GB2641891A - Configuration for cell reselection - Google Patents

Abstract

Receiving (at User Equipment 100), a configuration for cell reselection (i.e. from access node 104, FIG 1B), the configuration 203 indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining 205 a need to transition from an idle state or inactive state to a connected state (either mobile-originating or mobile-terminating); performing 206 one or more measurements of the first cell (i.e. the cell that UE 100 is currently camping on, serving cell 121) and one or more second cells (i.e. neighbour cells 122, 123, 124) according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters, wherein the one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power RSRP or a received signal quality RSRQ measured on the first cell; and determining 207 whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning 211 from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. The one or more measurements may help the UE 100 to determine whether to perform the RRC setup or RRC resume procedure in the current cell 121, or to perform a cell reselection procedure prior to the RRC setup or RRC resume procedure. The new measurement configuration parameters may be pre-RRCsetup/resume measurement parameters, and the cell reselection conditions indicated in the new configuration may be pre-RRCsetup/resume cell reselection parameters.

Description

[0001] CONFIGURATION FOR CELL RESELECTION FIELD

[0002] The following example embodiments relate to wireless communication.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] In wireless communication, cell reselection is a process where a mobile device switches from its current cell to a new cell based on criteria such as signal strength and/or quality, to maintain connectivity.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments is set out by the claims. The example embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments.

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from an access node of a first cell, a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state; means for receiving, from the access node of the first cell, a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state; means for performing one or more measurements according to at least one of: the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, or the one or more second measurement configuration parameters; and means for determining, based on the one or more measurements and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0008] According to a second aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the first aspect further comprising: means for performing the cell reselection procedure based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled; and means for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state based on completing the cell reselection procedure.

[0009] According to a third aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the first aspect, further comprising: means for refraining from performing the cell reselection procedure based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are not fulfilled; and means for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state on the first cell.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to third aspects, wherein the first configuration further indicates one or more cell reselection conditions that are different from the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first configuration indicates a first timer value as a cell reselection condition for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration comprise at least a second timer value for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the second timer value is smaller than or equal to the first timer value.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the second configuration further comprises one or more criteria for initiating the one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are performed based on determining that the one or more criteria are fulfilled.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the one or more second measurement configuration parameters indicate a higher measurement rate compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the one or more second measurement configuration parameters indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0015] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the means for performing the one or more measurements are configured to perform the one or more measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters, based at least on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0016] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising: means for determining whether a delay associated with performing the one or more measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters exceeds a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated in the connected state, wherein the means for performing the one or more measurements are configured to perform the one or more measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters based on determining that the delay tolerance is not exceeded.

[0017] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the tenth aspect, further comprising: means for receiving, from the access node of the first cell, an indication indicating the delay tolerance of the service to be initiated in the connected state.

[0018] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the means for performing the one or more measurements are configured to perform the one or more measurements according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0019] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the twelfth aspect, further comprising: means for starting a timer based on completing the one or more measurements performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, wherein the timer is set to expire after a predefined time period; and means for refraining from performing any measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters while the timer is running.

[0020] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the first to thirteenth aspects, further comprising: means for transmitting to the access node of the first cell, capability information indicating that the apparatus supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, wherein the means for receiving the second configuration are configured to receive the second configuration based on transmitting the capability information.

[0021] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for generating a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state; means for generating a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state; means for transmitting the first configuration to a user equipment; and means for transmitting the second configuration to the user equipment [0019] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the fifteenth aspect, further comprising: means for receiving, from the user equipment, capability information indicating that the user equipment supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, wherein the means for transmitting the second configuration are configured to transmit the second configuration to the user equipment based on receiving the capability information from the user equipment.

[0022] According to a seventeenth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, wherein a value of the one or more alternative cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are different compared to a value of one or more corresponding cell reselection conditions indicated in the first configuration.

[0023] According to an eighteenth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving, from an access node of a first cell, a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state; receiving, from the access node of the first cell, a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a

[0024] S

[0025] connected state; performing one or more measurements according to at least one of: the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, or the one or more second measurement configuration parameters; and determining, based on the one or more measurements and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0026] According to a nineteenth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: generating a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state; generating a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state; transmitting the first configuration to a user equipment; and transmitting the second configuration to the user equipment.

[0027] According to a twentieth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, from an access node of a first cell, a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state; receiving, from the access node of the first cell, a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state; performing one or more measurements according to at least one of: the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, or the one or more second measurement configuration parameters; and determining, based on the one or more measurements and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0028] According to a twenty-first aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: generating a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state; generating a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state; transmitting the first configuration to a user equipment; and transmitting the second configuration to the user equipment [0025] According to a twenty-second aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, from an access node of a first cell, a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state; receiving from the access node of the first cell, a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state; performing one or more measurements according to at least one of: the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, or the one or more second measurement configuration parameters; and determining, based on the one or more measurements and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0029] According to a twenty-third aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: generating a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state; generating a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state; transmitting the first configuration to a user equipment; and transmitting the second configuration to the user equipment.

[0030] According to a twenty-fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving from an access node of a first cell, a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; means for performing one or more measurements of the first cell and one or more second cells according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters, based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, wherein the means for performing the one or more measurements are configured to perform the one or more measurements regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell; and means for determining based on the one or more measurements, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0031] According to a twenty-fifth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the twenty-fourth aspect, further comprising: means for receiving, from the access node of the first cell, information indicating one or more criteria for initiating the one or more measurements of the first cell and the one or more second cells, the one or more criteria being associated with at least one of the received signal power or the received signal quality measured on the first cell, wherein the means for performing the one or more measurements are configured to perform the one or more measurements before the one or more criteria are fulfilled.

[0032] According to a twenty-sixth aspect there is provided the apparatus of the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect, further comprising: means for performing the

[0033] S

[0034] cell reselection procedure, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled; and means for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state based on completing the cell reselection procedure.

[0035] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect further comprising: means for refraining from performing the cell reselection procedure, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are not fulfilled; and means for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state on the first cell.

[0036] According to a twenty-eighth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the twenty-fourth to twenty-seventh aspects, further comprising: means for receiving, from the access node of the first cell, another configuration for cell reselection, the another configuration indicating one or more other measurement configuration parameters to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state, wherein the one or more other measurement configuration parameters indicate a lower measurement rate compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more measurement configuration parameters.

[0037] According to a twenty-ninth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the twenty-fourth to twenty-seventh aspects, further comprising: means for receiving, from the access node of the first cell, another configuration for cell reselection, the another configuration indicating one or more other measurement configuration parameters to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state, wherein the one or more other measurement configuration parameters indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more measurement configuration parameters.

[0038] According to a thirtieth aspect there is provided the apparatus of the twenty-eighth or twenty-ninth aspect wherein the another configuration further indicates one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state, wherein the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state are different from the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0039] According to a thirty-first aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the twenty-ninth or thirtieth aspect, wherein the another configuration indicates a first timer value as a cell reselection condition for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state comprise at least a second timer value for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the second timer value is smaller than or equal to the first timer value.

[0040] According to a thirty-second aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the twenty-fourth to thirty-first aspects, further comprising: means for determining whether a delay associated with performing the one or more measurements according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters exceeds a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated in the connected state, wherein the means for performing the one or more measurements are configured to perform the one or more measurements according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters based on determining that the delay tolerance is not exceeded.

[0041] According to a thirty-third aspect, there is provided the apparatus of the thirty-second aspect, further comprising means for: receiving, from the access node of the first cell, an indication indicating the delay tolerance of the service to be initiated in the connected state.

[0042] According to a thirty-fourth aspect, there is provided the apparatus of any of the twenty-fourth to thirty-third aspects, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the access node of the first cell, capability information indicating that the apparatus supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, wherein the means for receiving the configuration are configured to receive the configuration based on transmitting the capability information.

[0043] According to a thirty-fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for generating a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; and means for transmitting the configuration to a user equipment.

[0044] According to a thirty-sixth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving from an access node of a first cell, a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, performing one or more measurements of the first cell and one or more second cells according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters, wherein the one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell; and determining, based on the one or more measurements, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0045] According to a thirty-seventh aspect, there is provided a method comprising: generating a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; and transmitting the configuration to a user equipment.

[0046] According to a thirty-eighth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving from an access node of a first cell, a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, performing one or more measurements of the first cell and one or more second cells according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters, wherein the one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell; and determining, based on the one or more measurements, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0047] According to a thirty-ninth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: generating a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; and transmitting the configuration to a user equipment.

[0048] According to a fortieth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, from an access node of a first cell, a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, performing one or more measurements of the first cell and one or more second cells according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters, wherein the one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell; and determining, based on the one or more measurements, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0049] According to a forty-first aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: generating a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; and transmitting the configuration to a user equipment.

[0050] The means of at least one of the above aspects may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform one or more embodiments.

[0051] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In the following various example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a wireless communication network; FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a system; FIG. 2 illustrates a signal flow diagram; FIG. 3A illustrates a flow chart; FIG. 3B illustrates an example corresponding to FIG. 3A; FIG. 3C illustrates another example corresponding to FIG. 3A; FIG. 4A illustrates a flow chart; FIG. 4B illustrates an example corresponding to FIG. 4A; FIG. 5A illustrates a flow chart; FIG. SB illustrates an example corresponding to FIG. SA; FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart; FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart; FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart; FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart; FIG. WA illustrates an example scenario; FIG. 10B illustrates an example scenario; FIG. 10C illustrates an example scenario; FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an apparatus; and FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an apparatus.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The following embodiments are exemplifying. Although the specification may refer to "an", "one", or "some" embodiment(s) in several locations of the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned, and such embodiments may also contain features S that have not been specifically mentioned. Reference numbers, in the description and/or in the claims, serve to illustrate the embodiments with reference to the drawings, without limiting the embodiments to these examples only.

[0055] Some example embodiments described herein may be implemented in a wireless communication network comprising a radio access network based on one or more of the following radio access technologies (RATs): global system for mobile communications (GSM) or any other second generation (2G) radio access technology, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), long term evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (SG), SG new radio (NR), SG-Advanced (i.e., 3GPP NR Rel-18 and beyond), or sixth generation (6G).

[0056] Some examples of radio access networks include the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN), the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRA), or the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN). The wireless communication network may further comprise a core network, and some example embodiments may also be applied to network functions of the core network.

