the corresponding HARQ-ACK feedback.

[0151] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a protocol stack of NR networks 700 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example protocol stack 700 shown in FIG. 7 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0152] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the protocol stack of NR networks including a physical (PHY) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCD) layer, for control plane there is radio resource control (RRC) layer, and for user plane there is service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer.

[0153] FIG. 8 illustrates an example functional split option for protocol stacks 800 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example functional split option for protocol stacks 800 shown in FIG. 8 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0154] There can be different mappings of the layers of the protocol stack to actual devices implementing these functionalities. In one example, all layers of the protocol stack can be mapped to a single device. In another example, the layers of the protocol stack can be split across multiple devices. 3GPP [TR 38.801] considered different functional split points between a central unit (CU) containing the higher layers of the protocol stack and a distributed unit (DU) containing the lower layers of the protocol stack. The functional split options considered by 3GPP are illustrated in FIG. 7 (TR 38.801 - Figure 11.1.1-1). For example, with functional split option 2, a CU contains the RRC and PDCP layers, while a DU contains the RLC, MAC and PHY layers.

[0155] FIG. 9 illustrates an example protocol stack with two functional split points 900 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example protocol stack with two functional split points 900 shown in FIG. 9 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0156] Multiple split options are also possible, for example, in additional to the higher layer split between the CU and DU (e.g., functional split option 2), there can be a split within the DU. For example, the DU can be split into DU and remote unit (RU). The O-RAN alliance has been considering a lower layer functional split, where the lower PHY and the RF reside in a remote unit (RU), while the higher PHY and layers above reside in the DU or CU. The lower level split being considered by the O-RAN alliance is similar to functional split option 7 of FIG. 8. There are various sub-options being considered for option 7 to define where the split occurs within the physical layer occurs. FIG. 9 illustrates an example protocol stack with two functional split points, the first between the CU and the DU and the second between the DU and the RU.

[0157] FIG. 10 illustrates an example SSB block 1000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example SSB block 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0158] In NR / 5G, a geographical area served by the network can be partitioned into cells as aforementioned. For example, a cell can be associated with a synchronization signal, physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SS / PBCH block). Within a cell, other common channels and / or signals can be transmitted to users in the cell. In another example, a cell is served by one or more TRPs or by one or more RUs.

[0159] In NR / 5G, a UE performs the cell search procedure to acquire time and frequency synchronization within a cell and to detect the physical layer Cell ID (PCI) of the cell. To perform cell search, the UE receives the following signals and channel: (1) the primary synchronization signal (PSS), (2) the secondary synchronization signal (SSS) and (3) the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). A PSS / SSS / PBCH block (SS / PBCH block) is referred to as SSB and consists of 4 consecutive symbols, and 20 physical resource blocks (240 subcarriers), as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0160] SSBs are organized in groups of N SSBs, transmitted within half a frame, each SSB within the group has an index where within each group of SSBs, the SSBs are time-division multiplexed and arranged in increasing order of with increasing time. For carrier frequencies less than or equal to 3 GHz, For carrier frequencies in FR1 that are larger than 3GHz, For carrier frequencies in FR2, The SSB indices transmitted are provided byssb-PositionsInBurstin system information block one (SIB1) or inServingCellConfigCommon.

[0161] SSBs are transmitted periodically, where the allowed periodicities are {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160} ms. In addition to cell search, SSBs can also be used for beam management related procedures, such as new beam acquisition, beam measurements, and beam failure detection and recovery. Each SSB with index can be associated with a spatial domain filter (or beam).

[0162] NR introduced a physical random access channel (PRACH) to be used, among other cases, when the UE wants to communicate with the network and doesn't have uplink resources. For example, the physical random access channel can be used during initial access. The PRACH consists of a preamble format comprising one or more preamble sequences transmitted in a PRACH Occasion (RO).

[0163] NR supports four different preamble sequence lengths:

[0164] -Sequence length 839 used with sub-carrier spacings 1.25 kHz and 5 kHz with unrestricted or restricted sets.

[0165] -Sequence length 139 used with sub-carrier spacings 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz and 120 kHz with unrestricted sets.

[0166] -Sequence length 571 used with sub-carrier spacing 30 kHz with unrestricted sets.

[0167] -Sequence length 1151 used with sub-carrier spacing 15 kHz with unrestricted sets.

[0168] RACH preambles are transmitted in time-frequency resources PRACH Occasions (ROs). Each RO determines the time and frequency resources in which a preamble is transmitted, the resources allocated to an RO in the frequency domain (e.g., number of PRBs) and the resource allocated to an RO in the time domain (e.g., number of OFDMA symbols or number of slots), depend or the preamble sequence length, sub-carrier spacing of the preamble, sub-carrier spacing of the PUSCH in the UL BWP, and the preamble format. Multiple PRACH Occasions can be FDMed in one-time instance. This is indicated by higher layer parametermsg1-FDM. The time instances of the PRACH Occasions are determined by the higher layer parameterprach-ConfigurationIndex, and Tables 6.3.3.2-2, 6.3.3.2-3, and 6.3.3.2-4 of TS 38.211 v18.1.0.

[0169] SSBs are associated with ROs. The number of SSBs associated with one RO can be indicated by higher layer parameters such asssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSBandssb-perRACH-Occasion. The number of SSBs per RO can be When the number of SSBs per RO is less than 1, multiple ROs are associated with the same SSB index. SS / PBCH block indexes provided byssb-PositionsInBurstin SIB1 or inServingCellConfigCommonare mapped to valid PRACH occasions in the following order [38.213 v18.1.0]:

[0170] -First, in increasing order of preamble indexes within a single PRACH occasion.

[0171] -Second, in increasing order of frequency resource indexes for frequency multiplexed PRACH occasions.

[0172] -Third, in increasing order of time resource indexes for time multiplexed PRACH occasions within a PRACH slot.

[0173] -Fourth, in increasing order of indexes for PRACH slots.

[0174] The association period starts from frame 0 for mapping SS / PBCH block indexes to PRACH Occasions.

[0175] FIG. 11 illustrates an example type-1 random access procedure 1100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example type-1 random access procedure 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0176] A random access procedure can be initiated by a PDCCH order, by the MAC entity, or by RRC.

[0177] There are two types of random access procedures, type-1 random access procedure and type-2 random access procedure.

[0178] Type-1 random access procedure also known as four-step random access procedure (4-step RACH), is as illustrated in FIG. 11;

[0179] -In step 1, the UE transmits a random access preamble, also known as Msg1, to the gNB. The gNB attempts to receive and detect the preamble.

[0180] -In step 2, the gNB upon receiving the preamble transmits a random access response (RAR), also known as Msg2, to the UE including, among other fields, a time adjustment (TA) command and an uplink grant for a subsequent PUSCH transmission.

[0181] -In step 3, the UE after receiving the RAR, transmits a PUSCH transmission scheduled by the grant of the RAR and time adjusted according to the TA received in the RAR. Msg3 or the PUSCH scheduled by the RAR UL grant can include the RRC setup request message.

[0182] -In step 4, the gNB upon receiving the RRC setup request message, allocates downlink and uplink resources that are transmitted in a downlink PDSCH transmission to the UE.

[0183] After the last step, the UE can proceed with reception and transmission of data traffic.

[0184] A type-1 random access procedure (4-step RACH) can be contention based random access (CBRA) or contention free random access (CFRA). The CFRA procedure ends after the random access response, the following messages are not part of the random access procedure. For CFRA, in step 0, the gNB indicates to the UE the preamble to use.

[0185] FIG. 12 illustrates an example type-2 random access procedure 1200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example type-2 random access procedure 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0186] Rel-16, introduced a new random access procedure; Type-2 random access procedure, also known as 2-step random access procedure (2-step RACH), is as illustrated in FIG. 12, that combines the preamble and PUSCH transmission into a single transmission from the UE to the gNB, which is known as MsgA. Similarly, the RAR and the PDSCH transmission (e.g. Msg4) are combined into a single downlink transmission from the gNB to the UE, which is known as MsgB.

[0187] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of PG-based mobility 1300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example of PG-based mobility 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0188] In NR / 5G, as a UE in RRC_CONNECTED mode moves around, the UE can connect to the network through different cells or different beams. There are two types of network controlled mobility procedures for UEs in RRC_CONNECTED mode: (1) Cell Level Mobility, also referred to as handover, that requires RRC signaling to be triggered and the UE changes its serving cell from a source serving cell to a target serving cell, and (2) Beam Level Mobility, that includes intra-cell beam level mobility and inter-cell beam level mobility and doesn't require explicit RRC signaling to be triggered. Alternatively, (2) can be PG-based mobility, as illustrated in FIG. 13. While the user moves from a location A to another location B, the set of PGs is updated from {PG2, PG3, PG4} to {PG1, PG2}. Consequently, a seamless beam-based (as opposed to cell-based) mobility is possible especially for RRC-connected UEs.

[0189] Embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that to improve handover procedures, 3GPP introduced several handover enhancements which include:

[0190] -Dual Active Protocol Stack (DAPS): The source gNB connection is maintained, i.e., a UE continues DL data reception from the source gNB and UL data transmission to the source gNB, after reception of the RRC message for handover, and until the source gNB is released after successful random access to the target gNB.

[0191] -Conditional Handover (CHO): RRC configures handover parameters, however, the handover procedure is not executed by the UE until certain condition(s) are met at the UE. The UE evaluates the execution condition(s) upon receiving the CHO configuration, and stops evaluating the execution condition(s) once a handover is executed.

[0192] -L1 / L2 Triggered Mobility (LTM). The gNB prepares and provides candidate cell(s) configuration(s) to the UE. The physical layer provides measurement reports that include reference signal received power (RSRP) of SS / PBCH blocks of candidate cell(s). Based on the measurement reports, the gNB can change the serving cell to a target cell through a cell switch command signaled via MAC CE. The UE switches to the target cell following the cell switch command. The benefit of cell switch command is to reduce handover latency.

[0193] FIG. 14 illustrates an example cell configuration 1400 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example cell configuration 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0194] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of mobility 1500 for the UE of FIG. 14 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The example of mobility 1500 shown in FIG. 15 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0195] FIG. 15 illustrates one example of mobility for the UE of FIG. 14. The UE transitions to the connected mode in cell 2. The UE can be configured with beams or TCI states associated with the cells in the neighborhood of the UE. For example, these can be beams or TCI states associated with cell-1, cell-3 and cell-5 in addition to cell-2. A configuration with a beam or TCI state is used, for example, to mean one or more of the following:

[0196] -Configuration with a reference signal (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB) used for beam measurement, wherein the reference signal is associated with a spatial domain filter corresponding to a beam.

[0197] -Configuration with a reference signal (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB) used for beam or TCI state indication, wherein the reference signal is associated with a QCL or spatial domain filter corresponding to a beam or TCI state.

[0198] -Configuration with a TCI state or spatial relation information used for beam indication, wherein the TCI state or spatial relation information can include a reference signal for (1) quasi-co-location (QCL) (e.g., QCL Type A or Type B or Type C or Type D), or (2) spatial relation information / beam indication, and the reference signal is associated with a spatial domain filter or QCL type corresponding to a beam.

[0199] The UE can provide measurement reports for the configured beams or TCI states (e.g., measurement reference signals). Based on measurements / measurement reports, the network (e.g., gNB), and / or the UE can activate a subset of beams (e.g., reference signals or TCI states as aforementioned). Furthermore, based on the measurements / measurement reports, the network (e.g., gNB), and / or the UE can indicate and / or activate one or more beams (e.g., reference signals or TCI states as aforementioned). As the UE moves, the configured beams can be updated. For example, as the UE moves closer to cell 5 and into cell 5, configured beams can be added for cell 4 and cell 7, and configured beams can be removed for cell 1 and cell 3. Based on the updated configuration of beams and measurement reports, beams are activated or deactivated and new beams can be indicated to UE through which the UE communicates with the network. For example, as the UE moves closer to cell 5, the indicated beam (e.g., TCI state or reference signal) can be associated with cell 5. In a variant example, a UE can be simultaneously indicated two beams or TCI states for cell 2 and cell 5, e.g., using CJT across cells 2 and 5. As the UE moves closer to cell 7 and into cell 7, configured beams can be added for cell 8 and cell 9, and configured beams can be removed for cell 2 and cell 4. Based on the updated configuration of beams or TCI states and measurement reports, beams or TCI states are activated or deactivated and new beams or TCI states can be indicated to UE through which the UE communicates with the network. For example, as the UE moves closer to cell 7, the indicated beam (e.g., TCI state or reference signal) can be associated with cell 7. In a variant example, a UE can be simultaneously indicated two beams or TCI states for cell 5 and cell 7, e.g., using CJT across cells 5 and 7. In this example, the UE changes the cell(s) (or TRP(s) or RU(s)) through which it communicates to the network based on beam (e.g., reference signal) measurement and reporting and beam (e.g., TCI state) indication (e.g., beam-based mobility).

[0200] In the example of FIG. 15, the configuration (e.g., initial configuration and / or addition and / or removal) of beams (e.g., measurement reference signals, or beam indication reference signals or TCI states or spatial resource units), can be following the examples of this disclosure based on (1) UE-dedicated or UE-specific signaling (e.g., RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling or L1 control signaling), or (2) UE-common (e.g., to a group of UEs or UEs in a cell or associated with an entity), using e.g., SIB signaling (e.g., common channels from the cell the UE is communicating with the network through or a neighbor cell), or RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling or L1 control signaling.

[0201] In one example, the reference signal for beam or TCI state indication when the UE is in connected mode (e.g., when the UE is within a cell or when the UE is moving between cells (mobility)) can be separate (e.g., has separate configuration) from the reference signal for initial beam acquisition, e.g., when the UE is transitioning to the connected mode.

[0202] In one example, the reference signal for beam or TCI state indication when the UE is in connected mode (e.g., when the UE is within a cell or when the UE is moving between cells (mobility)) can be from the same configuration as the reference signal for initial beam acquisition, e.g., when the UE is transitioning to the connected mode.

[0203] In NR, there are different levels of abstraction for beam or TCI state indication and antenna port indication, which adds unnecessary complexity to MIMO and beam indication. To simplify beam and / or antenna port indication, a spatial resource unit is considered as the basic unit, wherein the spatial resource unit, is a one-port channel, with one-input and one-output. “An antenna port is defined such that the channel over which a symbol on the antenna port is conveyed can be inferred from the channel over which another symbol on the same antenna port is conveyed” [TS 38.211]. A UE can be indicated with one or more spatial resource units. In the case of seamless mobility, the spatial resource units can belong to different cells, e.g., for CJT.

[0204] For application of a spatial resource unit, the spatial resource unit can be first activated, and then indicated. The activation of a spatial resource unit allows the UE time to measure the spatial resource unit and be ready to use it when it is indicated. The indication of the spatial resource unit is when the UE is signaled to use (e.g., for transmission or reception) the spatial resource unit. A UE can be configured multiple spatial resource units, in different cells. As the UE moves through the network, the configured spatial resource units can be updated as UE moves away from some cells and towards other cells. The multiple spatial resource units can be in a same set, or in different sets, for example one set for DL and / or joint spatial resource units and one set for UL spatial resource units. The UE can then be activated one or more of the spatial resource units. The spatial resource units can be activated in a single set or in multiple sets. The UE can then be indicated one or more spatial resource units from the activated spatial resource units. In a variant example, there is no activation of spatial resource units, the configured spatial resource units can be directly indicated.

[0205] In this disclosure a spatial resource unit is defined as a reference signal (e.g., a reference signal with one antenna port) or an antenna port of a reference signal of a cell or RU. A spatial resource unit is identified by an ID (e.g., spatial resource unit ID). In one example, one set of spatial resource units is configured or re-configured across multiple cells or RUs. In another example, different sets of spatial resource units are configured or re-configured for different cells or RUs, the spatial resource unit can contain an ID of a cell or RU, and an ID of spatial resource unit within the set of spatial resource units configured for the cell or RU. A spatial resource unit can be referred to as a TCI state, hence, a spatial resource unit ID can be referred to as a TCI state ID. A spatial resource unit can be referred to as an antenna port (or a port), hence, a spatial resource unit ID can be referred to as an antenna port ID or port ID. A spatial resource unit can be referred to as a reference signal, hence, a spatial resource unit ID can be referred to as a reference signal ID.

