Inter-frequency search order

1. A method, performed by a user equipment (UE), for measuring channels available for inter-frequency handover, the method comprising the UE:

determining a channel order defining a sequence of channels to be successively measured for availability for inter-frequency handover, wherein the channel order is based on an uncertainty in probability; and

performing measurement of the channels according to the channel order.

2. The method claim 1 , wherein the determining a channel order comprises receiving information indicating the channel order at the UE.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the determining the channel order comprises receiving the information indicating the channel order and the status of a battery level of the UE.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the channel order is a function of probabilities of coverage for each of the channels.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the channel order is selected so as to optimize search time duration.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the channel order is selected based on weighting derived from channel-specific frequency information.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the channel-specific frequency information comprises a frequency priority.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the channel order is based on overlap information.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the channel order is selected based on probability calibration for the channels.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises the UE handing over to a detected cell according to the sequence of channels by switching an on-going communication to the detected cell.

11. A method, performed by a network node, for channel selection for inter-frequency handover, the method comprising the network node:

generating information usable by a user equipment (UE) for determining a sequence of channels to be successively measured by the UE for availability for inter-frequency handover;

transmitting the information to the UE;

receiving one or more inter-frequency measurement results of a first carrier frequency according to the sequence of channels indicated by the transmitted information;

updating a coverage probability estimate for determining an updated sequence of channels;

transmitting further information to the user equipment indicating an updated sequence of channels; and

performing an inter-frequency handover action.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the information comprises a channel order defining the sequence of channels.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the channel order is selected so as to optimize search time duration.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the channel order is selected based on weighting derived from channel-specific frequency information.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the channel-specific frequency information comprises a frequency priority.

16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the channel order is determined by machine learning techniques.

17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the method further comprises:

the network node receiving one or more inter-frequency measurement results based on the transmitted information; and

the network node performing an inter-frequency handover action.

18. A user equipment (UE) adapted to measure channels available for inter-frequency handover, the UE comprising:

processing circuitry;

memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the UE is operative to:

determine a channel order defining a sequence of channels to be successively measured for availability for inter-frequency handover, wherein the channel order is based on an uncertainty in probability; and

perform measurement of the channels according to the channel order.

19. The UE of claim 18 , wherein the instructions are such that the UE is operative to determine the channel order by receiving information indicating the channel order.

20. The UE of claim 18 , wherein the channel order is a function of probabilities of coverage for each of the channels.

21. A base station adapted for channel selection for inter-frequency handover, the base station comprising:

processing circuitry;

memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the base station is operative to:

generate information usable by a user equipment (UE) for determining a sequence of channels to be successively measured by the UE for availability for inter-frequency handover;

transmit the information to the UE;

receive one or more inter-frequency measurement results of a first carrier frequency according to the sequence of channels indicated by the transmitted information;

update a coverage probability estimate for determining an updated sequence of channels;

transmit further information to the user equipment indicating an updated sequence of channels; and

perform an inter-frequency handover action.

22. The base station of claim 21 , wherein the information comprises a channel order defining the sequence of channels.