Group-based beam reporting

Abstract

According to example aspects of the present disclosure, a method is provided that includes receiving, at a user equipment (UE) from a base station (BS), a message comprising a constraint threshold, receiving, at the UE from the BS, a message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode, performing, by the UE, downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements, determining, by the UE, a difference between the DL RS measurements, and switching to the fallback beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to beam management in wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system is a facility that enables communication between two or more nodes or devices (such as fixed or mobile communication devices). Signals can be transmitted via wired or wireless carriers.

[0003] For example, a cellular communication system is an architecture standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Recent developments in this field are often referred to as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio reception technology. E-UTRA (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) is the air interface for 3GPP's LTE mobile network upgrade path. In LTE, base stations (BS) or access points (APs) provide radio access in coverage areas or cells; these base stations (BS) or access points (APs) are also referred to as enhanced node APs (eNBs). In LTE, mobile devices or mobile stations are referred to as user equipment (UEs). LTE has undergone significant improvements and developments. All aspects of LTE continue to improve.

[0004] The development of 5G New Radio (NR) is part of the ongoing evolution of mobile bandwidth to meet the requirements of 5G, similar to the evolution of early 3G and 4G wireless networks. In addition to mobile bandwidth, 5G also targets emerging use cases. The goal of 5G is to deliver significant improvements in wireless performance, including new levels of data rates, latency, reliability, and security. 5G NR can also be extended to effectively connect massive Internet of Things (IoT) and provide new mission-critical services. For example, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) devices require high reliability and very low latency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one example embodiment, a method may include: receiving a message at a user equipment (UE) from a base station (BS) including a constraint threshold, receiving at the UE from the BS, the message including a backoff beam reporting mode, performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE, determining a difference between the DL and RS measurements by the UE, and switching to the backoff beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold.

[0006] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. The method may further include: determining N optimal DL RSs based on at least one of DL RS measurements and the differences between DL RS measurements, and transmitting a message including the N optimal DL RSs from the UE to the BS. The method may further include: monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than a constraint threshold. The method may further include: terminating the process in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than the constraint threshold. The method may further include: monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements after switching to a backoff beam reporting mode, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are less than the constraint threshold, and monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements.

[0007] The method may further include: after switching to the backoff beam reporting mode, monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements; in response to determining that the difference between the DL RS measurements is less than a constraint threshold, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode; and termination processing. The monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements may be performed N times. The monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the difference between DL RS measurements may be performed N times before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the difference between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode. The difference between DL RS measurements may be less than the constraint threshold N times. The method may further include: switching to a basic beam-group-based reporting mode before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

[0008] DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and can be an RSRP measurement from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell. The method further includes performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell. The BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0009] According to one example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform the following steps: receiving a message from a base station (BS) at a user equipment (UE) including a constraint threshold; receiving a message from the BS at the UE including a backoff beam reporting mode; performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE; determining a difference between the DL and RS measurements by the UE; and switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0010] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. These steps may further include: determining N optimal DL RSs based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the differences between DL RS measurements, and transmitting a message including the N optimal DL RSs from the UE to the BS. These steps may further include: monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than a constraint threshold. These steps may further include: terminating the process in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than the constraint threshold. These steps may further include: monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements after switching to a backoff beam reporting mode, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are less than the constraint threshold, and monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements.

[0011] These steps may further include: monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements after switching to the backoff beam reporting mode; switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are less than a constraint threshold; and termination processing. The monitoring of differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times. The monitoring of differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

[0012] The difference between DL RS measurements can be less than a constraint threshold N times. These steps may further include switching to a basic beamgroup-based reporting mode before switching to an enhanced group-based beamgroup reporting mode. DL RS measurements can be measurements of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurements can be measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurements can be measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and can be measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell. These steps further include performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell. The BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0013] According to one example embodiment, an apparatus includes: components for receiving a message from a base station (BS) at a user equipment (UE) including a constraint threshold; components for receiving a message from the BS at the UE including a backoff beam reporting mode; components for performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE; components for determining a difference between DL and RS measurements by the UE; and components for switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0014] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. The apparatus may further include: components for determining N optimal DL RS based on at least one of DL RS measurements and the differences between DL RS measurements; and components for transmitting a message including the N optimal DL RS from the UE to the BS. The apparatus may further include: components for monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than a constraint threshold. The apparatus may further include: components for terminating processing in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than the constraint threshold.

[0015] The apparatus may further include: components for monitoring differences between DL RS measurements after switching to the backoff beam reporting mode; components for switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are less than a constraint threshold; and components for monitoring differences between DL RS measurements. The apparatus may further include: components for monitoring differences between DL RS measurements after switching to the backoff beam reporting mode; components for switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are less than a constraint threshold; and a termination process. Monitoring of differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times. Monitoring of differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode. The differences between DL RS measurements may be less than the constraint threshold N times. The device may further include components for switching to a basic beamgroup-based reporting mode before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

[0016] DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and can be an RSRP measurement from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell. The method further includes performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell. The BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0017] According to one example embodiment, an apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following steps: receiving a message from a base station (BS) at a user equipment (UE) including a constraint threshold; receiving a message from the BS at the UE including a back-to-beam reporting mode; performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE; determining a difference between the DL and RS measurements by the UE; and switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0018] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. These steps may further include: determining N optimal DL RSs based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the differences between DL RS measurements, and transmitting a message from the UE to the BS including the N optimal DL RSs. These steps may further include: monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than a constraint threshold. These steps may further include: terminating the process in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than the constraint threshold.

[0019] These steps may further include: after switching to the backoff beam reporting mode, monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements; in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are less than a constraint threshold, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode; and monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements. These steps may further include: after switching to the backoff beam reporting mode, monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements; in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are less than a constraint threshold, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode; and terminating the process. The monitoring of the differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times. The monitoring of the differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the differences between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

[0020] The difference between DL RS measurements can be less than a constraint threshold N times. These steps may further include switching to a basic beamgroup-based reporting mode before switching to an enhanced group-based beamgroup reporting mode. DL RS measurements can be measurements of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurements can be measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurements can be measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and can be measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell. These steps further include performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell. The BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0021] According to one example embodiment, a method includes: transmitting a message from a base station (BS) to a user equipment including a constraint threshold; transmitting a message from the BS to a UE including a backoff beam reporting mode; and receiving a message from the UE at the BS including N optimal downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements associated with the UE, and determining a group-based beam reporting mode by the BS based on the DL RS measurements.

[0022] The implementation may include one or more of the following characteristics, individually or in any combination thereof. DL RS measurement may be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement may be a measurement of RSRP at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement may be a measurement of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and may be a measurement of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP may be located in the same cell. The first TRP may be located in a first cell, and the second TRP may be located in a second cell. The determined group-based beam reporting mode may be a group-based beam reporting mode. The fallback beam reporting mode may be a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

[0023] According to one example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform the following steps: transmitting a message from a base station (BS) to a user equipment including a constraint threshold; transmitting a message from the BS to a UE including a backoff beam reporting mode; receiving a message at the BS from the UE including N optimal downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements associated with the UE; and determining a group-based beam reporting mode based on the DL RS measurements.

[0024] The implementation may include one or more of the following characteristics, individually or in any combination thereof. DL RS measurement may be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement may be a measurement of RSRP at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement may be a measurement of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and may be a measurement of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP may be located in the same cell. The first TRP may be located in a first cell, and the second TRP may be located in a second cell. The determined group-based beam reporting mode may be a group-based beam reporting mode. The fallback beam reporting mode may be a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

[0025] According to one example embodiment, an apparatus includes: components for transmitting a message from a base station (BS) to a user equipment, the message including a constraint threshold; components for transmitting a message from the BS to a user equipment, the message including a backoff beam reporting mode; components for receiving a message from the BS to the UE, the message including N optimal downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements associated with the UE; and components for determining a group-based beam reporting mode by the BS based on the DL RS measurements.

[0026] The implementation may include one or more of the following characteristics, individually or in any combination thereof. DL RS measurement may be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement may be a measurement of RSRP at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement may be a measurement of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and may be a measurement of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP may be located in the same cell. The first TRP may be located in a first cell, and the second TRP may be located in a second cell. The determined group-based beam reporting mode may be a group-based beam reporting mode. The fallback beam reporting mode may be a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

[0027] According to one example embodiment, an apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, said at least one memory and said computer program code being configured together with said at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following steps: transmitting a message from a base station (BS) to a user equipment including a constraint threshold; transmitting a message from the BS to the UE including a backoff beam reporting mode; receiving a message at the BS from the UE including N best downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements associated with the UE; and determining a group-based beam reporting mode by the BS based on the DL RS measurements.

