Data collection during handover

Abstract

User Equipment, UE (300), are configured by a source network node (400), such as a source gNB, for example, to retain or release one or more measurement and reporting configurations, or the data measurements that were collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations. The data may be provided, for example, to a target node (500), such as a target gNB, for example, and is utilized to train Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) models.

Description

[0001] DATA COLLECTION DURING HANDOVER

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This application relates generally to techniques for collecting data measurements, and more particularly to systems and methods for collecting data measurements during a mobility procedure of a user equipment, UE, and using that data to train Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) models.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Artificial Intelligence (Al) and Machine Learning (ML) have been identified, both in academia and in industry, as promising tools for optimizing the design of air-interfaces in wireless communication networks. For example, autoencoders for Channel State Information (CSI) compression may use Al and / or ML techniques to reduce feedback overhead and improve channel prediction accuracy. In another example, deep neural networks may be utilized to classify Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Non-LOS (NLOS) conditions, and thus, enhance positioning accuracy. Reinforcement learning can also be used for beam selection by the network and / or the User Equipment (UE) to reduce signaling overhead and beam alignment latency. In yet another example, deep reinforcement learning can be used to determine an optimal precoding policy for complex Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) precoding problems.

[0006] Release 18 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) standardization work, which began in May 2022, includes a new study item on AI / ML for the New Radio, NR, air interface. In particular, this study item will explore the benefits of augmenting air-interfaces to include features that enable improved support of AI / ML-based algorithms for enhancing performance and reducing complexity and / or overhead. More specifically, by analyzing a few selected use cases (e.g., CSI feedback, beam management, and positioning use cases), this study item focuses on laying a foundation for future air-interface use cases leveraging AI / ML techniques.

[0007] The analysis carried out during release 18 is now considered in the context of release 19. Additionally, during release 19, an additional new study item addressing AI / ML for mobility has been approved. In the context of this additional new study item, 3GPP is investigating methods for cell-level and / or beam-level Radio Resource Management, RRM, measurement predictions, and mobility event predictions (e.g. Radio Link Failure, RLF, handover failure, and mobility-related event predictions such as A3 / A5).

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and corresponding devices for configuring a user equipment, UE, to collect data measurements on a network node (e.g., a serving or target network node), and for collecting those data measurements from the UE during and / or after a mobility procedure, such as handover. The collected data is then utilized to train avariety of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) models, which may be used to optimize the design of air-interfaces in wireless communications networks, for example.

[0010] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a user equipment, UE, for configuring the UE to collect and report data measurements. In this aspect, the method comprises the UE receiving, from a first network node in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. The method further comprises the UE receiving, from the first network node or a second network node, a second message indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations. The method further comprises the UE, responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the data measurements, retaining the data measurements and either stopping to collect of the data measurements, or continuing to collect the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover command indicating that the UE is to execute handover to the second network node and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a first network node, for configuring a UE to collect and report data measurements. In this aspect, the method comprises the first network node transmitting, to a second network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE. The method further comprises the first network node receiving, from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. The method further comprises the first network node transmitting, to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of data measurement, data logging, and data reporting. The method further comprises the first network node transmitting, to the UE, a fourth message configuring the UE to retain or release data measurements collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover command indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0012] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a second network node, for configuring a user equipment, UE, to collect and report data measurements. In this aspect, the method comprises receiving, from a first network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE. The method further comprises transmitting, to the first network node, a second message indicating whether thesecond network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. The method further comprises receiving, from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and a request to collect data measurements from the UE. The method further comprises transmitting, to the first network node, a fourth message comprising a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and data measurements collected from the UE undergoing handover to the second network node.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment, UE, configured for data collection and reporting. In this aspect, the present disclosure configures the UE to receive, from a first network node in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. The present disclosure also configures the UE to receive, from the first network node or a second network node, a second message indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations. The present disclosure further configures the UE to, responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the data measurements, retain the data measurements and either stop collecting the data measurements, or continue to collect the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover command indicating that the UE is to execute handover to the second network node and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0014] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment, UE, configured for data collection and reporting. In this aspect, the UE comprises communication circuitry configured to communicate with one or more nodes and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive, from a first network node in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. The processing circuitry is also configured to receive, from the first network node or a second network node, a second message indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations. The processing circuitry is further configured to, responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the data measurements, retain the data measurements and either stop collecting the data measurements, or continue to collect the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover command indicating that the UE is to execute handover to the second network node and / or information explicitly orimplicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a User Equipment, UE, implementing a control application, causes it to perform the method of the first embodiment.

[0016] In a seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a carrier containing a computer program according to the sixth aspect. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0017] In an eighth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry in a User Equipment, UE, causes it to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0018] In a ninth aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node for configuring user equipment, UE, to collect and report data measurements. In this aspect, the network node is configured to transmit, to a second network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE. The network node is further configured to receive, from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. The network node is further configured to transmit, to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of data measurement, data logging, and data reporting. The network node is further configured to transmit, to the UE, a fourth message configuring the UE to retain or release data measurements collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover command indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0019] In a tenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node for configuring user equipment, UE, to collect and report data measurements. In this aspect, the network node comprises communication circuitry configured to communicate with one or more nodes, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to transmit, to a second network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE. The processing circuitry is further configured to receive, from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit, to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of data measurement, data logging, and data reporting. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit, to the UE, a fourthmessage configuring the UE to retain or release data measurements collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover command indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node, and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0020] In an eleventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of network node implementing a control application, causes it to perform the method of the second aspect.

[0021] In a twelfth aspect, the present disclosure provides a carrier containing a computer program according to the eleventh aspect. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0022] In a thirteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry in a network node implementing a control program, causes it to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0023] In a fourteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node for configuring user equipment, UE, to collect and report data measurements. In this aspect, the network node is configured to receive, from a first network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a UE. The network node is also configured to transmit, to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. The network node is further configured to receive, from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and a request to collect data measurements from the UE. The network node is then further configured to transmit, to the first network node, a fourth message comprising a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and data measurements collected from the UE undergoing handover to the second network node.

[0024] In a fifteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node for configuring user equipment, UE, to collect and report data measurements. In this aspect, the network node comprises communication circuitry configured to communicate with one or more nodes and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive, from a first network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit, to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. The processing circuitry is further configured to receive, from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of a handover request for the UEto perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and a request to collect data measurements from the UE. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit, to the first network node, a fourth message comprising a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and data measurements collected from the UE undergoing handover to the second network node.

[0025] In a sixteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a network node implementing a control program, causes it to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0026] In a seventeenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a carrier containing a computer program the sixteenth aspect. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0027] In an eighteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry in a network node implementing a control program, causes it to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0028] Moreover, in a nineteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a user equipment, UE. In this aspect, the method comprises the UE receiving, from a first network node in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. The method then comprises the UE receiving, from the first network node, a second message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations. Then, responsive to the second message explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, the method comprises the UE continuing to collect the data measurement values according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover indication indicating that the UE is to execute handover to a second network node, and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0029] In a twentieth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a first network node. In the second aspect, the method comprises the first network node transmitting, to a second network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from auser equipment, UE. The method further comprises the first network node receiving, from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. So received, the method comprises the first network node transmitting, to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. The method then comprises the first network node transmitting, to the UE, a fourth message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurement values collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or, report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, upon the UE receiving a handover request indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating the fourth message.

[0030] In a twenty-first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, performed by a second network node. In this aspect, the method comprises the second network node receiving, from a first network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE, transmitting, to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node, receiving, from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and a request to collect data measurement values from the UE, and transmitting, to the first network node, a fourth message comprising a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and the data measurement values collected from the UE performing the handover to the second network node.

[0031] In a twenty-second aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment, UE, configured receive, from a first network node in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. Additionally, the UE is configured to receive, from the first network node, a second message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / orreport the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations. The UE is further configured to, responsive to the second message explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, continue to collect the data measurement values according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover indication indicating that the UE is to execute handover to a second network node and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0032] In a twenty-third aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment, UE, comprising communication circuitry configured to communicate with one or more nodes and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive, from a first network node in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. The processing circuitry is further configured to receive, from the first network node, a second message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations. The processing circuitry is further configured to, responsive to the second message explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, continue to collect the data measurement values according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving a handover indication indicating that the UE is to execute handover to a second network node and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0033] In a twenty-fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a User Equipment, UE, implementing a control application, causes it to perform the method of the nineteenth aspect.

[0034] In a twenty-fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a carrier containing a computer program according to the twenty-fourth aspect. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.In a twenty-sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry in a User Equipment, UE, causes it to perform the method of the nineteenth aspect.

[0035] In a twenty-seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node configured to transmit, to a second network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE, receive, from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node, and transmit, to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. Additionally, the network node is configured to transmit, to the UE, a fourth message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurement values collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, upon the UE receiving a handover indication indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node, and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating the fourth message.

[0036] In a twenty-eighth aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node comprising communication circuitry configured to communicate with one or more nodes, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to transmit, to a second network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE, receive, from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node, and transmit, to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. The processing circuitry in this aspect is further configured to transmit, to the UE, a fourth message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurement values collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reportingconfigurations, upon the UE receiving a handover indication indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node, and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating the fourth message.

[0037] In a twenty-ninth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of network node implementing a control application, causes it to perform the method of the twentieth aspect.

[0038] In a thirtieth aspect, the present disclosure provides a carrier containing a computer program according to the twenty-ninth aspect. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0039] In a thirty-first aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry in a network node implementing a control program, causes it to perform the method according to the twentieth aspect.

[0040] In a thirty-second aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node for configuring user equipment, UE. In this aspect, the network node is configured to receive, from a first network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE. The network node is further configured to transmit, to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. The network node is further configured to receive, from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node, and a request to collect data measurement values from the UE. The network node is further configured to transmit, to the first network node, a fourth message comprising a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and the data measurement values collected from the UE performing the handover to the second network node.

[0041] In a thirty-third aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node for configuring user equipment, UE. In this aspect, the network node comprises communication circuitry configured to communicate with one or more nodes and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive, from a first network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit, to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node. The processing circuitry is further configured to receive, from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of a handover request for the UE to perform handover from thefirst network node to the second network node and a request to collect data measurement values from the UE. The processing circuitry is further configured to transmit, to the first network node, a fourth message comprising a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and the data measurement values collected from the UE performing the handover to the second network node.

[0042] In a thirty-fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a network node implementing a control program, causes it to perform the method of the twenty-first aspect.

[0043] In a thirty-fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a carrier containing a computer program the thirty-fourth aspect. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0044] In a thirty-sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry in a network node implementing a control program, causes it to perform the method of the twenty-first aspect.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figures 1-4 are signaling diagrams illustrating some exemplary signaling that may occur between a User Equipment, UE, a source gNB, and a target gNB according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figures 5A-5B are flow diagrams illustrating a method, implemented by a UE, for configuring the UE to collect and report data measurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figures 6A-6B are flow diagrams illustrating a method, implemented by a source gNB, for configuring a UE to collect and report data measurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figures 7A-7C are flow diagrams illustrating a method, implemented by a target gNB, for configuring a UE to collect and report data measurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figures 8A-8B are flow diagrams illustrating a method, implemented by a UE, for configuring the UE with one or more measurement and reporting configurations for collecting and reporting data measurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figures 9A-9B are flow diagrams illustrating a method, implemented by a source gNB, for configuring the UE with one or more measurement and reporting configurations for collecting and reporting data measurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figures 10A-10C are flow diagrams illustrating a method, implemented by a target gNB, for configuring the UE with one or more measurement and reporting configurations for collecting and reporting data measurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure.Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating some of the main functional components of a User Equipment, UE, configured according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating some of the main functional components of a source gNB configured according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating some of the main functional components of a target gNB configured according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Data Collection

[0057] Data collection is an essential tool that enables the generation of trained models that are suitable for a specific device. For example, consider situations that apply Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) to Radio Access Network (RAN)-based use cases (e.g., beam management, positioning accuracy enhancements, cell / frequency level measurement predictions, mobility event predictions, and the like). In such cases, an AI / ML model could be “UE-sided,” (i.e., tailored for specific UEs) or “NW-sided” (e.g., tailored for specific gNBs). For RAN schemes based on trained AI / ML models to outperform conventional schemes that are not based on trained AI / ML models (i.e., “non-AI / ML” models), the device that is being trained (e.g., a UE or gNB) must collect a sufficient amount of valid data so as to enable the generation of a model suitable for device inference. If the data set collected fortraining the model does not match the inputs seen during inference, then AI / ML may not provide the expected benefits.

