Enhancement for mobility delay policy applicability

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for configuring applicability of delay policies. In the context of a method, the method includes initiating a timer in response to provisioning an event-triggered report to a network node, wherein the event-triggered report is provisioned in response to satisfaction of at least one condition for at least one reference signal of at least one candidate cell; receiving from the network node at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered report; and in response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, performing at least one action based at least in part on the at least one command and at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy.

Description

ENHANCEMENT FOR MOBILI TY DELAY POLICY APPLICABILITYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] An example embodiment relates generally to techniques for configuring delay policies in layer-one, layer-2 triggered mobility (LTM).BACKGROUND

[0002] Existing approaches to LTM support only periodic, aperiodic, and semi-persistent LI measurement reporting. With these reporting types, either the reports are available periodically, or the network may request the user equipment (UE) to report the measurements close to the cell switch. However, in instances in which event-triggered LI reporting is implemented, the UE only reports the measurements if a configured reporting condition is met. If the condition only triggers a single report (e.g., not periodic reporting), the network may need to trigger cell switch within a threshold (e.g., 1280 milliseconds (ms)) from receiving the report as a subsequent report may not occur. In such contexts, the UE may continue to measure the cell, enabling the transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to remain known to the UE. However, because the known TCI state condition is based on a transmitted report, even though the UE is measuring the cell during the time frame and the reporting condition is fulfilled, the TCI state associated to the reported reference signal (RS) becomes unknown 1280 ms after the UE has sent the report. When the UE is configured with event-triggered reporting, and the condition for reporting becoming fulfilled triggers a single report, the UE continues to measure the cell, but not necessary send any further reports. If configured by the network, UE may send a report on-leave when the condition is no longer fulfilled. As a result, between the event-triggered report and the on-leave report, there may be no report although the UE is measuring and the reporting condition continues to be fulfilled.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to configure a UE to apply delay policies. In various embodiments, the present method, apparatus, and computer program product provide improved solutions for applying delay policies. For example, the method, apparatus, and computerprogram product may modify the applicability of one or more of cell switch delay policies, TCI state activation policies requirements, and physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) ordered random access channel (RACH) delay policies. In doing so, the method, apparatus, and computer program product, may enable the UE and network to better support implementations of event-triggered reporting, for example event-triggered LI reporting, event-triggered L3 reporting, and / or the like.

[0004] According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. The embodiments that do not fall under the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the disclosure.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method including initiating a timer in response to provisioning an event-triggered report to a network node, wherein the event-triggered report is provisioned in response to satisfaction of at least one condition for at least one reference signal of at least one candidate cell; receiving from the network node at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered report; and in response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, performing at least one action based at least in part on the at least one command and at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method further comprises provisioning to the network node an indication of a capability to apply the at least one delay policy in accordance with the predetermined range. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving the predetermined range from the network node. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving from the network node an event-triggered reporting configuration comprising the predetermined range.

[0007] In some embodiments, the at least one action comprises a cell switch to a candidate cell; and the at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for cell switch to the candidate cell. In some embodiments, the at least one action comprises a PDCCH ordered RACH procedure to the candidate cell; and the at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for PDCCH ordered RACH delay. In some embodiments, the at least one action comprises activation of a TCI state associated to the reference signal; and the at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for TCI state activation.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method comprises provisioning the event-triggered report to the network node in response to at least one RS of a candidate cell meeting at least one of an enter condition or a leave condition. In some embodiments, the RS is associated with a target TCI state for the candidate cell. In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing the at least one action in response to at least one signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurement meeting a predetermined SNR threshold.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform the one or more operations. For example, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to initiate a timer in response to provisioning an event-triggered report to a network node, wherein the event-triggered report is provisioned in response to satisfaction of at least one condition for at least one reference signal of at least one candidate cell; receive from the network node at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered report; and in response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, perform at least one action based at least in part on the at least one command and at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy. In the same example, the apparatus may also perform other operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a UE.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product including at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured for performing one or more operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods. For example, a computer program product may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to initiate a timer in response to provisioning an event-triggered report to a network node, wherein the event-triggered report is provisioned in response to satisfaction of at least one condition for at least one reference signal of at least one candidate cell; receive from the network node at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered report; and in responseto a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, perform at least one action based at least in part on the at least one command and at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy. In the same example, the program code instructions may also be configured to perform additional operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus having means for performing one or more operations of the described methods. For example, an apparatus may include i) means for initiating a timer in response to provisioning an event-triggered report to a network node, wherein the event-triggered report is provisioned in response to satisfaction of at least one condition for at least one reference signal of at least one candidate cell, ii) means for receiving from the network node at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered report, and iii) means for, in response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, performing at least one action based at least in part on the at least one command and at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy. In the same example, the apparatus may embody additional aspects and / or include additional means for performing additional operations of the above-described methods.

