Systems and methods for beam switching and reporting

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media associated with a user equipment (UE) and a base station are provided herein. In aspects, a UE can receive, from a base station, a beam modification command indicating at least one beam index for communicating over at least one beam on at least one channel. In an aspect, each of the at least one beam index can indicate at least a direction for communicating over a corresponding beam of the at least one beam. The UE can communicate with the base station over the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index on the at least one channel.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application of the PCT national phase patent application with the international filing date of April 17, 2017, national application number 201780031807.3, entitled "System and method for beam switching and reporting". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to communication systems, and more particularly to user equipment and base stations that can communicate via one or more beams. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems employ multiple access technologies that enable communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0004] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol enabling different wireless devices to communicate at the city, country, region, and even global levels. An example telecommunications standard is Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE is an enhancement set of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard issued by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE was designed to support mobile broadband access by improving spectral efficiency, reducing costs, and improving service through the use of OFDMA on the downlink, SC-FDMA on the uplink, and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology. However, with the continued growth in demand for mobile broadband access, there is a need for further improvements to LTE technology. These improvements can also be applied to other multiple access technologies and telecommunications standards that employ them.

[0005] Examples of improvements to LTE can include fifth-generation wireless systems and mobile networks (5G). 5G is a telecommunications standard that is scalable beyond LTE and / or 4G standards. For example, 5G can provide higher capacity and thus serve a larger number of users within an area. Furthermore, 5G can improve data consumption and data rates. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following provides a brief overview of one or more aspects to offer a basic understanding of them. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived aspects, nor is it intended to identify the key or decisive elements of all aspects, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description that follows.

[0007] Path loss can be relatively high in millimeter-wave (mmW) systems. Transmission can be directional to mitigate path loss. The base station can transmit one or more beam reference signals by sweeping in all directions, allowing the user equipment (UE) to identify an optimal “coarse” beam. Furthermore, the base station can transmit a beam refinement request signal, enabling the UE to track a “fine” beam. If the “coarse” beam identified by the UE changes, the UE may need to notify the base station, allowing the base station to train one or more new “fine” beams for the UE.

[0008] In a first aspect, a first method, a first apparatus, and a first computer-readable medium are provided. The first apparatus can receive a contention resolution message from a base station, the contention resolution message indicating at least one beam index corresponding to a beam. The first apparatus can determine whether the beam index is applicable to the first apparatus. When the beam index is applicable to the first apparatus, the first apparatus can communicate with the base station via the beam corresponding to the beam index. When it is determined that the beam index is applicable to the first apparatus, the first apparatus can transmit an acknowledgment message to the base station. In one aspect, the contention resolution message is associated with a random access procedure. In one aspect, determining whether the beam index is applicable to the first apparatus includes attempting to decode the contention resolution message based on a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) associated with the first apparatus, and determining that the beam index is applicable to the first apparatus when the contention resolution message is successfully decoded. In one aspect, when it is determined that the beam index is not applicable to the first apparatus or if the contention resolution message is not successfully decoded, the first apparatus can suppress the transmission of an unacknowledged message to the base station. In one aspect, the contention resolution message further includes an indication of one or more channels associated with a beam index, and performs communication with the base station via the beam corresponding to the beam index on one or more indicated channels. In another aspect, the first device can transmit a random access preamble to the base station. The first device can receive a random access response from the base station based on the random access preamble. The first device can transmit a connection request message to the base station based on the random access response, and the contention resolution message is transmitted based on the connection request message.

[0009] In a second aspect, a second method, a second apparatus, and a second computer-readable medium are provided. The second apparatus can transmit a contention resolution message to a UE, the contention resolution message indicating at least one beam index corresponding to a beam and indicating that the beam index applies to the UE. The second apparatus can determine whether an acknowledgement message has been received from the UE in response to the contention resolution message. When it is determined that an acknowledgement message has been received from the UE, the second apparatus can communicate with the UE via the beam corresponding to the beam index. In one aspect, the contention resolution message is associated with a random access procedure. In one aspect, the second apparatus can use an RNTI associated with the UE to scramble at least a portion of the contention resolution message. In one aspect, the contention resolution message further includes an indication of one or more channels associated with the beam index, and performs communication with the UE via the beam corresponding to the beam index on one or more indicated channels. In one aspect, the second apparatus can communicate with the UE via a serving beam before the transmission of the contention resolution message, and continue communicating with the UE via the serving beam based on the absence of an acknowledgement message from the UE. The second apparatus can receive a random access preamble from the UE. In one aspect, the second device can transmit a random access response to the UE based on a random access preamble. The second device can also receive a connection request message from the UE based on the random access response, and a contention resolution message can be transmitted based on the connection request message.

[0010] In a third aspect, a third method, a third apparatus, and a third computer-readable medium are provided. The third apparatus can receive from a base station a beam modification command indicating at least one beam index for communication via at least one beam on at least one channel, each of the at least one beam index indicating at least a direction for communication via a corresponding beam of the at least one beam. The third apparatus can communicate with the base station via at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index on the at least one channel. The third apparatus can communicate with the base station via a serving beam corresponding to a serving beam index, and after receiving the beam modification command, switch from the serving beam to the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command. In one aspect, the switch from the serving beam to the at least one beam is performed at a predetermined time. In one aspect, the predetermined time is associated with at least one of a symbol or a subframe, and wherein the beam modification command indicates at least one of the symbols or subframes. In one aspect, the beam modification command indicates a corresponding channel of at least one channel for each of the at least one beam index. In one aspect, the at least one beam index includes a plurality of beam indices, and the at least one channel includes a plurality of channels. In one aspect, at least one beam index is applicable to either uplink or downlink communication. In one aspect, a beam modification command is received in a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE). In one aspect, a beam modification command is received in a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message. In one aspect, the third device can determine at least one channel based on the DCI format of the DCI message. In one aspect, the beam modification command is received via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, a fourth method, a fourth apparatus, and a fourth computer-readable medium are provided. The fourth apparatus can receive a beam modification command indicating a set of transmit beam indices corresponding to a transmit beam set of a base station, wherein each transmit beam index in the transmit beam index set indicates at least a transmission direction for transmitting the transmit beam by the base station. The fourth apparatus can determine a set of receive beam indices corresponding to a receive beam of the fourth apparatus based on the transmit beam index set, wherein each receive beam index in the receive beam index set indicates at least a reception direction for receiving the receive beam by the fourth apparatus. The fourth apparatus can receive a beam refinement reference signal (BRRS) from the base station via at least one receive beam corresponding to at least one receive beam index included in the receive beam index set. In one aspect, receiving a BRRS from a base station via at least one receive beam corresponding to at least one receive beam index included in a receive beam index set includes: receiving a first portion of the BRRS in a first symbol set via a first receive beam corresponding to a first receive beam index included in the receive beam index set, and receiving a second portion of the BRRS in a second symbol set via a second receive beam corresponding to a second receive beam index included in a second receive beam index set. In another aspect, the BRRS is received in one or more symbols corresponding to one or more symbol indices. In another aspect, a beam modification command indicates one or more symbol indices, and a corresponding transmit beam index for a transmit beam index set for each of the one or more symbol indices. In another aspect, the one or more symbol indices for receiving the BRRS are predetermined. In another aspect, the BRRS is received from the base station via a transmit beam set corresponding to a transmit beam index set. In another aspect, the BRRS is received from the base station via a transmit beam set different from the transmit beam set corresponding to the same transmit beam index set, the different transmit beam set corresponding to a second transmit beam index set different from the transmit beam index set. On one hand, the beam modification command is received in the MAC CE. On another hand, the beam modification command is received in the DCI message. On yet another hand, the beam modification command is received via RRC signaling.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, a fifth method, a fifth apparatus, and a fifth computer-readable medium are provided. The fifth apparatus receives a set of beam reference signals (BRS) from a base station via a beam set. The fifth apparatus can measure the signal quality of each BRS in the BRS set, each measured signal quality corresponding to a beam in the beam set. In one aspect, the fifth apparatus can maintain a set of candidate beam indices corresponding to the best set of measured signal quality of the BRS set. In one aspect, the fifth apparatus can transmit beam state information (BSI) to the base station indicating at least one measured signal quality and at least one beam index from the maintained set of candidate beam indices, the at least one beam index corresponding to at least one measured signal quality. In one aspect, the best set of measured signal quality is the highest set of measured signal quality. In one aspect, N candidate beam indices are maintained in the candidate beam index set, where N is predetermined. In one aspect, the best set of measured signal quality of the BRS set is based on the most recent signal quality set of the BRS set, the filtered signal quality set of the BRS set, or the time-averaged signal quality set of the BRS set. In one aspect, the maintenance of the candidate beam index set is based on at least one hysteresis criterion for including or excluding beam indices in the candidate beam index set. In another aspect, the fifth device can receive from the base station an indication of one or more beam indices to be excluded from the maintained candidate beam index set. In another aspect, signal quality includes at least one of beam reference signal received power (BRSRP), beam reference signal received quality (BRSRQ), signal interference radio (SIR), signal interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0013] In a sixth aspect, a sixth method, a sixth apparatus, and a sixth computer-readable medium are provided. The sixth apparatus can receive a BSI request message from a base station. The sixth apparatus can determine the number N of BSI reports to be sent to the base station, and each BSI report can indicate a beam index corresponding to a beam and a received power associated with the beam. The sixth apparatus can send N BSI reports to the base station based on the BSI request message. The sixth apparatus can receive a set of signals from the base station via a beam set and determine the received power for each signal in the set of signals received via each beam of the beam set, each received signal being associated with a beam of the beam set. In one aspect, the N BSI reports include N received powers corresponding to the highest determined received power. In one aspect, the determination of the number N of BSI reports to be sent to the base station is based on the type of the BSI request message. In one aspect, the type of the BSI request message includes a DCI message. In one aspect, the number N of BSI reports to be sent to the base station based on the DCI message is 1. In one aspect, the determined number N BSI reports are sent on the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). On one hand, the type of message requesting BSI includes a Random Access Response (RAR) message. On one hand, the number N of BSI reports is determined to be greater than 1 based on the RAR messages. On one hand, the determined number N BSI reports are sent on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0014] In a seventh aspect, a seventh method, a seventh apparatus, and a seventh computer-readable medium are provided. The seventh apparatus can select a first beam for communicating with a base station. The seventh apparatus can attempt at least one Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure with the base station via the selected first beam. The seventh apparatus can determine that at least one RACH procedure with the base station has failed. After a successful RACH procedure with the base station, the seventh apparatus can send information indicating that at least one RACH procedure has failed. In one aspect, after determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed, the seventh apparatus can select a new beam for communicating with the base station, and at least a portion of the successful RACH procedure is performed via the selected new beam. In another aspect, after determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed, the seventh apparatus can increase the transmission power, and at least a portion of the successful RACH procedure is performed with the increased transmission power. In another aspect, the seventh apparatus can store information associated with the selected first beam based on the determination that at least one RACH procedure has failed. In another aspect, the information indicating that at least one RACH procedure has failed includes the stored information associated with the first beam. In one aspect, the information indicating the failure of at least one RACH procedure includes an indication of a subframe carrying a RACH message associated with at least one RACH procedure. In another aspect, the seventh device may exclude a selected first beam from a set of candidate beams maintained by the UE based on determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed. In another aspect, the information indicating the failure of at least one RACH procedure includes a BSI report. In another aspect, the at least one RACH procedure includes at least one of transmitting a random access preamble to a base station, receiving a random access response from a base station based on the random access preamble, transmitting a connection request message to a base station based on the random access response, and / or receiving a contention resolution message based on the connection request message. In another aspect, the seventh device synchronizes with a network including a base station based on a successful RACH procedure.

[0015] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, these one or more aspects include the features fully described below and specifically pointed out in the claims. Certain illustrative features of these one or more aspects are set forth in detail in the following description and accompanying drawings. However, these features merely indicate a few of the various ways in which the principles of these various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to cover all such aspects and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network.

[0017] Figure 2A , 2B Figures 2C and 2D are LTE examples illustrating the DL frame structure, the DL channel within the DL frame structure, the UL frame structure, and the UL channel within the UL frame structure, respectively.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a base station and user equipment (UE) in an access network.

[0019] Figure 4A and 4B This is a call flow diagram for a wireless communication system.

[0020] Figures 5A to 5G The diagram of the wireless communication system was explained.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram of a wireless communication system.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram of a wireless communication system.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram of a wireless communication system.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram of a wireless communication system.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a diagram of a wireless communication system.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a diagram of a wireless communication system.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0033] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0034] Figure 19 It is a conceptual data flow diagram that illustrates the data flow between different devices / components in an exemplary device.

[0035] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of an equipment employing a processing system.

[0036] Figure 21 It is a conceptual data flow diagram that illustrates the data flow between different devices / components in an exemplary device.

[0037] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of an equipment employing a processing system.

[0038] Figure 23 It is a conceptual data flow diagram that illustrates the data flow between different devices / components in an exemplary device.

[0039] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of an equipment employing a processing system.

[0040] Figure 25 It is a conceptual data flow diagram that illustrates the data flow between different devices / components in an exemplary device.

[0041] Figure 26 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of an equipment employing a processing system.

[0042] Figure 27 It is a conceptual data flow diagram that illustrates the data flow between different devices / components in an exemplary device.

[0043] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of an equipment employing a processing system.

[0044] Figure 29 It is a conceptual data flow diagram that illustrates the data flow between different devices / components in an exemplary device.

[0045] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of an equipment employing a processing system.

[0046] Figure 31 It is a conceptual data flow diagram that illustrates the data flow between different devices / components in an exemplary device.

[0047] Figure 32 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of an equipment employing a processing system. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The detailed description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0049] Several aspects of a telecommunications system will now be described with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods will be described in detail below and explained in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively, “elements”). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0050] As an example, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements, may be implemented as a "processing system" including one or more processors. Examples of processors include: microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system can execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other terms.

[0051] Accordingly, in one or more example embodiments, the described functionality can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes a computer storage medium. The storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of computer-readable media of the types described above, or any other medium capable of being used to store computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures accessible to a computer.

[0052] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network 100. The wireless communication system (also known as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes a base station 102, a user interface unit (UE) 104, and an evolved packet core (EPC) 160. Base station 102 may include macrocells (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cells (low-power cellular base stations). Macrocells include eNBs. Small cells include femtocells, picocells, and microcells.

[0053] Base station 102 (collectively referred to as the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) interfaces with EPC 160 via backhaul link 132 (e.g., S1 interface). Among other functions, base station 102 may perform one or more of the following: user data delivery, radio channel cryptography and decoding, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN Information Management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of alarm messages. Base stations 102 may communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC 160) with each other on backhaul link 134 (e.g., X2 interface). Backhaul link 134 may be wired or wireless.

[0054] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for its respective geographical coverage area 110. Overlapping geographical coverage areas 110 may exist. For example, small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage areas 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network that includes small cells and macro cells may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. The heterogeneous network may also include a Home Evolved B Node (eNB) (HeNB), which can provide services to a restricted group referred to as a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG). The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use MIMO antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. These communication links may use one or more carriers. For each carrier allocated in a carrier cluster of up to Yx MHz (x component carriers) for transmission in each direction, base station 102 / UE 104 may use a spectrum with a bandwidth of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20 MHz). These carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to DL compared to UL). Component carriers may include primary component carriers and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as the primary cell (PCell), and the secondary component carriers may be referred to as secondary cells (SCells).

[0055] The wireless communication system may further include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150 communicating with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) before communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0056] Small cell 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell 102' can employ LTE and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as that used by Wi-Fi AP 150. Small cell 102' employing LTE in unlicensed spectrum can enhance access network coverage and / or increase access network capacity. LTE in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U), Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MuLTEfire.

[0057] Millimeter-wave (mmW) base station 180 can operate in mmW and / or near-mmW frequencies to communicate with UE 182. In one aspect, UE 182 can be one aspect of UE 104. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range from 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band are referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW can extend down to frequencies of 3 GHz and wavelengths of 100 mm. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW radio bands has extremely high path loss and short range. mmW base station 180 can utilize beamforming 184 with UE 182 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range.

[0058] EPC 160 may include Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, Serving Gateway 166, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway 168, Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) 170, and Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway 172. MME 162 may communicate with Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 174. MME 162 is the control node for handling signaling between UE 104 and EPC 160. Generally, MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through Serving Gateway 166, which is itself connected to PDN Gateway 172. PDN Gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. PDN Gateway 172 and BM-SC 170 are connected to IP Service 176. IP Service 176 may include the Internet, intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS Streaming Service (PSS), and / or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 provides functionality for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC 170 can serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 can distribute MBMS traffic to base station 102 within a Broadcast-Specific Service Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area, and is responsible for session management (start / stop) and collecting eMBMS-related billing information.

[0059] A base station may also be referred to as a B-node, evolved B-node (eNB), access point, base transceiver station, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, basic service set (BSS), extended service set (ESS), or any other suitable term. Base station 102 provides UE 104 with access to EPC 160. Examples of UE 104 include cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptop devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, global positioning systems, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablet devices, smart devices, wearable devices, or any other similar functional device. UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, radio unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handheld device, user agent, mobile client, client, or any other suitable term.

[0060] Refer again Figure 1 In some respects, UE 104 may receive beam modification command 198 from a base station (e.g., base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180). Beam modification command 198 may indicate at least one beam index for communication via at least one beam on at least one channel, and each of the at least one beam index may indicate at least the direction for communication via a corresponding beam of the at least one beam. UE 104 may communicate with the base station (e.g., base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180) on at least one channel via at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index.

[0061] In one aspect, UE 104 can communicate with a base station (e.g., base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180) via a serving beam corresponding to a serving beam index. UE 104 can switch from the serving beam to at least one beam corresponding to at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command after receiving a beam modification command 198. In one aspect, UE 104 can perform a switch from the serving beam to at least one beam at a predetermined time. In one aspect, the predetermined time can be associated with at least one of a symbol or a subframe, and the beam modification command 198 can indicate the at least one of the symbols or subframes. In one aspect, the beam modification command 198 can indicate a corresponding channel for at least one channel for each of the at least one beam index. In one aspect, the at least one beam index can include multiple beam indices, and the at least one channel can include multiple channels. In one aspect, the at least one beam index can be applicable to either uplink communication or downlink communication.

[0062] The beam modification command 198 may be received in the MAC CE, DCI message, and / or via RRC signaling. In one aspect, the UE104 may determine the at least one channel based on the DCI format of the DCI message.

[0063] Figure 2A Figure 200 is an example illustrating the DL frame structure in LTE. Figure 2B Figure 230 is an example illustrating a channel within the DL frame structure in LTE. Figure 2C Figure 250 is an example illustrating the UL frame structure in LTE. Figure 2D Figure 280 illustrates an example of a channel within the UL frame structure in LTE. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels. In LTE, a frame (10 ms) can be divided into 10 equal-sized subframes.

[0064] In 5G, frames can be less than 10ms (while subframes can be referred to as time slots, which may include one or more small time slots). This structure is considered descriptive, and subframes can be referred to as time slots or small time slots. A time slot can be one-quarter to one-fifth the size of a subframe (e.g., an LTE subframe), while a small time slot can include 1 to 7 OFDM symbols. Each subframe may include two consecutive time slots.

[0065] A resource grid can be used to represent these two time slots, each of which includes one or more time-concurrent resource blocks (RBs) (also known as physical RBs (PRBs)). This resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). In LTE, for a normal cyclic prefix, an RB contains 12 coherent subcarriers in the frequency domain and 7 coherent symbols in the time domain (OFDM symbols for DL; SC-FDMA symbols for UL), totaling 84 REs. For an extended cyclic prefix, an RB contains 12 coherent subcarriers in the frequency domain and 6 coherent symbols in the time domain, totaling 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0066] like Figure 2A As explained in the text, some REs carry DL reference (pilot) signals (DL-RS) used for channel estimation at the UE. DL-RS may include cell-specific reference signals (CRS) (sometimes also called shared RS), UE-specific reference signals (UE-RS), and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS). Figure 2A The explanation covers the CRS (indicated as R0, R1, R2, and R3) for antenna ports 0, 1, 2, and 3, the UE-RS (indicated as R5) for antenna port 5, and the CSI-RS (indicated as R) for antenna port 15. Figure 2BExamples of various channels within the DL subframe of the explanation frame. The Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH) is in symbol 0 of slot 0, and carries an indication of whether the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) occupies 1, 2, or 3 symbols. Figure 2B The explanation of the Control Format Indicator (CFI) for the PDCCH (which occupies 3 symbols) is as follows. The PDCCH carries downlink control information (DCI) within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs). Each CCE includes 9 RE groups (REGs), and each REG includes 4 consecutive REs in OFDM symbols. The UE can be configured with a UE-specific enhanced PDCCH (ePDCCH) that also carries DCI. The ePDCCH can have 2, 4, or 8 RB pairs (…). Figure 2B Two RB pairs are shown, with each subset comprising one RB pair. The Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) Indicator Channel (PHICH) is also located in symbol 0 of slot 0 and carries the HARQ indicator (HI) to indicate HARQ acknowledgment (ACK) / negative ACK (NACK) feedback based on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). The Primary Synchronization Channel (PSCH) is located in symbol 6 of slot 0 within subframes 0 and 5 of the frame and carries the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) used by the UE to determine subframe timing and physical layer identity. The Secondary Synchronization Channel (SSCH) is located in symbol 5 of slot 0 within subframes 0 and 5 of the frame and carries the Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) used by the UE to determine the Physical Layer Cell Identity Group Number. Based on the physical layer identity and the Physical Layer Cell Identity Group Number, the UE can determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DL-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) is located in slot 1 of subframe 0 of the frame, within symbols 0, 1, 2, and 3, and carries the Master Information Block (MIB). The MIB provides the number of Restricted RBs (RBs) in the DL system bandwidth, the PHICH configuration, and the System Frame Number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted via the PBCH (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)), and paging messages.

