ETSI TS 138 133 V16.27.0 (2026-04)

5G; NR; Requirements for support of radio resource management (3GPP TS 38.133 version 16.27.0 Release 16)

RTS/TSGR-0438133vgr0

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Technical Committee: 3GPP RAN 4 - Specification for radio performance
• Current Stage: 12 - Citation in the OJ (auto-insert)
• Completion Date: 21-Apr-2026

Standards Content (Sample)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
5G;
NR;
Requirements for support of radio resource management
(3GPP TS 38.133 version 16.27.0 Release 16)

3GPP TS 38.133 version 16.27.0 Release 16 1 ETSI TS 138 133 V16.27.0 (2026-04)

Reference
RTS/TSGR-0438133vgr0
Keywords
5G
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ETSI
3GPP TS 38.133 version 16.27.0 Release 16 2 ETSI TS 138 133 V16.27.0 (2026-04)
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ETSI
3GPP TS 38.133 version 16.27.0 Release 16 3 ETSI TS 138 133 V16.27.0 (2026-04)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights . 2
Legal Notice . 2
Modal verbs terminology . 2
Foreword . 68
1 Scope . 70
2 References . 70
3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations . 71
3.1 Definitions . 71
3.2 Symbols . 72
3.3 Abbreviations . 73
3.4 Test tolerances . 76
3.5 Frequency bands grouping . 76
3.5.1 Introduction. 76
3.5.2 NR operating bands in FR1 . 76
3.5.3 NR operating bands in FR2 . 77
3.6 Applicability of requirements in this specification version . 77
3.6.1 RRC connected state requirements in DRX . 78
3.6.2 Number of serving carriers . 78
3.6.2.1 Number of serving carriers for SA . 78
3.6.2.2 Number of serving carriers for EN-DC . 78
3.6.2.3 Number of serving carriers for NE-DC . 78
3.6.2.4 Number of serving carriers for NR-DC . 79
3.6.3 Applicability for intra-band FR2 . 79
3.6.4 Applicability for FR2 UE power classes. 79
3.6.5 Applicability for SDL bands . 79
3.6.6 Applicability of requirements for NGEN-DC operation . 79
3.6.7 Applicability of QCL . 79
3.6.9 Applicability of requirements for scheduling availability. 80
3.6.10 Applicability of requirements for measurement restrictions . 80
4 SA: RRC_IDLE state mobility . 80
4.1 Cell Selection . 80
4.2 Cell Re-selection . 80
4.2.1 Introduction. 80
4.2.2 Requirements . 81
4.2.2.1 UE measurement capability . 81
4.2.2.2 Measurement and evaluation of serving cell . 81
4.2.2.3 Measurements of intra-frequency NR cells . 82
4.2.2.4 Measurements of inter-frequency NR cells . 83
4.2.2.5 Measurements of inter-RAT E-UTRAN cells . 85
4.2.2.6 Maximum interruption in paging reception . 87
4.2.2.7 General requirements . 87
4.2.2.8 Minimum requirement at transitions . 87
4.2.2.9 Measurements of intra-frequency NR cells for UE configured with relaxed measurement
criterion . 88
4.2.2.9.1 Introduction . 88
4.2.2.9.2 Measurements for UE fulfilling low mobility criterion . 88
4.2.2.9.3 Measurements for UE fulfilling not-at-cell edge criterion. 89
4.2.2.9.4 Measurements for UE fulfilling low mobility and not-at-cell edge criteria . 89
4.2.2.10 Measurements of inter-frequency NR cells for UE configured with relaxed measurement
criterion . 90
4.2.2.10.1 Introduction . 90
