Method and apparatus for operating packet data convergence protocol layer processing quality of service in a wireless communication system

Abstract

A method for configuring flow-based quality of service (QoS), configuring bearer-based QoS, and introducing a new layer above a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in order to handle flow-based QoS is provided. The operation of the PDCP layer supporting the new layer is also provided. The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a fifth generation (5G) communication system to be used for supporting higher data rates beyond a fourth generation (4G) system with Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The present disclosure can be applied to smart services, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, healthcare, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services, based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on February 7, 2018, with application number 201880010480.6 and entitled "Method and apparatus for processing quality of service at the operational packet data convergence protocol layer in a wireless communication system". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for use in the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer to handle Quality of Service (QoS) in next-generation mobile communication systems. Background Technology

[0003] To meet the rising demand for wireless data services following the commercialization of fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved fifth-generation (5G) or 5G-pre-5G communication systems. For this reason, 5G or 5G-pre-5G communication systems are also referred to as super 4G network communication systems or post-Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems.

[0004] To achieve high data rates, 5G communication systems have been considered for implementation in ultra-high frequency (mmWave) bands (e.g., similar to the 60 GHz band). To mitigate path loss of radio waves and increase transmission distance in the mmWave band, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive MIMO technologies for 5G communication systems have been discussed.

[0005] In addition, improvements to the system network in 5G communication systems have been developed for evolved small cells, advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (cloud RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device communication (D2D), wireless backhaul, mobile networks, cooperative communication, coordinated multipoint (CoMP), and receive interference cancellation technologies.

[0006] In addition, hybrid frequency shift keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) have been developed for advanced coding and modulation (ACM) systems, as well as filter bank multicarrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) for advanced connectivity technologies.

[0007] On the other hand, the internet, a human-centric network for generating and consuming information, is now evolving into the Internet of Things (IoT) network, where, for example, distributed entities exchange and process information. The Internet of Everything (IoE), combining IoT technology with big data processing technology through connection to cloud servers, has emerged. Due to the implementation requirements of IoT as a technological element including wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure for sensing technologies, service interface technologies, and security technologies, recent research has focused on sensor networks for machine-to-machine connections, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and machine-type communication (MTC). Such an IoT environment can provide intelligent internet technology (IT) services, creating new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated between connected things. Through the integration and combination of existing information technology (IT) and various industries, IoT can be applied to multiple fields, including smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0008] Therefore, various attempts have been made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, sensor networks, M2M communication, and MTC technologies have been implemented using beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas, which correspond to 5G communication technologies. As a big data processing technology as described above, the application of cloud RAN will be an example of the convergence between 5G and IoT technologies.

[0009] The above information is provided for background information purposes only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination is made, nor is it asserted, that anything above may apply to the prior art relating to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0010] [Technical Issues]

[0011] Currently, when using bearer-based Quality of Service (QoS) configuration methods, such as those used in LTE systems, network management involves groups of flows with the same QoS. Therefore, it is impossible for the core and access networks to perform even minor QoS adjustments.

[0012] Moreover, with the emergence of 5G communication systems, base stations and terminals need to enhance the process of measuring and feeding back channel state information.

[0013]

Solution

[0014] Various aspects of this disclosure are intended to at least address the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages, and provide at least the following advantages. Accordingly, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide a method for configuring flow-based QoS, and a method for configuring bearer-based QoS, and to introduce a new layer above the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer to handle flow-based QoS. Furthermore, this disclosure proposes an operation of the PDCP layer to support the new layer.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide an effective system in a mobile communication system, and a novel method in which a base station determines a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for transmission and a terminal receives a CSI-RS for CSI-RS operation.

[0016] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a transmitter-side method is provided. The method includes a PDCP layer receiving a PDCP Service Data Unit (SDU) with a header attached thereto from a higher layer, performing encryption of the PDCP SDU without the header, and transmitting the PDCP Protocol Data Unit (PDU) to a lower layer.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a transmitter side is provided. The transmitter side includes: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a controller configured to control the PDCP layer to receive PDCP SDUs with headers attached thereto from a higher layer, to perform encryption of the PDCP SDUs without headers, and to transmit the PDCP SDUs to a lower layer.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for a terminal is provided. The method includes receiving from a base station a message indicating the activation or deactivation of pre-configured CSI-RS resources, and activating or deactivating reception of CSI-RS from the base station based on the message.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a terminal is provided. The terminal includes: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a controller configured to receive from a base station a message indicating the activation or deactivation of pre-configured CSI-RS resources, and to activate or deactivate reception of CSI-RS from the base station based on the message.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for a base station is provided. The method includes sending a first message to a terminal configuring CSI-RS resources, and sending a second message to the terminal indicating the activation or deactivation of the configured CSI-RS resources, wherein the terminal activates or deactivates the reception of CSI-RS based on the second message.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a base station is provided. The base station includes: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a controller configured to send a first message configuring CSI-RS resources to a terminal, and to send a second message to the terminal indicating activation or deactivation of the configured CSI-RS resources, wherein the terminal activates or deactivates CSI-RS reception based on the second message.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system is provided, the method comprising: receiving first information from a base station via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling configuring one or more Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources; receiving a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) from the base station on a serving cell, the MAC CE indicating activation or deactivation of one or more CSI-RS resources of the serving cell for each of a Channel State Information (CSI) process configured for the serving cell; passing information about the received MAC CE to a lower layer for activating reception of a CSI-RS on at least one of the one or more CSI-RS resources of the serving cell; and receiving at least one CSI-RS on at least one of the one or more CSI-RS resources based on the information about the received MAC CE, wherein the MAC CE includes one or more CSI-RS commands, each of the one or more CSI-RS commands corresponding to one of a CSI process configured for the serving cell, wherein the one or more CSI-RS commands are included in the MAC CE in ascending order of CSI process ID. In the CE, and wherein each CSI-RS command in one or more CSI-RS commands includes multiple bits, each bit corresponding to one of one or more CSI-RS resources of the serving cell, and indicating the activation / deactivation status of the corresponding CSI-RS resource.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the method for configuring bearer-based QoS, a method for configuring flow-based QoS is also provided, and a new layer is introduced above the PDCP layer to handle flow-based QoS. Furthermore, the operation of the PDCP layer is proposed to support the new layer, thus enabling efficient handling of flow-based QoS.

[0024] Furthermore, according to various aspects of this disclosure, in a mobile communication system, the activation / deactivation of CSI-RS is performed via a Media Access Control (MAC) control signal for more adaptive CSI-RS use rather than periodic CSI-RS reception and use configured according to existing Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0025] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Beneficial Effects]

[0027] According to one aspect of this disclosure, flow-based QoS configuration can be provided through a new layer above the PDCP layer. Therefore, flow-based QoS can be efficiently handled through interoperability between the PDCP layer and the new layer.

[0028] Furthermore, according to other aspects of this disclosure, the activation / deactivation of CSI-RS can be adaptively and dynamically enhanced by using RRC configuration and MAC CE signaling. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1a This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 1b This is a diagram illustrating the wireless protocol structure of an LTE system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 1c These are diagrams illustrating the structure of a next-generation mobile communication system proposed according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 1d This is a diagram illustrating the wireless protocol architecture of a next-generation mobile communication system proposed according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 1e This is a diagram illustrating the new layer and functions for managing Quality of Service (QoS) in a next-generation system according to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 1f This is a diagram illustrating a general process of processor Internet Protocol (IP) packets on the transmitter side according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 1g This is a diagram illustrating a first (1-1) embodiment of the transmitter-side Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer according to an embodiment of this disclosure, wherein the transmitter side introduces a new layer for processing QoS for each IP stream and processes IP packets;

[0037] Figure 1hThis is a diagram illustrating a first (1-1) embodiment of the receiver-side PDCP layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the receiver-side introduces a new layer for processing QoS for each IP flow and for processing IP packets;

[0038] Figure 1i and Figure 1j This is a diagram illustrating a first (1-3) embodiment of the transmitter-side PDCP layer according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein a new layer for processing QoS for each IP flow and processing IP packets is introduced at both the transmitter and receiver ends;

[0039] Figure 1k This is a diagram illustrating the transmission operation of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the receiving operation of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 1m This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 1n This is a diagram illustrating the block configuration of a transmit-receive point (TRP) in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 2a This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a conventional LTE system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 2b This is a diagram illustrating the wireless protocol structure of a conventional LTE system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 2c This diagram illustrates the transmission of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) using one subframe in a conventional LTE system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The subframe is the smallest unit of radio resources capable of being scheduled to the downlink and one resource block (RB).

[0046] Figure 2d This is a diagram illustrating the periodic CSI-RS configuration and operation in a conventional LTE system according to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 2e This is a diagram illustrating multi-slot CSI-RS, aperiodic CSI-RS configuration, and activation / deactivation operations as considered according to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 2f This is a diagram illustrating a first method for indicating the activation / deactivation of a CSI-RS resource using media access control (MAC) control signals according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 2g This is a diagram illustrating a second method for indicating the activation / deactivation of CSI-RS resources using MAC control signals according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 2h This is a diagram illustrating the entire operation in a multi-slot CSI-RS mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 2i This is a diagram illustrating the entire operation in an aperiodic CSI-RS mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 2j This is a diagram illustrating the entire terminal operation of CSI-RS activation / deactivation using the MAC control element (CE) proposed according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0053] Figure 2k This is a diagram illustrating a method of using a proposed MAC CE for CSI-RS activation / deactivation operations according to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0054] Figure 2l This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0055] Figure 2m This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a base station, a mobility management entity (MME), and a service gateway (S-GW) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Throughout the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following description, provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, is intended to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these are to be considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Additionally, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0058] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are used by the inventors only to enable a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description providing various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the purpose of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0059] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators. Thus, for example, a reference to “component surface” includes a reference to one or more such surfaces.

[0060] Furthermore, while Evolution Advanced Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) (or Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A)) supporting carrier aggregation will be the main subject in explaining the embodiments of this disclosure in detail, the main subject of this disclosure can be applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds and channel types, with minor modifications that do not significantly deviate from the scope of this disclosure, and this can be accomplished by the judgment of those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. For example, the main subject of this disclosure can even be applied to High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) supporting carrier aggregation.

[0061] In explaining the embodiments of this disclosure, descriptions of technical content well-known in the art to which this disclosure pertains and not directly related to this disclosure will be omitted. This is to more clearly shift the subject of this disclosure without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0062] For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of some components may be exaggerated, omitted, or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensions of individual components do not perfectly reflect their actual dimensions. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements in various drawings.

[0063] The aspects and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for implementing these aspects and features, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms. The content defined in the specification, such as detailed structures and elements, is merely specific detail provided to assist those skilled in the art in fully understanding this disclosure, and this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the description of this disclosure, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the various drawings.

[0064] In this context, it should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks within the flowchart illustration, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate machine instructions, such that the instructions are executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, by means of creation for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks or blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium, which can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, causing the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium to produce an article of art containing instruction means that implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks or blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0065] Furthermore, each block in the flowchart can represent a module, fragment, or section of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions mentioned in a block may occur out of order. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually execute substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes execute in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0066] The term "~unit" as used in one embodiment refers to, but is not limited to, a software or hardware component, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that performs certain tasks. However, "~unit" does not mean that it is limited to software or hardware. The term "~unit" can advantageously be configured to reside on an addressable memory medium and to execute on one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, "~unit" can include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, procedures, functions, properties, processes, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided in components and "~units" can be combined into fewer components and "~units" or further divided into additional components and "~units". Furthermore, components and "units" can be implemented to operate one or more central processing units (CPUs) in a device or secure multimedia card.

[0067] The operating principles of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing this disclosure, relevant well-known functions or configurations incorporated herein will not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Furthermore, the terms described later are defined in consideration of their function in this disclosure, but may vary depending on the intent of the user and operator or custom. Therefore, they should be defined based on the entirety of this disclosure's description.

[0068] In describing this disclosure, relevant well-known functions or configurations incorporated herein are not described in detail where unnecessary detail would obscure the subject matter of this disclosure. Hereinafter, embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] In the following text, for ease of explanation, terms for identifying connected nodes, terms for referring to network entities, terms for referring to interfaces between network entities, and terms for invoking various identification information, as used in the description below, are illustrated. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the terms described later, but other terms used to refer to the subject matter having the same technical meaning may be used.

[0070] In the following text, for ease of explanation, the terms and headings defined in the 3GPP LTE standard are used in this disclosure. However, this disclosure is not limited by the terms and headings, but can be equally applied to systems conforming to other standards, such as 5G and New Radio (NR) systems.

[0071] First Embodiment

[0072] Figure 1a This is a diagram illustrating the structure of an LTE system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] refer to Figure 1a The Radio Access Network (RAN) of the LTE system consists of Evolved Node Bs (“eNBs”, “Node Bs”, or “base stations”) 1a-05, 1a-10, 1a-15, and 1a-20, Mobility Management Entity (MME) 1a-25, and Service Gateway (S-GW) 1a-30. User Equipment (“UE” or “Terminal”) 1a-35 accesses external networks through eNBs 1a-05, 1a-10, 1a-15, and 1a-20, and S-GW 1a-30.