[0057] It should be noted that the embodiments are not restricted to the wireless communication network given as an example, but a person skilled in the art may also apply the solution to other wireless communication networks or systems provided with necessary properties. For example, some example embodiments may also be applied to a communication system based on IEEE 802.11 specifications, or a communication system based on IEEE 802.15 specifications. IEEE is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

[0058] FIG. 1A depicts an example of a simplified wireless communication network showing some physical and logical entities. The connections shown in FIG. 1A may be physical connections or logical connections. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the wireless communication network may also comprise other physical and logical entities than those shown in FIG. 1A.

[0059] The example embodiments described herein are not however, restricted to the wireless communication network given as an example but a person skilled in the art may apply the example embodiments described herein to other wireless communication networks provided with necessary properties.

[0060] The example wireless communication network shown in FIG. 1A includes a radio access network (RAN) and a core network 110.

[0061] FIG. 1A shows user equipment (UE) 100, 102 configured to be in a wireless connection on one or more communication channels in a radio cell with an access node 104 of a radio access network.

[0062] The access node 104 may comprise a computing device configured to control the radio resources of the access node 104 and to be in a wireless connection with one or more UEs 100, 102. The access node 104 may also be referred to as a base station, a base transceiver station (BTS), an access point a cell site, a network node, a radio access network node, or a RAN node.

[0063] The access node 104 may be, for example, an evolved NodeB (abbreviated as eNB or eNodeB), or a next generation evolved NodeB (abbreviated as ng-eNB), or a next generation NodeB (abbreviated as gNB or gNodeB), providing the radio cell. The access node 104 may include or be coupled to transceivers. From the transceivers of the access node 104, a connection may be provided to an antenna unit that establishes a bi-directional radio link to one or more UEs 100, 102. The antenna unit may comprise an antenna or antenna element, or a plurality of antennas or antenna elements.

[0064] The wireless connection (e.g., radio link) from a UE 100, 102 to the radio access node 104 may be called uplink (UL) or reverse link, and the wireless connection (e.g., radio link) from the access node 104 to the UE 100, 102 may be called downlink (DL) or forward link. A UE 100 may also communicate directly with another UE 102, and vice versa, via a wireless connection generally referred to as a sidelink (SL). It should be appreciated that the access node 104 or its functionalities may be implemented by using any node, host server, access point or other entity suitable for providing such functionalities.

[0065] The radio access network may comprise more than one access node 104, in which case the access nodes may also be configured to communicate with one another over wired or wireless links. These links between access nodes may be used for sending and receiving control plane signaling and also for routing data from one access node to another access node.

[0066] The access node 104 may further be connected to a core network (CN) 110. The core network 110 may comprise an evolved packet core (EPC) network and/or a 5th generation core network (5GC). The EPC may comprise network entities, such as a serving gateway (S-GW for routing and forwarding data packets), a packet data network gateway (P-GW) for providing connectivity of UEs to external packet data networks, and/or a mobility management entity (MME). The 5GC may comprise one or more network functions, such as at least one of: a user plane function (UPF), an access and mobility management function (AME), a location management function (LMF), and/or a session management function (SMF).

[0067] The core network 110 may also be able to communicate with one or more external networks 113, such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet, or utilize services provided by them. For example, in SG wireless communication networks, the UPF of the core network 110 may be configured to communicate with an external data network via an N6 interface. In LTE wireless communication networks, the P-GW of the core network 110 may be configured to communicate with an external data network.

[0068] It should also be understood that the distribution of functions 20 between core network operations and access node operations may differ in future wireless communication networks compared to that of the LTE or 5G, or even be nonexistent.

[0069] The illustrated UE 100, 102 is one type of an apparatus to which resources on the air interface may be allocated and assigned. The UE 100, 102 may also be called a wireless communication device, a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a terminal device, or a user device, just to mention but a few names. The UE 100, 102 may be a computing device operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of computing devices: a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handset, a computing device comprising a wireless modem (e.g., an alarm or measurement device, etc.), a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet, a game console, a notebook, a multimedia device, a reduced capability [Redcap) device, a wearable device (e.g., a watch, earphones or eyeglasses) with radio parts, a sensor comprising a wireless modem, or a computing device comprising a wireless modem integrated in a vehicle.

[0070] It should be appreciated that the UE 100, 102 may also be a nearly exclusive uplink-only device, of which an example may be a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network. The UE 100, 102 may also be a device having capability to operate in an Internet of Things (loT) network, which is a scenario in which objects may be provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

[0071] The wireless communication network may also be able to support the usage of cloud services. For example, at least part of core network operations may be carried out as a cloud service (this is depicted in FIG. 1A by "cloud" 114). The UE 100, 102 may also utilize the cloud 114. In some applications, the computation for a given UE may be carried out in the cloud 114 or in another UE.

[0072] The wireless communication network may also comprise a central control entity, such as a network management system (NMS), or the like. The NMS is a centralized suite of software and hardware used to monitor, control, and administer the network infrastructure. The NMS is responsible for a wide range of tasks such as fault management configuration management, security management performance management and accounting management. The NMS enables network operators to efficiently manage and optimize network resources, ensuring that the network delivers high performance, reliability, and security.

[0073] SG enables using multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antennas in the access node 104 and/or the UE 100, 102, many more base stations or access nodes than an LTE network (a so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and employing a variety of radio technologies depending on service needs, use cases and/or spectrum available. SG wireless communication networks may support a wide range of use cases and related applications including video streaming augmented reality, different ways of data sharing and various forms of machine-type applications, such as (massive) machine-type communications (mMTC), including vehicular safety, different sensors and real-time control.

[0074] In 5G wireless communication networks, access nodes and/or UEs may have multiple radio interfaces, such as below 6 gigahertz (GHz), centimeter wave (cmWave) and millimeter wave (mmWave), and also being integrable with legacy radio access technologies, such as LTE. Integration with LTE may be implemented, for example, as a system, where macro coverage may be provided by LTE, and 5G radio interface access may come from small cells by aggregation to LTE. In other words, a SG wireless communication network may support both inter-RAT operability (such as interoperability between LTE and SG) and inter-RI operability (inter-radio interface operability, such as between below 6GHz, cmWave, and mmWave).

[0075] 5G wireless communication networks may also apply network slicing, in which multiple independent and dedicated virtual sub-networks (network instances) may be created within the same physical infrastructure to run services that have different requirements on latency, reliability, throughput and mobility.

[0076] In one embodiment, an access node 104 may comprise: a radio unit (RU) 103 comprising a radio transceiver (TRX), i.e., a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx); one or more distributed units (DUs) 105 that may be used for the so-called Layer 1 (11) processing and real-time Layer 2 (L2) processing; and a central unit (CU) 108 (also known as a centralized unit) that may be used for non-real-time L2 and Layer 3 (L3) processing. The CU 108 may be connected to the one or more DUs 105 for example via an F1 interface. Such an embodiment of the access node 104 may enable the centralization of CUs relative to the cell sites and DUs, whereas DUs may be more distributed and may even remain at cell sites. The CU and DU together may also be referred to as baseband or a baseband unit (BBU). The CU and DU may also be comprised in a radio access point (RAP).

[0077] The CU 108 may be a logical node hosting radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and/or packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), of the NR protocol stack for an access node 104. The CU 108 may comprise a control plane (CU-CP), which may be a logical node hosting the RRC and the control plane part of the PDCP protocol of the NR protocol stack for the access node 104. The CU 108 may further comprise a user plane (CU-UP), which may be a logical node hosting the user plane part of the PDCP protocol and the SDAP protocol of the CU for the access node 104.

[0078] The DU 105 may be a logical node hosting radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) and/or physical (PHY) layers of the NR protocol stack for the access node 104. The operations of the DU 105 may be at least partly controlled by the CU 108. It should also be understood that the distribution of functions between the DU 105 and the CU 108 may vary depending on the implementation.

[0079] Cloud computing systems may also be used to provide the CU 108 and/or DU 105. A CU provided by a cloud computing system may be referred to as a virtualized CU (vCU). In addition to the vCU, there may also be a virtualized DU (vDU) provided by a cloud computing system. Furthermore, there may also be a combination, where the DU may be implemented on so-called bare metal solutions, for example application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or customer-specific standard product (CSSP) system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0080] Edge cloud may be brought into the radio access network by utilizing network function virtualization (NFV) and software defined networking (SDN). Using edge cloud may mean access node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a computing system operationally coupled to a remote radio head (RRH) or a radio unit (RU) 103 of an access node 104. It is also possible that access node operations may be performed on a distributed computing system or a cloud computing system located at the access node 104. Application of cloud RAN architecture enables RAN real-time functions being carried out at the radio access network (e.g., in a DU 105), and non-realtime functions being carried out in a centralized manner (e.g., in a CU 108).

[0081] 5G (or new radio, NR) wireless communication networks may support multiple hierarchies, where multi-access edge computing (MEC) servers may be placed between the core network 110 and the access node 104. It should be appreciated that MEC may be applied in LTE wireless communication networks as well.

[0082] A SG wireless communication network ("5G network") may also comprise a non-terrestrial communication network, such as a satellite communication network, to enhance or complement the coverage of the 5G radio access network. For example, satellite communication may support the transfer of data between the SG radio access network and the core network 110, enabling more extensive network coverage. Possible use cases may include: providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (loT) devices or for passengers on board of vehicles, or ensuring service availability for critical communications, and future railway, maritime, or aeronautical communications. Satellite communication may utilize geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems, or low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, such as mega-constellations (i.e., systems in which hundreds of (nano)satellites are deployed).

[0083] Alternatively, the satellites may be an airborne devices, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or a high-altitude platform system (HAPS). A given satellite 106 may provide communication services on Earth via one or more satellite beams. The one or more satellite beams create one or more cells over a given service area that may be S bounded by the field of view of the satellite 106.

[0084] It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the access node 104 depicted in FIG. 1A is just an example of a part of a radio access network, and in practice the radio access network may comprise a plurality of access nodes 104, the UEs 100, 102 may have access to a plurality of radio cells, and the radio access network may also comprise other apparatuses, such as physical layer relay access nodes or other entities.

[0085] At least one of the access nodes may be a Home eNodeB or a Home gNodeB. A Home gNodeB or a Home eNodeB is a type of access node that may be used to provide indoor coverage inside a home, office, or other indoor environment.

[0086] Additionally, in a geographical area of a radio access network, a plurality of different kinds of radio cells as well as a plurality of radio cells may be provided. Radio cells may be macro cells (or umbrella cells) which may be large cells having a diameter of up to tens of kilometers, or smaller cells such as micro-, femto-or picocells. The access node(s) 104 of FIG. 1A may provide any kind of these cells. A cellular radio network may be implemented as a multilayer access networks including several kinds of radio cells. In multilayer access networks, one access node may provide one kind of a radio cell or radio cells, and thus a plurality of access nodes may be needed to provide such a multilayer access network.

