Ue-assisted single frequency network (SFN) management

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a radio access network having the ability to dynamically reconfigure a number of transmit receive points (TRPs) in a single frequency network (SFN) based on channel measurements. In one example, a mobile device receives a configuration message that includes a plurality of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states, and potentially further includes an indication that identifies one or more of the TCI states as a primary TCI state. The message may further include an indication that it includes a plurality of TCI states. The UE receives a downlink traffic channel and demodulates the traffic channel based only on a subset of TCI states (e.g., a primary TCI state). The UE further measures one or more channel parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of TCI states, and transmits a channel state information report based on the channel parameters. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application 202080102317.X (PCT / CN2020 / 098562) with a filing date of June 28, 2020 and entitled “UE-Assisted Single Frequency Network (SFN) Management”. Technical Field

[0002] The techniques discussed below relate generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to single frequency networks (SFNs). Embodiments may provide and implement techniques for demonstrating dynamic and flexible SFN scheme configurations. Background Art

[0003] Wireless communication networks come in various forms and provide a variety of different functions and features in addition to cellular phone calls. An example of a wireless network solution that has recently received attention is a single frequency network (SFN). SFN is commonly used for wireless point-to-multipoint communications, such as digital television broadcasting, multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS), etc. Utilizing SFN, a collection of multiple SFN transmitters in a wireless communication network can synchronously transmit the same signal in the same time period. Accordingly, a receiver can receive SFN-style transmissions while essentially assuming the presence of a single transmitter. With the SFN feature, a wireless communication network can provide increased coverage. That is, inter-cell interference between SFN cells (interference from neighbor transmitters experienced by a receiver that is receiving a signal from a neighboring transmitter) can provide constructive gain rather than interfering with the receiver. However, due to the propagation time difference from different SFN transmitters to a given receiver, the SFN feature usually has strict delay conditions.

[0004] When a wireless communication network provides a SFN feature, the SFN transmitters coordinate their respective SFN transmissions (e.g., timing synchronization and communication of data to be transmitted so that the transmitters transmit the same symbols). In some examples, the transmitters may achieve such coordination via an inter-transmitter backhaul communication link. And in some examples, the transmitters may achieve such coordination via inter-backhaul communications with a suitable SFN control node. As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to grow, research and development continues to advance wireless communication technologies to not only meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access, but also to improve and enhance the user experience of mobile communications. Summary of the invention

[0005] A brief summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure is given below to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all conceived features of the present disclosure, and is neither intended to identify the key or decisive elements of all aspects of the present disclosure nor to attempt to define the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description that will be given later.

[0006] In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to a radio access network having the ability to dynamically reconfigure multiple transmit reception points (TRPs) in a single frequency network (SFN) based on channel measurements. In some examples, a user equipment (UE) is configured to transmit capability information indicating support for SFN scheme switching features.

[0007] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a UE may receive a configuration message that includes a plurality of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states and potentially further includes an indication that one or more of the TCI states are identified as primary TCI states. The message may further include an indication that it includes a plurality of TCI states. The UE may receive a downlink traffic channel and demodulate the traffic channel based only on a subset of the TCI states (e.g., the primary TCI state). The UE may further measure one or more channel parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of TCI states and may transmit a channel state information report based on the channel parameters.

[0008] In another example, the UE may receive one or more reference signals (RS) from each of the plurality of TRPs. Based on the RS, the UE may determine channel parameters corresponding to each TRP. Subsequently, the UE may determine one or more preferred SFN schemes and / or one or more preferred TRPs based on the channel parameters. The UE may transmit a report based on the determined channel parameters (e.g., including the preferred SFN scheme and / or TRP). In response to the report, the UE may receive an indication of a change from a first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme (e.g., changing the number of TRPs employed in the SFN schemes).