[0074] exist Figure 1aIn this context, eNBs 1a-05, 1a-10, 1a-15, or 1a-20 correspond to existing Node Bs in a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) system. The eNB connects to UE 1a-35 on the radio channel and plays a more complex role than an existing Node B. In LTE systems, because services on shared channels include real-time services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a scheduling device is necessary that summarizes state information such as buffer states, available transmission power states, and channel states for each UE. eNBs 1a-05, 1a-10, 1a-15, and 1a-20 correspond to such scheduling devices. Typically, one eNB controls multiple cells. For example, to achieve a transmission speed of 100 Mbps, LTE systems use Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) in a 20 MHz bandwidth as the radio access technology. Furthermore, LTE systems employ an Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) scheme, which determines the modulation scheme and channel coding rate to match the terminal's channel state. The S-GW 1a-30 is a device that provides data bearers and generates or removes data bearers under the control of the MME 1a-25. The MME is a device that is responsible not only for terminal mobility management but also for various control functions and is connected to multiple eNBs.

[0075] Figure 1b This is a diagram illustrating the wireless protocol structure in an LTE system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] refer to Figure 1b In the UE or eNB, the LTE system's radio protocol consists of Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) 1b-05 or 1b-40, Radio Link Control (RLC) 1b-10 or 1b-35, and Media Access Control (MAC) 1b-15 or 1b-30. PDCP 1b-05 or 1b-40 is responsible for IP header compression / decompression operations. The main functions of PDCP are summarized below.

[0077] - Header compression and decompression: Robust header compression only (ROHC)

[0078] - User data transmission

[0079] - Transmit upper-layer protocol data units (PDUs) sequentially during PDCP reconstruction for RLC AM.

[0080] - For split bearers in the DC (RLC AM only): PDCP PDU routing for transmission and PDCP PDU reordering for reception.

[0081] - Repeated detection of lower-layer service data units (SDUs) during PDCP reconstruction in Radio Link Control Acknowledgment Mode (RLC AM).

[0082] - During PDCP data recovery for RLC AM, for separate bearers in the DC, PDCP SDUs are retransmitted during handover of PDCP PDUs.

[0083] - Encryption and decryption

[0084] - Timer-based SDU dropping in the uplink

[0085] RLC 1b-10 or 1b-35 reconfigures PDCP PDUs with appropriate sizes and performs Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) operations, etc. The main functions of RLC are summarized below.

[0086] - Transmit upper-layer PDU

[0087] - Error correction via ARQ (only applicable to AM data transmission)

[0088] - Connecting, segmenting, and reassembling RLC SDUs (only applicable to UM and AM data transfers)

[0089] - Re-segment RLC data PDUs (for UM and AM data transfer only)

[0090] - Reorder RLC data PDUs (for UM and AM data transfer only)

[0091] - Duplicate detection (only applicable to UM and AM data transfers)

[0092] - Protocol error detection (applies only to AM data transmission)

[0093] - RLC SDU discard (only applicable to UM and AM transfers)

[0094] - RLC Reconstruction

[0095] The MAC 1b-15 or 1b-30 connects to several RLC layer devices configured in a terminal and performs multiplexing of RLC PDUs to MAC PDUs / demultiplexing of MAC PDUs to RLC PDUs. The main functions of the MAC are summarized below.

[0096] - Mapping between logical channels and transport channels

[0097] - Multiplexing / demultiplexing of MAC SDUs belonging to one or different logical channels with transport blocks (TBs) transmitted to / from the physical layer on the transport channel.

[0098] - Arrangement Information Report

[0099] - HARQ functionality (error correction via HARQ)

[0100] Priority handling between logical channels of a UE

[0101] - Prioritize UEs through dynamic scheduling

[0102] - MBMS service identifier

[0103] - Transmission format selection

[0104] - Fill

[0105] Physical layer 1b-20 or 1b-25 performs channel coding and modulation of upper-layer data to configure and transmit OFDM symbols on the radio channel, or performs demodulation and channel decoding of OFDM symbols received on the radio channel to transmit the demodulated and channel-decoded symbols to the upper layer.

[0106] Figure 1c This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a next-generation mobile communication system proposed according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0107] refer to Figure 1c As shown, the RAN of the next-generation mobile communication system (hereinafter referred to as "NR" or "5G") consists of a new radio node B (hereinafter referred to as "NR gNB" or "NR eNB") 1c-10 and a new radio core network (NR CN) 1c-05. New radio user equipment (hereinafter referred to as "NR UE" or "terminal") 1c-15 accesses the external network through NR gNB 1c-10 and NR CN 1c-05.

[0108] exist Figure 1cIn this context, NR gNB 1c-10 corresponds to the Evolved Node B (eNB) of the existing LTE system. The NR gNB connects to the NR UE 1c-15 on the radio channel, thus providing superior service compared to the existing Node B. Because all user traffic is served on a shared channel in the next-generation mobile communication system, a device is needed to perform scheduling by incorporating state information such as the UE's buffer state, available transmission power state, and channel state; NR gNB 1c-10 is responsible for this. An NR gNB typically controls multiple cells. To achieve ultra-high-speed data transmission compared to existing LTE, the NR gNB can have a bandwidth equal to or higher than the existing maximum bandwidth and can be considered as the OFDM radio access technology, combined with beamforming technology. Furthermore, an AMC scheme is employed, which determines the modulation scheme and channel coding rate to match the UE's channel state. NR CN 1c-05 performs mobility support, bearer establishment, and Quality of Service (QoS) configuration functions. The NR CN is responsible not only for UE mobility management functions but also for various control functions and connects to multiple eNBs. Furthermore, the next-generation mobile communication system can be interlocked with the existing LTE system, and the NR CN connects to the MME 1c-25 via a network interface. The MME connects to the eNB 1c-30, which serves as the existing eNB.

[0109] Figure 1d This is a diagram illustrating the wireless protocol structure of a next-generation mobile communication system proposed according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] refer to Figure 1d In the UE or NR eNB, the radio protocol of the next-generation mobile communication system consists of NR PDCP 1d-05 or 1d-40, NR RLC 1d-10 or 1d-35, and NR MAC 1d-15 or 1d-30. The main functions of NR PDCP 1d-05 or 1d-40 may include some of the following functions.

[0111] - Header compression and decompression: ROHC only

[0112] -Transmission of user data

[0113] - Sequential transmission of upper-layer PDUs

[0114] - PDCP PDU for receiving reordering

[0115] - Repeated detection of low-level SDU

[0116] - Retransmit PDCP SDU

[0117] - Encryption and decryption

[0118] - Timer-based SDUs dropped in the uplink

[0119] As described above, reordering in an NR PDCP device can mean reordering PDCP PDUs received from a lower layer based on the PDCP sequence number (SN). Reordering can include: transmitting data to the upper layer in the reordered order; recording lost PDCP PDUs by reordering; reporting the status of lost PDCP PDUs to the transmitting side; and requesting retransmission of lost PDCP PDUs.

[0120] The main functions of NR RLC 1d-10 or 1d-35 may include some of the following functions.

[0121] -Transmission of upper-layer PDUs

[0122] - Sequential transmission of upper-layer PDUs

[0123] - Disordered transmission of upper-layer PDUs

[0124] - Error correction via ARQ

[0125] - Cascading, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs

[0126] - Re-segment RLC data PDU

[0127] - Reorder RLC data PDUs

[0128] - Duplicate Detection

[0129] - Protocol error detection

[0130] - RLC SDU discard

[0131] - RLC Reconstruction

[0132] As described above, sequential transmission in an NR RLC device can mean the sequential transmission of RLC SDUs received from a lower layer to an upper layer. In the case where an original RLC SDU is segmented into several RLC SDUs to be received, the transmission may include: reassembly and transmission of RLC SDUs; reordering of received RLC PDUs based on the RLC SN or PDCP SN; recording lost RLC PDUs by reordering; status reporting of lost RLC PDUs to the transmitting side; retransmission requests for lost PDCP PDUs; if lost RLC SDUs exist, transmitting only RLC SDUs to the upper layer in sequence, just before the lost RLC SDUs; if a specific timer has expired, transmitting all RLC SDUs received before the start of that timer's operation in sequence, despite the existence of lost RLC SDUs; or if the timer has expired, transmitting all RLC SDUs received up to that point in sequence to the upper layer, despite the existence of lost RLC SDUs. The NR RLC layer may not include cascading functionality, and this functionality may be performed by the NR MAC layer, or may be replaced by multiplexing functionality of the NR MAC layer.

[0133] As described above, out-of-order transmission of NR RLC devices means the ability to transmit RLC SDUs received from lower layers directly to upper layers in an out-of-order manner. If an original RLC SDU is segmented into several RLC SDUs to be received, the transmission may include: reassembling and transmitting the RLC SDUs; and recording lost RLC PDUs by storing and sorting the RLC SN or PDCPSN of the received RLC PDUs.

[0134] NR MAC 1d-15 or 1d-30 can be connected to several NR RLC layer devices configured in a UE, and the main functions of NR MAC may include some of the following functions.

[0135] - Mapping between logical channels and transport channels

[0136] - MAC SDU multiplexing / demultiplexing

[0137] - Scheduling Information Report

[0138] - HARQ functionality (error correction via HARQ)

[0139] Priority handling between logical channels of a UE

[0140] - Priority handling among UEs via dynamic scheduling

[0141] - MBMS service identifier

[0142] - Transmission format selection

[0143] - Fill

[0144] The NR PHY layer 1d-20 or 1d-25 can perform channel coding and modulation of upper-layer data to configure OFDM symbols and transmit them to the radio channel, or it can perform demodulation and channel decoding of OFDM symbols received on the radio channel to transmit the demodulated and channel-decoded symbols to the upper layer.

[0145] Figure 1e This is a diagram illustrating the new layer and functions for managing QoS in a next-generation system according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0146] In next-generation systems, it is required to configure user service transmission paths or control the IP flow of each service according to different QoS requirements (i.e., QoS requirements). In next-generation mobile communication systems, multiple QoS flows can be mapped to multiple Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) to be configured simultaneously. That is, in the downlink, multiple QoS flows 1e-01, 1e-02, and 1e-03 can be mapped to the same DRB or different DRBs 1e-10, 1e-15, and 1e-20, and QoS flow IDs must be marked on downlink packets to distinguish them. Since this functionality is not yet present in the existing LTE PDCP layer, a new layer responsible for this functionality (where the layer name can be PDAP, ASML, or other names, i.e., Packet Data Association Protocol (PDAP) or AS Multiplexing Layer (ASML)) 1e-05, 1e-40, 1e-50, or 1e-85 can be introduced. Furthermore, the aforementioned marking can allow terminals to implement reflective QoS for the uplink. As described above, the explicit labeling of QoS flow IDs on downlink packets corresponds to a simple method used by the access layer (AS) for the terminal to provide the aforementioned information to the NAS. In the downlink, the method for mapping IP flows to DRBs can consist of the following two phases.

[0147] 1. NAS-level mapping: IP flow -> QoS flow

[0148] 2. AS-level mapping: QoS flow -> DRB

[0149] For downlink reception, QoS flow mapping information and the presence / absence of reflected QoS operations can be obtained for each received DRB 1e-25, 1e-30 or 1e-35, and the corresponding information can be transmitted to NAS.

[0150] Similarly, two-level mapping can also be used for the uplink. First, IP flows are mapped to QoS flows via NAS signaling, and the AS performs the mapping of QoS flows to DRB 1e-55, 1e-60, and 1e-65. The terminal can tag QoS flow IDs on uplink packets, or it can transmit packets as is without tagging them. This functionality is performed by the terminal's new layer (PDAP or ASML). If QoS flow IDs are tagged on uplink packets, the base station can tag packets with QoS flow IDs to transmit the above information to NG-U without an uplink traffic flow template (TFT).

[0151] Figure 1f This is a diagram illustrating a general process of processing IP packets on the transmitter side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] refer to Figure 1f If an IP packet is received, the PDCP layer 1f-05 performs a process to compress the IP packet header. This header compression process can be a RoHC process. A scheme for compressing IP headers via the RoHC process can be implemented by omitting identical source or destination IP addresses, and only the changed portions are reflected in the header. To perform the IP header compression process, the PDCP layer identifies the IP header portion 1f-30 from the IP packet, which includes the IP packet payload 1f-35, performs IP header compression to produce a compressed IP header 1f-40, performs encryption, appends the PDCP header 1f-45 to the compressed IP header, and then transmits the IP packet to the RLC layer. This compression process is crucial for reducing overhead during data transmission. The RLC layer performs the same process as described above. Figure 1d The function described above appends the RLC header 1f-50 to the PDCP header and transmits the IP packet to the MAC layer. The MAC layer, having received it, performs the same actions as described above. Figure 1d The function described above appends the MAC header 1f-55 to the RLC header. This process can be repeated whenever the PDCP layer 1f-05, RLC layer 1f-10, MAC layer 1f-15, and Physical (PHY) layer 1f-20 receive an IP packet.