[0206] Embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that to enable / support seamless mobility, there is a need for efficient yet effective early (DL and / or UL) synchronization mechanism(s) to be implemented as both the network and UE sides so that any interruption time related to synchronization can be minimized.

[0207] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide various design aspects related to reducing latency and overhead of signaling associated with mobility and disruption time due to mobility, and improving reliability and resilience for users in connected mode in a network. In particular, this disclosure specifies means of (early) synchronization between the network and users for seamless mobility.

[0208] A UE could determine or identify, e.g., the UE could be provided or configured or activated or indicated by the network, e.g., via / in / by higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) CSI-ReportConfig and / or CSI-ResourceConfig and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, one or more sets of RSs or RS resources (e.g., in terms / form of their respective RS / resource IDs / indexes) for beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization to support or enable seamless mobility - throughout the present disclosure, a RS or RS resource could correspond to or could be referred to as a SSB e.g. provided by SSB-Index or a NZP CSI-RS resource or resource configuration e.g. provided by NZP-CSI-RS-Resource, and could be associated or linked or mapped to a cell configured / associated with an entity ID (e.g., a PCI); in particular,

[0209] -In one example, the UE could determine or identify, e.g., the UE could be provided or configured by the network, e.g. via / in / by higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) CSI-ReportConfig and / or CSI-ResourceConfig, a set of one or more RSs or RS resources (e.g., in terms / form of their respective RS / resource ID / index) each associated / linked to a cell (represented by an entity ID e.g. a PCI) in the network:

[0210] --For example, higher layer parameter(s) / signaling(s) e.g. nzp-CSI-RS-ResourceSet that provides or configures the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s) could comprise, provide, configure, include, contain or indicate a set of one or more entity IDs (e.g., having the same number of entries or the same length as the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s)); in this case, each of the RS(s) or RS resource(s) in the set could be associated, mapped or linked to an entity ID in the set of entity ID(s). For instance, the first (or last) entry (hence the corresponding RS / RS resource) or the RS / RS resource with the lowest (or highest) resource ID / index in / of the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s) could be mapped, linked or associated to the first entry (hence the corresponding entity ID) in / of the set of entity ID(s), the second (or second last) entry (hence the corresponding RS / RS resource) or the RS / RS resource with the second lowest (or second highest) resource ID / index in / of the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s) could be mapped, linked or associated to the second entry (hence the corresponding entity ID) in / of the set of entity ID(s), and so on, and the last (or first) entry (hence the corresponding RS / RS resource) or the RS / RS resource with the highest (or lowest) resource ID / index in / of the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s) could be mapped, linked or associated to the last entry (hence the corresponding entity ID) in / of the set of entity ID(s)

[0211] --For another example, higher layer parameter(s) / signaling(s) e.g. NZP-CSI-RS-Resource that provides or configures a RS or RS resource in the set could comprise, provide, configure, include, contain or indicate an entity ID; in this case, the RS or RS resource in the set could then be mapped, linked or associated to the entity ID.

[0212] --For another example, when / if a RS or RS resource e.g. a SSB that is quasi-co-located (QCL'ed) - e.g., of QCL-TypeD - with a RS or RS resource in the set is associated, linked or mapped to an entity ID, the RS or RS resource in the set could be associated, linked or mapped to the entity ID.

[0213] --For another example, the UE could determine or identify a RS or RS resource (e.g., in terms / form of its RS / resource ID or index) in the set as one or more of:

[0214] ---a QCL source RS or RS resource e.g. a NZP CSI-RS resource or resource configuration provided or indicated in a TCI state; in this case, the RS or RS resource (or equivalently the QCL source RS or RS resource herein) could be associated with an entity ID when / if (i) higher layer parameter(s) / signaling(s) e.g. TCI-State that provides or configures or indicates the TCI state comprises, includes, provides, configures or contains the entity ID, and / or (ii) a QCL root RS or RS resource e.g. a SSB that is quasi-co-located (QCL'ed) - e.g., of QCL-TypeD - with the RS or RS resource (or equivalently the QCL source RS herein) is associated, linked or mapped to the entity ID according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure

[0215] ---a QCL root RS or RS resource e.g. a SSB quasi-co-located (QCL'ed) - e.g., of QCL-TypeD - with a RS or RS resource serving / configured as a QCL source RS e.g. a NZP CSI-RS resource or resource configuration provided or indicated in a TCI state; in this case, the RS or RS resource (or equivalently the QCL root RS or RS resource herein) could be associated with an entity ID when / if (i) higher layer parameter(s) / signaling(s) e.g. TCI-State that provides or configures or indicates the TCI state comprises, includes, provides, configures or contains the entity ID, and / or (ii) the QCL source RS or RS resource herein is associated, linked or mapped to the entity ID according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure

[0216] For these design examples, the UE could receive from the network, e.g., via / in / by higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, one or more indicators (denoted by transition signaling(s) throughout the present disclosure) to add, remove, activate / deactivate and / or update one or more of the RSs or RS resources in the set (hence one or more cells in the network) to support or enable seamless mobility.

[0217] --For example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameters, and comprise one or more candidate RS or RS resource IDs / indexes and / or the corresponding entity IDs; in this case, the one or more indicators could add the one or more candidate RSs or RS resources - e.g., in terms / form of their RS / resource IDs or indexes - to the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s); alternatively, the one or more indicators could remove RS(s) or RS resource(s) that has the same / identical RS / resource ID(s) / index(es) as that for / of the candidate RS(s) or RS resource(s) from the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s).

[0218] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in a MAC CE activation / deactivation command and / or a DCI, and comprise a bitmap (e.g., having the same number of entries as the number of RS(s) / RS resource(s) in the set) and / or one or more corresponding entity IDs; in this case, each entry / bit position of the bitmap could correspond to a RS or RS resource (e.g., in form / terms of its RS / resource ID / index) in the set. When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding RS or RS resource in the set could be activated or deactivated for beam measurement / reporting, activation and / or indication for seamless mobility. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s).

[0219] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in a MAC CE activation / deactivation command and / or a DCI, and comprise a bitmap (e.g., having the same number of entries as the number of RS(s) / RS resource(s) in a list / pool of RS(s) / RS resource(s) - e.g., in terms / form of the corresponding RS / resource ID(s) / index(es) - higher layer configured or provided to the UE) and / or one or more corresponding entity IDs; in this case, each entry / bit position of the bitmap could correspond to a RS or RS resource (e.g., in form / terms of its RS / resource ID / index) in the list / pool. When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding RS or RS resource in the list / pool could correspond to a RS or RS resource in the set. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s).

[0220] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in a MAC CE indication command and / or a DCI, and comprise one or more candidate RS or RS resource IDs / indexes and / or the corresponding entity IDs; in this case, the UE could use or apply the indicated or provided candidate RS(s) or RS resource(s) as the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s) for seamless mobility. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s).

[0221] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in a MAC CE indication command and / or a DCI, and comprise a bitmap (e.g., having the same number of entries as the number of RS(s) / RS resource(s) in the set), one or more candidate RS or RS resource IDs / indexes and / or the corresponding entity IDs; in this case, each entry / bit position of the bitmap could correspond to a RS or RS resource (e.g., in form / terms of its RS / resource ID / index) in the set and an indicated or provided candidate RS or RS resource (e.g., in form / terms of its RS / resource ID / index). When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding RS or RS resource in the set could be updated or replaced by the corresponding candidate RS or RS resource. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s).

[0222] Furthermore, a UE could keep monitoring, tracking, measuring and / or assessing one or more of the RSs or RS resources in the set, e.g., their radio link qualities and / or L1 beam qualities such as L1-RSRPs / L1-SINRs and / or their (receive or RX) timing relation (or difference), during the UE's movement through / across cells in the network.

[0223] -In another example, the UE could determine or identify, e.g., the UE could be provided or configured by the network, e.g. via / in / by higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) CSI-ReportConfig and / or CSI-ResourceConfig, one or more sets of RSs or RS resources each comprising one or more RSs or RS resources (e.g., in terms / form of their respective RS / resource ID / index); in this case, each set could be associated / linked to a cell (represented by an entity ID e.g. a PCI) in the network:

[0224] --For example, one or more of the RSs or RS resources - e.g., in terms / form of their RS / resource IDs / indexes - in a (or each) set could be associated / linked to one or more cells (and therefore the corresponding entity IDs) in the network. The UE could determine or identify the association(s) / linkage(s) between the corresponding RS(s) / RS resource(s) in a (each) set and the corresponding entity ID(s) according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure (e.g., following or according to those specified or defined in the above described design examples).

[0225] --For another example, higher layer parameter(s) / signaling(s) e.g. CSI-ResourceConfig that provides or configures the one or more sets of RS(s) or RS resource(s) could comprise, provide, configure, include, contain or indicate a set of one or more entity IDs (e.g., having the same number of entries as the number of set(s)); in this case, each of the set(s) - and therefore, the RS(s) or RS resource(s) in terms / form the corresponding RS / resource ID(s) / index(es) therein - could be associated, mapped or linked to an entity ID in the set of entity ID(s). For instance, the first (or last) set or the set associated with the lowest (or highest) set ID / index could be mapped, linked or associated to the first entry (hence the corresponding entity ID) in / of the set of entity ID(s), the second (or second last) set or the set associated with the second lowest (or second highest) set ID / index could be mapped, linked or associated to the second entry (hence the corresponding entity ID) in / of the set of entity ID(s), and so on, and the last (or first) set or the set associated with the highest (or lowest) set ID / index could be mapped, linked or associated to the last entry (hence the corresponding entity ID) in / of the set of entity ID(s).

[0226] --For another example, higher layer parameter(s) / signaling(s) e.g. nzp-CSI-RS-ResourceSet that provides or configures a RS or RS resource set could comprise, provide, configure, include, contain or indicate an entity ID; in this case, the RS or RS resource set (hence the corresponding RS(s) or RS resource(s) e.g. in terms / form the corresponding RS / resource ID(s) / index(es) therein) could then be mapped, linked or associated to the entity ID.

[0227] --For another example, when / if RS(s) or RS resource(s) e.g. SSB(s) that is / are quasi-co-located (QCL'ed) - e.g., of QCL-TypeD - with at least one RS or RS resource in a set is / are associated, linked or mapped to an entity ID, the RS or RS resource set (hence the corresponding RS(s) or RS resource(s) in terms / form the corresponding RS / resource ID(s) / index(es) therein) could be associated, linked or mapped to the entity ID.

[0228] --For another example, the UE could determine or identify at least one RS or RS resource (e.g., in terms / form of its RS / resource ID or index) in a set as one or more of:

[0229] ---QCL source RS(s) or RS resource(s) e.g. NZP CSI-RS resource(s) or resource configuration(s) provided or indicated in TCI state(s); in this case, the RS or RS resource set (hence the corresponding at least one RS or RS resource, or equivalently the QCL source RS(s) or RS resource(s) therein) could be associated with an entity ID when / if (i) higher layer parameter(s) / signaling(s) e.g. TCI-State(s) that provides or configures or indicates the TCI state(s) comprises, includes, provides, configures or contains the entity ID, and / or (ii) QCL root RS(s) or RS resource(s) e.g. SSB(s) that is / are quasi-co-located (QCL'ed) - e.g., of QCL-TypeD - with the at least one RS or RS resource (or equivalently the QCL source RS(s) herein) in the set is associated, linked or mapped to the entity ID according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure

[0230] ---QCL root RS(s) or RS resource(s) e.g. SSB(s) quasi-co-located (QCL'ed) - e.g., of QCL-TypeD - with one or more RSs or RS resources serving / configured as QCL source RS(s) e.g. NZP CSI-RS resource(s) or resource configuration(s) provided or indicated in TCI state(s); in this case, the RS or RS resource set (hence the corresponding at least one RS or RS resource, or equivalently the QCL root RS(s) or RS resource(s) therein) could be associated with an entity ID when / if (i) higher layer parameter(s) / signaling(s) e.g. TCI-State(s) that provides or configures or indicates the TCI state(s) comprises, includes, provides, configures or contains the entity ID, and / or (ii) the QCL source RS or RS resource herein is associated, linked or mapped to the entity ID according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure

[0231] For these design examples, the UE could receive from the network, e.g., via / in / by higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, one or more indicators (denoted by transition signaling(s) throughout the present disclosure) to add, remove, activate / deactivate and / or update one or more of RSs or RS resources in a set and / or one or more of the RS or RS resource sets (hence one or more cells in the network) to support or enable seamless mobility.

[0232] --For example, the UE could follow those specified or defined herein in the present disclosure (e.g., those specified or defined in the above described design examples) to determine or identify the RS(s) or RS resource(s) for beam measurement / reporting, activation and / or indication for seamless mobility when / if the one or more indicators are to add, remove, activate / deactivate and / or update one or more of RSs or RS resources in a RS or RS resource set.

[0233] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameters, and comprise one or more candidate RS or RS resource set IDs / indexes (each associated / configured for / with a candidate RS or RS resource set comprising one or more RSs or RS resources in terms / form of the corresponding RS / resource ID(s) / index(es)) and / or the corresponding entity IDs; in this case, the one or more indicators could add the one or more candidate RS or RS resource sets - e.g., in terms / form of their resource set IDs / indexes - to the (existing) RS or RS resource set(s); alternatively, the one or more indicators could remove RS or RS resource set(s) that has the same / identical resource set ID(s) / index(es) as that for / of the candidate RS or RS resource set(s) from the existing set(s) of RS(s) or RS resource(s).

[0234] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in a MAC CE activation / deactivation command and / or a DCI, and comprise a bitmap (e.g., having the same number of entries as the number of RS or RS resource set(s)) and / or one or more corresponding entity IDs; in this case, each entry / bit position of the bitmap could correspond to a RS or RS resource set (e.g., in form / terms of its RS or RS resource set). When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding RS or RS resource set (and therefore the corresponding RS(s) or RS resource(s) in the set) could be activated or deactivated for beam measurement / reporting, activation and / or indication for seamless mobility. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s).

[0235] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in a MAC CE activation / deactivation command and / or a DCI, and comprise a bitmap (e.g., having the same number of entries as the number of RS or RS resource set(s) in a list / pool of RS or RS resource set(s) - e.g., in terms / form of the corresponding RS or RS resource set ID(s) / index(es) - higher layer configured or provided to the UE) and / or one or more corresponding entity IDs; in this case, each entry / bit position of the bitmap could correspond to a RS or RS resource set (e.g., in form / terms of its RS or RS resource set ID / index) in the list / pool. When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding RS or RS resource set in the list / pool could correspond to a RS or RS resource set used for beam measurement / reporting, activation and / or indication for seamless mobility. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s).

[0236] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in a MAC CE indication command and / or a DCI, and comprise one or more candidate RS or RS resource set IDs / indexes (each associated / configured for / with a candidate RS or RS resource set comprising one or more RSs or RS resources in terms / form of the corresponding RS / resource ID(s) / index(es)) and / or the corresponding entity IDs; in this case, the UE could use or apply the indicated or provided candidate RS or RS resource set(s) as the set(s) of RS(s) or RS resource(s) for seamless mobility. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s).

[0237] --For another example, the one or more indicators could be via / by / in a MAC CE indication command and / or a DCI, and comprise a bitmap (e.g., having the same number of entries as the number of RS or RS resource set(s)), one or more candidate RS or RS resource set IDs / indexes (each associated / configured for / with a candidate RS or RS resource set comprising one or more RSs or RS resources in terms / form of the corresponding RS / resource ID(s) / index(es)) and / or the corresponding entity IDs; in this case, each entry / bit position of the bitmap could correspond to a (existing) RS or RS resource set (e.g., in form / terms of its RS or RS resource set ID / index) and an indicated or provided candidate RS or RS resource set (e.g., in form / terms of its RS or RS resource set ID / index). When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding RS or RS resource in the set could be updated or replaced by the corresponding candidate RS or RS resource. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s).