[0087] For fulfilling the need for improving performance of radio access networks, the concept of "plug-and-play" access nodes may be introduced. A radio access network, which may be able to use "plug-and-play" access nodes, may include, in addition to Home eNodeBs or Home gNodeBs, a Home Node B gateway (HNB-GW) (not shown in FIG. 1A). An HNB-GW, which may be installed within an operator's radio access network, may aggregate traffic from a large number of Home eNodeBs or Home gNodeBs back to a core network 110 of the operator.

[0088] 6G wireless communication networks are expected to adopt flexible decentralized and/or distributed computing systems and architecture and ubiquitous computing, with local spectrum licensing, spectrum sharing, infrastructure sharing, and intelligent automated management underpinned by mobile edge computing, artificial intelligence, short-packet communication and blockchain technologies. Key features of 6G may include intelligent connected management and control functions, programmability, integrated sensing and communication, reduction of energy footprint, trustworthy infrastructure, scalability and affordability. In addition to these, 6G is also targeting new use cases covering the integration of localization and sensing capabilities into system definition to unifying user experience across physical and digital worlds. [0079] When a UE 100, 102 is not actively transmitting or receiving data, it may enter an idle (RRC_IDLE) or inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state to conserve battery power. While in the idle or inactive state, the UE 100, 102 may keep monitoring the radio conditions of the cell it is camping on, as well as one or more neighbor cells. The network (e.g., access node 104) may provide the configurations utilized by the UE 100, 102 to measure and assess the cells in the idle or inactive state, and these measurements may then be utilized for cell selection or reselection. If the condition(s) for cell reselection are fulfilled, the UE shall perform cell reselection.

[0089] The UE 100, 102 may autonomously make the decision to reselect a different cell in idle or inactive state, or if the UE 100, 102 experiences a radio link failure. This UE-controlled mobility ensures that the UE 100, 102 will re-establish connection with the most optimal cell upon receiving a connection request from the network through paging, or when the UE 100, 102 itself starts the required connection. When the UE 100, 102 performs the cell reselection, the current cell and the new cell may be managed by the same base station or different base stations.

[0090] FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a system, to which some example embodiments may be applied. FIG. 1B may be understood to depict a part of the wireless communication network of FIG. 1A, but with greater accuracy with respect to cell 25 reselection.

[0091] The system comprises at least a UE 100 and a plurality of access nodes 104, 104B, 104C, 104D controlling a plurality of cells 121, 122, 123, 124. Herein the term "cell" refers to a radio cell. Although four cells 121, 122, 123, 124 and four access nodes 104, 104B, 104C, 104D are shown in FIG. 1B, it should be noted that the number of cells and access nodes may also be higher or lower than four, and that a single access node may control one or multiple cells.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 1B, when the UE 100 switches to idle (RRC_IDLE) or inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state, the network (e.g., the access node 104) may configure the UE 100 (e.g., through an RRC release message or cell broadcast information) to perform cell reselection measurements of its serving cell 121 and one or more neighbor cells 122, 123, 124.

[0093] With cell selection or cell reselection, the UE 100 searches for a suitable cell of the selected public land mobile network (PLMN) or selected stand-alone non-public network (SNPN), chooses that cell to provide available services, and monitors its control channel. This procedure is defined as "camping on the cell". If the UE 100 finds a more suitable cell than its current serving cell 121, and the cell reselection condition(s) are fulfilled, the UE 100 reselects onto that cell and camps on it. For example, cell reselection may be based on measurements and evaluations of at least one of: signal strength, signal quality, and/or other metrics of the current serving cell 121 and one or more neighbor cells 122, 123, 124 [0085] In other words, the cell reselection evaluation process is based on the UE's measurements on the cell 121 that it is camping on and a list of neighbor cells 122, 123, 124. Cell reselection may happen, if the measured received signal power and/or quality from the camped cell 121 is below a configured value, and if the measured received signal power and/or quality from another cell 122, 123, 124 is higher than that of the camped cell 121 with a configured threshold (e.g., denoted as treshx,Highp), and during a configured time denoted as Treselection. The treselection timer indicates a time-to-trigger criterion for cell reselection. The UE 100 may perform the measurements according to a minimum measurement rate that may be configured or pre-defined at the UE 100. The measurement rate indicates how frequently the UE 100 should perform the measurements.

[0094] In FIG. 1B, each of the cells is managed by each of the access nodes.

[0095] However, one access node (e.g., 104, 104B, 104C, or 104D) may manage/control one or more cells 121, 122, 123 or 124.

[0096] The measurements performed by the UE 100 may be based on the synchronization signal block (SSB) of a given cell. For example, the UE 100 may measure the synchronization signal reference signal received power (SS-RSRP) and/or the synchronization signal reference signal received quality (SS-RSRQ) of the cell. SS-RSRP is a metric for the received power of the secondary synchronization signal included in the SSB. SS-RSRQ is a metric for the received signal quality of the secondary synchronization signal included in the SSB. For example, the UE 100 may measure the SS-RSRP and/or SS-RSRQ level of the serving cell 121 and evaluate the cell reselection criterion for the serving cell 121 at least every discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. [0088] The measurements may comprise of intra-frequency measurements or inter-frequency measurements. lntra-frequency measurements refer to measurements of cells that operate on the same frequency. Inter-frequency measurements refer to measurements of cells that operate on different frequencies. For intra-frequency cells that are identified and measured according to the measurement rules, the UE 100 may measure SS-RSRP and/or SS-RSRQ at least every T_measure,NR_Intra, which denotes the measurement interval as a number of DRX cycles. For measurements of inter-frequency cells, the UE 100 may measure SS-RSRP and/or SS-RSRQ at least every}came, * T_measure,NR_Inter for identified lower or equal priority inter-frequency cells, where the parameter Lather represents the number of inter-frequency carriers, and T_measure,NR_Inter denotes a number of DRX cycles.

[0097] Currently, measurements and cell reselection procedures in RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE state may be considered as independent procedures compared to the RRC setup or RRC resume procedure. The RRC setup and RRC resume procedures may be used to establish or re-establish the RRC connection between the UE 100 and the network (i.e., to transition from RRC IDLE or RRC INACTIVE state to RRC_CONNECTED state).

[0098] The RRC setup is a procedure for establishing an RRC connection when the UE 100 moves from idle or inactive state to connected state. It involves the exchange of RRC connection setup messages between the UE and the network.

[0099] The RRC resume is a procedure for resuming an RRC connection when the UE 100 moves from inactive state to connected state.

[0100] However, RRC setup or resume failure may occur when the UE 100 is at the cell edge of the cell that it is camping on (e.g., cell 121). When the UE 100 initiates an RRC connection setup or resume request to the current cell it is camping on (e.g., cell 121) and then reselects to an adjacent cell (e.g., cell 122), the UE 100 stops monitoring the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) of the previous cell 121 (which provides the information to receive the RRCSetup or RRCResume) and starts listening to the PDCCH of the new cell 122. In this case, the UE 100 cannot receive the RRCSetup or RRCResume message from the previous cell 121. This may be more evident in high-frequency beam-based systems, where the UE 100 may have to use different receive beams to receive downlink messages from different cells, and the UE 100 may not be able to receive on multiple beams simultaneously. Even if the cell reselection did not occur, the RAC setup or resume response from the current cell (e.g., cell 121) might not reach the UE 100, if the interference from a neighbor cell (e.g., cell 122) has increased.

[0101] S To gain access to the network, the UE 100 may need to transmit another RRCSetupRequest message to the cell it is camping on (e.g., cell 121 or 122). This increases signaling and latency in the connection setup, as the UE 100 needs to retransmit the request.

[0102] On the other hand, there may also be instances where the RRC setup or resume is successfully completed (e.g., with cell 121), and the UE 100 successfully transitions into connected state without having to send another request. This may happen, for example, when the cell reselection has not taken place before the UE 100 receives the RRCsetup or RRCresume message from the network (e.g., from cell 121), or the signal quality of the camped cell has not decreased. However, even if the UE 100 successfully connects to the current camped cell (e.g., cell 121), there is a high probability that a handover to a neighbor cell (e.g., cell 122) will occur shortly after the connection setup. In such cases, radio link failure (RLF) or handover failure (HOF) may occur due to handover delay, since the RRC connection needs to be set up first and measurements need to be done before the handover can be performed. Even if there is no handover failure, this results in increased signaling to the UE 100, and additional delay before the user plane can get served.

[0103] These issues may be even more detrimental for UEs in inactive state, since the UE will have to transition to idle state, if the initial connection resume (e.g., towards cell 121) fails. To gain connection, the UE has to start from scratch and perform an RRC setup to cell 122, for example.

[0104] Some example embodiments define UE behavior in a 'combined manner', i.e., when a UE needs to setup or resume a connection (transition to connected state), while cell reselection is also triggered or expected to be triggered. Some example embodiments provide a method, where an apparatus such as a UE performs cell measurements and cell reselection, if possible, before transmitting the RRC setup or resume requesL This may be beneficial for preventing radio link failures or handover failures for example for UEs at the cell edge.

[0105] Some example embodiments introduce a set of new cell reselection parameters (referred to as one or more second cell reselection conditions or preRRCsetup/resume cell reselection parameters below). These new cell reselection parameters may ensure that the RRC setup or resume request will be made with the S optimal cell for the UE. The legacy mobility-triggered cell reselection parameters (e.g.) provided in system information blocks) used to evaluate and perform cell reselection may not be suitable during the transition period from idle or inactive state to connected state, as they may introduce significant delays (e.g., the value for the treselection parameter may be 1 second in the legacy parameters). Thus, the new cell reselection parameters may be used, when the UE needs to transition from idle or inactive state to connected state. This new set of cell reselection parameters may be different than the legacy mobility-triggered cell reselection parameters, in the sense that the new parameters may trigger the cell reselection faster to minimize the added delay during the RRCSetup or RRCResume procedure (see FIG. 10C). This can be done by using more lenient cell reselection conditions, for example, a lower threshold for SIntraSearchP/Q and/or SNonIntraSearchP/Q, and/or a shorter Treselection timer (e.g., the value for the Treselection parameter may be 100 milliseconds in the new set of cell reselection parameters). In the legacy mobility-based cell reselection, if no active data is being communicated, the measurements and evaluation may be done in a slower manner to avoid unnecessary measurements and evaluation that causes the UE to consume more power.