[0012] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second method including initiating a timer in response to receiving from a UE an event-triggered report, wherein the event-triggered report is received in response to satisfaction of at least one condition; generating at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered-report; and in response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, provisioning the at least one command to the UE to cause the UE to perform at least one action at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving from the UE an indication of a capability to apply the at least one delay policy in accordance with the predetermined range. In some embodiments, the method comprises provisioning the predetermined range to the UE. In some embodiments, the method comprises provisioning to the UE an event-triggered reporting configuration comprising the predetermined range. In some embodiments, the at least one action comprises a cell switch to a candidate cell; and the at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for cell switch to the candidate cell. In some embodiments, the at least one action comprises a PDCCH ordered RACH procedure to the candidate cell; and the at least onedelay policy comprises at least one delay policy for PDCCH ordered RACH delay. In some embodiments, the at least one action comprises activation of a TCI state associated to the reference signal; and the at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for TCI state activation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving the event-triggered report from the UE in response to the at least one RS of the at least one candidate cell meeting at least one of an enter condition or a leave condition. In some embodiments, the at least one RS is associated with a target TCI state for the at least one candidate cell. In some embodiments, the method comprises determining to apply the at least one delay policy to the command based at least in part on at least one SNR measurement meeting a predetermined SNR threshold. In some embodiments, the event-triggered report is at least one of: an LI event-triggered report; or an L3 event-triggered report. In some embodiments, the at least one RS comprises at least one of: an SSB; or a CSI-RS.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform the one or more operations. For example, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to initiate a timer in response to receiving from a UE an event-triggered report, wherein the event-triggered report is received in response to satisfaction of at least one condition; generate at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered-report; and in response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, provision the at least one command to the UE to cause the UE to perform at least one action at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy. In the same example, the apparatus may also perform other operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a network node. In some embodiments, the network node is a gNodeB.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product including at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured for performing one or more operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods. Forexample, a computer program product may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions including program code instructions configured to initiate a timer in response to receiving from a UE an event-triggered report, wherein the event-triggered report is received in response to satisfaction of at least one condition; generate at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered-report; and in response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, provision the at least one command to the UE to cause the UE to perform at least one action at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy. In the same example, the program code instructions may also be configured to perform additional operations and / or embody additional aspects of the above-described methods.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus having means for performing one or more operations of the described methods. For example, an apparatus may include i) means for initiating a timer in response to receiving from a UE an event-triggered report, wherein the event-triggered report is received in response to satisfaction of at least one condition, ii) means for generating at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered-report, and iii) means for, in response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, provisioning the at least one command to the UE to cause the UE to perform at least one action at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policyBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus that may be configured in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 3 shows an example signal diagram for configuring applicability of delay requirements in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows an example signal diagram for configuring the applicability of delay requirements in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 5 shows an example signal diagram for configuring the applicability of delay requirements in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 6 shows an example signal diagram for configuring the applicability of delay requirements in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 7 shows an example signal diagram for configuring the applicability of delay requirements in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 8 is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process that may be performed in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 9 is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process that may be performed in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 10 is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process that may be performed in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 11 is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process that may be performed in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIG. 12 is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process that may be performed in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations of the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection of some embodiments, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to apply such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second” and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0032] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, and “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0033] Certain embodiments described may be implemented in a communication network, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LIE), LTE-Advanced, and enhanced LIE (eLTE), 5G (also called NR), or any future RAT such as 6G. Moreover, communication within the communication network may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0034] As used herein, the term “network device” or “network node” refers to a node in a communication network via which user equipment may access the network and / or which is capable of controlling radio communication and managing radio resources within a cell. The network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), an access point (AP) or an access node. The network device may be, depending on the applied technology, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node, a nonterrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, or an aircraft network device.

[0035] Moreover, in connection of split radio access network (RAN), the network device may refer to a centralised unit (CU) of a base station and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. An interface between CU and DU may be referred to as an Fl interface in NR. In the split RANarchitecture, node operations may be carried out, at least partly, in the central / centralized unit, CU, (e.g. server, host or node) operationally coupled to the DU, (e.g. a radio head / node). One CU may control one or more DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, the DUs may comprise e.g. a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the CU may comprise the layers above RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) and an internet protocol (IP) layers. Other functional splits are possible too. In practice, any processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may depend on the applied implementation.

[0036] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example, a terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), or a Mobile Station (MS). The terminal device may include a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehiclemounted wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like.

[0037] A term “resource”, as used herein, may refer to radio resources in time domain, in frequency domain, in space domain, and / or in code domain. Some examples of resources include e.g. a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a subband, a frequency region, a sub-carrier, a beam, etc. The term “transmission” and / or “reception” may refer to wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless propagation channel on radio resources.

[0038] The term “comprising” means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such asconsisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including,” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0039] The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “in various embodiments”, and the like generally refer to the fact that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, but not necessarily all embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure such that these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0040] As used herein, the terms “example,” “exemplary,” and the like are used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation, aspect, or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations, aspects, or designs. Rather, use of the terms “example,” “exemplary,” and the like are intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

[0041] If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

[0042] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to signal, non-transitory computer-readable medium and the like. The term ‘non-transitory computer-readable medium’ refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device or non-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by a controller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module of a computational system to encode thereon computerexecutable instructions or software programs. A non-transitory “computer-readable medium” may be accessed by a computational system or a module of a computational system to retrieve and / or execute the computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB flash drives),computer system memory or random-access memory (such as, DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM), and the like.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “delay requirement” and “delay policy” are used interchangeably and with equivalent meaning.

[0044] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The communication network or a cellular communication network may comprise a network node 110 providing one or more cells, such as cell 100, and a network node 112 providing one or more other cells, such as cell 102. Each cell may be, e.g., a macro cell, a micro cell, femto, or a pico cell, for example. The cell may define a coverage area or a service area of the corresponding access node.

[0045] The network node 110 may provide a user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with wireless access to the communication network. The wireless access may comprise downlink (DL) communication from the network node to the UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from the UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels comprise physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data towards the network. Examples of downlink channels comprise physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for transmit-ting data towards the user equipment.

[0046] There may be a plurality of UEs 120, 122 in the system. Each of them may be served by the same or by different network nodes 110, 112. UE may be configured with dual connectivity (DC), wherein the UE, e.g. UE 120, may be connected to multiple network nodes 110, 112. The UEs 120, 122 may communicate with each other, in case device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between them via a so-called sidelink (SL). Such D2D communications may be referred to as machine-to -machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), for example.

[0047] In the case of multiple network nodes in the communication network, the network nodes may be connected to each other via an interface. LTE specifications call such an interface as X2 interface. An interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes may be called Xn interface.

[0048] The network nodes 110 and 112 may be further connected via another interface to a core network 116 of the communication network. The LTE specifications specify the core networkas an evolved packet core (EPC), and the core network may comprise e.g. a mobility management entity (MME) and a gateway node. The MME may handle mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area en-compassing a plurality of cells and handle signaling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. The gateway node may handle data routing in the core network and to / from the terminal devices. The 5G specifications specify the core network as a 5G core (5GC). The 5G core may comprise e.g. an access and mobility management function (AMF) and a user plane function / gateway (UPF) and other functions. The AMF may handle termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signaling, NAS ciphering & integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, security context management. The UPF node may support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection and quality of service (QoS) handling, for example.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows example apparatuses 200a, 200b according to one embodiment. The apparatuses 200a, 200b may be an embodiment of network devices or may be embodied by or otherwise associated with one or more network devices. For example, the apparatus 200a may be embodied by a UE 120 and the apparatus 200b may be embodied as a network node 110, or one or more elements thereof (e.g., serving cell, centralized unit, candidate cell, and / or the like).