[0153] Figure 1g This is a diagram illustrating a first (1-1) embodiment of the transmitter-side PDCP layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the transmitter-side introduces a new layer for processing QoS for each IP flow and for processing IP packets.

[0154] Reference to this disclosure Figure 1g A new layer, 1g-05, can be introduced on top of the PDCP layer 1g-10. This new layer can be called PDAP, ASML, or other names. The new layer can include the following functionalities.

[0155] 1. Route or map QoS flows to DRB

[0156] 2. Mark QoS flow identifiers (IDs) on downlink packets.

[0157] 3. Mark QoS flow identifiers (IDs) on uplink packets.

[0158] In the first embodiment of this disclosure (1-1), if it is necessary to append a PDAP header to a received IP packet including an IP header 1g-15 and an IP packet payload 1g-20, the new PDAP layer inserts a QoS flow ID or other necessary information into the PDAP header by applying mapping information between predetermined IP flows and QoS flows in the network. The new PDAP layer can then append the PDAP header 1g-25 to the beginning of the IP packet for transmission to the PDCP layer.

[0159] In this disclosure, if an IP packet is received from the PDAP layer, the PDCP layer performs the following operations to process the IP packet that supports various QoS services.

[0160] The PDCP layer on the transmitter side receives data from the PDAP layer.

[0161] If condition (1-1) is met, the PDCP layer executes operation (1-1), and

[0162] If condition (2-1) is met, the PDCP layer executes operation (2-1).

[0163] As described above, condition (1-1) corresponds to the situation where the PDCP layer can be indicated or know by the PDAP layer that a PDAP header has been attached (e.g., a PDAP header can always be attached), or the situation where the PDCP layer can indirectly know that a PDAP header has been attached by identifying the terminal connected to the 5G core network (5G-CN).

[0164] In addition, condition (2-1) corresponds to the case where the PDCP layer can be indicated or know by the PDAP layer that no PDAP header is attached, or the PDCP layer can indirectly know that no PDAP header is attached by identifying the terminal connected to the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC or LTE EPC).

[0165] As described above, operation (1-1) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the first n bytes of the PDCP SDU (i.e., the PDAP header (1g-30)), perform header compression (1g-40) on the IP header 1g-35, and re-append the PDAP header 1g-50 after encryption. The presence of the PDAP header is indicated by configuring a 1-bit indicator field in the PDCP header, the PDCP header is appended, and the PDCP PDU is transmitted to the RLC layer (1g-45).

[0166] In addition, operation (2-1) instructs the PDCP layer to perform header compression relative to the IP header (1g-40), indicating that the PDAP header is not present by configuring a 1-bit indicator field to the encrypted PDCP header 1g-55, appending the PDCP header, and transmitting the PDCP PDU to the RLC layer (1g-45).

[0167] Compression is a crucial process for reducing overhead during data transmission. The RLC layer performs the compression as described above. Figure 1d The function described above is to append an RLC header 1g-60 and transmit the IP packet to the MAC layer. The MAC layer that has received it performs the same actions as described above. Figure 1d The functions described herein, and an additional MAC header 1g-65.

[0168] Figure 1h This is a diagram illustrating a first (1-1) embodiment of the receiver-side PDCP layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the receiver-side introduces a new layer for processing QoS for each IP flow and for processing IP packets.

[0169] The PDCP layer on the receiver side receives data from the RLC layer.

[0170] If conditions (1-2) are met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-2), and

[0171] If condition (2-2) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-2).

[0172] As mentioned above, condition (1-2) corresponds to the 1-bit indicator of the PDCP header of the received PDCP PDU indicating the presence of a PDAP header. By identifying the terminal connected to the 5G core network (5G-CN), it is possible to indirectly know whether the PDAP header is appended or whether the PDAP header is always appended.

[0173] In addition, condition (2-2) corresponds to the 1-bit indicator of the PDCP header of the received PDCP PDU indicating the absence of a PDAP header, or the absence of a PDAP header can be indirectly known by identifying the terminal connected to the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC or LTE EPC).

[0174] As described above, operation (1-2) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the PDCP header and the first n bytes of the PDCP SDU (i.e., the PDAP header (1h-35) by performing the recovery of the compressed IP header 1h-40 after decryption, reattaching the PDAP header 1h-55 (1h-50), and transmitting the data to the PDAP layer (the presence of the PDAP header can be indicated to the PDAP layer).

[0175] In addition, operation (2-2) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the PDCP header, perform PDCP SDU decryption, restore the original IP header 1h-45 by performing the recovery of the compressed IP header 1h-40, and transmit the data to the PDAP layer (which can indicate to the PDAP layer that the PDAP header does not exist).

[0176] As described above, if a PDAP header is present, the PDAP layer analyzes the PDAP header (1h-55), identifies the QoS flow ID, performs the mapping from the QoS flow ID to the IP flow, and transmits the data (1h-60) to the EPC or 5G-CN. The PDCP layer can indicate the presence / absence of the PDAP header to the PDAP layer. If the PDAP header is always attached, it may not be necessary to indicate its presence / absence, or the presence / absence of the PDAP header can be indirectly determined by connecting the terminal to the EPC or 5G-CN.

[0177] In embodiments (1-2) of this disclosure, if it is necessary to append a PDAP header to a received IP packet, the new PDAP layer inserts the QoS flow ID or other necessary information into the PDAP header by applying mapping information between predefined IP flows and QoS flows in the network. The new PDAP layer can then append the PDAP header to the IP packet for transmission to the PDCP layer (1g-25).

[0178] In this disclosure, if an IP packet is received from the PDAP layer, the PDCP layer performs the following operations to process the IP packet that supports various QoS services.

[0179] The PDCP layer on the transmitter side receives data from the PDAP layer.

[0180] If condition (1-1) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-1), and

[0181] If condition (2-1) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-1).

[0182] As described above, condition (1-1) corresponds to the situation where the PDCP layer can be indicated or know by the PDAP layer that a PDAP header has been attached (e.g., a PDAP header can always be attached), or the situation where the PDCP layer can indirectly know that a PDAP header has been attached by identifying the terminal connected to the 5G core network (5G-CN).

[0183] In addition, condition (2-1) corresponds to the case where the PDCP layer can be indicated or know by the PDAP layer that there is no additional PDAP header, or the case where the PDCP layer can indirectly know that there is no additional PDAP header by identifying the terminal connected to the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC or LTE EPC).

[0184] As described above, operation (1-1) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the first n bytes of the PDCP SDU (i.e., the PDAP header (1g-30)), perform header compression on the IP header (1g-40), re-attach the PDAP header after encryption, re-attach the PDCP header, and then transmit the PDCP PDU to the RLC layer (1g-45).

[0185] In addition, operation (2-1) instructs the PDCP layer to perform header compression on the IP header (1g-40), append the PDCP header after encryption, and transmit the PDCP PDU to the RLC layer (1g-45).

[0186] Compression is an important process for reducing overhead during data transmission. The RLC layer performs the compression as described above. Figure 1d The function described above is to append an RLC header 1g-60 and transmit the IP packet to the MAC layer. The MAC layer that has received it performs the actions described in the reference above. Figure 1d The functions described herein are provided, along with the MAC header 1g-65.

[0187] Figure 1h This is a diagram illustrating a first (1-2) embodiment of the receiver-side PDCP layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the receiver-side introduces a new layer for processing QoS for each IP flow and for processing IP packets.

[0188] The PDCP layer on the receiver side receives data from the RLC layer.

[0189] If conditions (1-2) are met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-2), and

[0190] If condition (2-2) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-2).

[0191] As mentioned above, conditions (1-2) correspond to the situation where the PDAP header is indirectly known by connecting the identification terminal to the 5G core network (5G-CN) or the situation where the PDAP header is always attached.

[0192] Furthermore, condition (2-2) corresponds to the case where it is indirectly known that no additional PDAP header is attached by identifying the terminal connected to the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC or LTE EPC).

[0193] As described above, operation (1-2) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the PDCP header and the first n bytes of the PDCP SDU (i.e., the PDAP header (1h-35)), restore the original IP header 1h-45 by performing the recovery of the compressed IP header 1h-40 after decryption, reapply the PDAP header 1h-55 (1h-50), and transmit the data to the PDAP layer (the presence of the PDAP header can be indicated to the PDAP layer).

[0194] In addition, operation (2-2) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the PDCP header, perform PDCP SDU decryption, restore the original IP header 1h-45 by performing the recovery of the compressed IP header 1h-40, and transmit the data to the PDAP layer (which can indicate to the PDAP layer that the PDAP header does not exist).

[0195] As described above, if a PDAP header is present, the PDAP layer analyzes the PDAP header (1h-55), identifies the QoS flow ID, performs the mapping from the QoS flow ID to the IP flow, and transmits the data (1h-60) to the EPC or 5G-CN. The PDCP layer can indicate the presence / absence of the PDAP header to the PDAP layer. If the PDAP header is always attached, it may not be necessary to indicate its presence / absence, or the presence / absence of the PDAP header can be indirectly determined by connecting the terminal to the EPC or 5G-CN.

[0196] Figure 1i and Figure 1j This is a diagram illustrating the (1-3)th embodiment of the transmitter-side PDCP layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the transmitter and receiver sides introduce new layers for processing QoS of each IP flow and various processing of IP packets.

[0197] Reference to this disclosure Figure 1i A new layer, 1i-05, can be introduced on top of the PDCP layer 1i-10. This new layer can be called PDAP, ASML, or other names. The new layer may include the following functionalities.

[0198] 1. Route or map QoS flows to DRB

[0199] 2. Mark QoS flow identifiers (IDs) on downlink packets.

[0200] 3. Mark QoS flow identifiers (IDs) on uplink packets.

[0201] In embodiments (1-3) of this disclosure, if an IP packet is received, the new PDAP layer inserts the QoS flow ID or other necessary information into the PDAP header by applying mapping information between predetermined IP flows and QoS flows in the network. The new PDAP layer can then append the PDAP header to the IP packet for transmission to the PDCP layer (1i-45).

[0202] The core of the method according to embodiments (1-3) is for the PDAP layer to append a PDAP header to the end of the IP packet (1i-45). Therefore, without distinguishing or separating the PDAP header on the transmitter side, the PDCP layer can directly compress the IP header of the PDCP SDU (1i-55), append the PDCP header after performing the encryption process, and then transmit the data to the RLC layer. Furthermore, without distinguishing or separating the PDAP header on the receiver side, the PDCP layer can directly recover the IP header of the PDCP SDU (1j-55), remove the PDCP header after performing the decryption process, and then transmit the data to the PDAP layer. In this case, the PDCP layer can indicate the presence / absence of the PDAP header to the PDAP layer. Such an indication is not needed if the PDAP header is always appended or if its presence / absence can be indirectly known by connecting the terminal to the EPC or 5G-CN. In this case, if the PDAP header is present, the PDAP layer can start analyzing the PDAP header from the end of the PDCP SDU received from the PDCP layer.

[0203] In embodiments (1-3) of the present invention, if it is necessary to append a PDAP header to a received IP packet, the new PDAP layer inserts the QoS flow ID or other necessary information into the PDAP header by applying mapping information between predetermined IP flows and QoS flows in the network. The new PDAP layer can then append the PDAP header to the end of the IP packet for transmission to the PDCP layer (1i-45).

[0204] In this disclosure, if an IP packet is received from the PDAP layer, the PDCP layer performs the following operations to process the IP packet that supports various QoS services.

[0205] The PDCP layer on the transmitter side receives data from the PDAP layer.

[0206] If condition (1-1) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-1), and

[0207] If condition (2-1) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-1).

[0208] As described above, condition (1-1) corresponds to the situation where the PDCP layer can be indicated or know by the PDAP layer that a PDAP header has been attached (e.g., a PDAP header can always be attached), or the situation where the PDCP layer can indirectly know that a PDAP header has been attached by identifying the terminal connected to the 5G core network (5G-CN).

[0209] In addition, condition (2-1) corresponds to the case where the PDCP layer can be indicated or know by the PDAP layer that no PDAP header has been attached, or the case where the PDCP layer can indirectly know that no PDAP header has been attached by identifying the terminal connected to the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC or LTE EPC).

[0210] As described above, operation (1-1) instructs the PDCP layer to perform header compression on the IP header (1i-55), encrypt it by re-attaching the PDAP header, indicate the presence of the PDAP header by configuring a 1-bit indicator field in the PDCP header, attach the PDCP header, and transmit the PDCP PDU to the RLC layer (1i-50).

[0211] In addition, operation (2-1) instructs the PDCP layer to perform header compression on the IP header (1i-55), indicating that the PDAP header is not present by configuring a 1-bit indicator field into the encrypted PDCP header, appending the PDCP header, and transmitting the PDCPPDU to the RLC layer (1i-50).