[0067] like Figure 2C As explained in the text, some REs carry demodulation reference signals (DM-RS) for channel estimation at the eNB. The UE may additionally transmit probe reference signals (SRS) in the last symbol of the frame. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may transmit the SRS on one of the comb teeth. The SRS can be used by the eNB for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL. Figure 2DExamples of various channels within a UL subframe of a frame are explained. The Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) can be configured based on the PRACH within one or more subframes of the frame. A PRACH may include six coherent RB pairs within a subframe. The PRACH allows the UE to perform initial system access and achieve UL synchronization. The Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) may be located at the edge of the UL system bandwidth. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicators (CQI), precoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry buffer status reports (BSR), power clearance reports (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating communication between base station 310 and UE 350 in the access network. Base station 310 can be either mmW base station 180 or base station 102. In the DL, IP packets from EPC 160 can be provided to controller / processor 375. Controller / processor 375 implements Layer 3 and Layer 2 functionality. Layer 3 includes the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Layer 2 includes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 375 provides RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration of UE measurement reports; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer packet data unit (PDU) delivery, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel priority differentiation.

[0069] Transmit (TX) processor 316 and receive (RX) processor 370 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. TX processor 316 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and subsequently combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying the time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from channel estimator 374 can be used to determine coding and modulation schemes and for spatial processing. These channel estimates can be derived from reference signals transmitted by UE 350 and / or channel condition feedback. Each spatial stream can then be provided to a different antenna 320 via a separate transmitter 318TX. Each transmitter 318TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0070] At UE 350, each receiver 354RX receives signals via its respective antenna 352. Each receiver 354RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to the receive (RX) processor 356. The TX processor 368 and RX processor 356 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 356 can perform spatial processing on this information to recover any spatial stream destined for UE 350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 350, they can be combined by the RX processor 356 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor 356 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. This frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, along with the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the signal constellation points most likely to be transmitted by base station 310. These soft decisions can be based on a channel estimate calculated by channel estimator 358. These soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the original data and control signals transmitted by base station 310 over the physical channel. This data and control signals are then provided to controller / processor 359, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

[0071] The controller / processor 359 may be associated with a memory 360 that stores program code and data. The memory 360 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 359 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the EPC 160. The controller / processor 359 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operation.

[0072] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with DL transmissions performed by base station 310, controller / processor 359 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU transmission, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel priority differentiation.

[0073] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator 358 from the reference signal transmitted by the base station 310 or from feedback can be used by the TX processor 368 to select appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the TX processor 368 can be provided to different antennas 352 via separate transmitters 354TX. Each transmitter 354TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0074] UL transmissions are processed at base station 310 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 350. Each receiver 318RX receives signals via its respective antenna 320. Each receiver 318RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides that information to the RX processor 370.

[0075] The controller / processor 375 may be associated with a memory 376 that stores program code and data. The memory 376 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 375 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 350. IP packets from the controller / processor 375 may be provided to the EPC 160. The controller / processor 375 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operation.

[0076] Figure 4A and 4B The call flowcharts for methods 400 and 440 of the RACH procedure are explained. For example, UE 404 can perform the RACH procedure with base station 402 (e.g., mmW base station, eNB, etc.) to synchronize with the network. The RACH procedure can be contention-based or contention-free.

[0077] Figure 4A Method 400 for a contention-based RACH procedure is explained. First, UE 404 may select a RACH preamble for the RACH procedure. Further, UE 404 may determine a Random Access (RA) RNTI to identify UE 404 during the RACH procedure. UE 404 may determine the RA-RNTI based on, for example, the slot number in which MSG1 410 is transmitted. UE 404 may include the RACH preamble and RA-RNTI in MSG1 410.

[0078] On one hand, UE 404 may determine at least one resource (e.g., time and / or frequency resources) to carry MSG1 410. For example, base station 402 may broadcast system information (e.g., SIB), and UE 404 may acquire at least one resource based on the system information (e.g., system information included in SIB2). UE 404 may, for example, transmit MSG1 410 to base station 402 on that at least one resource. If UE 404 does not receive a response to MSG1 410 (e.g., after a timer expires), UE 404 may increase the transmit power (e.g., at fixed intervals) and retransmit MSG1 410.

[0079] Based on MSG1 410, base station 402 can send MSG2 412 to UE 404. MSG2 412 can also be referred to as a random access response and can be transmitted on the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH). Base station 402 can determine the temporary cell RNTI (T-CRNTI). Further, base station 402 can determine a timing advance value, allowing UE 404 to adjust timing to compensate for delay. Further, base station 402 can determine uplink resource granting, which may include an initial resource allocation for UE 404, allowing UE 404 to use the uplink shared channel (UL-SCH). Base station 402 can generate MSG2 412 to include the C-RNTI, timing advance value, and / or uplink granted resources. Subsequently, base station 402 can transmit MSG2 412 to UE 404. In one aspect, UE 404 can determine uplink resource granting based on MSG2 412.

[0080] Based on MSG2 412, base station 404 can send MSG3 414 to base station 402. MSG3 414 may also be referred to as an RRC connection request message and / or a scheduled transport message. UE 404 may determine a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) associated with UE 404 or another random value used to identify UE 404 (e.g., if UE 404 is connecting to the network for the first time). UE 404 may determine a connection establishment reason that indicates why UE 404 is connecting to the network. UE 404 may generate MSG3414 to include at least the TMSI or other random value, and the connection establishment reason. Subsequently, UE 404 may transmit MSG3414 to the base station on the UL-SCH.

[0081] Based on MSG3 414, base station 402 can send MSG4 416 to UE 404. MSG4 416 can also be referred to as a connection resolution message. Base station 402 can address MSG4 416 to a TMSI or random value from MSG3 414. MSG4 416 can be scrambled using the C-RNTI associated with UE 404. Base station 402 can transmit MSG4 416 to UE 404. For example, UE 404 can decode MSG4 416 using the C-RNTI associated with UE 404. This RACH procedure allows UE 404 to synchronize with the network.

[0082] Figure 4B The method 440 based on a contention-free RACH procedure is explained. A contention-free RACH procedure can be applied to handover and / or downlink data arrival.

[0083] Base station 402 can determine the random access preamble assigned to UE 404. Base station 402 can transmit random access preamble assignment 442 to UE 404. UE 404 can respond to random preamble assignment 442 with random access preamble 444 (e.g., RRC connection message), which can be the random access preamble assigned to UE 404. Subsequently, UE 404 can receive random access response 446 (e.g., uplink grant) from base station 402.

[0084] Figures 5A to 5G This is a diagram illustrating an example of beamformed signal transmission between a base station and a UE. Base station 502 may be embodied as a base station (such as mmW base station 180) in an mmW system (mmW base station). In one aspect, base station 502 may coexist with another base station (such as an eNB, cellular base station, or other base station (e.g., a base station configured to communicate in the sub-6 GHz band)). Although some beams are interpreted as being adjacent to each other, this arrangement can differ in various ways (e.g., beams transmitted during the same symbol period may not be adjacent to each other). Additionally, the number of interpreted beams should be considered interpretative.

[0085] Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band are referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW can extend down to frequencies of 3 GHz and wavelengths of 100 mm (Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, also known as centimeter waves). While this disclosure refers to mmW, it should be understood that this disclosure also applies to near-mmW. Furthermore, while this disclosure refers to mmW base stations, it should be understood that this disclosure also applies to near-mmW base stations.

[0086] To construct useful communication networks in the millimeter-wavelength spectrum, beamforming techniques can be used to compensate for path loss. Beamforming focuses RF energy into a narrow direction, allowing the RF beam to propagate further in that direction. Using beamforming, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) RF communication in the millimeter-wavelength spectrum can rely on beam reflection and / or diffraction to reach the UE. If the direction is blocked due to UE movement or environmental changes (e.g., obstacles, humidity, rain, etc.), the beam may not reach the UE. Therefore, to ensure continuous, seamless coverage for the UE, multiple beams in as many different directions as possible can be obtained. In one aspect, beamforming requires mmW base stations and UEs to transmit and receive in directions that allow the collection of most RF energy.

[0087] Base station 502 may include hardware for performing analog and / or digital beamforming. If base station 502 is equipped with analog beamforming, then at any given time, base station 502 can only transmit or receive signals in one direction. If base station 502 is equipped with digital beamforming, then base station 502 can transmit multiple signals concurrently in multiple directions or can receive multiple signals concurrently in multiple directions.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, UE 504 may include hardware for performing analog and / or digital beamforming. If UE 504 is equipped with analog beamforming, then at any given time, UE 504 can only transmit or receive signals in one direction. If UE 504 is equipped with digital beamforming, then UE 504 can transmit multiple signals concurrently in multiple directions or can receive multiple signals concurrently in multiple directions.

[0089] In an mmW network, a UE can perform beam sweeping with an mmW base station within range. For example, base station 502 can transmit m beams in multiple different spatial directions. UE 504 can listen to / scan the beam transmissions from base station 502 in n different receiving spatial directions. When listening to / scanning beam transmissions, UE 504 can listen to / scan the beam sweep transmissions from base station 502 up to m times in each of the n different receiving spatial directions (a total of m×n scans). On the other hand, in beam sweeping, UE 504 can transmit n beams in multiple different spatial directions. Base station 502 listens to / scans the beam transmissions from UE 504 in m different receiving spatial directions. When listening to / scanning beam transmissions, base station 502 can listen to / scan the beam sweep transmissions from UE 504 up to n times in each of the m different receiving spatial directions (a total of m×n scans).

[0090] Based on the performed beam sweep, the UE and / or mmW base station can determine the channel quality associated with the performed beam sweep. For example, UE 504 can determine the channel quality associated with the performed beam sweep. Alternatively, base station 502 can determine the channel quality associated with the performed beam sweep. If UE 504 determines the channel quality associated with the performed beam sweep, UE 504 can send channel quality information (also referred to as beam sweep result information) to base station 502. UE 504 can send beam sweep result information to base station 502. If base station 502 determines the channel quality associated with the performed beam sweep, base station 502 can send beam sweep result information to UE 504. In one aspect, channel quality may be affected by various factors. These factors include movement of UE 504 along a path or due to rotation (e.g., user holding and / or rotating UE 504), movement along a path behind an obstacle, and / or movement within specific environmental conditions (e.g., obstacles, rain, humidity). UE 504 and base station 502 may also exchange other information, such as beamforming-related information (e.g., analog or digital beamforming capabilities, beamforming type, timing information, configuration information, etc.).

[0091] Based on the received information, base station 502 and / or UE 504 can determine various configuration information, such as mmW network access configuration information, information for adjusting beam sweep period, and information about overlapping coverage for predicting handover to another base station (such as an mmW base station).

[0092] On one hand, a beam set can contain eight different beams. For example, Figure 5A Eight beams 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, and 528 in eight directions have been described. In one aspect, base station 502 can be configured for beamforming to transmit at least one of beams 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, and 528 to UE 504. In another aspect, base station 502 can use eight port sweep / transmit directions during a subframe (e.g., a synchronization subframe).

[0093] On the one hand, the base station can transmit signals (such as beam reference signals (BRS)) in multiple directions, for example, during a synchronization subframe. On the other hand, this transmission can vary depending on the cell. (See reference...) Figure 5B Base station 502 can transmit the first beam set 521, 523, 525, and 527 in four directions. For example, base station 502 can transmit BRS in the synchronization subframe of each of the transmit beams 521, 523, 525, and 527.

[0094] On one hand, the beams 521, 523, 525, and 527 transmitted in the four directions can be odd-indexed beams 521, 523, 525, and 527 for four of the eight possible directions of the beam set. For example, base station 502 can transmit beams 521, 523, 525, and 527 in directions adjacent to other beams 522, 524, 526, and 528 that base station 502 is configured to transmit. On another hand, this configuration in which base station 502 transmits beams 521, 523, 525, and 527 in the four directions can be considered a “coarse” beam set.

[0095] UE 504 can determine the corresponding beam index (sometimes abbreviated as "BI") for the corresponding beam. In various aspects, the beam index can at least indicate the direction of communication to UE 504 via the corresponding beam (e.g., beamforming direction). For example, the beam index can be a logical beam index associated with an antenna port, OFDM symbol index, and / or BRS transmission period, which can be indicated by one or more bits (e.g., 9 bits). For example, UE 504 can be configured to determine the beam index corresponding to the beam based on the time when the BRS is received—for example, the symbols or time slots during which the BRS is received can indicate the beam index corresponding to the beam.

[0096] exist Figure 5C In this context, UE 504 may determine or select the strongest or preferred beam index (sometimes abbreviated as "BI"). For example, UE 504 may determine that beam 525 carrying the BRS is the strongest or preferred. UE 504 may select a beam by measuring the received power or received quality value associated with each beam in the first beam set 521, 523, 525, 527. In one aspect, the received power may be referred to as the BRS received power (BRSRP).

[0097] UE 504 can compare the corresponding values ​​with each other. UE 504 can select the "best" beam. In one aspect, the best beam can be the beam corresponding to the maximum or highest value (e.g., the best beam can be the beam with the highest BRSRP). The selected beam can correspond to a beam index, which can be a beam index relative to base station 502. For example, UE 504 can determine that the BRSRP corresponding to the fifth beam 525 is the highest, and therefore the fifth beam 525 is the best beam determined by UE 504.

[0098] UE 504 may transmit a first indication 560 of the fifth beam 525 to base station 502. In one aspect, the first indication 560 may include a request for a transmit beam refinement reference signal (BRRS). The BRRS may vary from UE to UE. Those skilled in the art will understand that the BRRS may be referred to by different terms, such as beam refinement signal, beam tracking signal, or another term, without departing from this disclosure.

[0099] On one hand, base station 502 can trigger the transmission of first indication 560. For example, base station 502 can trigger the transmission of first indication 560 through DCI message.

[0100] Base station 502 may receive a first indication 560. In one aspect, the first indication 560 may include a beam adjustment request (BAR) (e.g., a request for beam tracking, a request for BRRS, a request for the base station to begin transmission on the indicated beam index without any further beam tracking, etc.). In another aspect, the first indication 560 may be indicated by a scheduling request. Based on the first indication 560, base station 502 may determine the beam index corresponding to the fifth beam 525.

[0101] exist Figure 5D In this configuration, base station 502 may transmit a second beam set based on a first indication 560 (e.g., based on a beam index indicated by the first indication 560). For example, UE 504 may indicate that the fifth beam 525 is the optimal beam, and in response, base station 502 may transmit a second beam set 524, 525, 526 to UE 504 based on the indicated beam index. In one aspect, beams 524, 525, 526 transmitted based on the first indication 560 may be closer (e.g., spatially and / or directionally) to the fifth beam 525 than those other beams 521, 523, 527 in the first beam set.

[0102] In one aspect, beams 524, 525, and 526 transmitted based on the first indication 560 can be considered a “fine” beam set. In another aspect, base station 502 can transmit BRRS through each of the beams 524, 525, and 526 in the fine beam set. In another aspect, beams 524, 525, and 526 in the fine beam set can be adjacent. In another aspect, BRRS transmission can span 1, 2, 5, or 10 OFDM symbols and can be associated with BRRS resource allocation, BRRS procedure indication, and / or beam refinement procedure configuration.

[0103] Based on BRRS transmission via beams 524, 525, and 526 in the fine beam set, UE 504 can transmit a second indication 565 to base station 502 to indicate the “optimal” beam. In one aspect, the second indication 565 may use two (2) bits to indicate the selected beam. For example, UE 504 may transmit a second indication 565 indicating the beam index corresponding to the selected beam 525. In one aspect, the second indication 565 may include beam refinement information (BRI). In another aspect, the second indication 565 may include a resource index (e.g., BRRS-RI) and / or reference power (RP) (e.g., BRRS-RP) associated with BRRS reception measured by UE 504. Base station 502 can then communicate with UE 504 via the selected beam 525.

[0104] Referring to 5E, base station 502 may transmit BRS in multiple directions during a synchronization subframe. In one aspect, for example, base station 502 may continue to transmit BRS even after UE 504 has conveyed the second instruction 565. For example, base station 502 may transmit beams 521, 523, 525, 527, each comprising a BRS (e.g., a “coarse” beamset).

[0105] refer to Figure 5F The quality of the selected beam 525 may deteriorate, affecting UE 504. For example, while base station 502 and UE 504 are communicating through the selected beam 525, the selected beam 525 may become blocked or otherwise become unsatisfactory, making it preferable for base station 502 and UE 504 to communicate through another beam. Based on the BRS (e.g., transmitted during a synchronization subframe), UE 504 may determine a new beam 523 through which to communicate. For example, UE 504 may determine that a third beam 523 through which to transmit the BRS is the optimal beam. UE 504 may select a beam by comparing the values ​​of received power (e.g., BRSRP) or received quality associated with each of the beam sets 521, 523, 525, 527 and selecting the beam corresponding to the highest value. The selected beam may correspond to a beam index at base station 502. UE 504 may transmit a third indication 570 to base station 502, indicating the beam index. In one aspect, the third indication 570 may include a request to transmit the BRRS. The BRRS may vary depending on the UE. In one aspect, the BAR may be used to request base station 502 to transmit the BRRS. In another aspect, the third indication 570 may be triggered by base station 502 (e.g., by a DCI message). Similar to the first indication 560, the third indication 570 may be included in a scheduling request.

[0106] about Figure 5GBase station 502 can receive a third indication 570 from UE 504. Base station 502 can be configured to determine the beam index based on at least the third indication 570. Base station 502 and UE 504 can perform beam refinement procedures, such as those related to... Figure 5E The explanation (e.g., to select a new beam for communication).

[0107] Reference Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the wireless communication system 600. Base station 602 may be one of base station 502, base station 310, base station 102, mmW base station 180 and / or another base station. UE 604 may be one of UE 504, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182 and / or another UE.

[0108] In the described aspects, base station 602 may include up to eight antenna ports for BRS transmission. In various aspects, base station 602 may transmit one or more BRS 612a-h signals to UE 604 (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 5A-5G (As described). Each BRS 612a-h can be communicated via a corresponding beam 620a-h. For example, base station 602 can transmit a first BRS 612a via a first beam 620a associated with a first BRS 612a. UE 604 can track one or more beams 620a-h by periodically measuring the BRS 612a-h associated with the corresponding beam in the beams 620a-h. In one aspect, the transmission period of BRS 612a-h can be configured by an indicator on a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (such as an enhanced or evolved PBCH (ePBCH)). The transmission period can be associated with the time it takes to sweep through the beam 620a-h that transmits BRS 612a-h.

[0109] In all respects, UE 604 can receive the set of BRS 612a-h via the set of beams 620a-h. Each BRS 612a-h can be associated with a beam index corresponding to the beam 620a-h through which BRS 612a-h is transmitted. UE 604 can measure the signal quality of each BRS 612a-h, and each measured signal quality can correspond to a beam 620a-h in the beam set. For example, UE 604 can measure the signal quality of the third BRS 612c, the fourth BRS 612d, the fifth BRS 612e, and the sixth BRS 612f, which correspond to the third beam 620c, the fourth beam 620d, the fifth beam 620e, and the sixth beam 620f, respectively. In all respects, UE 604 may not receive each BRS in the BRS 612a-h.

[0110] In one respect, UE 604 may measure signal quality as received power. In another respect, signal quality may correspond to BRSRP. For example, UE 604 may measure BRSRP in decibels (dB) and / or decibel-milliwatts (dBm). In other respects, UE 604 may measure signal quality as another value, such as received quality (RQ) (e.g., BRSRQ), signal-to-interference ratio (SIR), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or other metrics.

[0111] On one hand, UE 604 may maintain a candidate beam index set 630, which corresponds to the set of best measured signal qualities of BRS 612a-h received via beams 620a-h. For example, the best measured signal quality may correspond to the highest measured signal quality. The number N of candidate beam indices in the candidate beam index set 630 may be predetermined (e.g., N may be equal to 4). On the other hand, when UE 604 cannot measure the signal quality of N beams, UE 604 may record a null value. For example, if N equals 4 and UE 604 cannot measure the fourth signal quality, then UE 604 may record a null value in the candidate beam index set 630.

[0112] On one hand, UE 604 can maintain a candidate beam index set 630 based on the most recent signal quality set measured for the BRS 612a-h set. That is, the candidate beam index set 630 can correspond to the measured signal quality of each BRS in the BRS 612a-h most recently received by UE 604.

[0113] On the other hand, UE 604 may maintain a candidate beam index set 630 based on a time-averaged signal quality set of BRS 612a-h sets. For example, UE 604 may receive multiple BRS 612a-h sets that may be periodically transmitted by base station 602. UE 604 may average the corresponding signal quality measured for each BRS in the BRS 612a-h set—for example, UE 604 may average the three or four most recent measured signal quality of the first BRS 612a, UE 604 may average the three or four most recent measured signal quality of the second BRS 612b, and so on. UE 604 may maintain the candidate beam index set 630 based on the time-averaged signal quality set of BRSs.

[0114] On the other hand, UE 604 may maintain a candidate beam index set 630 based on the filtered signal quality set of BRS 612a-h. For example, UE 604 may apply a filter during or after measuring the signal quality of BRS 612a-h in order to determine the best or highest signal quality corresponding to the best or highest BRS in the set of BRS 612a-h.

[0115] In one aspect, UE 604 may maintain a candidate beam index set 630 based on one or more other criteria that may be received and / or determined by UE 604 (e.g., from base station 602). In another aspect, UE 604 may maintain the candidate beam index set 630 based on an indication of one or more beams to be included or excluded from the maintained candidate beam index set 630. The indication of one or more beams to be included or excluded may be received from base station 602 and may include one or more beam indices. Depending on the aspect, UE 604 may then include or exclude the indicated beam indices from the candidate beam index set 630.