[0058] 3GPP has so far assumed that the gNB and / or the Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) will be in charge of NW-side models. For example, in the context of AI / ML for physical layer measurements, it is assumed that the gNB responsible for data collection will also configure the UE with a set of resources (e.g., Channel State Information - Reference Signal, CSI-RS, resources or Synchronization Signal Block, SSB, resource sets) for use in collecting data measurements for a predetermined period of time. Once collected, the UE will report the data measurements to the gNB via RRC signaling, for example. Using that data, the model can be trained by the gNB itself, or in another network node controlled by the gNB-vendor (e.g., an Over-the-Top, OTT, server handled by the gNB-vendor). A similar approach would apply for cases in which the OAM performs the NW-side training. Particularly, the OAM would request the gNB to provide the UE with a specified configuration that configures the UE to perform certain measurements and collect data. Once data collection is completed, the UE will transfer the collected data to the OAM (e.g., using a Minimization Drive Test, MDT, framework such as the immediate MDT or the logged MDT frameworks).

[0059] From an operational point of view, performing data collection implies that the UE can log the data measurements intended for training a NW-side model, and then store that data in local memory. Since this type of data does not have any stringent latency requirements, it is beneficial for both the UE and the network (e.g., in terms of UE power consumption or spectral efficiency) for the UE to simply log the data measurements (e.g., the beam / cell / frequency levelqualities), and delay their transmission until later rather than immediately upon performing the corresponding measurements (e.g., as is done for conventional L1 measurements transmitted on Uplink Control Information, UCI). Delaying the transmission of data measurements reduces the power consumed by the UE because it no longer needs to continuously access a channel to transmit data having no stringent latency requirements. It also reduces the impact on spectral efficiency by freeing the spectrum to be used for transmitting data having a higher priority or more stringent latency requirements.

[0060] In the context of using AI / ML for physical layer operations, the objective is to train an AI / ML model for beam management. Hence, based on data collected at layer 1, 3GPP decided to enable the UE to transmit the logged L1 measurements (i.e., beam level measurements) via RRC signalling (e.g., periodically, potentially based on events, or upon network request). This avoids the complexity and inefficiency of reporting over the L1.

[0061] Logging collected measurements also implies that the UE needs to send logged data in multiple Radio Resource Control, RRC, messages. In particular, the preferred framework to transfer such data from the UE to the network is based on the UElnformationRequest / UEInformationResponse messages. In these cases, the gNB requests the collected data from the UE which then, in response, transmits the collected data. Further, this framework allows the UE to signal a “measurement availability indication” to the gNB indicating the availability of additional logged data stored in memory at the UE. This information allows the network to then transmit subsequent UElnformationRequest messages for the transmission of other portions of logged data.

[0062] As for when the UE should begin logging such data, it can either start upon receiving a certain configuration, or when certain radio events are fulfilled. For example, both L1 and L3 event types can be considered. An L1 event can be based, for example, on the definition of thresholds, which is based on L1 Received Signal Reference Power, RSRP, quality measured for the CSI-RS or SSBs. An L3 type of event, however, can be associated with thresholds based on cell level measurements or even to radio events such as beam failures, radio link failures, or the starting of timers associated with radio link failures (e.g., T310 orT312). Given the flexibility and efficiency of such methods, the same or similar approach of reporting over L3 RRC signalling is expected to be adopted in future AI / ML RAN use cases.

[0063] Data collection over Xn interface

[0064] To support Al use cases for Next Generation RAN, NG-RAN, New Radio, NR, introduces the Data Collection Reporting Initiation procedure and the Data Collection Reporting procedure.

[0065] In the Data Collection Reporting Initiation procedure, a source NG-RAN node can send a DataCollectionRequest message to a target NG-RAN node via an Xn interface to start or stop information reporting. In response, the target NG-RAN node will either, respectively, initiate the requested information reporting, or stop all measurements and predictions and terminate thereporting according to the parameters indicated in the request. If the target NG-RAN node is able to provide at least some or all of the requested information, the target NG-RAN node will initiate the corresponding information reporting as requested by the source NG-RAN node and respond with the DataCollectionResponse message. Otherwise, the target NG-RAN node will respond with a DataCollectionFailure message indicating an appropriate failure cause value.

[0066] The DataCollectionRequest message may indicate an NG-RAN nodel Measurement ID, an NG-RAN node2 Measurement ID, a collected datatype (e.g., a predicted radio resource status, a predicted number of active UEs, a predicted RRC connections, an average UE throughput DL, an average UE throughput UL, an average packet delay, an average packet loss DL, an energy cost, a measured UE trajectory), a cell ID list for data collection, a report periodicity (e.g., 500ms, 1000ms, 2000ms, 5000ms, 10000ms), a requested prediction time (e.g., 1s...60s), a UE trajectory collection configuration (i.e., collection time duration starting at successful handover for UE trajectory and maximum number of intra-node visited cells), a UE performance collection configuration (i.e., a collection time duration beginning at a successful handover for UE performance), and a data collection activation and deactivation indication.

[0067] The Data Collection Reporting procedure, on the other hand, is initiated by the target NG-RAN node to report information accepted by this node following a successful Data Collection Reporting Initiation procedure. If a Data Collection ID (i.e., NG-RAN nodel Measurement ID and NG-RAN node2 Measurement ID) is contained in the handover request message, the target NG-RAN node will, if supported, report the requested information (i.e., configured via the previous Data Collection Reporting Initiation procedure corresponding to the NG-RAN nodel Measurement ID IE, allocated by the source NG-RAN node, and the NG-RAN node2 measurement ID IE, allocated by the target NG-RAN node) to the source NG-RAN node after successful handover via the Data Collection Reporting procedure.

[0068] Data collection during handover

[0069] In Al PHY and Al mobility, a UE may retain logged data during handover from a source gNB to a target gNB. If that logged data is retained in memory, the UE indicates the availability of the logged data during handover (i.e., within the RRCReconfigurationComplete message). Whether scenarios exist in which the UE needs to release the logged data, how the UE will know whether it needs to release the logged data, and whether control from the network is needed for these procedures, will be discussed in future 3GPP RAN2 meetings for Al PHY.

[0070] For Al mobility, RRM measurement predictions and / or RRM measurement event predictions for serving cells and neighbor cells for time instances during and after handover are expected to evaluate the performance of mobility decisions. 3GPP discussed the procedures for logging data for AI / ML NW-side data collection in the context of the work performed on AI / ML for physical layer for beam management purposes. However, data collection during handover is not necessary to support Al-based beam management. This is because beam management is a layer-1 procedure that needs to deal with intra-cell mobility, not with inter-cell / frequency mobilityoptimization. On the other hand, with respect to Al-based mobility optimizations, data collection continuity during mobility (i.e., before, during, and after the execution of mobility procedures) is necessary for training a NW-side model that is able to optimize mobility decisions.

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure address such issues by enabling the collection of data measurements made by a UE during and / or after a mobility procedure, such as handover, from one network node to another, and therefore, provides benefits and advantages that conventional methods and techniques cannot or do not provide. For example, the transition from one cell to another (e.g., a mobility procedure such as handover) is generally a very important event. Thus, measurements need to be collected during this event for the sake of deriving, for example, training data and / or performance measurement data for AI / ML based mobility purposes. During handover, cell signals may suddenly rise and drop. Because of this fast and volatile trend in cell signals, it is important to collect measurements during handover events. Particularly, it enables a network node to make predictions on how data measurements may change during mobility procedures.

[0072] For inter-RAN node handover situations, it is not possible to maintain measurement continuity during handover. Therefore, during inter-RAN node handovers, there is a gap in measurement collection that would leave any process tasked with predicting how UE measurements change during mobility blind with respect to measurements during handover processes. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are able to continuously collect mobility measurements during handovers, and more generally, during and / or after mobility processes where the UE moves from one cell to another or from one RAN node to another. Not only does this enable mobility measurement collection continuity, but it also, as a consequence, enables the training and validation of models aimed at predicting mobility measurements in all mobility conditions.

[0073] In more detail, the methods and techniques described herein apply to RANs where the RAN collects measurements and information (e.g., from UEs) concerning the served radio environment to support processes able to derive information such as measurements, metrics, and events, that help in making mobility decisions for served UEs. To that end, the present embodiments assume that the techniques used to derive such information are AI / ML based. However, those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that this is merely for illustrative purposes, and that this assumption does not limit the applicability of the methods to non AI / ML techniques. For example, in one embodiment, the techniques and methods described herein are based on rule-based algorithms.

[0074] Additionally, the present embodiments are described using the 5G network as an illustrative example. As above, however, those of ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such examples do not limit the applicability of the methods disclosed herein to other radio access networks. In general, the embodiments described herein can be used in any networkwhere mobility decisions are made using techniques that require the acquisition of specific information (such as measurements and events) at specific points in time, such as 6G networks.

[0075] The embodiments in this disclosure are described using a mobility procedure of a UE (i.e., handover) as an example. However, it should be understood that the methods described herein apply to any mobility procedure that may be used to enable a UE to move between different coverage areas of a RAN, as well as between different nodes of a RAN. For example, the mobility processes to which the methods herein described apply may comprise Lower-layer Triggered Mobility, LTM, based mobility.

[0076] Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a signaling diagram 10 illustrating some exemplary signaling between a UE 300, a source gNB 400, and a target gNB 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted here that the messages and functions seen in Figure 1 are described as if they occur in sequential order (i.e., from line 12 to line 40). However, this is simply for ease of discussion. In some embodiments, for example, the messages indicated by lines 18 and 20 may occur before the message indicated by line 12 is sent.

[0077] As seen in the embodiment of Figure 1 , source gNB 400 sends a Data Collection Request message to target gNB 500 (line 12). According to the present disclosure, this message indicates data collection for one or more use cases. Such use cases include, but are not limited to, RRM measurements, RRM measurement events, and beam measurement use cases. Additionally, in one embodiment, this message indicates an NG-RAN nodel Measurement ID.

[0078] To support such requesting and reporting of specific measurements, the Data Collection Request message may indicate any one or more of the following:

[0079] • RRM measurement configuration information; and / or

[0080] • RRM measurement event configuration information; and / or

[0081] • CSI report configuration information; and / or

[0082] • time duration information for collecting data during a handover procedure, after the handover procedure has completed, or during and after handover. In such cases, the configuration information may include configuration ID information.

[0083] In at least one embodiment, the DataCollectionRequest message may indicate cell list information for cells from which the UE is to collect data measurements. Additionally, this message may indicate that the UE should continue to collect data during and / or after a mobility procedure such as handover, for example, using a flag. However, those of ordinary skill in the art should readily appreciate that the present disclosure is not limited to the use of this particular message. In at least one embodiment, for example, information regarding a measurement and reporting configuration to be signaled to the UE is sent from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500 in a different message.Upon receipt of the DataCollectionRequest message, target gNB 500 determines whether it can provide source gNB 400 with none, some, or all of the requested data (box 14) and returns a DataCollectionResponse message to source gNB (line 16) indicating that decision. For example, in one embodiment, the DataCollectionResponse message includes an NG-RAN node2 Measurement ID if it is able to provide all or part of the information requested in the DataCollectionRequest message sent by source gNB 400 (e.g., all or part of RRM measurement information, RRM measurement event information, beam measurement, CSI measurement, and the like).

[0084] Additionally, in one embodiment, the DataCollectionResponse message includes the NG-RAN nodel Measurement ID carried in the DataCollectionRequest message sent to target gNB 500 in line 12 and indicates which measurement object target gNB 500 can report and / or which measurement object target gNB 500 cannot report. In these latter cases, the DataCollectionRequest message also provides a cause indicator that identifies the cause for not being able to report the measurement object. In one embodiment, this message may also include detailed configuration information (e.g., a configuration ID). As stated above, in at least one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message that is used to configure the UE to collect data measurements at the second network node is sent by the second network node to the first network node in the DataCollectionResponse message.