[0106] Furthermore, some example embodiments introduce a new set of measurement rules (referred to as one or more second measurement configuration parameters or pre-RRCsetup/resume measurement parameters below). To increase the accuracy and make sure that the measurements are up-to-date (i.e., to ensure that the current cell is worse or getting worse than the neighbor cells), the idea of preRRCsetup/resume measurements is proposed. For example, this can be accomplished via a new set of Nserv, Tmeasure,NR_Intra and Tmeasure,NR_Inter parameters that reflect a decreased sample requirement or beam sweeping requirement. These pre-30 RRCsetup/resume measurement parameters may have a higher measurement rate compared to the legacy measurement parameters applied in idle or inactive state. [0098] By having two sets of mobility parameters for idle or inactive state, different scenarios can be supported. For example, the new pre-RRCsetup/resume parameters may be used by UEs at the cell edge, while UEs that are not at the cell edge may use the legacy parameters. Using the pre-RRCsetup/resume measurement and cell reselection parameters to non-transitioning UEs (e.g., UEs remaining in idle or inactive state) may result in unnecessary measurements that can negatively impact the UE battery life.

[0107] Some example embodiments are described below using principles and terminology of 5G radio access technology without limiting the example embodiments to SG radio access technology, however.

[0108] FIG. 2 illustrates a signal flow diagram according to an example 10 embodiment [0101] Referring to FIG. 2, at 201, a UE 100 may optionally transmit, to an access node 104 of a first cell, capability information indicating that the UE 100 supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state. In other words, the capability information may indicate that the UE 100 supports pre-RRC setup/resume measurements. The access node 104 may receive the capability information. The access node 104 of the first cell 121 may also be referred to as a first access node herein.

[0109] The first cell 121 refers to the cell that the UE 100 is currently camping on (i.e., the serving cell of the UE 100). Herein the idle state may refer to RRC_IDLE state (or mode), the inactive state may refer to RRC_INACTIVE state (or mode), and the connected state may refer to RRC_CONNECTED state (or mode), as defined in 3GPP specifications.

[0110] At 202, the first access node 104 generates a first configuration for cell reselection and transmits the first configuration to the UE 100 via the first cell 121 (Cell 1). The first configuration may be broadcasted in one or more system information blocks (SIBs), or transmitted by dedicated RRC signaling (e.g., in an RRCReleaseRequest message or in an RRCSuspendRequest message for transitioning the UE 100 from the connected state to the idle state or inactive state). The UE 100 receives the first configuration.

[0111] The first configuration refers to a normal or legacy configuration for cell reselection, i.e., to be applied by the UE 100 in the idle state or in the inactive state when there is no need to transition to the connected state.

[0112] The first configuration indicates at least one or more first measurement configuration parameters (legacy measurement parameters) to be applied by the UE 100 in the idle state or in the inactive state. The first configuration may further indicate one or more cell reselection conditions (legacy cell reselection parameters) to S be applied in the idle state or in the active state, and/or one or more criteria for performing cell reselection measurements in the idle state or in the inactive state.

[0113] The one or more first measurement configuration parameters may comprise, for example, at least one of: -Nserv, -T_measure, NR_Intra, -Kcarrier * T_measure,NR_Inter, or - an SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window. [0107] The Nserv parameter represents the number of DRX cycles that the UE 100 should use to evaluate whether the serving cell 121 fulfills the cell selection criterion. If the serving cell does not fulfill the cell selection criterion in Nserv consecutive DRX cycles, the UE 100 initiates the measurements of one or more neighbor cells 122, 123, 124 indicated by the serving cell 121.

[0114] The T measure,NR_Intra parameter represents a time interval (e.g.) as a number of DRX cycles) for performing intra-frequency measurements.

[0115] The parameter Kcarrier represents the number of inter-frequency carriers, and T_measure,NR_Inter denotes a time interval (e.g., as a number of DRX cycles) for performing inter-frequency measurements.

[0116] The SMTC window is a parameter that notifies the UE 100 about the periodicity and the timing of the SSBs that the UE should measure. In other words, the 25 SMTC window helps the UE 100 know when to perform the measurements.

[0117] The one or more cell reselection conditions (legacy cell reselection parameters) indicated in the first configuration may comprise, for example, at least one of: - 'Preselection; -q-Offset, q-Hyst for cells with equal priority; - threshX-High for cells with higher priority; or -threshX-Low, threshServingLow for cells with lower priority.

[0118] The Treselection parameter represents the time interval during which a cell must meet certain criteria before it can be selected for reselection. treselection may be used to prevent frequent and unnecessary cell reselections.

[0119] The q-Offset parameter is an offset value applied to the measurement of a cell's signal strength or quality during the cell reselection process. It helps in adjusting the cell selection and reselection decisions.

[0120] The q-Hyst parameter is a hysteresis value applied to the serving cell for evaluating cell reselection ranking criteria. It is used to prevent ping-pong effects (frequent reselections between two cells) by providing a margin of hysteresis.

[0121] The threshX-High parameter is a threshold used when reselecting from a lower priority frequency to a higher priority frequency. It defines the minimum signal strength or quality that a higher priority cell should have to be considered for reselection.

[0122] The threshX-Low parameter is the threshold used when reselecting from a higher priority frequency to a lower priority frequency. It defines the minimum signal strength or quality that a lower priority cell should have to be considered for reselection.

[0123] The threshServingLow parameter is a threshold used in the rules for cell reselection when absolute priorities are used. It specifies the limit for the serving cell received signal level below which the UE may perform cell reselection to a cell on a lower absolute priority layer.

[0124] The one or more criteria indicated in the first configuration for performing cell reselection measurements in the idle state or in the inactive state may comprise, for example, at least one of: SIntraSearchP, SIntraSearchQ, SNonIntraSearchP, or SNonIntraSearchQ.

[0125] The SIntraSearchP parameter represents a signal strength threshold for intra-frequency cell reselection. If the measured signal strength of the serving cell 121 is higher than the SIntraSearchP threshold (Srxlev > SIntraSearchP), the UE 100 may choose not to perform intra-frequency measurements.

[0126] The SIntraSearchQ parameter represents a signal quality threshold for intra-frequency cell reselection. If the measured signal quality of the serving cell 121 is higher than the SIntraSearchQ threshold (Squal > SIntraSearchQ), the UE 100 may choose not to perform intra-frequency measurements.

[0127] The SNonIntraSearchP parameter represents a signal strength threshold for inter-frequency cell reselection. If the measured signal strength of the serving cell 121 is lower than the SNonIntraSearchP threshold (Srxlev < SNonIntraSearchP), the UE 100 shall perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0128] The SNonIntraSearchQ parameter represents a signal quality threshold for inter-frequency cell reselection. If the measured signal quality of the serving cell 121 is lower than the SNonIntraSearchQ threshold (Squal SNonIntraSearchQ, the UE 100 shall perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0129] At 203, the access node 104 generates a second configuration for cell reselection and transmits the second configuration to the UE 100 via the first cell 121 (Cell 1). The second configuration may be broadcasted in one or more system information blocks, or transmitted by dedicated RRC signaling (e.g., based on or in response to receiving the capability information from the UE 100 indicating the support for the pre-RRC setup/resume measurements). As an example, the second configuration may be transmitted by an RRC release message or an RRC suspend message from an access node (e.g., the access node 104) to the UE 100 when the UE 100 transitions to the RRC_IDLE or RRC _INACTIVE state.

[0130] The second configuration indicates one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied by the UE 100 based on the UE 100 determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state (i.e., when there is a need to transition to the connected state). The one or more second measurement configuration parameters may also be referred to as pre-RRCsetup/resume measurement parameters, and the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration may also be referred to as pre-RRCsetup/resume cell reselection parameters. The UE 100 may receive the second configuration, while the UE 100 is in the idle state or in the inactive state.

[0131] The one or more second measurement configuration parameters may comprise, for example, at least one of: -Nserv, -T_measure,NR_Intra, -Kcarrier * T_measure,NR_Inter, or -an SMTC window.

[0132] The values of the one or more second measurement configuration parameters may be the same as or different than the values of the one or more first measurement configuration parameters (e.g., the same set of measurement configuration parameters may be included in both configurations, but the values of the parameters may be different between the two configurations).

[0133] The one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate a higher measurement rate (i.e., shorter periodicity of measurements) compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, such that the measurements are performed more intensively with the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0134] For example, instead of the UE 100 measuring the SS-RSRP and SSRSRQ level of the serving cell 121 and evaluating the cell reselection criterion for the serving cell 121 once at least every DRX cycle (e.g., as indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters), the one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate the UE 100 to increase the measurement rate during pre-RRCsetup/resume measurement (e.g., twice or more during every DRX cycle).

[0135] Similarly, for measurement of intra-frequency cells, instead of the UE 100 measuring SS-RSRP and SS-RSRQ of the intra-frequency cells at least every T_measure,NR_Intra, the measurement rate may be increased to twice or more during every T_measure,NR_Intra with the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0136] This may also be applied in case of inter-frequency measurement, where the UE 100 may be configured with the one or more second measurement configuration parameters to perform measurements of the inter-frequency cells twice or more during every Kcarrier * T_measure,NR_Inter.

[0137] Alternatively, the one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0138] The one or more cell reselection conditions (legacy cell reselection parameters) indicated in the first configuration may comprise, for example, at least one of: -Treselection; -q-Offset, q-Hyst for cells with equal priority; -threshX-High for cells with higher priority; or -threshX-Low, threshServingLow for cells with lower priority.

[0139] The one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration may be the same as or different than the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the first configuration (e.g., the same set of cell reselection parameters may be included in both configurations, but the values of the parameters may be different between the two configurations).

[0140] For example, the first configuration may indicate a first timer value (e.g., a 'Preselection value) as a cell reselection condition for triggering the cell reselection procedure, and the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration may comprise at least a second timer value (e.g., a treselection value) for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the second timer value may be smaller than or equal to the first timer value.

[0141] As a non-limiting example, the first timer value may be 1 second, and the second timer value may be 100 milliseconds. However, if the first timer value is already small enough to be suitable for pre-RRC resume/setup cell reselection, then the second timer value may be equal to the first timer value.

[0142] The one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration may be conditioned with the mobility state of the UE 100 and promote or demote cell reselection. For example, if the UE 100 is experiencing no mobility or low mobility (e.g., the UE 100 is stationary or carried by a pedestrian), then the UE 100 may perform the RRC setup or RRC resume procedure before cell reselection, as the channel condition change is expected to be very small.