[0028] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. DL RS measurement may be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement may be a measurement of RSRP at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement may be a measurement of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and may be a measurement of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP may be located in the same cell. The first TRP may be located in a first cell, and the second TRP may be located in a second cell. The determined group-based beam reporting mode may be a group-based beam reporting mode. The fallback beam reporting mode may be a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

[0029] According to one example embodiment, a method includes: receiving a message from a base station (BS) at a user equipment (UE) including a constraint threshold; receiving a message from the BS at the UE including a back-to-beam reporting mode; performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE; determining a difference between the DL and RS measurements by the UE; and switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0030] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. The method may further include: determining N optimal DLRS based on at least one of the DLRS measurements and the differences between DLRS measurements, and transmitting a message including the N optimal DLRS from the UE to the BS. The method may further include: monitoring the differences between DLRS measurements in response to determining that the differences between DLRS measurements are not less than a constraint threshold. The method may further include: terminating the process in response to determining that the differences between DLRS measurements are not less than the constraint threshold. The method may further include: switching to a backoff beam reporting mode before performing DLRS measurements.

[0031] The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the differences between DL RS measurements can be performed N times. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the differences between DL RS measurements can be performed N times within a time window. The differences between DL RS measurements can be less than the constraint threshold N times.

[0032] DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement can be a measurement of RSRP at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement can be a measurement of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and can be a measurement of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell. The method may further include performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell. The BS may include two or more TRPs.

[0033] According to one example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform the following steps: receiving a message from a base station (BS) at a user equipment (UE) including a constraint threshold; receiving a message from the BS at the UE including a back-off beam reporting mode; performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE; determining a difference between the DL and RS measurements by the UE; and switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0034] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. These steps may further include: determining N optimal DLRS based on at least one of the DLRS measurements and the differences between DLRS measurements, and transmitting a message including the N optimal DLRS from the UE to the BS. These steps may further include: monitoring the differences between DLRS measurements in response to determining that the differences between DLRS measurements are not less than a constraint threshold.

[0035] These steps may further include terminating the process in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than a constraint threshold. These steps may further include switching to back-off beam reporting mode before performing DL RS measurements. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the difference between DL RS measurements may be performed N times. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the difference between DL RS measurements may be performed N times within a time window.

[0036] The difference between DL RS measurements can be less than a constraint threshold N times. DL RS measurements can be measurements of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurements can be measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurements can be measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and can be measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell. These steps further include performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell. The BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0037] According to one example embodiment, an apparatus includes: components for receiving a message from a base station (BS) at a user equipment (UE) including a constraint threshold; components for receiving a message from the BS at the UE including a backoff beam reporting mode; components for performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE; components for determining a difference between DL and RS measurements by the UE; and components for switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0038] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. The apparatus may further include: components for determining N optimal DL RS based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the differences between DL RS measurements, and for transmitting a message including the N optimal DL RS from the UE to the BS. The apparatus may further include: components for monitoring the differences between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than a constraint threshold. The apparatus may further include: components for terminating processing in response to determining that the differences between DL RS measurements are not less than the constraint threshold.

[0039] The device may further include: a component for switching to a back-beam reporting mode before performing a DL RS measurement. The execution of the DL RS measurement and the determination of the difference between the DL RS measurements can be performed N times. The execution of the DL RS measurement and the determination of the difference between the DL RS measurements can be performed N times within a time window. The difference between the DL RS measurements can be less than a constraint threshold N times.

[0040] DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and can be an RSRP measurement from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell. These steps further include performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell. The BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0041] According to one example embodiment, an apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, said at least one memory and said computer program code being configured together with said at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following steps: receiving a message from a base station (BS) at a user equipment (UE) including a constraint threshold; receiving a message from the BS at the UE including a back-to-beam reporting mode; performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE; determining a difference between the DL and RS measurements by the UE; and switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0042] The implementation may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any combination thereof. These steps may further include: determining N optimal DLRS based on at least one of the DLRS measurements and the differences between DLRS measurements, and transmitting a message from the UE to the BS including the N optimal DLRS. These steps may further include: monitoring the differences between DLRS measurements in response to determining that the differences between DLRS measurements are not less than a constraint threshold. These steps may further include: terminating the process in response to determining that the differences between DLRS measurements are not less than the constraint threshold.

[0043] These steps may further include: switching to back-beam reporting mode before performing DL RS measurements. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the difference between DL RS measurements can be performed N times. The execution of DL RS measurements and the determination of the difference between DL RS measurements can be performed N times within a time window. The difference between DL RS measurements can be less than the constraint threshold N times.

[0044] DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs). DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement at different panels of the UE. DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and can be an RSRP measurement from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE. The first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell. These steps further include performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell. The BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0045] Details of one or more exemplary embodiments will be set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a wireless network according to at least one example embodiment;

[0047] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a non-beamgroup report based on a non-zero power channel state information reference signal resource is shown according to at least one example embodiment.

[0048] Figure 2B According to at least one example embodiment, a schematic diagram of beamgroup-based reporting of non-zero power channel state information reference signal resources for a single UE beamgroup is shown.

[0049] Figure 2C A schematic diagram based on UE beamgroup report selection is shown according to at least one example embodiment;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the signal flow according to at least one example embodiment;

[0051] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating a flowchart used by a base station (BS) in an enhanced reporting mode process, according to at least one example embodiment, is shown.

[0052] Figure 5 A block diagram of a flowchart used by a user equipment (UE) in an enhanced reporting mode process, according to at least one example embodiment, is shown;

[0053] Figure 6 It is a flowchart illustrating the operation of user equipment according to at least one example embodiment;

[0054] Figure 7 It is a flowchart illustrating base station operation according to at least one example embodiment;

[0055] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of user equipment operation according to at least one example embodiment;

[0056] Figure 9 It is a block diagram of a wireless station or wireless node (such as AP, BS, gNB, RAN node, relay node, UE or user equipment, network node, network entity, DU, CU-CP, CU-CP, ... or other nodes) according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a wireless network 130 according to an example embodiment. Figure 1 In the wireless network 130, user equipment 131, 132, 133, and 135, also referred to as mobile stations (MSs) or user equipment (UEs), may connect to (and communicate with) a base station (BS) 134. The base station (BS) 134 may also be referred to as an access point (AP), an enhanced node B (eNB), a BS, a next-generation node B (gNB), a next-generation enhanced node B (ng-eNB), or a network node. The terms user equipment and user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. A BS also includes, or may also be referred to as, a RAN (Radio Access Network) node, and includes a portion of the BS or a portion of the RAN node, such as (e.g., a centralized unit (CU) and / or, in the case of a split BS, a distributed unit (DU)). At least a portion of the functionality of a base station (such as an access point (AP), a base station (BS), or (e) node B (eNB), BS, or RAN node) may also be implemented by any node, server, or host operatively coupled to a transceiver, such as a remote radio head. BS (or AP) 134 provides wireless coverage within cell 136, including to user equipment (or UEs) 131, 132, 133, and 135. Although only four user equipment (or UEs) are shown connected to or attached to BS 134, any number of user equipment can be provided. BS 134 is also connected to core network 150 via S1 or NG interface 151. This is just a simplified example of a wireless network; other examples are also possible.

[0058] A base station (e.g., BS 134) is an example of a radio access network (RAN) node within the range of a wireless network. A BS (or RAN node) can or may include (or alternatively referred to as) an access point (AP), gNB, eNB, or portions thereof (such as a centralized unit (CU) and / or, in the case of a split BS or split gNB, a distributed unit (DU)), or other network nodes. For example, a BS (or gNB) includes: a distributed unit (DU) network entity, such as a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU), and a centralized unit (CU), which can control multiple DUs. In some cases, for example, the centralized unit (CU) is split or divided into: a control plane entity, such as a gNB centralized (or central) unit-control plane (gNB-CU-CP), and a user plane entity, such as a gNB centralized (or central) unit-user plane (gNB-CU-UP). For example, CU sub-entities (gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP) can be provided as different logical entities or different software entities (e.g., as independent or different software entities that communicate with each other). They can run in the cloud or be provided by the same hardware or server, or by different hardware, systems or servers, for example, physically separate or running on different systems, hardware or servers.