[0085] Responsive to receiving the DataCollectionResponse message in line 16, source gNB 400 sends a RRCReconfiguration message to a UE 300 (line 18). In this embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message indicates a data collection configuration to the UE. Such data collection configurations may include, but are not limited to, configurations for RRM measurements, RRM measurement events, RLFs, HOFs, beam measurements, and CSI measurements. Additionally, the data collection configuration may indicate whether UE 300 is to continue data collection for some or all of the specified measurements during and / or after handover. The data collection configuration may further indicate, in at least one embodiment, whether UE 300 is to release or retain some or all of a specified measurement configuration. In response to receiving an indication to retain the logged measurement configuration, UE 300 will retain the logged measurement configuration.

[0086] For example, consider a situation where handover is triggered. In these cases, the data collection configuration sent in the RRCReconfiguration message may indicate a time duration indicating how long UE 300 is to continue collecting data measurements for some or all of one or more specified measurements during and / or after handover. Additionally, the data collection configuration may also include configuration ID information (e.g., a measurement ID, a report configuration ID, and the like).

[0087] In at least one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message may include at least one or more logged measurement configurations for data collection on source gNB 400 and / or one or more measurement configurations for data collection on target gNB 500. In some cases, datacollection on source gNB 400 continues until a mobility procedure to target gNB 500 is executed (e.g., handover) or until the mobility procedure to target gNB 500 is complete. In other cases, the data collection on target gNB 500 begins when the mobility procedure to target gNB 500 is executed, or when the mobility procedure to target gNB 500 is complete. The time duration information may apply to all of these data collection scenarios, or it may include separate time duration information for each of these specific measurements.

[0088] For example, the RRCReconfiguration message may include a first data collection configuration that pertains to source gNB 400. As previously described, UE 300 performs data collection according to this configuration while it is connected to the first network node and / or while executing the mobility procedure to a second network node. Additionally, the RRCReconfiguration message may include a second data collection configuration that pertains to target gNB 500. UE 300, as previously described, will perform data collection on target gNB 500 upon completing a mobility procedure to target gNB 500 and / or while executing the mobility procedure to target gNB 500.

[0089] In one embodiment, the information provided to UE 300 indicating whether UE 300 should perform data collection during a mobility procedure may be signaled as a dedicated indication forthat purpose, either within the mobility (e.g., handover) command towards UE 300 or as part of a separate reconfiguration towards UE 300. Alternatively, such information might be made available to UE 300 via some other means, such as configuration, before a mobility procedure such as handover begins. In one embodiment, for example, a UE 300 collecting data for AI / ML purposes implies that UE 300 should continue collecting data during the handover. Regardless, RRCReconfiguration message may include measurement configuration information for measurements to be taken during a mobility procedure (e.g., handover). Such measurements include, but are not limited to, RSRP values, and RSRP values associated with a specific point in time or with a selected point during the mobility procedure.

[0090] Next, UE 300 returns a RRCReconfigurationComplete message to the source gNB (line 20). Upon receipt, source gNB 400 makes a handover decision for the UE to move from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500. If not requested by means of previous procedures (e.g., via a Data Collection Reporting Initiation procedure), and if UE 300 has data available to collect, source gNB 400 may request target gNB 500 to collect the data from UE 300 on behalf of source gNB 400. The source gNB 400 may know whether UE 300 has data available to collect since source gNB 400 configured UE 300 for data collection.

[0091] Source gNB 400 then sends a HandoverRequest message (or other mobility message) to target gNB 500 (line 22). In one embodiment, the HandoverRequest message may include a corresponding Data Collection ID with the NG-RAN nodel Measurement ID and the corresponding NG-RAN node2 Measurement ID provided in the DataCollectionRequest message of line 12.In response to receiving the HandoverRequest message in line 22, target gNB 500 replies to source gNB 400 with a HandoverRequestAcknowledge message (line 24). In one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message that configures UE 300 is configured once at target gNB 500, and then sent to source gNB 400 in this message.

[0092] Source gNB 400 then sends a RRCReconfiguration message to UE 300 (line 26). In this embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message includes the Handovercommand information received in the HandoverRequestAcknowledge message (line 24), and further, may include an indication to release all or some of the data collection configured by source gNB 400. In one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message may include an indication to report a data collection to target gNB 500 after handover is completed provided UE 300 has available logged data for some or all of the data collection configured by source gNB 400 according to the network configuration information. In at least one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message may include an indication for UE 300 to continue data collection during and / or after handover.

[0093] In one embodiment, an RRCReconfiguration message including a handover command may comprise a data collection configuration that pertains to source gNB 400. In these embodiments, UE 300 will continue to collect data measurements according to that data collection configuration until handover has either completed or failed (box 28). In another embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message also includes a second data collection configuration that pertains to target gNB 500. In these latter situations, UE 300 performs data collection upon completing the handover procedure to target gNB 500 and / or while executing handover to target gNB 500.

[0094] In some embodiments, upon executing the handover procedure (i.e., reconfiguration with sync included in the handover command), or upon completing the handover procedure, UE 300 discards the data collection configuration pertaining to source gNB 400 (which was received by UE 300, as described in the previous embodiments) but retains the data collection configuration pertaining to target gNB 500.

[0095] Next, UE 300 sends a RRCReconfigurationComplete message to target gNB 500 for purposes of handover (line 30). In this embodiment, the RRCReconfigurationComplete message may include a logged data availability indication information according to a network configuration. In this embodiment, the logged data availability indication information may include information pertaining to a report configuration ID, a serving cell ID, and a source gNB ID of the available logged data.

[0096] In response to the RRCReconfigurationComplete message, target gNB 500 may send a Handoversuccess message or a UEContextRelease message to source gNB 400 (line 32) indicating a successful handover of UE 300 from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500. UE 300 may then send a message to target gNB 500 indicating the availability of logged data for collection when the logged data is available for collection (line 34). In these embodiments, themessage may include a report configuration ID, a serving cell ID, and a source gNB ID of the available logged data if UE 300 does not indicate this in the RRCReconfigurationComplete message of line 30.

[0097] Target gNB 500 then sends an UElnformationRequest message to UE 300 (line 36) requesting UE 300 to report at least the collected logged data indicated in the UElnformationRequest message or in the RRCReconfigurationComplete message of line 30. UE 300 then reports the collected logged data requested in the message of line 34 to target gNB 500 (line 38). Upon receipt, target gNB 500 sends the collected logged data received from UE 300 and configured for collection by source gNB 400 in the UElnformationRequest message of line 36 to source gNB 400. In this embodiment, for example, target gNB 500 sends the collected logged data to source gNB 400 in a DataCollectionUpdate message (line 40).

[0098] Note that in some embodiments, UE 300 may continue collecting data during handover and / or after handover according to a network configuration. In this case, UE 300 may flag the availability of logged data multiple times while collecting the data, or it might flag the availability of data at the end of the data collection process at the target RAN node. The target RAN node may then report the data collected from UE 300 once at the end of the data collection process, or multiple times (e.g., every time after the target RAN node collects a batch of data from UE 300.

[0099] Figure 2 is a signaling diagram 50 illustrating some exemplary signaling between UE 300, source gNB 400, and target gNB 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As in Figure 1, this embodiment is described as if the messages occur in a specific sequence. However, it should be noted here that the RRCReconfiguration and RRCReconfigurationComplete messages seen in lines 58 and 60, respectively, may occur prior to source gND 400 sending the DataCollectionRequest message in line 52 to target gNB 500.

[0100] Accordingly, this embodiment begins with source gNB 400 sending target gNB 500 a DataCollectionRequest message (line 52). In this embodiment, the DataCollectionRequest message indicates at least data collection for RRM measurements or for RRM measurement events. In one embodiment, this message also indicates an NG-RAN nodel Measurement ID. Additionally, for the purpose of requesting and reporting specific measurements, this message may indicate one or more of:

[0101] • RRM measurement configuration information;

[0102] • RRM measurement event configuration information; and

[0103] • time duration information for data collection after handover, where the configuration information may include configuration ID information.

[0104] In one embodiment, the DataCollectionRequest message may indicate cell list information for cells from which the UE is to collect data measurements. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the DataCollectionRequest message may include information indicating that UE 300 is to continue data collection during and / or after handover. For example, in oneembodiment, this indication is made using a flag. In at least some embodiments, information associated with the configuration signaled to UE 300 may be sent from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500 in a different message.

[0105] Upon receiving the DataCollectionRequest message, target gNB 500 decides whether UE 300 should or should not continue to collect data measurements (box 54) and returns a DataCollectionResponse message to source gNB 400 (line 56). In this embodiment, target gNB 500 sends the DataCollectionResponse message to include an NG-RAN node2 Measurement ID provided target gNB 500 is able to provide some or all of the information requested by source gNB 400 in the DataCollectionRequest message (e.g., RRM measurement information, RRM measurement event information). If, however, target gNB 500 is not able to provide all information requested in the DataCollectionRequest message of line 52, target gNB 500 returns a DataCollectionFailure message to source gNB 400.

[0106] Next, source gNB 400 sends a RRCReconfiguration message to UE 300 (line 58). In this embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message indicates the measurement and reporting configuration for UE 300 to collect data (e.g., RRM measurements, RRM measurement events). In some cases, the configuration may indicate that UE 300 should release its data collected for some or all of one or more specific measurements prior to executing handover.

[0107] UE 300 then sends, in reply to the RRCReconfiguration message, a RRCReconfigurationComplete message to the source gNB 400 (line 60). Upon receipt, source gNB 400 makes a handover decision for UE 300 to handover UE 300 from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500, and then sends a HandoverRequest message to target gNB 500 (line 62). In response, target gNB 500 returns a HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message to source gNB 400 (line 64). Next, source gNB 400 sends another RRCReconfiguration message to UE 300 (line 66). In this embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message includes Handovercommand information and may include the indication for UE 300 to release some or all of the data collection configured by source gNB 400.

[0108] In one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message may include an indication to report a data collection to target gNB 500 after handover is completed provided UE 300 has available logged data for some or all of the data collection configured by source gNB 400 according to the network configuration information. In at least one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message may include an indication for UE 300 to continue data collection during and / or after handover.

[0109] In one embodiment, an RRCReconfiguration message including a handover command may comprise a data collection configuration that pertains to source gNB 400. In another embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message also includes a second data collection configuration that pertains to target gNB 500. In these latter situations, UE 300 performs data collection upon completing the handover procedure to target gNB 500 and / or while executing handover to target gNB 500.In some embodiments, upon executing the handover procedure (i.e., reconfiguration with sync included in the handover command), or upon completing the handover procedure, UE 300 discards the data collection configuration pertaining to source gNB 400 (which was received by UE 300 as described in the previous embodiments) but retains the data collection configuration pertaining to target gNB 500.

[0110] In this embodiment, however, UE 300 releases the data it collected (box 68) and returns an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to target gNB 500 (line 70) for purposes of handover. So received, target gNB 500 sends either a Handoversuccess message or a UEContextRelease message to source gNB 400 to notify source gNB 400 of a successful handover of UE 300 from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500 (line 72).

[0111] Figure 3 is a signaling diagram 80 illustrating some exemplary signaling between UE 300, source gNB 400, and target gNB 500 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in Figure 3, source gNB 400 sends an RRCReconfiguration message to UE 300 (line 82). As previously stated, the RRCReconfiguration message indicates one or more measurement and reporting configurations that define data collection by UE 300 (e.g., RRM measurements, RRM measurement events, beam measurements, CSI measurements, etc.). Additionally, as stated above, the configuration(s) in this embodiment may also indicate that UE 300 is to release the data it has collected for some or all of specified measurements prior to handover. In at least one embodiment, the configuration(s) indicated in the RRCReconfiguration message indicate time duration information for UE 300 to continue data collection for some or all of the measurements specified in the configuration(s) during and / or after performing handover. This time duration information may apply to the collection of all data measurements, or it may include separate time duration information for specific data measurements.