4.2.2.10.2 Measurements for UE fulfilling low mobility criterion . 90
4.2.2.10.3 Measurements for UE fulfilling not-at-cell edge criterion. 91
4.2.2.10.4 Measurements for UE fulfilling low mobility and not-at-cell edge criterion . 92
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3GPP TS 38.133 version 16.27.0 Release 16 4 ETSI TS 138 133 V16.27.0 (2026-04)
4.2.2.11 Measurements of inter-RAT E-UTRAN cells for UE configured with relaxed measurement
criterion . 93
4.2.2.11.1 Introduction . 93
4.2.2.11.2 Measurements for UE fulfilling low mobility criterion . 93
4.2.2.11.3 Measurements for UE fulfilling with not-at-cell edge criterion . 94
4.2.2.11.4 Measurements for UE fulfilling low mobility and not-at-cell edge criterion . 95
4.2A Cell Re-selection when subject to CCA . 95
4.2A.1 Introduction. 95
4.2A.2 Requirements . 96
4.2A.2.1 UE measurement capability . 96
4.2A.2.2 Measurement and evaluation when subject to CCA on the serving cell . 96
4.2A.2.3 Measurements of intra-frequency NR cells when subject to CCA on the serving cell and target
cell . 97
4.2A.2.4 Measurements of inter-frequency NR cells when subject to CCA on the target cell . 98
4.2A.2.5 Measurements of inter-RAT E-UTRAN cells when subject to CCA on the serving cell . 100
4.2A.2.6 Maximum interruption in paging reception when subject to CCA on the target cell . 100
4.2A.2.7 General requirements . 100
4.3 Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) . 100
4.3.1 Introduction. 100
4.3.2 Measurement Requirements. 101
4.3.3 Requirements for Relative Time Stamp Accuracy . 101
4.3.4 Requirements for Relative Time Stamp Accuracy for RRC Connection Establishment Failure Log
Reporting . 101
4.3.5 Requirements for Relative Time Stamp Accuracy for Radio Link Failure and Handover Failure Log
Reporting . 102
4.4 Idle Mode CA/DC Measurements . 102
4.4.1 Introduction. 102
4.4.2 Measurement Requirements. 102
4.4.2.1 Detected cell requirement during state transition and Idle mode . 102
4.4.2.2 Measurements of inter-frequency CA/DC candidate cells . 103
4.4.2.3 Measurements on serving cell . 104
4.4.2.4 Measurements of E-UTRAN inter-RAT DC candidate cells . 104
5 SA: RRC_INACTIVE state mobility . 105
5.1 Cell Re-selection . 105
5.1.1 Introduction. 105
5.1.2 Requirements . 105
5.1.2.1 UE measurement capability . 105
5.1.2.2 Measurement and evaluation of serving cell . 105
5.1.2.3 Measurements of intra-frequency NR cells . 105
5.1.2.4 Measurements of inter-frequency NR cells . 105
5.1.2.5 Measurements of inter-RAT E-UTRAN cells . 105
5.1.2.6 Maximum interruption in paging reception . 105
5.1.2.7 General requirements . 105
5.1A Cell Re-selection with CCA . 105
5.1A.1 Introduction. 105
5.1A.2 Requirements . 106
5.1A.2.1 UE measurement capability . 106
5.1A.2.2 Measurement and evaluation when CCA is used on the serving cell . 106
5.1A.2.3 Measurements of intra-frequency NR cells when CCA is used on the serving cell and target cell . 106
5.1A.2.4 Measurements of inter-frequency NR cells when CCA is used on the target cell . 106
5.1A.2.5 Measurements of inter-RAT E-UTRAN cells when CCA is used on the serving cell . 106