[0143] As another example, if the UE 100 is experiencing medium or high mobility (e.g., moving in a car or train), then the UE 100 may decide to perform cell reselection before the RRC setup or RRC resume procedure.

[0144] The one or more criteria indicated in the second configuration for performing cell reselection measurements in the idle state or in the inactive state may comprise, for example, at least one of the following parameters: SIntraSearchP, SIntraSearchQ, SNonIntraSearchP, SNonIntraSearchQ or another threshold. The values of the one or more criteria indicated in the second configuration may be the same as or different than the values of the one or more criteria indicated in the first configuration.

[0145] Herein the terms "first configuration" and "second configuration" are used to distinguish the configurations, and they do not necessarily refer to a specific order of the configurations. The second configuration may be transmitted after the first configuration, or before the first configuration, or at the same time as the first configuration. Similarly, the terms "one or more first measurement configuration parameters" and "one or more second measurement configuration parameters" are used to distinguish the measurement parameters.

[0146] At 204, the access node 104 of the first cell 121 may optionally transmit, to the UE 100, an indication indicating a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated in the connected state. The UE 100 may receive the indication.

[0147] For example, a priority indication may be included in a paging message to indicate the delay tolerance of the incoming connection. This indication makes the UE 100 aware of the delay tolerance of the incoming connection request and helps it decide if there is time to perform pre-RRCsetup/request measurements and cell reselection.

[0148] At 205, the UE 100 determines a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. The need to transition to the connected state may be mobile-originating (i.e., the UE 100 itself may decide to initiate the outgoing connection), or mobile-terminating (e.g., indicated by a paging message received from the access node 104). For example, the UE 100 may receive uplink data from the higher layer and therefore needs to establish an RRC connection for transmitting the uplink data.

[0149] At 206, the UE 100 performs one or more measurements of the first cell 121 and/or one or more second cells 122, 123, 124 according to at least one of: the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, or the one or more second measurement configuration parameters. The one or more measurements may also be referred to as cell reselection measurements or pre-RRCsetup/resume measurements. For example, the one or more measurements may comprise at least one of SS-RSRP and/or SS-RSRQ measurements. The one or more second cells 122, 123, 124 may comprise one or more neighbor cells of the first cell 121. The one or more measurements may help the UE 100 to determine whether to perform the RRC setup or RRC resume procedure in the current cell 121, or to perform a cell reselection procedure prior to the RRC setup or RRC resume procedure.

[0150] For example, the one or more measurements may be performed according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters, based at least on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, and/or based on determining that the one or more criteria S indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled (e.g., based on SIntraSearchP, SIntraSearchQ SNonIntraSearchP, and/or SNonIntraSearchQ).

[0151] Alternatively, or additionally, the UE 100 may determine whether a delay associated with performing the one or more measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters exceeds the delay tolerance of the service to be initiated in the connected state. The one or more measurements may be performed according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters based on determining that the delay tolerance is not exceeded. If the delay tolerance is exceeded, then the UE 100 may refrain from performing any measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters. In other words, the UE 100 may check the delay tolerance of the mobile-originated (MO) service before deciding to trigger the measurements and cell reselection evaluation.

[0152] For example, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) related traffic may have lower delay tolerance than enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) related traffic. The UE 100 may be provided (e.g., at 204) with an explicit indication or configuration of scenarios (e.g., delay tolerance) in which the UE 100 may trigger the measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0153] Alternatively, the one or more measurements may be performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, based at least on determining that the one or more criteria indicated in the first configuration are fulfilled (e.g.) based on SIntraSearchP, SIntraSearchQ, SNonIntraSearchP, and/or SNonIntraSearchQ).

[0154] For example, the UE 100 may not initiate any measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters, if the UE 100 is only measuring on its camped cell 121, indicating that the UE 100 has good radio conditions in its camped cell 121 (e.g.) if the signal strength of the camped cell 121 is above SIntraSearchP or SNonIntraSearchP, and/or the signal quality of the camped cell 121 is above SIntraSearchQ or SNonIntraSearchQ).

[0155] As another example, if the UE 100 has started measurements of the one or more second cells (neighbor cells) 122, 123, 124 according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters (e.g., if the signal strength of the camped cell 121 is below SIntraSearchP or SNonIntraSearchP, and/or the signal quality of the S camped cell 121 is below SIntraSearchQ or SNonIntraSearchQ), then the UE 100 may evaluate the time of the most recent measurements performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0156] If the measurements performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters are new enough, the UE 100 may use them for cell reselection evaluation without performing new pre-RRCsetup/resume measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0157] For example, the UE 100 may start a timer based on completing the one or more measurements that are performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, wherein the timer may be set to expire after a pre-defined time period. In this case, the UE 100 may refrain from performing any measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters while the timer is running.

[0158] As another example, if the UE 100 does not support pre-RRCsetup/resume measurements, then the UE 100 may perform the one or more measurements according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, and refrain from initiating any measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0159] Alternatively, the UE 100 may perform the one or more measurements according to both the one or more first measurement configuration parameters and the one or more second measurement configuration parameters. For example, the UE 100 may perform one or more first measurements according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters (i.e., the legacy measurements). Based on determining the need to transition to the connected state, the UE 100 may stop the one or more first measurements performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, and start one or more second measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0160] This is to avoid conflict between the legacy mobility-triggered cell reselection and the new pre-RRCsetup/resume cell reselection. In this case, the one or more first measurement configuration parameters and the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated by the first configuration may be replaced by the one or more S second measurement configuration parameters and the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated by the second configuration.

[0161] At 207, the UE 100 determines, based on the one or more measurements and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure from the first cell 121 to a second cell 122 (i.e., to one of the one or more second cells 122, 123, 124) prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0162] At 208, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled, the UE 100 performs the cell reselection procedure from the first cell to the second cell 122. In other words, when the pre-RRCsetup/resume cell reselection condition(s) are fulfilled, the UE 100 performs cell reselection to the best neighbor cell 122 (according to the measurements) before it initiates the RRCSetup or RRCResume request. After completing the cell reselection procedure, the UE 100 is camping on the second cell 122 in the idle state or in the inactive state. In this case, the second cell 122 is controlled by the second access node 10413 or controlled by the first access node 104 or another access node.

[0163] At 209, the UE 100 transmits, to an access node 10413 of the second cell 122, an RRCSetupRequest message to request an RRC connection between the UE 100 and the second cell 122, or an RRCResumeRequest to request resumption of a previous RRC connection established between the UE 100 and the second cell 122. The access node 10413 of the second cell 122 may be a different access node than the access node 104 of the first cell 121. Alternatively, a single access node may control both the first cell 121 and the second cell 122.

[0164] At 210, based on or in response to receiving the RRCSetupRequest message, the access node 104B of the second cell 122 transmits, to the UE 100, an RRCSetup message comprising a configuration for establishing the RRC connection between the UE 100 and the second cell 122. Alternatively, based on or in response to receiving the RRCResumeRequest message, the access node 104B of the second cell 122 transmits, to the UE 100, an RRCResume message comprising a configuration for resuming the previous RRC connection between the UE 100 and the second cell 122. [0159] At 211, based on or after completing the cell reselection procedure, the UE 100 transitions from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. In other words, the UE 100 establishes the RRC connection with the second cell 122 according to the RRCSetup message, or resumes the previous RRC connection with the second cell 122 according to the RRCResume message.

[0165] At 212, the UE 100 transmits, to the access node 104B of the second cell 122, an RRCSetupComplete message to indicate the successful establishment of the RRC connection, or an RRCResumeComplete message to indicate the successful resumption of the RRC connection.

[0166] Herein the terms "first cell" and "second cell" are used to distinguish the cells, and they do not necessarily refer to a specific order or specific identifiers of the cells.

[0167] FIG. 3A illustrates a flow chart according to an example embodiment of a method for determining whether to perform a cell reselection prior to transitioning to connected state. The method of FIG. 3A may be performed by an apparatus 1100 depicted in FIG. 11. For example, the apparatus 1100 may be, or comprise, or be comprised in, a user equipment (UE) 100, 102.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 3A, in block 301, the apparatus 1100 receives, from an access node 104 of a first cell 121, a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state.

[0169] In block 302, the apparatus 1100 receives, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state.

[0170] The second configuration may further comprise or indicate one or more criteria for initiating measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0171] The one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate a higher measurement rate compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters (see FIG. 3B).

[0172] Alternatively, the one or more second measurement configuration 5 parameters may indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more first measurement configuration parameters (see FIG. 3C).

[0173] In block 303, the apparatus 1100 determines a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. For example, the apparatus 1100 may determine to initiate an outgoing connection.

[0174] In block 304, the apparatus 1100 determines whether the one or more criteria for initiating the measurements are fulfilled. For example, the one or more criteria may be determined to be fulfilled, if the received signal strength on the first cell (camped cell) 121 is below the SIntraSearchP or SNonIntraSearchP threshold, or if the received signal quality on the first cell 121 is below the SIntraSearchQ or SNonIntraSearchQ threshold.

[0175] If the one or more criteria are fulfilled, it may indicate that the apparatus 1100 is at or close to the edge of the first cell 121. If the one or more criteria are not fulfilled, it may indicate that the apparatus 1100 is at or close to the center of the first cell 121.

[0176] In block 305, based on determining that the one or more criteria are not fulfilled (block 304: no), the apparatus 1100 transmits an RRCSetupRequest message or an RRCResumeRequest message to the access node 104 of the first cell 121 for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0177] Alternatively, in block 306, based on determining that the one or more criteria are fulfilled (block 304: yes) and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, the apparatus 1100 performs one or more measurements of the first cell 121 and one or more second cells 122 according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0178] In block 307, following block 306, the apparatus 1100 determines, based on the one or more measurements and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state [0174] Based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions are not fulfilled (block 307: no), in block 305, the apparatus 1100 refrains from performing the cell reselection procedure, and transmits an RRCSetupRequest message or an RRCResumeRequest message to the access node 104 of the first cell 121 for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. [0175] Alternatively, in block 308, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions are fulfilled (block 307: yes), the apparatus 1100 performs the cell reselection procedure from the first cell 121 to a second cell 122.