[0112] Next, UE 300 returns an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to source gNB 400 (line 84). Upon receipt, source gNB 400 makes a decision to handover UE 300 from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500. Further, source gNB 400 decides to request target gNB 500 to collect data from UE 300 on behalf of source gNB 400, provided there is data available to collect. That is, once source gNB 400 has configured UE 300 to perform the data collection process (e.g., via the RRCReconfiguration message in line 82), it sends a HandoverRequest message to target gNB 500 (line 86). In this embodiment, the HandoverRequest message includes information indicating to target gNB 500 that the data collected by UE 300 during and / or after handover is to be reported to source gNB 400. Additionally, in some embodiments, the HandoverRequest message may further indicate measurement configuration information, and / or time duration information for data collection during and / or after handover. In such embodiments, the configuration information may include configuration ID information. In one embodiment, the HandoverRequest message may indicate cell list information identifying the cells on which UE 300 is to collect data measurements. In some embodiments, the HandoverRequest messagemay indicate information concerning whether UE 300 is to continue data collection during and / or after handover. Such an indication may be made using, for example, a flag.

[0113] Target gNB 500 then returns a HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message to source gNB 400 (line 88). In this embodiment, the HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message includes information indicating whether target gNB 500 can or cannot support the measurement collection and / or reporting activities requested by source gNB 400. If not, target gNB 500 can provide a cause in the HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message. In at least one embodiment, the HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message includes detailed configuration information, such as a configuration ID, for example.

[0114] Upon receiving the HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message from target gNB 500, source gNB 400 sends an RRCReconfiguration message to UE 300 (line 90). In this embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message includes the Handovercommand information that was sent to target gNB 500 in the HandoverRequest message, and in some cases, may also include an indication for UE 300 to release some or all of the data it has collected as configured by source gNB 400. In at least one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message may include an indication for UE 300 to report the data it has collected to target gNB 500 after handover if UE 300 has logged data available for some or all of configurations provided by source gNB 400 according to network configuration information. Additionally, in one embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message sent to UE 300 may indicate that UE 300 is to continue the configured data collection(s) during and / or after handover, as previously described.

[0115] In response to receiving the RRCReconfiguration message, UE 300 continues collecting data according to the configuration(s) provided by source gNB 400, if it is so indicated in the RRCReconfiguration message (box 92), and returns an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to target gNB 500 for handover purposes (line 94). Particularly, in this embodiment, the RRCReconfigurationComplete message may include the logged data availability indication information (e.g., an indicator) according to the network configuration. In such cases, the logged data availability indication information may include information such as the report configuration ID, the serving cell ID, and the source gNB ID associated with the available logged data.

[0116] Next, target gNB 500 sends either a Handoversuccess message or a UEContextRelease message to source gNB 400 to notify source gNB 400 of a successful handover of UE 300 from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500 (line 96). Upon receipt, UE 300 may return a message to target gNB 500 indicating the availability of the logged data for collection when the logged data is available for collection (line 98). In this embodiment, the message sent to target gNB 500 by UE 300 includes the report configuration ID, the serving cell ID, and source gNB ID of the available logged data.

[0117] Target gNB 500 then sends a UElnformationRequest message to UE 300 requesting UE 300 to report at least the previously collected logged data (line 100). In response, UE 300 reports the requested collected logged data to target gNB 500 (line 102). Target gNB 500 thenreturns the logged data sent by UE 300, and that was configured for collection by source gNB 400, to source gNB 400 in a HandoverReport message or an AccessAndMobilitylndication message (line 104).

[0118] Note that in some embodiments, UE 300 may continue collecting data measurements during and / or after handover according to the network configuration. In these cases, UE 300 may flag (i.e., indicate) the availability of logged data multiple times during the process of data collection, or it might do so at the end of the data collection process at a target RAN node. The target RAN node may then report the data collected from UE 300 accordingly. By way of example only, the target RAN node reports the collected data once at the end of the data collection process, or it may report the collected data multiple times (e.g., after each time it collects / receives a batch of data from UE 300).

[0119] Figure 4 is a signaling diagram 110 illustrating some exemplary signaling between UE 300, source gNB 400, and target gNB 500 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As seen in Figure 4, source gNB 400 sends an RRCReconfiguration message to UE 300 (line 112). As in the previous embodiments, the RRCReconfiguration message in this embodiment indicates the configuration of data collection for UE 300 (e.g., RRM measurements, RRM measurement events, beam measurements, CSI measurements, and the like). That is, source gNB 400 configures UE 300 to collect and / or report specified data. Additionally, however, this message may also indicate whether UE 300 is to release the data it has collected for some or all of one or more specified measurements prior to undergoing a mobility procedure, such as handover. In one embodiment, the configuration may indicate time duration information for UE 300. In such embodiments, UE 300 would continue collecting data measurements, as configured by source gNB 400, for some or all of the specified measurements during and / or after handover. According to the present disclosure, the time duration information may apply to all data collections at UE 300. Alternatively, the time duration information may comprise separate time duration information to be applied to corresponding data measurements.

[0120] In response to receiving the RRCReconfiguration message, UE 300 returns an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to source gNB 400 (line 114). Source gNB 400 then determines whether UE 300 is to be handed over from source gNB 400 to target gNB500. Further, according to the present embodiments, source gNB 400 may decide to request target gNB 500 to collect data from UE 300 on behalf of source gNB 400, provided UE 300 has collected data available to report. As previously stated, the data collection process at UE 300 is configured by source gNB 400. To accomplish this, source gNB 400 may send a HandoverRequest message to target gNB 500 (line 116). According to the present disclosure, the HandoverRequest message may include information indicating to target gNB 500 that the data collected by UE 300 during and / or after the handover procedure is to be reported to source gNB 400. This message may indicate measurement configuration information. Further, the HandoverRequest message may indicate time duration information for data collection by UE300 during and / or after handover. In some cases, the HandoverRequest message may further include configuration information, which may comprise configuration ID information. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the HandoverRequest message may indicate cell list information identifying the cells on which UE 300 is to collect data measurements. In one embodiment, the HandoverRequest message may indicate information that indicates whether UE 300 is to continue collecting or release some or all of the data measurements it collected during and / or after handover via for example a flag.

[0121] In response to the HandoverRequest message, target gNB 500returns a HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message to source gNB 400 (line 118). According to the present embodiments, the HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message may include information indicating whether target gNB 500 can or cannot support some or all of the requested data measurement reporting. In cases where target gNB 500 cannot support some or all of the requested data measurement reporting, target gNB 500 will provide a cause.

[0122] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the HandoverRequestAcknowledgement message may include detailed configuration information, such as a configuration ID, for example.

[0123] Source gNB 400 then sends an RRCReconfiguration message to UE 300 (line 120). In this embodiment, the RRCReconfiguration message includes Handovercommand information. Additionally, or alternatively, the RRCReconfiguration message may include an indication for UE 300 to release some or all of the data it has collected as configured by source gNB 400. In this embodiment, UE 300 releases its collected data as indicated in the RRCReconfiguration message (box 122).

[0124] UE 300 then sends an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to target gNB 500 for handover purposes (line 124). In response, target gNB 500 returns either a Handoversuccess message or a UEContextRelease message to source gNB 400 (line 126) to notify source gNB 400 of the successful handover of UE 300 from source gNB 400 to target gNB 500.

[0125] Additionally, according to any of the above embodiments, source gNB 400 may configure UE 300 with multiple measurement and reporting configurations. By way of example only, source gNB 400 may provide UE 300 with a radio measurement configuration comprising first and second data collection configurations. In such embodiments, the first data collection configuration may configure UE 300 to perform measurements on a first network node, while the second data collection configuration may configure UE 300 to perform measurements on a second, different network node. In some embodiments, the configurations may configure UE 300 to release the first data collection configuration and keep the second data collection configuration (or vice versa) when UE 300 begins executing a mobility procedure (e.g., handover from one node to another), or upon completing the mobility procedure.

[0126] Figures 5A-5B illustrate a method 130, implemented by UE 300, collecting and / or reporting data measurements during a mobility procedure, such as handover, of UE 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in these figures, UE 300receives, from a first network node in a communication network (e.g., source gNB 400), a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations. In this embodiment, the configurations configure UE 300 to perform at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting (box 132). UE 300 then receives, from the first network node or a second network node, a second message indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations (box 134). Responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the data measurements, UE 300 retains the data measurements already collected and, in addition, either stops collecting the data measurements or continues to collect the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving one or both of a handover command indicating that the UE is to execute handover to the second network node, and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node (box 136).

[0127] As stated above, the one or more measurement and reporting configurations configure UE 300 for data collection on the first network node and / or the second network node. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, UE 300 continues the data collection on the first network node until a mobility procedure handing the UE over to the second network node is executed or the mobility procedure is complete. Additionally, or alternatively, UE 300 begins data collection on the second network node when the mobility procedure handing UE 300 over to the second network node is executed or the mobility procedure is complete (box 138).

[0128] In one embodiment, responsive to the second message indicating that UE 300 is to release the data measurements, UE 300 releases a first measurement and reporting configuration that configures UE 300 to perform measurements on the first network node, and retains a second measurement and reporting configuration that configures UE 300 to perform measurements on the second network node.

[0129] In one embodiment, UE 300 sends, to the second network node, an availability indicator indicating an availability of logged measurement data collected according to at least a first measurement and reporting configuration (box 140). In return UE 300 receives, from the second network node, a third message requesting UE 300 to collect data measurements according to a second measurement and reporting configuration (box 142). UE 300 then sends, to the second network node, the logged data measurements collected by UE 300 according to the at least first measurement and reporting configuration (box 144).

[0130] In one embodiment, information in the first message comprises some or all of the information in the second message, and the information in the second message comprises some or all of the information in the first message.

[0131] In one embodiment, the first message comprises an RRCReconfiguration message.In one embodiment, the one or more measurement and reporting configurations indicated in the first message comprise a configuration for at least one of Radio Resource Management, RRM, measurements, RRM measurement events, Radio Link Failures, RLFs, Handover Failures, HOFs, beam measurements, and Channel State Information, CSI, measurements. Additionally, in this embodiment, each of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations includes a configuration ID.

[0132] In one embodiment, the first message further includes an indication to UE 300 to continue collecting data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations during and / or after a handover procedure.

[0133] In one embodiment, the configuration ID comprises one of a MeasID in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message and a CSI-ReportConfigID in a RRC message.

[0134] In one embodiment, the second message comprises a RRCReconfiguration message and includes one of a handover configuration or a handover command.

[0135] In one embodiment, the second message comprises explicit or implicit time duration information for collecting the data measurements during handover, or after handover, or both during and after handover.

[0136] In one embodiment, the second message indicates to the UE to continue collecting the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations during and / or after handover.

[0137] In one embodiment, the second message comprises explicit or implicit time duration information for collecting the data measurements during handover, or after handover, or both during and after handover.

[0138] In one embodiment, the second message indicates a measurement and reporting configuration using a configuration ID.

[0139] In one embodiment, the second message comprises at least one data collection ID associated with at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations.

[0140] In one embodiment, the second message includes one or more cell lists associated with the at least one data collection ID.

[0141] In one embodiment, the one or more cell lists identify cells on which the UE will collect the data measurements.

[0142] In one embodiment, the second message includes measurement information collected during handover.

[0143] In one embodiment, the measurement information collected during handover comprises Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, values associated with one of a selected point in time and a selected point during handover.

[0144] In one embodiment, the availability indicator comprises one or more configuration IDs. In one embodiment, the availability indicator comprises one or more data collection IDs. In one embodiment, the availability indicator indicates UE status information.In one embodiment, the availability indicator is received in an RRCReconfigurationComplete message or a UEAssistancelnformation message.

[0145] In one embodiment, the third message comprises one or more configuration IDs.

[0146] In one embodiment, the third message comprises one or more data collection IDs. In one embodiment, the third message is received in a UElnformationRequest message. In one embodiment, the logged measurement data comprises one or more configuration IDs and / or one or more data collection IDs.