[0009] In another example, a network node (e.g., a base station, a gNB, a TRP, etc.) may utilize a first SFN scheme to transmit to a UE on a downlink traffic channel. The network node may receive channel measurement information corresponding to a corresponding channel between the UE and the TRP. For example, the network node may receive a channel state information report from the UE. In another example, the network node may receive information indicating a TCI state corresponding to a neighbor TRP. Based on the channel measurement information, the network node may determine to change from a first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme, and transmit an indication of this to the UE. The network node may further transmit configuration information to the UE, the configuration information including multiple TCI states. In an example in which the network node is a TRP, the TRP may transmit information including a TCI state corresponding to a neighbor TRP together with a TCI state corresponding to itself. Subsequently, the network node may utilize a second SFN scheme to transmit on a downlink traffic channel.

[0010] These and other aspects of the present invention will be more fully understood after reading the following detailed description. After reading the following description of specific exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects, features and embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although the following description may discuss various advantages and features with respect to certain embodiments and the accompanying drawings, all embodiments may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although this specification may discuss that one or more embodiments have certain advantageous features, one or more such features may also be used according to the various embodiments discussed herein. In a similar manner, although this specification may discuss exemplary embodiments with device, system or method embodiments, it should be appreciated that such exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects.

[0012] Figure 2 is a conceptual illustration of an example of a radio access network in accordance with some aspects.

[0013] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication system supporting multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications.

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the organization of wireless resources in an air interface utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a scheduling entity according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a scheduled entity according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 A conceptual explanation is used to describe a transparent single frequency network (SFN) scheme and a non-transparent SFN scheme.

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of changing channel characteristics in the case of a fast-moving mobile device in a high-speed train.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for network-based SFN scheme flexibility features according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for UE-based SFN scheme flexibility feature according to some aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, this specification provides well-known structures and components in block diagram form in order to avoid diluting such concepts.

[0022] Although this specification describes various aspects and embodiments by explaining some examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that additional implementations and use cases can be generated in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovation described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, each embodiment and / or use can be generated via an integrated chip embodiment and other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication equipment, computing equipment, industrial equipment, retail / shopping equipment, medical equipment, AI-enabled devices, etc.). Although some examples may or may not be specifically for each use case or application, the wide applicability of the described innovation may occur. The scope of each implementation can range from chip-level or module components to non-module, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed or OEM devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovation. In some practical environments, the equipment incorporating the various aspects and features described may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described embodiments. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily include several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components, including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be practiced in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc., of various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0023] The following disclosure presents various concepts that can be implemented across a wide variety of telecommunication systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Figure 1 , by way of illustrative example and not limitation, various aspects of the present disclosure are shown with reference to a wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication system 100 includes three interacting domains: a core network 102, a radio access network (RAN) 104, and a user equipment (UE) 106. The wireless communication system 100 enables the UE 106 to perform data communications with an external data network 110, such as (but not limited to) the Internet.

[0024] The RAN 104 may implement any suitable one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to provide radio access to the UE 106. In general, RAT refers to a type of technology or a communication standard used for radio access and communication over a wireless air interface. Just some examples of RATs include GSM, UTRA, E-UTRA (LTE), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. As an example, the RAN 104 may operate according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) specification, commonly referred to as 5G. As another example, the RAN 104 may operate under a mix of 5G NR and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (eUTRAN) standards, commonly referred to as LTE. 3GPP refers to this hybrid RAN as the Next Generation RAN, or NG-RAN. Of course, many other examples may be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] As illustrated, the RAN 104 includes a plurality of base stations 108. In a broad sense, a base station is a network element in a radio access network that is responsible for radio transmission and reception to or from a UE in one or more cells. In different technologies, standards, or contexts, a base station may be referred to differently by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), an access point (AP), a Node B (NB), an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B (gNB), or some other suitable terminology.

[0026] The radio access network 104 supports wireless communications for multiple mobile devices. The mobile devices may be referred to as user equipment (UE) in the 3GPP standard, but may also be referred to as mobile stations (MS), subscriber stations, mobile units, subscriber units, wireless units, remote units, mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, remote devices, mobile subscriber stations, access terminals (AT), mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, handsets, terminals, user agents, mobile clients, clients, or some other suitable terminology by those skilled in the art. A UE may be a device (e.g., a mobile device) that provides access to network services.