[0238] Furthermore, a UE could keep monitoring, tracking, measuring and / or assessing one or more of the RSs or RS resources in the set, and / or one or more of the RS or RS resource sets, e.g., their radio link qualities and / or L1 beam qualities such as L1-RSRPs / L1-SINRs and / or their (receive or RX) timing relation (or difference), during the UE's movement through / across cells in the network.

[0239] Throughout the present disclosure, an entity ID could correspond to one of: a PCI, a PCI index pointing to an entry (or a PCI) from a list / set / pool of PCIs higher layer configured / provided to the UE, a ARFCN value, an sub-carrier spacing (SCS) index, a cyclic prefix (CP) index, a TCI state ID / index, a (CSI) resource setting / configuration ID, a CSI reporting setting / configuration ID, a (CSI) resource set ID / index, a (CSI-RS) resource ID / index, a CORESET group / pool index value (e.g. provided by coresetPoolIndex or coresetGroupIndex), a RNTI (e.g., a C-RNTI (for PDCCH order), a RA-RNTI, and / or etc.), a TAG ID / index, and / or etc.

[0240] According to or following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure, to support or enable seamless mobility, a UE may need to keep monitoring, tracking, measuring and / or assessing one or more of the RSs or RS resources in the set (denoted by target RS(s) or RS resource(s)) - determined or identified e.g. provided or configured by the network for the beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization for the seamless mobility according to or following those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, and / or one or more of the RS or RS resource sets (denoted by target RS or RS resource set(s)) - determined or identified e.g. provided or configured by the network for the beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization for the seamless mobility according to or following those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, e.g., their radio link qualities and / or L1 beam qualities such as L1-RSRPs / L1-SINRs and / or their (receive or RX) timing relation (or difference), during the UE's movement through / across cells in the network. The UE could determine or identify the target RS(s) or RS resource(s), or the target RS or RS resource set(s) according to one or more of:

[0241] -Fixed value(s) / rule(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration: e.g., after the UE has received from the network the transition signaling(s) as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure - e.g., no earlier than M (M 1) symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than N (N 1) symbol(s) / slot(s) after a last symbol / slot of receiving or reception of the transition signaling(s),

[0242] --In one example, for the case that the UE has determined or identified a set of RS(s) or RS resource(s) for beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization for seamless mobility according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure, the UE could determine or identify the target RS(s) or RS resource(s) as or corresponding to the first (or last) R (R 1) RS(s) or RS resource(s) and / or the RS(s) or RS resource(s) with the R lowest (or highest) RS / resource ID(s) / index(es) and / or the RS(s) or RS resource(s) with even (or odd) RS / resource ID(s) / index(s) and / or the RS(s) or RS resource(s) corresponding to the even (or odd) indexed entries in / of the set of RS(s) or RS resource(s).

[0243] --In another example, for the case the UE has determined or identified one or more sets of RS(s) or RS resource(s) for beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization for seamless mobility according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure, the UE could determine or identify the target RS or RS resource set(s) as or corresponding to the first (or last) S (S 1) RS or RS resource set(s) and / or the RS or RS resource set(s) with the S lowest (or highest) resource set ID(s) / index(es) and / or the RS or RS resource set(s) with even (or odd) resource set ID(s) / index(es) among all the RS or RS resource set(s)

[0244] The UE could determine or identify value(s) of M, N, R and / or S according or based on: (i) fixed value(s) / rule(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration, (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) e.g. via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be sent to the network via various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report(s) and / or UE's capability signaling(s).

[0245] -Network's configuration(s) / indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. For instance, the UE could receive from the network, e.g., via / in / by a MAC CE subselection command and / or a DCI, one or more indicators to indicate the target RS(s) or RS resource(s), or the target RS or RS resource set(s), wherein the one or more indicators could be part of the aforementioned transition signaling(s), or the aforementioned transition signaling(s) could comprise or include or contain or provide or indicate the one or more indicators. When / if the signaling medium is DCI, the one or more indicators could be indicated or realized via / by a new / dedicated DCI field and / or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields in / of the corresponding DCI format(s). In particular, the one or more indicators could correspond to or could be in form of a bitmap:

[0246] --In one example, for the case that the UE has determined or identified a set of RS(s) or RS resource(s) for beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization for seamless mobility according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure, the bitmap could have the same number of entries / bit positions as the number of RS(s) or RS resource(s) in the set; each entry / bit position of the bitmap could be corresponding / associated to a RS or RS resource - e.g. in form / terms of its RS / resource ID / index - in the set; when / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the RS or RS resource in the set corresponding / associated to the entry / bit position could correspond to or could be regarded as a target RS or RS resource for beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization for seamless mobility according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure.

[0247] --In another example, for the case the UE has determined or identified one or more sets of RS(s) or RS resource(s) for beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization for seamless mobility according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure, the bitmap could have the same number of entries / bit positions as the number of RS or RS resource set(s); each entry / bit position of the bitmap could be corresponding / associated to a RS or RS resource set - e.g. in form / terms of its resource set ID / index; when / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the RS or RS resource set (hence, the corresponding RS(s) or RS resource(s) e.g. in terms / form of the corresponding RS / resource ID(s) / index(es) therein) corresponding / associated to the entry / bit position could correspond to or could be regarded as a target RS or RS resource set for beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication, and / or synchronization for seamless mobility according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure.

[0248] -UE's implementation(s), or UE's autonomous determination or selection which could be further sent or indicated or transmitted to the network via various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report(s) and / or UE's capability signaling(s).

[0249] According to or following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure, to support or enable seamless mobility, a UE may need to keep monitoring, tracking, measuring and / or assessing one or more of the RSs or RS resources in the set - determined or identified e.g. provided or configured by the network for the beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication and / or synchronization for the seamless mobility according to or following those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, and / or one or more of the RS or RS resource sets - determined or identified e.g. provided or configured by the network for the beam measurement / reporting, activation, indication and / or synchronization for the seamless mobility according to or following those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, e.g., their radio link qualities and / or L1 beam qualities such as L1-RSRPs / L1-SINRs and / or their (receive or RX) timing relation (or difference), during the UE's movement through / across cells in the network.

[0250] According to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure, a UE could measure one or more first RSs (e.g., SSBs) from or associated to a serving cell configured / associated with a first entity ID (e.g., a serving cell PCI) and one or more second RSs (e.g., SSBs) from or associated to a candidate cell configured / associated with a second entity ID (e.g., a PCI other than or different from the serving cell PCI), wherein the first and second entity IDs could be different. The UE could determine or identify a first timing advance (TA) value for or specific to the serving cell configured / associated with the first entity ID, and / or a DL RX timing difference between the serving cell and the candidate cell configured / associated with the second entity ID based on or according to the measurement(s) or measurement result(s) obtained from assessing or evaluating the first and / or second RS(s).

[0251] A UE could determine or identify an instance of an event (or an event instance) associated, corresponding or specific to an entity ID according to or based on: the UE could determine or identify that the DL RX timing difference between the serving cell and the candidate cell configured / associated with the entity ID is greater (or smaller) than or equal to a threshold, wherein the UE could determine or identify the threshold according to: (i) a fixed value in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration, (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. In addition, (higher layer(s) of) the UE could determine, detect or declare the aforementioned event when / if (higher layer(s) of) the UE has determined or identified that the number of instance(s) of the event (or equivalently, the number of the event instance(s)) is greater than or equal to numberOfEventInstances 1 (higher layer configured) within a time window having a length / duration of timeWindowDuration (higher layer configured). In this case, when / if (higher layer(s) of) the UE has determined or detected or declared the event according to or following those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, the UE could transmit or send to the network a first message (e.g., the first message and / or UL channel(s) / signal(s) used to convey or carry the first message could be associated, linked, mapped, corresponding or specific to the candidate cell, hence the entity ID) to

[0252] -(a-1) request or initiate or trigger the network to send a PDCCH (e.g., a DCI format 1_0) to order a RACH procedure; and / or

[0253] -(a-2) indicate or notify the network a RACH procedure; and / or

[0254] -(a-3) request or initiate or trigger the network to provide an UL grant - hence UL channel(s) / resource(s) - for sending or transmitting a second message; and / or

[0255] -(a-4) indicate or notify the network transmission(s) of a second message; and / or

[0256] -(a-5) indicate or notify the network whether the UE could or would like to (autonomously) apply a (second) TA value for or specific to the candidate cell configured / associated with the entity ID.

[0257] For the aforementioned (a-3) and (a-4), the UE could transmit or send to the network a / the second message (e.g., the second message and / or UL channel(s) / signal(s) used to convey or carry the second message could be associated, linked, mapped, corresponding or specific to the candidate cell, hence the entity ID) comprising one or more of:

[0258] -(b-1) a (second) TA value for or specific to the candidate cell configured / associated with the entity ID; and

[0259] -(b-2) the DL RX timing difference between the serving cell and the candidate cell

[0260] For (a-1), after the UE has transmitted or sent to the network the first message, the UE could expect to receive or detect or monitor the PDCCH order (e.g., as a response to the first message)

[0261] -no earlier than A1 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than A2 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message, and / or

[0262] -starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least A3 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message,

[0263] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of A1, A2 and / or A3 according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. Here, the PDCCH order could indicate, provide, contain, comprise or include information / configuration(s) related to or of at least an SSB index, a preamble index, a candidate cell index, and a PRACH mask index (indicating a specific RACH occasion (RO) associated with the SSB index for the PRACH transmission). In this case, the UE could transmit or send to the network a RACH preamble according to or following or using the information / configuration(s) provided in the PDCCH order. After the candidate cell has received or detected the RACH preamble, the candidate cell could estimate a (second) TA value and send the (second) TA value back to the serving cell (e.g., via CU) along with the associated preamble index and random access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RANTI) information (also known as an identifier used to identify the RACH occasion). The serving cell could then use the preamble index and RA-RANTI to identify the UE, and send or indicate or transmit the (second) TA value to the UE. The UE could expect to receive or detect, via / in / by a cell switching MAC CE and / or DCI, the (second) TA value,

[0264] -no earlier than A1' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than A2' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission(s) of the RACH preamble, and / or

[0265] -starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least A3' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission(s) of the RACH preamble,

[0266] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of A1', A2' and / or A3' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. In addition, the UE could apply the (second) TA value when transmitting or sending UL channel(s) / signal(s) including PUCCH(s), PUSCH(s) and / or SRS(s) to the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID - e.g., when / if the candidate cell / entity ID and / or TCI state(s) / TCI codepoint(s) associated, corresponding, linked, mapped or specific to the candidate cell / entity ID is activated, enabled and / or indicated for transmitting / receiving DL / UL channel(s) / signal(s),

[0267] -no earlier than A1'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than A2'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI that indicates the (second) TA value, and / or

[0268] -starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least A3'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI that indicates the (second) TA value,

[0269] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of A1'', A2'' and / or A3'' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. Furthermore, (higher layer(s) of) the UE could start a prohibit timer (information related to the prohibit timer e.g. its duration or length could be higher layer configured or provided to the UE)

[0270] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the first message, and / or

[0271] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of receiving or reception of the PDCCH order in response to the transmission of the first message, and / or

[0272] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the RACH preamble, and / or

[0273] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of receiving or reception of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI;

[0274] when the prohibit timer is running, the UE may not or is not allowed or is not expected to transmit, send or indicate to the network any first message(s). When / if the UE does not receive or detect or monitor the PDCCH order (e.g., as a response to the first message) that would trigger a RACH procedure, and / or when / if the prohibit timer is not running, the UE could transmit, send or indicate to the network a / the first message.

[0275] For (a-2), after the UE has transmitted or sent to the network the first message, the UE may not expect to receive or detect or monitor any network's response(s) - e.g., a PDCCH (e.g., in DCI format 1_0) that orders a RACH procedure - to the transmission(s) of the first message. In this case, the first message and / or UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message could be associated, linked, corresponding or mapped to information / configuration(s) related to or of at least an SSB index, a preamble index, and a PRACH mask index (indicating a specific RACH occasion (RO) associated with the SSB index for the PRACH transmission), wherein the information / configuration(s) could also be associated, linked, corresponding or mapped to a candidate cell (hence the corresponding / associated entity ID) and / or one or more TCI states / TCI codepoints corresponding / associated to the candidate cell / entity ID; here, the UE could determine or identify the aforementioned association(s), linkage(s), correspondence(s) or mapping(s) according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) / rule(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. Furthermore, the UE could transmit or send to the network a RACH preamble according to or following or using the aforementioned information / configuration(s)

[0276] -no earlier than B1 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than B2 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message, and / or

[0277] -starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least B3 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message,

[0278] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of B1, B2 and / or B3 according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. After the candidate cell has received or detected the RACH preamble, the candidate cell could estimate a (second) TA value and send the (second) TA value back to the serving cell (e.g., via CU) along with the associated preamble index and random access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RANTI) information (also known as an identifier used to identify the RACH occasion). The serving cell could then use the preamble index and RA-RANTI to identify the UE, and send or indicate or transmit the (second) TA value to the UE. The UE could expect to receive or detect, via / in / by a cell switching MAC CE and / or DCI, the (second) TA value,

[0279] -no earlier than B1' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than B2' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission(s) of the RACH preamble, and / or

[0280] -starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least B3' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission(s) of the RACH preamble,

[0281] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of B1', B2' and / or B3' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. In addition, the UE could apply the (second) TA value when transmitting or sending UL channel(s) / signal(s) including PUCCH(s), PUSCH(s) and / or SRS(s) to the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID - e.g., when / if the candidate cell / entity ID and / or TCI state(s) / TCI codepoint(s) associated, corresponding, linked, mapped or specific to the candidate cell / entity ID is activated, enabled and / or indicated for transmitting / receiving DL / UL channel(s) / signal(s),

[0282] -no earlier than B1'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than B2'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI that indicates the (second) TA value, and / or

[0283] -starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least B3'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI that indicates the (second) TA value,

[0284] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of B1'', B2'' and / or B3'' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0285] Furthermore, (higher layer(s) of) the UE could start a prohibit timer (information related to the prohibit timer e.g. its duration or length could be higher layer configured or provided to the UE)

[0286] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the first message, and / or

[0287] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the RACH preamble, and / or

[0288] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of receiving or reception of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI;

[0289] when the prohibit timer is running, the UE may not or is not allowed or is not expected to transmit, send or indicate to the network any first message(s), and / or when / if the prohibit timer is not running, the UE could transmit, send or indicate to the network a / the first message.