[0179] Following block 308, in block 305, the apparatus 1100 transmits an RRCSetupRequest message or an RRCResumeRequest message to the access node 104B of the second cell 122 for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0180] FIG. 3B illustrates an example corresponding to the method of FIG. 3A, where the measurement rate indicated by the one or more second measurement configuration parameters is higher than the measurement rate indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters. Based on determining that the one or more criteria are fulfilled (e.g., the signal strength of the camped cell 121 is below the SIntraSearchP or SNonIntraSearchP threshold, or the signal quality of the camped cell 121 is below the SIntraSearchQ or SNonIntraSearchQ threshold), the UE may first perform one or more measurements 310 according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters. At 320, when the UE determines a need to transition to the connected state, the UE stops the one or more measurements 310 performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, and the UE starts performing one or more measurements 330 according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters, i.e., at a higher measurement rate (more frequently) than the one or more previous measurements 310. The UE may use the one or more measurements 330 performed according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters to evaluate the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration. At 340, when the one or more cell reselection conditions are fulfilled, the UE performs the cell reselection procedure and transmits an RRCSetupRequest or RRCResumeRequest message to the new cell for transitioning to the connected state.

[0181] In other words, in the alternative illustrated in FIG. 3B, if the (legacy] measurements 310 are already happening, the UE continues the measurements by S increasing the measurement rate (e.g., with the same measurement rate as in connected state). This alternative ensures that the measured values of the current cell 121 and neighbor cells 122, 123, 124 accurately reflect the current radio conditions. However, this added measurement window introduces some delay in setting up or resuming the RRC connection.

[0182] FIG. 3C illustrates an example corresponding to the method of FIG. 3A, where the measurement rate indicated by the one or more second measurement configuration parameters is the same as the measurement rate indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters. In other words, in this alternative, the measurement rate of the new measurements can remain the same as in the legacy measurements, and the need to increase the measurement rate is eliminated. This simplifies the UE action, as it does not need to change the measurement rate. However, in this case, the current radio conditions may not be represented as accurately as when using the higher measurement rate.

[0183] FIG. 4A illustrates a flow chart according to an example embodiment of a method for determining whether to perform a cell reselection prior to transitioning to connected state. The method of FIG. 4A may be performed by an apparatus 1100 depicted in FIG. 11. For example, the apparatus 1100 may be, or comprise, or be comprised in, a user equipment (UE] 100, 102.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 4A, in block 401, the apparatus 1100 receives, from an access node 104 of a first cell 121, a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state.

[0185] The first configuration may further comprise or indicate one or more criteria for initiating measurements according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0186] In block 402, the apparatus 1100 receives, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state.

[0187] In block 403, the apparatus 1100 determines whether the one or more criteria for initiating the measurements are fulfilled. For example, the one or more criteria may be determined to be fulfilled, if the received signal strength on the first cell (camped cell) 121 is below the SIntraSearchP or SNonIntraSearchP threshold, or if the received signal quality on the first cell 121 is below the SIntraSearchQ or SNonIntraSearchQ threshold.

[0188] If the one or more criteria are fulfilled, it may indicate that the apparatus 1100 is at or close to the edge of the first cell 121.1f the one or more criteria are not fulfilled, it may indicate that the apparatus 1100 is at or close to the center of the first cell 121.

[0189] In block 404, based on determining that the one or more criteria are not fulfilled (block 403: no), the apparatus 1100 refrains from performing any measurements related to cell reselection (i.e., the apparatus 1100 applies neither the one or more first measurement configuration parameters nor the one or more second measurement configuration parameters).

[0190] In block 405, following block 404, the apparatus 1100 determines a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0191] For example, the apparatus 1100 may determine to initiate an outgoing connection.

[0192] In block 406, following block 405, the apparatus 1100 transmits an RRCSetupRequest message or an RRCResumeRequest message to the access node 104 of the first cell 121 for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. In other words, the apparatus 1100 transitions to the connected state once it determines that the transition is needed.

[0193] Alternatively, in block 407, based on determining that the one or more criteria are fulfilled (block 403: yes), the apparatus 1100 performs one or more measurements of the first cell 121 and one or more second cells 122 according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0194] In block 408, following block 407, the apparatus 1100 determines a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. For example, the apparatus 1100 may determine to initiate an outgoing connection.

[0195] In block 409, following block 408, the apparatus 1100 refrains from performing any measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters, for example based on determining that a delay associated with performing the one or more measurements according to the one or more second S measurement configuration parameters would exceed a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated in the connected state.

[0196] In block 410, following block 409, the apparatus 1100 determines, based on the one or more measurements performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0197] In other words, the apparatus 1100 may reuse the one or more measurements performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, instead of performing new measurements using the one or more second measurement configuration parameters, to evaluate if cell reselection should be performed.

[0198] In block 406, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions are not fulfilled (block 410: no), the apparatus 1100 refrains from performing the cell reselection procedure, and transmits an RRCSetupRequest message or an RRCResumeRequest message to the access node 104 of the first cell 121 for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0199] Alternatively, in block 411, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions are fulfilled (block 410: yes), the apparatus 1100 performs the cell reselection procedure from the first cell 121 to a second cell 122. [0196] Following block 411, in block 406, the apparatus 1100 transmits an RRCSetupRequest message or an RRCResumeRequest message to the access node 104B of the second cell 122 for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0200] FIG. 4B illustrates an example corresponding to the method of FIG. 4A. Based on determining that the one or more criteria are fulfilled (e.g., the signal strength of the camped cell 121 is below the SIntraSearchP or SNonIntraSearchP threshold, or the signal quality of the camped cell 121 is below the SIntraSearchQ or SNonIntraSearchQ threshold), the UE performs one or more measurements 410 according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters. At 420, the UE determines a need to transition to the connected state. However, in this example, the UE does not perform any measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters. Instead, the UE uses the one or more measurements 410 performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters to evaluate the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration (not the legacy cell reselection conditions). This may be beneficial for minimizing the delay for transitioning to the connected state, since no additional measurements are performed. At 430, when the one or more cell reselection conditions are fulfilled, the UE performs the cell reselection procedure and transmits an RRCSetupRequest or RRCResumeRequest message to the new cell for transitioning to the connected state.

[0201] FIG. SA illustrates a flow chart according to an example embodiment of a method for determining whether to perform a cell reselection prior to transitioning to connected state. The method of FIG. SA may be performed by an apparatus 1100 depicted in FIG. 11. For example, the apparatus 1100 may be, or comprise, or be comprised in, a user equipment (UE) 100, 102.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 5A, in block 501, the apparatus 1100 receives, from an access node 104 of a first cell 121, a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state.

[0203] In block 502, the apparatus 1100 receives, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state.

[0204] The one or more second measurement configuration parameters may 30 indicate a higher measurement rate compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0205] Alternatively, the one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0206] In block 503, the apparatus 1100 determines a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. For example, the apparatus 1100 may determine to initiate an outgoing connection.

[0207] In block 504, based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, the apparatus 1100 performs one or more measurements of the first cell 121 and one or more second cells 122, 123, 124 according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0208] In this example embodiment, the one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell 121.

[0209] For example, the apparatus 1100 may receive, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, information indicating one or more criteria for initiating the one or more measurements of the first cell 121 and the one or more second cells 122, 123, 124, wherein the one or more criteria are associated with at least one of the received signal power or the received signal quality measured on the first cell 121. However, the one or more measurements may be performed before the one or more criteria are fulfilled. In other words, the one or more criteria may be bypassed, when there is a need to transition to the connected state.

[0210] In block 505, the apparatus 1100 determines, based on the one or more measurements and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state [0208] In block 506, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions are not fulfilled (block SOS: no), the apparatus 1100 refrains from performing the cell reselection procedure, and transmits an RRCSetupRequest message or an RRCResumeRequest message to the access node 104 of the first cell 121 for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0211] Alternatively, in block 507, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions are fulfilled (block 505: yes), the apparatus 1100 performs the cell reselection procedure from the first cell 121 to a second cell 122.

[0212] Following block 507, in block 506, the apparatus 1100 transmits an 5 RRCSetupRequest message or an RRCResumeRequest message to the access node 104B of the second cell 122 for transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0213] FIG. 5B illustrates an example corresponding to the method of FIG. 5A. At 510, the UE determines a need to transition to the connected state, and the UE starts performing one or more measurements 520 according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters, even if the one or more criteria are not fulfilled yet (e.g., even if Srxlev > SIntraSearchP and/or Squal > SIntraSearchQ). The UE may use the one or more measurements 520 performed according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters to evaluate the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration. At 530, when the one or more cell reselection conditions are fulfilled, the UE performs the cell reselection procedure and transmits an RRCSetupRequest or RRCResumeRequest message to the new cell for transitioning to the connected state.

[0214] In other words, in the alternative shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, if the cell reselection measurements are not happening due to the one or more criteria (e.g., SIntraSearchP/Q and/or SNonIntraSearchP/Q) not being fulfilled yet (i.e., the UE is not at the cell edge), the UE can bypass the one or more criteria and start the one or more measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters (e.g., with the same measurement rate as in connected state). For example, this alternative may be useful in case the radio conditions in the serving cell 121 are not that bad yet but one or more neighbor cells 122, 123, 124 have better signal strength and/or quality. Thus, the UE performs the neighbor cell measurements even if the source cell 121 is still good enough, and performs cell reselection if it finds an even better cell. However, this alternative may result in more frequent pre-RRCsetup/resume measurements and cell reselection.

[0215] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart according to an example embodiment of a method for determining whether to perform a cell reselection prior to transitioning to connected state. The method may be performed by an apparatus 1100 depicted in FIG. 11. For example, the apparatus 1100 may be, or comprise, or be comprised in, a user equipment (UE) 100, 102.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 6, in block 601, the apparatus 1100 receives, from an access node 104 of a first cell 121, a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state.

[0217] In block 602, the apparatus 1100 receives, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on or in response to determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state.

[0218] The one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate a higher measurement rate compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters. Alternatively, the one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0219] The first configuration may further indicate one or more cell reselection conditions that are different from the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration.

[0220] For example, the first configuration may indicate a first timer value as a cell reselection condition for triggering the cell reselection procedure, and the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration may comprise at least a second timer value for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the second timer value may be smaller than or equal to the first timer value.

[0221] In block 603, the apparatus 1100 performs one or more measurements according to at least one of: the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, or the one or more second measurement configuration parameters.

[0222] The second configuration may further comprise one or more criteria 30 for initiating the one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements may be performed based on determining that the one or more criteria are fulfilled. [0221] In block 603, the apparatus 1100 determines, based on the one or more measurements and based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0223] Based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled, the apparatus 1100 may perform the cell reselection procedure; and transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state based on completing the cell reselection procedure.

[0224] Alternatively, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are not fulfilled, the apparatus 1100 may refrain from performing the cell reselection procedure; and transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state on the first cell.