[0059] As mentioned earlier, in a separate gNB / BS configuration, gNB functionality can be divided into DU and CU. The Distributed Unit (DU) can provide or establish wireless communication with one or more UEs. Therefore, a DU can provide one or more cells and allow UEs to communicate with and / or establish connections to the DU to receive radio services, such as allowing UEs to send or receive data. The Centralized Unit (CU) can provide control functions and / or data plane functions for one or more connected DUs, including control functions such as gNB control of user data transmission, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, session management, etc., excluding functions specifically assigned to the DU. The CU can control the operation of DUs through the front wheel (Fs) interface (e.g., one CU communicates with one or more DUs).

[0060] According to an illustrative example, generally, a BS node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ...) or a radio access network (RAN) is part of a mobile communication system. An RAN (radio access network) includes one or more BS or RAN nodes implementing radio access technologies, for example, allowing one or more UEs to access the network or core network. Thus, for example, the RAN (RAN nodes, such as BSs or gNBs) is located between one or more user equipments or UEs and a core network. According to an example embodiment, each RAN node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ...) or BS may provide one or more wireless communication services to one or more UEs or user equipments, for example, allowing UEs to wirelessly access the network via the RAN node. Each RAN node or BS performs or provides wireless communication services, for example, allowing UEs or user equipments to establish a wireless connection to the RAN node and send and / or receive data from one or more UEs. For example, after establishing a connection to a UE, a RAN node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ...) forwards data received from the network or core network to the UE, and / or forwards data received from the UE to the network or core network. RAN nodes (such as BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) perform various other radio functions or services, such as broadcasting control information (e.g., system information) to UEs, paging UEs when data needs to be transmitted, assisting in UE handover between cells, scheduling resources for uplink and downlink data transmission from (multiple) UEs to (multiple) UEs, and sending control information to configure one or more UEs. These are just a few examples of one or more functions performed by a RAN node or BS. The base station is also the DU (Distributed Unit) part of the IAB (Integrated Access Backhaul) node (also known as a relay node). The DU facilitates access link connections for the IAB node.

[0061] User equipment (user terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal, handheld wireless device, etc.) can refer to portable computing devices, including wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) (also known as a generic SIM), including but not limited to the following types of devices: mobile station (MS), mobile phone, cell phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), telephone handset, devices using a wireless modem (alarm or measuring devices, etc.), laptop and / or touchscreen computer, tablet computer, phablet, game console, laptop, vehicle, sensor and multimedia device, or any other wireless device. Fortunately, user equipment can also be (or can include) almost dedicated uplink-only devices, an example of which is a camera or camcorder that uploads image or video clips to the network. User equipment can also be the MT (Mobile Terminal) portion of an IAB (Integrated Access Backhaul) node (also known as a relay node). The MT facilitates the backhaul connection of the IAB node.

[0062] In LTE (as an illustrative example), the core network 150, which may be referred to as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), includes a Mobility Management Entity (MME) that handles or assists with the mobility / handover of user equipment between BSs; one or more gateways that forward data and control signals between the BSs and the packet data network or the Internet, as well as other control functions or blocks. Other types of wireless networks, such as 5G (which may be referred to as New Radio (NR)), also include a core network (e.g., 5GC in 5G / NR).

[0063] Furthermore, through illustrative examples, the various exemplary embodiments or technologies described herein can be applied to different types of user equipment or data service types, or to user equipment running multiple applications with different data service types. The development of new radio (5G) supports many different applications or many different data service types, such as: machine-type communication (MTC), enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), massive MTC (mMTC), Internet of Things (IoT) and / or narrowband IoT user equipment, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC). Many new 5G (NR) related applications require higher performance than previous wireless networks.

[0064] The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a growing group of objects with internet or network connectivity, enabling them to send and receive information from other network devices. Examples include many sensor-type applications or devices that monitor physical conditions or states and send reports to servers or other network devices, such as when an event occurs. Machine-type communication (MTC, or machine-to-machine communication) is characterized by the fully automated generation, exchange, processing, and execution of data between intelligent machines, with or without human intervention. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) supports higher data rates than currently available LTE.

[0065] Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) is a new type of data service or a new use case that supports new radio (5G) systems. This enables emerging applications and services such as industrial automation, autonomous driving, vehicle safety, and e-health services. As an illustrative example, 3GPP aims to provide connectivity with 10G networks. -5 The block error rate (BLER) and U-plane (user / data plane) latency of up to 1 ms correspond to connectivity and reliability. Therefore, for example, URLLC user equipment / UEs require significantly lower block error rates and lower latency (regardless of whether high reliability with synchronization is required) than other types of user equipment / UEs. Thus, for example, URLLC UEs (or URLLC applications on a UE) require shorter latency compared to eMBB UEs (or eMBB applications running on a UE).

[0066] Various example embodiments can be applied to a variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as LTE, LTE-A, 5G (New Radio (NR)), cmWave, and / or mmWave band networks, IoT, MTC, eMTC, mMTC, eMBB, URLLC, etc., or any other wireless network or wireless technology. These example networks, technologies, or data service types are provided as illustrative examples only.

[0067] Beam management comprises a set of procedures for searching, allocating, and controlling beampup links between the gNB and the UE. One of its core functions is for the UE to report which downlink (DL) reference signals (RS) are available as spatial sources for downlink and uplink beam selection. Figure 2A An example of non-beamgroup-based reporting using non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP-CSI-RS) resources is shown. Figure 2AAs shown, the network may include user equipment (UE) 205-1, base station (BS) 210-1 (e.g., gNB, TRP, etc.), and at least one configured Channel State Information (CSI) Resource Indicator (CRI) CRI#0, CRI#1, CRI#2, CRI#3, CRI#4, CRI#5, and CRI#6. UE 205-1 may include at least one antenna panel 1, panel 2, panel 3, and panel 4, which are configured to generate beams.

[0068] The network can be configured to report CSI data with up to four CRIs, each containing a Layer 1 (physical layer) reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) value to be reported. Figure 2A In this configuration, when the network configures beam reporting to be non-group-based, only two CRIs (CRI#1 and CRI#3 (gray shading)) are displayed, and it is not assumed that the UE synchronously receives the reported CRIs associated with the L1-RSRP value. When a TX beam switch occurs between reported CRIs, some additional time needs to be allowed for the UE to change its RX beam and / or antenna panel accordingly. Therefore, using non-beam group-based reporting may limit the network's scheduling flexibility and could be an alternative to using beam group-based reporting.

[0069] Figure 2B An example of beamgroup-based reporting using NZP-CSI-RS resources for a single UE beamgroup is shown. Figure 2B As shown, the network may include user equipment (UE) 205-2, base station (BS) 210-2 (e.g., gNB, TRP, etc.), and at least one configured Channel State Information (CSI) Resource Indicator (CRI) CRI#0, CRI#1, CRI#2, CRI#3, CRI#4, CRI#5, CRI#6. UE 205-1 may include at least one antenna panel 1, panel 2, panel 3, and panel 4, which are configured to generate a beam.

[0070] When a single beam group is configured, it can be assumed that the UE synchronously receives up to 4 CRIs. Figure 2B In the image, only two CRIs (CRI#2 and CRI#3 (gray shading)) are shown in a single beamgroup. Multiple CRIs can be received using a single UE beamgroup. Therefore, no extra time is needed when a TX beam change occurs within the beamgroup. This reduces network scheduling constraints.

[0071] Figure 2C A schematic diagram illustrating UE beamgroup report selection according to at least one example embodiment is shown. Figure 2CAs shown, the network comprises two cells, cell_1 and cell_2. Cell_1 includes UE 205-3, UE 205-4, BS210-3, and BS 210-4. UE 205-3 can generate beams 220-1 and 220-2. UE 205-4 can generate beams 220-3 and 220-4. BS 210-3 can generate CRI 215-1 and CRI 215-2. BS 210-4 can generate CRI 215-3 and CRI 215-4. Cell_2 includes UE 205-4, UE 205-5, BS 210-5, and BS 210-6. UE 205-4 can generate beams 220-3 and 220-4. UE 205-5 can generate beam 220-5. BS 210-5 can generate CRI215-5 and CRI 215-6. BS 210-6 can generate CRI 215-7 and CRI 215-8.