[0116] On the other hand, UE 604 maintains the candidate beam index set based on one or more hysteresis criteria for including or excluding beam indices from the candidate beam index set 630. For example, if the measured signal quality deviates from a predetermined value (e.g., a predetermined threshold) or from another signal quality measured for another BRS in the BRS set 612a-h, the hysteresis criterion may include including or excluding a beam in the candidate beam index set 630. On the other hand, if a predetermined number of values ​​(e.g., BRSRP) measured for a beam by a BRS are lower (e.g., for exclusion) or higher (e.g., for inclusion) than a predetermined threshold, the hysteresis criterion may include including or excluding a beam in the candidate beam index set 630. For example, if the three most recent BRSRPs measured for the third BRS 612c are below a threshold, the beam index corresponding to the third beam 620c can be excluded from the candidate beam set 630 (but if only one BRSRP measured for the BRS 612c is below the threshold, the beam index corresponding to the third beam 620c will not be excluded).

[0117] Depending on various aspects, UE 604 may transmit a beam state information (BSI) report 642 indicating at least one beam index to base station 602. In one aspect, BSI report 642 may be a BSI report including the beam index and the corresponding measured signal quality (e.g., BRSRP measured for BRS 612a-h received via beam 620). For example, UE 604 may select a beam index and corresponding signal quality from a maintained set of candidate beam indices 630 and transmit the selected beam index and corresponding signal quality in BSI report 642. In another aspect, UE 604 may transmit BSI report 642 in response to a request 640 received from base station 602.

[0118] On one hand, the BSI report 642 can be carried on the PUCCH or PUSCH. For example, the UE 604 can send the BSI report 642 to the base station 602 on the PUCCH (e.g., enhanced PUCCH) or PUSCH (e.g., enhanced PUSCH).

[0119] Reference Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the wireless communication system 700. Base station 702 can be one of base station 602, base station 502, base station 310, base station 102, mmW base station 180, and / or another base station. UE 704 can be one of UE 604, UE 504, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, and / or another UE.

[0120] In the explained aspects, base station 702 may include up to eight antenna ports for BRS transmission. In various aspects, base station 702 may transmit one or more BRS 712a-h signals to UE 704 (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 5A-5G and / or Figure 6 (As described). Each BRS 712a-h can be communicated via a corresponding beam 720a-h. For example, base station 702 can transmit a first BRS 712a via a first beam 720a associated with a first BRS 712a. UE 704 can track one or more beams 720a-h by periodically measuring the BRS 712a-h associated with the corresponding beam in the beams 720a-h. In one aspect, the transmission period of BRS 712a-h can be configured by an indicator on the PBCH (such as ePBCH). The transmission period can be associated with the time it takes to sweep through the beam 720a-h that transmits BRS 712a-h.

[0121] In various aspects, base station 702 can transmit beam sets 720a-h. Depending on the specifics, base station 702 can communicate with UE 704 via a first serving beam 720e. The first serving beam 720e may correspond to a beam index.

[0122] In one aspect, base station 702 and UE 704 can communicate via a first serving beam 720e for uplink and / or downlink communication. In another aspect, base station 702 and UE 704 can use the first serving beam 720e for either uplink or downlink communication, but can use a different beam (e.g., a fourth beam 720d) for the other (e.g., where uplink / downlink reciprocity is not active or where base station 702 is intended to serve UE 704 on certain beams).

[0123] Base station 702 and UE 704 can be configured to switch beams. In one aspect, base station 702 can initiate beam switching. For example, base station 702 can establish beam 720a-h for a channel where beam 720a-h is not configured. In another example, base station 702 and / or UE 704 can select different beams 720a-h to provide better connectivity for communication on the channel between base station 702 and UE 704. In another aspect, base station 702 and UE 704 can modify and / or establish beams for uplink communication, downlink communication, or both uplink and downlink communication.

[0124] In one aspect, base station 702 may send a command 710 associated with beam modification (e.g., a beam modification command or another signal) to UE 704. In another aspect, base station 702 may include command 710 in a MAC CE. In another aspect, base station 702 may include command 710 in a DCI message. In yet another aspect, base station 702 may send command 710 to UE 704 via RRC signaling.

[0125] Base station 702 can select the beams 720a-h to which communication between base station 702 and UE 704 will be switched. For example, base station 702 can determine that communication with UE 704 will continue via the fourth beam 720d. Base station 702 can determine the beam index corresponding to the selected fourth beam 720d. Base station 702 can generate a command 710 that indicates at least one beam index for communication via the selected fourth beam 720d on at least one channel. Base station 702 can send command 710 to UE 704 to switch the serving beam from the current serving beam 720e to the selected fourth beam 720d.

[0126] In various aspects, base station 702 can determine the channel to which command 710 applies. For example, base station 702 can determine a beam modification command for an individual channel or a group of channels. In one aspect, base station 702 can indicate at least one channel to which command 710 applies via command 710. That is, base station 702 can indicate a channel corresponding to the beam index indicated by command 710 via command 710. In another aspect, command 710 can indicate a group of channels including at least one channel determined by base station 702.

[0127] In one aspect, command 710 may indicate a channel (or channel group) in a format. For example, base station 702 may send command 710 as a DCI message, and the format of the DCI message may indicate the channel (or channel group) to which at least one beam index indicated by command 710 applies. According to another example, command 710 may indicate a channel (or channel group) based on command 710 included by base station 702 in the MAC CE. For example, including command 710 in the MAC CE may instruct UE 704 that UE 704 will switch to the beam index indicated by command 710 for use with PDCCH, PDSCH, CSI-RS, PUCCH, PUSCH, and / or SRS.

[0128] According to one aspect, base station 702 can generate command 710 to indicate multiple beam indices. In another aspect, base station 702 can generate command 710 to indicate one or more channels. In yet another aspect, base station 702 can generate command 710 to indicate the corresponding channel applicable to each of the multiple beam indices. That is, base station 702 can generate command 710 to indicate multiple beam indices and multiple channels, and the command 710 can indicate the corresponding channel (or channel group) for each of the multiple beam indices.

[0129] According to one example, base station 702 can determine that the current serving beam 720e should be modified for the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) and / or BRRS, but other downlink and / or uplink beams 720a-h should remain unchanged. For example, base station 702 can continue to communicate through the current serving beam 720e for channels other than CSI-RS and / or BRRS, and switch to the selected fourth beam 720d for communications carried on CSI-RS and / or BRRS.

[0130] In another example, base station 702 may determine that at least one beam through which PDCCH and / or PDSCH is transmitted should be switched to at least the selected fourth beam 720d, but uplink communication continues through at least the currently serving beam 720e.

[0131] In the third example, for instance when reciprocity cannot be assumed and / or to provide scheduling and / or multiplexing flexibility for base station 702, base station 702 may determine that the current serving beam 720e for uplink communication (e.g., including PUSCH, PUCCH, and SRS channels) will be changed to the selected fourth beam 720d, but the current serving beam 720e will continue to be used for downlink communication (e.g., including PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI-RS, and BRRS).

[0132] Although this disclosure describes communication on one beam (e.g., the currently serving beam 720e and the selected fourth beam 720d), it should be understood that communication on a channel can occur through more than one beam.

[0133] UE 704 can receive command 710 from base station 702. In response to command 710, UE 704 communicates with base station 702 on at least one channel via at least one beam corresponding to at least one beam index indicated by command 710. For example, UE 704 may switch its current serving beam 720e to a selected fourth beam 720d after receiving command 710. Accordingly, UE 704 can communicate with base station 702 via the selected fourth beam 720d.

[0134] On one hand, UE 704 can switch beams at a determined time, which may correspond to a symbol or subframe. UE 704 can determine this time (e.g., subframe) based on command 710. For example, when base station 702 includes command 710 in MAC CE, UE 704 can determine the time (e.g., subframe) in subframe n+k. 波束切换-延迟-mac At the beginning, communication will switch to the selected fourth beam 720d via the current serving beam 720e, where n is the subframe used for HARQ-ACK transmission associated with the MAC CE, and k 波束切换-延迟-mac It equals 14.

[0135] According to another example, UE 704 can receive command 710 in a DCI message. In response to receiving command 710 in a DI message, UE 704 can [follow up] in subframe n+k. 波束切换-延迟-dic The switch begins at the current serving beam 720e and ends at the selected fourth beam 720d, where n is the subframe used to transmit BSI reports (e.g., BSI report 642), and k... 波束切换-延迟-dic It equals 11.

[0136] According to one aspect, command 710 may include a request for a BSI report (such as request 640) from base station 702. The request for a BSI report may be conveyed via a DCI message. In this aspect, base station 702 may set fields of the DCI message (e.g., beam switching indication field) to predetermined values ​​(e.g., "1" to indicate that UE 704 will switch beams, and "0" to indicate that UE 704 will continue to communicate using the currently serving beam 720e). When base station 702 indicates command 710 by setting fields of the DCI message to predetermined values ​​indicating a beam switching command, UE 704 may determine that UE 704 will switch to the first beam indicated by the BSI report (e.g., BSI report 642).

[0137] After switching from the current serving beam 720e to the selected fourth beam 720d indicated by command 710, UE 704 and base station 702 can communicate on at least one channel via the selected fourth beam 720d. Accordingly, the beam index corresponding to the selected fourth beam 720d used by UE 704 for communication can be matched with the beam index corresponding to the selected fourth beam 720d used by base station 702 for communication.

[0138] about Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the wireless communication system 800. Base station 802 can be one of base station 702, base station 602, base station 502, base station 310, base station 102, mmW base station 180, and / or another base station. UE 804 can be one of UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, and / or another UE.

[0139] In the explained aspects, base station 802 may include up to eight antenna ports for BRS transmission. In various aspects, base station 802 may transmit one or more BRS 812a-h signals to UE 804 (e.g., as per the description of...). Figure 5A-5G , Figure 6 and / or Figure 7 (As described). Each BRS 812a-h can be communicated via a corresponding beam 820a-h. For example, base station 802 can transmit a first BRS 812a via a first beam 820a associated with a first BRS 812a. UE 804 can track one or more beams 820a-h by periodically measuring the BRS 812a-h associated with the corresponding beam in the beams 820a-h. In one aspect, the transmission period of BRS 812a-h can be configured by an indicator on the PBCH (such as ePBCH). The transmission period can be associated with the time it takes to sweep through the beam 820a-h that transmits BRS 812a-h.

[0140] In all respects, UE 804 can receive the set of BRS 812a-h via the set of beams 820a-h. Each BRS 812a-h may correspond to a beam index corresponding to the beam 820a-h through which BRS 812a-h is transmitted. UE 804 may measure the signal quality of each BRS 812a-h, and each measured signal quality may correspond to a beam 820a-h in the beam set. For example, UE 804 may measure the signal quality of the third BRS 812c, the fourth BRS 812d, the fifth BRS 812e, and the sixth BRS 812f, which correspond to the third beam 820c, the fourth beam 820d, the fifth beam 820e, and the sixth beam 820f, respectively. In all respects, UE 804 may not receive each BRS in the BRS 812a-h.

[0141] On one hand, UE 804 can measure signal quality by determining the received power. On the other hand, signal quality can correspond to BRSRP. For example, UE 804 can measure BRSRP in dB and / or dBm. On the other hand, UE 804 can measure signal quality as another value, such as RQ, SIR, SINR, RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or another metric.

[0142] On one hand, UE 804 can maintain a candidate beam index set 830, which corresponds to the set of best measured signal quality of BRS 812a-h received via beams 820a-h. For example, the best measured signal quality may correspond to the highest determined received power (e.g., highest determined BRSRP). The number N of candidate beam indices in the candidate beam index set 830 can be predetermined (e.g., N can be equal to 4). On another hand, when UE 804 cannot measure the signal quality of N beams, UE 804 can record a null value. For example, if N equals 4 and UE 804 cannot measure the fourth signal quality, then UE 804 can record a null value in the candidate beam index set 830. The UE can sort the candidate beam index set 830 in descending order of BRSRP.

[0143] Depending on various factors, base station 802 can determine the number of BSI reports that UE 804 will transmit to base station 802. For example, base station 802 may communicate with UE 804 via a second beam 820b, which may be the serving beam. Base station 802 may determine that communication will occur via a different beam and / or base station 802 may store information indicating alternative (e.g., candidate) beams that can be used for future communication with UE 804 (e.g., in the event of serving beam failure, power and / or quality degradation of the serving beam, etc.). Accordingly, base station 802 may request UE 804 to send a BSI report to base station 802.

[0144] Base station 802 can determine that UE 804 should send zero, one, or more than one (e.g., two or four) BSI reports to the base station. Therefore, base station 802 can send a message 840 to UE 804 indicating the number X (e.g., 0, 1, 2, or 4) of BSI reports to be sent from UE 804 to base station 802.

[0145] In various aspects, base station 802 can send a message 840 requesting a BSI report to UE 804. In one aspect, message 840 can be a two-bit message. In another aspect, message 840 can be included in a DCI message or indicated by a DCI message. Message 840 can be included in an uplink DCI message or a downlink DCI message. Further, message 840 can be one of several DCI formats. In another aspect, message 840 can be included in a Random Access Response (RAR) message (e.g., MSG2 412, uplink grant, etc.). In yet another aspect, base station 802 can transmit message 840 to UE 804 via RRC signaling (e.g., base station 802 can transmit message 840 as an RRC message).

[0146] Depending on various aspects, UE 804 may transmit a BSI report 842 indicating at least one beam index to base station 802. In one aspect, BSI report 842 may be a BSI report including a beam index (e.g., beam index 832) and a corresponding measured signal quality (e.g., BRSRP 834 measured for BRS 812a-h received via beam 820). In another aspect, UE 804 may transmit BSI report 842 in response to a request 840 received from base station 802.

[0147] In the explained aspect, UE 804 can determine the number N (e.g., N can be equal to 4) of candidate beam indices based on BRS 812a-h corresponding to beams 820a-h. For example, UE 804 can measure the third BRSRP 834c for the third BRS 812c corresponding to the third beam 820c, the fourth BRSRP 834d for the fourth BRS 812d corresponding to the fourth beam 820d, the fifth BRSRP 834e for the fifth BRS 812e corresponding to the fifth beam 820e, and the sixth BRSRP 834f for the sixth BRS 812f corresponding to the sixth beam 820f.

[0148] UE 804 may store BRSRP 834c-f and corresponding beam index 832c-f for BRS 812c-f in candidate beam index set 830. UE 804 may maintain candidate beam index set 830 by sorting beam index 832c-f based on the corresponding BRSRP 834c-f. For example, beam index 832c-f may be sorted by the “best” (e.g., highest) corresponding BRSRP 834c-f. Further for this example, the fifth BRSRP 834e corresponding to the fifth beam index 832e may be the highest BRSRP and is therefore stored first in candidate beam index set 830. The sixth BRSRP 834f corresponding to the sixth beam index 832f may be the second highest BRSRP and is therefore stored second in candidate beam index 830, and so on.

[0149] Based on the request for a BSI report message 840, the UE 804 may determine the number X of BSI reports 842 to be sent to the base station 802. Each BSI report 842 may include at least a beam index (e.g., beam index 832) and received power (e.g., BRSRP 834) associated with the beam 820a-h through which BRS 812a-h are received.

[0150] Depending on the circumstances, UE 804 can determine the number X of BSI reports 842 to be sent to base station 802 based on the BSI request message 840. In one aspect, the number X can be greater than or equal to 0, but less than or equal to the number N of candidate beam indices maintained by the UE. In another aspect, UE 804 can determine the number X based on message 840 by determining the type of message 840. The message type can be, for example, a DCI message (e.g., a downlink DCI message), a RAR message (e.g., MSG2 412, RAR grant, or another uplink grant, etc.) or another type of message.

[0151] On one hand, when message 840 is a DCI message (e.g., a downlink DCI message), UE 804 can determine that the number X of BSI reports 842 to be sent to base station 802 is 1. For example, when UE 804 receives message 840 in a downlink DCI message, UE 804 can determine that a BSI report 842 should be sent to base station 802.

[0152] On one hand, base station 802 may include in message 840 an indication of time and / or frequency resources for the channel to carry BSI report 842. Accordingly, UE 804 may determine the time and / or frequency resources for the channel to carry BSI report 842 based on message 840.

[0153] On one hand, UE 804 can determine the channel to carry BSI report 842 based on message 840 (e.g., the type of message 840). For example, when message 840 is a DCI message (e.g., a downlink DCI message), UE 804 can determine that a PUCCH (e.g., enhanced PUCCH (ePUCCH), xPUCCH, etc.) will carry BSI report 842.

[0154] According to one aspect, UE 804 can determine the number X of BSI reports to be sent based on the channel on which BSI report 842 is to be carried. For example, UE 804 can (e.g., based on message 840) determine that UE 804 will send a message on the PUCCH. Accordingly, UE 804 can determine that UE 804 will send one BSI report 842 on the PUCCH based on the determination that the PUCCH is to carry BSI report 842.

[0155] On one hand, when UE 804 determines that it needs to send a BSI report, UE 804 may send a BSI report including a BSI indicating the beam index 832 corresponding to the highest BRSRP 834 in the candidate beam index set 830. For example, UE 804 may determine that the fifth BRS 812e received via the fifth beam 820e has the highest BRSRP 834e. Therefore, UE 804 may send a BSI report 842 including the fifth beam index 832e corresponding to the fifth beam 820e and further including the fifth BRSRP 834e corresponding to the fifth beam index 832e.

[0156] On the other hand, when message 840 is a RAR message (e.g., MSG2 412, uplink grant, etc.), UE 804 can determine that the number X of BSI reports 842 to be sent to base station 802 is one or more. The RAR message can indicate uplink grant. Alternatively, another uplink grant can be indicated via an uplink DCI message. For example, when UE 804 receives message 840 in a RAR message, UE 804 can determine that one or more BSI reports 842 should be sent to base station 802. In another example, when UE 804 receives message 840 in an uplink DCI message, UE 804 can determine that one or more BSI reports 842 should be sent to base station 802.

[0157] On one hand, base station 802 may include in message 840 an indication of at least one time and / or frequency resource for a channel to carry BSI report 842. For example, UE 804 may transmit BSI report 842 on one or more uplink resources associated with a connection request message (e.g., MSG3 414) granted by a contention-based RACH procedure (e.g., granted by RAR or MSG2 412). Accordingly, UE 804 may determine, based on message 840, at least one time and / or frequency resource for a channel to carry one or more BSI reports 842.

[0158] On one hand, UE 804 can determine the channel to carry one or more BSI reports 842 based on message 840 (e.g., based on the type of message 840). For example, when message 840 is included in a RAR message (e.g., MSG2 412 or uplink grant, such as an uplink DCI message), UE 804 can determine that a PUSCH (e.g., enhanced PUSCH (ePUSCH), xPUSCH, etc.) will carry BSI reports 842.

[0159] According to one aspect, UE 804 can determine the number X of BSI reports to be sent based on the channel on which BSI reports 842 are to be carried. For example, UE 804 can (e.g., based on message 840) determine that UE 804 will send a message on the PUSCH. Accordingly, UE 804 can determine that UE 804 will send more than one (e.g., two) BSI reports 842 on the PUSCH based on the determination that the PUSCH is to carry BSI reports 842.

[0160] On one hand, base station 802 may include an indication of the number X of BSI reports 842 to be sent in message 840. For example, UE 804 may determine whether to send one, two, or four BSI reports 842 based on the indication of the number X included in message 840. For example, when message 840 is included in an uplink DCI message, the uplink DCI message may indicate that zero, two, or four BSI reports are to be sent.

[0161] On one hand, when UE 804 determines the number X of BSI reports 842 to be sent, UE 804 can send X BSI reports 842 for X beam indices 832 corresponding to X highest BRSRPs 834 in the candidate beam index set 830. For example, UE 804 can determine, based on message 840, that four BSI reports 842 were requested by base station 802. Accordingly, UE 804 can determine that the fifth BRS 812e received through the fifth beam 820e has the highest BRSRP 834e, the sixth BRS 812f received through the sixth beam 820f has the second highest BRSRP 834f, the fourth BRS 812d received through the fourth beam 820d has the third highest BRSRP 834d, and the third BRS 812c received through the third beam 820c has the fourth highest BRSRP 834c. Therefore, UE 804 can send four BSI reports 842: the first BSI report may include the fifth beam index 832e and the fifth BRSRP 834e, the second BSI report may include the sixth beam index 832f and the sixth BRSRP 834f, the third BSI report may include the fourth beam index 832d and the fourth BRSRP 834d, and the fourth BSI report may include the third beam index 832c and the third BRSRP 834c. In one aspect, the BSI reports 842 can be ordered in descending order of BRSRP 834.

[0162] Base station 802 can receive one or more BSI reports 842. Based on the BSI report 842, base station 802 can select the beam 820a-h to communicate with UE 804. For example, base station 802 can select the fifth beam 820e corresponding to the fifth beam index 832e with the highest BRSRP 834e, as indicated by at least one BSI report 842. In one aspect, for example, if communication via the selected beam (e.g., the fifth beam 820e) fails, base station 802 can select another beam (e.g., the sixth beam 820f) based on the BSI report 842.

[0163] Go to Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the wireless communication system 900. Base station 902 can be one of base station 802, base station 702, base station 602, base station 502, base station 310, base station 102, mmW base station 180, and / or another base station. UE 904 can be one of UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, and / or another UE.

[0164] In the explained aspects, base station 902 may include up to eight antenna ports for BRS transmission. In various aspects, base station 902 may transmit one or more BRS 912a-h signals to UE 904 (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 5A-5G , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and / or Figure 8 (As described). Each BRS 912a-h can be communicated via a corresponding beam 920a-h. For example, base station 902 can transmit a first BRS 912a via a first beam 920a associated with a first BRS 912a. UE 904 can track one or more beams 920a-h by periodically measuring the BRS 912a-h associated with the corresponding beam in the beams 920a-h. In one aspect, the transmission period of BRS 912a-h can be configured by an indicator on the PBCH (such as ePBCH). The transmission period can be associated with the time it takes to sweep through the beam 920a-h that transmits BRS 912a-h.