[0290] For (a-3), after the UE has transmitted or sent to the network the first message, the UE could expect to receive or detect or monitor a scheduling DCI - e.g., as a response to the first message - e.g. in form / terms of DCI format(s) 0_1 / 0_2 to provide or indicate an UL grant (e.g., providing or indicating dynamic grant (DG) PUSCH(s) or PUSCH resource(s)) for transmitting or sending or carrying or conveying a / the second message

[0291] -no earlier than C1 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than C2 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message, and / or

[0292] -starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least C3 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message,

[0293] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of C1, C2 and / or C3 according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. In this case, after the UE has received or detected the UL grant, the UE could transmit or send, over / in / by / on the DG PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) provided or indicated by the UL grant / scheduling DCI, a / the second message indicating or comprising information related to a (second) TA value. After the UE has transmitted or sent to the network the second message,

[0294] -In one example, the UE could expect to receive or detect, via / in / by a cell switching MAC CE and / or DCI, the (second) TA value (e.g., as a response to the transmission(s) of the second message),

[0295] --no earlier than C1' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than C2' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message, and / or

[0296] --starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least C3' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message,

[0297] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of C1', C2' and / or C3' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. In addition, the UE could apply the (second) TA value when transmitting or sending UL channel(s) / signal(s) including PUCCH(s), PUSCH(s) and / or SRS(s) to the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID - e.g., when / if the candidate cell / entity ID and / or TCI state(s) / TCI codepoint(s) associated, corresponding, linked, mapped or specific to the candidate cell / entity ID is activated, enabled and / or indicated for transmitting / receiving DL / UL channel(s) / signal(s),

[0298] --no earlier than C1'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than C2'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI that indicates the (second) TA value, and / or

[0299] --starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least C3'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI that indicates the (second) TA value,

[0300] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of C1'', C2'' and / or C3'' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0301] -In another example, the UE may not expect to receive or detect any network's response(s) to the transmission(s) of the second message. In this case, the UE could apply the (second) TA value when transmitting or sending UL channel(s) / signal(s) including PUCCH(s), PUSCH(s) and / or SRS(s) to the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID - e.g., when / if the candidate cell / entity ID and / or TCI state(s) / TCI codepoint(s) associated, corresponding, linked, mapped or specific to the candidate cell / entity ID is activated, enabled and / or indicated for transmitting / receiving DL / UL channel(s) / signal(s),

[0302] --no earlier than C1''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than C2''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message, and / or

[0303] --starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least C3''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message,

[0304] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of C1''', C2''' and / or C3''' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0305] Furthermore, (higher layer(s) of) the UE could start a prohibit timer (information related to the prohibit timer e.g. its duration or length could be higher layer configured or provided to the UE)

[0306] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the first message, and / or

[0307] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the second message, and / or

[0308] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of receiving or reception of the scheduling DCI, and / or

[0309] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of receiving or reception of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI - when / if applicable;

[0310] when the prohibit timer is running, the UE may not or is not allowed or is not expected to transmit, send or indicate to the network any first and / or second message(s), and / or when / if the prohibit timer is not running, the UE could transmit, send or indicate to the network a / the first and / or second message(s).

[0311] For (a-4), after the UE has transmitted or sent to the network the first message, the UE may not expect to receive or detect or monitor any network's response(s) to the transmission(s) of the first message. In this case, the UE could transmit or send, over / in / by / on one or more (pre-)configured UL resources including PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) higher layer provided by the network (e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s)), a / the second message indicating or comprising information related to a (second) TA value,

[0312] -no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message, and / or

[0313] -starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least D3 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message

[0314] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of D1, D2 and / or D3 according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. After the UE has transmitted or sent to the network the second message,

[0315] -In one example, the UE could expect to receive or detect, via / in / by a cell switching MAC CE and / or DCI, the (second) TA value (e.g., as a response to the transmission(s) of the second message),

[0316] --no earlier than D1' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than D2' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message, and / or

[0317] --starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least D3' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message,

[0318] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of D1', D2' and / or D3' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. In addition, the UE could apply the (second) TA value when transmitting or sending UL channel(s) / signal(s) including PUCCH(s), PUSCH(s) and / or SRS(s) to the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID - e.g., when / if the candidate cell / entity ID and / or TCI state(s) / TCI codepoint(s) associated, corresponding, linked, mapped or specific to the candidate cell / entity ID is activated, enabled and / or indicated for transmitting / receiving DL / UL channel(s) / signal(s),

[0319] --no earlier than D1'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than D2'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI that indicates the (second) TA value, and / or

[0320] --starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least D3'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI that indicates the (second) TA value,

[0321] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of D1'', D2'' and / or D3'' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0322] -In another example, the UE may not expect to receive or detect any network's response(s) to the transmission(s) of the second message. In this case, the UE could apply the (second) TA value when transmitting or sending UL channel(s) / signal(s) including PUCCH(s), PUSCH(s) and / or SRS(s) to the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID - e.g., when / if the candidate cell / entity ID and / or TCI state(s) / TCI codepoint(s) associated, corresponding, linked, mapped or specific to the candidate cell / entity ID is activated, enabled and / or indicated for transmitting / receiving DL / UL channel(s) / signal(s),

[0323] --no earlier than D1''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than D2''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message, and / or

[0324] --starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least D3''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the second message,

[0325] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of D1''', D2''' and / or D3''' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0326] Furthermore, (higher layer(s) of) the UE could start a prohibit timer (information related to the prohibit timer e.g. its duration or length could be higher layer configured or provided to the UE)

[0327] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the first message, and / or

[0328] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the second message, and / or

[0329] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of receiving or reception of the cell switching MAC CE / DCI - when / if applicable;

[0330] when the prohibit timer is running, the UE may not or is not allowed or is not expected to transmit, send or indicate to the network any first and / or second message(s), and / or when / if the prohibit timer is not running, the UE could transmit, send or indicate to the network a / the first and / or second message(s).

[0331] For (a-5), when / if the first message is to indicate or notify the network that the UE would not (like to) autonomously apply a (second) TA value for or specific to the candidate cell configured / associated with the entity ID, the UE could follow those specified for (a-1), (a-2), (a-3) and / or (a-4) to determine / identify and / or apply the second TA value for or specific to the candidate cell configured / associated with the entity ID according to those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure. Additionally,

[0332] -when / if the first message is to indicate or notify the network that the UE has autonomously applied a (second) TA value for or specific to the candidate cell configured / associated with the entity ID,

[0333] --in one example, the UE may not expect to receive any network's response(s) to the first message;

[0334] --in another example, after the UE has transmitted or sent to the network the first message, the UE could expect to receive or detect or monitor a network's response - e.g., a one-bit ACK / NACK indicator (e.g., set to '1' / '0') in an acknowledgement DCI - to the first message

[0335] ---no earlier than E0 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than E0' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message, and / or

[0336] ---starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least E0'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message,

[0337] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of E0, E0' and / or E0'' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0338] In this case, the UE may not expect to receive any PDCCH order(s) to trigger a RACH procedure for TA acquisition for the candidate cell, and / or the UE is not expected to initiate any RACH procedure(s) to acquire TA value(s) for the candidate cell, according to or following those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure (i.e., RACH-less seamless mobility).

[0339] -when / if the first message is to indicate or notify the network that the UE could or would like to autonomously apply a (second) TA value for or specific to the candidate cell configured / associated with the entity ID:

[0340] --in one example, after the UE has transmitted or sent to the network the first message, the UE could expect to receive or detect or monitor a network's response - e.g., a one-bit ACK / NACK indicator (e.g., set to '1' / '0') in an acknowledging DCI - to the transmission(s) of the first message

[0341] ---no earlier than E1 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than E2 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message, and / or

[0342] ---starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least E3 symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message,

[0343] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of E1, E2 and / or E3 according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling. In this case, the UE could apply the (second) TA value when transmitting or sending UL channel(s) / signal(s) including PUCCH(s), PUSCH(s) and / or SRS(s) to the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID - e.g., when / if the candidate cell / entity ID and / or TCI state(s) / TCI codepoint(s) associated, corresponding, linked, mapped or specific to the candidate cell / entity ID is activated, enabled and / or indicated for transmitting / receiving DL / UL channel(s) / signal(s),

[0344] ---no earlier than E1'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than E2'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the network's response acknowledging the first message (e.g., by setting the one-bit ACK / NACK indicator in the acknowledging DCI to '1'), and / or

[0345] ---starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least E3'' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the reception(s) of the network's response acknowledging the first message (e.g., by setting the one-bit ACK / NACK indicator in the acknowledging DCI to '1'),

[0346] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of E1'', E2'' and / or E3'' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0347] in another example, the UE may not expect to receive or detect any network's response(s) to the transmission(s) of the first message. In this case, the UE could apply the (second) TA value when transmitting or sending UL channel(s) / signal(s) including PUCCH(s), PUSCH(s) and / or SRS(s) to the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID - e.g., when / if the candidate cell / entity ID and / or TCI state(s) / TCI codepoint(s) associated, corresponding, linked, mapped or specific to the candidate cell / entity ID is activated, enabled and / or indicated for transmitting / receiving DL / UL channel(s) / signal(s),

[0348] ---no earlier than E1''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. and / or no later than E2''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message, and / or

[0349] ---starting from a / the first symbol / slot / etc. that is at least E3''' symbol(s) / slot(s) / etc. after or starting from a / the last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) such as PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) and / or PUSCH(s) / PUSCH resource(s) used to transmit or send or carry or convey the first message,

[0350] wherein the UE could determine or identify the value(s) of E1''', E2''' and / or E3''' according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0351] Furthermore, (higher layer(s) of) the UE could start a prohibit timer (information related to the prohibit timer e.g. its duration or length could be higher layer configured or provided to the UE)

[0352] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of transmitting or transmission of the first message, and / or

[0353] -after or starting from a last (or first) symbol / slot / etc. of receiving or reception of the network's response to the transmission(s) of the first message (e.g., in terms / form of a one-bit ACK / NACK indicator in an acknowledging DCI) - when / if applicable;

[0354] when the prohibit timer is running, the UE may not or is not allowed or is not expected to transmit, send or indicate to the network any first message(s), and / or when / if the prohibit timer is not running, the UE could transmit, send or indicate to the network a / the first messages. Optionally, when / if the network's response is in form of a one-bit ACK / NACK indicator in an acknowledging DCI,

[0355] -in one example, the one-bit ACK / NACK indicator could correspond to a new / dedicated DCI field in the corresponding acknowledging DCI format(s) - e.g., uplink DCI format(s) 0_0, 0_1, 0_2 and / or etc. and / or downlink DCI format(s) 1_0, 1_1, 1_2, and / or etc.

[0356] -in another example, the one-bit ACK / NACK indicator could correspond to one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields (e.g., the TCI field, the TPMI field, and / or etc.) in the corresponding acknowledging DCI format(s) - e.g., uplink DCI format(s) 0_0, 0_1, 0_2 and / or etc. and / or downlink DCI format(s) 1_0, 1_1, 1_2, and / or etc. - by / via repurposing

[0357] -in another example, the acknowledging DCI format(s) could correspond to a new / dedicated DCI format for indicating the one-bit ACK / NACK indicator.

[0358] The UE could determine or identify which one or more of (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-4) and (a-5) the first message(s) could correspond to or could be in form of according to or based on: (i) fixed rule(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0359] -In one example, the UE could be configured or provided by the network a higher layer parameter firstMsgType e.g. in higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) CSI-ReportConfig that provides or configures necessary information and / or setting(s) for the seamless mobility. In this case, for instance, when / if the higher layer parameter firstMsgType is set to 'initiatePDCCHorderRACH', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-1), when / if the higher layer parameter firstMsgType is set to 'notifyRACH', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-2), when / if the higher layer parameter firstMsgType is set to 'requestULgrantForTA', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-3), when / if the higher layer parameter firstMsgType is set to 'notifyTA', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-4), and / or when / if the higher layer parameter firstMsgType is set to 'notifyUEestTA', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-5).

[0360] -In another example, the UE could be configured or provided by the network a higher layer parameter operationMode e.g. in higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) CSI-ReportConfig that provides or configures necessary information and / or setting(s) for the seamless mobility. In this case, for instance, when / if the higher layer parameter operationMode is set to '1', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-1), when / if the higher layer parameter operationMode is set to '2', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-2), when / if the higher layer parameter operationMode is set to '3', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-3), when / if the higher layer parameter operationMode is set to '4', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-4), and / or when / if the higher layer parameter operationMode is set to '5', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-5).

[0361] -In another example, when / if the higher layer parameter reportQuantity provided or configured in the higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) CSI-ReportConfig that provides or configures necessary information and / or setting(s) for the seamless mobility is set to 'none_pdcch_order', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-1), when / if the higher layer parameter reportQuantity is set to 'none_rach', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-2), when / if the higher layer parameter reportQuantity is set to 'ul_ta_dg', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-3), when / if the higher layer parameter reportQuantity is set to 'ul_ta_cg', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-4), and / or when / if the higher layer parameter reportQuantity is set to 'none_auto_ta', the first message could correspond to or could be in form of (a-5).

[0362] According to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure, a (second) TA value for a candidate cell configured / provided with an entity ID could be indicated in a cell switching DCI. Here, the cell switching DCI could correspond to or could be in form of one or more of:

[0363] -A downlink DCI of format(s) 1_0, 1_1, 1_2 and / or etc. - e.g., a beam indication DCI of format(s) 1_1 / 1_2 with or without DL assignment and / or a DCI of format(s) 1_1 / 1_2 that provides or indicates DL assignment

[0364] -An uplink DCI of format(s) 0_0, 0_1, 0_2 and / or etc. - e.g., a DCI of format(s) 0_1 / 0_2 that provides or indicates UL grant

[0365] -A new / dedicated DCI format for indicating the (second) TA value for the candidate cell configured / provided with the entity ID.

[0366] Furthermore, the (second) TA value could be indicated by / via one or more of:

[0367] -A new / dedicated DCI field in the corresponding cell switching DCI format(s)

[0368] -Repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields (e.g., the TCI field, the TPMI field, and / or etc.) in the corresponding cell switching DCI format(s).

[0369] The (second) TA value could correspond to or could be in form of a k-bit indicator (k 0 or k 1):

[0370] -In one example, the k-bit indicator could indicate an absolute TA value.

[0371] -In another example, the k-bit indicator could indicate one or more TA values - e.g., in terms / form of index(es) of the corresponding entry(s) - from a list / set / pool of candidate TA values higher layer configured / provided to the UE.

[0372] -In another example, the k-bit indicator could indicate a codepoint - e.g., in terms / form of the corresponding index(es) or index value(s) - of / from / in a TA activation / deactivation MAC CE (each codepoint in the TA activation / deactivation MAC CE command could be mapped to one or more TA values), wherein the TA activation / deactivation MAC CE command could activate / deactivate or sub-select one or more candidate TA values (mapped to the codepoint(s)) from a list / set / pool of candidate TA values higher layer configured / provided to the UE.

[0373] -In another example, the k-bit indicator could indicate an index value TAused to control the amount of timing adjustment, e.g., with respect to or regarding the currently applied TA value for the candidate cell.

[0374] Optionally, the cell switching DCI could comprise two parts.

[0375] -Part 1 of the cell switching DCI could comprise one or more (e.g., T 1 higher layer configured / provided by the network) candidate TA values each associated, corresponding, linked or mapped to a TCI state (hence the corresponding candidate cell / entity ID) - e.g., mapped to a TCI codepoint - activated / indicated by / in a / the (beam indication) DCI for the seamless mobility operation. Here, each of the candidate TA values could be in terms / form of a k-bit indicator as specified / defined above or herein in the present disclosure.

[0376] -Part 2 of the cell switching DCI could comprise one or more of:

[0377] --an s-bit (e.g., s= ) indicator indicating, e.g., in terms / form of the corresponding index(es) or index value(s), one or more of the candidate TA values - comprised in part 1 of the cell switching DCI - as the (second) TA value(s) indicated for the candidate cell(s) provided / configured with the entity ID(s);

[0378] --a bitmap of length T with each entry / bit position of the bitmap corresponding or associated to a candidate TA value comprised in part 1 of the cell switching DCI; in this case, when / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding or associated candidate TA value - comprised in part 1 of the cell switching DCI - could correspond to a (second) TA value indicated for the candidate cell provided / configured with the entity ID.

[0379] Part 1 of the two-part DCI could be present or absent based on network's configuration(s) / indication(s) e.g. via / by / in higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) based on or according to corresponding UE's capability(s) or capability signaling(s), i.e., absence or presence of part 1 of the two-part DCI could be enabled (or disabled) and / or provided / configured by the network e.g. via / by / in higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) based on or according to corresponding UE's capability(s) or capability signaling(s). In this case, when / if part 1 of the two-part DCI is absent, the cell switching DCI could be of one-part DCI comprising the components described, defined or specified in both part 1 and part 2 in / of an aforementioned two-part DCI. Additionally, the cell switching DCI could also comprise or indicate one or more of (e.g., via / by a new / dedicated DCI field or repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields (e.g., the TCI field, the TPMI field, and / or etc.)):

[0380] -A one-bit indicator to indicate whether the TA is valid for the candidate cell configured / provided with the candidate cell ID; for instance, when / if the one-bit indicator is set to '1' (or '0'), the indicated (second) TA value could be valid for the candidate cell; otherwise, i.e., when / if the one-bit indicator is set to '0' (or '1'), it indicates that no valid timing adjustment is available for the candidate cell - in this case, the (second) TA value could be absent or may not be present from / in the corresponding cell switching DCI, and / or even if the (second) TA value is present in the corresponding cell switching DCI it may not be valid for the candidate cell.