[0072] A cell may include two or more base stations (BSs), and each BS has two or more transfer points (TRPs). Therefore, in one example implementation, a UE operating within a cell can receive DL reference signals from two or more TRPs. Furthermore, at least two cells may cover overlapping geographical areas. Therefore, in one example implementation, a UE operating within an overlapping geographical area can receive DL reference signals from a TRP associated with a first cell and from a TRP associated with a second cell.

[0073] like Figure 2C As shown, UE 205-5 is located within cell_2 and within the range of BS 210-6. UE 205-5 is only within the range of one TRP, therefore UE 205-5 can be configured to use a single BS and / or TRP for the aforementioned purposes. Figure 2A and 2B The report. For example... Figure 2C As shown, UE 205-3 is located within cell_1 and within the range of BS 210-3 and BS 210-4. UE 205-3 can be configured to perform the aforementioned... Figure 2A and 2B The UE 205-3 uses more than one antenna (or panel) within the range of more than one TRP. Therefore, the UE 205-3 can also be configured to report using CRIs from two (or more) TRPs (e.g., group reporting). Figure 2C As shown, UE 205-4 is located within cell_1 and cell_2, and is within the range of BS 210-4 and BS 210-5. UE 205-4 can be configured to perform the aforementioned... Figure 2A and2B However, UE 205-4 uses more than one antenna (or panel) within the range of more than one TRP in more than one cell. Therefore, UE 205-4 can also be configured to report using CRIs from two (or more) TRPs in two (or more) cells (e.g., group reporting).

[0074] Group-based beamforming can be used to provide information to transmit and receive points (TRPs) (e.g., BS, gNB, etc.) indicating which DL reference signals (RS) the UE can synchronously receive, thus providing flexibility to the TRP to select the TX beam at the UE. Existing technology cannot support the possibility of higher-rank transmissions in multi-TRP scenarios. In other words, the UE selects the preferred DL RS, which is transmitted from different TRPs and received at that UE using a different RX panel (e.g., without significant inter-beam interference).

[0075] When group-based beamforming is configured in Rel-15, a single-group beamforming instance does not explicitly indicate to the network whether the reported N resources (i.e., SSBs or NZP-CSI-RS) can be received synchronously at the UE side via multiple spatial filters or a single spatial filter. For group-based beamforming in multi-TRP scenarios, it is expected that the UE will use multiple spatial filters and the report should indicate the ability to receive synchronously, rather than any other grouping the UE might see when switching certain beams. Furthermore, the network may want to efficiently utilize beamgroup reporting to schedule synchronous multi-beam DL transmissions in single-TRP or multi-TRP scenarios. To avoid ambiguity associated with group-based beamforming, the network can configure a standard associated with group-based reporting that defines synchronous reception of N resources as "ON / OFF". When the synchronous reception standard is configured to "ON", the UE only needs to report N different CSI resources (i.e., NZP-CSI-RS or SSBs) that can be received synchronously via multiple different spatial filters with spatial multiplexing capabilities. When the synchronous reception standard is configured to "OFF", the UE should use one (or more) spatial filters to report only the N different resources that are received synchronously, taking into account beam switching capabilities.

[0076] Enhanced group-based beam reporting is required so that the UE can report DL RSs received from different TRPs using different RX panels at that UE. Enhanced group-based beam reporting can be established by defining new rules and / or constraints for measurement and reporting, and by classifying DL RSs to different TRPs.

[0077] When a UE is configured with new enhanced group-based beam reporting with rules / constraints, requiring the UE to utilize RS resources from different TRPs to provide beam reporting, due to UE mobility (e.g., intra-cell mobility) and rotation, as well as narrow-beam operation, it is possible that the UE detects that the RS resources allocated to one TRP have a stronger reference signal quality (e.g., based on Received Reference Signal Power (RSRP) or Signal-to-Interference-Noise Ratio (SINR)) than the RS resources associated with other TRPs(s). Inter-cell handover is a Layer 3 (L3) procedure. However, beam management can be used to perform UE mobility between cells, for example, using Layer 1 (LI) and Layer 2 (L2) procedures when cell changes are not visible in L3 using enhanced group-based beam reporting. Reporting based on existing rules / constraints associated with the reporting configuration may cause the UE to also report DL RS resources from TRPs associated with poorer reference signal quality. Reporting TRPs with poorer reference signal quality may not be the optimal information for TRPs that efficiently schedule beam resources over time. If the UE is unsure whether the DL RS from different TRPs with feasible strengths is within range, the UE can provide multiple RS, wherein the UE can synchronously receive the multiple RS from a single TRP (e.g., according to a basic group-based beam reporting mode).

[0078] An example implementation may include a mechanism that enables the UE to switch UE reporting modes under certain conditions / rules and to switch / fall back from a first reporting mode (e.g., enhanced group-based beam reporting) to a second reporting mode (e.g., basic group-based beam reporting or non-group-based beam reporting). In the first reporting mode, the UE may determine that there is a reference signal quality difference greater than a configured threshold. The signal quality difference may be the difference between the strongest RS resource of a first TRP and the strongest RS resource of at least one second TRP among the RS resources configured for beam measurement. The configured threshold and / or the quantity of measurement used may be, for example, one of RSRP or SINR. The TRP-specific RS may be indicated by, for example, a resource ID (NZP-CSI-RS / SSB) or a resource set ID configured with an explicit TRP identifier. The TRP identifier may be a logical identifier (e.g., TRP1, TRP2, etc.), or the TRP identifier may be any identifier associated with a specific RS (DL RS) or a set of RSs, assuming that different TRPs can be used to transmit one or more RSs among the configured RSs. Furthermore, different panels of a TRP can be distinguished using identifiers (e.g., TRP identifiers). Therefore, in multi-TRP use cases, a panel at a TRP can be considered a single TRP.

[0079] In response to determining that the measured reference signal quality difference is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., based on at least one L1-RSRP measurement or at least one measurement), the UE can switch to a second reporting mode. In one example implementation, the second reporting mode can be a basic group-based reporting mode or a non-group-based reporting mode. The second reporting mode can depend on the selected explicit configuration.

[0080] In at least one example embodiment, the UE may switch reporting mode in response to a measured reference signal quality difference based on at least one measurement, or in response to a reported difference based on at least one reported instance that is greater than a configured threshold. In another (or alternative) example embodiment, the UE may switch reporting mode back to a first reporting mode (excluding reports of reference signal quality differences) in response to the UE having a measured reference signal quality difference based on at least one measurement, or in response to the UE having a reported difference based on at least one reported instance that is less than a threshold.

[0081] To enable the network to control the reliability of reporting mode switching, a time-based and / or measurement-based monitoring window can be defined to encapsulate the UE process and the time span of the window for processing reference signal quality and / or reference signal quality difference measurements or reported signal quality values. The length N of the monitoring window (e.g., the number of measurements) can be configured by the network, where N=1 can indicate a single measurement, and so on. In another instance, after measuring signal quality differences in N consecutive measurements or N measurements within a time window, the UE can determine to switch reporting modes. These measurements can trigger a change in reporting mode. For example, the time can be a sliding window or a time window that begins whenever the UE has performed a measurement and determined that the signal quality difference is above / below a threshold.

[0082] In another example implementation, the UE can switch reporting modes after providing N consecutive measurement reports or N measurement reports within a time window. The measurements it carries will trigger the change in reporting mode. For example, the time window can be a sliding window or a time window, which starts whenever the UE has provided a measurement report and the difference in its reported signal quality is higher or lower than a threshold.

[0083] In another (alternative or additional) example implementation, the UE might be configured with a certain number of optimal RSs corresponding to different TRPs. These RSs should be within a configured threshold starting from the strongest RS, so that reporting is performed according to the first reporting mode (the number could be, for example, 2). Otherwise, the UE might switch to a second reporting mode. However, in another (alternative or additional) example implementation, in the first reporting mode, the UE can use a bitmap to indicate which N beam / RS resources are above a specific threshold. The UE can include N RSRPs (or any other configured metric, such as SINR) in the report.