[0050] Regardless of the device that embodies the apparatus 200a (or 200b), the apparatus may include processor 202a (202b), memory 204a (204b), and radio interface 206a (206b). The apparatuses 200a, 200b may be configured to execute the operations described herein. For example, the apparatus 200a may be configured to perform the processes 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, respectively, where functionality associated with a network node may be carried out by the apparatus 200b. Although these components are described with respect to the performance of various functions, it should be understood that the particular implementations necessarily include the use of particular hardware. It should also be understood that certain of these components may include similar or common hardware. For example, two sets of circuitries may both leverage use of the same processor, radio interface, storage medium, or the like to perform their associated functions, such that duplicate hardware is not required for each set of circuitries. The proceeding description of the processor 202a, memory 204a, radio interface 206a, and user interface 210b of the apparatus 200a may apply tosimilarly named elements of the apparatus 200b (e.g., processor 202b, memory 204b, radio interface 206b, and user interface 210b).

[0051] A processor 202a may comprise circuitry, or be constituted as circuitry or circuitries, the circuitry or circuitries being configured to perform phases of methods in accordance with certain example embodiments described herein. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a user equipment, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that re-quires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be pre-sent when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the processor 202a (and / or co-processor or any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor) may be in communication with the memory 204a via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. The memory 204a is non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or nonvolatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory 204a may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). The memory 204a may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the memory 204a may store thresholds, threshold ranges, delay policies, and / or the like. The memory 204a may be implemented using any suitable data storagetechnology. The memory 204a may comprise a database for storing data. The memory 204a may be at least in part external to apparatus 10 but accessible to apparatus 10. The instructions 208a may be comprised in a computer readable medium or a non-transitory computer readable medium. A term non-transitory, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as op-posed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. random access memory, RAM, vs. read only memory, ROM).

[0053] The processor 202a may be embodied in a number of different ways and may, for example, include one or more processing devices configured to perform independently. In some non-limiting embodiments, the processor 202a may include one or more processors configured in tandem via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and / or multithreading. The use of the term “processor” may be understood to include a single core processor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors internal to the apparatus, and / or remote or “cloud” processors.

[0054] In some embodiments, the processor 202a may be configured to execute instructions 208a stored in the memory 204a and / or circuitry otherwise accessible to the processor 202a. In some embodiments, the processor 202a may be configured to execute hard-coded functionalities. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor 202a may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to various embodiments disclosed herein while configured accordingly. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 202a is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 202a to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0055] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a may optionally include input / output circuitry that may, in turn, be in communication with processor 202a to provide output to a user and / or other entity and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of an input. The input / output circuitry may comprise a user interface 210a and may include a display, and may comprise a web user interface, a mobile application, a query-initiating computing device, a kiosk, or the like. In some embodiments, the input / output circuitry may also include a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input / output mechanisms. The processor and / or user interface circuitry comprising the processor may beconfigured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements through computer program instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor (e.g., memory 204a, and / or the like).

[0056] The radio interface 206a may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to provide communication capabilities to the apparatus 200a, including receiving and / or transmitting data from / to a network and / or any other device, circuitry, or module in communication with the apparatus 200a. In this regard, the radio interface 206a may include, for example, means for enabling communications with a wired or wireless communication network, such as the application function (AF), multicast and broadcast service function (MBSF), multicast and broadcast user plane function (MB-UPF), and / or multicast and broadcast session management function (MB-SMF). For example, the radio interface 206a may include one or more radio interface cards, antennae, buses, switches, routers, modems, and supporting hardware and / or software, or any other device suitable for enabling communications via a network. Additionally, or alternatively, the radio interface 206a may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna / antennae to cause transmission of signals via the antenna / antennae or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna / antennae.

[0057] The radio interface 206a may comprise a receiver configured to receive information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The radio interface 206a may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The receiver may comprise more than one receiver. The transmitter may comprise more than one transmitter. The radio interface 206a may comprise a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transceiver may comprise more than one transceiver.

[0058] The apparatus 200a may comprise a user interface 210a comprising, for example, at least one of a keypad, a microphone, a touch display, a display, a speaker, etc. The user interface 2200aa may be used to control the apparatus by the user. The user interface 2200aa may be external to the apparatus 200a. For example, the apparatus 200a may be connected to another device, such as a computer, either via wireless or wired connection, and the apparatus 200a is controlled by the user via the computer.

[0059] In various embodiments, at least some of the processes described herein may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for carrying out at least some of the described processes. Means for performing method steps as dis-closed herein may include software and / or hardware components of the apparatus 200a. For example, the at least one processor 202a, the memory 204a, and the computer program code form means for carrying out the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. As used herein the term “means” is to be construed in singular form, i.e. referring to a single element, or in plural form, i.e. referring to a combination of single elements. Therefore, terminology “means for [performing A, B, C]”, is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C. Further, terminology “means for performing A, means for performing B, means for performing C” is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C.

[0060] In some embodiments, a network configures up to eight candidate cells through RRC for a UE before the need for an actual cell switch. In some embodiments, based on UE measurements on the candidate cells, the network selects one of the candidate cells as the target cell for cell switch and commands the UE to switch to the target cell with a cell switch command MAC-CE. The measurements that may be used to trigger LTM cell switch may be LI measurements in FR1 and FR2. In FR1, cell switch may also be triggered by L3 measurements. Before the cell switch, to shorten the cell switch delay and interruption, the network may command the UE to perform early DL and / or early UL synchronization. In some embodiments, early DL synchronization is triggered with LTM candidate cell TCI state activation command. Based on the command, the UE may perform DL synchronization based on the synchronization signal block (SSB) or TRS associated to the activated TCI state. In various embodiments, when the target TCI state in LTM cell switch command is active at the time of receiving the cell switch command, the UE is not allowed time for DL synchronization during the cell switch.

[0061] In some embodiments, early UL synchronization may be configured for the UE either through PDCCH ordered RACH procedure or through UE based TA estimation. In some embodiments, PDCCH ordered RACH is used to command the UE to send a RACH preamble to an LTM candidate cell, and the network estimates UE’s timing advance (TA) to this candidatecell through the preamble transmission. In some embodiments, the network may share the TA in the cell switch command, and the UE may use the TA for the first UL transmission after the cell switch, without the need to perform RACH procedure during the cell switch. In UE based TA estimation option, the network may configure the UE to perform autonomous TA estimation for one or more candidate cells and use such estimated TA for UL transmission after the cell switch.

