Synchronization Assistance to a Mobile Station

A method for synchronising to a reference signal interval of a resource used by a target cell in a wireless communication network, the method being performed by a mobile station and comprising the steps of:

• receiving an adjustment value from a source cell, the adjustment value being an estimate of the change in timing required to synchronise to the reference signal interval of the resource,
• synchronising to the resource starting at a starting point set by the adjustment value,
• detecting a pilot signal in the reference signal interval,
• determining an actual change in timing required for synchronising to the reference signal interval,
• investigating the difference between the starting point of the adjustment value and the actual change in timing, and
• sending an indication of the required actual change in timing to the source cell.

A mobile station for synchronising to a reference signal interval of a resource used by a target cell in a wireless communication network, the mobile station comprising a processor acting on computer instructions whereby said mobile station is operative to:

• receive an adjustment value from a source cell, the adjustment value being an estimate of the change in timing required to synchronise to the reference signal interval of the resource,
• synchronise to the resource starting at a starting point set by the adjustment value,
• detect a pilot signal in the reference signal interval,
• determine an actual change in timing required for synchronising to the reference signal interval,
• investigate the difference between the starting point of the adjustment value and the actual change in timing, and
• send an indication of the required actual change in timing to the source cell.