[0147] In one embodiment, the logged measurement data is received in a UElnformationResponse message.

[0148] Figures 6A-6B illustrate a method 150, implemented by source gNB 400, for collecting and / or reporting data measurements during a mobility procedure, such as handover, of UE 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in Figures 6A-6B, source gNB 400 transmits, to a second network node (e.g., target gNB 500), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE 300 (box 152). Source gNB 400 then receives, from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node (box 154). So received, source gNB 400 transmits, to UE 300, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of data measurement, data logging, and data reporting (box 156). Source gNB 400 then transmits, to UE 300, a fourth message configuring UE 300 to retain or release data measurements collected by UE 300 according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations. In this embodiment, source gNB 400 may transmit the fourth message upon receiving a handover command indicating that UE 300 is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that UE 300 is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node (box 158).

[0149] In one embodiment, UE 300 is undergoing handover from the first network node to the second network node. As previously described, the first network node initially configures the UE to perform the data collection.

[0150] In one embodiment, source gNB 400 transmits, to the second network node, a fifth message associated with the handover command. In this embodiment, the fifth message comprises a request to handover the UE to the second network node, and further, indicates whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node (box 160).

[0151] In one embodiment, source gNB 400 then receives, from the second network node, a sixth message associated with the handover command. In this embodiment, the sixth message comprises a response to the request to handover the UE to the second network node and provides the requested data collection to the first network node (box 162).In one embodiment, source gNB 400 sends, to the UE, a seventh message indicating whether the UE is to release logged measurement data and / or continue measuring and logging data for at least one of the measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving the handover request and / or explicit or implicit information indicating whether the UE is to report the logged measurement data for at least one of the measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node (box 164).

[0152] In one embodiment, source gNB 400 then receives, from the second network node, an eighth message associated with data measurements requested to be collected by the UE (box 166).

[0153] In one embodiment, either of the second or sixth messages include a measurement configuration for the UE to collect data measurements when the UE is connected to the second network node or during handover to the second network node.

[0154] In one embodiment, either or both of the third or fourth messages include at least a measurement configuration for the UE to collect data measurements when the UE is connected to the first or second network node or during handover to the second network node. In at least one embodiment, both measurement configurations for the UE configure UE 300 to perform data collection when connected to the first and second network node.

[0155] Figures 7A-7C illustrate a method 180, implemented by target gNB 500, for collecting and / or reporting data measurements during a mobility procedure, such as handover, of UE 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in these figures, target gNB 500 receives, from a first network node (e.g., source gNB 400), a first message associated with a request for data collection from UE 300 (box 182). Target gNB 500 then transmits, to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node (box 184). Target gNB 500 then receives, from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and a request to collect data measurements from the UE (box 186). Target gNB 500 then transmits, to the first network node, a fourth message comprising a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and data measurements collected from the UE undergoing handover to the second network node (box 188).

[0156] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 receives, from the UE, an availability indicator indicating an availability of logged measurement data collected according to at least a first measurement and reporting configuration (box 190).

[0157] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 sends, to the UE, a fifth message requesting logged measurement data collected by the UE according to at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations (box 192).In one embodiment, target gNB 500 receives, from the UE, the logged measurement data collected by the UE according to the at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations (box 194).

[0158] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 sends, to the first network node, a sixth message associated with data measurements requested to be collected by the UE (box 196).

[0159] In one embodiment, when the third message comprises only the handover request, target gNB 500 further receives (box 198) the availability indicator from the UE after handover has been executed and determines, responsive to receiving the availability indicator, that the UE has logged data measurements available to be reported to the first network node.

[0160] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 sends (box 200), to the first network node, a seventh message comprising a response to the handover request.

[0161] In one embodiment, when the seventh message comprises only the response to the handover request, target gNB 500 further determines (box 202) that the UE has logged data measurements to be reported to the first network node responsive to receiving the availability indicator after handover has been executed.

[0162] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 indicates (box 204), to the first network node in either the seventh message or a dedicated message, whether the UE is able to collect data measurements according to one or more measurement and reporting configurations provided to the UE by the first network node, or a measurement and reporting configuration provided to the UE by the second network node after the UE has completed handover.

[0163] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 indicates (box 206), to the first network node in either the seventh message or a dedicated message, whether the UE is able to collect the data measurements according to one or more measurement and reporting configurations, or whether the second network node is able to provide the data measurements collected from the UE to the first network node.

[0164] Figures 8A-8B illustrate a method 210, implemented by UE 300, for collecting and / or reporting data measurements during a mobility procedure, such as handover, of UE 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in these figures, UE 300 receives, from a first network node in a communication network (e.g., source gNB 400), a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations (box 212). In this embodiment, the configurations configure UE 300 to perform at least one of data measurements, data logging, and data reporting. UE 300 then receives, from the first network node, a second message (box 214). In this embodiment, the second message explicitly or implicitly indicates whether the UE is to:

[0165] • retain or release data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or

[0166] • continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or• report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or

[0167] • retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations.

[0168] Responsive to the second message explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations (box 216), the UE continues to collect the data measurement values according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:

[0169] • a handover indication indicating that the UE is to execute handover to a second network node, and / or

[0170] • information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node. As stated above, the one or more measurement and reporting configurations configure UE 300 for data collection on the first network node and / or the second network node. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, UE 300 continues performing the data measurements on the first network node until the handover of the UE to the second network node is executed or the handover procedure is complete. Additionally, or alternatively, UE 300 begins performing the data measurements on the second network node when the handover procedure handing UE 300 to the second network node is executed or the handover procedure is complete.

[0171] In one embodiment, the one or more measurement and reporting configurations configure the UE to perform the data measurements on one or more network nodes that are different than the first and second network nodes and continue performing the data measurements on the one or more network nodes during and / or after the handover of the UE from the first network node to the second network node.

[0172] In one embodiment, the one or more measurement and reporting configurations configure the UE to perform the data measurements on one or more network nodes comprising the first network node and / or the second network node and / or one or more other network nodes that are different than the first and second network nodes, and continue performing the data measurements on the one or more network nodes during and / or after the handover of the UE from the first network node to the second network node.

[0173] In one embodiment, responsive to the second message indicating that UE 300 is to release the data measurements (box 218), UE 300:

[0174] • releases a first measurement and reporting configuration that configures UE 300 to perform the data measurements on the first network node, and

[0175] • retains a second measurement and reporting configuration that configures UE 300 to perform the data measurements on the second network node.

[0176] In one embodiment, responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations (Figure 8B box 220), the UEreleases the one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE to perform the data measurements on the first network node and / or the second network node and / or one or more other network nodes that are different from the first and second network nodes.

[0177] In one embodiment, responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations the UE performs the data measurements on the first network node until the handover of the UE to the second network node is executed or the handover is complete. Further, the UE begins performing the data measurements on the second network node when the handover of the UE to the second network node is executed or the handover of the UE is complete.

[0178] In one embodiment, responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, the UE continues to perform the data measurements on the first network node and / or the second network node and / or one or more other network nodes that are different from the first and second network nodes during and / or after the handover of the UE over to the second network node.

[0179] In one embodiment, UE 300 sends, to the second network node, an availability indicator indicating an availability of logged measurement data collected according to at least a first measurement and reporting configuration (box 222). In return UE 300 receives, from the second network node, a third message requesting UE 300 to collect data measurements according to a second measurement and reporting configuration (box 224). UE 300 then sends, to the second network node, the logged data measurements collected by UE 300 according to the at least first measurement and reporting configuration (box 226).

[0180] In one embodiment, information in the first message comprises some or all of the information in the second message, and the information in the second message comprises some or all of the information in the first message.

[0181] In one embodiment, the first message comprises an RRCReconfiguration message. In one embodiment, the one or more measurement and reporting configurations indicated in the first message comprise a configuration for at least one of Radio Resource Management, RRM, measurements, RRM measurement events, Radio Link Failures, RLFs, Handover Failures, HOFs, beam measurements, and Channel State Information, CSI, measurements. Additionally, in this embodiment, each of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations includes a configuration ID.

[0182] In one embodiment, the first message further includes an indication to UE 300 to continue performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations during and / or after a handover procedure.

[0183] In one embodiment, the configuration ID comprises one of a MeasID in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message and a CSI-ReportConfigID in a RRC message.In one embodiment, the second message comprises a RRCReconfiguration message and includes one of a handover configuration or a handover command.

[0184] In one embodiment, the second message comprises explicit or implicit time duration information for collecting the data measurements during handover, or after handover, or both during and after handover.

[0185] In one embodiment, the second message indicates to the UE to continue collecting the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations during and / or after handover.

[0186] In one embodiment, the second message comprises explicit or implicit time duration information for collecting the data measurements during handover, or after handover, or both during and after handover.

[0187] In one embodiment, the second message indicates a measurement and reporting configuration using a configuration ID.

[0188] In one embodiment, the second message comprises at least one data collection ID associated with at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations.

[0189] In one embodiment, the second message includes one or more cell lists associated with the at least one data collection ID.

[0190] In one embodiment, the one or more cell lists identify cells on which the UE will collect the data measurements.

[0191] In one embodiment, the second message includes measurement information collected during handover.

[0192] In one embodiment, the measurement information collected during handover comprises Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, values associated with one of a selected point in time and a selected point during handover.

[0193] In one embodiment, the availability indicator comprises one or more configuration IDs. In one embodiment, the availability indicator comprises one or more data collection IDs. In one embodiment, the availability indicator indicates UE status information.

[0194] In one embodiment, the availability indicator is received in an RRCReconfigurationComplete message or a UEAssistancelnformation message.

[0195] In one embodiment, the third message comprises one or more configuration IDs.

[0196] In one embodiment, the third message comprises one or more data collection IDs. In one embodiment, the third message is received in a UElnformationRequest message. In one embodiment, the logged measurement data comprises one or more configuration IDs and / or one or more data collection IDs.

[0197] In one embodiment, the logged measurement data is received in a UElnformationResponse message.

[0198] In one embodiment, the UE ceases performing the data measurements to report the data measurements to the second network node.In one embodiment, the UE ceases performing the data measurements and reports the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

[0199] In one embodiment, the first network node sends the first message indicating the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the UE on behalf of the second network node.

[0200] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations explicitly or implicitly configures the UE to perform measurements of downlink signals transmitted by one or more cells.

[0201] In one embodiment, the one or more cells comprise at least one of the first and second network nodes.

[0202] In one embodiment, the one or more cells comprise one or more other network nodes that are different than the first and second network nodes.

[0203] In one embodiment, the handover indication comprises one of a handover configuration and a handover command.

[0204] Figures 9A-9B illustrate a method 230, implemented by source gNB 400, for configuring a user equipment, UE, for performing data measurements during and / or after a mobility procedure, such as handover, of UE 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in Figures 6A-6B, source gNB 400 transmits, to a second network node (e.g., target gNB 500), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE 300 (box 232). Source gNB 400 then receives, from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node (box 234). So received, source gNB 400 transmits, to UE 300, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of data measurement, data logging, and data reporting (box 236). Source gNB 400 then transmits (box 238), to UE 300, a fourth message indicating whether UE 300 is to:

[0205] • retain or release data measurement values collected by UE 300 according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, and / or

[0206] • continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations and / or

[0207] • report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or • retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, upon the UE receiving

[0208] • a handover request indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node, and / or• information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node, and / or

[0209] • information explicitly or implicitly indicating the fourth message.

[0210] In one embodiment, UE 300 is undergoing handover from the first network node to the second network node. As previously described, the first network node initially configures the UE to perform the data collection.

[0211] In one embodiment, illustrated in Figure 9B, source gNB 400 transmits, to the second network node, a fifth message associated with the handover request. In this embodiment, the fifth message comprises a request to handover the UE to the second network node, and further, indicates whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node (box 240).

[0212] In one embodiment, source gNB 400 then receives, from the second network node, a sixth message associated with the handover request. In this embodiment, the sixth message comprises a response to the request to handover the UE to the second network node and provides the requested data collection to the first network node (box 242).