[0381] -a TAG ID / index field to indicate one of the M 1 TAGs - e.g. higher layer configured / provided to the UE - the indicated (second) TA value could be applied; if the UE is provided or configured by the network M=1 TAG, and / or if the UE is not provided or configured by the network M>1 TAGs, this TAG ID / index field could be absent or may not be present in the corresponding cell switching DCI. For instance, if two TAGs are configured for the SpCell, this field indicates one of the two TAGs to which the indicated (second) TA value is applied. Iftag2-flagis set totrueby upper layers, the field set to 0 indicates thetag2-Idand the field set to 1 indicates thetag-Idof the SpCell, otherwise the field set to 0 indicates thetag-Idand the field set to 1 indicates thetag2-Idof the SpCell. If the SpCell is not configured with two TAGs, this TAG ID / index field could be absent or may not be present in the corresponding cell switching DCI.

[0382] The DCI field(s) indicating the (second) TA value, the one-bit indicator, the TAG ID / index could be absent or present from / in the corresponding cell switching DCI format(s) according to or following network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via / by / in higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) based on UE's capability(s) or capability signaling(s). Or equivalently, presence or absence of the DCI field(s) indicating the (second) TA value, the one-bit indicator, the TAG ID / index could be enabled (or disabled) and / or configured or provided by the network via / by / in higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) based on UE's capability(s) or capability signaling(s).

[0383] For (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-4) and / or (a-5), when / if a / the UE has applied the (second) TA value for or specific to the candidate cell according to or following those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, the UE could skip RACH procedure(s) for or specific to the candidate cell. Furthermore, throughout the present disclosure, any DCI(s) e.g. beam indication DCI(s) of format(s) 1_1 / 1_2 with or without DL assignment and / or cell switching DCI(s) as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be associated, corresponding or specific to a candidate cell provided / configured with an entity ID - for instance, the entity ID could be indicated e.g. (1) as a new / dedicated DCI field and / or (2) by / via repurposing one or more codepoints of one or more existing DCI fields (e.g., the TCI field and / or TPMI field) in the DCI(s). More specifically, the DCI field(s) - new / dedicated or repurposed - used to indicate the entity ID in the DCI(s) could correspond to or could be in form of a or bit indicator, whereCcould correspond to one or more of:

[0384] -A number of candidate cells / entity IDs higher layer provided or configured to the UE for the seamless mobility

[0385] -A number of TCI state(s) - hence the corresponding, associated or linked candidate cell(s) / entity ID(s), e.g., mapped to a TCI codepoint, activated / indicated by / in a (beam indication) DCI for TCI state(s) activation / deactivation for the seamless mobility

[0386] -A number of TCI state(s) - hence the corresponding, associated or linked candidate cell(s) / entity ID(s), e.g., mapped to a TCI codepoint, indicated by / in a (beam indication) DCI for TCI state(s) indication for the seamless mobility.

[0387] Furthermore, throughout the present disclosure, any MAC CE(s) e.g. cell switching MAC CE(s) as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be associated, corresponding or specific to a candidate cell provided / configured with an entity ID - for instance, the entity ID could be indicated e.g. (1) as a new / dedicated field and / or (2) by / via repurposing one or more reserved ('R') fields in the MAC CE(s).

[0388] According to or following those specified or defined herein in the present disclosure, a UE could send or transmit to the network a first message, wherein the first message (and therefore the UL channel(s) / signal(s) / resource(s) including PUCCH(s) / PUCCH resource(s) used to carry or convey the first message) could be associated, linked, corresponding or mapped to more than one or multiple candidate cells each associated / provided with an entity ID. The UE could determine or identify the aforementioned association(s), linkage(s), correspondence(s) or mapping(s) according to or based on one or more of: (i) fixed rule(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration(s), (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination / selection, which could be further sent to the network via various UL channels / signals and / or in part of a CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling.

[0389] In one operation mode (Mode A),

[0390] -Step-1: the UE could send the first message, e.g., via a first UL channel comprising one or more PUCCH resources, wherein the one or more PUCCH resources could be periodic and / or semi-persistent (e.g., pre-configured by the network for transmitting the first message), and each of the one or more PUCCH resources (e.g., of format 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4) could be from one or more PUCCH resource sets, e.g., configured / provided for transmitting / sending the first message - in one example, the UE could be provided or configured with one or more indicators for the one or more PUCCH resource sets (for instance, the one or more indicators could be provided inPUCCH-Config,PUCCH-ResourceSetand / or etc. that configures the one or more PUCCH resource sets) indicating that the one or more PUCCH resource sets are for transmitting or sending the first message. According to those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, the first message could request the network to transmit one or more RSs and / or configure one or more RS resources and / or one or more RS or RS resource sets for the UE to monitor, track, measure or assess e.g. their radio link qualities and / or L1 beam qualities including L1-RSRPs / L1-SINRs or to perform / conduct necessary synchronization(s), and / or request UL resource allocation and / or indication for transmitting second message(s), and / or etc. according to or following those described / specified in (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-4) and (a-5). Furthermore, the UE could be provided or configured or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, information / configuration(s) / setting(s) of or related to the first PUCCH channel / resource(s) that carries or conveys the first message. For instance, the information / configuration(s) / setting(s) could be provided or configured or indicated or comprised or contained or included in a higher layer RRC parameter / configuration denoted byfirstMessage-Configcomprising one or more of:

[0391] --firstMessageId: used to modify a first message configuration and to indicate, inLogicalChannelConfig, the first message configuration to which a logical channel is mapped and to indicate the first message configuration for which a first message (i.e., the first PUCCH resource) is used

[0392] --fm-ProhibitTimer: a timer for first message transmission(s) on PUCCH. Value is in symbol, slot, ms and etc. For instance, Value 1sym corresponds to 1 symbol, Value 2sym corresponds to 2 symbols, and so on; Value 1sl corresponds to 1 slot, Value 2sl corresponds to 2 slots, and so on; Value ms1 corresponds to 1ms, value ms2 corresponds to 2ms, and so on. Iffm-ProhibitTimeris absent, the UE could apply the value 0.

[0393] --fm-TransMax: a maximum number of first message transmissions. Value n4 corresponds to 4, value n8 corresponds to 8, and so on.

[0394] --periodicityAndOffset: first message periodicity and offset in number of symbols or slots. The periodicity(s) could be configured or provided depending on the chosen subcarrier spacing.

[0395] --Phy-PriorityIndex: indicate whether this first message resource (i.e., the first PUCCH resource) is high or low priority in PHY prioritization / multiplexing handling. Value p0 indicates low priority and value p1 indicates high priority.

[0396] --resourceId: ID of the (first) PUCCH resource for the first UL / PUCCH channel in which the UE could send the first message. The actualPUCCH-Resourceis configured inPUCCH-Configof the same UL BWP and serving cell as thisFirstMessageResourceConfig. The network could configure aPUCCH-ResourceofPUCCH-format0orPUCCH-format1orPUCCH-format3orPUCCH-format4.

[0397] -Step-2: after the UE has transmitted the first message, the UE could expect to receive from the network a (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message, within a time window (e.g., no earlier than A1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than A2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) starting from the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message. The UE could be configured or provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, the value(s) of the time window (in symbol, slot, ms, etc.), A1 and / or A2. In addition, the UE could indicate to the network, e.g., in form of a UE's capability via a UE's capability signaling, whether or not the UE could expect to receive from the network the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message transmission, and / or the UE could be provided or configured or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling as specified / defined above, whether or not the UE could expect to receive from the network the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message. The (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message could comprise one or more of the following components:

[0398] --Component-1: a one-bit indicator with '1' (or '0') indicating acknowledgement (ACK) for the first message and '0' (or '1') indicating non-ACK (NACK) for the first message

[0399] --Component-2: a time gap / duration (e.g., in number of symbols / slots / etc.)

[0400] --Component-3: a priority order or value for the first message and / or second message(s) associated / specific to the first message as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure

[0401] --Component-4: a time offset (e.g., in number of symbols / slots / etc.)

[0402] --Component-5: resource allocation and / or indication for the second UL channel for transmitting or sending the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure, wherein the second UL channel could comprise one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s)) and / or one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2, dynamically granted / scheduled by the network for sending the second message(s) including DG PUSCH); the resource allocation and / or indication for the second UL channel could comprise or correspond / refer to one or more of the following components, and / or could be determined according to one or more of the following components:

[0403] ---Component-5a: one or more resource IDs / indexes (e.g., PUCCH resource IDs / indexes, PUCCH resource set IDs / indexes, etc.), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc., wherein bitwidthkof a resource ID / index could be determined or calculated or computed with respect to a number of resources (denoted byK) in a resource set such that or Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling.

[0404] ---Component-5b: a bitmap of lengthKwith each entry / bit position of the bitmap corresponding or associated or specific to a resource in a resource set (e.g., comprising a numberKof resources), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding resource associated / specific to the entry / bit position could be used / applied for transmitting or sending the second message(s) in / via the second UL channel.

[0405] ---Component-5c: one or more (e.g.,K) indicators each corresponding or associated or specific to a resource in a resource set (e.g., comprising a numberKof resources), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. When / if an indicator is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding resource associated / specific to the indicator could be used / applied for transmitting or sending the second message(s) in / via the second UL channel.

[0406] ---Component-5d: one or more resource configuration / setting IDs / indexes, wherein a resource configuration / setting could correspond to a CSI resource setting / configuration provided byCSI-ResourceConfig, a PUCCH resource configuration / setting provided byPUCCH-Config, a configured grant PUSCH configuration / setting provided byConfiguredGrantConfig, and / or etc.

[0407] ---Component-5e: one or more resource set IDs / indexes with each of the corresponding resource sets comprising one or more resources, wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. A resource set could correspond to a CSI resource set provided byNZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSetorCSI-SSB-ResourceSet, a PUCCH resource set provided byPUCCH-ResourceSet, and / or etc.

[0408] ---Component-5f: one or more CSI reporting configuration / setting IDs / indexes, wherein a CSI reporting setting / configuration is provided byCSI-ReportConfig.

[0409] ---Component-5g: the CSI request field indicated / provided in the (downlink / uplink) DCI, e.g., DCI format 0_1, set to valid value(s) / index(es), e.g., pointing to the index(es) of the entries inCSI-AperiodicTriggerStateListor the index(es) of the codepoint(s) in the aperiodic CSI trigger state subselection MAC CE. In this case, the resource allocation and / or indication for the second UL channel could correspond to the CSI resource setting(s) and / or CSI reporting setting(s) associated or specific or corresponding toCSI-AssociatedReportConfigInfoassociated or specific or corresponding to the aperiodic CSI trigger state indicated by the (value(s) of) CSI request field.

[0410] ---Component-5h: a starting symbol / slot / etc. for the second UL channel

[0411] ---Component-5i: an ending symbol / slot / etc. for the second UL channel

[0412] ---Component-5j: a time duration / length (e.g., in form / terms / number of symbols / slot / etc.), within which the resources could be allocated / indicated for the second UL channel

[0413] ---Component-5k: a number of resources allocated / indicated for the second UL channel

[0414] ---Component-5l: an uplink (scheduling) grant, e.g., for PUSCH(s)

[0415] Throughout the present disclosure, a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc.

[0416] --Component-6: indication of resource(s) not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel for transmitting or sending the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure, wherein the second UL channel could comprise one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s)) and / or one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2, dynamically granted / scheduled by the network for sending the second message(s) including DG PUSCH); the resource(s) not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel could be in form of one or more of the following components, and / or the resource(s) not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel could be determined according to one or more of the components:

[0417] ---Component-6a: one or more resource IDs / indexes (e.g., PUCCH resource IDs / indexes, PUCCH resource set IDs / indexes, etc.) - for one or more resources not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel, wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc., wherein bitwidthkof a resource ID / index could be determined or calculated or computed with respect to a number of resources (denoted byK) in a resource set such that or Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling.

[0418] ---Component-6b: a bitmap of lengthKwith each entry / bit position of the bitmap corresponding or associated or specific to a resource in a resource set (e.g., comprising a numberKof resources), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding resource associated / specific to the entry / bit position may not be used or applicable or available for transmitting or sending the second message(s) in / via the second UL channel.

[0419] ---Component-6c: one or more (e.g.,K) indicators each corresponding or associated or specific to a resource in a resource set (e.g., comprising a numberKof resources), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. When / if an indicator is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding resource associated / specific to the indicator may not be used or applicable or available for transmitting or sending the second message(s) in / via the second UL channel.

[0420] ---Component-6d: one or more resource configuration / setting IDs / indexes - for the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel, wherein a resource configuration / setting could correspond to a CSI resource setting / configuration provided byCSI-ResourceConfig, a PUCCH resource configuration / setting provided byPUCCH-Config, a configured grant PUSCH configuration / setting provided byConfiguredGrantConfig, and / or etc.

[0421] ---Component-6e: one or more resource set IDs / indexes with each of the corresponding resource sets comprising one or more resources - for the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel, wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. A resource set could correspond to a CSI resource set provided byNZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSetorCSI-SSB-ResourceSet, a PUCCH resource set provided byPUCCH-ResourceSet, and / or etc.

[0422] ---Component-6f: one or more CSI reporting configuration / setting IDs / indexes - for the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel, wherein a CSI reporting setting / configuration is provided byCSI-ReportConfig.

[0423] ---Component-6g: the CSI request field indicated / provided in the (downlink / uplink) DCI, e.g., DCI format 0_1, set to valid value(s) / index(es), e.g., pointing to the index(es) of the entries inCSI-AperiodicTriggerStateListor the index(es) of the codepoint(s) in the aperiodic CSI trigger state subselection MAC CE. In this case, the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel could correspond to that / those associated to or provided in / by the CSI resource setting(s) and / or CSI reporting setting(s) associated or specific or corresponding toCSI-AssociatedReportConfigInfoassociated or specific or corresponding to the aperiodic CSI trigger state indicated by the (value(s) of) CSI request field.

[0424] ---Component-6h: a starting symbol / slot / etc. for the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel

[0425] ---Component-6i: an ending symbol / slot / etc. for resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel

[0426] ---Component-6j: a time duration / length (e.g., in form / terms / number of symbols / slot / etc.), within which the resources may not be used / applicable / available for the second UL channel

[0427] ---Component-6k: a number of resources not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel

[0428] ---Component-6l: an uplink (scheduling) grant, e.g., for PUSCH(s), such that the scheduled / granted resource(s) may not be used / available / applicable for the second UL channel

[0429] Throughout the present disclosure, a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. In this case, resource(s) in the resource set specified / described herein in the present disclosure other than the resource(s) not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel in the same resource set could be used or applied for transmitting the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel.

[0430] --Component-7: information related to modulation and / or coding (e.g., channel coding rate) scheme(s) for the second UL channel comprising one or more of: a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and / or a MCS index among a set of candidate MCS schemes for the second UL channel configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, a modulation order and / or a modulation order index among a set of candidate modulation orders for the second UL channel configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or a (channel) coding rate and / or a (channel) coding rate index among a set of candidate (channel) coding rates for the second UL channel configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling.

[0431] One or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure could correspond to or could be realized, specified or implemented as / by one or more new DCI fields in the corresponding (downlink / uplink) DCI format; optionally, one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure could correspond to or could be repurposed by one or more bits of one or more existing DCI fields in the corresponding (downlink / uplink) DCI format. Furthermore, the UE could indicate to the network, e.g., in form of a UE's capability via a UE's capability signaling, which one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure the UE could support or expect, and / or the UE could be provided or configured or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling as specified / defined above, which one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure the UE could support or expect.