[0027] Within this document, a "mobile" device does not necessarily need to have mobile capabilities, and may be stationary. The term mobile device or mobile equipment refers broadly to a wide variety of devices and technologies. A UE may include several hardware structural components sized, shaped, and arranged to facilitate communication; such components may include antennas, antenna arrays, RF chains, amplifiers, one or more processors, and the like electrically coupled to each other. For example, some non-limiting examples of mobile devices include mobile devices, cellular (cell) phones, smart phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smartbooks, tablet devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and a wide variety of embedded systems, for example, corresponding to the "Internet of Things" (IoT). Additionally, the mobile device may be a car or other transportation vehicle, a remote sensor or actuator, a robot or robotic device, a satellite radio, a global positioning system (GPS) device, an object tracking device, a drone, a multicopter, a quadcopter, a remote control device, a consumer and / or wearable device (such as glasses), a wearable camera, a virtual reality device, a smart watch, a health or fitness tracker, a digital audio player (e.g., an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, etc. Additionally, the mobile device may be a digital home or smart home device, such as home audio, video and / or multimedia equipment, an appliance, a vending machine, a smart lighting device, a home security system, a smart meter, etc. The mobile device may further be a smart energy device, a security device, a solar panel or solar array, a municipal infrastructure device (e.g., a smart grid) that controls electricity, lighting, water, etc.; industrial automation and enterprise equipment; logistics controllers; agricultural equipment; military defense equipment, vehicles, aircraft, ships, and weapons, etc. Still further, the mobile device may provide networked medical or telemedicine support, such as health care at a distance. Telehealth devices may include telehealth monitoring devices and telehealth supervisory devices, whose communications may be given priority or prioritized access over other types of information, for example in the form of prioritized access for critical service data transmission and / or associated QoS for critical service data transmission.

[0028] Wireless communication between RAN 104 and UE 106 may be described as utilizing an air interface. Transmissions over the air interface from a base station (e.g., base station 108) to one or more UEs (e.g., UE 106) may be referred to as downlink (DL) transmissions. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the term downlink may refer to a point-to-multipoint transmission originating at a scheduling entity (further described below; e.g., base station 108). Another way to describe this scheme may be to use the term broadcast channel multiplexing. Transmissions from a UE (e.g., UE 106) to a base station (e.g., base station 108) may be referred to as uplink (UL) transmissions. According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the term uplink may refer to a point-to-point transmission originating at a scheduled entity (further described below; e.g., UE 106).

[0029] In some examples, access to the air interface may be scheduled, wherein a scheduling entity (e.g., a base station 108) allocates resources for communication among some or all devices and equipment within its service area or cell. Within the present disclosure, as discussed further below, a scheduling entity may be responsible for scheduling, assigning, reconfiguring, and releasing resources for one or more scheduled entities. That is, for scheduled communications, a UE 106 (which may be a scheduled entity) may utilize resources allocated by the scheduling entity 108.

[0030] Base station 108 is not the only entity that may function as a scheduling entity. That is, in some examples, a UE may function as a scheduling entity, scheduling resources for one or more scheduled entities (eg, one or more other UEs).

[0031] like Figure 1 , the scheduling entity 108 may broadcast downlink traffic 112 to one or more scheduled entities 106. Broadly speaking, the scheduling entity 108 is a node or device responsible for scheduling traffic in the wireless communication network, including downlink traffic 112 and, in some examples, uplink traffic 116 from one or more scheduled entities 106 to the scheduling entity 108. On the other hand, the scheduled entity 106 is a node or device that receives downlink control information 114 (including but not limited to scheduling information (e.g., grants), synchronization or timing information), or other control information from another entity in the wireless communication network, such as the scheduling entity 108.