5.1A.2.6 Maximum interruption in paging reception when CCA is used on the target cell . 106
5.1A.2.7 General requirements . 106
5.2 Void . 106
5.3 Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) . 106
5.3.1 Introduction. 106
5.3.2 Measurement Requirements. 107
5.3.3 Requirements for Relative Time Stamp Accuracy . 107
5.3.4 Requirements for Relative Time Stamp Accuracy for RRC Connection Establishment Failure Log
Reporting . 107
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3GPP TS 38.133 version 16.27.0 Release 16 5 ETSI TS 138 133 V16.27.0 (2026-04)
5.3.5 Requirements for Relative Time Stamp Accuracy for Radio Link Failure and Handover Failure Log
Reporting . 107
5.3.6 Requirements for Relative Time Stamp Accuracy for RRC Resume Failure Log Reporting . 107
5.4 Inactive Mode CA/DC Measurements . 107
5.4.1 Introduction. 107
5.4.2 Measurement Requirements. 107
5.4.2.1 Detected cell requirement during state transition and inactive mode . 108
5.4.2.2 Measurements of inter-frequency CA/DC candidate cells . 108
5.4.2.3 Measurements on serving cell . 108
5.4.2.4 Measurements on E-UTRAN inter-RAT DC candidate cells . 108
6 RRC_CONNECTED state mobility . 108
6.1 Handover . 108
6.1.1 NR Handover . 108
6.1.1.1 Introduction . 108
6.1.1.2 NR FR1 - NR FR1 Handover . 108
6.1.1.2.1 Handover delay . 108
6.1.1.2.2 Interruption time . 108
6.1.1.3 NR FR2- NR FR1 Handover . 109
6.1.1.3.1 Handover delay . 109
6.1.1.3.2 Interruption time . 109
6.1.1.4 NR FR2- NR FR2 Handover . 110
6.1.1.4.1 Handover delay . 110
6.1.1.4.2 Interruption time . 110
6.1.1.5 NR FR1- NR FR2 Handover . 111
6.1.1.5.1 Handover delay . 111
6.1.1.5.2 Interruption time . 111
6.1.2 NR Handover to other RATs . 112
6.1.2.1 NR – E-UTRAN Handover . 112
6.1.2.1.1 Introduction . 112
6.1.2.1.2 Handover delay . 112
6.1.2.1.3 Interruption time . 112
6.1.2.2 NR – UTRAN Handover . 113
6.1.2.2.1 Introduction . 113
6.1.2.2.2 Handover delay . 113
6.1.2.2.3 Interruption time . 113
6.1.3 NR DAPS Handover . 114
6.1.3.1 Introduction . 114
6.1.3.2 NR FR1 - NR FR1 DAPS Handover . 114
6.1.3.2.1 DAPS handover delay . 114
6.1.3.2.2 Interruption time . 115
6.1.3.3 NR FR2- NR FR1 DAPS Handover . 117
6.1.3.3.1 DAPS handover delay . 117
6.1.3.3.2 Interruption time . 117
6.1.3.4 NR FR1- NR FR2 DAPS Handover . 118
6.1.3.4.1 DAPS handover delay . 118
6.1.3.4.2 Interruption time . 118
6.1.4 NR Conditional Handover . 119
6.1.4.1 Introduction . 119
6.1.4.2 NR FR1 – NR FR1 conditional handover . 119
6.1.4.3 NR FR2 – NR FR1 conditional handover . 120
6.1.4.4 NR FR2 – NR FR2 conditional handover . 120
6.1.4.4.1 Handover delay . 121
6.1.4.4.2 Measurement time . 121
6.1.4.4.3 Preparation time. 121
6.1.4.4.4 Interruption time . 121
6.1.4.5 NR FR1 – NR FR2 conditional handover . 122
6.1A Void . 122
6.1A.1 Void . 122
6.1A.1.1 Void. 122
6.1A.1.2 Void. 122
6.1A.1.2.1 Void . 122
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6.1A.1.2.2 Void . 122
6.1B Handover to target cell using CCA. 122
6.1B.1 NR Handover . 122
6.1B.1.1 Introduction . 122
6.1B.1.2 NR FR1 - NR FR1 Handover . 123
6.1B.1.2.1 Handover delay . 123
6.1B.1.2.2 Interruption time . 123
6.2 RRC Connection Mobility Control. 124
6.2.1 SA: RRC Re-establishment . 124