[0084] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the signal flow according to at least one example embodiment. BS 210 sends a group configuration message (305) to UE 205. The group configuration message may indicate that an enhanced reporting mode can be used (e.g., if conditions exist). A message including a constraint threshold (310) is sent by BS 210 to UE 205. The constraint threshold may be based on RS strength (e.g., RSRP), the amount of strength variation (delta) between TRPs, and / or quality (e.g., SINR). A message including a fallback reporting mode (315) is sent by BS 210 to UE 205. If an enhanced mode cannot be used (e.g., there are no conditions for using the enhanced reporting mode), then the fallback reporting mode may be the reporting mode used by the UE. A downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) configuration message (320) is sent by BS 210 to UE 205. The DL RS configuration message may include measurement information of the DL RS, which may be identified by an identifier reflecting certain TRPs (the identifier may be a logical identifier (providing network flexibility for separation, e.g., different TX panels at the same TRP)). Receiving a DL RS configuration message can trigger the UE to begin an enhanced mode reporting process.

[0085] UE 205 performs DL RS measurements (325). DL RS measurements can be Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements, Reference Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) measurements, Signal-to-Interference-Noise Ratio (SINR) measurements, and / or similar measurements. DL RS measurements can be associated with one or more TRPs. One or more TRPs can be associated with one or more cells. DL RS can be associated with one or more panels (or antennas) associated with the UE.

[0086] UE 205 determines the difference (335) between (multiple) DL RSs. The difference may be the difference between the strongest RS resource of a first TRP and the strongest RS resource of at least one second TRP. UE 205 compares the DL RS measurement difference with a constraint threshold (340). If the DL RS measurement difference is not less than the constraint threshold, UE 205 switches the reporting mode (345) to fallback group reporting mode. If the DL RS measurement difference is less than the constraint threshold, processing returns to 335. A message for N best DL RSs (350) is sent from UE 205 to BS 210. The message for N best DL RSs may be transmitted to one or more TRPs. The message for N best DL RSs may be associated with one or more TRPs. BS 210 determines the reporting mode (355). (Multiple) TRPs may determine the reporting mode based on enhanced group mode rules / constraints (e.g., using constraint thresholds). In one example implementation, (multiple) TRPs determine the reporting mode to be the same as the reporting mode set by the UE.

[0087] UE 205 determines the difference (360) between (multiple) DL RS. The difference may be the difference between the strongest RS resource of a first TRP and the strongest RS resource of at least one second TRP. UE 205 compares (365) the DL RS measurement difference with a constraint threshold. If the DL RS measurement difference is less than the constraint threshold, the UE switches the reporting mode (370) to an enhanced group-based reporting mode. If the DL RS measurement is not less than the constraint threshold, the process returns to 360.

[0088] The TRP can stay synchronized with the UE's reporting mode because the TRP configures and categorizes the reference signals to be measured, using logical indices representing the TRP (or its panel) to earmark the specific purpose of each reference signal. Determination at the TRP can include: if the TRP detects that the reported DL RS is configured with a different logical index, the TRP determines that the UE is using enhanced group-based reporting; otherwise, the TRP determines that the UE is using basic group reporting mode.

[0089] The beam report may contain information elements to further differentiate between situations where the UE reports DL RS corresponding to different (multiple) TRPs, but the UE may be using multiple panels or the DL RS may be received using a single panel. The TRP can determine the reporting mode based on the information elements indicating the reporting mode being used.

[0090] Example implementations can use two (or more) TRPs to enable higher-order spatial multiplexing (higher rank) for the UE on the DL (e.g., enabling a higher rank than possible with a single TRP). A threshold for the difference between the two TRPs can be used to determine whether it makes sense to use multi-TRP transmissions to improve the overall rank. One aspect of multi-TRP transmissions that provide higher-rank transmissions is that the UE can obtain resources from the second TRP. This second set of resources could otherwise be used for another UE attached to the second TRP. Therefore, when multi-TRP transmissions are used, higher-rank multi-TRP transmissions for the UE provide network benefits. If the first TRP is stronger than the second TRP, then providing the UE with a second set of resources from the second TRP may not be of significant benefit (regardless of the type of receiver the UE uses). Therefore, using a threshold can allow the UE to report the number of transmission schemes that fit the expected transmission pattern. If the TRP difference is low, the UE can report assuming two TRPs are operating (e.g., first reporting mode). If the TRP difference is high, the UE can report assuming a single TRP is operating (e.g., second reporting mode).

[0091] Figure 4 A block diagram is shown illustrating a method used by TRP in an enhanced reporting mode according to at least one example embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, in step S405, a group-based reporting mode configuration message is transmitted. For example, a message including group-based beam reporting configuration information can be transmitted from the TRP (e.g., gNB) to the UE. This message can be transmitted using either the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) or the Physical Downlink Data Channel (PDSCH).

[0092] In step S410, a message including a constraint threshold is transmitted. For example, a message including a constraint threshold is transmitted from a TRP to the UE. Enhanced group-based beam reporting can be established by defining new rules and / or constraints for measurement and reporting, and by classifying DL RSs into different (multiple) TRPs(s). The constraint threshold can be a constraint on a measurement of DL RSs. This measurement can be an RSRP measurement, RSSI measurement, SINR measurement, and / or similar. The constraint threshold can be associated with the difference in RSRP (RSSI, SINR, and / or similar) between beams of at least one TRP. For example, the constraint threshold can be the difference between an RSRP measurement of a first TRP (e.g., the maximum RSRP) and an RSRP measurement of a second TRP (e.g., the maximum RSRP). The message can be transmitted using either a PDCCH or a PDSCH.

[0093] In step S415, a message including the fallback reporting mode is transmitted. For example, a message can be transmitted from the TRP to the UE indicating the fallback reporting mode as a basic group-based beam reporting. The message can be transmitted using either PDCCH or PDSCH.

[0094] In step S420, a message including DL RS configuration is transmitted. For example, the message can be transmitted from the TRP to the UE. The DLRS configuration message can include measurement information of the DL RS identified by the TRP's identifier. The identifier can be a logical identifier (e.g., providing network flexibility for separation, such as different TX panels at the same TRP). The message can be transmitted using either PDCCH or PDSCH.

[0095] In step S425, a message including N best DL RSs is received. For example, this message can be received from the UE. The message of N best DL RSs may be associated with one or more TRPs. The message of N best DL RSs may indicate the best DL RS for at least one TRP (e.g., meeting a criterion (e.g., minimum RSRP value)). The message of N best DL RSs may include an identifier for at least one TRP. The message of N best DL RSs may include RSRP, RSSI, SINR, and / or similar information. This message can be transmitted using PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0096] In step S430, a reporting mode is determined. For example, the TRP may determine the beam reporting mode based on rules and / or constraints associated with enhanced group-based beam reporting. For instance, if the messages from the N best DL RSs include information indicating that the DL RS information meets the criteria for using rules and / or constraints for enhanced group-based beam reporting, the reporting mode can be determined as enhanced group-based beam reporting. Otherwise, the reporting mode can be determined as basic group-based beam reporting. For instance, if the N best DL RS information includes identifiers from two or more TRPs, the reporting mode can be determined as enhanced group-based beam reporting.

[0097] In step S435, messages are monitored. For example, messages received by the TRP using PUCCH or PUSCH can be monitored. If the message is one of the N best DL RS messages in step S440, the process returns to step S430. Otherwise, the process returns to step S435 to continue monitoring messages.

[0098] Figure 5 A block diagram is shown illustrating a method used by a UE in an enhanced reporting mode according to at least one example embodiment. Figure 5As shown, a group configuration message is received in step S505. For example, a message including group-based beam reporting configuration information can be received from a TRP (such as a gNB). The message can be received via PDCCH or PDSCH.

[0099] In step S510, a message including a constraint threshold is received. For example, a message including a constraint threshold can be received from a TRP. Enhanced group-based beam reporting can be established by defining new rules and / or constraints for measurement and reporting, and by classifying DL RSs to different TRPs. The constraint threshold can be a constraint on the measurement of DL RSs. This measurement can be an RSRP measurement, RSSI measurement, SINR measurement, and / or similar. The constraint threshold can be associated with the difference in RSRP (RSSI, SINR, and / or similar) between beams of at least one TRP. For example, the constraint threshold can be the difference between an RSRP measurement of a first TRP (e.g., the maximum RSRP) and an RSRP measurement of a second TRP (e.g., the maximum RSRP). The message can be received via PDCCH or PDSCH.

[0100] In step S515, a message including the fallback reporting mode is received. For example, a message indicating the fallback reporting mode as basic group-based beam reporting can be received from the TRP. This message can be received via the PDCCH or PDSCH.

[0101] In step S520, a message including DL RS configuration is received. For example, this message can be received from the TRP. The DL RS configuration message may include measurement information for the DL RS that can be identified by an identifier of the TRP. The identifier can be a logical identifier (e.g., providing network flexibility for separation, such as different TX panels at the same TRP). This message can be received via PDCCH or PDSCH.