[0032] Generally speaking, base stations 108 may include a backhaul interface for communicating with a backhaul portion 120 of a wireless communication system. Backhaul 120 may provide a link between base stations 108 and core network 102. Additionally, in some examples, a backhaul network may provide interconnections between respective base stations 108. Various types of backhaul interfaces may be employed, such as a direct physical connection, a virtual network, and the like, using any suitable transport network.

[0033] The core network 102 may be part of the wireless communication system 100 and may be independent of the radio access technology used in the RAN 104. In some examples, the core network 102 may be configured according to a 5G standard (e.g., 5GC). In other examples, the core network 102 may be configured according to a 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC), or any other suitable standard or configuration.

[0034] Now refer to Figure 2 , a schematic illustration of RAN 200 is provided as an example and not as a limitation. In some examples, RAN 200 may be similar to those described above and in Figure 1 The geographic area covered by the RAN 200 may be divided into cellular regions (cells) that may be uniquely identified by a user equipment (UE) based on an identity broadcast from an access point or base station. Figure 2 Macro cells 202, 204, and 206 and small cells 208 are illustrated, each of which may include one or more sectors (not shown). A sector is a sub-area of ​​a cell. All sectors within one cell are served by the same base station. A radio link within a sector may be identified by a single logical identification belonging to the sector. In a cell divided into sectors, multiple sectors within a cell may be formed by antenna groups, where each antenna is responsible for communication with UEs in a portion of the cell.

[0035] exist Figure 2, two base stations 210 and 212 are shown in the cellular cells 202 and 204; and a third base station 214 is shown as controlling a remote radio head (RRH) 216 in the cellular cell 206. That is, the base station may have an integrated antenna, or may be connected to the antenna or RRH by a feeder cable. In the illustrated example, the cellular cells 202, 204, and 126 may be referred to as macro cells because the base stations 210, 212, and 214 support cells with large sizes. In addition, the base station 218 is shown in a small cell 208 (e.g., a micro cell, a micro cell, a femto cell, a home base station, a home node B, a home evolved node B, etc.), which may overlap with one or more macro cells. In this example, the cellular cell 208 may be referred to as a small cell because the base station 218 supports a cell with a relatively small size. The cell size setting may be done according to the system design and component constraints. Broadly speaking, such base stations, RRHs, small cells, etc. may be referred to as transmit receive points (TRPs). That is, a TRP may be considered to be a geographically co-located set of antennas (e.g., an antenna array (having one or more antenna elements)) that supports transmit point (TP) and / or receive point (RP) functionality. The TP functionality may correspond to a geographically co-located set of transmit antennas (e.g., an antenna array (having one or more antenna elements)) for a cell or a portion of a cell. Similarly, the RP functionality may correspond to a geographically co-located set of receive antennas (e.g., an antenna array (having one or more antenna elements)) for a cell or a portion of a cell.

[0036] It is to be understood that the radio access network 200 may include any number of wireless base stations and cellular cells. In addition, relay nodes may be deployed to extend the size or coverage area of ​​a given cellular cell. Base stations 210, 212, 214, 218 provide wireless access points to the core network for any number of mobile devices. In some examples, base stations 210, 212, 214, and / or 218 may be similar to those described above and in Figure 1 The same as the base station / scheduling entity 108 illustrated in FIG.

[0037] Figure 2 Further included is a quadcopter or drone 220 that can be configured to act as a base station. That is, in some examples, the cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of ​​the cell may move depending on the location of a mobile base station (such as a quadcopter 220).

[0038] Within the RAN 200, cells may include UEs that may be in communication with one or more sectors of each cell. In addition, each base station 210, 212, 214, 218, and 220 may be configured to provide a core network 102 (see FIG. 1 ) for all UEs in the corresponding cell. Figure 1 ) access point. For example, UEs 222 and 224 may be in communication with base station 210; UEs 226 and 228 may be in communication with base station 212; UEs 230 and 232 may be in communication with base station 214 via RRH 216; UE 234 may be in communication with base station 218; and UE 236 may be in communication with mobile base station 220. In some examples, UEs 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, and / or 242 may be in communication with the mobile base station 220 described above and in Figure 1 The UE / scheduled entity 106 is the same as illustrated in FIG.