[0165] In all respects, UE 904 can receive the set of BRS 912a-h via the set of beams 920a-h. Each BRS 912a-h may correspond to a beam index corresponding to the beam 912a-h through which BRS 920a-h is transmitted. UE 904 may measure the signal quality of each BRS 912a-h, and each measured signal quality may correspond to a beam 920a-h in the beam set. For example, UE 904 may measure the signal quality of the third BRS 912c, the fourth BRS 912d, the fifth BRS 912e, and the sixth BRS 912f, which correspond to the third beam 920c, the fourth beam 920d, the fifth beam 920e, and the sixth beam 920f, respectively. In all respects, UE 904 may not receive each BRS in the BRS 912a-h.

[0166] On one hand, UE 904 can measure signal quality by determining the received power. On the other hand, signal quality can correspond to BRSRP. For example, UE 904 can measure BRSRP in dB and / or dBm. On the other hand, UE 904 can measure signal quality as another value, such as RQ, SIR, SINR, RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or another metric.

[0167] On one hand, UE 904 may select beams 920a-h for communication with base station 902. For example, UE 904 may select a fifth beam 920e. UE 904 may select this fifth beam 920e for one or both of uplink and / or downlink communication. UE 904 may select the fifth beam 920e based on signal quality measured for the fifth BRS 912e and / or based on resource information (e.g., time and / or frequency resource information that may be broadcast by base station 902 as system information). UE 904 may select the fifth beam 920e because UE 904 may predict or estimate that base station 902 may communicate with UE 904 via the fifth beam 920e, for example, based on signal quality and / or resource information measured for the fifth BRS 912e corresponding to the fifth beam 920e (e.g., time and / or frequency resource information that may indicate time (e.g., subframe) and / or frequency).

[0168] UE 904 may attempt RACH procedures (e.g., first RACH procedure 940, second RACH procedure 942, etc.). RACH procedures may include information regarding... Figure 4A Or the various operations described in 4B. For example, UE 904 may attempt a RACH procedure (e.g., a contention-based RACH procedure) by transmitting one or more RACH messages (such as a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1 410)). UE 904 may still be attempting a RACH procedure when another RACH message (such as a connection request (e.g., MSG3 414)) is transmitted in response to a RAR (e.g., MSG2 412).

[0169] When UE 904 fails to receive and / or decode a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4416) during an attempted RACH procedure, UE 904 can determine that the attempted RACH procedure has failed. By extension, when UE 904 fails to receive a RAR (e.g., MSG2 412), UE 904 will determine that the attempted RACH procedure has failed because UE 904 neither sends a connection request (e.g., MSG 413) nor receives a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4 416) during the attempted RACH procedure. On the one hand, when UE 904 receives a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4 416), when UE acquires a cell RNTI (C-RNTI) (e.g., based on the contention resolution message), when UE 904 receives and decodes an RRC connection establishment message, and / or when UE 904 synchronizes with the network after the RACH procedure, UE 904 can determine that the RACH procedure has been successfully completed.

[0170] On one hand, UE 904 may attempt the first RACH procedure 940 with base station 902 via the selected fifth beam 920e. For example, UE 904 may send a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1 410) via the selected fifth beam 920e. However, UE 904 may determine that the first RACH procedure 940 has failed. For example, UE 904 may be unable to receive the RAR (e.g., MSG2 412) or contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4 416).

[0171] Based on the attempted first RACH procedure 940, UE 904 may determine information indicating that the first RACH procedure 940 failed. UE 904 may store this determined information. In one aspect, the information indicating that the first RACH procedure 940 failed may include information associated with the selected fifth beam 920e, such as the beam index corresponding to the selected fifth beam 920e and / or the signal quality (e.g., BRSRP) measured for the fifth BRS 912e received through the fifth beam 920e. In another aspect, the information indicating that the first RACH procedure 940 failed may include an indication (e.g., subframe index and / or symbol index) of the subframes and / or symbols during which RACH messages (e.g., random access preambles or MSG1 410) were transmitted through the selected fifth beam 920e.

[0172] Depending on various factors, UE 904 may attempt a second RACH procedure 942 after determining that the first RACH procedure 940 has failed. UE 904 may determine that the second RACH procedure 942 has succeeded. For example, UE 904 may successfully send a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1 410) to base station 402. Subsequently, UE 904 may successfully receive a RAR (e.g., MSG2 412) from base station 402 based on the random access preamble. Subsequently, UE 904 may successfully send a connection request message (e.g., MSG3 414) to base station 402 based on the RAR. Subsequently, UE 904 may successfully receive a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4 416) from the base station based on the connection request message. UE 904 may synchronize with the network including base station 902 based on the successful second RACH procedure 942.

[0173] On one hand, UE 904 may attempt a second RACH procedure 942 by increasing transmission power after determining that the first RACH procedure 940 has failed. When UE 904 executes the second RACH procedure 942, UE 904 may utilize the increased transmission power to execute at least a portion of the second RACH procedure 942. For example, UE 904 may use the increased transmission power to transmit a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1410) during the second RACH procedure 942.

[0174] On the other hand, UE 904 may attempt a second RACH procedure 942 by selecting a new beam for communicating with base station 902 after determining that the first RACH procedure 940 has failed. For example, UE 904 may select a sixth beam 920f. On one hand, UE 904 may select a new sixth beam 920f based on signal quality measurements for the sixth BRS 912f. On another hand, UE 904 may select a new sixth beam 920f based on resource information (e.g., at least one time and / or frequency resource that may be broadcast by base station 902). UE 904 may perform at least a portion of the second RACH procedure 942 with base station 902 via the new sixth beam 920f. For example, UE 904 may send a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1 410) via the new sixth beam 920f.

[0175] Depending on various aspects, UE 904 may send information 944 to base station 902 indicating that the first RACH procedure 940 has failed. Information 944 may include information determined by UE 904, such as the beam index corresponding to the selected fifth beam 920e, the signal quality measured for the fifth BRS 912e, the subframe index where the selected fifth beam 920e is located, and the symbol index where the selected fifth beam 920e is located.

[0176] On one hand, UE 904 can send information 944 in a BSI report (e.g., BSI report 842). Information 944 can indicate the beam index corresponding to the selected fifth beam 920e in which the first RACH procedure 940 failed. Figure 8 In this context, UE 904 may send a BSI report 842 including a fifth beam index 832e corresponding to the selected fifth beam 820e / 920e, and may use the selected fifth beam 820e / 920e to send information 944 indicating that the first RACH procedure 940 has failed. For example, base station 902 may use message 840, which is a RAR message received during the second RACH procedure 942, to trigger a BSI report from UE 904. In response, UE 904 may send a BSI report 842 including a fifth beam index 832e (and a fifth BRSRP 834e), but may use the selected fifth beam 820e / 920e corresponding to the fifth beam index 832e to indicate that the first RACH procedure 940 has failed.

[0177] According to one aspect, UE 904 can exclude beam indices corresponding to the selected fifth beam 920e from the candidate beam index set. Figure 6In the context of [the above context], for example, UE 904 may exclude the fifth beam index corresponding to the fifth beam 620e / 920e from the candidate beam index set 630. For example, if BRSRP is measured for another BRS912a-h corresponding to another beam 920a-h, then UE 904 may include another beam index corresponding to the other beam 920a-h in the candidate beam index set 630.

[0178] In various aspects, base station 902 may receive information 944 indicating a failure of the first RACH procedure 940, and may use this information 944 to communicate with UE 904. In one aspect, for example, when uplink / downlink reciprocity via one or more beams is unavailable for communication with UE 904, base station 902 may schedule uplink or downlink communication with UE 904 via a different beam (e.g., a new sixth beam 920f). For example, base station 902 may determine a different beam index corresponding to a beam different from the beam index associated with the failed RACH procedure 940 for uplink or downlink communication with UE 904. In another aspect, base station 902 may exclude the beam index indicated by information 944 from the candidate beam indices associated with uplink or downlink communication with UE 904.

[0179] Although Figure 9 The explanation describes a failed RACH procedure 940, but similar operations can be performed when multiple RACH procedures fail. Accordingly, UE 904 can send information similar to information 944 to base station 902 indicating the failure of each RACH procedure. For example, UE 904 can send a corresponding beam index for each beam used for each failed RACH procedure.

[0180] Figure 10 The following describes one aspect of the wireless communication system 1000 according to various aspects. Base station 1002 may be one of base station 902, base station 802, base station 702, base station 602, base station 502, base station 310, base station 102, mmW base station 180, and / or another base station. UE 1004 may be one of UE 904, UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, and / or another UE.

[0181] In the explained aspects, base station 1002 may include up to eight antenna ports for BRS transmission. In various aspects, base station 1002 may transmit one or more BRS 1012a-h signals to UE 1004 (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 5A-5G , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and / or Figure 8(As described). Each BRS 1012a-h can be communicated via a corresponding beam 1020a-h. For example, base station 1002 can transmit a first BRS 1012a via a first beam 1020a associated with a first BRS 1012a. UE 1004 can track one or more beams 1020a-h by periodically measuring the BRS 1012a-h associated with the corresponding beam in the beams 1020a-h. In one aspect, the transmission period of BRS 1012a-h can be configured by an indicator on the PBCH (such as ePBCH). The transmission period can be associated with the time it takes to sweep through the beam 1020a-h that transmits BRS 1012a-h.

[0182] In all aspects, UE 1004 can receive the set of BRS 1012a-h via the set of beams 1020a-h. Each BRS 1012a-h can be associated with a beam index corresponding to the beam 1020a-h through which BRS 1012a-h is transmitted. UE 1004 can measure the signal quality of each BRS 1012a-h, and each measured signal quality can correspond to a beam 1020a-h in the beam set. For example, UE 1004 can measure the signal quality of the third BRS 1012c, the fourth BRS 1012d, the fifth BRS 1012e, and the sixth BRS 1012f, which correspond to the third beam 1020c, the fourth beam 1020d, the fifth beam 1020e, and the sixth beam 1020f, respectively. In all aspects, UE 1004 may not receive each BRS in the BRS 1012a-h.

[0183] On one hand, UE 1004 can measure signal quality by determining the received power. On the other hand, signal quality can correspond to BRSRP. For example, UE 1004 can measure BRSRP in dB and / or dBm. On the other hand, UE 1004 can measure signal quality as another value, such as RQ, SIR, SINR, RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or another metric.

[0184] On one hand, UE 1004 can attempt to communicate with base station 1002 via the fifth beam 1020e using the first RACH procedure 1040. For example, UE 1004 can send a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1 410) via the fifth beam 1020e, base station 1002 can send a RAR (e.g., MSG2 412) to UE 1004 based on the random access preamble, and UE 1004 can send a connection request message (e.g., MSG3 414) to base station 1002 based on the RAR.

[0185] Base station 1002 can determine whether to communicate with UE 1004 via a serving beam in beams 1020a-h. For example, base station 1002 can select a sixth beam 1020f that is different from the beam through which at least a portion of the RACH procedure 1040 is generated. Therefore, base station 1002 can determine whether to notify UE 1004 of the beam index corresponding to the sixth beam 1020f, for example, by sending a beam modification command to UE 1004.

[0186] The beam modification command may include at least one beam index corresponding to a corresponding beam in beams 1020a-h. In various aspects, base station 1002 may include the beam modification command in a contention resolution message 1042 (e.g., MSG4 416), which may be in response to a connection request message (e.g., MSG3 414) received from UE 1004 during RACH procedure 1040. In other words, base station 1002 may include in contention resolution message 1042 an indication of at least one beam index corresponding to a beam in beams 1020a-h through which communication occurs between base station 1002 and UE 1004.

[0187] Because contention resolution message 1042 can be received by more than one UE, base station 1002 can indicate that the beam modification command included in contention resolution message 1042 applies to UE 1004. In one aspect, base station 1002 can indicate that the beam modification command included in contention resolution message 1042 applies to UE 1004 by scrambling at least a portion of the contention resolution message with an RNTI associated with UE 1004 (e.g., an RNTI determined during a portion of the RACH procedure).

[0188] On one hand, the beam modification command included in contention resolution message 1042 may include an indication of one or more channels to which the beam modification command applies. For example, base station 1002 may determine that communication with UE 1004 will occur via a sixth beam 1020f for one or more uplink channels or one or more downlink channels. Therefore, base station 1002 may indicate in contention resolution message 1042 that the beam modification command included in contention resolution message 1042 applies to one or more channels.

[0189] UE 1004 may receive contention resolution message 1042, for example, during RACH procedure 1040. As described, contention resolution message 1042 may include at least a beam index corresponding to the beam (e.g., a beam modification command).

[0190] UE 1004 can determine whether the beam index applies to UE 1004. That is, UE 1004 can determine whether base station 1002 is instructing UE 1004 to communicate with base station 1002 through another beam (such as a sixth beam 1020f). In one aspect, UE 1004 can determine whether the beam index applies to the UE by attempting to decode the contention resolution message 1042 based on the RNTI associated with UE 1004. If UE 1004 is able to successfully decode the contention resolution message 1042 based on the RNTI associated with UE 1004, UE 1004 can determine that the beam modification command indicated by the contention resolution message 1042 applies to UE 1004.

[0191] UE 1004 may provide ACK / NACK information to base station 1002 based on contention resolution message 1042, for example, to instruct UE 1004 to acknowledge receipt of a beam modification command. In one aspect, UE 1004 may transmit an acknowledgment message 1044 to base station 1002 based on the determination that the beam modification command included in contention resolution message 1042 applies to UE 1004. In another aspect, UE 1004 may transmit the acknowledgment message 1044 through the current beam (e.g., the fifth beam 1020e).

[0192] On the one hand, UE 1004 may suppress the transmission of unacknowledged messages to base station 1002 based on the determination that the beam modification command included in contention resolution message 1042 is not applicable to UE 1004. For example, if UE 1004 cannot decode contention resolution message 1042 based on the RNTI associated with UE 1004, then UE 1004 may take no action.

[0193] Base station 1002 can determine whether it has received an acknowledgment message from UE 1004 in response to contention resolution message 1042. If base station 1002 determines that it has not received an acknowledgment message (e.g., no acknowledgment message within a predetermined time period), base station 1002 may take no action. For example, base station 1002 may continue to communicate with UE 1004 through the current serving beam (e.g., fifth beam 1020e).

[0194] When base station 1002 receives an acceptance message 1044 from UE 1004, base station 1002 can determine that it has received the acceptance message from UE 1004 and has notified UE 1004 of the beam modification command. Accordingly, base station 1002 can communicate 1046 through the beam (e.g., the sixth beam 1020f) corresponding to the beam index indicated by the beam modification command included in contention resolution message 1042.

[0195] Accordingly, when UE 1004 determines that the beam modification command applies to UE 1004, UE 1004 can communicate with the base station 1046 via the beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the beam modification command included in the contention resolution message 1042 (e.g., the sixth beam 1020f). Because the beam modification command may include an indication of one or more channels to which the beam modification command applies, UE 1004 can communicate with the base station 1002 on the one or more channels indicated by the beam modification command via the beam index indicated by the beam modification command (e.g., the sixth beam 1020f) 1046 (e.g., other communications on other channels may occur via another beam, such as the currently serving fifth beam 1020e).

[0196] Figure 11 The following describes one aspect of the wireless communication system 1100 according to various aspects. Base station 1102 may be one of base station 1002, base station 902, base station 802, base station 702, base station 602, base station 502, base station 310, base station 102, mmW base station 180, and / or another base station. UE 1004 may be one of UE 1004, UE 904, UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, and / or another UE.

[0197] In the explained aspects, base station 1102 may include up to eight antenna ports for BRS transmission. In various aspects, base station 1102 may transmit one or more BRS 1112a-h signals to UE 1104 (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 5A-5G , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and / or Figure 8 (As described). Each BRS 1112a-h can be communicated via a corresponding beam 1120a-h. For example, base station 1102 can transmit a first BRS 1112a via a first beam 1120a associated with a first BRS 1112a. UE 1104 can track one or more beams 1120a-h by periodically measuring the BRS 1112a-h associated with the corresponding beam in the beams 1120a-h. In one aspect, the transmission period of BRS 1112a-h can be configured by an indicator on the PBCH (such as ePBCH). The transmission period can be associated with the time it takes to sweep through the beam 1120a-h that transmits BRS 1112a-h.

[0198] In all respects, UE 1104 can receive the set of BRS 1112a-h via the transmit beam set 1120a-h. Each BRS 1112a-h can be associated with a beam index corresponding to the beam 1120a-h through which BRS 1112a-h is transmitted. UE 1104 can measure the signal quality of each BRS 1112a-h, and each measured signal quality can correspond to a beam 1120a-h in the beam set. For example, UE 1104 can measure the signal quality of the third BRS 1112c, the fourth BRS 1112d, the fifth BRS 1112e, and the sixth BRS 1112f, which correspond to the third beam 1120c, the fourth beam 1120d, the fifth beam 1120e, and the sixth beam 1120f, respectively. In all respects, UE 1104 may not receive each BRS in the BRS 1112a-h.

[0199] On one hand, UE 1104 can measure signal quality by determining the received power. On the other hand, signal quality can correspond to BRSRP. For example, UE 1104 can measure BRSRP in dB and / or dBm. On the other hand, UE 1104 can measure signal quality as another value, such as RQ, SIR, SINR, RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or another metric.

[0200] On one hand, UE 1104 can receive BRS set 1112a-h through receive beam set 1140a-h. For example, the sixth transmit beam 1120f can intersect with the fifth receive beam 1140e. Therefore, the signal transmitted by base station 1102 can be transmitted through the sixth transmit beam 1120f and received through the fifth receive beam 1140e.

[0201] UE 1104 may not simultaneously maintain all beams 1140a-h actively. In various aspects, UE 1104 may be configured to generate one or more beams among beams 1140a-h, for example, based on determining that UE 1104 can receive signals from one or more receive beams among receive beams 1140a-h. Additionally, base station 1102 and UE 1104 may not have the same number of beams—for example, UE 1104 may have fewer than eight beams for communicating with base station 1102.

[0202] On one hand, UE 1104 can receive beam modification command 1142 from base station 1102. For example, UE 1104 can receive one or more BRS 1112a-h from base station 1102. UE 1104 can determine (e.g., select or generate) a receive beam in the receive beam set 1140a-h, through which UE 1104 may expect to receive signals from base station 1102. For example, UE 1104 can determine a fourth receive beam 1140d through which UE 1104 can receive signals from base station 1102. UE 1104 can receive beam modification command 1142 from base station 1102, for example, through a fifth transmit beam 1120e and a fourth receive beam 1140d.

[0203] On one hand, beam modification command 1142 may indicate a set of transmit beam indices corresponding to the transmit beam sets 1120a-h of base station 1102. For example, beam modification command 1142 may at least indicate a sixth beam index corresponding to the sixth transmit beam 1120f of base station 1102. The transmit beam index may at least indicate the transmission direction for the beam transmitted by base station 1102.

[0204] On one hand, beam modification command 1142 can be received in the MAC CE. On the other hand, beam modification command 1142 can be received in a DCI message. On the other hand, beam modification command 1142 can be received via RRC signaling. On the other hand, beam modification command 1142 can be carried on the PDCCH.

[0205] UE 1104 can determine the set of transmit beam indices indicated by beam modification command 1142. For example, UE 1104 can determine that beam modification command 1142 indicates at least the sixth beam index corresponding to the sixth transmit beam 1120f of base station 1102.

[0206] Based on the determined set of transmit beams, UE 1104 can determine a set of receive beam indices corresponding to its receive beams 1140a-h. Each receive beam index can at least indicate the reception direction for receiving the receive beams in receive beams 1140a-h by UE 1104. For example, UE 1104 can at least determine a fifth receive beam index corresponding to its fifth receive beam 1140e.

[0207] UE 1104 may determine the set of receive beam indices based on the determined set of transmit beams indicated by beam modification command 1142 using any suitable method. For example, UE 1104 may maintain a mapping that maps transmit beam indices corresponding to transmit beams 1120a-h to receive beam indices corresponding to receive beams 1120a-h.

[0208] On one hand, UE 1104 can be configured to fill the mapping based on the reception of the BRS 1112a-h set. For example, UE 1104 can receive the sixth BRS 1112f via the sixth transmit beam 1120f of base station 1102. UE 1104 can determine that the sixth BRS 1112f is received via the fifth receive beam 1140e. Accordingly, UE 1104 can maintain a mapping indicating that the sixth transmit beam index corresponding to the sixth transmit beam 1120f is mapped to the fifth receive beam index corresponding to the fifth receive beam 1140e.

[0209] Therefore, when UE 1104 receives beam modification command 1142, UE 1104 can determine at least one of the receive beams 1140a-h of UE 1104 that UE 1104 can receive signals from base station 1102 without base station 1102 explicitly signaling to UE 1104 the receive beam (e.g., base station 1102 can deduce the appropriate receive beam 1140a-h of UE 1104 by indicating the beam index of transmit beams 1120a-h to UE 1104). For example, UE 1104 can determine the set of receive beam indices corresponding to the transmit beam index indicated by beam modification command 1142.

[0210] On one hand, UE 1104 can receive communication from base station 1102 based on a receive beam corresponding to a receive beam index, which can be determined based on beam modification command 1142. For example, UE 1104 can determine that communication from base station 1102 can be received via fifth receive beam 1140e based on the transmit beam index corresponding to the sixth transmit beam 1120f indicated by beam modification command 1142. On another hand, for example, if the fifth receive beam 1140e is inactive, UE 1104 can generate the fifth receive beam 1140e.

[0211] UE 1104 can receive BRRS 1144 from base station 1102 via at least one receive beam determined based on beam modification command 1142. For example, UE 1104 can determine a fifth receive beam index corresponding to the fifth receive beam, and UE 1104 can receive BRRS 1144 via the fifth receive beam 1140e.

[0212] On one hand, BRRS 1144 can be used for beam refinement of communications—for example, BRRS can be used by UE 1104 and base station 1102 to determine “fine” beam pairs (e.g., a beam pair of transmit beam 1120f and receive beam 1140e) for communication between UE 1104 and base station 1102. BRRS 1144 can span 1, 2, 5, or 10 OFDM symbols and can be associated with BRRS resource allocation, BRRS procedure indication, and / or beam refinement procedure configuration. For example, as Figure 5A As described in -G, UE 1104 can report BRI for beam refinement based on the reception of BRRS.