6.2.1.1 Introduction . 124
6.2.1.2 Requirements . 124
6.2.1.2.1 UE Re-establishment delay requirement . 124
6.2.1A RRC Re-establishment with CCA . 125
6.2.1A.1 Introduction . 125
6.2.1A.2 Requirements . 126
6.2.1A.2.1 UE Re-establishment with CCA delay requirement . 126
6.2.2 Random access . 127
6.2.2.1 Introduction . 127
6.2.2.2 Requirements for 4-step RA type . 128
6.2.2.2.1 Contention based random access . 128
6.2.2.2.2 Non-Contention based random access . 129
6.2.2.2.3 UE behaviour when configured with supplementary UL . 130
6.2.2.3 Requirements for 2-step RA type . 130
6.2.2.3.1 Contention based random access . 130
6.2.2.3.2 Non-Contention based random access . 131
6.2.2.3.3 UE behaviour when configured with supplementary UL . 132
6.2.2A Random access when CCA is used on target frequency . 132
6.2.2A.1 Introduction . 132
6.2.2A.2 Requirements for 4-step RA type . 132
6.2.2A.2.1 Contention based random access . 132
6.2.2A.2.2 Non-Contention based random access . 133
6.2.2A.3 Requirements for 2-step RA type . 134
6.2.2A.3.1 Contention based random access . 135
6.2.2A.3.2 Non-Contention based random access . 136
6.2.3 SA: RRC Connection Release with Redirection . 136
6.2.3.1 Introduction . 136
6.2.3.2 Requirements . 137
6.2.3.2.1 RRC connection release with redirection to NR . 137
6.2.3.2.2 RRC connection release with redirection to E-UTRAN . 138
6.2.3.2.3 RRC connection release with redirection to NR carrier subject to CCA . 138
7 Timing . 139
7.1 UE transmit timing . 139
7.1.1 Introduction. 139
7.1.2 Requirements . 139
7.1.2.1 Gradual timing adjustment . 141
7.1.2.2 Void. 141
7.2 UE timer accuracy . 141
7.2.1 Introduction. 141
7.2.2 Requirements . 141
7.3 Timing advance . 142
7.3.1 Introduction. 142
7.3.2 Requirements . 142
7.3.2.1 Timing Advance adjustment delay . 142
7.3.2.2 Timing Advance adjustment accuracy . 142
7.4 Cell phase synchronization accuracy . 142
7.4.1 Definition . 142
7.4.2 Minimum requirements . 142
7.5 Maximum Transmission Timing Difference . 143
7.5.1 Introduction. 143
7.5.2 Minimum Requirements for inter-band EN-DC . 143
7.5.2.1 Minimum Requirements for inter-band synchronous EN-DC . 143
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7.5.3 Minimum Requirements for intra-band EN-DC . 144
7.5.4 Minimum Requirements for NR Carrier Aggregation . 144
7.5.5 Minimum Requirements for inter-band NE-DC . 145
7.5.5.1 Minimum Requirements for inter-band synchronous NE-DC . 145
7.5.6 Minimum Requirements for inter-band NR DC . 145
7.6 Maximum Receive Timing Difference . 146
7.6.1 Introduction. 146
7.6.2 Minimum Requirements for inter-band EN-DC . 146
7.6.2.1 Minimum Requirements for inter-band synchronous EN-DC . 147
7.6.3 Minimum Requirements for intra-band EN-DC . 147
7.6.4 Minimum Requirements for NR Carrier Aggregation . 148
7.6.5 Minimum Requirements for inter-band NE-DC . 148
7.6.5.1 Minimum Requirements for inter-band synchronous NE-DC . 149
7.6.6 Minimum Requirements for inter-band NR DC . 149
7.7 deriveSSB-IndexFromCell tolerance . 150
7.7.1 Minimum requirements . 150
7.8 Void . 150
8 Signalling characteristics .
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