Signaling and trigger mechanisms for handover

A base station (BS) comprising:

• a processor configured to:
• generate system information and information corresponding to different classes for handover signaling;
• and
• generate configuration information including measurement information and handover information based on received capability information;
• and
• a transceiver operably connected to the transceiver, the transceiver configured to:
• receive the capability information including information indicating support of enhanced signaling mechanisms;
• transmit the system information;
• transmit the configuration information;
• and
• receive a completion of handover indication using a non-Radio Resource Control mechanism.

A method for operating a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

• receiving system information and information corresponding to different classes for handover signaling;
• transmitting a capability information including information indicating support of enhanced signaling mechanisms;
• receiving configuration information including measurement information and handover information based on the capability information;
• determining completion of handover based on the configuration information;
• and
• transmitting a completion of handover indication using a non-Radio Resource Control mechanism based on the completion of handover determination.