[0213] On one hand, UE 1104 may receive BRRS 1144 in one or more symbols corresponding to one or more corresponding symbol indices. For example, the one or more symbol indices may be predetermined (e.g., defined by one or more standards published by 3GPP), and UE 1104 may have those predetermined symbol indices stored therein. Accordingly, UE 1104 may receive BRRS 1144 at those symbol indices.

[0214] On the other hand, beam modification command 1142 may indicate one or more symbol indices in which BRRS 1144 is to be received. For example, beam modification command 1142 may indicate that BRRS 1144 is carried in the fourth symbol of the subframe via the sixth transmit beam 1120f. Therefore, UE 1104 may determine that UE 1104 will receive at least a portion of BRRS 1144 using the fifth receive beam 1140e during the fourth symbol of the subframe (e.g., UE 1104 may actively receive or listen via the fifth receive beam 1140e during the fourth symbol of the subframe).

[0215] On one hand, UE 1104 can receive different portions of BRRS 1144 via different receive beams. For example, UE can receive the first portion (e.g., the first symbol or the first 5 symbols) of BRRS 1144 via the fifth receive beam 1140e determined based on beam modification command 1142, and can receive the second portion (e.g., the second symbol or the next 5 symbols) of BRRS 1144 via the sixth receive beam 1140f, which can also be determined based on beam modification command 1142 (e.g., included in the receive beam index set determined based on beam modification command).

[0216] On one hand, UE 1104 can determine the symbol indices corresponding to the symbols of BRRS 1144 and receive the beam indices corresponding to those symbol indices. For example, beam modification command 1142 can indicate a first set of transmit beam indices corresponding to the fifth transmit beam 1120e and the sixth transmit beam 1120f. UE 1104 can (e.g., based on beam modification command 1142 and / or based on predetermined symbol indices) determine the first portion of BRRS 1144 to be received via the fifth transmit beam 1120e and the second portion of BRRS 1144 to be received via the sixth transmit beam 1120f. UE 1104 can determine the fourth receive beam 1140d and the fifth receive beam 1140e corresponding to the transmit beam indices for the fifth transmit beam 1120e and the sixth transmit beam 1120f, respectively. Accordingly, UE 1104 can receive the first part of BRRS 1144 (e.g., the first symbol or the first 5 symbols) through the fourth receive beam 1140d, and receive the second part of BRRS 1144 (e.g., the next symbol or the next 5 symbols) through the fifth receive beam 1140e.

[0217] On one hand, UE 1104 can receive BRRS 1144 via the transmit beam set of base station 1102 (e.g., via the sixth transmit beam 1120f) corresponding to the transmit beam index set indicated by beam modification command 1142.

[0218] On the other hand, UE 1104 can receive BRRS 1144 from a set of transmit beams of base stations that are different from those transmit beams corresponding to the transmit beam index indicated by beam modification command 1142. For example, UE 1104 may determine to use the fifth receive beam 1140e based on the transmit beam index corresponding to the sixth transmit beam 1120f, but BRRS 1144 can be transmitted through the fifth transmit beam 1120e (e.g., due to reflections or obstacles).

[0219] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method 1200. Method 1200 can be performed by a UE (such as UE 1104, UE 1004, UE 904, UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 404, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, or another UE). In one aspect, method 1200 can be performed by an equipment (such as equipment 1902 / 1902'). Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more operations can be omitted, substituted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0220] At operation 1202, the UE can communicate with the base station via a serving beam corresponding to the serving beam index. For example, the UE can transmit at least one signal via the serving beam corresponding to the serving beam index. Figure 7 In this context, UE704 can communicate with base station 702 via the first serving beam 720e, which corresponds to the beam index.

[0221] At operation 1204, the UE can receive a beam modification command from the base station. In various aspects, the beam modification command may indicate at least one beam index for communication via at least one beam on at least one channel. In various aspects, each of the at least one beam index indicates at least the direction for communication via the corresponding beam of the at least one beam. Figure 7 In the context of this, UE 704 can receive beam modification command 710 from base station 702.

[0222] On one hand, the beam modification command is received in the MAC CE. On the other hand, the beam modification command is received in the DCI message. On the other hand, the beam modification command is received via RRC signaling.

[0223] According to one aspect, the beam modification command can indicate the corresponding channel for each beam index in at least one beam index. Therefore, communication carried on the corresponding channel can occur through at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command. For example, the beam modification command can indicate that at least one beam index corresponds to one or more uplink channels and / or one or more downlink channels. In another aspect, the UE can determine the corresponding channel based on the DCI format of the DCI message.

[0224] In one aspect, at least one beam index may include multiple beam indices, and at least one channel may include multiple channels. In this aspect, each beam index of the multiple beam indices may be indicated to correspond to at least one of the multiple channels. Figure 7 In the context of this, UE 704 may receive from base station 702 a beam modification command 710 indicating the channel corresponding to each beam index.

[0225] At operation 1206, after receiving a beam modification command, the UE can switch from the serving beam to at least one beam corresponding to at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command. For example, the UE can select at least one beam corresponding to at least one beam index, and the UE can change from the serving beam to that at least one beam for communication with the base station. Figure 7In the context of receiving a beam modification command 710, UE 704 may switch from the first serving beam 720e to a selected fourth beam 720d that corresponds to at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command 710.

[0226] On one hand, the UE can switch from the serving beam to at least one beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the beam modification command at a predetermined time. On the other hand, the UE can determine the predetermined time based on the beam modification command. For example, the beam modification command can instruct the UE to switch from the serving beam to at least one of the symbols or subframes of at least one beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the beam modification command. Figure 7 In the context of this, UE 704 may switch from the first serving beam 720e to the selected fourth beam 720d at a predetermined time (e.g., a symbol or subframe indicated by beam modification command 710).

[0227] At operation 1208, the UE may determine at least one channel on which it intends to communicate with the base station via at least one beam corresponding to at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command. For example, the UE may identify at least one channel (e.g., based on the beam modification command), and the UE may associate the at least one channel with at least one beam index. In one aspect, when the beam modification command is included in a DCI message, the UE may determine the at least one channel based on the DCI format. Figure 7 In the context of UE 704, UE 704 may determine at least one channel on which communication will take place via at least one beam corresponding to at least one beam index indicated by beam modification command 710.

[0228] At operation 1210, the UE can communicate with the base station via at least one beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the beam modification command. The UE can communicate with the base station via at least one beam on at least one channel (e.g., one or more uplink channels or one or more downlink channels). Figure 7 In this context, UE 704 can communicate with base station 702 via a selected fourth beam 720d corresponding to at least one beam index indicated by beam modification command 710. UE 704 can communicate with base station 702 via the selected fourth beam 720d on one or more channels (e.g., one or more uplink channels or one or more downlink channels).

[0229] Figure 13This is a flowchart of wireless communication method 1300. Method 1300 can be performed by a UE (such as UE 1104, UE 1004, UE 904, UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 404, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, or another UE). In one aspect, method 1200 can be performed by equipment (such as equipment 2102 / 2102'). Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more operations can be omitted, substituted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0230] At operation 1302, the UE can receive the BRS set from base station 2150 via the beam set. Figure 6 In this context, UE 604 can receive BRS set 612a-h from base station 602 via beam sets 620a-h. For example, UE 604 can receive third BRS 612c via third beam 620c, fourth BRS 612d via fourth beam 620d, fifth BRS 612e via fifth beam 620e, and sixth BRS 612f via sixth beam 620f.

[0231] At operation 1304, the UE can measure the corresponding signal quality of each BRS in the BRS set. For example, the UE can identify BRSs in the BRS set, and the UE can measure the signal quality of the identified BRS. Since each BRS can correspond to a beam, the signal quality measured for a BRS can also correspond to the beam through which the BRS is received. Depending on various aspects, the measurement of the signal quality of each BRS in the BRS set may include the measurement of at least one of BRSRP, BRSRQ, SIR, SINR, and / or SNR. Figure 6 In the context of this, UE 604 can measure the corresponding signal quality for each received BRS in the BRS set 612a-h, and the corresponding signal quality can correspond to the corresponding beam in the beam set 620a-h.

[0232] At operation 1306, the UE may receive from the base station an indication of one or more beam indices to be excluded from the candidate beam index set. Figure 6 In the context of this, UE 604 may receive from base station 602 an indication of one or more beam indices to be excluded from candidate beam index set 630.

[0233] At operation 1308, the UE may maintain a set of candidate beam indices corresponding to the best set of measured signal quality for the BRS set. For example, the UE may identify beam indices and corresponding measured signal quality, and the UE may store (e.g., in a table or other data structure) the identified beam indices in association with the corresponding measured signal quality. Regarding operation 1306, the UE may exclude one or more beam indices indicated by the base station from the maintained set of candidate beam indices. In one aspect, the UE may maintain a set containing N candidate beam indices, where N may be predetermined (e.g., stored in the UE, defined by standards published by 3GPP, etc.). Figure 6 In the context of UE 604, UE 604 can maintain a set of candidate beam indices 630 corresponding to the set of best measured signal quality for BRS sets 612a-h.

[0234] On the one hand, the set of measured signal quality can correspond to the highest set of measured signal quality. In Figure 6 In the context of the candidate beam index set, the highest measured BRSRP corresponding to the received BRS set 612c-f can be reflected.

[0235] On one hand, the optimal measured signal quality set of the BRS set can be based on the most recent signal quality set of the BRS set. On the other hand, the optimal measured signal quality set of the BRS set can be based on the filtered signal quality set of the BRS set. On another hand, the optimal measured signal quality set of the BRS set can be based on the time-averaged signal quality set of the BRS set. On yet another hand, the optimal measured signal quality set can be maintained based on at least one hysteresis criterion for including or excluding beam indices in the candidate beam index set.

[0236] At operation 1310, the UE may transmit to the base station a BSI indicating at least one measured signal quality and at least one beam index corresponding to the at least one measured signal quality. Figure 6 In this context, UE 604 may transmit a BSI report 642 indicating at least one beam index to base station 602. In one aspect, BSI report 642 may be a BSI report including the beam index and the corresponding measured signal quality (e.g., BRSRP measured for BRS 612a-h received via beams 620a-h). In another aspect, UE 604 may transmit BSI report 642 in response to a request 640 received from base station 602.

[0237] Figure 14This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method 1400. Method 1400 can be performed by a UE (such as UE 1104, UE 1004, UE 904, UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 404, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, or another UE). In one aspect, method 1200 can be performed by an equipment (such as equipment 2302 / 2302'). Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more operations can be omitted, substituted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0238] At operation 1402, the UE can receive a signal set from base station 2150 via a beam set. Figure 8 In this context, UE 804 can receive BRS set 812a-h from base station 802 via beam sets 820a-h. For example, UE 804 can receive third BRS 812c via third beam 820c, fourth BRS 812d via fourth beam 820d, fifth BRS 812e via fifth beam 820e, and sixth BRS 812f via sixth beam 820f.

[0239] At operation 1404, the UE can determine the received power of each signal in the set of signals received through each beam in the beam set. For example, the UE can identify a signal, and the UE can measure the received power corresponding to the identified signal. Each determined received power can be associated with a corresponding beam in the beam set (e.g., each BRS can correspond to a beam, and therefore the received power determined for a BRS can also correspond to the beam through which the BRS is received). Depending on various aspects, the determination of the received power of each BRS in the BRS set may include the measurement of at least one of BRSRP, BRSRQ, SIR, SINR, and / or SNR. Figure 6 In the context of UE 604, UE 604 can determine the received power for each received BRS in the BRS set 612a-h, and the corresponding received power can correspond to the corresponding beam in the beam set 620a-h.

[0240] At operation 1406, the UE can receive a BSI request message from the base station. On one hand, a DCI message (e.g., a downlink DCI message or an uplink DCI message) may include a BSI request message. On the other hand, a RAR message may include a BSI request message. Figure 8 In the context of this, UE 804 can receive a BSI request message 840 from base station 802.

[0241] At operation 1408, the UE can determine the number N of BSI reports to be sent to the base station, and each BSI report can indicate the beam index corresponding to a beam and the received power associated with the beam. For example, the UE can identify a BSI request message from the base station, and the UE can identify the number N of BSI reports to be sent based on the identified message. Figure 8 In the context of this, UE 804 can determine the number N of BSI reports 842 to be sent to base station 802. Each BSI report 842 may include at least one beam index 832c-f and a BRSRP 834c-f corresponding to the at least one beam index 832c-f.

[0242] On one hand, the UE can determine the number N based on the BSI request message (e.g., based on the message type). For example, when the BSI request message is included in a DCI message (e.g., a downlink DCI message), the UE can determine that the number N is 1. On the other hand, when the BSI request message is included in a RAR message (or an uplink DCI message), the UE can determine that the number N is greater than 1 (e.g., 2 or 4); a number N greater than 1 can be indicated by the message (e.g., a BSI request message can instruct the UE to send two or four BSI reports). Figure 8 In the context of , UE 804 may determine the number N of BSI reports 842 to be sent to base station 802 based on message 840 (e.g., the type or format of message 840).

[0243] On one hand, the UE can determine the channel to carry BSI reports based on this message. For example, when the number N is 1 and / or when the BSI request message is included in a DCI message (e.g., a downlink DCI message), the UE can determine to carry N BSI reports on the PUCCH. On the other hand, when the number N is greater than 1 and / or when the BSI request message is included in a RAR message (e.g., an uplink DCI message), the UE can determine to carry N BSI reports on the PUSCH.

[0244] At operation 1410, the UE may send N BSI reports to the base station based on a BSI request message. In one aspect, the N BSI reports include N received powers corresponding to the highest determined received power and beam indices corresponding to those highest determined received powers. Figure 8 In the context of this, UE 804 may send N BSI reports 842 to base station 802 based on message 840. For example, at least one BSI report 842 may include a fifth beam index 832e and a corresponding BRSRP 834e, which may be the highest BRSRP among the BRSRPs measured for BRS 812a-h received via beams 820a-h.

[0245] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method 1500. Method 1500 can be performed by a UE (such as UE 1104, UE 1004, UE 904, UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 404, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, or another UE). In one aspect, method 1200 can be performed by an equipment (such as equipment 2502 / 2502'). Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more operations can be omitted, substituted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0246] At operation 1502, the UE can select a first beam for communication with the base station. For example, the UE can select a beam index corresponding to a beam through which the UE estimates or expects the base station to communicate with it. Figure 9 In the context of this, UE 904 may select the fifth beam 920e as the first beam for communication with base station 902.

[0247] At operation 1504, the UE can attempt at least one RACH procedure with the base station via the selected beam. For example, the UE can send at least one RACH message to the base station (e.g., MSG1 410), and the UE can determine that there is no response to at least one RACH message (e.g., not received within a predetermined time period). Figure 9 In the context of this, UE 904 can attempt to communicate with base station 902 via the selected fifth beam 920e using the first RACH procedure 940.

[0248] At operation 1506, the UE may determine that at least one RACH procedure has failed. For example, the UE may start a timer associated with one or more messages, and the UE may be unable to receive or decode one or more messages associated with at least one RACH procedure (e.g., MSG2 or RAR, MSG4 or contention resolution message) before the timer expires. Figure 9 In the context of this, UE904 can determine that the first RACH procedure 940 with base station 902 has failed.

[0249] At operation 1508, the UE can select a new beam for communication with the base station after determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed. For example, the UE can access a stored set of candidate beam indices and select the next beam corresponding to the next beam index (e.g., the beam corresponding to the next highest BRSRP) from the candidate beam index set. Figure 9 In this context, UE 904 may select the sixth beam 920f for communication with base station 902 after determining that the first RACH procedure 940 has failed.

[0250] At operation 1510, the UE can increase transmission power after determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed. For example, the UE can identify the current transmission power, and the UE can increase the identified current transmission power by a predetermined amount. Figure 9 In the context of UE904, transmission power can be increased in order to achieve successful RACH procedure 942.

[0251] On one hand, the UE can perform one or both of operations 1508 and 1510. In other words, the UE can increase the transmission power and attempt another RACH procedure with the selected first beam (e.g., instead of selecting a new beam for attempting another RACH procedure). Alternatively, the UE can use the same transmission power when attempting another RACH procedure with a newly selected beam. Alternatively, the UE can increase the transmission power and use a newly selected beam when attempting another RACH procedure after determining that the first RACH procedure has failed.

[0252] At operation 1512, the UE may store information associated with the selected first beam based on determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed. For example, the UE may generate or access a data structure, and the UE may store the beam index corresponding to the first beam of the RACH procedure that the UE attempted but failed (e.g., stored in the generated or accessed data structure). In one aspect, the UE may exclude the beam index corresponding to the first beam from a set of candidate beams maintained by the UE based on determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed. In another example, the UE may store an indication of a subframe carrying a RACH message (e.g., MSG1 or random access preamble, MSG3 or connection request message, etc.) associated with the failed RACH procedure.

[0253] At operation 1514, the UE can successfully execute the RACH procedure with the base station. For example, the UE can send a connection request message (e.g., MSG3 414), and the UE can receive a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4 416) in response to the connection request message. The UE can then synchronize with the network, including the base station, based on the successful RACH procedure. Figure 9 In the context of this, UE 904 can, for example, execute RACH procedure 942 successfully performed with base station 902 via the sixth beam 920f.

[0254] At operation 1516, after a successful RACH procedure with the base station, the UE may send information indicating that at least one RACH procedure failed. In one aspect, this information may be stored information as described at operation 1512. For example, this information may include a beam index corresponding to a first beam and / or an indication of a subframe carrying a message associated with the failed RACH procedure. In another aspect, this information may be included in the BSI report. Figure 9In the context of this, UE 904 may send a message 944 indicating that the first RACH procedure 940 failed after a successful RACH procedure 942.

[0255] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of wireless communication method 1600. Method 1500 can be performed by a UE (such as UE 1104, UE 1004, UE 904, UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 404, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, or another UE). In one aspect, method 1200 can be performed by equipment (such as equipment 2702 / 2702'). Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more operations can be omitted, substituted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0256] At operation 1602, the UE may receive from the base station a contention resolution message indicating at least one beam index corresponding to a beam. Figure 10 In this context, UE 1004 may receive a contention resolution message 1042 from base station 1002, for example, as part of RACH procedure 1040. For example, UE 1004 may receive the contention resolution message from base station 1002 via fifth beam 1020e, and the contention resolution message 1042 may indicate a beam index corresponding to sixth beam 1020f.

[0257] On the one hand, contention resolution messages can be received as part of the RACH procedure. Contention resolution messages can also be referred to as MSG4. Figure 4A In this context, the contention resolution message can be an aspect of MSG4 416. Accordingly, UE 404 can receive MSG4 416 from base station 402, for example, according to the RACH protocol.

[0258] On one hand, a contention resolution message may indicate at least one beam index corresponding to a beam for which it applies to one or more channels. For example, a contention resolution message may indicate that at least one beam index corresponding to a beam applies to one or more uplink channels and / or one or more downlink channels. Figure 10 In the context of the contention resolution message 1042, the contention resolution message 1042 may indicate one or more channels to which at least one beam index corresponding to the beam applies. Accordingly, the UE 1004 may determine one or more channels to which at least one beam index corresponding to the beam applies based on the contention resolution message 1042.

[0259] At operation 1604, the UE can determine whether the beam index applies to the UE. In other words, the UE can determine whether to initiate communication with the base station via the beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message. Figure 10In the context of the contention resolution message 1042, UE 1004 can determine whether the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message 1042 applies to UE 1004.

[0260] In one aspect, operation 1604 may include operation 1620. At operation 1620, the UE may attempt to decode the contention resolution message based on the RNTI associated with the UE. When the UE successfully decodes the contention resolution message based on the RNTI associated with the UE, the UE may determine that the beam index indicated by the contention resolution applies to the UE. When the UE cannot successfully decode the contention resolution message based on the RNTI associated with the UE, the UE may determine that the beam index does not apply to the UE. Figure 10 In the context of UE 1004, UE 1004 may attempt to decode contention resolution message 1042 based on the RNTI associated with UE 1004 (e.g., the RNTI determined during RACH procedure 1040).

[0261] When the UE determines that the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message applies to the UE, method 1600 may proceed to operation 1606. At operation 1606, the UE may transmit an acknowledgment message to the base station—for example, the UE may transmit an ACK feedback indicating that the UE acknowledges receipt of the contention resolution message received from the base station. On one hand, the UE may transmit the acknowledgment message via a beam used for the RACH procedure. On the other hand, the UE may transmit the acknowledgment message via a beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message. Figure 10 In the context of this, UE 1004 may transmit an acceptance message 1044 to base station 1002 based on determining that the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message 1042 applies to the UE.

[0262] At operation 1608, the UE can communicate with the base station via a beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message. In one aspect, the UE can switch from the currently serving beam to a new beam, and the new beam can correspond to the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message. In another aspect, the UE can communicate with the base station on one or more channels (e.g., one or more uplink channels or one or more downlink channels) via a beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message, which one or more channels can also be indicated by the contention resolution message. Figure 10 In the context of this, UE 1004 can communicate with base station 1002 1046 via sixth beam 1020f, and the sixth beam 1020f can correspond to the beam index indicated by contention resolution message 1042.

[0263] When the UE determines that the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message is not applicable to the UE, or if the UE cannot successfully decode the contention resolution message, method 1600 may proceed to operation 1610. At operation 1610, when it is determined that the beam index is not applicable to the UE, or if the UE cannot successfully decode the contention resolution message, the UE may suppress the transmission of unacknowledged messages to the base station. For example, the UE may suppress the transmission of NACK feedback to the base station. Figure 10 In the context of UE 1004, when UE 1004 determines that the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message 1042 is not applicable to UE 1004 or when UE 1004 cannot successfully decode the contention resolution message 1042, UE 1004 may suppress the transmission of unacknowledged messages to the base station.