[0432] -Step-3: the UE could send or transmit to the network, via / in the second UL channel, the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message transmitted or sent via / in the first UL channel as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure, wherein the second UL channel could comprise one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s)) and / or one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2, dynamically granted / scheduled by the network for sending the second message(s) including DG PUSCH). In this step, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure. For example, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including at least Component-5 and / or Component-6 according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure. In this case, the UE could determine or identify the resource(s) for the second UL channel according to the resource allocation and / or indication provided / indicated in / by Component-5 and / or Component-6 as specified herein in the present disclosure. The UE could then send or transmit the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel (in Step-1) on or over the determined or identified resource(s) for the second UL channel. For this design example - e.g., the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message transmission could indicate, provide or comprise component(s) related to dynamic scheduling of resource(s) such as Component-5g, Component-5l, Component-6g and Component-6l, the UE could have sent or transmitted the (same) first message max_FM times or instances to indicate a potential transmission of the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message before a timer expires - but without transmitting or sending the actual second message(s) associated / specific to the first message, and / or though the UE may expect to receive from the network a (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message according to those specified herein in the present disclosure, the UE does not receive the DCI (e.g., indicating an ACK for the first message) within the time window, wherein the value(s) of max_FM and / or the timer could be provided / configured / indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or the UE may or may not be provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel.

[0433] The (downlink / uplink) DCI (in Step-2) in response to the transmission of the first message in Step-1 could be in various DCI formats including (uplink) DCI format(s) including DCI format(s) 0_0, 0_1, 0_2 and / or 0_3, (downlink) DCI format(s) including DCI format(s) 1_0, 1_1, 1_2 and / or 1_3, group common DCI format(s) 2_1, 2_2, 2_3 and / or 2_4 for a group of UEs, and / or etc. When / if a group common DCI (e.g., of DCI format(s) 2_1, 2_2, 2_3 and / or 2_4) is provided or indicated in response to the first message transmission in Step-1 via / in the first UL channel:

[0434] -The group common DCI format could comprise or indicate or provide one or more sets of components (e.g., one or more of Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure) with each set of components dedicated or specific or associated or corresponding to a first message or a transmission of a first message or a configuration of first message or an order / index of a (transmission of) first message, and therefore, a UE among a group of UEs; optionally or alternatively, each set of components provided, comprised or provided in the group common DCI could be dedicated or specific or associated or corresponding to identification (ID) information related to a UE including a C-RNTI, a UE ID / index, and / or etc.

[0435] -A UE could transmit or send a first message in Step-1; upon detection or reception of the group common DCI in Step-2, the UE could identify or determine the set of components (e.g., one or more of Component-1 - Component-7 as defined or specified herein in the present disclosure) provided / indicated in the group common DCI format that are associated or specific or dedicated to the first message in Step-1 and / or any other identification information related to the UE. The UE could then identify or determine the resource(s) based on the identified or determined set of components following those specified herein in the present disclosure to use for transmitting or sending the second UL channel carrying or conveying the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message transmitted or sent in Step-1 via / in the first UL channel.

[0436] In one operation mode (Mode B),

[0437] -Step-1: the UE could send the first message, e.g., via a first UL channel comprising one or more PUCCH resources, wherein the one or more PUCCH resources could be periodic and / or semi-persistent (e.g., pre-configured by the network for transmitting the first message), and each of the one or more PUCCH resources (e.g., of format 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4) could be from one or more PUCCH resource sets, e.g., configured / provided for transmitting / sending the first message - in one example, the UE could be provided or configured with one or more indicators for the one or more PUCCH resource sets (for instance, the one or more indicators could be provided inPUCCH-Config,PUCCH-ResourceSetand / or etc. that configures the one or more PUCCH resource sets) indicating that the one or more PUCCH resource sets are for transmitting or sending the first message. Here, the first message could request the network to transmit one or more RSs and / or configure one or more RS resources and / or one or more RS or RS resource sets for the UE to monitor, track, measure or assess e.g. their radio link qualities and / or L1 beam qualities including L1-RSRPs / L1-SINRs or to perform / conduct necessary synchronization(s), and / or indicate a potential transmission of the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message, and / or request UL resource allocation and / or indication for a second UL channel that could carry or convey the second message(s), and / or etc. according to or following those described / specified in (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-4) and (a-5). Furthermore, the UE could be provided or configured or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, information / configuration(s) / setting(s) of or related to the first PUCCH channel / resource(s) that carries or conveys the first message. For instance, the information / configuration(s) / setting(s) could be provided or configured or indicated or comprised or contained or included in a higher layer RRC parameter / configuration denoted byFM-Configcomprising one or more of:

[0438] --firstMessageId: used to modify a first message configuration and to indicate, inLogicalChannelConfig, the first message configuration to which a logical channel is mapped and to indicate the first message configuration for which a first message resource (i.e., the first PUCCH resource) is used

[0439] --fm-ProhibitTimer: a timer for first message transmission on PUCCH. Value is in symbol, slot, ms and etc. For instance, Value 1sym corresponds to 1 symbol, Value 2sym corresponds to 2 symbols, and so on; Value 1sl corresponds to 1 slot, Value 2sl corresponds to 2 slots, and so on; Value ms1 corresponds to 1ms, value ms2 corresponds to 2ms, and so on. Iffm-ProhibitTimeris absent, the UE could apply the value 0.

[0440] --fm-TransMax: a maximum number of first message transmissions. Value n4 corresponds to 4, value n8 corresponds to 8, and so on.

[0441] --periodicityAndOffset: first message periodicity and offset in number of symbols or slots. The periodicity(s) could be configured or provided depending on the chosen subcarrier spacing.

[0442] --Phy-PriorityIndex: indicate whether this first message resource (i.e., the first PUCCH resource) is high or low priority in PHY prioritization / multiplexing handling. Value p0 indicates low priority and value p1 indicates high priority.

[0443] --resourceId: ID of the (first) PUCCH resource for the first UL / PUCCH channel in which the UE could send the first message. The actualPUCCH-Resourceis configured inPUCCH-Configof the same UL BWP and serving cell as thisFirstMessageResourceConfig. The network could configure aPUCCH-ResourceofPUCCH-format0orPUCCH-format1orPUCCH-format3orPUCCH-format4.

[0444] -Step-2: the UE could send or transmit to the network, via / in the second UL channel, the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message transmitted or sent via / in the first UL channel as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure, wherein the second UL channel could comprise one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s)) and / or one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2); the UE could determine or identify the resource(s) for the second UL channel according to one or more of:

[0445] --In one example, the UE could transmit or send to the network - via / in the second UL channel - the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message using or on or over the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than B1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than B2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message. The value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, B1 and / or B2 could be determined according to: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC configuration, e.g., t1 = 0 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 1 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 2 symbols / slots / etc., (ii) network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be further sent to the network via / by / in various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling(s). For the UE to autonomously determine or select the value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, B1 and / or B2 (e.g., in form / terms / number of slots / symbols / etc.): for example, the value(s) of t1, B1 and / or B2 could be or could correspond to a random value within a value range of [min_value, max_value], wherein the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could be configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the random value and the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could correspond to a slot / symbol / etc. index; for another example, the value(s) of t1, B2 and / or B1 could be (randomly) determined / selected from a set of candidate values configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the candidate values could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. indexes.

[0446] --In another example, when / if (or as long as) the UE have been provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel, regardless of whether or not a (downlink / uplink) DCI format in response to the first message is received, the UE could transmit or send to the network - via / in the second UL channel - the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message using or on or over the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than B1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than B2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message. The value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, B1 and / or B2 could be determined according to: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC configuration, e.g., t1 = 0 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 1 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 2 symbols / slots / etc., (ii) network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be further sent to the network via / by / in various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling(s). For the UE to autonomously determine or select the value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, B1 and / or B2 (e.g., in form / terms / number of slots / symbols / etc.): for example, the value(s) of t1, B1 and / or B2 could be or could correspond to a random value within a value range of [min_value, max_value], wherein the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could be configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the random value and the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could correspond to a slot / symbol / etc. index; for another example, the value(s) of t1, B1 and / or B2 could be (randomly) determined / selected from a set of candidate values configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the candidate values could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. indexes.

[0447] In one operation mode (Mode C),

[0448] -Step-1: the UE could send the first message, e.g., via a first UL channel comprising one or more PUCCH resources, wherein the one or more PUCCH resources could be periodic and / or semi-persistent (e.g., pre-configured by the network for transmitting the first message), and each of the one or more PUCCH resources (e.g., of format 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4) could be from one or more PUCCH resource sets, e.g., configured / provided for transmitting / sending the first message - in one example, the UE could be provided or configured with one or more indicators for the one or more PUCCH resource sets (for instance, the one or more indicators could be provided inPUCCH-Config,PUCCH-ResourceSetand / or etc. that configures the one or more PUCCH resource sets) indicating that the one or more PUCCH resource sets are for transmitting or sending the first message. Here, the first message could request the network to transmit one or more RSs and / or configure one or more RS resources and / or one or more RS or RS resource sets for the UE to monitor, track, measure or assess e.g. their radio link qualities and / or L1 beam qualities including L1-RSRPs / L1-SINRs or to perform / conduct necessary synchronization(s), and / or indicate a potential transmission of the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message, and / or request UL resource allocation and / or indication for a second UL channel that could carry or convey the second message(s), and / or etc. according to or following those described / specified in (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), (a-4) and (a-5). Furthermore, the UE could be provided or configured or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, information / configuration(s) / setting(s) of or related to the first PUCCH channel / resource(s) that carries or conveys the first message. For instance, the information / configuration(s) / setting(s) could be provided or configured or indicated or comprised or contained or included in a higher layer RRC parameter / configuration denoted byFM-Configcomprising one or more of:

[0449] --firstMessageId: used to modify a first message configuration and to indicate, inLogicalChannelConfig, the first message configuration to which a logical channel is mapped and to indicate the first message configuration for which a first message resource (i.e., the first PUCCH resource) is used

[0450] --fm-ProhibitTimer: a timer for first message transmission on PUCCH. Value is in symbol, slot, ms and etc. For instance, Value 1sym corresponds to 1 symbol, Value 2sym corresponds to 2 symbols, and so on; Value 1sl corresponds to 1 slot, Value 2sl corresponds to 2 slots, and so on; Value ms1 corresponds to 1ms, value ms2 corresponds to 2ms, and so on. Iffm-ProhibitTimeris absent, the UE could apply the value 0.

[0451] --fm-TransMax: a maximum number of first message transmissions. Value n4 corresponds to 4, value n8 corresponds to 8, and so on.

[0452] --periodicityAndOffset: first message periodicity and offset in number of symbols or slots. The periodicity(s) could be configured or provided depending on the chosen subcarrier spacing.

[0453] --Phy-PriorityIndex: indicate whether this first message resource (i.e., the first PUCCH resource) is high or low priority in PHY prioritization / multiplexing handling. Value p0 indicates low priority and value p1 indicates high priority.

[0454] --resourceId: ID of the (first) PUCCH resource for the first UL / PUCCH channel in which the UE could send the first message. The actualPUCCH-Resourceis configured inPUCCH-Configof the same UL BWP and serving cell as thisFirstMessageResourceConfig. The network could configure aPUCCH-ResourceofPUCCH-format0orPUCCH-format1orPUCCH-format3orPUCCH-format4.

[0455] -Step-2: after the UE has transmitted the first message, the UE could expect to receive from the network a (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message, within a time window (or no earlier than C1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than C2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) starting from the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message. The UE could be configured or provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, the value(s) of the time window, C1 and / or C2. In addition, the UE could indicate to the network, e.g., in form of a UE's capability via a UE's capability signaling, whether or not the UE could expect to receive from the network the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message transmission, and / or the UE could be provided or configured or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling as specified / defined above, whether or not the UE could expect to receive from the network the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message. The (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message could comprise one or more of the following components:

[0456] --Component-1: a one-bit indicator with '1' (or '0') indicating acknowledgement (ACK) for the first message and '0' (or '1') indicating non-ACK (NACK) for the first message

[0457] --Component-2: a time gap / duration (e.g., in number of symbols / slots / etc.)

[0458] --Component-3: a priority order or value for the first message and / or the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure

[0459] --Component-4: a time offset (e.g., in number of symbols / slots / etc.)

[0460] --Component-5: resource allocation and / or indication for the second UL channel for transmitting or sending the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure, wherein the second UL channel could comprise one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s)) and / or one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2, dynamically granted / scheduled by the network for sending the second message(s) including DG PUSCH); the resource allocation and / or indication for the second UL channel could comprise or correspond / refer to one or more of the following components, and / or could be determined according to one or more of the following components:

[0461] ---Component-5a: one or more resource IDs / indexes, wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc., wherein bitwidthkof a resource ID / index could be determined or calculated or computed with respect to a number of resources (denoted byK) in a resource set such that or Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling.

[0462] ---Component-5b: a bitmap of lengthKwith each entry / bit position of the bitmap corresponding or associated or specific to a resource in a resource set (e.g., comprising a numberKof resources), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding resource associated / specific to the entry / bit position could be used / applied for transmitting or sending the second message(s) in / via the second UL channel.

[0463] ---Component-5c: one or more (e.g.,K) indicators each corresponding or associated or specific to a resource in a resource set (e.g., comprising a numberKof resources), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. When / if an indicator is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding resource associated / specific to the indicator could be used / applied for transmitting or sending the second message(s) in / via the second UL channel.

[0464] ---Component-5d: one or more resource configuration / setting IDs / indexes, wherein a resource configuration / setting could correspond to a CSI resource setting / configuration provided byCSI-ResourceConfig, a PUCCH resource configuration / setting provided byPUCCH-Config, a configured grant PUSCH configuration / setting provided byConfiguredGrantConfig, and / or etc.

[0465] ---Component-5e: one or more resource set IDs / indexes with each of the corresponding resource sets comprising one or more resources, wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. A resource set could correspond to a CSI resource set provided byNZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSetorCSI-SSB-ResourceSet, a PUCCH resource set provided byPUCCH-ResourceSet, and / or etc.

[0466] ---Component-5f: one or more CSI reporting configuration / setting IDs / indexes, wherein a CSI reporting setting / configuration is provided byCSI-ReportConfig.

[0467] ---Component-5g: the CSI request field indicated / provided in the (downlink / uplink) DCI, e.g., DCI format 0_1, set to valid value(s) / index(es), e.g., pointing to the index(es) of the entries inCSI-AperiodicTriggerStateListor the index(es) of the codepoint(s) in the aperiodic CSI trigger state subselection MAC CE. In this case, the resource allocation and / or indication for the second UL channel could correspond to the CSI resource setting(s) and / or CSI reporting setting(s) associated or specific or corresponding toCSI-AssociatedReportConfigInfoassociated or specific or corresponding to the aperiodic CSI trigger state indicated by the (value(s) of) CSI request field.

[0468] ---Component-5h: a starting symbol / slot / etc. for the second UL channel

[0469] ---Component-5i: an ending symbol / slot / etc. for the second UL channel

[0470] ---Component-5j: a time duration / length (e.g., in form / terms / number of symbols / slot / etc.), within which the resources could be allocated / indicated for the second UL channel

[0471] ---Component-5k: a number of resources allocated / indicated for the second UL channel

[0472] ---Component-5l: an uplink (scheduling) grant, e.g., for PUSCH(s)

[0473] Throughout the present disclosure, a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc.

[0474] --Component-6: indication of resource(s) not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel for transmitting or sending the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure, wherein the second UL channel could comprise one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s)) and / or one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2, dynamically granted / scheduled by the network for sending the second message(s) including DG PUSCH); the resource(s) not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel could be in form of one or more of the following components, and / or the resource(s) not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel could be determined according to one or more of the components:

[0475] ---Component-6a: one or more resource IDs / indexes - for one or more resources not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel, wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc., wherein bitwidthkof a resource ID / index could be determined or calculated or computed with respect to a number of resources (denoted byK) in a resource set such that or Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling.