[0102] In step S525, DL RS measurements are performed. For example, the UE can perform measurements on each panel (antenna) associated with the UE. Measurements may include RSRP, RSSI, SINR, and / or similar measurements. Measurements may include TRP identification or identity information.

[0103] In step S530, the difference between DL RS is determined. For example, this difference can be calculated by the UE. The difference between (multiple) DL RS can be the difference between the strongest RS resource (RSRP) of the first TRP and the strongest RS resource (RSRP) of at least one second TRP.

[0104] In step S532, if the difference between DL and RS is not less than a threshold, the process continues to step S535. Otherwise, the process returns to step S525, where the monitoring of the difference between DL and RS continues to be measured and determined.

[0105] In step S535, the reporting mode is switched to fallback reporting mode. For example, for a single TRP (e.g., the TRP with the highest RSRP), the UE switches its group-based beam reporting to fallback (e.g., basic group-based) beam reporting mode (see...). Figure 2B ).

[0106] In step S540, a message including N optimal DL RSs is transmitted. For example, this message can be transmitted from the UE to at least one TRP. The UE can determine the N optimal DL RSs. The N optimal DL RSs can be determined based on RSRP, RSSI, SINR, and / or similar factors. For example, the N optimal DL RSs could be the N DL RSs with the minimum RSRP. The message can be identification or identifier information of the TRP associated with the DL RS. This message can be transmitted using PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0107] In step S545, the differences between DL RS are monitored. For example, the RSRP difference between DL RS is monitored. In step S550, if the DL RS difference is less than a threshold, the process continues to step S555. Otherwise, the process returns to step S545, where the differences between DL RS continue to be monitored. In an alternative implementation, the enhanced group-based beam reporting process can be terminated.

[0108] In step S555, the reporting mode is switched to enhanced group-based reporting. For example, the UE can use multi-TRP transmission. Multi-TRP transmission may include the UE acquiring resources from at least two TRPs. The at least two TRPs may be associated with the same cell. The at least two TRPs may be associated with different cells. By switching the UE to enhanced group-based beam reporting, the UE can report DL RS, where the UE can use different RX panels at that UE to receive the DL RS from different TRPs. Therefore, the UE can change its RX beam and / or antenna panel without prior communication with the TRPs.

[0109] In step S560, a message including N optimal DL RSs is transmitted. For example, this message can be transmitted from the UE to at least one TRP. The UE can determine the N optimal DL RSs. The N optimal DL RSs can be determined based on RSRP, RSSI, SINR, and / or similar factors. For example, the N optimal DL RSs could be the N DL RSs with the minimum RSRP. The message can be identification or marking information of the TRP associated with the DL RS. This message can be transmitted using PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0110] Some examples of advantages:

[0111] Example 1. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the user equipment. Operation S610 includes receiving a message from the base station (BS) at the user equipment (UE) including a constraint threshold. Operation S620 includes receiving a message from the BS at the UE including a backoff beam reporting mode. Operation S630 includes the UE performing downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements and determining the difference between the DL and RS measurements. Operation S640 includes switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0112] Example 2. The method of Example 1 further includes: determining N optimal DL RSs based on DL RS measurements and at least one of the differences between DL RS measurements, and transmitting a message including the N optimal DL RSs from the UE to the BS.

[0113] Example 3. The methods of Example 1 and Example 2 further include: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than a constraint threshold.

[0114] Example 4. The methods of Example 1 and Example 2 further include: terminating the process in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than a constraint threshold.

[0115] Example 5. The methods of Examples 1 to 4 further include: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to backoff beam reporting mode, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than a constraint threshold, and monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements.

[0116] Example 6. The methods of Examples 1 to 4 further include: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the backoff beam reporting mode, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL RS measurements is less than a constraint threshold, and terminating the process.

[0117] Example 7. The methods of Examples 5 and 6, where monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements can be performed N times.

[0118] Example 8. The methods of Examples 5 and 6, where monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements can be performed N times within a time window.

[0119] Example 9. The methods of Examples 1 through 8, wherein performing DL RS measurements and determining the difference between DL RS measurements can be performed N times before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

[0120] Example 10. The methods of Examples 1 through 8, wherein performing DL RS measurements and determining the difference between DL RS measurements can be performed N times within a time window before switching to the enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

[0121] Example 11. The methods of Examples 9 and 10, where the difference between DL RS measurements can be less than the constraint threshold N times.

[0122] Example 12. The methods of Examples 1 to 11 further include: switching to a basic beamgroup-based reporting mode before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

[0123] Example 13. The methods of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs).

[0124] Example 14. The methods of Examples 1 through 13, wherein the DL RS measurement can be the RSRP measurement at different panels of the UE.

[0125] Example 15. The methods of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the RSRP from the first TRP at the first panel of the UE, and can be a measurement of the RSRP from the second TRP at the second panel of the UE.

[0126] Example 16. The method of Example 15, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell. The first TRP can be located in a first cell, and the second TRP can be located in a second cell.

[0127] Example 17. The methods of Examples 1 to 16 further include performing a Level 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell.

[0128] Example 18. Methods from Examples 1 to 17, where the BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0129] Example 19. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating base station operation. Operation S710 includes transmitting a message from the base station (BS) to the user equipment, the message including a constraint threshold. Operation S720 includes transmitting a message from the BS to the UE, the message including a backoff beam reporting mode. Operation S730 includes the BS receiving a message from the UE, the message including N optimal downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements associated with the UE. Operation S740 includes the BS determining a group-based beam reporting mode based on the DL RS measurements.

[0130] Example 20. The method of Example 19, wherein the DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs).

[0131] Example 21. The methods of Examples 19 and 20, wherein the DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement at a different panel of the UE.

[0132] Example 22. The methods of Examples 19 to 21, wherein the DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the RSRP from the first TRP at the first panel of the UE, and can be a measurement of the RSRP from the second TRP at the second panel of the UE.

[0133] Example 23. The method of Example 22, where the first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell.

[0134] Example 24. The method of Example 22, wherein the first TRP can be located in the first cell and the second TRP can be located in the second cell.

[0135] Example 25. The methods of Examples 19 to 24, wherein the determined group-based beam reporting mode can be a group-based beam reporting mode.

[0136] Example 26. The methods of Examples 19 to 25, wherein the back-off beam reporting mode can be a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

[0137] Example 27. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the user equipment. Operation S810 includes receiving a message at the user equipment (UE) from the base station (BS) including a constraint threshold. Operation S820 includes receiving a message at the UE from the BS including a backoff beam reporting mode. Operation S830 includes performing downlink reference signal (RS) measurements by the UE. Operation S840 includes determining the difference between the DL and RS measurements by the UE. Operation S850 includes switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between the DL and RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

[0138] Example 28. The method of Example 27 further includes determining N optimal DL RSs based on DL RS measurements and at least one of the differences between DL RS measurements, and transmitting a message including the N optimal DL RSs from the UE to the BS.

[0139] Example 29. The methods of Examples 27 and 28 further include: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than a constraint threshold.

[0140] Example 30. The methods of Examples 27 and 28 further include: terminating the process in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than a constraint threshold.

[0141] Example 31. The methods of Examples 27 to 30 further include: switching to back-beam reporting mode before performing DL RS measurements.

[0142] Example 32. The methods of Examples 27 to 31, where performing DL RS measurements and determining the difference between DL RS measurements can be performed N times.

[0143] Example 33. The methods of Examples 27 to 31, wherein performing DL RS measurements and determining the difference between DL RS measurements can be performed N times within a time window.

[0144] Example 34. The methods of Examples 27 and 33, where the difference between DL RS measurements can be less than the constraint threshold N times.

[0145] Example 35. The methods of Examples 27 to 34, wherein the DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmit and receive points (TRPs).

[0146] Example 36. Methods from Examples 27 to 35, wherein the DL RS measurement can be an RSRP measurement at different panels of the UE.

[0147] Example 37. The methods of Examples 27 to 36, wherein the DL RS measurement can be a measurement of the RSRP from the first TRP at the first panel of the UE, and can be a measurement of the RSRP from the second TRP at the second panel of the UE.

[0148] Example 38. The method of Example 37, where the first TRP and the second TRP can be located in the same cell.

[0149] Example 39. The method of Example 37, wherein the first TRP can be located in the first cell and the second TRP can be located in the second cell.