[0264] At operation 1612, the UE can continue to communicate with the base station via the currently serving beam. For example, the UE can continue to communicate with the base station via the beam used for the RACH procedure associated with the contention resolution message (e.g., the UE can attempt a second RACH procedure using the same beam used for the first RACH procedure). Figure 10 In this context, UE 1004 can continue to communicate with base station 1002 via the fifth beam 1020e used for the first RACH procedure 1040 (e.g., UE 1004 can attempt another RACH procedure similar to the first RACH procedure 1040 via the fifth beam 1020e used for the first RACH procedure 1040).

[0265] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method 1700. Method 1700 can be performed by a base station (such as base station 1102, base station 1002, base station 902, base station 802, base station 702, base station 602, base station 502, base station 402, base station 310, base station 102, base station 180, or another base station). In one aspect, method 1200 can be performed by equipment (such as equipment 2902 / 2902'). Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more operations can be omitted, substituted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0266] At operation 1702, the base station may use the RNTI associated with the UE to scramble at least a portion of the contention resolution message. For example, the base station may identify the RNTI associated with the UE and encode at least a portion of the contention resolution message using the identified RNTI. Figure 10 In the context of UE 1002, base station 1002 may use the RNTI associated with UE 1004 to scramble at least a portion of the contention resolution message 1042.

[0267] At operation 1704, the base station may transmit to the UE an indication of at least one beam index corresponding to a beam, and further indicate that the beam index applies to a contention resolution message of the UE. The base station may indicate that the beam index applies to the UE by scrambling at least a portion of the contention resolution message using an RNTI associated with the UE, as described at operation 1702. In one aspect, the base station may select a beam for communication with the UE, and the selected beam may be different from the beam through which the contention resolution message is transmitted. Figure 10 In the context of this, base station 1002 can transmit contention resolution message 1042 to UE 1004. Base station 1002 can transmit contention resolution message 1042 via fifth beam 1020e, and contention resolution message 1042 can indicate the beam index corresponding to sixth beam 1020f.

[0268] On one hand, contention resolution messages can be generated by the base station as part of the RACH procedure. Contention resolution messages can also be referred to as MSG4. Contention resolution messages can be generated by the base station in response to a connection request message or MSG3 received from the UE as part of the RACH procedure. Figure 4A In this context, the contention resolution message can be an aspect of MSG4 416. Accordingly, base station 402 can, for example, transmit MSG4 416 to UE 404 according to the RACH procedure.

[0269] On one hand, a contention resolution message may indicate at least one beam index corresponding to a beam for which it applies to one or more channels. For example, a contention resolution message may indicate that at least one beam index corresponding to a beam applies to one or more uplink channels and / or one or more downlink channels. Figure 10 In the context of [the event / context], contention resolution message 1042 may indicate one or more channels to which at least one beam index corresponding to the beam applies. For example, base station 1002 may be indicated by contention resolution message 1042 to which one or more channels to which at least one beam index corresponding to the beam applies.

[0270] At operation 1706, the base station can determine whether it has received an acknowledgment message from the UE in response to a contention resolution message. Figure 10 In the context of the contention resolution message 1042, the base station 1002 can determine whether to receive the acknowledgment message 1044 from the UE 1004.

[0271] When the base station determines that it has received an acknowledgment message from the UE, method 1700 may proceed to operation 1708. In operation 1708, the base station may communicate with the UE via a beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message. On one hand, the base station may communicate with the UE on one or more channels (e.g., one or more uplink channels or one or more downlink channels) via a beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message, which may also be indicated by the contention resolution message. Figure 10 In the context of this, base station 1002 can communicate with UE 1046 via sixth beam 1020f, and the sixth beam 1020f can correspond to the beam index indicated by contention resolution message 1042.

[0272] When the base station determines that it has not received an acknowledgement message from the UE, method 1700 may proceed to operation 1710. In operation 1710, the base station may communicate with the UE via the currently serving beam (e.g., the beam used for the RACH procedure associated with the contention resolution message). Alternatively, when the base station determines that it has not received an acknowledgement message from the UE, it may not take any action against the UE. Figure 10 In the context of this, base station 1002 can communicate with UE via fifth beam 1020e, which can be a beam through which one or more messages associated with RACH procedure 1040 are conveyed.

[0273] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of wireless communication method 1800. Method 1800 can be performed by a UE (such as UE 1104, UE 1004, UE 904, UE 804, UE 704, UE 604, UE 504, UE 404, UE 350, UE 104, UE 182, or another UE). In one aspect, method 1200 can be performed by equipment (such as equipment 3102 / 3102'). Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more operations can be omitted, substituted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0274] At operation 1802, the UE may receive a beam modification command indicating a set of transmit beam indices corresponding to the base station's transmit beam set. Each transmit beam index in the transmit beam index set may at least indicate the direction of the transmit beam transmitted by the base station. Figure 10 In the context of UE 1104, UE 1104 may receive from base station 1102 a beam modification command 1142 indicating a set of transmit beam indexes corresponding to the transmit beam sets 1120a-h of base station 1102.

[0275] On one hand, beam modification commands can be received in the MAC CE. On another hand, beam modification commands can be received in DCI messages. On yet another hand, beam modification commands can be received via RRC signaling. And finally, beam modification commands can be carried on the PDCCH.

[0276] At operation 1804, the UE may determine a set of receive beam indices corresponding to its receive beam set based on a set of transmit beam indices. Each receive beam index in the receive beam index set may at least indicate the reception direction for the beam received by the UE. Alternatively, the UE may determine the set of receive beam indices by accessing a mapping that maps transmit beam indices to receive beam indices. The UE may be configured to populate this mapping. The UE may identify at least one receive beam index corresponding to at least one transmit beam index based on the accessed mapping.

[0277] exist Figure 11 In the context of this, UE 1104 may determine the set of receive beam indices corresponding to the set of receive beams 1140a-h of UE 1104 based on the set of transmit beam indices indicated by beam modification command 1142. For example, UE 1104 may determine the set of receive beam indices corresponding to the fourth receive beam 1140d and the fifth receive beam 1140e based on the set of transmit beam indices corresponding to the fifth transmit beam 1120e and the sixth transmit beam 1120f, respectively.

[0278] At operation 1806, the UE can receive BRRS from the base station via at least one receive beam corresponding to at least one receive beam index included in the determined receive beam index set. In one aspect, for example, when the UE is not actively maintaining a beam, the UE can generate a receive beam corresponding to the at least one receive beam index. Figure 11 In the context of , UE 1104 can receive BRRS 1144 from base station 1102 via a fifth receive beam 1140e corresponding to at least one receive beam included in the determined receive beam index set.

[0279] On one hand, the UE can receive BRRS from the base station via a transmit beam set corresponding to the transmit beam index set. On the other hand, the UE can receive BRRS from the base station via a transmit beam set different from the transmit beam set corresponding to the transmit beam index set indicated by the beam modification command. For example, obstacles and / or reflections may cause the UE to receive BRRS via the determined receive beam set, but via a transmit beam set different from the transmit beam set corresponding to the transmit beam index set indicated by the beam modification command.

[0280] In one aspect, the UE may receive BRRS in one or more symbols corresponding to one or more symbol indices. For example, the UE may receive (e.g., listen) during one or more symbols corresponding to one or more symbol indices via at least one receive beam corresponding to at least one receive beam index. In another aspect, the one or more symbol indices may be predetermined (e.g., defined by one or more standards published by 3GPP). In another aspect, the one or more symbol indices may be indicated by a beam modification command. In another aspect, the beam modification command further indicates the corresponding transmit beam index in the transmit beam index set for each symbol of the one or more symbol indices.

[0281] In one aspect, operation 1806 may include operations 1820 and 1822. In operation 1820, the UE can receive a first portion of the BRRS in a first symbol set via a first receive beam corresponding to a first receive beam index included in the determined receive beam index set. Figure 11 In the context of UE 1104, UE 1104 can receive the first part of BRRS 1144 in the first symbol set via the fourth receive beam 1140d corresponding to the fourth receive beam index, which can be determined based on the fifth transmit beam index corresponding to the fifth transmit beam 1120e indicated by beam modification command 1142.

[0282] At operation 1822, the UE can receive the second part of the BRRS in the second symbol set via the second receive beam corresponding to the second receive beam index included in the determined receive beam index set. Figure 11 In the context of BRRS 1144, UE 1104 can receive the second part of BRRS 1144 in the second symbol set via the fifth receive beam 1140d corresponding to the fifth receive beam index, which can be determined based on the sixth transmit beam index corresponding to the sixth transmit beam 1120e indicated by the beam modification command 1142.

[0283] Figure 19 This is a conceptual data flow diagram 1900 illustrating the data flow between different devices / components in exemplary equipment 1902. The equipment may be a UE (User Equipment). The data flow illustrated in diagram 1900 is considered illustrative. Therefore, depending on various aspects, one or more additional devices / components may be present, and one or more of the illustrated devices / components may not be present. Furthermore, in addition to the illustrated data flow, various other data flows may occur between the devices / components.

[0284] Equipment 1902 may include a receiving component 1904 configured to receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 1950, mmW base station, eNB, etc.). Equipment 1902 may further include a transmitting component 1910 configured to transmit signals to a base station (e.g., base station 1950, mmW base station, eNB, etc.).

[0285] In one aspect, the equipment 1902 may include a communication component 1912. The communication component 1912 may be configured to receive downlink data and / or control information via a receiving component 1904. The communication component may be configured to determine (e.g., generate, select, etc.) uplink data and / or control information to be transmitted to the base station 1950 via the transmission component 1910. In one aspect, the communication component 1912 may communicate with the base station 1950 via a service beam corresponding to a service beam index. In another aspect, the communication component 1912 may communicate via a first beam corresponding to a first beam index for downlink communication received from the base station 1950, and via a second beam corresponding to a second beam index for uplink communication transmitted to the base station 1950. The first and second beams need not be the same beam. Therefore, uplink communication and downlink communication may occur via different beams.

[0286] Equipment 1902 may include an identification component 1906. The identification component 1906 may receive a beam modification command from a base station. The beam modification command may indicate at least one beam index for communication via at least one beam on at least one channel—each beam index may indicate at least the direction for communication via the corresponding beam of the at least one beam. In one aspect, the beam modification command may indicate multiple beam indices. The identification component 1906 may determine the at least one beam index for communication via at least one beam on at least one channel based on the beam modification command.

[0287] On one hand, the identification component 1906 can receive beam modification commands in the MAC CE. On the other hand, the identification component 1906 can receive beam modification commands in DCI messages. On yet another hand, the identification component 1906 can receive beam modification commands via RRC signaling.

[0288] In one aspect, the identification component 1906 may further determine at least one channel corresponding to at least one determined beam index. For example, the identification component 1906 may determine that the beam modification command applies to one or more uplink channels for uplink communication and / or to one or more downlink channels for downlink communication. In another aspect, the identification component 1906 may determine multiple channels corresponding to at least one beam index.

[0289] The identification component 1906 can determine at least one channel based on a beam modification command. For example, the identification component 1906 can determine at least one channel based on the DCI format of a DCI message indicating at least one beam index. In one aspect, the identification component can determine the corresponding channel applicable to each beam index for each beam index.

[0290] Identification component 1906 may provide selection component 1908 with beam index information including at least one determined beam index. In one aspect, identification component 1906 may provide selection component 1908 with beam index information indicating which one or more channels each beam index is applicable to. For example, identification component 1906 may provide selection component 1908 with beam indexes and indications of which beam indexes are applicable to uplink channels for uplink communication or downlink channels for downlink communication.

[0291] On one hand, selection component 1908 can be configured to determine whether to switch the first serving beam based on beam index information. Selection component 1908 can instruct communication component 1912 to switch from the first serving beam to the second serving beam.

[0292] In one aspect, selection component 1908 can determine the time when communication via a second serving beam corresponding to at least one beam index is to occur. In another aspect, this time may correspond to a symbol or a subframe. Selection component 1908 can determine this time and instruct communication component 1912 to switch to the second serving beam at the determined time.

[0293] On one hand, selection component 1908 can determine this time based on a beam modification command. For example, selection component 1908 can determine the time in subframe n+k based on a beam modification command included in the MAC CE. 波束切换-延迟-mac At the beginning, communication will switch to the second service beam via the first service beam, where n is the subframe used for HARQ-ACK transmission associated with the MAC CE, and k 波束切换-延迟-mac It equals 14.

[0294] According to another example, based on including a beam modification command in the DCI message, selection component 1908 can determine the beam in subframe n+k. 波束切换-延迟-dic The switch begins at the first serving beam and ends at the second serving beam, where n is the subframe used for BSI reporting transmission, and k... 波束切换-延迟-dic It equals 11.

[0295] On one hand, selection component 1908 may receive a beam modification command indicating that the first serving beam should not be switched. For example, the beam modification command may include a beam switching indication field with a predetermined value (e.g., "0"), from which selection component 1908 may determine that the first serving beam used by communication component 1912 will not be switched. Accordingly, selection component 1908 may instruct communication component 1912 to continue communicating via the first serving beam, or selection component 1908 may suppress the provision of beam index and / or channel information to communication component 1912.

[0296] Based on instructions from selection component 1908, communication component 1912 can communicate with base station 1950 via at least one beam corresponding to at least one beam index. In other words, communication component 1912 can communicate with base station 1950 via a second serving beam on one or more channels, instead of communicating with base station 1950 via a first serving beam.

[0297] On one hand, the communication component 1912 can communicate with the base station 1950 via a second service beam on one or more channels indicated by the selection component 1908. For example, the communication component 1912 can communicate with the base station 1950 via the second service beam on one or more uplink channels or one or more downlink channels.

[0298] The equipment may include execution Figure 12 The additional components of each block of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart. Thus, Figure 12 Each block in the aforementioned flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus may include one or more of these components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to implement the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or a combination thereof.

[0299] Figure 20 Figure 2000 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of the device 1902' employing the processing system 2014. The processing system 2014 can be implemented using a bus architecture generally represented by bus 2024. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 2014, bus 2024 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. Bus 2024 links various circuits together, including one or more processors and / or hardware components (represented by processor 2004, components 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910, 1912, and computer-readable medium / memory 2006). Bus 2024 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will therefore not be described further.

[0300] Processing system 2014 may be coupled to transceiver 2010. Transceiver 2010 is coupled to one or more antennas 2020. Transceiver 2010 provides means for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium. Transceiver 2010 receives signals from one or more antennas 2020, extracts information from the received signals, and provides the extracted information to processing system 2014 (specifically, receiving component 1904). Additionally, transceiver 2010 receives information from processing system 2014 (specifically, transmission component 1910) and generates signals to be applied to one or more antennas 2020 based on the received information. Processing system 2014 includes processor 2004 coupled to computer-readable medium / memory 2006. Processor 2004 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 2006. When executed by processor 2004, this software causes processing system 2014 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. The computer-readable medium / memory 2006 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 2004 during software execution. The processing system 2014 further includes at least one of components 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910, and 1912. These components may be software components running in the processor 2004, software components residing in / stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 2006, one or more hardware components coupled to the processor 2004, or some combination thereof. The processing system 2014 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include memory 360 and / or include at least one of a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359.

[0301] In one configuration, the equipment 1902 / 1902' for wireless communication includes means for receiving a beam modification command from a base station, the beam modification command indicating at least one beam index for communication via at least one beam on at least one channel, and each of the at least one beam index may indicate at least a direction for communication via a corresponding beam of the at least one beam. The equipment 1902 / 1902' may further include means for communicating with the base station via at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index on at least one channel.

[0302] In one aspect, the equipment 1902 / 1902' may further include means for communicating with a base station via a serving beam corresponding to a serving beam index; the equipment 1902 / 1902' may further include means for switching from the serving beam to at least one beam corresponding to at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command after receiving a beam modification command. In one aspect, the means for switching from the serving beam to at least one beam is configured to switch from the serving beam to at least one beam at a predetermined time. In one aspect, the predetermined time is associated with at least one of a symbol or a subframe, and wherein the beam modification command indicates at least one of the symbols or subframes.

[0303] In one aspect, the beam modification command indicates the corresponding channel of at least one channel for each beam index in at least one beam index. In another aspect, the at least one beam index includes multiple beam indices, and the at least one channel includes multiple channels. In another aspect, the at least one beam index is applicable to either uplink communication or downlink communication.

[0304] In one aspect, the beam modification command is received in the MAC CE. In another aspect, the beam modification command is received in the DCI message. In another aspect, the equipment 1902 / 1902' may further include means for determining at least one channel based on the DCI format of the DCI message. In another aspect, the beam modification command is received via RRC signaling.

[0305] The aforementioned device may be one or more components of the aforementioned component equipped with 1902 and / or the processing system 2014 equipped with 1902' configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device. As described above, the processing system 2014 may include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned device may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device.

[0306] Figure 21 This is a conceptual data flow diagram 2100 illustrating the data flow between different devices / components in exemplary device 2102. The device may be a UE. The data flow illustrated in diagram 2100 is considered illustrative. Therefore, depending on various aspects, one or more additional devices / components may be present, and one or more of the illustrated devices / components may not be present. Furthermore, various data flows may occur between devices / components in addition to and / or in place of the illustrated data flow.

[0307] Equipment 2102 may include a receiving component 2104 configured to receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 2150, mmW base station, eNB, etc.). Equipment 2102 may further include a transmitting component 2110 configured to transmit signals to a base station (e.g., base station 2150, mmW base station, eNB, etc.).

[0308] In all respects, receiving component 2104 can receive a set of BRS from base station 2150 via a beam set. Each BRS in the BRS set can correspond to a beam, and each beam can correspond to a beam index (therefore, each BRS can correspond to a beam index). Each BRS can be received via a beam that can be used for communication between equipment 2102 and base station 2150. Receiving component 2104 can provide the BRS set to measurement component 2106.

[0309] Measurement component 2106 can be configured to measure the signal quality received from each BRS in the BRS set. For example, measurement component 2106 can measure at least one of BRSRP, BRSRQ, SIR, SINR, SNR, or another value indicating signal quality.

[0310] Measurement component 2106 can provide measurement information to candidate component 2108. Candidate component 2108 can be configured to maintain a set of candidate beam indices corresponding to the best set of measured signal quality of the BRS set. For example, the best set of measured signal quality may correspond to the highest set of measured signal quality.

[0311] On one hand, candidate component 2108 can be configured to maintain N candidate beam indices in the candidate beam index set. The number N can be predetermined, for example, as defined by one or more standards published by 3GPP. For example, candidate component 2108 can maintain N = 4 candidate beam indices in the candidate beam index set.

[0312] On one hand, candidate component 2108 can be configured to maintain the best measured signal quality of the BRS set based on the most recent signal quality set of the BRS set (e.g., the most recent measured signal quality for the most recently received BRS set). On the other hand, candidate component 2108 can be configured to maintain the best measured signal quality of the BRS set based on a filtered signal quality set of the BRS set. On yet another hand, candidate component 2108 can be configured to maintain the best measured signal quality of the BRS set based on a time-averaged signal quality set of the BRS set.

[0313] On one hand, candidate component 2108 can be configured to maintain a candidate beam index set based on one or more criteria. For example, candidate component 2108 can maintain a candidate beam index set based on one or more hysteresis criteria for including or excluding beam indices in the candidate beam index set.

[0314] On one hand, candidate component 2108 can be configured to maintain a set of candidate beam indices based on beam index information received from base station 2150. For example, candidate component 2108 can receive from base station 2150 an indication of one or more beam indices to be excluded from the maintained set of candidate beam indices. Accordingly, candidate component 2108 can exclude the indicated one or more beam indices from the maintained set of candidate beam indices.

[0315] In one aspect, candidate component 2108 may be configured to provide candidate beam index information to reporting component 2112 based on a set of candidate beam indexes. For example, candidate component 2108 may select at least one optimal (e.g., highest) signal quality and provide the optimal signal quality and the corresponding candidate beam index to reporting component 2112. In another aspect, the candidate beam index information may include at least the beam index corresponding to the beam through which the corresponding BRS is received and the signal quality. Reporting component 2112 may be configured to generate a BSI report that at least indicates the signal quality and the beam index corresponding to at least one measured signal quality. Reporting component 2112 may cause transmission component 2110 to transmit the BSI report to base station 2150.

[0316] The equipment may include execution Figure 13 The additional components of each block of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart. Thus, Figure 13 Each block in the aforementioned flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus may include one or more of these components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to implement the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or a combination thereof.

[0317] Figure 22Figure 2200 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of an apparatus 2102' employing a processing system 2214. The processing system 2214 can be implemented using a bus architecture generally represented by a bus 2224. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 2214, the bus 2224 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. The bus 2224 links various circuits together, including one or more processors and / or hardware components (represented by processor 2204, components 2104, 2106, 2108, 2110, 2112, and computer-readable medium / memory 2206). The bus 2224 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further.

[0318] Processing system 2214 may be coupled to transceiver 2210. Transceiver 2210 is coupled to one or more antennas 2220. Transceiver 2210 provides means for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium. Transceiver 2210 receives signals from one or more antennas 2220, extracts information from the received signals, and provides the extracted information to processing system 2214 (specifically, receiving component 2104). Additionally, transceiver 2210 receives information from processing system 2214 (specifically, transmission component 2110) and generates signals to be applied to one or more antennas 2220 based on the received information. Processing system 2214 includes processor 2204 coupled to computer-readable medium / memory 2206. Processor 2204 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 2206. When executed by processor 2204, this software causes processing system 2214 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. The computer-readable medium / memory 2206 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 2204 during software execution. The processing system 2214 further includes at least one of components 2104, 2106, and 2108. These components may be software components running in the processor 2204, software components residing in / stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 2206, one or more hardware components coupled to the processor 2204, or some combination thereof. The processing system 2214 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include memory 360 and / or include at least one of a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359.