[0039] In some examples, a mobile network node (eg, quadcopter 220) can be configured to function as a UE. For example, quadcopter 220 can operate within cell 202 by communicating with base station 210.

[0040] In a further aspect of RAN 200, sidelink signals may be used between UEs without having to rely on scheduling or control information from a base station. For example, two or more UEs (e.g., UE 226 and 228) may communicate with each other using peer-to-peer (P2P) or sidelink signals 227 without relaying the communication through a base station (e.g., base station 212). In a further example, UE 238 is illustrated as communicating with UEs 240 and 242. Here, UE 238 may be used as a scheduling entity or a primary sidelink device, and UEs 240 and 242 may be used as scheduled entities or non-primary (e.g., secondary) sidelink devices. In yet another example, a UE may be used as a scheduling entity in a device-to-device (D2D), peer-to-peer (P2P), or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) network, and / or a mesh network. In a mesh network example, UEs 240 and 242 may optionally communicate directly with each other in addition to communicating with scheduling entity 238. Thus, in a wireless communication system having scheduled access to time-frequency resources and having a cellular configuration, a P2P configuration, or a mesh configuration, a scheduling entity and one or more scheduled entities may communicate using the scheduled resources.

[0041] In some examples, a RAN (such as RAN 200) may be configured for single frequency network (SFN) functionality. With SFN, a set of multiple SFN transmitters (e.g., corresponding to the TRPs in RAN 200) may synchronously transmit the same signal in the same time period. Accordingly, a receiver may receive SFN-style transmissions while essentially assuming the presence of a single transmitter. With the SFN feature, the RAN may provide increased coverage. That is, inter-cell interference (1C1) between SFN cells may provide constructive gain. However, due to the propagation time differences from different SFN transmitters to a given receiver, the SFN feature typically has strict delay conditions. These delay conditions are typically addressed by using a longer cyclic prefix (CP) and / or a larger number of pilot or reference signals.

[0042] When the RAN provides the SFN feature, the SFN TRPs coordinate their respective SFN transmissions (e.g., timing synchronization and communication of data to be transmitted so that the TRPs transmit the same symbols). In some examples, the TRPs may achieve such coordination via an inter-TRP backhaul communication link (such as an X2 interface). And in some examples, the TRPs may achieve such coordination via inter-backhaul communications with a suitable SFN control node.

[0043] SFN is typically used for wireless point-to-multipoint communications, such as digital TV broadcasting, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), etc. Although the 3GPP Release 15 specification postpones such PTM schemes to later releases, 3GPP has established many study projects to develop PTM support for 5G NR in Release 16 and beyond.

[0044] In various implementations, the air interface in the radio access network 200 may utilize a licensed spectrum, an unlicensed spectrum, or a shared spectrum. A licensed spectrum generally provides exclusive use of a portion of the spectrum by a mobile network operator purchasing a license from a government regulator. An unlicensed spectrum provides shared use of a portion of the spectrum without a government-granted license. Although some technical rules generally still need to be followed to access the unlicensed spectrum, any operator or device can obtain access. A shared spectrum may fall between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, where technical rules or restrictions may be required to access the spectrum, but the spectrum may still be shared by multiple operators and / or multiple radio access technologies (RATs). For example, a license holder of a portion of a licensed spectrum may provide licensed shared access (LSA) to share the spectrum with other parties, for example, using conditions determined by the appropriate license holder to obtain access.