[0212] Compression is an important process for reducing overhead during data transmission. The RLC layer performs the compression as described above. Figure 1d The function described above is to append an RLC header 1i-60 and transmit the IP packet to the MAC layer. The MAC layer that has received it performs the actions described in the above reference. Figure 1d The functions described herein are provided, along with the MAC header 1i-65.

[0213] Figure 1j This is a diagram illustrating the (1-3)th embodiment of the receiver-side PDCP layer according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the receiver-side introduces a new layer for processing QoS for each IP flow and for processing IP packets.

[0214] The PDCP layer on the receiver side receives data from the RLC layer.

[0215] If conditions (1-2) are met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-2), and

[0216] If condition (2-2) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-2).

[0217] As mentioned above, condition (1-2) corresponds to the 1-bit indicator of the PDCP header of the received PDCP PDU indicating the presence of a PDAP header. By identifying the terminal connected to the 5G core network (5G-CN), it is possible to indirectly know whether the PDAP header is appended or whether the PDAP header is always appended.

[0218] In addition, condition (2-2) corresponds to the case where the 1-bit indicator of the PDCP header of the received PDCP PDU indicates that there is no PDAP header, or the case where there is no additional PDAP header can be indirectly known by identifying the terminal connected to the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC or LTE EPC).

[0219] As described above, operation (1-2) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the PDCP header, perform PDCP SDU decryption, restore the original IP header 1j-55 by performing the recovery of compressed IP header 1j-50, and transmit the data to the PDAP layer (which can indicate the presence of the PDAP header to the PDAP layer).

[0220] In addition, operation (2-2) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the PDCP header, perform PDCP SDU decryption, restore the original IP header 1j-55 by performing the recovery of compressed IP header 1j-50, and transmit the data to the PDAP layer (which can indicate to the PDAP layer that the PDAP header does not exist).

[0221] As described above, if a PDAP header is present, the PDAP layer analyzes the PDAP header, identifies the QoS flow ID, performs the mapping from the QoS flow ID to the IP flow, and transmits the data Ij-60 to the EPC or 5G-CN. The PDCP layer can indicate the presence / absence of the PDAP header to the PDAP layer. If the PDAP header is always attached, or if its presence / absence can be indirectly known by connecting the terminal to the EPC or 5G-CN, then it may not be necessary to indicate the presence / absence of the PDAP header. In this case, if a PDAP header is present, the PDAP layer can start analyzing the PDAP header from the end of the PDCP SDU received by the PDCP layer.

[0222] In embodiments (1-4) of this disclosure, if it is necessary to append a PDAP header to a received IP packet, the new PDAP layer inserts the QoS flow ID or other necessary information into the PDAP header by applying mapping information between predefined IP flows and QoS flows in the network. The new PDAP layer can then append the PDAP header to the end of the IP packet for transmission to the PDCP layer (1i-45).

[0223] In this disclosure, if an IP packet is received from the PDAP layer, the PDCP layer performs the following operations to process the IP packet that supports various QoS services.

[0224] The PDCP layer on the transmitter side receives data from the PDAP layer.

[0225] If condition (1-1) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-1), and

[0226] If condition (2-1) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-1).

[0227] As described above, condition (1-1) corresponds to the situation where the PDCP layer can be indicated or know by the PDAP layer that a PDAP header has been attached (e.g., a PDAP header can always be attached), or the situation where the PDCP layer can indirectly know that a PDAP header has been attached by identifying the terminal connected to the 5G core network (5G-CN).

[0228] In addition, condition (2-1) corresponds to the case where the PDCP layer can be indicated or know by the PDAP layer that there is no additional PDAP header, or the PDCP layer can indirectly know that there is no additional PDAP header by identifying the terminal connected to the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC or LTE EPC).

[0229] As described above, operation (1-1) instructs the PDCP layer to perform header compression on the IP header (1i-55), encrypt it using the included PDAP header, append the PDCP header, and transmit the PDCP PDU to the RLC layer (1i-50).

[0230] In addition, operation (2-1) instructs the PDCP layer to perform header compression on the IP header (1i-55), append the PDCP header after encryption, and transmit the PDCP PDU to the RLC layer (1i-50).

[0231] Compression is an important process for reducing overhead during data transmission. The RLC layer performs the compression as described above. Figure 1dThe function described above is to append an RLC header 1g-60 and transmit the IP packet to the MAC layer. The MAC layer that has received it performs the actions described in the reference above. Figure 1d The functions described herein are provided, along with the MAC header 1g-65.

[0232] Figure 1j This is a diagram illustrating the (1-4)th embodiment of the receiver-side PDCP layer according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the receiver-side introduces a new layer for processing QoS for each IP flow and for processing IP packets.

[0233] The PDCP layer on the receiver side receives data from the RLC layer.

[0234] If conditions (1-2) are met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-2), and

[0235] If condition (2-2) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-2).

[0236] As mentioned above, conditions (1-2) correspond to situations where the PDAP header is exclusively owned or is always attached when the terminal is connected to the 5G core network (5G-CN).

[0237] Furthermore, condition (2-2) corresponds to the case where it is indirectly known that no PDAP header is attached by identifying the terminal connected to the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC or LTE EPC).

[0238] As described above, operation (1-2) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the PDCP header, perform PDCP SDU decryption, restore the original IP header 1j-55 by performing the recovery of the compressed IP header 1j-50, and transmit the data to the PDAP layer (which can indicate the presence of the PDAP header to the PDAP layer).

[0239] In addition, operation (2-2) instructs the PDCP layer to remove the PDCP header, perform PDCP SDU decryption, restore the original IP header 1j-55 by performing the recovery of the compressed IP header 1j-50, and transmit the data to the PDAP layer (which may indicate to the PDAP layer that the PDAP header does not exist).

[0240] As described above, if a PDAP header is present, the PDAP layer analyzes the PDAP header (1h-55), identifies the QoS flow ID, performs the mapping from the QoS flow ID to the IP flow, and transmits the data (1h-60) to the EPC or 5G-CN. The PDCP layer can indicate the presence / absence of the PDAP header to the PDAP layer. If the PDAP header is always attached, or if its presence / absence can be indirectly known by connecting the terminal to the EPC or 5G-CN, then indicating its presence / absence may not be necessary. In this case, if a PDAP header is present, the PDAP layer can begin analyzing the PDAP header from the end of the PDCP SDU received by the PDCP layer.

[0241] Figure 1k This is a diagram illustrating the transmission operation of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] refer to Figure 1k When the terminal sends data, i.e., uplink data, the PDCP layer can perform operations according to the embodiments described above, namely, embodiment (1-1), embodiment (1-2), embodiment (1-3), or embodiment (1-4). In operation 1k-05, the PDCP layer identifies whether condition (1-1) or condition (2-1) is met. If condition (1-1) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-1) in operation 1k-10; if condition (2-1) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-1) in operation 1k-15.

[0243] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the receiving operation of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0244] refer to Figure 11 When the terminal receives data, i.e. downlink data, the PDCP layer can perform operations according to the embodiments described above, namely, embodiment (1-1), embodiment (1-2), embodiment (1-3), or embodiment (1-4). At operation 11-05, the terminal's PDCP layer identifies whether condition (1-2) or condition (2-2) is met. If condition (1-2) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (1-2) at operation 11-10, and if condition (2-2) is met, the PDCP layer performs operation (2-2) at operation 11-15.

[0245] Figure 1m This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0246] refer to Figure 1mThe terminal includes a radio frequency (RF) processor 1m-10, a baseband processor 1m-20, a storage unit 1m-30, and a controller 1m-40.

[0247] The RF processor 1m-10 performs functions for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless channel, such as signal band conversion and amplification. Specifically, the RF processor 1m-10 performs up-conversion from the baseband signal provided by the baseband processor 1m-20 to an RF band signal to send the converted signal to the antenna, and performs down-conversion from the RF band signal received by the antenna back to the baseband signal. For example, the RF processor 1m-10 may include transmit filters, receive filters, amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Although only one antenna is shown in the figure, the terminal may have multiple antennas. Furthermore, the RF processor 1m-10 may include multiple RF chains. Additionally, the RF processor 1m-10 can perform beamforming. For beamforming, the RF processor 1m-10 can adjust the phase and magnitude of signals transmitted or received through multiple antennas or antenna elements. Furthermore, the RF processor can perform multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and can receive multiple layers during MIMO operation. The RF processor 1m-10 can perform receive beam scanning under the control of a controller through the appropriate configuration of multiple antennas or antenna elements, or it can control the direction and beamwidth of the receive beam to synchronize the receive beam with the transmit beam.

[0248] The baseband processor 1m-20 performs the conversion between baseband signals and bit strings according to the system's physical layer standard. For example, during data transmission, the baseband processor 1m-20 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit strings. Furthermore, during data reception, the baseband processor 1m-20 recovers the received bit strings by demodulating and decoding the baseband signals provided from the RF processor 1m-10. For example, following the OFDM method, during data transmission, the baseband processor 1m-20 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit strings, performs mapping of complex symbols on subcarriers, and then configures OFDM symbols through inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) operations and cyclic prefix (CP) insertion. Furthermore, during data reception, the baseband processor 1m-20 divides the baseband signals provided from the RF processor 1m-10 into units of OFDM symbols, recovers the signals mapped on subcarriers through fast Fourier transform (FFT) operations, and then recovers the received bit strings through demodulation and decoding.

[0249] As described above, the baseband processor 1m-20 and the RF processor 1m-10 transmit and receive signals. Therefore, the baseband processor 1m-20 and the RF processor 1m-10 can be referred to as transmitters, receivers, transceivers, or communication units. Furthermore, to support different wireless connectivity technologies, at least one of the baseband processor 1m-20 and the RF processor 1m-10 may include multiple communication modules. Additionally, to process signals in different frequency bands, at least one of the baseband processor 1m-20 and the RF processor 1m-10 may include different communication modules. For example, different wireless connectivity technologies may include LTE networks and NR networks. Furthermore, different frequency bands may include ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands (e.g., 2.1 MHz or 1 MHz) and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands (e.g., 60 GHz).

[0250] Storage unit 1m-30 stores data containing basic programs, applications, and settings information for terminal operation. Storage unit 1m-30 provides the stored data according to requests from controller 1m-40.

[0251] Controller 1m-40 controls the entire operation of the terminal. For example, controller 1m-40 transmits and receives signals via baseband processor 1m-20 and RF processor 1m-10. Furthermore, controller 1m-40 records data in or reads data from storage unit 1m-30. For this purpose, controller 1m-40 may include at least one processor. For example, controller 1m-40 may include a communication processor (CP) that performs communication control and an application processor (AP) that controls upper layers such as applications. Additionally, controller 1m-40 may include a multi-connection processor 1m-42 for supporting multiple connections.

[0252] Figure 1n This is a diagram illustrating the block configuration of TRP in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] refer to Figure 1n The base station includes an RF processor 1n-10, a baseband processor 1n-20, a backhaul communication unit 1n-30, a storage unit 1n-40, and a controller 1n-50.

[0254] RF processor 1n-10 performs functions for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless channel, such as signal band conversion and amplification. Specifically, RF processor 1n-10 performs up-conversion from the baseband signal provided by baseband processor 1n-20 to an RF band signal to send the converted signal to the antenna, and performs down-conversion from the RF band signal received by the antenna back to the baseband signal. For example, RF processor 1n-10 may include transmit filters, receive filters, amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, DACs, and ADCs. Although only one antenna is shown in the figure, the first connection node may be configured with multiple antennas. Furthermore, RF processor 1n-10 may include multiple RF chains. Additionally, RF processor 1n-10 can perform beamforming. For beamforming, RF processor 1n-10 can adjust the phase and magnitude of signals transmitted or received through multiple antennas or antenna elements. Furthermore, the RF processor can perform down-MIMO operation by transmitting one or more layers.

[0255] The baseband processor 1n-20 performs the conversion between baseband signals and bit strings according to the physical layer standard of the first wireless connectivity technology. For example, during data transmission, the baseband processor 1n-20 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit strings. Furthermore, during data reception, the baseband processor 1n-20 recovers the received bit strings by demodulating and decoding the baseband signals provided from the RF processor 1n-10. For example, following the OFDM method, during data transmission, the baseband processor 1n-20 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit strings, performs mapping of complex symbols on subcarriers, and then configures OFDM symbols through IFFT operations and CP insertion. Furthermore, during data reception, the baseband processor 1n-20 divides the baseband signals provided from the RF processor 1n-10 into units of OFDM symbols, recovers the signals mapped on subcarriers through FFT operations, and then recovers the received bit strings through demodulation and decoding. The baseband processor 1n-20 and the RF processor 1n-10 transmit and receive signals as described above. Therefore, the baseband processor 1n-20 and the RF processor 1n-10 can be referred to as transmitters, receivers, transceivers, or wireless communication units.