[0062] In various embodiments, cell switch delay requirements for LTM cell switch for PCell switch are defined in section 6.3 of TS 38.133 and, for PSCell switch, in section 8.20 of TS 38.133. In some embodiments, cell switch delay is the time from UE receiving the cell switch command until the UE sends the first UL transmission on the target cell. The first UL transmission may be RACH preamble transmission (RACH-based cell switch), or first UL transmission such as RRC reconfiguration complete (RACH-less cell switch). In some embodiments, cell switch delay requirements apply only under the following conditions:>>

[0063] In some embodiments, for cell switch delay requirements to apply for a target cell in frequency range one (FR1), the UE needs to have reported i) layer three (L3) or LI measurements within 5.0 seconds for the target cell to be known, ii) LI measurement within 1280.0 milliseconds (ms) for the target TCI state to be known, and / or iii) L3 measurement with SSB index within 5.0 seconds, if the target TCI state is unknown. In some embodiments, for cell switch delay requirements to apply for a target cell in frequency range two (FR2), the UE needs to have reported L3 or LI measurements within 5.0 seconds for the target cell to be known and LI measurement within 1280.0 ms for the target TCI state to be known.

[0064] In some embodiments, LTM supports periodic, aperiodic and semi-persistent LI measurement reporting. Some approaches to LTM may introduce event-triggered LI reporting, which means that the UE only reports the measurements if a configured reporting condition is met. For example, event-triggered measurement report may be a single report that is triggered once the reporting condition (event) is met, or the network may configure the UE with event-triggered periodic reporting, where the condition becoming met triggers periodic reporting (e.g., the UE may be configured to report only N times, with configured periodicity). In some embodiments, the network configures the UE to send a measurement report when the reporting condition stops applying. In some embodiments, the report is triggered through a report on leave indication.

[0065] In some embodiments, for event-triggered LI measurement, use of beam level measurement result for event evaluation is baseline. In various embodiments, the following events are supported based at least in part on beam-specific quality of serving cell and candidate cells as the LI LTM measurement events:• Event LTM2: Beam of serving cell becomes worse than absolute threshold;• Event LTM3: Beam of candidate cell becomes amount of offset better than beam of serving cell;• Event LTM4: Beam of candidate cell becomes better than absolute threshold; and • Event LTM5: Beam of serving cell becomes worse than absolute thresholdl AND Beam of candidate cell becomes better than another absolute threshold2.

[0066] In some embodiments, implementations of event-triggered LI measurement support the beam config of both SSB and CSLRS in LI measurement resource configuration in LTM configuration. In some embodiments, current beam (e.g., a beam corresponding to the indicated TCI state) is used for event evaluation in LI measurement reporting for serving cell. In some embodiments, any beam in candidate RS configuration may be used for LTM event evaluation. In some embodiments, a measurement report may be sent when the leaving condition is met, based on the network configuration. In some embodiments, event-triggered periodic measurement report may be supported, based on the network configuration. In some embodiments, time-to-trigger (TTT) is evaluated per beam, and measurement report is only triggered by beam that has satisfied the condition (entering / leaving) for the whole duration of TTT. In some embodiments, TTT operates only based on a timer. In some embodiments, TTT is applied to the leaving condition. In some embodiments, for event-triggered LI LTM measurement reporting, max N is total number of all beams included into MR MAC CE.

[0067] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides techniques for modifying the applicability of one or more delay requirements (e.g., cell switch delay requirements, TCI state activation delay requirements, PDCCH ordered RACH delay requirements, and / or the like) to better support implementations of event-triggered LI reporting. In some embodiments, an additional condition is introduced to define cell switch delay requirement applicability when event-triggered reporting is configured. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the additional condition is defined as: UE has sent an event-triggered LI measurement report associated with the target TCI state within X ms before receiving the cell switch command,where X is larger than 1280.0 ms. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the value ofX is specific for event triggered reporting, or X may be specific to event configuration (e.g., event type, offset configuration, and / or the like). In some embodiments, the UE indicates to the network its capability on the supported value(s) of X. In some embodiments, the network configures the value of X (e.g., as a part of the event triggered reporting configuration provisioned to the UE). In some embodiments, the event-triggered LI measurement report may refer to the report which is sent when a RS associated with the target TCI state has satisfied an entering or a leaving condition.

[0068] In some aspects, applicability of delay requirements (e.g., cell switch delay requirements, TCI state activation delay requirements, PDCCH ordered RACH delay requirements, and / or the like) may be configured in accordance with conditions shown in Table 1, in which X may be a value that is larger than 1280.0 ms, such as between 1280.0 ms and 5.0 seconds:>Table 1.

[0069] Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, cell switch delay requirements are applicable between the time from sending the event-triggered LI report and another message / event. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, if the report-on-leave is configured, the delay requirements are applicable between the time from sending the event-triggered LI report until the UE reports on leave. For example, applicability of delay requirements may be configured in accordance with the conditions shown in Table 2:>Table 2

[0070] Alternatively, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, if the UE has sent an event-triggered LI report associated with the target TCI state, the delay requirements are applicable between the time from sending the event-triggered LI report and reception of the cell switch command. For example, applicability of delay requirements may be configured in accordance with the conditions shown in Table 3 :>Table 3.

[0071] Alternatively, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the UE has sent an event-triggered LI report associated with the target TCI state, the delay requirements are applicable until an indicated TCI State (for the current serving cell or source cell, used in events LTM2 / 3 / 5) has been changed or indicated TCI State (for the current serving cell or source cell, used in events LTM2 / 3 / 5) has been changed and the reporting criteria is not anymore fulfilled or until a new event triggered report has been sent. For example, applicability of delay requirements may be configured in accordance with the conditions shown in Table 4:>

[0072] In some embodiments, applicability of delay requirements is further subjected to one or more signal-based conditions, such as a threshold value of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the measured reference signal (RS) (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS associated with the target state, and / or the like. For example, the applicability of delay requirements may be further based on the SNR of the measured RS being greater than or equal to -3 decibels (dB).

[0073] Alternatively, or additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the UE may be configured to trigger another event triggered report if a time X has elapsed and the criteria to trigger event-triggered reporting is still fulfilled for the at least one RS associated with target TCI State. In some embodiments, if the report is sent, the delay requirements continue to apply based at least in part on the current conditions and / or or the condition set forth above and shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., if a different value for X is used). For example, a new event-triggered LI report may be provisioned to the network at the time of X expiring (e.g., also referred to as elapse of a timer in accordance with a threshold defined by X). In doing so, the applicability of the delay requirements may be guaranteed through the new report transmission.