[0319] In one configuration, the apparatus 2102 / 2102' for wireless communication includes means for receiving a set of BRSs from a base station via a beam set. The apparatus 2102 / 2102' may further include means for measuring the signal quality of each BRS in the BRS set, and each measured signal quality may correspond to a beam in the beam set. In one aspect, the apparatus 2102 / 2102' may include means for maintaining a set of candidate beam indices corresponding to the best set of measured signal quality for the BRS set.

[0320] Equipment 2102 / 2102' may further include means for transmitting a BSI to a base station, the BSI indicating at least one measured signal quality and at least one beam index from a maintained set of candidate beam indices, the at least one beam index corresponding to the at least one measured signal quality. In one aspect, the optimal set of measured signal quality is the set of highest measured signal quality. In one aspect, N candidate beam indices are maintained in the set of candidate beam indices, where N may be predetermined. In one aspect, the optimal set of measured signal quality for the BRS set is based on the most recent signal quality set of the BRS set, the filtered signal quality set of the BRS set, or the time-averaged signal quality set of the BRS set. In one aspect, the maintenance of the candidate beam index set is based on at least one hysteresis criterion for including or excluding beam indices in the candidate beam index set. In one aspect, equipment 2102 / 2102' may further include means for receiving from the base station an indication of one or more beam indices to be excluded from the maintained set of candidate beam indices. On the one hand, signal quality includes at least one of BRSRP, BRSRQ, SIR, SNR, or SINR.

[0321] The aforementioned device may be one or more components of the aforementioned component of device 2102 and / or the processing system 2214 of device 2102' configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device. As described above, the processing system 2214 may include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned device may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device.

[0322] Figure 23This is a conceptual data flow diagram 2300 illustrating the data flow between different devices / components in exemplary equipment 2302. The equipment may be a UE. The data flow illustrated in diagram 2300 is considered illustrative. Therefore, depending on various aspects, one or more additional devices / components may be present, and one or more of the illustrated devices / components may not be present. Furthermore, various data flows may occur between devices / components in addition to and / or in place of the illustrated data flow.

[0323] Equipment 2302 may include a receiving component 2304 configured to receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 2350, mmW base station, eNB, etc.). Equipment 2302 may further include a transmitting component 2310 configured to transmit signals to a base station (e.g., base station 2350, mmW base station, eNB, etc.).

[0324] In various aspects, receiving component 2304 can receive a set of signals (e.g., a signal may be one aspect of a BRS) from base station 2350 via a set of beams. Each signal in the set of signals may correspond to a beam, and each beam may correspond to a beam index (therefore, each signal may correspond to a beam index). Each signal may be received via a corresponding beam that can be used for communication between equipment 2302 and base station 2350. Receiving component 2304 may provide the BRS set to measurement component 2306.

[0325] Measurement component 2306 can be configured to determine the received power of each signal in a set of signals received through each beam in a beam set. Each received power can be associated with a beam in the beam set. For example, measurement component 2306 can measure at least one BRSRP in the BRSRP.

[0326] Measurement component 2306 can provide measurement information to reporting component 2312. The measurement information may include one or more beam indices and one or more received powers (e.g., a first beam index and a corresponding first received power, a second beam index and a corresponding second received power, etc.).

[0327] In one aspect, the reporting component 2312 can be configured to maintain a set of candidate beam indices. This set of candidate beam indices may include a predetermined number of candidate beam indices (e.g., four candidate beam indices) and a corresponding received power for each BRS corresponding to each of the predetermined number of candidate beam indices. In another aspect, the set of candidate beam indices may include a set of beam indices corresponding to the highest received power of the BRS set. The reporting component 2312 may sort the set of candidate beam indices starting with the beam index corresponding to the highest received power, in descending order of the highest received power.

[0328] Reporting component 2312 can be configured to generate one or more BSI reports. Reporting component 2312 can generate BSI reports to include at least one beam index and its corresponding received power. Reporting component 2312 can select a beam index and its corresponding received power from a maintained set of candidate beam indices. Reporting component 2312 can be configured to cause transmission component 2310 to send one or more BSI reports to base station 2350. The number N of BSI reports to be sent to base station 2350 can be determined by determining component 2308. Additionally, determining component 2308 can determine the channel on which one or more BSI reports will be carried and indicate the determined channel to reporting component 2312, such that one or more BSI reports will be carried on the determined channel.

[0329] Depending on various factors, component 2308 can determine the number X of BSI reports to be sent to base station 2350 based on the BSI request message. For example, component 2308 can determine the number N based on the type of message received from base station 2350.

[0330] On one hand, the type of message requesting BSI can be a DCI message (e.g., a downlink DCI message). When the message requesting BSI is indicated by a DCI message (e.g., a downlink DCI message), UE 2308 can determine that the number N of BSI reports to be sent to base station 2350 is 1. On another hand, determining component 2308 can determine that a BSI report should be carried on PUCCH (e.g., ePUCCH).

[0331] On the other hand, when a BSI request message is indicated by an uplink DCI message, determining component 2308 can determine that the number N of BSI reports to be sent to base station 2350 is different from 1. For example, determining component 2308 can determine that the number N is 0, 2, or 4 based on the indication included in the uplink DCI message. When determining component 2308 determines that the number N is greater than 1 (e.g., 2 or 4), determining component 2308 can determine that the BSI report should be carried on PUSCH (e.g., ePUSCH).

[0332] On the other hand, the type of message requesting BSI can be a RAR message (e.g., MSG2, uplink grant associated with RACH protocol, etc.). When the message requesting BSI is indicated by a RAR message, determining component 2308 can determine that the number N of BSI reports to be sent to base station 2350 is different from 1. For example, determining component 2308 can determine that the number N is 0, 2, or 4 based on the indication included in the RAR message. When determining component 2308 determines that the number N is greater than 1 (e.g., 2 or 4), determining component 2308 can determine that the BSI report should be carried on PUSCH (e.g., ePUSCH).

[0333] The determining component 2308 may indicate to the reporting component 2312 the number N and / or the channels on which the BSI reports are to be carried. As described, the reporting component 2312 may enable the transmission component 2310 to send N BSI reports to the base station 2350 on the indicated channels.

[0334] The equipment may include execution Figure 14 The additional components of each block of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart. Thus, Figure 14 Each block in the aforementioned flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus may include one or more of these components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to implement the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or a combination thereof.

[0335] Figure 24 Figure 2400 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of an apparatus 2302' employing a processing system 2414. The processing system 2414 can be implemented using a bus architecture generally represented by a bus 2424. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 2414, the bus 2424 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. The bus 2424 links various circuits together, including one or more processors and / or hardware components (represented by processor 2404, components 2304, 2306, 2308, 2310, 2312, and computer-readable medium / memory 2406). The bus 2424 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further.

[0336] Processing system 2414 may be coupled to transceiver 2410. Transceiver 2410 is coupled to one or more antennas 2420. Transceiver 2410 provides means for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium. Transceiver 2410 receives signals from one or more antennas 2420, extracts information from the received signals, and provides the extracted information to processing system 2414 (specifically, receiving component 2304). Additionally, transceiver 2410 receives information from processing system 2414 (specifically, transmission component 2310) and generates signals to be applied to one or more antennas 2420 based on the received information. Processing system 2414 includes processor 2404 coupled to computer-readable medium / memory 2406. Processor 2404 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 2406. When executed by processor 2404, this software causes processing system 2414 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. The computer-readable medium / memory 2406 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 2404 during software execution. The processing system 2414 further includes at least one of components 2304, 2306, 2308, 2310, and 2312. These components may be software components running in the processor 2404, software components residing in / stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 2406, one or more hardware components coupled to the processor 2404, or some combination thereof. The processing system 2414 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include memory 360 and / or include at least one of a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359.

[0337] In one configuration, the apparatus 2302 / 2302' for wireless communication includes means for receiving a BSI request message from a base station. The apparatus 2302 / 2302' may further include means for determining the number N of BSI reports to be sent to the base station, each BSI report indicating a beam index corresponding to a beam and a received power associated with the beam. The apparatus 2302 / 2302' may further include means for sending N BSI reports to the base station based on the BSI request message.

[0338] In one aspect, the apparatus 2302 / 2302' may further include means for receiving a set of signals from a base station via a set of beams. The apparatus 2302 / 2302' may further include means for determining the received power of each signal in the set of signals received via each beam of the set of beams, each received power being associated with a beam in the set of beams.

[0339] On one hand, the N BSI reports include N received powers corresponding to the highest determined received power. On one hand, the determination of the number N of BSI reports to be sent to the base station is based on the type of the BSI request message. On one hand, the type of the BSI request message includes a DCI message. On one hand, the number N of BSI reports to be sent to the base station is determined to be 1 based on the DCI message. On one hand, the determined number N BSI reports are sent on the PUCCH. On one hand, the type of the BSI request message includes a RAR message. On one hand, the number N of BSI reports is determined to be greater than 1 based on the RAR message. On one hand, the determined number N BSI reports are sent on the PUSCH.

[0340] The aforementioned device may be one or more components of the aforementioned component of device 2302 and / or the processing system 2414 of device 2302' configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device. As described above, the processing system 2414 may include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned device may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device.

[0341] Figure 25 This is a conceptual data flow diagram 2500 illustrating the data flow between different devices / components in exemplary equipment 2502. The equipment may be a UE (User Equipment). The data flow illustrated in diagram 2500 is considered illustrative. Therefore, depending on various aspects, one or more additional devices / components may be present, and one or more of the illustrated devices / components may not be present. Furthermore, various data flows may occur between devices / components in addition to and / or in place of the illustrated data flow.

[0342] Equipment 2502 may include a receiving component 2504 configured to receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 2550, mmW base station, eNB, etc.). Equipment 2502 may further include a transmitting component 2510 configured to transmit signals to a base station (e.g., base station 2550, mmW base station, eNB, etc.).

[0343] In one aspect, device 2502 may include selection component 2506. Selection component 2506 may be configured to select a first beam for communication with base station 2550. For example, selection component 2506 may select the first beam based on an estimate or determination of the beam by which base station 2550 is expected to receive signals from device 2502.

[0344] In one aspect, selection component 2506 can select a first beam based on one or more BRSs received from base station 2550. Selection component 2506 can select the beam corresponding to the BRS with the highest received power or quality (e.g., highest BRSRP). For example, selection component 2506 can determine the beam index corresponding to the BRS with the highest received power or quality and select the beam corresponding to that beam index. Selection component 2506 can provide an indication of the selected first beam (e.g., a first beam index corresponding to the selected first beam) to RACH component 2508.

[0345] RACH component 2508 can be configured to perform RACH procedures with base station 2550. For example, when RACH component 2508 receives a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4) from base station 2550 and / or when RACH component 2508 synchronizes equipment 2502 with a network including base station 2550, RACH component 2508 can determine that the RACH procedure is successful.

[0346] On one hand, the RACH component 2508 can execute RACH procedures, which include communication of multiple RACH messages between the equipment 2502 and the base station 2550. For example, the RACH procedures may include the transmission of a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1) to the base station 2550, the reception of a RAR message (e.g., MSG2) from the base station 2550 based on the random access preamble, the transmission of a connection request message (e.g., MSG3) from the base station 2550 based on the RAR message, and the reception of a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4) from the base station 2550 based on the connection request message.

[0347] RACH component 2508 can be configured to determine that the RACH procedure with base station 2550 has failed. For example, if RACH component 2508 fails to receive and / or decode RAR messages or contention resolution messages, RACH component 2508 can determine that the RACH procedure with base station 2550 has failed.

[0348] On one hand, RACH component 2508 may attempt at least one RACH procedure via the selected first beam. For example, RACH component 2508 may enable transmission component 2510 to transmit a random access preamble via the selected first beam. Additionally, RACH component 2508 may enable transmission component 2510 to transmit a connection request message based on a RAR message via the selected first beam.

[0349] On one hand, RACH component 2508 can determine that at least one RACH procedure with base station 2550 has failed. For example, RACH component 2508 may be unable to receive and / or decode RAR messages or contention resolution messages. RACH component 2508 can provide information indicating that at least one RACH procedure has failed to the selection component 2506 and / or maintenance component 2512.

[0350] According to one aspect, the information indicating at least one RACH procedure failure may include information associated with a selected first beam (e.g., a first beam index corresponding to the selected first beam). According to another aspect, the information indicating at least one RACH procedure failure may include information indicating the subframe in which a RACH message associated with the RACH procedure is carried.

[0351] On one hand, selection component 2506 may select a new beam for communication with base station 2550 based on information indicating at least one RACH procedure failure. On the other hand, selection component 2506 may determine an increased transmission power for transmitting RACH messages based on information indicating at least one RACH procedure failure. Selection component 2506 may indicate a new beam (e.g., a new beam index corresponding to the new beam) and / or increased transmission power to RACH component 2508.

[0352] Therefore, RACH component 2508 can attempt the next RACH procedure using a new beam and / or increased transmission power. When the next RACH procedure is successful, RACH component 2508 can indicate to maintenance component 2512 that the next RACH procedure with base station 2550 was successful.

[0353] On one hand, maintenance component 2512 may store information indicating that at least one RACH procedure has failed. For example, maintenance component 2512 may store information associated with the selected first beam (e.g., a first beam index corresponding to the selected first beam).

[0354] In one aspect, maintenance component 2512 can be configured to maintain a set of candidate beam indices. This set of candidate beam indices may include a predetermined number of candidate beam indices (e.g., four candidate beam indices) and a corresponding received power for each BRS corresponding to each of the predetermined number of candidate beam indices. In another aspect, the set of candidate beam indices may include a set of beam indices corresponding to the BRS with the highest received power. Maintenance component 2512 may sort the set of candidate beam indices starting with the beam index corresponding to the highest received power, in descending order of the highest received power. In another aspect, maintenance component 2512 can be configured to exclude a first beam index corresponding to a selected first beam from the set of candidate beam indices.

[0355] When the next RACH procedure with base station 2550 is successful, maintenance component 2512 may send information to base station 2550 indicating that at least one RACH procedure has failed. In one aspect, the information indicating the failure of at least one RACH procedure may include information associated with a selected first beam (e.g., a first beam index corresponding to the selected first beam). In another aspect, the information indicating the failure of at least one RACH procedure may include an indication of a subframe carrying a RACH message associated with at least one RACH procedure. For example, this information may indicate a subframe carrying a random access preamble or a subframe carrying a connection request message.

[0356] On one hand, maintenance component 2512 can generate a BSI report. Maintenance component 2512 can generate a BSI report indicating information associated with at least the failed RACH procedure (e.g., a first beam index corresponding to the selected first beam). Maintenance component 2512 can enable transmission component 2510 to send the BSI report to base station 2550, for example, via a new beam associated with a successful RACH procedure.

[0357] The equipment may include execution Figure 15 The additional components of each block of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart. Thus, Figure 15 Each block in the aforementioned flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus may include one or more of these components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to implement the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or a combination thereof.

[0358] Figure 26 Figure 2600 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of the device 2502' employing the processing system 2614. The processing system 2614 can be implemented using a bus architecture generally represented by bus 2624. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 2614, bus 2624 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. Bus 2624 links various circuits together, including one or more processors and / or hardware components (represented by processor 2604, components 2504, 2506, 2508, 2510, 2512, and computer-readable medium / memory 2606). Bus 2624 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will therefore not be described further.

[0359] Processing system 2614 may be coupled to transceiver 2610. Transceiver 2610 is coupled to one or more antennas 2620. Transceiver 2610 provides means for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium. Transceiver 2610 receives signals from one or more antennas 2620, extracts information from the received signals, and provides the extracted information to processing system 2614 (specifically, receiving component 2504). Additionally, transceiver 2610 receives information from processing system 2614 (specifically, transmission component 2510) and generates signals to be applied to one or more antennas 2620 based on the received information. Processing system 2614 includes processor 2604 coupled to computer-readable medium / memory 2606. Processor 2604 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 2606. When executed by processor 2604, this software causes processing system 2614 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. The computer-readable medium / memory 2606 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 2604 during software execution. The processing system 2614 further includes at least one of components 2504, 2506, 2508, 2510, and 2512. These components may be software components running in the processor 2604, software components residing in / stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 2606, one or more hardware components coupled to the processor 2604, or some combination thereof. The processing system 2614 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include memory 360 and / or include at least one of a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359.

[0360] In one configuration, the apparatus 2502 / 2502' for wireless communication includes means for selecting a first beam for communication with a base station. The apparatus 2502 / 2502' may further include means for attempting at least one RACH procedure with the base station via the selected first beam. The apparatus 2502 / 2502' may further include means for determining that at least one RACH procedure with the base station has failed. The apparatus 2502 / 2502' may further include means for transmitting information indicating that at least one RACH procedure failed after a successful RACH procedure with the base station.

[0361] In one aspect, the equipment 2502 / 2502' may further include means for selecting a new beam for communicating with the base station after determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed. In another aspect, at least a portion of a successful RACH procedure is executed via the selected new beam.

[0362] In one aspect, the equipment 2502 / 2502' may further include means for increasing transmission power after determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed. In another aspect, at least a portion of a successful RACH procedure is executed using the increased transmission power.

[0363] In one aspect, the equipment 2502 / 2502' may further include means for storing information associated with a selected first beam based on determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed. In another aspect, the information indicating at least one RACH procedure failure includes the stored information associated with the first beam. In yet another aspect, the information indicating at least one RACH procedure failure includes an indication of a subframe carrying a RACH message associated with at least one RACH procedure.

[0364] In one aspect, the equipment 2502 / 2502' may further include means for excluding a selected first beam from a set of candidate beams maintained by the equipment based on determining that at least one RACH procedure has failed.

[0365] In one aspect, the information indicating the failure of at least one RACH procedure includes a BSI report. In another aspect, the means for attempting at least one RACH procedure is configured to perform at least one of the following: transmitting a random access preamble to a base station, receiving a random access response from the base station based on the random access preamble, transmitting a connection request message to the base station based on the random access response, or receiving a contention resolution message based on the connection request message. In another aspect, the equipment 2502 / 2502' synchronizes with the network including the base station based on a successful RACH procedure.

[0366] The aforementioned device may be one or more components of the aforementioned component of device 2502 and / or the processing system 2614 of device 2502' configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device. As described above, the processing system 2614 may include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned device may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device.

[0367] Figure 27 This is a conceptual data flow diagram 2700 illustrating the data flow between different devices / components in exemplary equipment 2702. The equipment may be a UE. The data flow illustrated in diagram 2700 is considered illustrative. Therefore, depending on various aspects, one or more additional devices / components may be present, and one or more of the illustrated devices / components may not be present. Furthermore, various data flows may occur between devices / components in addition to and / or in place of the illustrated data flow.

[0368] Equipment 2702 may include a receiving component 2704 configured to receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 2750, mmW base station, eNB, etc.). Equipment 2702 may further include a transmitting component 2710 configured to transmit signals to a base station (e.g., base station 2750, mmW base station, eNB, etc.).

[0369] Equipment 2702 may include a RACH component 2708, which may be configured to perform RACH procedures with base station 2750. In one aspect, RACH component 2708 may perform RACH procedures including communication of multiple RACH messages between equipment 2702 and base station 2750. For example, the RACH procedures may include the transmission of a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1) to base station 2750, the reception of a RAR message (e.g., MSG2) from base station 2750 based on the random access preamble, the transmission of a connection request message (e.g., MSG3) from base station 2750 based on the RAR message, and the reception of a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4) from base station 2750 based on the connection request message.

[0370] On one hand, RACH component 2708 can provide contention resolution messages (e.g., MSG4) to selection component 2706. Selection component 2706 can be configured to select a new beam for communication with base station 2750 based on information included in the contention resolution message.

[0371] Selection component 2706 can be configured to determine whether a beam index included in a contention resolution message is applicable to equipment 2702, and that beam index may be indicated by the contention resolution message. In one aspect, selection component 2706 can determine whether the beam index included in the contention resolution message is intended for equipment 2702. For example, selection component 2706 can attempt to decode the contention resolution message based on an RNTI associated with equipment 2702 (e.g., an RNTI determined to be part of a RACH protocol). When selection component 2706 successfully decodes the contention resolution message, selection component 2706 can determine that the beam index included in the contention resolution message is applicable to equipment 2702.

[0372] On one hand, selection component 2706 can provide a beam index indication to receiving component 2704 and / or transmitting component 2710. Therefore, receiving component 2704 and / or transmitting component 2710 can communicate with base station 2750 via a beam corresponding to the beam index.

[0373] On one hand, selection component 2706 can determine one or more channels associated with, for example, a beam index indicated by a contention resolution message. Selection component 2706 can provide indications of one or more channels to receiving component 2704 (e.g., for a downlink channel) and / or transmitting component 2710 (e.g., for an uplink channel). Subsequently, receiving component 2704 and / or transmitting component 2710 can communicate with base station 2750 on one or more indicated channels via beams corresponding to the beam index.

[0374] In one aspect, selection component 2706 may provide an indication of whether the beam index is applicable to equipment 2702 to acceptance component 2712. Acceptance component 2712 may be configured to determine whether to transmit feedback (e.g., accepted / unacknowledged feedback) to base station 2750. In one aspect, when selection component 2706 indicates to acceptance component 2712 that the beam index is applicable to equipment 2702, acceptance component 2712 may generate an acceptance message and cause transmission component 2710 to transmit the acceptance message to base station 2750. In another aspect, when selection component 2706 indicates to acceptance component 2712 that the beam index is not applicable to equipment 2702, or when selection component 2706 indicates that selection component 2706 cannot successfully decode contention resolution message, acceptance component 2712 may suppress the transmission of unacknowledged messages to base station 2750.

[0375] The equipment may include execution Figure 16 The additional components of each block of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart. Thus, Figure 16 Each block in the aforementioned flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus may include one or more of these components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to implement the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or a combination thereof.