[0256] The communication unit 1n-30 provides an interface for performing communication with other nodes in the network.

[0257] Storage unit 1n-40 stores data containing basic procedures, application programs, and setting information for the operation of the main base station. Specifically, storage unit 1n-40 can store information about bearers assigned to connected terminals and measurement results reported from connected terminals. Furthermore, storage unit 1n-40 can store information that forms the basis for determining whether to provide or suspend multiple connections to terminals. Additionally, storage unit 1n-40 provides the stored data upon request from controller 1n-50.

[0258] Controller 1n-50 controls the entire operation of the main base station. For example, controller 1n-50 transmits and receives signals via baseband processor 1n-20 and RF processor 1n-10 or via backhaul communication unit 1n-30. Furthermore, controller 1n-50 records data in or reads data from storage unit 1n-40. For this purpose, controller 1n-50 may include at least one processor. Additionally, controller 1n-50 may include a multi-connection processor 1n-52 for supporting multiple connections.

[0259] Second Embodiment

[0260] Figure 2a This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a conventional LTE system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0261] refer to Figure 2a As shown in the figure, the wireless communication system consists of several eNBs 2a-05, 2a-10, 2a-15, and 2a-20, an MME 2a-25, and an S-GW 2a-30. The user equipment (hereinafter referred to as "UE" or "terminal") 2a-35 accesses the external network through eNBs 2a-05, 2a-10, 2a-15, and 2a-20, as well as the S-GW 2a-30.

[0262] eNBs 2a-05, 2a-10, 2a-15, and 2a-20 are access nodes for the cellular network and provide radio access to UEs accessing the network. Specifically, eNBs 2a-05, 2a-10, 2a-15, and 2a-20 perform scheduling by combining state information (e.g., buffer state, available transmission power state, and channel state for each UE) to support the connection between the UE and the core network (CN) in order to provide services to the user. MME 2a-25 is a device responsible not only for the mobility management of terminal 2a-35 but also for various control functions, and it connects to multiple eNBs 2a-05, 2a-10, 2a-15, and 2a-20. S-GW2a-30 is the device that provides data bearer functionality. In addition, MME 2a-25 and S-GW 2a-30 can also perform authentication for UEs and bearer management in access networks, and process packets arriving from eNBs 2a-05, 2a-10, and 2a-15, or process packets to be transmitted to eNBs 2a-05, 2a-10, 2a-15, and 2a-20.

[0263] Typically, an eNB can transmit and receive multiple carriers across several frequency bands. For example, if eNB 2a-05 transmits a carrier with a forward center frequency f1 and a carrier with a forward center frequency f2, in the prior art, a UE uses one of the two carriers to transmit / receive data. However, a UE with carrier aggregation capability can transmit / receive data simultaneously via multiple carriers. eNBs 2a-05, 2a-10, 2a-15, or 2a-20 allocate more carriers to the UE 2a-35 with carrier aggregation capability, depending on the situation, thus improving the UE's transmission speed. As mentioned above, the aggregation of forward and backward carriers transmitted and received by an eNB is called intra-eNB carrier aggregation (CA). Traditionally, if we assume that a forward carrier received by the eNB and a backward carrier received by the eNB constitute a cell, it can be understood that carrier aggregation is used for a UE to transmit / receive data simultaneously across several cells. In this way, the maximum transmission speed increases proportionally to the number of aggregated carriers.

[0264] In the following, in this disclosure, the UE receiving data via a forward carrier or the UE transmitting data via a backward carrier has the same meaning as transmitting / receiving data using control channels and data channels provided from a cell with a center frequency and a frequency band characterized by a carrier. In the description of this disclosure, carrier aggregation will be specifically referred to as "establishment of multiple serving cells," and for serving cells, the terms "primary serving cell (hereinafter, PCell)," "secondary serving cell" (hereinafter, SCell), or "active serving cell" will be used. PCell and SCell are terms indicating the kind of set of serving cells in the UE. There are some differences between PCell and SCell; for example, PCell is always active, but SCell alternates between active and deactivated states according to the eNB's instructions. Terminal mobility is controlled around PCell, and SCell can be understood as an additional serving cell used for data transmission / reception. In embodiments of this disclosure, PCell and SCell refer to PCell and SCell as defined in LTE standards 36.331 or 36.321. These terms have the same meaning as those used in LTE mobile communication systems. In this disclosure, the terms “carrier,” “component carrier,” and “serving cell” are used interchangeably.

[0265] Under normal eNB intra-CA, the UE sends not only Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback and Channel State Information (CSI) for the PCell via the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), but also HARQ feedback for the SCell and CSI. This CA operation is applied even for UEs where simultaneous uplink transmission is impossible. In LTE Rel-13 Enhanced CA (eCA), additional SCells with PUCCH are defined, and up to 32 carriers can be aggregated. PUCCHSCells are limited to serving cells belonging to a Large Cell Group (MCG). An MCG represents a group of serving cells controlled by the primary eNB (MeNB) that controls the PCell, and an SCG represents a group of serving cells controlled by an eNB that does not control the PCell; in other words, a secondary eNB (SeNB) only controls secondary cells (SCells). During the setting of the corresponding serving cells, the eNB informs the UE whether a specific serving cell belongs to an MCG or an SCG. In addition, the eNB informs the UE whether each SCell belongs to a PCell group or a PUCCH SCell group.

[0266] Figure 2b This is a diagram illustrating the wireless protocol structure in a conventional LTE system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0267] refer to Figure 2bIn the UE or eNB, the LTE system's radio protocol consists of PDCP 2b-05 or 2b-40, RLC 2b-10 or 2b-35, and MAC 2b-15 or 2b-30. PDCP 2b-05 or 2b-40 is responsible for IP header compression / decompression operations. The main functions of PDCP are summarized below.

[0268] - Header compression and decompression: ROHC only

[0269] - User data transmission

[0270] - Transmit upper-layer PDUs sequentially during PDCP reconstruction for RLC AM.

[0271] - For split bearers in the DC (RLC AM only): PDCP PDU routing for transmission and PDCP PDU reordering for reception.

[0272] - Repeated detection of low-level SDUs during PDCP reconstruction for RLC AM

[0273] - For separate bearers in the DC, PDCP SDUs are retransmitted during handover; for RLC AM, PDCP PDUs are retransmitted during PDCP data recovery.

[0274] - Encryption and decryption

[0275] - Discard timer-based SDUs in the uplink

[0276] The RLC 2b-10 or 2b-35 reconfigures PDCP PDUs with appropriate sizes and performs ARQ operations, etc. The main functions of the RLC are summarized below.

[0277] - Transmit upper-layer PDU

[0278] - Error correction via ARQ (only applicable to AM data transmission)

[0279] - Cascading, segmenting, and reassembling of RLC SDUs (only applicable to UM and AM data transfers)

[0280] - Re-segment RLC data PDUs (for UM and AM data transfer only)

[0281] - Reorder RLC data PDUs (for UM and AM data transfer only)

[0282] - Duplicate detection (only applicable to UM and AM data transfers)

[0283] - Protocol error detection (applies only to AM data transmission)

[0284] - RLC SDU discard (only applicable to UM and AM transfers)

[0285] - RLC Reconstruction

[0286] The MAC 2b-15 or 2b-30 connects to several RLC layer devices configured in a terminal and performs RLC PDU to MAC PDU multiplexing / MAC PDU to RLC PDU demultiplexing. The main functions of the MAC are summarized below.

[0287] - Mapping between logical channels and transport channels

[0288] - Multiplexing MAC SDUs belonging to one or different logical channels into TBs / demultiplexing TBs into MAC SDUs belonging to one or different logical channels, with the TBs being transmitted to or from the physical layer on the transport channel.

[0289] - Scheduling Information Report

[0290] - HARQ functionality (error correction via HARQ)

[0291] Priority handling between logical channels of a UE

[0292] - Prioritize UEs through dynamic scheduling

[0293] - MBMS service identifier

[0294] - Transmission format selection

[0295] - Fill

[0296] Physical layer 2b-20 or 2b-25 performs channel coding and modulation of upper-layer data, or performs demodulation and channel decoding of OFDM symbols received on the radio channel, so as to transmit the demodulated and channel-decoded symbols to the upper layer.

[0297] Although not shown in the figure, there is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer above the PDCP layer of the UE and eNB, and the RRC layer can send / receive setup control messages related to access and measurement of the RRC.

[0298] Figure 2c This is a diagram illustrating the use of 2, 4, or 8 antenna port CSI-RS transmissions in a conventional LTE system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the subframe is the smallest unit of radio resources that can be scheduled to the downlink and one resource block (RB).

[0299] refer to Figure 2cRadio resources consist of a subframe on the time axis and a single RB on the frequency axis. In the frequency domain, radio resources consist of 12 subcarriers, and in the time domain, they consist of 14 OFDM symbols, resulting in a total of 168 inherent frequencies and time positions. In LTE / LTE-A, as... Figure 2c Each inherent frequency and time location shown is called a resource element (RE).

[0300] In such Figure 2c The following different types of signals can be transmitted on the wireless resources shown.

[0301] 1. Cell-Specific Reference Signal (CRS): This is a reference signal sent to all UEs belonging to a cell.

[0302] 2. Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS): This is a reference signal transmitted for a specific UE and is used to perform channel estimation for recovering the information carried on the PDSCH. A DMRS port uses the same precoding as the PDSCH layer to which it is connected. The UE intending to receive the specific layer of the PDSCH performs channel estimation by receiving the DMRS port connected to the corresponding layer and uses the channel estimation to recover the information carried on the corresponding layer.

[0303] 3. Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH): This is the data channel transmitted to the downlink and is used by the eNB to send services to the UE. The PDSCH is transmitted using the RE, and no reference signal is transmitted through the RE in the data area.

[0304] 4. CSI-RS: This is a reference signal sent to UEs belonging to a cell and used to measure channel state. Multiple CSI-RS signals can be sent to a cell.

[0305] 5. Zero Power CSI-RS (ZP-CSI-RS): This means that no signal is actually transmitted at the location where CSI-RS is transmitted.

[0306] 6. Interference Measurement Resource (IMR): This corresponds to the location where CSI-RS is transmitted, and Figures 2a to 2j One or more of them can be set as IMR. Assuming that all signals received in the RE set as IMR are interference, the UE performs an interference measurement.

[0307] 7. Other control channels (Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH), Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH), and Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH)): These are used by the UE to provide control information required to receive the PDSCH or to send ACK / NACK for operating the HARQ used for uplink data transmission.

[0308] In addition to the signals mentioned above, LTE-A systems can be configured with zero-power CSI-RS, allowing UEs in the same cell to receive CSI-RS transmitted by different eNBs without interference. Zero-power CSI-RS (silent) can be applied at locations where CSI-RS can be transmitted, and typically, the UE receives the service signal by skipping the corresponding radio resources. In LTE-A systems, zero-power CSI-RS (silent) can also be referred to by another term, "silent." This is because, due to its characteristics, zero-power CSI-RS (silent) is applied at the location of CSI-RS without transmitting any transmission power.

[0309] exist Figure 2c In this configuration, CSI-RS can be transmitted using a portion of locations indicated as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J, depending on the number of antennas used for transmitting CSI-RS. Furthermore, mute can also be applied to a portion of locations indicated as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J. Specifically, CSI-RS can be transmitted to 2, 4, or 8 REs depending on the number of transmitting antenna ports. If the number of antenna ports is 2, then CSI-RS is transmitted to... Figure 2c The diagram shows half of a specific pattern. If the number of antenna ports is 4, CSI-RS is transmitted for the entire specific pattern. If the number of antenna ports is 8, CSI-RS is transmitted using both patterns. Conversely, in the case of mute, it is always done on a per-pattern basis. That is, mute can be applied to multiple patterns, but it cannot be applied to only a portion of a pattern if it does not overlap with the location of CSI-RS. However, mute can be applied to only a portion of a pattern only if the locations of mute and mute overlap.

[0310] Furthermore, the UE can be assigned a CSI-IM (or IMR) along with the CSI-RS, and the CSI-IM resources have the same resource structure and location as the CSI-RS supporting 4 ports. The CSI-IM is a resource for the UE that receives data from one or more eNBs to accurately measure interference from neighboring eNBs. For example, if it is desired to measure the amount of interference when neighboring eNBs are transmitting data and the amount of interference when neighboring eNBs are not transmitting data, the eNB can be configured with both the CSI-RS and two CSI-IM resources, and the interference from neighboring eNBs can be effectively measured in such a way that neighboring eNBs always transmit signals on one CSI-IM and always do not transmit signals on the other CSI-IM.

[0311] In an LTE-A system, the eNB can notify the UE of the CSI-RS configuration via upper-layer signaling. The CSI-RS configuration includes the CSI-RS configuration index, the number of ports included in the CSI-RS, the CSI-RS transmission period, the transmission offset, the CSI-RS resource configuration, the CSI-RS scrambling ID, and the quasi-co-address (QCL) information.