[0476] ---Component-6b: a bitmap of lengthKwith each entry / bit position of the bitmap corresponding or associated or specific to a resource in a resource set (e.g., comprising a numberKof resources), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. When / if an entry / bit position of the bitmap is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding resource associated / specific to the entry / bit position may not be used or applicable or available for transmitting or sending the second message(s) in / via the second UL channel.

[0477] ---Component-6c: one or more (e.g.,K) indicators each corresponding or associated or specific to a resource in a resource set (e.g., comprising a numberKof resources), wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. Here, the resource set could be associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel, and could comprise (1) all (odd / even indexed) resources configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel, (2) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k0 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, (3) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k1 slots / symbols / etc. after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI, and / or (4) the (first / latest or odd / even indexed) resource(s) configured, indicated or provided for the second UL channel k2 after a slot / symbol / etc. t0, wherein the value(s) of k0, k1, k2 and / or t0 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling. When / if an indicator is set to '1' (or '0'), the corresponding resource associated / specific to the indicator may not be used or applicable or available for transmitting or sending the second message(s) in / via the second UL channel.

[0478] ---Component-6d: one or more resource configuration / setting IDs / indexes - for the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel, wherein a resource configuration / setting could correspond to a CSI resource setting / configuration provided byCSI-ResourceConfig, a PUCCH resource configuration / setting provided byPUCCH-Config, a configured grant PUSCH configuration / setting provided byConfiguredGrantConfig, and / or etc.

[0479] ---Component-6e: one or more resource set IDs / indexes with each of the corresponding resource sets comprising one or more resources - for the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel, wherein a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. A resource set could correspond to a CSI resource set provided byNZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSetorCSI-SSB-ResourceSet, a PUCCH resource set provided byPUCCH-ResourceSet, and / or etc.

[0480] ---Component-6f: one or more CSI reporting configuration / setting IDs / indexes - for the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel, wherein a CSI reporting setting / configuration is provided byCSI-ReportConfig.

[0481] ---Component-6g: the CSI request field indicated / provided in the (downlink / uplink) DCI, e.g., DCI format 0_1, set to valid value(s) / index(es), e.g., pointing to the index(es) of the entries inCSI-AperiodicTriggerStateListor the index(es) of the codepoint(s) in the aperiodic CSI trigger state subselection MAC CE. In this case, the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel could correspond to that / those associated to or provided in / by the CSI resource setting(s) and / or CSI reporting setting(s) associated or specific or corresponding toCSI-AssociatedReportConfigInfoassociated or specific or corresponding to the aperiodic CSI trigger state indicated by the (value(s) of) CSI request field.

[0482] ---Component-6h: a starting symbol / slot / etc. for the resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel

[0483] ---Component-6i: an ending symbol / slot / etc. for resource(s) not used / applicable / available for the second UL channel

[0484] ---Component-6j: a time duration / length (e.g., in form / terms / number of symbols / slot / etc.), within which the resources may not be used / applicable / available for the second UL channel

[0485] ---Component-6k: a number of resources not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel

[0486] ---Component-6l: an uplink (scheduling) grant, e.g., for PUSCH(s), such that the scheduled / granted resource(s) may not be used / available / applicable for the second UL channel

[0487] Throughout the present disclosure, a resource could correspond to a time-domain resource and / or a frequency-domain resource comprising or corresponding to one or more of: a transmission occasion (TO), a slot, a symbol, a PRB, a PUCCH resource, a PUSCH resource, a PRACH preamble and / or etc. In this case, resource(s) in the resource set specified / described herein in the present disclosure other than the resource(s) not used / available / applicable for the second UL channel in the same resource set could be used or applied for transmitting the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel.

[0488] --Component-7: information related to modulation and / or coding (e.g., channel coding rate) scheme(s) for the second UL channel comprising one or more of: a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and / or a MCS index among a set of candidate MCS schemes for the second UL channel configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, a modulation order and / or a modulation order index among a set of candidate modulation orders for the second UL channel configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or a (channel) coding rate and / or a (channel) coding rate index among a set of candidate (channel) coding rates for the second UL channel configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling.

[0489] One or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure could correspond to or could be realized, specified or implemented as / by one or more new DCI fields in the corresponding (downlink / uplink) DCI format; optionally, one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure could correspond to or could be repurposed by one or more bits of one or more existing DCI fields in the corresponding (downlink / uplink) DCI format. Furthermore, the UE could indicate to the network, e.g., in form of a UE's capability via a UE's capability signaling, which one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure the UE could support or expect, and / or the UE could be provided or configured or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling as specified / defined above, which one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure the UE could support or expect.

[0490] -Step-3: the UE could send or transmit to the network, via / in the second UL channel, the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message transmitted or sent via / in the first UL channel as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure, wherein the second UL channel could comprise one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s)) and / or one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2, dynamically granted / scheduled by the network for sending the second message(s) including DG PUSCH); the UE could determine or identify the resource(s) for the second UL channel according to one or more of:

[0491] --In one example, when / if the UE does not report to the network the capability signaling that they could support Step-2 as specified / described herein in the present disclosure, and / or when / if the UE reports to the network that they could not support Step-2 as specified / described herein in the present disclosure, and / or when / if the UE is configured or provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, that Step-2 as specified / described herein in the present disclosure may not be enabled and / or the UE may not expect to receive from the network the (downlink / uplink) DCI format in response to the transmission of the first message in Step-1, the UE could transmit or send to the network - via / in the second UL channel - the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message using or on or over the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message. The value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, D1 and / or D2 could be determined according to: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC configuration, e.g., t1 = 0 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 1 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 2 symbols / slots / etc., (ii) network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be further sent to the network via / by / in various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling(s). For the UE to autonomously determine or select the value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, D1 and / or D2 (e.g., in form / terms / number of slots / symbols / etc.): for example, the value(s) of t1, D1 and / or D2 could be or could correspond to a random value within a value range of [min_value, max_value], wherein the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could be configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the random value and the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could correspond to a slot / symbol / etc. index; for another example, the value(s) of t1, D1 and / or D2 could be (randomly) determined / selected from a set of candidate values configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the candidate values could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. indexes.

[0492] --In another example, when / if the UE reports to the network the capability signaling that they could support Step-2 as specified / described herein in the present disclosure, and / or when / if the UE does not report to the network that they could not support Step-2 as specified / described herein in the present disclosure, and / or when / if the UE is configured or provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, that Step-2 as specified / described herein in the present disclosure could be enabled and / or the UE could expect to receive from the network the (downlink / uplink) DCI format in response to the transmission of the first message in Step-1, and / or when / if after the UE has transmitted or sent the first message via the first UL channel in Step-1 but does not receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message as specified or discussed in Step-2 a first time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, and / or when / if after the UE has transmitted or sent the (same) first message max_FM times / instances - each separated by a time gap - within a second time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t2 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than E1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than E2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) but does not receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the last transmission time / instance of the (same) first message, the UE could transmit or send to the network - via / in the second UL channel - the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message using or on or over the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a third time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t3 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than F1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than F2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message. The value(s) of the max_FM, the time gap, the first, second and / or third time period(s) / window(s) / duration(s) t1, t2 and / or t3, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1 and / or F2 could be determined according to: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC configuration, e.g., t1, t2, t3 = 0 symbol / slot / etc., t1, t2, t3 = 1 symbol / slot / etc., t1, t2, t3 = 2 symbols / slots / etc., (ii) network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be further sent to the network via / by / in various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling(s). For the UE to autonomously determine or select the value(s) of the first, second and / or third time period(s) / window(s) / duration(s) t1, t2 and / or t3 (e.g., in form / terms / number of slots / symbols / etc.), D1, D2, E1, E2, F1 and / or F2: for example, the value(s) of t1, t2 and / or t3, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1 and / or F2 could be or could correspond to random value(s) within a value range [min_value, max_value], wherein the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could be configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the random value(s) and the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. index(es); for another example, the value(s) of t1, t2 and / or t3, D1, D2, E1, E2, F1 and / or F2 could be (randomly) determined / selected from a set of candidate values configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the candidate values could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. indexes.

[0493] --In another example, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure.

[0494] ---For example, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including Component-1, Component-2, Component-3 and / or Component-4 and / or Component-7 (i.e., except Component-5 and Component-6) according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure, and / or the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including Component-1 - Component-7 according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure but only receives the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including Component-1 (e.g., an ACK for the first message), Component-2, Component-3 and / or Component-4 and / or Component-7 (i.e., except Component-5 and Component-6). For this design example, the UE could transmit or send to the network - via / in the second UL channel - the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message using or on or over the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t2 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than E1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than E2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message and / or after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI format in response to the transmission of the first message. The value(s) of the time period / window / duration t2, E1 and / or E2 could be determined according to: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC configuration, e.g., t2 = 0 symbol / slot / etc., t2 = 1 symbol / slot / etc., t2 = 2 symbols / slots / etc., (ii) network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be further sent to the network via / by / in various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling(s). For instance, for (ii), the value(s) of t2, E1 and / or E2 could be determined according to the time gap / duration provided / indicated in Component-2 and / or the time offset provided / indicated in Component-4 as / in part of the (downlink / uplink) DCI format in response to the first message; for (iii), i.e., for the UE to autonomously determine or select the value(s) of the time period / window / duration t2, E1 and / or E2 (e.g., in form / terms / number of slots / symbols / etc.): for example, the value(s) of t2, E1 and / or E2 could be or could correspond to a random value within a value range of [min_value, max_value], wherein the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could be configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the random value and the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could correspond to a slot / symbol / etc. index; for another example, the value(s) of t2, E1 and / or E2 could be (randomly) determined / selected from a set of candidate values configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the candidate values could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. indexes.

[0495] ---For another example, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including at least Component-5 and / or Component-6 according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure. For this design example, the UE could determine or identify the resource(s) for the second UL channel according to the resource allocation and / or indication provided / indicated in / by Component-5 and / or Component-6 as specified herein in the present disclosure. The UE could then send or transmit the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel (in Step-1) on or over the determined or identified resource(s) for the second UL channel. For this design example - e.g., the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message transmission does not indicate, provide or comprise component(s) related to dynamic scheduling of resource(s) such as Component-5g, Component-5l, Component-6g and Component-6l, the UE could have sent or transmitted the (same) first message max_FM times or instances to indicate a potential transmission of the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message before a timer expires - but without transmitting or sending the actual second message(s) associated / specific to the first message, and / or though the UE may expect to receive from the network a (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message according to those specified herein in the present disclosure, the UE does not receive the DCI (e.g., indicating an ACK for the first message) within the time window, wherein the value(s) of max_FM and / or the timer could be provided / configured / indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or the UE may or may not be provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel.

[0496] ---For another example, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including at least Component-5 and / or Component-6 according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure. For this design example, the UE could determine or identify the resource(s) for the second UL channel according to the resource allocation and / or indication provided / indicated in / by Component-5 and / or Component-6 as specified herein in the present disclosure. The UE could then send or transmit the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel (in Step-1) on or over the determined or identified resource(s) for the second UL channel. For this design example - e.g., the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message transmission could indicate, provide or comprise component(s) related to dynamic scheduling of resource(s) such as Component-5g, Component-5l, Component-6g and Component-6l, the UE could have sent or transmitted the (same) first message max_FM times or instances to indicate a potential transmission of the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message before a timer expires - but without transmitting or sending the actual second message(s) associated / specific to the first message, and / or though the UE may expect to receive from the network a (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message according to those specified herein in the present disclosure, the UE does not receive the DCI (e.g., indicating an ACK for the first message) within the time window, wherein the value(s) of max_FM and / or the timer could be provided / configured / indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or the UE may or may not be provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel.

[0497] ---For another example, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including at least Component-5 and / or Component-6 according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure, and / or the UE could have been provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel. For this design example, when / if the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message is received p1 (in number of slots / symbols / etc.) earlier in time than the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, and / or when / if the earliest available UL resource(s) determined or identified according to or based on the received (downlink / uplink) DCI following those specified herein in the present disclosure (e.g., according to or based on one or more of the Component-1 - Component-7) is p2 (in number of slots / symbols / etc.) earlier in time than the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message, the UE could determine or identify the resource(s) for the second UL channel according to the received (downlink / uplink) DCI format in Step-2, e.g., according to the resource allocation and / or indication provided / indicated in / by Component-5 and / or Component-6 as specified herein in the present disclosure provided or indicated by / in the received (downlink / uplink) DCI format in Step-2. The UE could then send or transmit the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel (in Step-1) on or over the determined or identified resource(s) for the second UL channel. The value(s) of p1, p2, t1 and / or the time period / window / duration, D1 and / or D2 as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling.

[0498] ---For another example, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including at least Component-5 and / or Component-6 according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure, and / or the UE could have been provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel. For this design example, when / if the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message is q1 (in number of slots / symbols / etc.) earlier in time than the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message, and / or when / if the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message is q2 (in number of slots / symbols / etc.) earlier in time than the earliest available UL resource(s) determined or identified according to or based on the received (downlink / uplink) DCI following those specified herein in the present disclosure (e.g., according to or based on one or more of the Component-1 - Component-7), the UE could transmit or send to the network - via / in the second UL channel - the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message using or on or over the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message. The value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, D1 and / or D2 could be determined according to: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC configuration, e.g., t1 = 0 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 1 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 2 symbols / slots / etc., (ii) network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be further sent to the network via / by / in various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling(s). For the UE to autonomously determine or select the value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, D2 and / or D1 (e.g., in form / terms / number of slots / symbols / etc.): for example, the value(s) of t1, D1 and / or D2 could be or could correspond to a random value within a value range of [min_value, max_value], wherein the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could be configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the random value and the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could correspond to a slot / symbol / etc. index; for another example, the value(s) of t1, D1 and / or D2 could be (randomly) determined / selected from a set of candidate values configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the candidate values could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. indexes. Furthermore, the value(s) of q1, q2 and / or the time period / window / duration as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could be provided / indicated / configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling.

[0499] ---For another example, the UE could expect to receive the (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the transmission of the first message comprising one or more of the components including at least Component-5 and / or Component-6 according to network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s) based on the corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling following those specified / described herein in the present disclosure, and / or the UE could have been provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel. For this design example, regardless of how / when the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 is (pre-)configured by the network for transmitting or sending the second message(s) as defined or specified herein in the present disclosure, the UE could (always) determine or identify the resource(s) for the second UL channel according to the received (downlink / uplink) DCI format in Step-2, e.g., according to the resource allocation and / or indication provided / indicated in / by Component-5 and / or Component-6 as specified herein in the present disclosure provided or indicated by / in the received (downlink / uplink) DCI format in Step-2. The UE could then send or transmit the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message sent / transmitted in / via the first UL channel (in Step-1) on or over the determined or identified resource(s) for the second UL channel.

[0500] ---For another example, when / if (or as long as) the UE have been provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel, regardless of whether or not a (downlink / uplink) DCI format in response to the first message is received, the UE could transmit or send to the network - via / in the second UL channel - the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message using or on or over the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message. The value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, D1 and / or D2 could be determined according to: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC configuration, e.g., t1 = 0 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 1 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 2 symbols / slots / etc., (ii) network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be further sent to the network via / by / in various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling(s). For the UE to autonomously determine or select the value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, D1 and / or D2 (e.g., in form / terms / number of slots / symbols / etc.): for example, the value(s) of t1, D1 and / or D2 could be or could correspond to a random value within a value range of [min_value, max_value], wherein the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could be configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the random value and the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could correspond to a slot / symbol / etc. index; for another example, the value(s) of t1, D1 and / or D2 could be (randomly) determined / selected from a set of candidate values configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the candidate values could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. indexes.