[0074] In some embodiments, if the report is not sent due to the condition for event-triggered reporting not being met, the delay requirements cease to apply such that the UE may perform network-commanded or network-triggered actions irrespective of the delay requirements. In various embodiments, the event-triggered report refers to the last and / or latest report the periodic event-triggered reporting.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 3, an example signal diagram 300 for configuring applicability of delay requirements. The workflow shown may be performed by a UE 120 and one or more network nodes 110, which may be embodied as a first network node 301a and a second network node 301b. In some embodiments, a first network node 301a, such as a first gNodeB, configuresa UE 120 with event-triggered reporting conditions for SSB1 measurements (signal 303). In some aspects, the UE 120 may or may not be configured with report on leave. In some embodiments, the second network node 301b provisions SSB1 to the UE 120, causing the UE 120 to generate measurements on a target cell of a second network node 301b (signal 305). For example, the UE 120 may generate LI measurements, L3 measurements, and / or the like on the target candidate cell. In some embodiments, the configured conditions are met for SSB1, triggering the UE 120 to generate an event-triggered report (indicium 307). For example, the UE 120 may generate an event-triggered LI report, an event-triggered L3 report, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the UE 120 provisions to the first network node 301a the event-triggered report (signal 309).

[0076] In various embodiments, in response to the provisioning of the event-triggered report, a timer for delay requirement applicability is initiated at the UE 120, the first network node 301a, and / or the like (indicium 311). The timer may apply for cell switch delay requirements, TCI state activation delay requirements, PDCCH ordered RACH delay requirements, and / or the like. For example, in the workflow defined by the signal diagram 300, TCI state activation delay requirements and cell switch delay requirements are used. In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives from the first network node 301a a TCI state activation command for TCI1 of the second network node 301b that is associated to SSB1 (signal 313). In some embodiments, since the timer for event-triggered report for SSB1 is running, the delay requirements apply such that the UE 120 activates the TCI state in an interval defined in accordance with the TCI state activation delay requirements. In various embodiments, following elapse of the timer in accordance with a threshold (indicium 315), the UE 120 receives from the first network node 301a a cell switch command for TCI1 (signal 317). As the timer has expired, the delay requirements do not apply to the command and the cell switch delay is unknown. If the timer had not expired, the cell switch delay requirements may apply to the cell switch command. For example, in such contexts, the UE 120 may perform the cell switch at an interval defined in accordance with the cell switch delay requirements.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 4, an example signal diagram 400 for configuring applicability of delay requirements. The workflow shown may be performed by a UE 120 and one or more network nodes 110, which may be embodied as a first network node 401a and a second network node 401b. In some embodiments, the first network node 401a configures the UE 120 withevent-triggered reporting conditions for SSB1 measurements (signal 403). In various embodiments, the first network node 401a configures UE 120 to send reports on leave when the event condition stops being fulfilled. In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives the SSB1 from the second network node 401b (signal 405) and generates measurements based thereon (e.g., LI measurements, L3 measurements, and / or the like). In some embodiments, the configured conditions are met for SSB1, triggering the UE 120 to generate an event-triggered report (indicium 407). In some embodiments, the UE 120 provisions to the first network node 401a the event-triggered report (signal 409).

[0078] In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives from the first network node 401a a TCI state activation command for TCI1 of the second network node 401b that is associated to SSB1 (signal 411). In various embodiments, since the UE 120 has not sent report-on-leave after the event-triggered report, the UE 120 is expected to be measuring and the condition continues to be met, therefore the requirements for TCI state activation delay apply. The UE 120 may perform the TCI state activation in accordance with one or more TCI state activation requirements. In some embodiments, the configured event condition stops being fulfilled for SSB1 (indicium 413), which triggers the UE 120 to provision a report-on-leave to the first network node 401a (signal 415). In response to provision of the report-on-leave, the delay requirements may cease to apply. For example, the UE 120 may receive from the first network node 401a a cell switch command with TCI1 as the target TCI state (signal 417). As the UE 120 has sent report-on-leave, the known cell switch delay requirements do not apply to performance of the cell switch. In some embodiments, based on the existing conditions, report on leave may make the TCI state known for the next 1280.0 ms.

[0079] Referring now to FIG. 5, an example signal diagram 500 for configuring applicability of delay requirements. The workflow shown may be performed by a UE 120 and one or more network nodes 110, which may be embodied as a first network node 501a and a second network node 501b. In some embodiments, the first network node 501a configures the UE 120 with event-triggered reporting conditions for SSB1 measurements (signal 503). In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives the SSB1 from the second network node 501b (signal 505) and generates measurements based thereon. In some embodiments, the configured conditions are met for SSB1, triggering the UE 120 to generate an event-triggered report (indicium 507).In some embodiments, the UE 120 provisions to the first network node 501a the event-triggered report (signal 509).

[0080] In various embodiments, the UE 120 receives from the first network node 501a a TCI state activation command for TCI1 of the second network node 501b that is associated to SSB1 (signal 511). In various embodiments, since the UE 120 has sent an event-triggered report, the requirements for TCI state activation delay apply. The UE 120 may perform the TCI state activation in accordance with the one or more TCI state activation delay requirements. In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives from the network node 501a a cell switch command with TCI1 as the target TCI state. In various embodiments, as the UE 120 has sent an event-triggered report (signal 513), the cell switch delay requirements apply, and the UE 120 performs the cell switch in accordance with the cell switch delay requirements. In some embodiments, depending on network reporting configuration (e.g. on leave reporting configured or not), the network may or may not know if the event condition is still met.

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 6, an example signal diagram 600 for configuring applicability of delay requirements. The workflow shown may be performed by a UE 120 and one or more network nodes 110, which may be embodied as a first network node 601a and a second network node 601b. In some embodiments, the first network node 601a configures the UE 120 with event-triggered reporting conditions for SSB1 measurements (signal 603). In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives the SSB1 from the second network node 601b (signal 605) and generates measurements based thereon. In some embodiments, the configured conditions are met for SSB1, triggering the UE 120 to generate an event-triggered report (indicium 607). In some embodiments, the UE 120 provisions to the first network node 601a the event-triggered report (signal 609).

[0082] In various embodiments, the UE 120 receives from the first network node 601a a TCI state activation command for TCI1 of the second network node 601b that is associated to SSB1 (signal 611). In various embodiments, since the UE 120 has sent an event-triggered report, the requirements for TCI state activation delay apply. The UE 120 may perform the TCI state activation in accordance with the one or more TCI state activation delay requirements. In various embodiments, the UE 120 receives from the first network node 601a a downlink control information (DCI) to switch the indicated TCI state of the serving cell (e.g., to switch the serving beam of the serving cell belonging to the first network node 601a). In some embodiments,because at least one aspect of the beam of the source cell has changed, the delay requirements cease to apply. For example, the UE 120 may receive from the first network node 601a a cell switch command with TCI1 as the target TCI state. As the delay requirements have ceased to apply following the beam adjustment, the cell switch delay is unknown, and the UE 120 may perform the cell switch irrespective of cell switch delay requirements.