[0312] When transmitting CSI-RS for two antenna ports, two REs connected on the time axis transmit signals for each antenna port, and code division multiplexing (CDM) is performed on the signals for each antenna port using orthogonal codes. Furthermore, when transmitting CSI-RS for four antenna ports, in addition to the CSI-RS for the two antenna ports, two additional REs transmit signals for the remaining two antenna ports in the same manner. When transmitting CSI-RS for eight antenna ports, signals are transmitted in the same way. When transmitting 12 and 16 CSI-RS (more than eight), the 12 and 16 CSI-RS are transmitted by combining the positions for transmitting existing 4 and 8 CSI-RS via RRC configuration. In other words, when transmitting 12 CSI-RS, a 12-port CSI-RS is transmitted by binding three 4-port CSI-RS transmission positions, while when transmitting 16 CSI-RS, a 16-port CSI-RS is transmitted by binding two 8-port CSI-RS transmission positions. Furthermore, unlike existing CSI-RS transmissions with no more than 8 ports, 12- and 16-port CSI-RS transmissions support CDM size 4. Existing CSI-RS transmissions with no more than 8 ports can utilize full power for transmission by overlapping two ports and two time symbols to support CDM2, thus achieving a maximum 6dB power boost based on 8 ports. However, in the case of 12- or 16-port CSI-RS, the full power cannot be used for transmission due to the combination of CDM2 and 6dB, and in this case, CDM4 is supported to facilitate the use of full power.

[0313] Figure 2d This is a diagram illustrating the periodic CSI-RS configuration and operation in a conventional LTE system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0314] refer to Figure 2dThe eNB configures periodic CSI-RS to the UE via an RRC message (2d-05). The CSI-RS configuration includes the CSI-RS configuration index, the number of antenna ports included in the CSI-RS, the CSI-RS transmission period, the transmission offset, the CSI-RS resource configuration, the CSI-RS scrambling ID, and QCL information. In the case of existing LTE UEs, non-periodic CSI-RS transmission is not supported; therefore, the eNB should always send periodic CSI-RS to enable the UE to report CSI.

[0315] Table 1 below indicates the RRC fields for CSI-RS configuration, and in detail, it indicates the RRC configuration for periodic CSI-RS supported during the CSI process.

[0316] [Table 1]

[0317]

[0318] If multiple eNBs exist to support Cooperative Multipoint (CoMP), the CSI-RS procedure is necessary to transmit the eNB's channel information to the serving cell, and currently, up to four can be supported. As shown in Table 1, the channel state report configuration can be categorized into four types based on the periodic CSI-RS during the CSI process. The CSI-RS configuration configures the frequency and time location of the CSI-RS REs. Here, the antenna number configuration specifies the number of ports for the corresponding CSI-RS. The resource configuration configures the RE location within the RB, and the subframe configuration configures the subframe period 2d-15 and offset 2d-10.

[0319] The eNB transmits CSI-RS 2d-20 via appropriate resources to match the configured subframe configuration, and the UE receives the periodically transmitted CSI-RS. Furthermore, the UE reports the measured CSI-RS values ​​according to the CSI-RS reporting conditions configured from the eNB. Periodic or aperiodic reporting methods can be used as the reporting method.

[0320] Continue the above process until the eNB changes the configuration value via RRC reconfiguration 2d-25.

[0321] Figure 2e This is a diagram illustrating the multi-slot CSI-RS, aperiodic CSI-RS configuration, and activation / deactivation operations according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0322] In the case of multi-slot CSI-RS, the eNB configures the periodic CSI-RS to the UE via an RRC message (2e-05) with a period of 2e-15. The CSI-RS configuration includes an index of the existing CSI-RS configuration, the number of antenna ports included in the CSI-RS, the CSI-RS transmission period, transmission offset, CSI-RS resource configuration, CSI-RS scrambling ID, and QCL information. Furthermore, the CSI-RS configuration may include an indication that the CSI-RS configuration is for multi-slot CSI-RS. Subsequently, the eNB indicates which CSI-RS resource (2e-10) is actually activated via the MAC control element (CE). (Refer to the above.) Figure 2c The CSI-RS can be transmitted using a subset of 1 to 8 indication locations, depending on the number of antennas used for transmission. If CSI-RS activation resources are indicated via MAC CE, the UE performs CSI-RS activation (CSI-RS reception) (2e-25) after X ms (e.g., 8 ms) (2e-20). Therefore, since the UE continues its corresponding operations X ms after successfully receiving the MAC CE, the MAC transmits the timing information of the MAC CE reception (the subframe number during MAC CE reception) to the physical layer. The UE receives the CSI-RS according to the periodic information configured via RRC, performs measurements, and then reports the CSI-RS measurement values ​​according to the CSI-RS reporting method determined from the eNB. Periodic or aperiodic reporting can be performed as the reporting method. Afterward, the UE deactivates the CSI-RS reception via MAC CE (2e-30), and deactivates 2e-35 CSI-RS reception and CSI-RS reporting after Y ms (e.g., 8 ms) (2e-40) from the reception time. If a CSI-RS is received within Y ms, the above information is valid.

[0323] On the other hand, in the case of aperiodic CSI-RS, the eNB configures aperiodic CSI-RS to the UE via an RRC message (2e-45). The CSI-RS configuration may or may not include existing subframe configuration information, and may also include an indication that the CSI-RS configuration is for aperiodic CSI-RS. Subsequently, the eNB indicates which CSI-RS resource configured via MAC CE is actually activated (2e-50). See above for reference. Figure 2cThe CSI-RS can be transmitted using a subset of 1 to 8 indication locations, depending on the number of antennas used for transmission. If CSI-RS activation resources are indicated via MAC CE, the UE performs CSI-RS activation (CSI-RS reception) (2e-60) after Xms (e.g., 8ms) (2e-55). Therefore, since the UE continues its corresponding operation Xms (2e-55) after successfully receiving the MAC CE, the MAC transmits timing information about the reception of the MAC CE (the subframe number during the MAC CE reception) to the physical layer. The difference between the above operation and the existing CSI-RS reception operation is that in the subframe where DCI is transmitted aperiodically (2e-60), CSI-RS transmission from the eNB is performed together. The UE receives the DCI, receives and measures the CSI-RS transmitted from the same subframe, and then reports the CSI-RS measurement value according to the CSI-RS reporting method determined from the eNB. As a reporting method, periodic or aperiodic reporting can be performed. Subsequently, the UE deactivates CSI-RS by receiving it via MAC CE (2e-65), and deactivates CSI-RS reception and CSI-RS reporting after Y ms (e.g., 8 ms) (2e-70) elapsed from the reception time. If CSI-RS is received within Y ms, the above information is valid.

[0324] In addition, for CSI-RS configurations via RRC messages, the following methods can be used to distinguish different configurations.

[0325] 1. A method wherein identification information indicating multi-slot CSI-RS and aperiodic CSI-RS is included in an existing CSI-RS configuration IE. If aperiodic CSI-RS is indicated, subframe configuration information configured in the CSI-RS configuration IE is not used.

[0326] 2. A method wherein identification information indicating multi-slot CSI-RS is included in an existing CSI-RS configuration IE, and a new aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IE is additionally introduced for aperiodic CSI-RS. Subframe configuration information is not included in the aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IE.

[0327] 3. A method in which a new CSI-RS configuration IE is introduced in addition to an existing CSI-RS configuration IE. An identifier for distinguishing between multi-slot CSI-RS and aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IEs is included in the new CSI-RS configuration IE, and if aperiodic CSI-RS is indicated, the subframe configuration information configured in the CSI-RS configuration IE is not used.

[0328] If one or more aperiodic / multi-slot CSI-RS resources are configured in the UE, the eNB can use a newly defined MAC CE to indicate the activation / deactivation of the CSI-RS resources. This allows for faster and more adaptive determination of CSI-RS resource activation and deactivation. Furthermore, the configured aperiodic / multi-slot CSI-RS resources can be initialized to a deactivated state after initial configuration and handover. In this disclosure, two design methods are proposed based on the signal structure of the MAC CE. A first method for MAC CE design is configured such that a MAC CE sent by the eNB includes activation / deactivation commands for all serving cells, and a second method for MAC CE design is configured such that a MAC CE includes only activation / deactivation commands for the corresponding serving cell.

[0329] Figure 2f This is a diagram illustrating a first method for indicating the activation / deactivation of MAC control signals for CSI-RS resources according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0330] As described above, the first method for the MAC CE design is configured such that a single MAC CE sent by the eNB includes activation / deactivation commands for all serving cells, and can be divided into two models based on the number of serving cells with configured CSI-RS resources. The first model corresponds to the case where the number of serving cells with configured CSI-RS resources (serving cells with a high index in ServCellIndex) is equal to or less than 8, and to indicate this, a 1-byte field (Ci) 2f-05 is used. The second model corresponds to the case where the number of serving cells with configured CSI-RS resources (serving cells with a high index in ServCellIndex) is greater than 8, and to indicate this, a 4-byte field (Ci) 2f-25 is used. This is to support a maximum of 32 serving cells. A key feature of the above design is that the format is determined based on the index of the serving cell in which the configured CSI-RS resources or CSI procedure are performed.

[0331] In addition, the field (R) i 2f-10, 2f-15, 2f-20, 2f-30, 2f-35, and 2f-40 are used to indicate which CSI-RS resources are activated / deactivated for each CSI procedure for the serving cell. The CSI-RS resource command is characterized by indicating only the active serving cell and consists of a 1-byte field (Ri)2f-45.

[0332] The MAC CE used to activate / deactivate CSI-RS can be defined as follows.

[0333] - Ci: This field indicates the presence of activation / deactivation CSI-RS commands for the serving cell with ServCellIndex i. A Ci field set to "1" indicates that activation / deactivation CSI-RS commands for the serving cell with ServCellIndex i are included. A Ci field set to "0" indicates that activation / deactivation CSI-RS commands for the serving cell with ServCellIndex i are not included. The number of activation / deactivation CSI-RS commands for the serving cell is the same as the number of CSI-RS procedures configured for the serving cell; and

[0334] -Ri: This field indicates the activation / deactivation status of the CSI-RS resource associated with CSI-RS-ConfigNZPId i used for the CSI-RS procedure.

[0335] As mentioned above, Ri corresponds to CSI-RS-ConfigNZPId. That is, it means a CSI-RS resource in which the transmission power allocated at the same frequency during the same CSI process is not zero.

[0336] Figure 2g This is a diagram illustrating a second method for indicating the activation / deactivation of MAC control signals for CSI-RS resources according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0337] A second method for configuring MAC CE design involves defining a MAC CE sent by the eNB as a specific serving cell and including activation / deactivation commands for that serving cell. In the design described above, the MAC CE for CSI-RS activation / deactivation only includes commands for the received serving cell. That is, according to the second method for MAC CE design, the MAC CE is configured as a specific serving cell without necessarily indicating the serving cell index, and only the field (R) is used. i 2g-05 and 2g-10 indicate which CSI-RS resources are activated / deactivated for each CSI procedure of the serving cell. The CSI-RS resource command is characterized by indicating only the active serving cell and is defined by a 1-byte field (R). i Composed of 2g-15.

[0338] The MAC CE used to activate / deactivate CSI-RS can be defined as follows.

[0339] -R i This field indicates the activation / deactivation status of the CSI-RS resource associated with CSI-RS-ConfigNZPId i used for the CSI-RS procedure.

[0340] As mentioned above, R iThis corresponds to CSI-RS-ConfigNZPId. In other words, it means that the CSI-RS resources in which the transmission power allocated at the same frequency during the same CSI process is not zero.

[0341] If MAC CE can be transmitted from multiple cells, the second method for MAC CE design can have the advantage of structural simplicity. However, if MAC CE cannot be transmitted from multiple cells, the first method for MAC CE design becomes the effective approach.

[0342] Figure 2h This is a diagram illustrating the entire operation in a multi-slot CSI-RS mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0343] UE 2h-01 receives system information from eNB 2h-03 in operation 2h-05 and performs RRC connection in operation 2h-10. Subsequently, UE receives an RRC message from eNB in ​​operation 2h-15 for configuring CSI-RS resources. The CSI-RS configuration includes an index of the existing CSI-RS configuration, the number of antenna ports included in the CSI-RS, the CSI-RS transmission period, transmission offset, CSI-RS resource configuration, CSI-RS scrambling ID, and QCL information. Furthermore, the CSI-RS configuration may include indications that the CSI-RS configuration is for multi-slot CSI-RS. For CSI-RS configurations via RRC messages, the following methods can be used to distinguish different configurations.

[0344] 1. A method wherein identification information indicating multi-slot CSI-RS and aperiodic CSI-RS is included in an existing CSI-RS configuration IE. If aperiodic CSI-RS is indicated, subframe configuration information configured in the CSI-RS configuration IE is not used.

[0345] 2. A method wherein identification information indicating multi-slot CSI-RS is included in an existing CSI-RS configuration IE, and a new aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IE is additionally introduced for aperiodic CSI-RS. Subframe configuration information is not included in the aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IE.