[0045] The air interface in the radio access network 200 may utilize one or more duplex algorithms. Duplex refers to a point-to-point communication link in which both endpoints can communicate with each other in two directions. Full-duplex means that both endpoints can communicate with each other at the same time. Half-duplex means that only one endpoint can send information to the other endpoint at a time. In a wireless link, a full-duplex channel generally relies on the physical isolation of the transmitter and the receiver, and suitable interference cancellation techniques. Full-duplex simulation is usually implemented for a wireless link by utilizing frequency division duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD). In FDD, transmissions in different directions operate at different carrier frequencies. In TDD, transmissions in different directions on a given channel are separated from each other using time division multiplexing. That is, at some times, the channel is dedicated to transmissions in one direction, and at other times, the channel is dedicated to transmissions in another direction, where the direction can change very quickly, for example, several times per time slot.

[0046] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the scheduling entity and / or the scheduled entity may be configured with multiple antennas for beamforming and / or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques. Figure 3 An example of a wireless communication system 300 with multiple antennas, supporting beamforming and / or MIMO is illustrated. The use of such multiple antenna techniques enables the wireless communication system to exploit the spatial domain to support spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and transmit diversity.

[0047] Beamforming generally refers to directional signal transmission or reception. For beamformed transmissions, the amplitude and phase of each antenna in an antenna array may be precoded or controlled to create a desired (e.g., directional) pattern of constructive and destructive interference in a wavefront. In a MIMO system, a transmitter 302 includes a plurality of transmit antennas 304 (e.g., N transmit antennas), and a receiver 306 includes a plurality of receive antennas 308 (e.g., M receive antennas). Thus, there are N×M signal paths 310 from the transmit antennas 304 to the receive antennas 308. Similar to beamforming, a MIMO transmitter may apply precoding to an antenna array to enable a receiver to demultiplex multiple spatially multitasked data streams. Each of the transmitter 302 and the receiver 306 may be implemented, for example, in a scheduling entity 108, a scheduled entity 106, or any other suitable wireless communication device.

[0048] In order to support beamforming or MIMO, the transmitting device may determine the precoding of one or more transmitted data streams based on, for example, known channel state information of the channel on which the transmitting device transmits the data stream. For example, the transmitting device may transmit one or more suitable reference signals (e.g., channel state information reference signals or CSI-RS) that the receiving device can measure. Subsequently, the receiver may report the measured channel quality information (CQI) back to the transmitting device. This CQI typically reports the current communication channel quality, and in some examples, reports the requested transport block size (TBS) for future transmissions to the receiver. In some examples, the receiver may further report a precoding matrix indicator (PM1) back to the transmitting device. The PMI typically reports the preferred precoding matrix of the receiving device for use by the transmitting device, and may be indexed into a predefined codebook. Subsequently, the transmitting device may utilize this CQI / PMI to determine a suitable precoding matrix for transmission to the receiver.

[0049] In a time division duplex (TDD) system, UL and DL are reciprocal, each using different time slots of the same frequency bandwidth. Therefore, in a TDD system, a base station may assign a rank for DL ​​MIMO transmission based on UL SINR measurements (e.g., based on a sounding reference signal (SRS) or other pilot signal transmitted from a UE). Based on the assigned rank, the base station may then transmit a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) using a separate sequence for each layer to provide multi-layer channel estimation. Based on the CSI-RS, the UE can measure channel quality across layers and resource blocks. The UE may then transmit a CSI report (including, for example, CQI, RI, and PMI) to the base station for use in updating the rank and assigning resources for future downlink transmissions.

[0050] When transmitter 302 is configured for MIMO, the number of layers or rank of transmission corresponds to the number of antenna ports. Here, each antenna port can be defined such that the channel over which a symbol is communicated on that antenna port can be inferred from the channel over which another symbol is communicated on the same antenna port. For example, an antenna port can refer to a channel model, as defined by a reference signal transmitted on the channel using that antenna port. Each antenna port is mapped to an antenna (e.g., a single dipole or an array of dipoles)

[0051] Two antenna ports are considered to be quasi-co-located (QCL) if the properties of the channel over which the symbols on one antenna port are communicated can be inferred from the channel over which the symbols on the other antenna port are communicated. Thus, the two antenna ports at the QCL are associated with each other. The UE can utilize the QCL information to support beam-level mobility, thereby estimating frequency and time offsets due to, for example, Doppler shift and delay.