[0376] Figure 28 Figure 2800 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of the device 2702' employing the processing system 2814. The processing system 2814 can be implemented using a bus architecture generally represented by bus 2824. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 2814, bus 2824 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. Bus 2824 links various circuits together, including one or more processors and / or hardware components (represented by processor 2804, components 2704, 2706, 2708, 2710, 2712, and computer-readable medium / memory 2806). Bus 2824 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will therefore not be described further.

[0377] Processing system 2814 may be coupled to transceiver 2810. Transceiver 2810 is coupled to one or more antennas 2820. Transceiver 2810 provides means for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium. Transceiver 2810 receives signals from one or more antennas 2820, extracts information from the received signals, and provides the extracted information to processing system 2814 (specifically, receiving component 2704). Additionally, transceiver 2810 receives information from processing system 2814 (specifically, transmission component 2710) and generates signals to be applied to one or more antennas 2820 based on the received information. Processing system 2814 includes processor 2804 coupled to computer-readable medium / memory 2806. Processor 2804 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 2806. When executed by processor 2804, this software causes processing system 2814 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. The computer-readable medium / memory 2806 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 2804 during software execution. The processing system 2814 further includes at least one of components 2704, 2706, 2708, 2710, and 2712. These components may be software components running in the processor 2804, software components residing in / stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 2806, one or more hardware components coupled to the processor 2804, or some combination thereof. The processing system 2814 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include memory 360 and / or include at least one of a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359.

[0378] In one configuration, the device 2702 / 2702' for wireless communication includes means for receiving a contention resolution message from a base station, the contention resolution message indicating at least one beam index corresponding to a beam. The device 2702 / 2702' may further include means for determining whether the beam index is applicable to the device 2702 / 2702'. The device 2702 / 2702' may further include means for communicating with the base station via the beam corresponding to the beam index when the beam index is applicable to the device 2702 / 2702'.

[0379] In one aspect, the equipment 2702 / 2702' may further include means for transmitting an acknowledgment message to the base station when it is determined that the beam index applies to the equipment 2702 / 2702'. In another aspect, the contention resolution message is associated with a random access procedure. In another aspect, the means for determining whether the beam index applies to the equipment 2702 / 2702' is configured to: attempt to decode the contention resolution message based on the RNTI associated with the equipment 2702 / 2702', and when the contention resolution message is successfully decoded, determine that the beam index applies to the equipment 2702 / 2702'.

[0380] In one aspect, the equipment 2702 / 2702' further includes the ability to suppress the transmission of unacknowledged messages to the base station when it is determined that the beam index is not applicable to the equipment 2702 / 2702' or when the contention resolution message is not successfully decoded. In another aspect, the contention resolution message further includes an indication of one or more channels associated with the beam index, and performs communication with the base station on one or more indicated channels via the beam corresponding to the beam index.

[0381] In one aspect, the equipment 2702 / 2702' may further include means for transmitting a random access preamble to the base station. The equipment 2702 / 2702' further includes means for receiving a random access response from the base station based on the random access preamble. The equipment 2702 / 2702' further includes means for transmitting a connection request message to the base station based on the random access response. In one aspect, a contention resolution message is transmitted based on the connection request message.

[0382] The aforementioned device may be one or more components of the aforementioned component of device 2702 and / or the processing system 2814 of device 2702' configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device. As described above, the processing system 2814 may include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned device may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device.

[0383] Figure 29 This is a conceptual data flow diagram 2900 illustrating the data flow between different devices / components in exemplary equipment 2902. The equipment may be a base station. The data flow illustrated in diagram 2900 is considered illustrative. Therefore, depending on various aspects, one or more additional devices / components may be present, and one or more of the illustrated devices / components may not be present. Furthermore, various data flows may occur between devices / components in addition to and / or in place of the illustrated data flow.

[0384] Equipment 2902 may include a receiving component 2904 configured to receive signals from a UE (e.g., UE 2950, ​​mmW UE, etc.). Equipment 2902 may further include a transmitting component 2910 configured to transmit signals to a UE (e.g., UE 2950, ​​mmW UE, etc.).

[0385] Equipment 2902 may include a RACH component 2908, which can be configured to perform RACH procedures with UE 2950. In one aspect, RACH component 2908 can perform RACH procedures including communication of multiple RACH messages between equipment 2902 and UE 2950. For example, the RACH procedures may include receiving a random access preamble (e.g., MSG1) from UE 2950, ​​transmitting a RAR message (e.g., MSG2) to UE 2950 based on the random access preamble, receiving a connection request message (e.g., MSG3) from UE 2950 based on the RAR message, and transmitting a contention resolution message (e.g., MSG4) to UE 2950 based on the connection request message.

[0386] In one aspect, selection component 2906 can be configured to determine a beam index applicable to UE 2950, ​​such as a beam index to be used for communication between equipment 2902 and UE 2950. In another aspect, selection component 2906 can be configured to determine the beam index based on feedback from UE 2950 (e.g., based on feedback from one or more BRS transmitted by equipment 2902). Selection component 2906 can provide the beam index to RACH component 2908.

[0387] On one hand, selection component 2906 can determine one or more channels associated with, for example, a beam index indicated by a contention resolution message. Selection component 2906 can provide indications of one or more channels to RACH component 2908 (e.g., included in the contention resolution message).

[0388] RACH component 2908 can be configured to include an indication of a beam index (and optionally an indication of one or more channels) in a contention resolution message. In one aspect, RACH component 2908 can indicate that the beam index applies to UE 2950. For example, RACH component 2908 can scramble the contention resolution message based on an RNTI associated with UE 2950 (e.g., an RNTI determined to be part of the RACH procedure). RACH component 2908 can cause a contention resolution message indicating the beam index corresponding to the beam and indicating that the beam index applies to UE 2950 to be transmitted to UE 2950.

[0389] The acceptance component 2912 can be configured to determine whether feedback (e.g., accepted / unacknowledged feedback) has been received from the UE 2950. In one aspect, the acceptance component 2912 can receive an acceptance message from the UE 2950, ​​which indicates that the UE 2950 acknowledges that communication between the equipment 2902 and the UE 2950 will occur on the beam corresponding to the beam index indicated by the contention resolution message. The acceptance component 2912 can provide an indication of the beam index (e.g., based on one or more channels on which communication will occur) to the receiving component 2904 and / or the transmitting component 2910. Subsequently, the receiving component 2904 and / or the transmitting component 2910 can communicate with the UE 2950 on those one or more channels via the beam corresponding to the beam index.

[0390] If the acknowledgment component 2912 does not receive an acknowledgment message, communication with the UE 2950 can occur via the service beam used for communication prior to the transmission of the contention resolution message.

[0391] The equipment may include execution Figure 17 The additional components of each block of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart. Thus, Figure 17 Each block in the aforementioned flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus may include one or more of these components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to implement the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or a combination thereof.

[0392] Figure 30 Figure 3000 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of the device 2902' employing the processing system 3014. The processing system 3014 can be implemented using a bus architecture generally represented by bus 3024. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 3014, bus 3024 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. Bus 3024 links various circuits together, including one or more processors and / or hardware components (represented by processor 3004, components 2904, 2906, 2908, 2910, 2912, and computer-readable medium / memory 3006). Bus 3024 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will therefore not be described further.

[0393] Processing system 3014 may be coupled to transceiver 3010. Transceiver 3010 is coupled to one or more antennas 3020. Transceiver 3010 provides means for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium. Transceiver 3010 receives signals from one or more antennas 3020, extracts information from the received signals, and provides the extracted information to processing system 3014 (specifically, receiving component 2904). Additionally, transceiver 3010 receives information from processing system 3014 (specifically, transmission component 2910) and generates signals to be applied to one or more antennas 3020 based on the received information. Processing system 3014 includes processor 3004 coupled to computer-readable medium / memory 3006. Processor 3004 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 3006. When executed by processor 3004, this software causes processing system 3014 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. The computer-readable medium / memory 3006 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 3004 during software execution. The processing system 3014 further includes at least one of components 2904, 2906, 2908, 2910, and 2912. These components may be software components running in the processor 3004, software components residing in / stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 3006, one or more hardware components coupled to the processor 3004, or some combination thereof. The processing system 3014 may be a component of the base station 310 and may include memory 376 and / or include at least one of a TX processor 316, an RX processor 370, and a controller / processor 375.

[0394] In one configuration, the device 2902 / 2902' for wireless communication includes means for transmitting a contention resolution message to a UE, the contention resolution message indicating at least a beam index corresponding to a beam and indicating that the beam index applies to the UE. The device 2902 / 2902' may further include means for determining whether an acknowledgement message has been received from the UE in response to the contention resolution message. The device 2902 / 2902' may further include means for communicating with the UE via the beam corresponding to the beam index when it is determined that an acknowledgement message has been received from the UE.

[0395] In one aspect, the contention resolution message is associated with a random access procedure. In another aspect, the apparatus 2902 / 2902' may further include means for scrambling at least a portion of the contention resolution message using an RNTI associated with the UE. In another aspect, the contention resolution message further includes an indication of one or more channels associated with a beam index, and performs communication with the UE on one or more indicated channels via a beam corresponding to the beam index.

[0396] On one hand, the equipment 2902 / 2902' may further include means for communicating with the UE via the serving beam prior to the transmission of a contention resolution message, and for continuing to communicate with the UE via the serving beam based on the absence of a confirmation message from the UE.

[0397] In one aspect, the equipment 2902 / 2902' may further include means for receiving a random access preamble from a base station. The equipment 2902 / 2902' may further include means for transmitting a random access response to the UE based on the random access preamble. The equipment 2902 / 2902' may further include means for receiving a connection request message from the UE based on the random access response, and a contention resolution message is transmitted based on the connection request message.

[0398] The aforementioned device may be one or more components of the aforementioned component of device 2902 and / or the processing system 3014 of device 2902' configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device. As described above, the processing system 3014 may include a TX processor 316, an RX processor 370, and a controller / processor 375. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned device may be the TX processor 316, the RX processor 370, and the controller / processor 375 configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device.

[0399] Figure 31 This is a conceptual data flow diagram 3100 illustrating the data flow between different devices / components in exemplary device 3102. The device may be a UE. The data flow illustrated in diagram 3100 is considered illustrative. Therefore, depending on various aspects, one or more additional devices / components may be present, and one or more of the illustrated devices / components may not be present. Furthermore, various data flows may occur between devices / components in addition to and / or in place of the illustrated data flow.

[0400] Equipment 3102 may include a receiving component 3104 configured to receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 3150, mmW base station, eNB, etc.). Equipment 3102 may further include a transmitting component 3110 configured to transmit signals to a base station (e.g., base station 3150, mmW base station, eNB, etc.).

[0401] In various aspects, receiving component 3104 can receive a set of signals (e.g., a signal may be one aspect of a BRS) from base station 3150 via a set of beams. Each signal in the set of signals may correspond to a beam, and each beam may correspond to a beam index (therefore, each signal may correspond to a beam index). Each signal may be received via a corresponding beam that can be used for communication between equipment 3102 and base station 3150. Receiving component 3104 may provide the set of BRS to command component 3106. Command component 3106 may determine the transmit beam index corresponding to the transmit beam of base station 3150 based on the corresponding BRS received via the corresponding transmit beam. Command component 3106 may provide the transmit beam index to determining component 3108. Determining component 3108 may maintain a mapping from transmit beam index to receive beam index.

[0402] In various aspects, command component 3106 can receive a beam modification command from base station 3150 via receiving component 3104. The beam modification command may indicate a set of transmit beam indices corresponding to the transmit beam set of the base station, and each transmit beam index in the set may at least indicate a transmission direction for transmitting the transmit beam by base station 3150. Command component 3106 may be configured to determine the set of transmit beam indices indicated by the beam modification command.

[0403] On one hand, beam modification commands can be received in the MAC CE. On another hand, beam modification commands can be received in DCI messages. On yet another hand, beam modification commands can be received via RRC signaling. And finally, beam modification commands can be carried on the PDCCH.

[0404] In various aspects, command component 3106 may provide a set of transmit beam indices to determination component 3108. Determination component 3108 may determine a set of receive beam indices corresponding to the set of receive beams of equipment 3102 based on the set of transmit beam indices. Each receive beam index in the set of receive beam indices indicates at least the receiving direction for the beam received by equipment 3102. In one aspect, determination component 3108 may determine the set of receive beam indices by accessing a mapping that maps transmit beam indices to receive beam indices. Determination component 3108 and / or command component 3106 may be configured to populate this mapping.

[0405] The determining component 3108 may provide a set of receive beam indices to the BRRS component 3112. Accordingly, the BRRS component 3112 may cause the receiving component 3104 to receive, for example, during the period in which symbols of the BRRS to be received are to be received, via a receive beam corresponding to a receive beam index included in the set of receive beam indices. In one aspect, for example, when the equipment 3102 is not actively maintaining a receive beam, the BRRS component 3112 may generate a receive beam corresponding to at least one receive beam index.

[0406] On one hand, BRRS component 3112 can receive BRRS from base station 3150 via a transmit beam set corresponding to the transmit beam index set. On the other hand, BRRS component 3112 can receive BRRS from base station 3150 via a transmit beam set different from the transmit beam set corresponding to the transmit beam index set indicated by the beam modification command. For example, obstacles and / or reflections may cause equipment 3102 to receive BRRS via the determined receive beam set, but via a transmit beam set different from the transmit beam set corresponding to the transmit beam index set indicated by the beam modification command.

[0407] In one aspect, BRRS component 3112 can receive BRRS in one or more symbols corresponding to one or more symbol indices. For example, BRRS component 3112 can receive (e.g., listen) via at least one receive beam corresponding to at least one receive beam index during one or more symbols corresponding to one or more symbol indices. In one aspect, the one or more symbol indices can be predetermined (e.g., defined by one or more standards published by 3GPP). In another aspect, the one or more symbol indices can be indicated by a beam modification command (e.g., determined by command component 3106 and provided to BRRS component 3112). In one aspect, the beam modification command further indicates the corresponding transmit beam index of the transmit beam index set for each symbol of the one or more symbol indices.

[0408] On one hand, BRRS component 3112 can receive a first portion of the BRRS in a first symbol set via a first receive beam corresponding to a first receive beam index included in the determined receive beam index set. BRRS component 3112 can receive a second portion of the BRRS in a second symbol set via a second receive beam corresponding to a second receive beam index included in the determined receive beam index set.

[0409] In one aspect, BRRS component 3112 can generate a BRI report based on one or more received BRRSs. In another aspect, the BRI report can be similar to a BSI report, but can be used by base station 3150 to determine the optimal fine beam. BRRS component 3112 can transmit the BRI report to index the optimal transmit beam index (e.g., based on the received BRRS having the highest signal quality or power).

[0410] The equipment may include execution Figure 18 The additional components of each block of the algorithm in the aforementioned flowchart. Thus, Figure 18Each block in the aforementioned flowchart can be executed by a component, and the apparatus may include one or more of these components. These components may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to implement the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to execute the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or a combination thereof.

[0411] Figure 32 Figure 3200 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of an apparatus 3102' employing a processing system 3214. The processing system 3214 can be implemented using a bus architecture generally represented by a bus 3224. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 3214, the bus 3224 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. The bus 3224 links various circuits together, including one or more processors and / or hardware components (represented by processor 3204, components 3104, 3106, 3108, 3110, 3112, and computer-readable medium / memory 3206). The bus 3224 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will therefore not be described further.

[0412] Processing system 3214 may be coupled to transceiver 3210. Transceiver 3210 is coupled to one or more antennas 3220. Transceiver 3210 provides means for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium. Transceiver 3210 receives signals from one or more antennas 3220, extracts information from the received signals, and provides the extracted information to processing system 3214 (specifically, receiving component 3104). Additionally, transceiver 3210 receives information from processing system 3214 (specifically, transmission component 3110) and generates signals to be applied to one or more antennas 3220 based on the received information. Processing system 3214 includes processor 3204 coupled to computer-readable medium / memory 3206. Processor 3204 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 3206. When executed by processor 3204, this software causes processing system 3214 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. The computer-readable medium / memory 3206 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 3204 during software execution. The processing system 3214 further includes at least one of components 3104, 3106, 3108, 3110, and 3112. These components may be software components running in the processor 3204, software components residing in / stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 3206, one or more hardware components coupled to the processor 3204, or some combination thereof. The processing system 3214 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include memory 360 and / or include at least one of a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359.

[0413] In one configuration, the equipment 3102 / 3102' for wireless communication includes means for receiving a beam modification command that indicates a set of transmit beam indices corresponding to a set of transmit beams of a base station, and each transmit beam index in the set of transmit beam indices may at least indicate a transmission direction for transmitting a transmit beam by the base station. The equipment 3102 / 3102' may include means for determining a set of receive beam indices corresponding to a receive beam of the equipment based on the set of transmit beam indices, each receive beam index in the set of receive beam indices indicating at least a reception direction for receiving a receive beam by the equipment 3102 / 3102'. The equipment 3102 / 3102' may further include means for receiving BRRS from the base station via at least one receive beam corresponding to at least one receive beam index included in the set of receive beam indices.

[0414] In one aspect, an apparatus for receiving a BRRS from a base station via at least one receive beam corresponding to at least one receive beam index included in a receive beam index set is configured to: receive a first portion of the BRRS in a first symbol set via a first receive beam corresponding to a first receive beam index included in the receive beam index set, and is further configured to receive a second portion of the BRRS in a second symbol set via a second receive beam corresponding to a second receive beam index included in the receive beam index set.

[0415] In one aspect, the BRRS is received in one or more symbols corresponding to one or more symbol indices. In one aspect, a beam modification command indicates one or more symbol indices, and a corresponding transmit beam index for a transmit beam index set for each of the one or more symbol indices. In one aspect, the one or more symbol indices for receiving the BRRS are predetermined. In one aspect, the BRRS is received from the base station via a transmit beam set corresponding to the transmit beam index set. In one aspect, the BRRS is received from the base station via a transmit beam set different from the transmit beam set corresponding to the same transmit beam index set, which corresponds to a second transmit beam index set different from the transmit beam index set.

[0416] On one hand, the beam modification command is received in the MAC CE. On another hand, the beam modification command is received in the DCI message. On yet another hand, the beam modification command is received via RRC signaling. On yet another hand, the beam modification command is carried on the PDCCH.

[0417] The aforementioned device may be one or more components of the aforementioned component of device 3102 and / or the processing system 3214 of device 3102' configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device. As described above, the processing system 3214 may include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the aforementioned device may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned device.

[0418] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the boxes in the disclosed process / flowcharts is an illustration of exemplary methods. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the boxes in these process / flowcharts can be rearranged based on design preferences. Furthermore, some boxes may be combined or omitted. The appended method claims present the elements of the various boxes in an exemplary order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0419] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but should be granted the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein references to the singular form of an element, unless specifically stated otherwise, are not intended to mean “one and only one,” but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B, or multiple C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" can be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. Elements of all aspects described throughout this disclosure that are now or hereafter known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be contributed to the public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. The terms "module", "mechanism", "element", "device", etc., may not be a substitute for the term "apparatus". Thus, no claim element should be construed as an apparatus plus a function unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "apparatus for...".

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving, from a base station, at least one beam index indicating for communicating over a channel by at least one beam and a beam modification command indicating the channel corresponding to the at least one beam index, each of the at least one beam index indicating at least a direction for communicating by a corresponding beam of the at least one beam, wherein the beam modification command is received in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); and communicating with the base station over the channel by the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: communicating with the base station by a serving beam corresponding to a serving beam index; and switching from the serving beam to the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command after receiving the beam modification command.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein switching from the serving beam to the at least one beam is performed at a predetermined time.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined time is associated with at least one of a symbol or a subframe, and wherein the beam modification command indicates the at least one of the symbol or the subframe.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one beam index comprises a plurality of beam indices.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one beam index is applicable to one of uplink or downlink communications.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the beam modification command indicates that the UE is to switch to the at least one beam.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the channel indicated by the beam modification command comprises at least one of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a channel associated with a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or a channel associated with a sounding reference signal (SRS).

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, a second beam modification command indicating that the UE is to continue communicating with the base station by a current beam; and continuing to communicate with the base station by the current beam based on the second beam modification command.

10. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a base station, at least one beam index indicating for communicating over a channel by at least one beam and a beam modification command indicating the channel corresponding to the at least one beam index, each of the at least one beam index indicating at least a direction for communicating by a corresponding beam of the at least one beam, wherein the beam modification command is received in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); and means for communicating with the base station over the channel by the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: means for communicating with the base station over a serving beam corresponding to a serving beam index; and means for switching from the serving beam to the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command after receiving the beam modification command.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for switching from the serving beam to the at least one beam is configured to switch from the serving beam to the at least one beam at a predetermined time.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the predetermined time is associated with at least one of a symbol or a subframe, and wherein the beam modification command indicates the at least one of the symbol or the subframe.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one beam index comprises a plurality of beam indices.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one beam index is applicable to one of uplink or downlink communications.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the beam modification command indicates that the apparatus is to switch to the at least one beam.

17. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to: receive, from a base station, a beam modification command indicating at least one beam index for communicating over a channel by at least one beam, each of the at least one beam index indicating at least a direction for communicating by a corresponding beam of the at least one beam, wherein the beam modification command is received in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), communicate with the base station over the channel by the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: communicate with the base station over a serving beam corresponding to a serving beam index; and switch from the serving beam to the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index indicated by the beam modification command after receiving the beam modification command.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the switching from the serving beam to the at least one beam is performed at a predetermined time, the predetermined time being associated with at least one of a symbol or a subframe, and wherein the beam modification command indicates the at least one of the symbol or the subframe.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the at least one beam index comprises a plurality of beam indices.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the beam modification command indicates that the apparatus is to switch to the at least one beam.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), the computer-executable code comprising code to: receive, from a base station, at least one beam index indicating to communicate over a channel by at least one beam and a beam modification command indicating the channel corresponding to the at least one beam index, each of the at least one beam index indicating at least a direction to communicate by a corresponding beam of the at least one beam, wherein the beam modification command is received in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); and communicate with the base station over the channel by the at least one beam corresponding to the at least one beam index.

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