[0346] 3. A method in which a new CSI-RS configuration IE is introduced in addition to an existing CSI-RS configuration IE. An identifier for distinguishing between multi-slot CSI-RS and aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IEs is included in the new CSI-RS configuration IE, and if aperiodic CSI-RS is indicated, the subframe configuration information configured in the CSI-RS configuration IE is not applied.

[0347] Subsequently, the eNB, in operation 2h-20, indicates which resource among the CSI-RS resources configured via MAC CE is actually activated. (See above reference.) Figure 2c The CSI-RS can be transmitted using a subset of 1 to 8 indication positions, depending on the number of antennas used for transmission. If CSI-RS activation resources are indicated via MAC CE, the UE performs CSI-RS activation (CSI-RS reception) during operation 2h-25 after Xms (e.g., 8ms). That is, since the UE continues its corresponding operation Xms after successfully receiving the MAC CE, the MAC transmits the timing information regarding the MAC CE reception (the subframe number during MAC CE reception) to the physical layer, prepares the CSI-RS configuration (e.g., configured antenna ports and subframe configuration), prepares for interference measurements, and prepares a report of the CSI-RS measurement values ​​according to the CSI-RS reporting method determined by the eNB. Periodic or aperiodic reporting can be performed as the reporting method. During operation 2h-30, the UE receives CSI-RS from the eNB according to a predetermined period. Subsequently, the UE deactivates by receiving CSI-RS via MAC CE during operation 2h-35, and when MAC CE is received at the physical layer, the MAC transmits timing information (the subframe number during MAC CE reception). Furthermore, the UE deactivates CSI-RS reception and CSI-RS reporting after Y ms (e.g., 8 ms) elapsed from the reception time during operation 2h-40. If CSI-RS is received within Y ms, the above information is valid.

[0348] Figure 2i This is a diagram illustrating the entire operation in the aperiodic CSI-RS mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0349] UE 2i-01 receives system information from eNB 2i-03 in operation 2i-05 and performs an RRC connection in operation 2i-10. Subsequently, the UE receives an RRC message from the eNB in ​​operation 2i-15 for configuring CSI-RS resources. The CSI-RS configuration may or may not include existing subframe configuration information and may include an indication that the CSI-RS configuration is for aperiodic CSI-RS. Furthermore, the CSI-RS configuration may include an indication that the CSI-RS configuration is for aperiodic CSI-RS, and different configurations can be distinguished for CSI-RS configurations via RRC messages using the following methods.

[0350] 1. A method wherein identification information indicating multi-slot CSI-RS and aperiodic CSI-RS is included in an existing CSI-RS configuration IE. If aperiodic CSI-RS is indicated, subframe configuration information configured in the CSI-RS configuration IE is not used.

[0351] 2. A method wherein identification information indicating multi-slot CSI-RS is included in an existing CSI-RS configuration IE, and a new aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IE is additionally introduced for aperiodic CSI-RS. Subframe configuration information is not included in the aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IE.

[0352] 3. A method in which a new CSI-RS configuration IE is introduced in addition to an existing CSI-RS configuration IE. An identifier for distinguishing between multi-slot CSI-RS and aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IEs is included in the new CSI-RS configuration IE, and if aperiodic CSI-RS is indicated, the subframe configuration information configured in the CSI-RS configuration IE is not used.

[0353] Subsequently, the eNB, in Operation 2i-20, indicates which resource among the CSI-RS resources configured via MAC CE is actually activated. (See above reference.) Figure 2c The CSI-RS can be transmitted using a subset of 1 to 8 indication locations, depending on the number of antennas used for transmission. If CSI-RS activation resources are indicated via MAC CE, the UE performs CSI-RS activation (CSI-RS reception) at operation 2i-25 after Xms (e.g., 8ms). That is, since the UE continues its corresponding operation Xms after successfully receiving the MAC CE, the MAC transmits the timing information of the MAC CE reception (the subframe number during MAC CE reception) to the physical layer. In operation 2i-30, CSI-RS reception is monitored in the subframe of DCI reception, interference measurements are prepared, and a report of the CSI-RS measurement value is prepared according to the CSI-RS reporting method determined by the eNB. As a reporting method, aperiodic reporting is possible. Subsequently, the UE deactivates CSI-RS via MAC CE reception at operation 2i-35, and when the MAC CE is received by the physical layer, the MAC transmits the timing information (the subframe number during MAC CE reception). Furthermore, at operation 2i-40, the UE deactivates CSI-RS reception and CSI-RS reporting after Y ms (e.g., 8 ms) elapsed from the reception time. If CSI-RS is received within Y ms, the above information is valid.

[0354] Figure 2j This is a diagram illustrating the entire terminal operation of CSI-RS activation / deactivation using a MAC CE according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0355] A UE in RRC connection state receives CSI-RS configuration from the eNB in ​​operation 2j-05. Depending on the type of CSI-RS configuration, the eNB has different CSI-RS resources and transmission operations, thus the UE's operation also differs. Furthermore, the configured non-periodic / multi-slot CSI-RS resources can be initialized to a deactivated state after initial configuration and handover. For CSI-RS configurations received via RRC messages, the following methods can be used to distinguish between different configurations.

[0356] 1. A method wherein identification information indicating multi-slot CSI-RS and aperiodic CSI-RS is included in an existing CSI-RS configuration IE. If aperiodic CSI-RS is indicated, subframe configuration information configured in the CSI-RS configuration IE is not used.

[0357] 2. A method wherein identification information indicating multi-slot CSI-RS is included in an existing CSI-RS configuration IE, and a new aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IE is additionally introduced for aperiodic CSI-RS. Subframe configuration information is not included in the aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IE.

[0358] 3. A method in which a new CSI-RS configuration IE is introduced in addition to an existing CSI-RS configuration IE. An identifier for distinguishing between multi-slot CSI-RS and aperiodic CSI-RS configuration IEs is included in the new CSI-RS configuration IE, and if aperiodic CSI-RS is indicated, the subframe configuration information configured in the CSI-RS configuration IE is not used.

[0359] In operation 2j-10, the UE analyzes the CSI-RS configuration information received from the eNB to determine its type. Type 1 corresponds to the existing periodic CSI-RS reception operation at operation 2j-15, and this can be distinguished based on the identification method according to the CSI-RS configuration method described above.

[0360] If the UE analyzes the CSI-RS configuration information received from the eNB and determines type 2 operation in operation 2j-10, then the UE executes... Figure 2hThe operation in operation 2j-20 involves the UE performing operations in multi-slot CSI-RS mode. Specifically, it determines which CSI-RS resource is actually active in the CSI-RS resource configured via the MAC CE during operation 2j-20. Since the UE continues its operations Xms after successfully receiving the MAC CE, in operation 2j-25, the MAC transmits the timing information of the MAC CE reception (the subframe number during the MAC CE reception period) to the physical layer, prepares, for example, the configured antenna port and subframe CSI-RS configuration, prepares for interference measurements, and in operation 2j-30 prepares a report of the CSI-RS measurement values ​​according to the CSI-RS reporting method determined by the eNB. In operation 2j-35, the UE receives CSI-RS from the eNB according to a predetermined period and reports the measurement values ​​to the eNB. Periodic or aperiodic reporting can be performed as the reporting method. Subsequently, in operation 2j-40, the UE deactivates by receiving CSI-RS via MAC CE, and in operation 2j-45, the MAC transmits time information (the subframe number during MAC CE reception) to the physical layer upon receiving the MAC CE. Furthermore, in operation 2j-50, the UE deactivates CSI-RS reception and CSI-RS reporting after Yms (e.g., 8ms) elapsed from the reception time. If CSI-RS is received within Yms, the above information is valid.

[0361] If the UE analyzes the CSI-RS configuration information received from the eNB and determines type 3 operation in operation 2j-10, then the UE executes... Figure 2iThe operation involves the UE performing operations in a non-periodic CSI-RS mode. Specifically, in operation 2j-55, the UE identifies which CSI-RS resource configured via the received MAC CE is actually activated. If the MAC CE indicates CSI-RS activation, the UE performs CSI-RS activation (CSI-RS reception) after Xms (e.g., 8ms). That is, since the UE continues its corresponding operations Xms after successfully receiving the MAC CE, in operation 2j-60, the MAC transmits the timing information of the MAC CE reception (the subframe number during MAC CE reception) to the physical layer to prepare for interference measurements. In operation 2j-65, a report of the CSI-RS measurement value is prepared according to the CSI-RS reporting method determined by the eNB. In operation 2j-70, CSI-RS reception is monitored in the subframe where DCI is received. In operation 2j-35, the UE receives CSI-RS from the eNB according to a predetermined period and reports the measurement value to the eNB. Non-periodic reporting is possible as the reporting method. Subsequently, in operation 2j-75, the UE deactivates CSI-RS reception via MACCE, and in operation 2j-80, the MAC transmits time information (the subframe number during MAC CE reception) to the physical layer upon receiving the MAC CE. Furthermore, in operation 2j-85, the UE deactivates CSI-RS reception and CSI-RS reporting after Yms (e.g., 8ms) elapsed from the reception time. If CSI-RS is received within Yms, the above information is valid.

[0362] Figure 2k This is a diagram illustrating a method of using a MAC CE to perform a counter for CSI-RS activation / deactivation operations according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0363] Execute as UE Figure 2jAnother embodiment of the entire operation can be implemented when a timer such as sCellDeactivationTimer is introduced. A UE in RRC connected state receives CSI-RS configuration from the eNB in ​​operation 2k-05. Depending on the type of CSI-RS configuration, the eNB has different CSI-RS resources and transmission operations, and therefore the UE's operation also differs. In operation 2k-10, the UE analyzes the CSI-RS configuration information received from the eNB to determine its type. Type 1 corresponds to the existing periodic CSI-RS reception operation at operation 2k-15, and this can be distinguished based on the identification method according to the CSI-RS configuration method described above. If type 2 or 3 operation is identified through the CSI-RS configuration information, the UE can identify the activated CSI-RS resource by receiving a MAC CE in operation 2k-20. At the aforementioned time, i.e., if a MAC CE is received, the UE starts the CSIRSDeactivationTimer in operation 2k-25. In other words, during operation 2k-30, a CSIRSDeactivationTimer is driven for each cell configured with CSI-RS resources, or a CSI procedure is configured (or driven for each CSI procedure). Upon receiving a MAC CE indicating activation of the corresponding resource, a start / restart is performed. If the timer expires, the corresponding resource is activated in operation 2k-35. Furthermore, timers can be managed for each CSI-RS resource.

[0364] Figure 2l This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0365] refer to Figure 2l According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal includes a transceiver 21-05, a controller 21-10, a multiplexer / demultiplexer 21-15, a control message processor 21-30, various upper-layer processors 21-20 and 21-25, an EPS bearer manager 21-35, and a NAS layer device 21-40.

[0366] Transceiver 21-05 receives data and specific control signals on the forward channel of the serving cell and transmits data and specific control signals on the backward channel. If multiple serving cells are configured, transceiver 21-05 performs data transmission / reception and control signal transmission / reception through multiple serving cells.

[0367] The multiplexer / demultiplexer 21-15 is used to multiplex data generated by the upper-layer processors 21-20 and 21-25 or the control message processor 21-30, to demultiplex data received through the transceiver 211-05, and to transmit the multiplexed / demultiplexed data to the upper-layer processors 21-20 and 21-25 or the control message processor 21-30 as appropriate.

[0368] Control message processors 21-30 are RRC layer devices and perform necessary operations by processing control messages received from the base station. For example, if an RRC connection establishment message is received, the control message processor sets the SRB and temporary DRB.

[0369] Upper-layer processors 21-20 or 21-25 represent DRB devices and can be configured for each service. The upper-layer processors process data generated by user services (such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or VoIP) and transmit the processed data to multiplexers / demultiplexers 21-15, or process data forwarded from multiplexers / demultiplexers 21-15. The processed data is then transmitted to the upper-layer service application. A service can be mapped to an EPS bearer and an upper-layer processor in a one-to-one manner.

[0370] Controller 21-10 controls transceiver 21-05 and multiplexer / demultiplexer 21-15 to identify scheduling commands received through transceiver 21-05, such as backward grants, and execute their backward transmissions as appropriate transmission resources at the appropriate time. Furthermore, controller 21-10 can measure at least one reference signal received through transceiver 21-05 and generate feedback information based on feedback configuration information. Additionally, controller 21-10 can control transceiver 21-05 to send the generated feedback information to the base station at the feedback timing, based on the feedback configuration information. Furthermore, controller 21-10 can receive CSI-RS from the base station, generate feedback information based on the received CSI-RS, and send the generated feedback information to the base station. In this case, controller 21-10 can select a precoding matrix for each antenna port group of the base station and can also select an additional precoding matrix based on the relationship between the antenna port groups of the base station.