[0052] In some examples, the network may provide a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) to the UE. TCI is a configuration information element that provides a set of TCI state parameters to the UE. These TCI state parameters may provide one or more TCI states for PDSCH / DM-RS. Here, each TCI state may indicate one or two QCL relationships. Each QCL relationship indicates a QCL type and an RS (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, TRS, etc.) that is in QCL with a PDSCH / DMRS having that QCL type. The network may provide TCI state parameters using any suitable signaling (including but not limited to MAC-CE and / or DCI).

[0053] The air interface in the radio access network 200 may utilize one or more multiplexing and multiple access algorithms to enable simultaneous communication of various devices. For example, the 5G NR specification utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP) to provide multiple access for UL transmissions from UE 222 and 224 to base station 210, and multiplexing for DL ​​transmissions from base station 210 to one or more UEs 222 and 224. In addition, for UL transmissions, the 5G NR specification provides support for discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) with CP (also known as single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA)). However, within the scope of the present disclosure, multitasking and multitasking access are not limited to the above schemes. For example, the UE may utilize time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), sparse code multiple access (SCMA), resource extension multiple access (RSMA), or other appropriate multiple access schemes to provide UL multiple access. In addition, base station 210 can multiplex DL transmissions to UEs 222 and 224 using time division multiplexing (TDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), sparse code multiplexing (SCM), or other suitable multiplexing schemes.

[0054] Will refer to Figure 4The OFDM waveform schematically illustrated in the figure describes various aspects of the present disclosure. The OFDM air interface can be defined according to a two-dimensional grid of resource elements, which is defined by defining a set of closely spaced frequency tones or subcarriers to separate resources in frequency and by defining a sequence of symbols with a given duration to separate in time. By setting the intervals between the tones based on the symbol rate, inter-symbol interference can be eliminated. The OFDM channel can provide high data rates by allocating data streams across multiple subcarriers in a parallel manner. In some examples, the OFDM waveform can be configured with a cyclic prefix (CP). That is, the multipath environment degrades the orthogonality between subcarriers because the symbols received from the reflected path or the delayed path may overlap into the next symbol. The CP solves this problem by copying the tail of each symbol and pasting it to the front of the OFDM symbol. In this way, any multipath component from the previous symbol falls within the effective protection time at the beginning of each symbol and can be discarded. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to DFT-s-OFDMA waveforms in substantially the same manner as described below. That is, while some examples of the present disclosure may focus on OFDM links for clarity, it should be understood that the same principles may also be applied to DFT-s-OFDMA waveforms.

[0055] In some examples, a frame may refer to a predetermined time duration (e.g., 10 ms) for wireless transmission. And further, each frame may consist of a set of subframes (e.g., 10 subframes of 1 ms each). On a given carrier, there may be one set of frames in the UL and another set of frames in the DL. Now referring to Figure 4 , illustrates an expanded view of an exemplary DL subframe 402 showing an OFDM resource grid 404. However, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the PHY transmission structure for any particular application may differ from the examples described herein depending on any number of factors. Here, time is in the horizontal direction in units of OFDM symbols; and frequency is in the vertical direction in units of subcarriers or tones.

[0056] Resource grid 404 can be used to schematically represent the time-frequency resources for a given antenna port. That is, in a MIMO implementation with multiple antenna ports available, there may be corresponding multiple resource grids 404 available for communication. Resource grid 404 is divided into multiple resource elements (REs) 406. RE (which is 1 subcarrier × 1 symbol) is the smallest discrete part of the time-frequency grid and contains a single complex value representing data from a physical channel or signal. Depending on the modulation utilized in a particular implementation, each RE may represent one or more information bits. In some examples, a block of REs may be referred to as a physical resource block (PRB) or more simply a resource block (RB) 408, which contains any suitable number of consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. In one example, an RB may include 12 subcarriers, which number is independent of the parameter design used. In some examples, depending on the parameter design, an RB may include any suitable number of consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain. Within the present disclosure, it is assumed that a single RB (such as RB408) corresponds entirely to a single communication direction (transmission or reception for a given device).