[0150] Example 40. The methods of Examples 27 to 39 further include performing a Layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell.

[0151] Example 41. Methods from Examples 27 to 40, where the BS can include two or more TRPs.

[0152] Example 42. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions stored thereon, configured, when executed by at least one processor, to cause a computing system to perform any of the methods in Examples 1-41.

[0153] Example 43. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method of any one of Examples 1-41.

[0154] Example 44. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; said at least one memory and said computer program code configured, together with said at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least any one of the methods of Examples 1-41.

[0155] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a wireless station 900, wireless node, or network node 900 according to an example embodiment. According to the example embodiment, the wireless node, wireless station, or network node 900 may include, for example, one or more APs, BSs, gNBs, RAN nodes, relay nodes, UEs or user equipment, network nodes, network entities, DUs, CU-CPs, ... or other nodes.

[0156] Wireless station 900 may include, for example, one or more (e.g., such as...) Figure 9 The two RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 902A and 902B shown include a transmitter for transmitting signals and a receiver for receiving signals in each wireless transceiver. The wireless station also includes a processor or control unit / entity (controller) 904 that executes instructions or software and controls the transmission and reception of signals, and a memory 906 that stores data and / or instructions.

[0157] Processor 904 can also make decisions or determinations, generate frames, data packets, or messages for transmission, decode received frames or messages for further processing, and perform other tasks or functions described herein. Processor 904 may be a baseband processor, for example, capable of generating messages, data packets, frames, or other signals for transmission via wireless transceiver 902 (902A or 902B). Processor 904 can control the transmission of signals or messages via a wireless network and can control the reception of signals or messages via a wireless network (e.g., after down-conversion via wireless transceiver 902). Processor 904 is programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in memory or other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above. Processor 904 may be (or may include) hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor executing software or firmware, and / or any combination thereof. For example, using other terms, processor 904 and transceiver 902 together may be considered a wireless transmit / receive system.

[0158] In addition, refer to Figure 9 The controller (or processor) 908 can execute software and instructions, and can provide overall control for station 900, and can also... Figure 9 Other systems not shown may provide control, such as controlling input / output devices (e.g., a display, a keyboard), and / or may execute software for one or more applications provided on the wireless station 900, such as an email program, an audio / video application, a word processor, an IP voice application, or other applications or software.

[0159] In addition, a storage medium containing storage instructions may be provided, which, when executed by a controller or processor, may cause processor 904 or other controllers or processors to perform one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0160] According to another example embodiment, the RF or wireless transceiver 902A / 902B can receive signals or data and / or transmit or send signals or data. The processor 904 (and possibly the transceiver 902A / 902B) can control the RF or wireless transceiver 902A or 902B to receive, transmit, broadcast, or transmit signals or data.

[0161] However, the example embodiments are not limited to the system given as an example, but those skilled in the art can apply this solution to other communication systems. Another suitable example of a communication system is the 5G system. It is speculated that the network architecture of 5G will be very similar to advanced LTE. 5G may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, more base stations or nodes than LTE (a so-called small cell concept), including macro-sites operating in cooperation with smaller sites, and perhaps also employ various radio technologies to better cover and increase data rates.

[0162] Fortunately, future networks will likely leverage Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions as "building blocks" or entities that can be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) can comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program code using standard or general-purpose type servers, rather than custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications, this could mean that node operations can be performed, at least partially, operationally coupled to servers, hosts, or nodes of a remote radio head. Node operations may also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of operations between core network operations and base station operations may differ from, or even not exist, in LTE.

[0163] Example embodiments of the various technologies described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Example embodiments can be implemented as computer program products, i.e., computer programs tangibly embodied in information carriers, such as machine-readable storage devices or in propagating signals, so as to be executed or controlled by data processing apparatuses, such as programmable processors, computers, or multiple computers. Embodiments can also be provided on computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media, which may be non-transitory media. Embodiments of the various technologies may also include embodiments provided via transient signals or media, and / or program and / or software embodiments downloadable via the Internet or other networks, wired networks and / or wireless networks. Furthermore, embodiments can be provided via machine-type communication (MTC) or via the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0164] Computer programs can be in the form of source code, object code, or some intermediate form, and can be stored on some kind of carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium. These media can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Examples of such carriers include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectric and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing power, a computer program can be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed across multiple computers.

[0165] Furthermore, example embodiments of the various technologies described herein may utilize cyber-physical systems (CPS) (systems that control collaborative computing elements of physical entities). CPS can implement and utilize a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects in different locations. Mobile cyber-physical systems are a subclass of cyber-physical systems where the physical systems under discussion possess inherent mobility. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices transported by humans or animals. The increasing prevalence of smartphones has increased interest in the field of mobile cyber-physical systems. Therefore, various embodiments of the technologies described herein may be implemented via / involved with one or more of these technologies.

[0166] Computer programs, such as those described above, can be written in any programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program, or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit or part thereof suitable for use in a computing environment. Computer programs can be deployed and executed on a single computer or multiple computers on a single website, or they can be distributed across multiple websites and interconnected through communication networks.

[0167] The method steps can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute a computer program or a portion thereof, to manipulate input data and produce output to perform a function. The method steps can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, and the device can also be implemented as special-purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0168] For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose microprocessors and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors in any digital computer, chip, or chipset. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The components of a computer may include at least one processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer may also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data therefrom or transfer data thereto, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for containing instructions and data that embody computer programs include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, by example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROMs, EEPROMs, flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated into, special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0169] To provide interaction with the user, embodiments can be implemented on a computer with a display device (e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor) for displaying information to the user and user interface, such as a keyboard and point stick with a touchpad device (e.g., a mouse or trackball), through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input.

[0170] The example embodiments can be implemented in a computing system that includes backend components, such as a data server; middleware components, such as an application server; or frontend components, such as a client computer with a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with the embodiments; or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components can be interconnected through any form or medium of digital data communication, such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), such as the Internet.

[0171] While certain features of the described embodiments have been illustrated herein, many modifications, substitutions, variations, and equivalents will appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: receiving, at a user equipment (UE), a message from a base station (BS), the message comprising a constraint threshold; receiving, at the UE, a message from the BS, the message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; performing, by the UE, downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements; determining, by the UE, a difference between DL RS measurements; and switching to the fallback beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining the N best DL RS based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the difference between DL RS measurements; and transmitting, from the UE to the BS, a message comprising the N best DL RS.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: terminating processing in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, and monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold, and terminating processing.

7. The method of any one of claims 5-6, wherein the monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements is performed N times.

8. The method of any one of claims 5-6, wherein the monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements is performed N times within a time window.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the performing of the DL RS measurements and the determining of the difference between DL RS measurements are performed N times before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the performing of the DL RS measurements and the determining of the difference between DL RS measurements are performed N times within a time window before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

11. The method of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the difference between DL RS measurements is determined to be less than the constraint threshold N times. switching to a basic beam group-based reporting mode before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode. ​ ​ 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: ​ 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE and measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP are located in a same cell.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first TRP is located in a first cell and the second TRP is located in a second cell.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing a layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the BS comprises two or more TRPs.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform steps comprising: receiving, at a user equipment (UE) from a base station (BS), a message comprising a constraint threshold; receiving, at the UE from the BS, a message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; performing, by the UE, downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements; determining, by the UE, a difference between DL RS measurements; and in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold, switching to the fallback beam reporting mode.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, the steps further comprising: determining, based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the difference between DL RS measurements, the N best DL RSs; and transmitting, from the UE to the BS, a message comprising the N best DL RSs.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, the steps further comprising: in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, further comprising: in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, terminating processing.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, further comprising: after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode, monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements; in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode, and monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, further comprising: ​ monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode, and terminating the process.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 24-25, wherein the monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements is performed N times.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 24-25, wherein the monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements is performed N times within a time window.

28. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the performing of the DL RS measurements, and the determining of the difference between DL RS measurements, are performed N times before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

29. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the performing of the DL RS measurements, and the determining of the difference between DL RS measurements, are performed N times within a time window before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

30. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 28-29, wherein the difference between DL RS measurements is determined to be less than the constraint threshold N times.

31. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, further comprising: switching to a basic beam group-based reporting mode before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

32. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

33. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE.

34. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE.

35. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 34, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP are located in a same cell.

36. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 34, wherein the first TRP is located in a first cell, and the second TRP is located in a second cell.

37. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, further comprising: performing a layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell.

38. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the BS comprises two or more TRPs.

39. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for receiving, at a user equipment (UE) from a base station (BS), a message comprising a constraint threshold; means for receiving, at the UE from the BS, a message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; means for performing, by the UE, downlink, DL, reference signal, RS, measurements; means for determining, by the UE, a difference between DL RS measurements; and means for switching to the fallback beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising: means for determining the N best DL RS based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the difference between DL RS measurements; and means for transmitting, from the UE to the BS, a message comprising the N best DL RS.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising: means for monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

42. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising: means for terminating processing in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

43. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising: means for monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, means for switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode, and means for monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements.

44. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising: means for monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold, means for switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode, and means for terminating processing.

45. The apparatus of any one of claims 43-44, wherein the monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements is performed N times.

46. The apparatus of any one of claims 43-44, wherein the monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements is performed N times within a time window.

47. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the performing of the DL RS measurements, and the determining of the difference between DL RS measurements, are performed N times before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

48. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the performing of the DL RS measurements, and the determining of the difference between DL RS measurements, are performed N times within a time window before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

49. The apparatus of any one of claims 47-48, wherein the difference between DL RS measurements is determined to be less than the constraint threshold N times.

50. The device of claim 39, further comprising: A component for switching to a basic beam group based reporting mode prior to switching to an enhanced group based beam reporting mode.

51. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

52. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE.

53. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE and measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP are located in a same cell.

55. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the first TRP is located in a first cell and the second TRP is located in a second cell.

56. The device of claim 39, further comprising: A component for performing a layer 1 handover between a first cell and a second cell.

57. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the BS comprises two or more TRPs.

58. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the following steps: receiving a message at a user equipment (UE) from a base station (BS), the message comprising a constraint threshold; receiving a message at the UE from the BS, the message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; performing, by the UE, downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements; determining, by the UE, a difference between DL RS measurements; and switching to the fallback beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising: determining the N best DL RS based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the difference between DL RS measurements; and transmitting a message from the UE to the BS comprising the N best DL RS.

60. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

61. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising: terminating processing in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

62. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; switching to an enhanced group based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, and monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements.

63. A method for communication, comprising: receiving a message at a user equipment (UE) from a base station (BS), the message comprising a constraint threshold; receiving a message at the UE from the BS, the message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; performing, by the UE, downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements; determining, by the UE, a difference between DL RS measurements; and switching to the fallback beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold.

64. The method of claim 63, further comprising: determining the N best DL RS based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the difference between DL RS measurements; and transmitting a message from the UE to the BS comprising the N best DL RS.

65. The method of claim 63, further comprising: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

66. The method of claim 63, further comprising: terminating processing in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

67. The method of claim 63, further comprising: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; switching to an enhanced group based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, and monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements.

68. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor configured with instructions to cause the apparatus at least to: receive a message at a user equipment (UE) from a base station (BS), the message comprising a constraint threshold; receive a message at the UE from the BS, the message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; perform downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements; determine a difference between DL RS measurements; and switch to the fallback beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising the instructions to cause the apparatus at least to: determine the N best DL RS based on at least one of the DL RS measurements and the difference between DL RS measurements; and transmit a message from the UE to the BS comprising the N best DL RS.

70. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising the instructions to cause the apparatus at least to: monitor the difference between DL RS measurements in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

71. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising the instructions to cause the apparatus at least to: terminate processing in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold.

72. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising the instructions to cause the apparatus at least to: monitor the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; switch to an enhanced group based beam reporting mode in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is less than the constraint threshold, and monitor the difference between DL RS measurements.

73. A computer program product, comprising: a computer readable medium; and program instructions executable by a computer for causing the computer to perform the steps of the method of any of claims 63-67.

74. A computer program product, comprising: a computer readable medium; and program instructions executable by a computer for causing the computer to perform the steps of the method of any of claims 68-72.

63. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising: monitoring the difference between DL RS measurements after switching to the fallback beam reporting mode; in response to determining that the difference between DL RS measurements is not less than the constraint threshold, switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode, and terminating processing.

64. The apparatus of any one of claims 62-63, wherein the monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements is performed N times.

65. The apparatus of any one of claims 62-63, wherein the monitoring of the difference between DL RS measurements is performed N times within a time window.

66. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the performing of the DL RS measurements, and the determining of the difference between DL RS measurements, are performed N times before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

67. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the performing of the DL RS measurements, and the determining of the difference between DL RS measurements, are performed N times within a time window before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

68. The apparatus of any one of claims 66-67, wherein the difference between DL RS measurements is determined to be less than the constraint threshold N times.

69. The device of claim 58, further comprising: switching to a basic beam group-based reporting mode before switching to an enhanced group-based beam reporting mode.

70. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

71. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE.

72. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE, and measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP are located in a same cell.

74. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the first TRP is located in a first cell, and the second TRP is located in a second cell.

75. The device of claim 58, further comprising: performing a layer 1 handover between the first cell and the second cell.

76. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the BS comprises two or more TRPs.

77. A method for communication, comprising: transmitting, from a base station BS to a user equipment UE, a message, the message comprising a constraint threshold; transmitting, from the BS to the UE, a message, the message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; receiving, at the BS from the UE, a message, the message comprising N best downlink, DL, reference signal, RS, measurements associated with the UE; and determining, by the BS, a group-based beam reporting mode based on the DL RS measurements.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

79. The method of claim 77, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE.

80. The method of claim 77, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE and measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP are located in a same cell.

82. The method of claim 80, wherein the first TRP is located in a first cell and the second TRP is located in a second cell.

83. The method of any of claims 77-82, wherein the determined group-based beam reporting mode is a group-based beam reporting mode.

84. The method of any of claims 77-82, wherein the fallback beam reporting mode is a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

85. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform steps comprising: transmitting, from a base station (BS) to a user equipment (UE), a message comprising a constraint threshold; transmitting, from the BS to the UE, a message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; receiving, at the BS from the UE, a message comprising N best downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements associated with the UE; and determining a group-based beam reporting mode based on the DL RS measurements.

86. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 85, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

87. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 85, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE.

88. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 85, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE and measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE.

89. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 88, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP are located in a same cell.

90. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 88, wherein the first TRP is located in a first cell and the second TRP is located in a second cell.

91. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 85-90, wherein the determined group-based beam reporting mode is a group-based beam reporting mode.

92. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 85-90, wherein the fallback beam reporting mode is a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

93. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for transmitting, from a base station (BS) to a user equipment (UE), a message comprising a constraint threshold; means for transmitting, from the BS to the UE, a message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; means for receiving, at the BS from the UE, a message comprising N best downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements associated with the UE; and means for determining, by the BS, a group-based beam reporting mode based on the DL RS measurements.

94. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

95. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP at different panels of the UE.

96. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the DL RS measurements are measurements of RSRP from a first TRP at a first panel of the UE and measurements of RSRP from a second TRP at a second panel of the UE.

97. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP are located in a same cell.

98. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the first TRP is located in a first cell and the second TRP is located in a second cell.

99. The apparatus of any of claims 93-98, wherein the determined group-based beam reporting mode is a group-based beam reporting mode.

100. The apparatus of any of claims 93-98, wherein the fallback beam reporting mode is a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

101. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program codes; the at least one memory and the computer program codes configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the steps comprising: transmitting, from a base station (BS) to a user equipment (UE), a message comprising a constraint threshold; transmitting, from the BS to the UE, a message comprising a fallback beam reporting mode; receiving, at the BS from the UE, a message comprising N best downlink (DL) reference signal (RS) measurements associated with the UE; and determining, by the BS, a group-based beam reporting mode based on the DL RS measurements.

102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the DL RS measurement is a measurement of reference signal received power (RSRP) of two or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

103. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the DL RS measurement is a measurement of RSRP at different panels of the UE.

104. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the DL RS measurement is a measurement of RSRP at a first panel of the UE from a first TRP and a measurement of RSRP at a second panel of the UE from a second TRP.

105. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the first TRP and the second TRP are located in a same cell.

106. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the first TRP is located in a first cell and the second TRP is located in a second cell.

107. The apparatus of any one of claims 101 to 106, wherein the determined group-based beam reporting mode is a group-based beam reporting mode.

108. The apparatus of any one of claims 101 to 106, wherein the fallback beam reporting mode is a basic group-based beam reporting mode.

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