[0213] In one embodiment, source gNB 400 sends, to the UE, a seventh message indicating whether the UE is to release logged measurement data and / or continue measuring and logging data for at least one of the measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving the handover request and / or explicit or implicit information indicating whether the UE is to report the logged measurement data for at least one of the measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node (box 244).

[0214] In one embodiment, source gNB 400 then receives, from the second network node, an eighth message associated with the data measurements requested to be collected by the UE (box 246).

[0215] In one embodiment, either of the second or sixth messages include a measurement configuration for the UE to collect data measurements when the UE is connected to the second network node or during handover to the second network node.

[0216] In one embodiment, either or both of the third or fourth messages include at least a measurement configuration for the UE to perform the data measurements when the UE is connected to the first or second network node, or during handover to the second network node. In at least one embodiment, both measurement configurations for the UE configure UE 300 to perform the data measurements when connected to the first and second network node.

[0217] Figures 10A-10C illustrate a method 250, implemented by target gNB 500, for configuring user equipment, UE, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in these figures, target gNB 500 receives, from a first network node (e.g., source gNB 400), a first message associated with a request for data collection from UE 300 (box 252).Target gNB 500 then transmits, to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node (box 254). Target gNB 500 then receives, from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and a request to collect data measurement values from the UE (box 256). Target gNB 500 then transmits, to the first network node, a fourth message comprising a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node and the data measurement values collected from the UE performing handover to the second network node (box 258).

[0218] In one embodiment, illustrated in Figure 10B, target gNB 500 receives, from the UE, an availability indicator indicating an availability of logged measurement data collected according to at least a first measurement and reporting configuration (box 260).

[0219] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 sends, to the UE, a fourth message requesting logged measurement data collected by the UE according to at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations (box 262).

[0220] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 receives, from the UE, the logged measurement data collected by the UE according to the at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations (box 264).

[0221] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 sends, to the first network node, a fifth message associated with data measurements requested to be collected by the UE (box 266).

[0222] In one embodiment, when the third message comprises only the handover request, target gNB 500 further receives the availability indicator from the UE after handover has been executed and determines, responsive to receiving the availability indicator, that the UE has logged data measurements available to be reported to the first network node (box 268).

[0223] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 sends, to the first network node, a sixth message comprising a response to the handover request (box 270).

[0224] In one embodiment, when the sixth message comprises only the response to the handover request, target gNB 500 further determines that the UE has logged data measurements to be reported to the first network node responsive to receiving the availability indicator after handover has been executed (box 272).

[0225] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 10C, for example, target gNB 500 indicates, to the first network node in either the sixth message or a dedicated message, whether the UE is able to collect data measurements according to one or more measurement and reporting configurations provided to the UE by the first network node, or a measurement and reporting configuration provided to the UE by the second network node after the UE has completed handover (box 274).

[0226] In one embodiment, target gNB 500 indicates, to the first network node in either the sixth message or a dedicated message, whether the UE is able to perform the data measurementsaccording to one or more measurement and reporting configurations, or whether the second network node is able to provide the data measurement values collected by the UE to the first network node (box 276).

[0227] An apparatus can perform any of the methods herein described by implementing any functional means, modules, units, or circuitry. In one embodiment, for example, the apparatuses comprise respective circuits or circuitry configured to perform the steps shown in the method figures. The circuits or circuitry in this regard may comprise circuits dedicated to performing certain functional processing and / or one or more microprocessors in conjunction with memory. For instance, the circuitry may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one or more of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In embodiments that employ memory, the memory stores program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, carries out the techniques described herein.

[0228] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating some exemplary functional components of a UE 300 suitable for being configured to collect and report data measurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As seen in Figure 11 , UE 300 in this embodiment comprises, inter alia, processing circuitry 302 communicatively connected to communication circuitry 304 and memory 306.

[0229] In some embodiments, communication circuitry 304 comprises interface circuitry for wireless communication with other network nodes. Such nodes, for example, include, but are not limited to, RAN nodes, source gNB 400, target gNB 500, OA&M nodes, core network nodes, and / or other nodes in external systems. The communication circuitry 304 in this regard may, for example, comprise a wireless interface (e.g., Radio Frequency, RF, circuitry) configured to operate according to any of a wide variety of known wireless communication protocols and standards including, without limitation, those associated with 4G / 5G / 6G networks and Wireless Fidelity, WiFi.

[0230] The processing circuitry 302 comprises one or more microprocessors, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof that controls the overall operation of UE 300. The processing circuitry 302 in this regard can be configured by software to perform the functionality herein described, including the functionality described above with respect to the signaling seen in Figures 1-4, as well as method 130 shown in Figures 5A-5B and / or method 210 shown in Figures 8A-8B.Memory 306 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storing computer program code and data needed by the processing circuitry 302 for operation. Memory 306 may comprise any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage.

[0231] Memory 306 stores one or more computer programs 308 comprising executable instructions that configure the processing circuitry 302 in UE 300 to perform the functionality herein described, including the signaling illustrated in Figures 1-4, and method 130 shown in Figures 5A-5B and / or method 210 shown in Figures 8A-8B. A computer program 308 in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means and units described above.

[0232] In general, computer program instructions and configuration information are stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or flash memory. Temporary data generated during operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM). In some embodiments, computer program 308 for configuring the processing circuitry 302 as herein described may be stored in a removable memory, such as a portable compact disc, portable digital video disc, or other removable media. The computer program 308 may also be embodied in a carrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0233] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating some exemplary functional components of a network node, such as source gNB 400 suitable for configuring UE 300 to collect and report data measurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Figure 12, source gNB 400 comprises, inter alia, processing circuitry 402 communicatively connected to communication circuitry 404 and memory 406.

[0234] In some embodiments, communication circuitry 404 comprises a network interface circuit 404a that facilitates communication with other network nodes, such as target gNB 500, UE 300, OA&M nodes, core network nodes, and / or other nodes in external systems. The network interface circuitry 404a in this regard may, for example, comprise an ETHERNET interface, an optical network interface. In some situations, communication circuitry 404 may comprise a wireless interface, such as RF Circuitry 404b, that allows source gNB 400 to wirelessly communicate with one or more other nodes and devices. In this regard, communication circuitry 404 may be configured to communicate according to any of a wide variety of known wireless communication protocols and standards including, without limitation, those associated with 4G / 5G / 6G networks and Wireless Fidelity, WiFi.

[0235] The processing circuitry 402 comprises one or more microprocessors, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof that controls the overall operation of source gNB 400. The processing circuitry 402 in this regard can be configured by software to perform the functionality herein described, including the functionality described above with respect to the signaling seen in Figures 1-4, as well as method 150 shown in Figures 6A-6B and / or method 230 illustrated in Figures 9A-9B.Memory 406 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storing computer program code and data needed by the processing circuitry 402 for operation. Memory 406 may comprise any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage.

[0236] Memory 406 stores one or more computer programs 408 comprising executable instructions that configure the processing circuitry 402 in source gNB 400 to perform the functionality herein described, including the signaling illustrated in Figures 1-4, as well as in method 150 shown in Figures 6A-6B and / or method 230 illustrated in Figures 9A-9B. A computer program 408 in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means and units described above.

[0237] In general, computer program instructions and configuration information are stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or flash memory. Temporary data generated during operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM). In some embodiments, computer program 408 for configuring the processing circuitry 402 as herein described may be stored in a removable memory, such as a portable compact disc, portable digital video disc, or other removable media. The computer program 408 may also be embodied in a carrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0238] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating some exemplary functional components of a network node, such as target gNB 500 suitable for collecting data measurements from UE 300, as configured by source gNB 400, and for providing that data to source gNB 400 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0239] In this embodiment, target gNB 500 comprises, inter alia, processing circuitry 502 communicatively connected to communication circuitry 504 and memory 506. In some embodiments, communication circuitry 504 comprises a network interface circuit 504a that facilitates communication with other network nodes, such as source gNB 400, UE 300, OA&M nodes, core network nodes, and / or other nodes in external systems. The network interface circuitry 504a in this regard may, for example, comprise an ETHERNET interface, an optical network interface, or some other communications interface. In some situations, communication circuitry 504 may comprise a wireless interface, such as RF Circuitry 504b, that allows target gNB 500 to wirelessly communicate with one or more other nodes and devices. In this regard, communication circuitry 504 may be configured communicate according to any of a wide variety of known wireless communication protocols and standards including, without limitation, those associated with 4G / 5G / 6G networks and Wireless Fidelity, WiFi.

[0240] The processing circuitry 502 comprises one or more microprocessors, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof that controls the overall operation of target gNB 500. The processing circuitry 502 in this regard can be configured by software to perform the functionality herein described, including the functionality described above with respect to the signaling seenin Figures 1-4, as well as method 180 shown in Figures 7A-7C and / or method 250 illustrated in Figures 10A-10C.

[0241] Memory 506 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storing computer program code and data needed by the processing circuitry 502 for operation. Memory 506 may comprise any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage.

[0242] Memory 506 stores one or more computer programs 508 comprising executable instructions that configure the processing circuitry 502 in target gNB 500 to perform the functionality herein described, including the signaling illustrated in Figures 1-4, as well as in method 180 shown in Figures 7A-7C and / or method 250 illustrated in Figures 10A-10C. A computer program 508 in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means and units described above.

[0243] In general, computer program instructions and configuration information are stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or flash memory. Temporary data generated during operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM). In some embodiments, computer program 508 for configuring the processing circuitry 502 as herein described may be stored in a removable memory, such as a portable compact disc, portable digital video disc, or other removable media. The computer program 508 may also be embodied in a carrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0244] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments herein further include corresponding computer programs. A computer program comprises instructions which, when executed on at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to carry out any of the respective processing described above, including the functionality of methods 130, 150, 180, 210, 230, and 250 described in Figures 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7C, 8A-8B, 9A-9B, and 10A-10C, respectively. A computer program in this regard may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

[0245] Embodiments may also include a carrier containing such a computer program. This carrier may comprise one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

[0246] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable (storage or recording) medium and comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the functionality of methods 130, 150, 180, 210, 230, and 250 described in Figures 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7C, 8A-8B, 9A-9B, and 10A-10C, respectively, as described above.

[0247] Embodiments further include a computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the method of any of the embodiments herein when the computerprogram product is executed by a network node. This computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[0248] The present embodiments may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from characteristics described herein. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (130) performed by a user equipment, UE, (300) the method comprising:receiving (132), from a first network node (400) in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;receiving (134), from the first network node or a second network node, a second message indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; andresponsive (136) to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the data measurements, retaining the data measurements and:stopping to collect the data measurements; orcontinuing to collect the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover command indicating that the UE is to execute handover to the second network node (500); and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more measurement and reporting configurations configure the UE for data collection on the first network node and / or the second network node, and wherein:the data collection on the first network node continues until:a mobility procedure handing the UE over to the second network node is executed; or the mobility procedure is complete; andthe data collection on the second network node begins when:the mobility procedure handing the UE over to the second network node is executed; or the mobility procedure is complete.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein responsive (138) to the second message indicating that the UE is to release the data measurements, the method further comprises:releasing a first measurement and reporting configuration that configures the UE to perform measurements on the first network node; andretaining a second measurement and reporting configuration that configures the UE to perform measurements on the second network node.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:sending (140), to the second network node, an availability indicator indicating an availability of logged measurement data collected according to at least a first measurement and reporting configuration;receiving (142), from the second network node, a third message requesting the UE to collect data measurements according to a second measurement and reporting configuration; andsending (146), to the second network node, the logged data measurements collected by the UE according to the at least first measurement and reporting configuration.

5. The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein information in the first message comprises some or all information in the second message, and wherein the information in the second message comprises some or all of the information in the first message.

6. The method of any of claims 1-2 and 5, wherein the first message comprises a RRCReconfiguration message.

7. The method of any of claims 1-2 and 5-6, wherein the one or more measurement and reporting configurations indicated in the first message comprise a configuration for at least one of:Radio Resource Management, RRM, measurements;RRM measurement events;Radio Link Failures, RLFs;Handover Failures, HOFs;beam measurements; andChannel State Information, CSI, measurements; andwherein each of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations includes a configuration ID.