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 7, an example signal diagram 700 for configuring applicability of delay requirements. The workflow shown may be performed by a UE 120 and one or more network nodes 110, which may be embodied as a first network node 701a and a second network node 701b. In some embodiments, the first network node 701a configures the UE 120 with event-triggered reporting conditions for SSB1 measurements (signal 703). In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives the SSB1 from the second network node 701b (signal 705) and generates measurements based thereon. In some embodiments, the configured conditions are met for SSB1, triggering the UE 120 to generate an event-triggered report (indicium 707). In some embodiments, the UE 120 provisions to the first network node 701a the event-triggered report (signal 709).

[0084] In some embodiments, the UE 120 initiates a timer for delay requirement applicability in response to provisioning the event-triggered report (indicium 711). The timer may apply for cell switch delay requirements, TCI state activation delay requirements, PDCCH ordered RACH delay requirements, and / or the like. For example, in the workflow defined by the signal diagram 700, TCI state activation delay requirements and cell switch delay requirements are used. In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives from the first network node 701a a TCI state activation command for TCI1 of the second network node 701b that is associated to SSB1 (signal 713). In some embodiments, since the timer for event-triggered report for SSB1 is running (e.g., has not elapsed), the delay requirements apply such that the UE activates the TCI state in an interval defined in accordance with the TCI state activation delay requirements.

[0085] In various embodiments, following elapse of the timer in accordance with a threshold (indicium 715), the UE 120 determines that the condition that triggered the first reporting remains satisfied. For example, in response to determining that the configured conditions for SSB1 remain satisfied, the UE 120 provisions a second event-triggered report to the first network node 701a (signal 717). In some embodiments, the second event-triggered report is a new report corresponding to the most recent UE measurements. Alternatively, the second event-triggered report may be a retransmission of the original report. In some embodiments, the second event-triggered report may exclude measurement results and comprise an indication that the condition remains satisfied. In various embodiments, in response to provisioning the additional event-triggered report following expiration of the timer the UE 120 restarts the timer (indicium 719), causing the delay requirements to remain applicable. In some embodiments, the UE 120 receives from the first network node 120a a cell switch command with TCI1 as the target TCI state (signal 721). The restarted timer may satisfy a predetermined threshold (e.g., the timer has not elapsed), and thus the delay requirements remain applicable, and the cell switch delay is known. The UE 120 may perform the cell switch in accordance with the active cell switch delay requirements.

[0086] Referring now to FIG 8., shown is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process 800. The process 800, or blocks / steps / operations thereof, may be performed by one or more apparatuses 200a as shown in FIG. 2 and described herein. In various embodiments, the apparatus performing the process 800 embodies a UE 120.

[0087] In some embodiments, at block 803, the apparatus performing the process 800 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for determining that a condition is satisfied for one or more reference signals of a candidate cell. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more configured conditions for an SSB are satisfied. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a receives one or more event conditions from a network node 110 (e.g., embodied as an apparatus 200b).

[0088] In some embodiments, at block 806, the apparatus performing the process 800 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning an event-triggered report to the network node in response to determining that the condition is satisfied. For example, the apparatus 200a may generate and provision to the network node 110 an event-triggered LI report, an event-triggered L3 report, and / or the like, in response to determining that one or more event conditions are satisfied. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a determines that an RS of a candidate cell meets an enter condition or a leave condition and, in response, provisions the event-triggered report to the network node. In some embodiments, the RS is associated with a target TCI state for the candidate cell. In some embodiments, of the applicability of the delay requirements for cell switch, TCI state activationor PDCCH ordered RACH procedure or the like may depend on whether an SNR at the UE 120 meets a predetermined SNR threshold (e.g., greater than or equal -3 dB, and / or the like).

[0089] In some embodiments, at block 809, the apparatus performing the process 800 includes means, such as the processor 202a, and / or the like, for initiating a timer response to provisioning the event-triggered report to the network node. For example, the apparatus 200a may initiate a timer for applicability of delay policies in response to provisioning the event-triggered report to the network node 110. In some embodiments, the process 800 includes provisioning to the network node an indication of a capability to apply one or more delay policies in accordance with a predetermined range (e.g., a threshold range of values of a timer). For example, the apparatus 200a may provision to the network node 110 an indication of a capability to apply one or more delay policies in accordance with a predetermined range.

[0090] In some embodiments, at block 812, the apparatus performing the process 800 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for receiving from the network node one or more commands to perform one or more actions. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 110 one or more commands. In various embodiments, the command is based at least in part on the event-triggered report. In some embodiments, the action includes a cell switch to a candidate cell, a PDCCH ordered RACH procedure to a candidate cell, activation of a TCI state of a candidate cell, and / or the like.

[0091] In some embodiments, at block 815, the apparatus performing the process 800 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, or the like, for determining that a current value of the timer (e.g., at time of receipt of the command) meets a predetermined range, such as a value between 0 ms and 1280.0 ms or 5.0 seconds, or the like. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine whether the current value of the timer falls within a predetermined range. In this manner, while the timer is running (e.g., has not elapsed in accordance with a predetermined threshold), the delay requirements apply. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a receives the predetermined range from the network node. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 110 an event-triggered reporting configuration comprising the predetermined range.

[0092] In some embodiments, at block 818, the apparatus performing the process 800 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for performing the one or more commanded actions in accordance with the one or more delaypolicies. For example, in response to the value of the timer falling within the predetermined range, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more delay policies are applicable to the received commands. The apparatus 200a may perform an action based at least in part on the command and at an interval defined in accordance with one or more delay policies (e.g., cell switch delay policies, TCI state activation policies, PDCCH ordered RACH delay policies, and / or the like). In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a performs the action further based at least in part on a determination that an SNR measurement associated to the RS of the candidate cell satisfies a predetermined SNR threshold.

[0093] Referring now to FIG 9., shown is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process 900. The process 900, or blocks / steps / operations thereof, may be performed by one or more apparatuses 200a as shown in FIG. 2 and described herein. In various embodiments, the apparatus performing the process 900 embodies a UE 120.

[0094] In some embodiments, at block 903, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for determining that a condition is satisfied for one or more RSs of a candidate cell. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more configured conditions for an SSB are satisfied. The condition may be associated with measurement of one or more reference RSs, such as one or more SSBs. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a receives one or more event conditions from a network node 110 (e.g., embodied as an apparatus 200b).