[0225] The one or more measurements may be performed according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters, based at least on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0226] The apparatus 1100 may determine whether a delay associated with performing the one or more measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters exceeds a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated in the connected state, wherein the one or more measurements may be performed according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters based on determining that the delay tolerance is not exceeded.

[0227] The apparatus 1100 may receive, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, an indication indicating the delay tolerance of the service to be initiated in the connected state.

[0228] Alternatively, the one or more measurements may be performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0229] The apparatus 1100 may start a timer based on completing the one or more measurements performed according to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters, wherein the timer is set to expire after a pre-defined time period; and refrain from performing any measurements according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters while the timer is running.

[0230] Prior to receiving the second configuration, the apparatus 1100 may transmit, to the access node 104 of the first cell 121, capability information indicating that the apparatus 1100 supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0231] The second configuration may be received based on or in response to transmitting the capability information.

[0232] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart according to an example embodiment of a method for configuring cell reselection. The method may be performed by an apparatus 1200 depicted in FIG. 12. For example, the apparatus 1200 may be, or comprise, or be comprised in, an access node 104 of a first cell 121.

[0233] Referring to FIG. 7, in block 701, the apparatus 1200 generates a first configuration for cell reselection, the first configuration indicating one or more first measurement configuration parameters to be applied in an idle state or in an inactive state.

[0234] In block 702, the apparatus 1200 generates a second configuration for cell reselection, the second configuration indicating one or more second measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on or in response to determining a need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to a connected state.

[0235] The one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate a higher measurement rate compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more first measurement configuration parameters. Alternatively, the one or more second measurement configuration parameters may indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more first measurement configuration parameters.

[0236] The first configuration may further indicate one or more cell reselection conditions that are different from the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration.

[0237] For example, the first configuration may indicate a first timer value as a cell reselection condition for triggering the cell reselection procedure, and the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration may comprise at least a second timer value for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the second timer value may be smaller than or equal to the first timer value.

[0238] In block 703, the apparatus 1200 transmits the first configuration to a user equipment 100.

[0239] In block 704, the apparatus 1200 transmits the second configuration to the user equipment.

[0240] Prior to transmitting the second configuration, the apparatus 1200 may receive, from the user equipment 100, capability information indicating that the user equipment 100 supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. The second configuration may be transmitted to the user equipment 100 based on receiving the capability information from the user equipment 100.

[0241] The second configuration may further comprise one or more criteria for initiating the measurements.

[0242] The apparatus 1200 may transmit, to the user equipment 100, an indication indicating a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated at the user equipment 100 in the connected state.

[0243] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart according to an example embodiment of a method for determining whether to perform a cell reselection prior to transitioning to connected state. The method may be performed by an apparatus 1100 depicted in FIG. 11. For example, the apparatus 1100 may be, or comprise, or be comprised in, a user equipment (UE) 100, 102.

[0244] Referring to FIG. 8, in block 801, the apparatus 1100 receives, from an access node 104 of a first cell 121, a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on or in response to determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state. This configuration may refer to the second configuration described above, and these one or more measurement configuration parameters may refer to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters described above.

[0245] In block 802, based on or in response to the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, the apparatus 1100 performs one or more measurements of the first cell 121 and one or more second cells 122, 123, 124 according to the one or more (second) measurement configuration parameters.

[0246] The one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell 121.

[0247] For example, the apparatus 1100 may receive, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, information indicating one or more criteria (e.g., SIntraSearchP, SIntraSearchQ SNonIntraSearchP, and/or SNonIntraSearchQ) for initiating the one or more measurements of the first cell 121 and the one or more second cells 122, 123, 124, the one or more criteria being associated with at least one of the received signal power or the received signal quality measured on the first cell, wherein the one or more measurements may be performed before the one or more criteria are fulfilled.

[0248] In block 803, the apparatus 1100 determines, based on the one or more measurements, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the (second) configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure from the first cell 121 to one of the one or more second cells 122, 123, 124 prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0249] Based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are fulfilled, the apparatus 1100 may perform the cell reselection procedure; and transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state based on completing the cell reselection procedure.

[0250] Alternatively, based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the second configuration are not fulfilled, the apparatus 1100 may refrain from performing the cell reselection procedure; and transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state on the first cell.

[0251] Prior to performing the one or more measurements, the apparatus 1100 may receive, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, another configuration for cell reselection, the another configuration indicating one or more other measurement configuration parameters to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state. The another configuration may refer to the first configuration described above, and the one or more other measurement configuration parameters may refer to the one or more first measurement configuration parameters described above.

[0252] The one or more other (first) measurement configuration parameters may indicate a lower measurement rate compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more (second) measurement configuration parameters.

[0253] Alternatively, the one or more other (first) measurement configuration parameters may indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more (second) measurement configuration parameters.

[0254] The another (first) configuration may further indicate one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state, wherein the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state may be different from the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0255] For example, the another (first) configuration may indicate a first timer value as a cell reselection condition for triggering the cell reselection procedure, and the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state may comprise at least a second timer value for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the second timer value may be smaller than or equal to the first timer value.

[0256] The one or more measurements may be performed according to the one or more (second) measurement configuration parameters, based at least on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

[0257] The apparatus 1100 may determine whether a delay associated with performing the one or more measurements according to the one or more (second) measurement configuration parameters exceeds a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated in the connected state, wherein the one or more measurements may be performed according to the one or more (second) measurement configuration parameters based on determining that the delay tolerance is not exceeded.

[0258] The apparatus 1100 may receive, from the access node 104 of the first cell 121, an indication indicating the delay tolerance of the service to be initiated in the connected state.

[0259] Prior to receiving the second configuration, the apparatus 1100 may transmit, to the access node 104 of the first cell 121, capability information indicating

[0260] SO

[0261] that the apparatus 1100 supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. The second configuration may be received based on or in response to transmitting the capability information.

[0262] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart according to an example embodiment of a method for configuring cell reselection. The method may be performed by an apparatus 1200 depicted in FIG. 12. For example, the apparatus 1200 may be, or comprise, or be comprised in, an access node 104 of a first cell 121.

[0263] Referring to FIG. 9, in block 901, the apparatus 1200 generates a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on or in response to determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state.

[0264] In block 902, the apparatus 1200 transmits the configuration to a user equipment 100. This configuration may refer to the second configuration described above.

[0265] Prior to transmitting the (second) configuration, the apparatus 1200 may receive, from the user equipment 100, capability information indicating that the user equipment 100 supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state. The (second) configuration may be transmitted to the user equipment 100 based on receiving the capability information from the user equipment 100.

[0266] The (second) configuration may further comprise one or more criteria for initiating the measurements.

[0267] The apparatus 1200 may transmit, to the user equipment 100, an indication indicating a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated at the user equipment 100 in the connected state.

[0268] The blocks, related functions, and information exchanges (messages) described above by means of FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, FIG. 4A, FIG. SA, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are in no absolute chronological order, and some of them may be performed simultaneously or in an order differing from the described one. Other functions can also be executed between them or within them, and other information may be sent and/or other rules applied. Some of the blocks or part of the blocks or one or more pieces of information can also be left out or replaced by a corresponding block or part of the block or one or more pieces of information.

[0269] As used herein, "at least one of the following: <a list of two or more elements>" and "at least one of <a list of two or more elements>" and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by "and" or "or", mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements. In addition, "A/B" represents A or B. [0266] FIG. 10A illustrates an ideal scenario, where the UE transmits the RRCsetup or RRCresume request to the first cell 121 immediately to make the transition to connected state as fast as possible. In other words, the UE is initially in the idle or inactive state 1011, performs the RRC setup or resume procedure 1012 (without any failure), and transitions to the RRC connected state 1013 on the first cell 121. However, this ideal scenario is not always possible, for example when the UE is at the cell edge.

[0270] FIG. 10B illustrates a scenario according to the legacy cell reselection procedure, where the RRC setup or resume request is transmitted to the first cell 121 in an area with a high chance of cell reselection. Referring to FIG. 10B, the UE is initially in the idle or inactive state 1021. The UE attempts to perform an RRC setup or resume procedure 1022 on the first cell 121, which fails due to the UE performing a cell reselection 1023 from the first cell 121 to a second cell 122 before the RRC setup or resume procedure 1022 on the first cell 121 is completed. Therefore, the UE has to perform another RRC setup procedure 1024 on the second cell 122. After completing the RRC setup procedure 1024 on the second cell 122, the UE transitions to the connected state 1025. In this case, the delay 1029 caused by the failed RRC setup or resume procedure 1022 may be significant.

[0271] FIG. 10C illustrates a scenario according to an example embodiment.

[0272] Referring to FIG. 10C, the UE is initially in the idle or inactive state 1031. The UE performs the pre-RRCsetup/resume measurements 1032 (according to the one or more second measurement configuration parameters) and a cell reselection 1033 from the first cell 121 to a second cell 122 prior to initiating the RRC setup or resume procedure 1034.

[0273] After the cell reselection is completed, the UE performs the RRC setup or resume procedure 1034 on the second cell 122. After completing the RRC setup or resume procedure 1034 on the second cell 122, the UE transitions to the connected state 1035. In this scenario, some delay 1039 is introduced compared to the ideal scenario of FIG. 10A (due to the pre-RRCsetup/resume measurements 1032 and the cell reselection 1033), but this delay 1039 of FIG. 10C may be shorter than the delay 1029 shown in FIG. 10B, if the duration of the pre-RRCsetup/resume measurements 1032 and cell reselection 1033 is less than the duration of the RRC setup procedure 1024 to the new cell 122. For example, this may be possible by using a shorter 'Preselection timer to trigger cell reselection faster than with the legacy option.

[0274] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an apparatus 1100 comprising means for performing one or more of the example embodiments described above. For example, the apparatus 1100 may be an apparatus such as, or comprising, or comprised in, a user equipment (UE) 100, 102. The user equipment may also be called a wireless communication device, a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a terminal device, or a user device.

[0275] The apparatus 1100 may comprise a circuitry or a chipset applicable for realizing one or more of the example embodiments described above. For example, the apparatus 1100 may comprise at least one processor 1110. The at least one processor 1110 interprets instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) and processes data. The at least one processor 1110 may comprise one or more programmable processors. The at least one processor 1110 may comprise programmable hardware with embedded firmware and may, alternatively or additionally, comprise one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICsl.