8. The method of any of claims 1-2 and 5-7, wherein the first message further includes an indication to the UE to continue collecting data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations during and / or after a handover procedure.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the configuration ID comprises one of:a MeasID in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message; anda CSI-ReportConfigID in a RRC message.

10. The method of claims 1, 3, and 5, wherein the second message comprises a RRCReconfiguration message and includes one of a handover configuration or a handover command.

11. The method of claims 1, 3, 5, and 10, wherein the second message comprises explicit or implicit time duration information for collecting the data measurements during handover, or after handover, or both during and after handover.

12. The method of claims 1, 3, 5, and 10-11, wherein the second message indicates to the UE to continue collecting the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations during and / or after handover.

13. The method of claims 1, 3, 5, and 10-12, wherein the second message comprises explicit or implicit time duration information for collecting the data measurements during handover, or after handover, or both during and after handover.

14. The method of claims 1, 3, 5, and 10-13, wherein the second message indicates a measurement and reporting configuration using a configuration ID.

15. The method of claims 1, 3, 5, and 10-14, wherein the second message comprises at least one data collection ID associated with at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations.

16. The method of claims 1, 3, 5, and 10-15, wherein the second message includes one or more cell lists associated with the at least one data collection ID.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more cell lists identify cells on which the UE will collect the data measurements.

18. The method of claims 1, 3, 5, and 10-17, wherein the second message includes measurement information collected during handover.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the measurement information collected during handover comprises Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, values associated with one of a selected point in time and a selected point during handover.

20. The method of any of claims 4, 7, and 14, wherein the availability indicator comprises one or more configuration IDs.

21. The method of any of claims 4 and 15-16, wherein the availability indicator comprises one or more data collection IDs.

22. The method of any of claims 4 and 20-21, wherein the availability indicator indicates UE status information.

23. The method of claims 4 and 20-22, wherein the availability indicator is received in an RRCReconfigurationComplete message or a UE Assistance Information message.

24. The method of any of claims 4, 7, and 14, wherein the third message comprises one or more configuration IDs.

25. The method of any of claims 4 and 15-16, wherein the third message comprises one or more data collection IDs.

26. The method of claims 4 and 24, wherein the third message is received in a UElnformationRequest message.

27. The method of any of claims 4 and 24, wherein the logged measurement data comprises one or more configuration IDs and / or one or more data collection IDs.

28. The method of any of claims 4 and 27, wherein the logged measurement data is received in a UElnformationResponse message.

29. A method (150) performed by a first network node (400), the method comprising:transmitting (152), to a second network node (500), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE (300);receiving (154), from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;transmitting (156), to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of:data measurement;data logging; anddata reporting;transmitting (158), to the UE, a fourth message configuring the UE to retain or release data measurements collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover command indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

30. The method of claim of 29, wherein the UE is undergoing handover from the first network node to the second network node, and wherein the first network node initially configures the UE to perform the data collection.

31. The method of any of claims 29-30, further comprising transmitting (160), to the second network node, a fifth message associated with the handover command, the fifth message comprising a request to handover the UE to the second network node and indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node.

32. The method of any of claims 29-31, further comprising receiving (162), from the second network node, a sixth message associated with the handover command, the sixth message comprising a response to the request to handover the UE to the second network node and providing the requested data collection to the first network node.

33. The method of any of claims 29-32, further comprising sending (164), to the UE, a seventh message indicating whether the UE is to release logged measurement data and / or continue measuring and logging data for at least one of the measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:the handover request; and / orexplicit or implicit information indicating whether the UE is to report the logged measurement data for at least one of the measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node;34. The method of any of claims 29-33, further comprising receiving (166), from the second network node, an eighth message associated with data measurements requested to be collected by the UE.

35. The method of any of claims 29-34, wherein either of the second or sixth messages include a measurement configuration for the UE to collect data measurements when the UE is connected to the second network node or during handover to the second network node.

36. The method of any of claims 29-35, wherein either or both of the third or fourth messages include at least a measurement configuration for the UE to collect data measurements:when the UE is connected to the first or second network node;during handover to the second network node; orwhen both measurement configurations for the UE configure UE 300 to perform data collection when connected to the first and second network node.

37. A method (180) performed by a second network node (500), the method comprising:receiving (182), from a first network node (400), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE (300);transmitting (184), to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;receiving (186), from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of: a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anda request to collect data measurements from the UE;transmitting (188), to the first network node, a fourth message comprising:a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anddata measurements collected from the UE undergoing handover to the second network node.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising receiving (190), from the UE, an availability indicator indicating an availability of logged measurement data collected according to at least a first measurement and reporting configuration.

39. The method of any of claims 37-38, further comprising sending (192), to the UE, a fifth message requesting logged measurement data collected by the UE according to at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising receiving (194), from the UE, the logged measurement data collected by the UE according to the at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations.

41. The method of any of claims 37-40, further comprising sending (196), to the first network node, a sixth message associated with data measurements requested to be collected by the UE.

42. The method of any of claims 37-41 , wherein when the third message comprises only the handover request (198), the method further comprises the second network node:receiving the availability indicator from the UE after handover has been executed; and determining, responsive to receiving the availability indicator, that the UE has logged data measurements available to be reported to the first network node.

43. The method of any of claims 37-42, further comprising sending (200), to the first network node, a seventh message comprising a response to the handover request.

44. The method of any of claims 37-43, wherein when the seventh message comprises only the response to the handover request, the method further comprises the second network node determining (202) that the UE has logged data measurements to be reported to the first network node responsive to receiving the availability indicator after handover has been executed.

45. The method of any of claims 37-44, further comprising indicating (204), to the first network node in either the seventh message or a dedicated message, whether the UE is able to collect data measurements according to:one or more measurement and reporting configurations provided to the UE by the first network node; ora measurement and reporting configuration provided to the UE by the second network node after the UE has completed handover.

46. The method of any of claims 37-45, further comprising indicating (206), to the first network node in either the seventh message or a dedicated message, whether:the UE is able to collect the data measurements according to one or more measurement and reporting configurations; orthe second network node is able to provide the data measurements collected from the UE to the first network node.

47. A user equipment, UE, (300) configured for data collection and reporting, the UE being configured to:receive (132), from a first network node (400) in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;receive (134), from the first network node or a second network node, a second message indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; andresponsive (136) to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the data measurements, retain the data measurements and:stop collecting the data measurements; orcontinue to collect the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover command indicating that the UE is to execute handover to the second network node (500); and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

48. The UE of claim 47, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 2-28.

49. A user equipment, UE, (300) configured for data collection and reporting, the UE comprising:communication circuitry (304) configured to communicate with one or more nodes; and processing circuitry (302) configured to:receive (132), from a first network node (400) in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;receive (134), from the first network node or a second network node, a second message indicating whether the UE is to retain or release data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and responsive (136) to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the data measurements, retain the data measurements and:stop collecting the data measurements; orcontinue to collect the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover command indicating that the UE is to execute handover to the second network node (500); and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

50. The UE of claim 49 wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 2-28.

51. A computer program (308) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (302) of a user equipment, UE, (300), causes the UE to perform the method of any one of claims 1-28.

52. A carrier containing the computer program of claim 51 , wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

53. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (306) containing a computer program (308) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a user equipment, UE, (300), causes the UE to perform the method of any one of claims 1-28.

54. A first network node (400) for configuring user equipment, UE, (300) to collect and report data measurements, the first network node being configured to:transmit (152), to a second network node (500), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE (300);receive (154), from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;transmit (156), to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of:data measurement;data logging; anddata reporting;transmit (158), to the UE, a fourth message configuring the UE to retain or release data measurements collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover command indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

55. The first network node of claim 54, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 30-36.

56. A first network node (400) for configuring user equipment, UE, (300) to collect and report data measurements, the network node comprising:communication circuitry (404) configured to communicate with one or more nodes; and processing circuitry (402) configured to:transmit (152), to a second network node (500), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE;receive (154), from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;transmit (156), to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of:data measurement;data logging; anddata reporting;transmit (158), to the UE, a fourth message configuring the UE to retain or release data measurements collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover command indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to report the data measurements collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

57. The first network node of claim 56 wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 30-36.

58. A computer program (408) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (402) of a first network node (400), causes the first network node to perform the method of any one of claims 29-36.

59. A carrier containing the computer program of claim 58, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

60. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (406) containing a computer program (408) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (402) of afirst network node (400), causes the first network node to perform the method of any one of claims 29-36.

61. A second network node (500) for configuring user equipment, UE, (300) to collect and report data measurements, the network node being configured to:receive (182), from a first network node (400), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE;transmit (184), to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node; receive (186), from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of:a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anda request to collect data measurements from the UE; andtransmit (188), to the first network node, a fourth message comprising:a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anddata measurements collected from the UE undergoing handover to the second network node.

62. The second network node of claim 61 , configured to perform the method of any one of claims 38-46.

63. A second network node (500) for configuring user equipment, UE, (300) to collect and report data measurements, the second network node comprising:communication circuitry (504) configured to communicate with one or more nodes; and processing circuitry (502) configured to:receive (182), from a first network node (400), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE;transmit (184), to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;receive (186), from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of:a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anda request to collect data measurements from the UE; andtransmit (188), to the first network node, a fourth message comprising:a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anddata measurements collected from the UE undergoing handover to the second network node.

64. The second network node of claim 63 wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 38-46.

65. A computer program comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a second network node, causes the second network node to perform the method of any one of claims 37-46.

66. A carrier containing the computer program of claim 65, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

67. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (506) containing a computer program (508) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (502) in a second network node (500), causes the second network node to perform the method of any one of claims 37-46.

68. A method (210), performed by a user equipment, UE (300), the method comprising:receiving (212), from a first network node (400) in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;receiving (214), from the first network node, a second message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to:retain or release data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orcontinue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orreport the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; responsive (216) to the second message explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, continuing to collect the data measurement values according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover indication indicating that the UE is to execute handover to a second network node (500); and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein the one or more measurement and reporting configurations configure the UE to perform the data measurements on the first network node and / or the second network node, and wherein:the UE continues performing the data measurements on the first network node until: the handover of the UE to the second network node is executed; orthe handover procedure is complete; andthe UE begins performing the data measurements on the second network node when:the handover of the UE to the second network node is executed; orthe handover procedure is complete.

70. The method of claim 68, wherein the one or more measurement and reporting configurations configure the UE to:perform the data measurements on one or more network nodes that are different than the first and second network nodes; andcontinue performing the data measurements on the one or more network nodes during and / or after the handover of the UE from the first network node to the second network node.

71. The method of claim 68, wherein the one or more measurement and reporting configurations configure the UE to:perform the data measurements on one or more network nodes comprising:the first network node; and / orthe second network node; and / orone or more other network nodes that are different than the first and second network nodes; andcontinue performing the data measurements on the one or more network nodes during and / or after the handover of the UE from the first network node to the second network node.

72. The method of claim 68, wherein responsive (218) to the second message indicating that the UE is to release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, the method further comprises:releasing a first measurement and reporting configuration that configures the UE to perform the data measurements on the first network node; andretaining a second measurement and reporting configuration that configures the UE to perform the data measurements on the second network node.

73. The method of claim 68, wherein responsive (220) to the second message indicating that the UE is to release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, the method further comprises releasing the one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE to perform the data measurements on the first network node and / or the second network node and / or one or more other network nodes that are different from the first and second network nodes.

74. The method of claim 68, wherein responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations:the UE performs the data measurements on the first network node until:the handover of the UE to the second network node is executed; orthe handover is complete; andthe UE begins performing the data measurements on the second network node when: the handover of the UE to the second network node is executed; orthe handover is complete.

75. The method of claim 68, wherein responsive to the second message indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, the UE continues to perform the data measurements on the first network node and / or the second network node and / or one or more other network nodes that are different from the first and second network nodes during and / or after the handover of the UE over to the second network node.