[0095] In some embodiments, at block 906, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning an event-triggered report to the network node in response to determining that the condition is satisfied. For example, the apparatus 200a may generate and provision to the network node 110 an event-triggered report in response to determining that one or more event conditions are satisfied.

[0096] In some embodiments, at block 909, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for receiving from the network node one or more commands to perform one or more actions. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 110 one or more commands. In various embodiments, the command is based at least in part on the event-triggered report. In someembodiments, the action includes a TCI state activation for a TCI state that is associated with an RS (e.g., an SSB).

[0097] In some embodiments, at block 912, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for determining whether the one or more conditions determined to be satisfied at block 903 remain satisfied. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine whether the one or more configured conditions for an SSB and / or other RS remains satisfied. In response to the condition remaining satisfied, the apparatus 200a may determine that delay polices are applicable to the command and action, and the process 900 may proceed to block 915. In response to condition being unsatisfied, the apparatus 200a may determine that delay policies do not apply, and the process 900 may proceed to block 918.

[0098] In some embodiments, at block 915, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for performing the one or more commanded actions in accordance with the one or more delay policies in response to the condition being satisfied. For example, in response to the condition remaining satisfied at receipt of the command, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more delay policies are applicable to the received commands. The apparatus 200a may perform an action based at least in part on the command and at an interval defined in accordance with one or more delay policies.

[0099] In some embodiments, at block 918, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning to the network node a report-on-leave in response to the condition being unsatisfied. For example, the apparatus 200a may provision to the network node 110 a report-on-leave associated with one or more RSs, such as an SSB. In some embodiments, at block 921, the apparatus performing the process 900 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for performing the one or more actions based at least in part on the command and irrespective of delay policies (e.g., which ceased to apply in accordance with the condition being unsatisfied). For example, in response to provisioning the report-on-leave to the UE, the apparatus 200a may perform a TCI state activation irrespective of an interval defined by one or more delay policies.

[0100] Referring now to FIG 10., shown is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process 1000. The process 1000, or blocks / steps / operations thereof, may be performed by one or more apparatuses 200a as shown in FIG. 2 and described herein. In various embodiments, the apparatus performing the process 1000 embodies a UE 120.

[0101] In some embodiments, at block 1003, the apparatus performing the process 1000 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for determining that a condition is satisfied for one or more RSs of a candidate cell. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more configured conditions for an RS are satisfied. In some embodiments, at block 1006, the apparatus performing the process 1000 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning an event-triggered report to the network node in response to determining that the condition is satisfied. For example, the apparatus 200a may generate and provision to the network node 110 an event-triggered report in response to determining that one or more event conditions are satisfied. In some embodiments, the event-triggered report may be associated with an RS and a candidate TCI state for a candidate cell. In various embodiments, the candidate TCI state refers to a TCI state that is configured for a candidate cell, and a target TCI state refers to a TCI state indicated in a command (e.g., cell switch command, TCI state activation command, and / or the like). For example, a target cell may be a candidate cell selected in a switch command, and a target TCI state may be a TCI state given in the switch command that is configured for the candidate cell.

[0102] In some embodiments, at block 1009, the apparatus performing the process 1000 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, or the like, for receiving from the network node one or more commands to perform one or more actions. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 110 one or more commands. In some embodiments, at block 1012, the apparatus performing the process 1000 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, or the like, for determining that the condition of block 1003 remains satisfied at the time at which the command of block 1009 is received. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine that, upon receipt of the command, the condition which triggered the provision of the report remains satisfied. In response to the determination that the condition remained satisfied, the apparatus 200a may determine that delay policies are applicable to the command.

[0103] In some embodiments, at block 1015, the apparatus performing the process 1000 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for performing the one or more actions in accordance with one or more delay policies. For example, in response to determining that the condition was satisfied at the time of receiving the command, the apparatus 200a may perform the one or more commanded actions at an interval defined in accordance with one or more delay policies. In some embodiments, the action includes TCI state activation, and the delay policy is associated with TCI state activation. In some embodiments, the action includes a cell switch to a candidate cell.

[0104] Referring now to FIG 11., shown is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process 1100. The process 1100, or blocks / steps / operations thereof, may be performed by one or more apparatuses 200a as shown in FIG. 2 and described herein. In various embodiments, the apparatus performing the process 1100 embodies a UE 120.

[0105] In some embodiments, at block 1103, the apparatus performing the process 1100 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for determining that a condition is satisfied for one or more RSs of a candidate cell. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more configured conditions for an RS are satisfied. In some embodiments, at block 1106, the apparatus performing the process 1100 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning an event-triggered report to the network node in response to determining that the condition is satisfied. For example, the apparatus 200a may generate and provision to the network node 111 an event-triggered report in response to determining that one or more conditions are satisfied.

[0106] In some embodiments, at block 1109, the apparatus performing the process 1100 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, or the like, for receiving from the network node one or more commands to perform one or more actions. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 111 one or more commands. In some embodiments, at block 1112, the apparatus performing the process 1100 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, or the like, for determining whether a beam of the current serving cell has changed. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine that the beam of the current source cell has not changed. In response to the determination that the beam is unchanged, the apparatus 200a may determine that delay policies are applicable to the command.

[0107] In some embodiments, at block 1115, the apparatus performing the process 1100 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for performing the one or more actions in accordance with one or more delay policies. For example, in response to determining that the condition was satisfied at the time of receiving the command, the apparatus 200a may perform the one or more commanded actions at an interval defined in accordance with one or more delay policies. In some embodiments, the action includes TCI state activation, and the delay policy is associated with TCI state activation.

[0108] In some embodiments, following TCI state activation, the apparatus 200a receives a second command from the network node. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 110 a cell switch command. In some embodiments, the process 1100 to block 1112 and the apparatus 200a determines that the indicated beam of the serving cell has changed pursuant to the TCI state activation performed at block 1115. In response to the change to the indicated beam of the source cell, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more cell switch delay policies do not apply to the cell switch command. In response to the determination, the apparatus 200 may perform the cell switch without applying the one or more cell switch delay requirements.

[0109] Referring now to FIG 12., shown is an example flowchart of a delay policy application process 1200. The process 1200, or blocks / steps / operations thereof, may be performed by one or more apparatuses 200a as shown in FIG. 2 and described herein. In various embodiments, the apparatus performing the process 1200 embodies a UE 120.