[0501] ---For another example, when / if (or as long as) the UE have been provided or configured by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s), the one or more periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the one or more PUSCH resources (e.g., pre-configured by the network including CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2) for sending the second message(s) via / in the second UL channel and / or the UE receives a (downlink / uplink) DCI in response to the first message comprising at least an ACK (e.g., in Component-1) for the transmission of the first message, regardless of whether or not the (downlink / uplink) DCI format in response to the first message comprises or provides or indicates component(s) - e.g., Component-5 and / or Component-6 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure - that provides or comprises or indicates resource allocation and / or indication for the second UL channel to carry or convey the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message, the UE could transmit or send to the network - via / in the second UL channel - the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message using or on or over the most recent and / or available UL resource(s) including the periodic / semi-persistent PUCCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) and / or the PUSCH resource(s) pre-configured by the network for sending the second message(s) such as CG PUSCH of Type1 and / or Type2 a time period / window / duration (e.g., denoted by t1 in terms / form / number of symbols / slots / etc., or no earlier than D1 symbol(s) / slot(s) and / or no later than D2 symbol(s) / slot(s)) after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the transmission of the first message and / or after the first or last symbol / slot / etc. of the reception of the (downlink / uplink) DCI format in response to the transmission of the first message. The value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, D1 and / or D2 could be determined according to: (i) fixed value(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC configuration, e.g., t1 = 0 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 1 symbol / slot / etc., t1 = 2 symbols / slots / etc., (ii) network's configuration(s) and / or indication(s), e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be further sent to the network via / by / in various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report and / or UE's capability signaling(s). For the UE to autonomously determine or select the value(s) of the time period / window / duration t1, D2 and / or D1 (e.g., in form / terms / number of slots / symbols / etc.): for example, the value(s) of t1, D1 and / or D2 could be or could correspond to a random value within a value range of [min_value, max_value], wherein the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could be configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the random value and the value range including value(s) of min_value and / or max_value could correspond to a slot / symbol / etc. index; for another example, the value(s) of t1, D1 and / or D2 could be (randomly) determined / selected from a set of candidate values configured, provided or indicated by the network, e.g., via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s), according to or based on a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, wherein the candidate values could correspond to slot / symbol / etc. indexes.

[0502] The (downlink / uplink) DCI (in Step-2) in response to the transmission of the first message in Step-1 could be in various DCI formats including (uplink) DCI format(s) including DCI format(s) 0_0, 0_1 and / or 0_2, (downlink) DCI format(s) including DCI format(s) 1_0, 1_1 and / or 1_2, group common DCI format(s) 2_1, 2_2, 2_3 and / or 2_4 for a group of UEs, and / or etc. When / if a group common DCI (e.g., of DCI format(s) 2_1, 2_2, 2_3 and / or 2_4) is provided or indicated in response to the first message transmission in Step-1 via / in the first UL channel:

[0503] --The group common DCI format could comprise or indicate or provide one or more sets of components (e.g., one or more of Component-1 - Component-7 as defined / specified herein in the present disclosure) with each set of components dedicated or specific or associated or corresponding to a first message or a transmission of a first message or a configuration of first message or an order / index of a (transmission of) first message, and therefore, a UE among a group of UEs; optionally or alternatively, each set of components provided, comprised or provided in the group common DCI could be dedicated or specific or associated or corresponding to identification (ID) information related to a UE including a C-RNTI, a UE ID / index, and / or etc.

[0504] --A UE could transmit or send a first message in Step-1; upon detection or reception of the group common DCI in Step-2, the UE could identify or determine the set of components (e.g., one or more of Component-1 - Component-7 as defined or specified herein in the present disclosure) provided / indicated in the group common DCI format that are associated or specific or dedicated to the first message in Step-1 and / or any other identification information related to the UE. The UE could then identify or determine the resource(s) based on the identified or determined set of components following those specified herein in the present disclosure to use for transmitting or sending the second UL channel carrying or conveying the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message transmitted or sent in Step-1 via / in the first UL channel.

[0505] Supporting Mode A (and / or Mode B and / or Mode C) and therefore the corresponding operations could be a basic UE feature such that when / if a UE supports the seamless mobility (or for a UE supporting (early) synchronization for the seamless mobility), the UE could or would need to support at least Mode A (and / or Mode B and / or Mode C) and therefore the corresponding operations. Supporting Mode B (and / or Mode A and / or Mode C) and therefore the corresponding operations could be optional for a UE supporting the seamless mobility and / or (early) synchronization for the seamless mobility; in this case, the UE could indicate to the network in their capability signaling(s) one or more of:

[0506] -Support of Mode A and therefore the corresponding operations

[0507] -Support of Mode B and therefore the corresponding operations

[0508] -Support of Mode C and therefore the corresponding operations

[0509] That is, a UE's capability or capability signaling could comprise one or more components each indicating support of:

[0510] -{Mode A}

[0511] -{Mode B}

[0512] -{Mode C}

[0513] -{Mode A, Mode B}

[0514] -{Mode A, Mode C}

[0515] -{Mode B, Mode C}

[0516] In one embodiment, a UE could transmit or send to the network, in a two-part UCI (e.g., in a single reporting instance / CSI or beam report), the first and second messages specified / defined herein in the present disclosure. For instance, the UE could transmit or send to the network, in part 1 of the two-part UCI, the first message; in this case, part 1 of the two-part UCI could also comprise or include or contain or provide an indicator to indicate presence or absence of part 2 of the two-part UCI. Alternatively, when / if the first message is to request the network to transmit one or more RSs and / or configure one or more RS resources and / or one or more RS or RS resource sets for the UE to monitor, track, measure or assess e.g. their radio link qualities and / or L1 beam qualities including L1-RSRPs / L1-SINRs or to perform / conduct necessary synchronization(s), part 2 of the two-part UCI could be absent, and / or when / if the first message is to indicate a potential transmission of the second message(s) associated / specific to the first message, and / or request UL resource allocation for carrying or conveying the second message(s), part 2 of the two-part UCI could be present. According to or following those specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, for Mode A, Mode B and / or Mode C, a UE could transmit or send, over / in / by / via one or more (DG or CG) PUSCH resources of the second UL channel, a second message as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure. Here, the UE could transmit or send to the network, in a two-part UCI (e.g., in a single reporting instance / CSI or beam report), the second message. For instance, part 1 of the two-part UCI could comprise, include, contain or provide indicator(s) to indicate presence or absence of part 2 of the two-part UCI, and / or information related to payload size of part 2 of the two-part UCI.

[0517] Throughout the present disclosure, a message is equivalent to a notification, an indication / indicator, a transmission / transmission occasion, a report and / or etc. Furthermore, for Mode A, Mode B and / or Mode C, a PUCCH resource of the first UL channel could be associated, mapped or linked to a PUSCH resource of the second UL channel, and a PUSCH resource of the second UL channel could be associated, mapped or linked to a PUCCH resource of the first UL channel - i.e., one-to-one association, mapping or linkage; in this case, the UE could determine or identify the one-to-one association(s), mapping(s) or linkage(s) according to or based on: (i) fixed value(s) / rule(s) in system specification(s) and / or per RRC (re-)configuration, (ii) network's configuration(s) / indication(s) e.g. via higher layer RRC signaling(s) / parameter(s) and / or MAC CE command(s) and / or dynamic DCI based L1 signaling(s) based on or according to a corresponding UE's capability or capability signaling, and / or (iii) UE's autonomous determination or selection, which could be sent to the network via various UL channels / signals including CSI / beam report(s) and / or UE's capability signaling(s).

[0518] Throughout the present disclosure, (i) any configuration(s), activation(s) and / or indication(s) of a RS or RS resource (e.g., in a RS or RS resource set) could correspond to or could be equivalent to or could be replaced by / with or could be used in an exchangeable manner with configuration(s), activation(s) and / or indication(s) of a TCI state associated / specific / corresponding to the RS or RS resource (e.g., in a RS or RS resource set) according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure; in this case, a RS / resource ID / index and / or a resource indicator (when / if reported) could correspond to or could be equivalent to or could be replaced by / with or could be used in an exchangeable manner with a TCI state ID / index associated to / configured or provided for the TCI state; furthermore, any configuration(s), activation(s) and / or indication(s) of a RS or RS resource set (comprising one or more RSs or RS resources e.g. in terms / form of their RS / resource IDs / indexes) could correspond to or could be equivalent to or could be replaced by / with or could be used in an exchangeable manner with configuration(s), activation(s) and / or indication(s) of one or more TCI states each associated / specific / corresponding to a RS or RS resource in the RS or RS resource set according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure; in this case, a RS or RS resource set ID / index and / or a resource set indicator (when / if reported) could correspond to or could be equivalent to or could be replaced by / with or could be used in an exchangeable manner with one or more TCI state IDs / indexes associated to / configured or provided for the one or more TCI states, and (ii) transmission(s) / reception(s) of a RS (e.g., in a RS or RS resource set) including a SSB or a CSI-RS could correspond to or could be equivalent to or could be replaced by / with or could be used in an exchangeable manner with indication(s) of a TCI state (e.g., via a codepoint of a (unified) TCI state(s) activation / activation MAC CE command and / or a TCI codepoint of a TCI field in a beam indication DCI of DCI format 1_1 / 1_2 with or without DL assignment) associated / specific / corresponding to the RS (e.g., in the RS or RS resource set) according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure, and / or transmission(s) / reception(s) of a (unified) TCI state(s) activation / deactivation MAC CE command indicating at least one TCI state (e.g., via a TCI codepoint indicated therein) associated / specific / corresponding to the RS (e.g., in the RS or RS resource set) according to or following those specified herein in the present disclosure. Optionally, a network's response to the first and / or second message(s) as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure could correspond to or comprise or could be inform of a (unified) TCI state(s) activation / deactivation MAC CE command indicating at least one TCI state (e.g., via a TCI codepoint indicated therein) associated to a RS or RS resource, e.g., a target RS / RS resource or a requested RS / RS resource or a synchronized RS / RS resource, specified / defined herein in the present disclosure. Throughout the present disclosure, a TCI state associated, specific or corresponding to a RS or RS resource (or vice versa) could correspond to or could be equivalent to or could be referred to / regarded as:

[0519] -the RS or RS resource could correspond to a QCL source RS or RS resource e.g. a NZP CSI-RS resource or resource configuration provided or indicated in the TCI state; and / or

[0520] -the RS or RS resource could correspond to a QCL root RS or RS resource e.g. a SSB quasi-co-located (QCL'ed) - e.g., of QCL-TypeD - with a RS or RS resource serving / configured as a QCL source RS e.g. a NZP CSI-RS resource or resource configuration provided or indicated in the TCI state.

[0521] For Mode A, Mode B and / or Mode C as specified / defined herein in the present disclosure, a first message could correspond to or could be equivalent to or could be replaced by / with or could be used in an exchangeable manner with transmission of a first message, a first message transmission, a first message transmission occasion, a PUCCH resource of the first UL channel, a first message transmission (occasion) via / in / by a PUCCH resource of the first UL channel and / or etc. throughout the present disclosure; and / or, a second message could correspond to or could be equivalent to or could be replaced by / with or could be used in an exchangeable manner with transmission of a second message, a second message transmission, a second message transmission occasion, a PUSCH resource of the second UL channel, a second message transmission (occasion) via / in / by a PUSCH resource of the second UL channel and / or etc. throughout the present disclosure. For instance, a second message associated / specific to a first message could be equivalent to a PUSCH resource of the second UL channel that carries or conveys the second message associated / specific to a PUCCH resource of the first UL channel that carries or conveys the first message, and / or a / the second message transmission occasion of a PUSCH resource of the second UL channel associated / specific to a / the first message transmission occasion of a PUCCH resource of the first UL channel.

[0522] FIG. 16 illustrates an example method 1600 performed by a UE in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 1600 of FIG. 16 can be performed by any of the UEs 111-116 of FIG. 1, such as the UE 116 of FIG. 3, and a corresponding method can be performed by any of the BSs 101-103 of FIG. 1, such as BS 102 of FIG. 2. The method 1600 is for illustration only and other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0523] The method 1600 b...

Claims

A user equipment (UE), comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the UE to:receive information related to enabling UE-initiated uplink (UL) timing synchronization for mobility;receive one or more first reference signals (RSs) for a serving cell; andreceive one or more second RSs associated with a candidate cell; anddetermine, based on the information and the one or more first and second RSs, whether to initiate a transmission of an indicator,in response to a determination to initiate the transmission:transmit the indicator; andreceive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order in response to the indicator, anddetermine, from the PDCCH order, to initiate a random access channel (RACH) procedure to the candidate cell.The UE of claim 1, wherein:the information indicates a threshold;the one or more first and second RSs are synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) blocks; andwhen a receive timing difference between the one or more first and second RSs is greater than the threshold, the transmission of the indicator is initiated.The UE of claim 1, wherein:the information indicates a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource; andthe indicator is transmitted on the PUCCH resource.The UE of claim 1, wherein the indicator indicates information related to the candidate cell comprising:an index or identifier (ID) of the candidate cell,a physical cell ID (PCI) of the candidate cell, ora PCI index of the candidate cell.The UE of claim 1, wherein:a downlink control information (DCI) format of the PDCCH order indicates information related to the candidate cell comprising:an index or identifier (ID) of the candidate cell,a physical cell ID (PCI) of the candidate cell, ora PCI index of the candidate cell,the PDCCH order is received no later than a time (T_gap) after an end of the indicator transmission, andtheT_gapis higher layer configured.The UE of claim 1, wherein:the processor is further configured to determine a timing advance estimate for the candidate cell; andthe transceiver is further configured to transmit the timing advance estimate in a reporting instance.The UE of claim 6, wherein:the transceiver is further configured to receive an indicator indicating a switch from the serving cell to the candidate cell; andthe processor is further configured to apply the timing advance estimate for a transmission to the candidate cell.A base station (BS), comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the base station to:transmit information related to enabling UE-initiated uplink (UL) timing synchronization for mobility;transmit one or more first reference signals (RSs) for a serving cell, wherein the information, the one or more first RSs, and one or more second RSs associated with a candidate cell indicates whether to initiate a transmission of an indicator;receive the indicator; andtransmit a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order in response to the indicator, wherein the PDCCH order indicates to initiate a random access channel (RACH) procedure to the candidate cell.The BS of claim 8, wherein:the information indicates a threshold;the one or more first and second RSs are synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) blocks; andwhen a receive timing difference between the one or more first and second RSs is greater than the threshold, the transmission of the indicator is initiated.The BS of claim 8, wherein:the information indicates a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource; andthe indicator is received on the PUCCH resource.The BS of claim 8, wherein the indicator indicates information related to the candidate cell comprising:an index or identifier (ID) of the candidate cell,a physical cell ID (PCI) of the candidate cell, ora PCI index of the candidate cell.The BS of claim 8, wherein:a downlink control information (DCI) format of the PDCCH order indicates information related to the candidate cell comprising:an index or identifier (ID) of the candidate cell,a physical cell ID (PCI) of the candidate cell, ora PCI index of the candidate cell,the PDCCH order is transmitted no later than a time (T_gap) after an end of the indicator reception, andtheT_gapis higher layer configured.The BS of claim 8, wherein the transceiver is further configured to receive a timing advance estimate for the candidate cell in a reporting instance.The BS of claim 13, wherein:the transceiver is further configured to transmit an indicator indicating a switch from the serving cell to the candidate cell; andthe timing advance estimate is applied for a transmission to the candidate cell.A method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:receiving information related to enabling UE-initiated uplink (UL) timing synchronization for mobility;receiving one or more first reference signals (RSs) for a serving cell;receiving one or more second RSs associated with a candidate cell;determining, based on the information and the one or more first and second RSs, whether to initiate a transmission of an indicator;in response to a determination to initiate the transmission:transmitting the indicator; andreceiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order in response to the indicator; anddetermining, from the PDCCH order, to initiate a random access channel (RACH) procedure to the candidate cell.

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