76. The method of claim 68, further comprising:sending (222), to the second network node, an availability indicator indicating an availability of logged measurement data collected according to at least a first measurement and reporting configuration;receiving (224), from the second network node, a third message requesting the UE to report the logged measurement data collected according to the at least the first measurement and reporting configuration; andsending (226), to the second network node, the logged data measurements collected by the UE according to the at least first measurement and reporting configuration.

77. The method of any of claims 68-69, wherein information in the first message comprises some or all information in the second message, and wherein the information in the second message comprises some or all of the information in the first message.

78. The method of any of claims 68-69 and 77, wherein the first message comprises a RRCReconfiguration message.

79. The method of any of claims 68-69 and 77-78, wherein the one or more measurement and reporting configurations indicated in the first message comprise a configuration for at least one of:Radio Resource Management, RRM, measurements;RRM measurement events;Radio Link Failures, RLFs;Handover Failures, HOFs;beam measurements; andChannel State Information, CSI, measurements; andwherein each of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations includes a configuration ID.

80. The method of any of claims 68-69 and 77-79, wherein the first message further includes an indication to the UE to continue performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations during and / or after a handover procedure.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the configuration ID comprises one of:a MeasID in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message; anda CSI-ReportConfigID in a RRC message.

82. The method of claims 68, 70, and 77, wherein the second message comprises a RRCReconfiguration message and includes one of a handover configuration and a handover command.

83. The method of claims 68, 70, 77, and 82, wherein the second message indicates to the UE to continue performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations during and / or after handover.

84. The method of claims 68, 70, 77, and 82-83, wherein the second message comprises explicit or implicit time duration information for performing the data measurements during and / or after handover.

85. The method of claims 68, 70, 77, and 82-84, wherein the second message indicates a measurement and reporting configuration using a configuration ID.

86. The method of claims 68, 70, 77, and 82-85, wherein the second message comprises at least one data collection ID associated with at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations.

87. The method of claims 68, 70, 77, and 82-86, wherein the second message includes one or more cell lists associated with the at least one data collection ID.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the one or more cell lists identify cells on which the UE will collect the data measurements.

89. The method of claims 68, 70, 77, and 82-88, wherein the second message includes measurement information collected during handover.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the measurement information collected during handover comprises Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, values associated with one of a selected point in time and a selected point during handover.

91. The method of any of claims 76, 79, and 85, wherein the availability indicator comprises one or more configuration IDs.

92. The method of any of claims 76 and 86-87, wherein the availability indicator comprises one or more data collection IDs.

93. The method of any of claims 76 and 91-92, wherein the availability indicator indicates UE status information.

94. The method of claims 76 and 91-93, wherein the availability indicator is sent to the second network node in an RRCReconfigurationComplete message or a UE Assistance Information message.

95. The method of any of claims 76, 79, and 85, wherein the third message comprises one or more configuration IDs.

96. The method of any of claims 76 and 86-87, wherein the third message comprises one or more data collection IDs.

97. The method of any of claims 76 and 96, wherein the third message is received in a UElnformationRequest message.

98. The method of any of claims 76 and 96, wherein the logged measurement data comprises one or more configuration IDs and / or one or more data collection IDs.

99. The method of any of claims 76 and 98, wherein the logged measurement data is received in a UElnformationResponse message.

100. The method of any of claims 68-99, wherein the UE ceases performing the data measurements to report the data measurements to the second network node.

101. The method of any of claims 68-100, wherein the UE ceases performing the data measurements and reports the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

102. The method of any of claims 68-101, wherein the first network node sends the first message indicating the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the UE on behalf of the second network node.

103. The method of any of claims 68-102, wherein at least one of the one or more measurement and reporting configurations explicitly or implicitly configures the UE to perform measurements of downlink signals transmitted by one or more cells.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein the one or more cells comprise at least one of the first and second network nodes.

105. The method of claim 103, wherein the one or more cells comprise one or more other network nodes that are different than the first and second network nodes.

106. The method of claim 68, wherein the handover indication comprises one of a handover configuration and a handover command.

107. A method (230), performed by a first network node (400), the method comprising: transmitting (232), to a second network node (500), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE (300);receiving (234), from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;transmitting (236), to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;transmitting (238), to the UE, a fourth message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to:retain or release data measurement values collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orcontinue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orreport the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; upon the UE receiving:a handover request indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating the fourth message.

108. The method of claim of 107, wherein the UE is undergoing handover from the first network node to the second network node, and wherein the first network node initially configures the UE to perform the data measurements.

109. The method of any of claims 107-108, further comprising transmitting (240), to the second network node, a fifth message associated with the handover request, the fifth message comprising a request to handover the UE to the second network node and indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node.

110. The method of any of claims 107-109, further comprising receiving (242), from the second network node, a sixth message associated with the handover request, the sixth message comprising a response to the request to handover the UE to the second network node and providing the requested data collection to the first network node.

111. The method of any of claims 107-110, further comprising sending (244), to the UE, a seventh message indicating whether the UE is to release logged measurement data and / or continue measuring and logging data for at least one of the measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:the handover request; and / orexplicit or implicit information indicating whether the UE is to report the logged measurement data for at least one of the measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

112. The method of any of claims 107-111, further comprising receiving (246), from the second network node, an eighth message associated with the data measurements requested to be performed by the UE.

113. The method of any of claims 107-112, wherein either of the second or sixth messages include a measurement configuration for the UE to perform data measurements when the UE is connected to the second network node or during handover to the second network node.

114. The method of any of claims 107-113, wherein either or both of the third or fourth messages include at least a measurement configuration for the UE to perform the data measurements:when the UE is connected to the first or second network node;during handover of the UE to the second network node; orwhen both measurement configurations for the UE configure the UE to perform data measurements when connected to the first and second network node.

115. A method (250), performed by a second network node (500), for configuring user equipment, UE (300), the method comprising:receiving (252), from a first network node (300), a first message associated with a request for data collection from the UE;transmitting (254), to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;receiving (256), from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of:a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anda request to collect data measurement values from the UE;transmitting (258), to the first network node, a fourth message comprising:a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; andthe data measurement values collected from the UE performing the handover to the second network node.

116. The method of claim 115, further comprising receiving (260), from the UE, an availability indicator indicating an availability of logged measurement data collected according to at least a first measurement and reporting configuration.

117. The method of any of claims 115-116, further comprising sending (262), to the UE, a fifth message requesting the logged measurement data collected by the UE according to the at least first measurement and reporting configuration.

118. The method of claim 117, further comprising receiving (264), from the UE, the logged measurement data collected by the UE according to the at least first measurement and reporting configurations.

119. The method of any of claims 115-118, further comprising sending (266), to the first network node, a sixth message associated with data measurements requested to be collected by the UE.

120. The method of any of claims 115-119, wherein when (268) the third message comprises only the handover request, the method further comprises the second network node:receiving the availability indicator from the UE after handover has been executed; and determining, responsive to receiving the availability indicator, that the UE has logged data measurements available to be reported to the first network node.

121. The method of any of claims 115-120, further comprising sending (270), to the first network node, a seventh message comprising a response to the handover request.

122. The method of any of claims 115-121, wherein when (272) the sixth message comprises only the response to the handover request, the method further comprises the second network node determining that the UE has logged data measurements to be reported to the first network node responsive to receiving the availability indicator and after handover has been executed.

123. The method of any of claims 115-122, further comprising indicating (274), to the first network node in either the sixth message or a dedicated message, whether the UE is able to collect data measurements according to:one or more measurement and reporting configurations provided to the UE by the first network node; ora measurement and reporting configuration provided to the UE by the second network node after the UE has completed handover.

124. The method of any of claims 115-123, further comprising indicating (276), to the first network node in either the sixth message or a dedicated message, whether:the UE is able to perform the data measurements according to one or more measurement and reporting configurations; orthe second network node is able to provide the data measurement values collected by the UE to the first network node.

125. A user equipment, UE (300), configured to:receive (212), from a first network node (300) in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;receive (214), from the first network node, a second message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to:retain or release data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orcontinue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orreport the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; responsive (216) to the second message explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, continue to collect the data measurement values according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover indication indicating that the UE is to execute handover to a second network node (500); and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

126. The UE of claim 125, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 69-106.

127. A user equipment, UE (300), comprising:communication circuitry (304) configured to communicate with one or more nodes; and processing circuitry (302) configured to:receive (212) , from a first network node (400) in a communication network, a first message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations for performing at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;receive (214), from the first network node, a second message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to:retain or release data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / or continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orreport the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / orretain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; responsive (216) to the second message explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to retain the one or more measurement and reporting configurations, continue to collect the data measurement values according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations upon receiving:a handover indication indicating that the UE is to execute handover to a second network node (500); and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node.

128. The UE of claim 127 wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 69-106.

129. A computer program (308) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (302) of a UE, causes the UE to perform the method of any one of claims 68-106.

130. A carrier containing a computer program of claim 129, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

131. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (306) containing a computer program (308) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (302) in a UE (300), causes the UE to perform the method of any one of claims 68-106.

132. A first network node (400) for configuring user equipment, UE (300), the network node being configured to:transmit (232), to a second network node (500), a first message associated with a request for data collection from the UE;receive (234), from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;transmit (236), to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;transmit (238), to the UE, a fourth message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to:retain or release data measurement values collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orcontinue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / orreport the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / or retain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; upon the UE receiving:a handover indication indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; and / or information explicitly orimplicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating the fourth message.

133. The first network node of claim 132, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 108-114.

134. A first network node (400) for configuring user equipment, UE (300), the network node comprising:communication circuitry (404) configured to communicate with one or more nodes; and processing circuitry (402) configured to:transmit (232), to a second network node (500), a first message associated with a request for data collection from a user equipment, UE;receive (234), from the second network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;transmit (236), to the UE, a third message indicating one or more measurement and reporting configurations that configure the UE for at least one of:data measurements;data logging; anddata reporting;transmit (238), to the UE, a fourth message explicitly or implicitly indicating whether the UE is to:retain or release data measurement values collected by the UE according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / or continue or deactivate performing the data measurements according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; and / or report the data measurement values collected according to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / orretain or release the one or more measurement and reporting configurations; upon the UE receiving:a handover indication indicating that the UE is to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; and / or information explicitly or implicitly indicating that the UE is to continue collecting the data measurement values and report the data measurement values collectedaccording to the one or more measurement and reporting configurations to the second network node; and / orinformation explicitly or implicitly indicating the fourth message.

135. The first network node of claim 134 wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 108-114.

136. A computer program (408) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (402) of network node (400), causes the first network node to perform the method of any one of claims 107-114.

137. A carrier containing the computer program of claim 136, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

138. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (406) containing a computer program (408) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (402) in a first network node (400), causes the first network node to perform the method of any one of claims 107-114.

139. A second network node (500) for configuring user equipment, UE (300), the network node being configured to:receive (252), from a first network node (400), a first message associated with a request for data collection from the UE;transmit (254), to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node; receive (256), from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of: a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anda request to collect data measurement values from the UE; andtransmit (258), to the first network node, a fourth message comprising:a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; andthe data measurement values collected from the UE performing the handover to the second network node.

140. The second network node of claim 139, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 116-124.

141. A second network node (500) for configuring user equipment, UE (300), the network node comprising:communication circuitry (504) configured to communicate with one or more nodes; and processing circuitry (502) configured to:receive (252), from a first network node, a first message associated with a request for data collection from the UE;transmit (254), to the first network node, a second message indicating whether the second network node is able to provide the requested data collection to the first network node;receive (256), from the first network node, a third message comprising one or both of:a handover request for the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; anda request to collect data measurement values from the UE; andtransmit (258), to the first network node, a fourth message comprising:a response to the third message requesting the UE to perform handover from the first network node to the second network node; andthe data measurement values collected from the UE performing the handover to the second network node.

142. The second network node of claim 141 wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 116-124.

143. A computer program (508) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (502) of a second network node (500), causes the second network node to perform the method of any one of claims 115-124.

144. A carrier containing the computer program of claim 143, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

145. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (506) containing a computer program (508) comprising executable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry (502) in a second network node (500), causes the second network node to perform the method of any one of claims 115-124.

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