[0110] In some embodiments, at block 1203, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for determining that a condition is satisfied for one or more RSs of a candidate cell. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more configured conditions for an SSB are satisfied. In some embodiments, at block 1206, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning an event-triggered report to the network node in response to determining that the condition is satisfied. For example, the apparatus 200a may generate and provision to the network node 110 an event-triggered report in response to determining that one or more event conditions are satisfied.[oni] In some embodiments, at block 1209, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, and / or the like, for initiating a timer response to provisioning the event-triggered report to the network node. For example, the apparatus 200a may initiate a timer for applicability of delay policies in response to provisioning the event-triggered report to the network node 110. In some embodiments, the process 1200 includes provisioning to the network node an indication of a capability to apply one or more delay policies in accordance with a predetermined threshold. For example, the apparatus 200a may provision to the network node 110 an indication of a capability to apply one or more delay policies in accordance with a predetermined threshold, such as a maximum value or target range. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200a receives from the network node the predetermined threshold. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 110 an event-triggered reporting configuration comprising the predetermined threshold.

[0112] In some embodiments, at block 1212, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for receiving from the network node one or more commands to perform one or more actions. For example, the apparatus 200a may receive from the network node 110 one or more commands. In various embodiments, the action includes a cell switch to a candidate cell, a PDCCH ordered RACH procedure to a candidate cell, activation of a TCI state of a candidate cell, and / or the like. In some embodiments, at block 1215, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, or the like, for determining that a current value of the timer meets the predetermined threshold. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine whether the current value of the timer has elapsed in accordance with a predetermined threshold.

[0113] In some embodiments, at block 1215, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for performing the one or more commanded actions in accordance with the one or more delay policies in response to the determination that the timer has not elapsed. For example, in response to determining that the timer has not expired pursuant to the predetermined threshold, the apparatus 200a may determine that one or more delay policies are applicable to the received command. The apparatus 200a may perform an action based at least in part on the command and at an interval defined in accordance with one or more delay policies (e.g., cell switch delay policies, TCI state activation policies, PDCCH ordered RACH delay policies, and / or the like).

[0114] In some embodiments, at block 1221, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for determining that the condition of block 1203 remains satisfied. For example, the apparatus 200a may determine that the one or more conditions remain satisfied following performance of the action at block 1218 in accordance with the delay policy. In various embodiments, following elapse of the timer in accordance with the predetermined threshold and in response to the condition remaining satisfied, the process 1200 proceeds to block 1224.

[0115] In some embodiments, at block 1224, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, the radio interface 206a, or the like, for provisioning a second event-triggered report to the network. For example, the apparatus 200a may provision to the network node 110a second event-triggered report, which may include updated measurements or be duplicative of the first event-triggered report. Alternatively, the second event-triggered report may include an indication that the condition remains satisfied, while excluding any measurements. In some embodiments, at block 1227, the apparatus performing the process 1200 includes means, such as the processor 202a, the memory 204a, or the like, for resetting the timer in response to provisioning the second event-triggered report to the network node. For example, in response to provisioning the second event-triggered report to the network node, the apparatus 200a may restart the timer. In doing so, the delay policies may remain applicable. For example, following reset of the timer, the apparatus 200a may receive a cell switch command and determine that an updated value of the timer meets the predetermined threshold (e.g., the second command was received before the reset timer expired). In response to the determination, the apparatus 200a may perform a cell switch at an interval defined in accordance with a cell switch delay policy.

[0116] It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and combination of blocks in the flowcharts show in the figures and described herein may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and / or communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures or operations described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures or operations described above may be stored by a memory 204a or memory 204b of an apparatus (e.g., a UE or network node employing a disclosed embodiment and executed by a processor202a or processor 202b). As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0117] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. 37CLAIMS1. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:initiate a timer in response to provisioning an event-triggered report to a network node, wherein the event-triggered report is provisioned in response to satisfaction of at least one condition for at least one reference signal of at least one candidate cell;receive from the network node at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered report; andin response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, perform at least one action based at least in part on the at least one command and at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:provision to the network node an indication of a capability to apply the at least one delay policy in accordance with the predetermined range.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:receive the predetermined range from the network node.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:receive from the network node an event-triggered reporting configuration comprising the predetermined range.

385. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the at least one action comprises a cell switch to the at least one candidate cell; and the at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for cell switch to the at least one candidate cell.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the at least one action comprises a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) ordered random access channel (RACH) procedure to the at least one candidate cell; and the at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for PDCCH ordered RACH delay.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the at least one action comprises activation of a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state associated to the at least one reference signal; andthe at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for TCI state activation.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein:the apparatus is configured to provision the event-triggered report to the network node in response to a reference signal (RS) of a candidate cell meeting at least one of an enter condition or a leave condition; andthe RS is associated with a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state for the candidate cell.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein:the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:perform the at least one action in response to at least one signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurement meeting a predetermined SNR threshold.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1-9, wherein:the at least one reference signal comprises at least one of:a synchronization signal block (SSB); ora channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

11. The apparatus of any of claims 1-10, wherein:the event-triggered report is at least one of:a layer one (LI) event-triggered report; ora layer three (L3) event- triggered report.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1-11, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment (UE).

13. A method, comprising:initiating a timer in response to provisioning an event-triggered report to a network node, wherein the event-triggered report is provisioned in response to satisfaction of at least one condition for at least one reference signal of at least one candidate cell;receiving from the network node at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered report; andin response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, performing at least one action based at least in part on the at least one command and at an interval defined inaccordance with at least one delay policy.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:provisioning to the network node an indication of a capability to apply the at least one delay policy in accordance with the predetermined range.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein:the at least one action comprises a cell switch to a candidate cell; andthe at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for cell switch to the candidate cell.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein:the at least one action comprises PDCCH ordered RACH procedure to the at least one candidate cell; andthe at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for PDCCH ordered RACH delay.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein:the at least one action comprises activation of a TCI state associated to the at least one reference signal; andthe at least one delay policy comprises at least one delay policy for TCI state activation.

18. The method of any of claims 13-17, wherein:the at least one reference signal comprises at least one of:an SSB; ora CSI-RS.

19. The method of any of claims 13-18, wherein:the event-triggered report is at least one of:an LI event- triggered report; oran L3 event- triggered report.

20. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program code instructions comprising program code instructions configured to:initiate a timer in response to provisioning an event-triggered report to a network node, wherein the event-triggered report is provisioned in response to satisfaction of at least one condition for at least one reference signal of at least one candidate cell;receive from the network node at least one command based at least in part on the event-triggered report; andin response to a current value of the timer meeting a predetermined range, perform at least one action based at least in part on the at least one command and at an interval defined in accordance with at least one delay policy.

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