[0371] Furthermore, controller 21-10 can receive CSI-RS from the base station, generate feedback information based on the received CSI-RS, and send the generated feedback information to the base station. In this case, controller 21-10 can select a precoding matrix for all antenna port groups of the base station. Additionally, controller 21-10 can receive feedback configuration information from the base station, receive CSI-RS from the base station, generate feedback information based on the received feedback configuration information and the received CSI-RS, and send the generated feedback information to the base station. In this case, the controller can receive additional feedback configuration information based on the relationship between the feedback configuration information corresponding to each antenna port group of the base station and the antenna port groups.

[0372] Figure 2m This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a base station, MME, and S-GW according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0373] Figure 2m The base station equipment includes transceiver 2m-05, controller 2m-10, multiplexer / demultiplexer 2m-20, control message processor 2m-35, various upper-layer processors 2m-25 and 2m-30, scheduler 2m-15, EPS bearer equipment 2m-40 and 2m-45, and NAS layer equipment 2m-50. The EPS bearer equipment is located in the S-GW, and the NAS layer equipment is located in the MME.

[0374] The transceiver 2m-05 transmits data and specific control signals on the forward carrier and receives data and specific control signals on the backward carrier. If multiple carriers are configured, the transceiver 2m-05 performs data transmission / reception and control signal transmission / reception on multiple carriers.

[0375] The multiplexer / demultiplexer 2m-20 is used to multiplex data generated by upper-layer processors 2m-25 and 2m-30 or control message processor 2m-35, demultiplex data received through transceiver 2m-05, and appropriately transmit the multiplexed / demultiplexed data to upper-layer processors 2m-25 and 2m-30, control message processor 2m-35, or controller 2m-10. The control message processor 2m-35 can perform necessary operations by processing control messages sent by the terminal, or generate control messages to be transmitted to the terminal, and then transmit the generated control messages to the lower layer.

[0376] Each EPS bearer can be configured with an upper-layer processor 2m-25 or 2m-30, and the data transmitted from the EPS bearer can be configured as an RLC PDU to be transmitted to the multiplexer / demultiplexer 2m-20, or the RLC PDU transmitted from the multiplexer / demultiplexer 2m-20 can be configured as a PDCP SDU to be transmitted to the EPS bearer.

[0377] Taking into account the terminal's buffer state and channel state, the scheduler allocates transmission resources to the terminal at the appropriate time and controls the transceiver to process signals sent by the terminal or send signals to the terminal.

[0378] The EPS bearer device is configured for each EPS bearer and processes the data transmitted from the upper-layer processor to transmit the processed data to the next network node.

[0379] The upper-layer processor and the EPS bearer are interconnected via the S1-U bearer. The upper-layer processor corresponding to the common DRB is connected via the EPS bearer and the common S1-U bearer used for the common DRB.

[0380] NAS layer devices process IP packets contained in NAS messages to transmit the processed IP packets to the S-GW.

[0381] Furthermore, controller 2m-10 controls the state and operation of all configurations constituting the base station. Specifically, controller 2m-10 allocates CSI-RS resources for channel estimation to the terminal and allocates feedback resources and feedback timing to the terminal. Additionally, the controller allocates feedback configuration and feedback timing to prevent conflicts in feedback from multiple terminals and receives and analyzes the configured feedback information at the appropriate timing. Transceiver 2m-05 sends / receives data, reference signals, and feedback information to / from the terminal. Here, transceiver 2m-05, under the control of controller 2m-10, sends aperiodic CSI-RS to the terminal using allocated resources and receives channel information feedback from the terminal. Controller 2m-10 can control transceiver 2m-05 to send configuration information for at least one reference signal to the terminal, or can generate at least one reference signal. Furthermore, controller 2m-10 can control transceiver 2m-05 to send feedback configuration information for generating feedback information to the terminal based on measurement results. Furthermore, the controller 2m-10 can control the transceiver 2m-05 to send at least one reference signal to the terminal, and receive feedback information sent from the terminal in the feedback timing according to the feedback configuration information. Additionally, the controller 2m-10 can send feedback configuration information to the terminal, send aperiodic CSI-RS to the terminal, and receive feedback information generated from the terminal based on the feedback configuration information and CSI-RS. In this case, the controller 2m-10 can send additional feedback configuration information based on the relationship between the feedback configuration information corresponding to each antenna port group of the base station and the antenna port groups. Furthermore, the controller 2m-10 can send CSI-RS based on feedback information beamforming to the terminal, and can receive feedback information generated from the terminal based on the CSI-RS.

[0382] This disclosure comprises the following claims.

[0383] A method and apparatus for CSI-RS activation / deactivation using MAC control signals

[0384] Configuration of multi-slot CSI-RS resources and aperiodic CSI-RS resources, as well as activation / deactivation operations.

[0385] Based on the type of identifier contained in the RRC message and the CSI-RS configuration IE in the RRC message, the three types of operations (periodic CSI-RS, aperiodic CSI-RS, and multi-slot CSI-RS) are classified.

[0386] The MAC does not directly execute the operation indicated in the MAC CE, but only transmits the relevant information to the PHY (because the corresponding operation is executed 8ms after successfully receiving the MAC CE, so the transmission time information is transmitted).

[0387] The format is determined based on the index of the serving cell in which CSI-RS resources or CSI procedures are configured.

[0388] Two design methods based on the signal structure of MAC CE are proposed.

[0389] The first approach for MAC CE design involves a MAC CE sent by the base station including activation / deactivation commands for all serving cells.

[0390] In the first approach, the Ci field indicates the serving cell with configured CSI-RS resources.

[0391] In the first approach, CSI-RS commands are only directed to the active serving cell.

[0392] A second approach for MAC CE design, in which one MAC CE only includes activation / deactivation commands for the corresponding serving cell.

[0393] In the second method, the MAC CE includes commands for receiving the serving cell from the MAC CE. CSI-RS is activated / deactivated only for the corresponding serving cell.

[0394] The number of resources activated / deactivated in a CSI-RS command is equal to the number of CSI-RS procedures configured for the serving cell.

[0395] Ri corresponds to CSI-RS-ConfigNZPId.

[0396] Timers such as sCellDeactivationTimer

[0397] *Drives the CSIRSDeactivationTimer for each cell (or each CSI procedure) to configure CSI-RS resources or CSI procedures.

[0398] *Start / Restart corresponds to the time when the MAC CE is received and the corresponding resources are activated.

[0399] If the timer expires, the corresponding resource will be activated.

[0400] * It can manage timers for each CSI-RS resource.

[0401] The configured non-periodic / multi-slot CSI-RS resources are initially deactivated after configuration and switching.

[0402] On the other hand, the embodiments of this disclosure described in the specification and drawings are merely specific examples presented to aid in understanding this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. That is, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that various modifications can be made based on the technical concepts of this disclosure. Furthermore, various embodiments can be combined to operate as needed. For example, a portion of the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined to operate a base station and a terminal. Moreover, although the above embodiments are presented based on NR systems, other modifications based on the technical concepts of the embodiments can be applied to other systems, such as Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) or Time Division Duplex (TDD) LTE systems.

[0403] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Send a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the terminal, the RRC message including first information for configuring one or more Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources for each of at least one Channel State Information (CSI) process for the serving cell; On the serving cell, a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) is sent to the terminal, the MAC CE indicating activation or deactivation of the one or more CSI-RS resources for each of the at least one CSI process; as well as Perform a CSI-RS transmission corresponding to at least one of the one or more CSI-RS resources used in each of the at least one CSI process, wherein the at least one CSI-RS resource is activated based on the transmitted MAC CE. The MAC CE includes one or more CSI-RS commands, each of which corresponds to one of the at least one CSI procedures. Each of the one or more CSI-RS commands includes multiple bits, each bit corresponding to one of the one or more CSI-RS resources, and indicating the activation or deactivation status of the corresponding CSI-RS resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The instruction that the one or more CSI-RS resources correspond to the second information from the first CSI-RS mode in the first CSI-RS mode and the second CSI-RS mode is sent together with the first information included in the RRC message. In the first CSI-RS mode, CSI-RS is sent periodically and activated or deactivated by MAC CE. In the second CSI-RS mode, CSI-RS is sent aperiodically.

3. The method according to claim 1, in, The information associated with the MAC CE is transmitted to the physical layer of the terminal.

4. The method according to claim 3, in, The information associated with the MAC CE includes time information associated with the Transmission Time Interval (TTI) during which the MAC CE is transmitted.

5. A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from a base station, the RRC message including first information configuring one or more Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources for each of at least one Channel State Information (CSI) process for the serving cell; On the serving cell, a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) is received from a base station, the MAC CE indicating activation or deactivation of the one or more CSI-RS resources for each of the at least one CSI process; and Receive CSI-RS transmissions corresponding to at least one of the one or more CSI-RS resources used in each of the at least one CSI process, wherein the at least one CSI-RS resource is activated based on the received MAC CE. The MAC CE includes one or more CSI-RS commands, each of which corresponds to one of the at least one CSI procedures. Each of the one or more CSI-RS commands includes multiple bits, each bit corresponding to one of the one or more CSI-RS resources, and indicating the activation or deactivation status of the corresponding CSI-RS resource.

6. The method according to claim 5, in, The one or more CSI-RS commands are included in the MAC CE in ascending order of CSI process ID.

7. The method according to claim 5, in, The instruction that the one or more CSI-RS resources correspond to the second information from the first CSI-RS mode in the first CSI-RS mode and the second CSI-RS mode is received together with the first information included in the RRC message. In the first CSI-RS mode, CSI-RS is received periodically and activated or deactivated by MAC CE. In the second CSI-RS mode, CSI-RS is received aperiodically.

8. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: Information about the MAC CE is communicated to a lower layer to activate the reception of CSI-RS on at least one of the one or more CSI-RS resources.

9. The method according to claim 8, in, Information about the MAC CE includes time information associated with the Transmission Time Interval (TTI) for receiving the MAC CE.

10. A base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: transceiver; and At least one processor is configured as follows: Send a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the terminal, the RRC message including first information for configuring one or more Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources for each of at least one Channel State Information (CSI) process for the serving cell; On the serving cell, a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) is sent to the terminal, the MAC CE indicating activation or deactivation of the one or more CSI-RS resources for each of the at least one CSI process; as well as Perform a CSI-RS transmission corresponding to at least one of the one or more CSI-RS resources used in each of the at least one CSI process, wherein the at least one CSI-RS resource is activated based on the transmitted MAC CE. The MAC CE includes one or more CSI-RS commands, each of which corresponds to one of the at least one CSI procedures. Each of the one or more CSI-RS commands includes multiple bits, each bit corresponding to one of the one or more CSI-RS resources, and indicating the activation or deactivation status of the corresponding CSI-RS resource.

11. The base station according to claim 10, in, The one or more CSI-RS commands are included in the MAC CE in ascending order of CSI process ID.

12. The base station according to claim 10, in, The instruction that the one or more CSI-RS resources correspond to the second information from the first CSI-RS mode in the first CSI-RS mode and the second CSI-RS mode is sent together with the first information included in the RRC message. In the first CSI-RS mode, CSI-RS is sent periodically and activated or deactivated by MAC CE. In the second CSI-RS mode, CSI-RS is sent aperiodically.

13. The base station according to claim 10, in, The information associated with the MAC CE is transmitted to the physical layer of the terminal.

14. The base station according to claim 13, in, The information associated with the MAC CE includes time information associated with the Transmission Time Interval (TTI) during which the MAC CE is transmitted.

15. A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising: transceiver; and At least one processor is configured as follows: Receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from a base station, the RRC message including first information configuring one or more Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources for each of at least one Channel State Information (CSI) process for the serving cell; On the serving cell, a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) is received from a base station, the MAC CE indicating activation or deactivation of the one or more CSI-RS resources for each of the at least one CSI process; and The transceiver receives CSI-RS transmissions corresponding to at least one of the one or more CSI-RS resources used in each of the at least one CSI process, wherein the at least one CSI-RS resource is activated based on the received MAC CE. The MAC CE includes one or more CSI-RS commands, each of which corresponds to one of the at least one CSI procedures. Each of the one or more CSI-RS commands includes multiple bits, each bit corresponding to one of the one or more CSI-RS resources, and indicating the activation or deactivation status of the corresponding CSI-RS resource.

16. The terminal according to claim 15, in, The one or more CSI-RS commands are included in the MAC CE in ascending order of CSI process ID.

17. The terminal according to claim 15, in, The instruction that the one or more CSI-RS resources correspond to the second information from the first CSI-RS mode in the first CSI-RS mode and the second CSI-RS mode is received together with the first information included in the RRC message. In the first CSI-RS mode, CSI-RS is received periodically and activated or deactivated by MAC CE. In the second CSI-RS mode, CSI-RS is received aperiodically.

18. The terminal according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Information about the MAC CE is communicated to a lower layer to activate the reception of CSI-RS on at least one of the one or more CSI-RS resources.

19. The terminal according to claim 18, in, Information about the MAC CE includes time information associated with the Transmission Time Interval (TTI) for receiving the MAC CE.

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