[0276] The at least one processor 1110 is coupled to at least one memory 1120. The at least one processor is configured to read and write data to and from the at least one memory 1120. The at least one memory 1120 may comprise one or more memory units. The memory units may be volatile or non-volatile. It is to be noted that there may be one or more units of non-volatile memory and one or more units of volatile memory or, alternatively, one or more units of non-volatile memory, or, alternatively, one or more units of volatile memory. Volatile memory may be for example random-access memory (RAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) or synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM). Non-volatile memory may be for example read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical storage or magnetic storage. In general, memories may be referred to as non-transitory computer readable media. The term "non-transitory," as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal] as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). The at least one memory 1120 stores computer readable instructions that are executed by the at least one processor 1110 to perform one or more of the example embodiments described above. For example, non-volatile memory stores the computer readable instructions, and the at least one processor 1110 executes the instructions using volatile memory for temporary storage of data and/or instructions. The computer readable instructions may refer to computer program code.

[0277] The computer readable instructions may have been pre-stored to the at least one memory 1120 or, alternatively or additionally, they may be received, by the apparatus, via an electromagnetic carrier signal and/or may be copied from a physical entity such as a computer program product. Execution of the computer readable instructions by the at least one processor 1110 causes the apparatus 1100 to perform one or more of the example embodiments described above. That is, the at least one processor and the at least one memory storing the instructions may provide the means for providing or causing the performance of any of the methods and/or blocks described above.

[0278] In the context of this document, a "memory" or "computer-readable media" or "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory media or medium or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. The term "non-transitory," as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal] as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0279] The apparatus 1100 may further comprise, or be connected to, an input unit 1130. The input unit 1130 may comprise one or more interfaces for receiving input The one or more interfaces may comprise for example one or more temperature, motion and/or orientation sensors, one or more cameras, one or more accelerometers, one or more microphones, one or more buttons and/or one or more touch detection units. Further, the input unit 1130 may comprise an interface to which external devices may connect to.

[0280] The apparatus 1100 may also comprise an output unit 1140. The output unit may comprise or be connected to one or more displays capable of rendering visual content, such as a light emitting diode (LED] display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) display. The output unit 1140 may further comprise one or more audio outputs. The one or more audio outputs may be for example loudspeakers.

[0281] The apparatus 1100 further comprises a connectivity unit 1150. The connectivity unit 1150 enables wireless connectivity to one or more external devices.

[0282] The connectivity unit 1150 comprises at least one transmitter and at least one receiver that may be integrated to the apparatus 1100 or that the apparatus 1100 may be connected to. The at least one transmitter comprises at least one transmission antenna, and the at least one receiver comprises at least one receiving antenna. The connectivity unit 1150 may comprise an integrated circuit or a set of integrated circuits that provide the wireless communication capability for the apparatus 1100. Alternatively, the wireless connectivity may be a hardwired application-specific integrated circuit (AS1C). The connectivity unit 1150 may also provide means for performing at least some of the blocks or functions of one or more example embodiments described above. The connectivity unit 1150 may comprise one or more components, such as: power amplifier, digital front end (DFE), analog-to-digital converter (ADC), digital-to-analog converter (DAC), frequency converter, (de)modulator, and/or encoder/decoder circuitries, controlled by the corresponding controlling units.

[0283] It is to be noted that the apparatus 1100 may further comprise 20 various components not illustrated in FIG. 11. The various components may be hardware components and/or software components.

[0284] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an apparatus 1200 comprising means for performing one or more of the example embodiments described above. For example, the apparatus 1200 may be an apparatus such as, or comprising, or comprised in, an access node 104 of a first cell 121.

[0285] The apparatus 1200 may comprise, for example, a circuitry or a chipset applicable for realizing one or more of the example embodiments described above. The apparatus 1200 may be an electronic device comprising one or more electronic circuitries. The apparatus 1200 may comprise a communication control circuitry 1210 such as at least one processor, and at least one memory 1220 storing instructions 1222 which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 1200 to carry out one or more of the example embodiments described above. Such instructions 1222 may, for example, include computer program code (software).

[0286] SS

[0287] The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing the instructions may provide the means for providing or causing the performance of any of the methods and/or blocks described above.

[0288] The processor is coupled to the memory 1220. The processor is S configured to read and write data to and from the memory 1220. The memory 1220 may comprise one or more memory units. The memory units may be volatile or non-volatile. It is to be noted that there may be one or more units of non-volatile memory and one or more units of volatile memory or, alternatively, one or more units of non-volatile memory, or, alternatively, one or more units of volatile memory. Volatile memory may 10 be for example random-access memory (RAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) or synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM). Non-volatile memory may be for example read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical storage or magnetic storage. In general, memories may be referred to as non-transitory computer readable media. The term "non-transitory," as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). The memory 1220 stores computer readable instructions that are executed by the processor. For example, nonvolatile memory stores the computer readable instructions, and the processor executes the instructions using volatile memory for temporary storage of data and/or instructions.

[0289] The computer readable instructions may have been pre-stored to the memory 1220 or, alternatively or additionally, they may be received, by the apparatus, via an electromagnetic carrier signal and/or may be copied from a physical entity such 25 as a computer program product Execution of the computer readable instructions causes the apparatus 1200 to perform one or more of the functionalities described above. [0282] The memory 1220 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed 30 memory and/or removable memory. The memory may comprise a configuration database for storing configuration data, such as a current neighbour cell list, and, in some example embodiments, structures of frames used in the detected neighbour cells.

[0290] The apparatus 1200 may further comprise or be connected to a communication interface 1230, such as a radio unit, comprising hardware and/or software for realizing communication connectivity with one or more wireless communication devices according to one or more communication protocols. The communication interface 1230 comprises at least one transmitter (Tx) and at least one receiver (Rx) that may be integrated to the apparatus 1200 or that the apparatus 1200 may be connected to. The communication interface 1230 may provide means for performing some of the blocks and/or functions (e.g., transmitting and receiving) for one or more example embodiments described above. The communication interface 1230 may comprise one or more components, such as: power amplifier, digital front end (DFE), analog-to-digital converter (ADC), digital-to-analog converter (DAC), frequency converter, (de)modulator, and/or encoder/decoder circuitries, controlled by the corresponding controlling units.

[0291] The communication interface 1230 provides the apparatus with radio communication capabilities to communicate in the wireless communication network.

[0292] The communication interface may, for example, provide a radio interface to one or more UEs 100, 102. The apparatus 1200 may further comprise or be connected to another interface towards a core network 110, such as the network coordinator apparatus or AMF, and/or to other access nodes of the wireless communication network.

[0293] The apparatus 1200 may further comprise a scheduler 1240 that is configured to allocate radio resources. The scheduler 1240 may be configured along with the communication control circuitry 1210 or it may be separately configured.

[0294] It is to be noted that the apparatus 1200 may further comprise various components not illustrated in FIG. 12. The various components may be hardware components and/or software components.

[0295] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry); and b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone, to perform various functions); and c) hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (for example firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0296] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0297] The techniques and methods described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or combinations thereof For a hardware implementation, the apparatus(es) of example embodiments may be implemented within one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof For firmware or software, the implementation can be carried out through modules of at least one chipset (for example procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in a memory unit and executed by processors. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or externally to the processor. In the latter case, it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means, as is known in the art Additionally, the components of the systems described herein may be rearranged and/or complemented by additional components in order to facilitate the achievements of the various aspects, etc., described with regard thereto, and they are not limited to the precise configurations set forth in the given figures, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art [0290] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept may be implemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. The embodiments are not limited to the example embodiments described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and they are intended to illustrate, not to restrict, the embodiments.

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from an access node of a first cell, a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, perform one or more measurements of the first cell and one or more second cells according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters, wherein the one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell; and determine, based on the one or more measurements, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further being caused to: receive, from the access node of the first cell, information indicating one or more criteria for initiating the one or more measurements of the first cell and the one or more second cells, the one or more criteria being associated with at least one of the received signal power or the received signal quality measured on the first cell, wherein the one or more measurements are performed before the one or more criteria are fulfilled.

3. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further being caused to: based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled, perform the cell reselection procedure; and transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state based on completing the cell reselection procedure.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 2, further being caused to: based on determining that the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are not fulfilled, refrain from performing the cell reselection procedure; and transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state on the first cell.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further being caused to: receive, from the access node of the first cell, another configuration for cell reselection, the another configuration indicating one or more other measurement configuration parameters to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state, wherein the one or more other measurement configuration parameters indicate a lower measurement rate compared to a measurement rate indicated by the one or more measurement configuration parameters.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, further being caused to: receive, from the access node of the first cell, another configuration for cell reselection, the another configuration indicating one or more other measurement configuration parameters to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state, wherein the one or more other measurement configuration parameters indicate a same measurement rate as the one or more measurement configuration 25 parameters.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 5 to 6, wherein the another configuration further indicates one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state, wherein the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied in the idle state or in the inactive state are different from the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 6 to 7, wherein the another configuration indicates a first timer value as a cell reselection condition for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state comprise at least a second timer value for triggering the cell reselection procedure, wherein the second timer value is smaller than or equal to the first timer value.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further being caused to: determine whether a delay associated with performing the one or more measurements according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters exceeds a delay tolerance of a service to be initiated in the connected state, wherein the one or more measurements are performed according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters based on determining that the delay tolerance is not exceeded.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further being caused to: receive, from the access node of the first cell, an indication indicating the delay tolerance of the service to be initiated in the connected state.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further being caused to: transmit, to the access node of the first cell, capability information indicating that the apparatus supports performing cell reselection measurements associated with transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, wherein the configuration is received based on transmitting the capability information.

12. An apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: generate a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; and transmit the configuration to a user equipment.

13. A method comprising: receiving from an access node of a first cell, a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state, performing one or more measurements of the first cell and one or more second cells according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters, wherein the one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell; and determining, based on the one or more measurements, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

14. A method comprising: generating a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; and transmitting the configuration to a user equipment

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, from an access node of a first cell, a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; based on the determination of the need to transition from the idle state or 10 from the inactive state to the connected state, performing one or more measurements of the first cell and one or more second cells according to the one or more measurement configuration parameters, wherein the one or more measurements are performed regardless of any previous measurements associated with at least one of a received signal power or a received signal quality measured on the first cell; and determining, based on the one or more measurements, whether the one or more cell reselection conditions indicated in the configuration are fulfilled for performing a cell reselection procedure prior to transitioning from the idle state or from the inactive state to the connected state.

16. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: generating a configuration for cell reselection, the configuration indicating one or more measurement configuration parameters and one or more cell reselection conditions to be applied based on determining a need to transition from an idle state or from an inactive state to a connected state; and transmitting the configuration to a user equipment.