Layer 2 (L2) mobility for new radio (NR) networks

A method implemented by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

• wirelessly communicating with a source node;
• receiving an L2 handover command from the source node or a target node, the L2 handover command is configured to trigger the UE to perform a handover through L1 signaling or L2 signaling;
• performing a two-step random-access channel (RACH) synchronization with the target node in response to the L2 handover command;
• performing the handover from the source node to the target node through L1 signaling or L2 signaling and independent of L3 signaling;
• and
• wirelessly communicating with the target node in response to the handover.

A method implemented by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

• receiving an L2 measurement control message from a source node;
• generating an L2 measurement report in response to the L2 measurement control message;
• transmitting the L2 measurement report to the source node;
• receiving an L2 handover command from the source node or a target node, the L2 handover command is configured to trigger the UE to perform a handover through L 1 signaling or L2 signaling;
• generating a preamble in response to the L2 handover command;
• transmitting the preamble to the target node;
• and
• performing the handover from the source node to the target node in response to the L2 handover command and a handover decision, through L1 or L2 signaling, and independent of L3 signaling,
• the handover decision based on the L2 measurement report.

A system comprising:

• a target node;
• a central unit (CU);
• and
• a source node comprising:
• a processor configured to generate an L2 handover command, the L2 handover command is configured to trigger a user equipment (UE) to perform a handover from the source node to the target node through L1 signaling or L2 signaling, and
• a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the L2 handover command to the UE,
• the processor is further configured to facilitate the handover of the UE along with the CU through L1 signaling or L2 signaling and independent of L3 signaling,
• the source node is at least one of a distributed unit (DU) or a transmission and reception point (TRP).