[0057] A UE typically utilizes only a subset of the resource grid 404. An RB may be the smallest resource unit that may be allocated to a UE. Thus, the more RBs are scheduled for a UE and the higher the modulation scheme chosen for the air interface, the higher the data rate for the UE.

[0058] In this illustration, RB 408 is shown as occupying less than the entire bandwidth of subframe 402, with some subcarriers illustrated above and below RB 408. In a given implementation, subframe 402 may have a bandwidth corresponding to any number of one or more RBs 408. Furthermore, in this illustration, RB 408 is shown as occupying less than the entire duration of subframe 402, but this is merely one possible example.

[0059] Each subframe 402 (e.g., a 1 ms subframe) may include one or more adjacent time slots. Figure 4 In the example shown in , a subframe 402 includes four time slots 410. In some examples, a time slot may be defined according to a specified number of OFDM symbols with a given cyclic prefix (CP) length. For example, a time slot may include 7 or 14 OFDM symbols with a nominal CP. Additional examples may include mini-slots with shorter durations (e.g., 1, 2, 4, or 7 OFDM symbols). In some cases, these mini-slots may occupy resources scheduled for ongoing time slot transmissions for the same or different UEs to transmit.

[0060] An expanded view of one of the time slots 410 illustrates that the time slot 410 includes a control region 412 and a data region 414. In general, the control region 412 may carry a control channel (e.g., PDCCH), while the data region 414 may carry a data channel (e.g., PDSCH or PUSCH). Of course, a time slot may contain full DL, full UL, or at least one DL portion and at least one UL portion. Figure 4 The simple structure illustrated in is merely exemplary in nature and different slot structures may be utilized and may include one or more of each of the control region and the data region.

[0061] Although not in Figure 4 4, but each RE 406 within the RB 408 may be scheduled to carry one or more physical channels, including a control channel, a shared channel, a data channel, etc. Other REs 406 within the RB 408 may carry pilot or reference signals. These pilot or reference signals may be used by a receiving device to perform channel estimation on the corresponding channel, which may enable coherent demodulation / detection of the control and / or data channels within the RB 408.

[0062] In a DL transmission, a transmitting device (e.g., a scheduling entity 108) may allocate one or more REs 406 (e.g., within a control region 412) to carry DL control information 114 to one or more scheduled entities 106, the DL control information 114 including one or more DL control channels that generally carry information originating from higher layers, such as a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), etc. In addition, each DL RE may be allocated to carry a DL physical signal, which generally does not carry information originating from a higher layer. These DL physical signals may include a primary synchronization signal (PSS); a secondary synchronization signal (SSS); a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS); a phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS); a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); a tracking reference signal (TRS), etc.

[0063] The synchronization signals PSS and SSS (collectively referred to as SS), and in some examples, the PBCH, may be transmitted in an SS block that includes 4 consecutive OFDM symbols numbered in increasing order from 0 to 3 via a time index. In the frequency domain, the SS block may be spread over 240 contiguous subcarriers, where the subcarriers are numbered in increasing order from 0 to 239 via a frequency index. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this particular SS block configuration. Other non-limiting examples within the scope of the present disclosure may utilize more or less than two synchronization signals; may include one or more supplemental channels in addition to the PBCH; may omit the PBCH; and / or may use non-consecutive symbols for the SS block.

[0064] The PDCCH may carry downlink control information (DCI) for one or more UEs in a cell. This may include, but is not limited to, power control commands, scheduling information, grants, and / or RE assignments for DL ​​and UL transmissions.

[0065] In UL transmission, a transmitting device (e.g., scheduled entity 106) may utilize one or more REs 406 to carry UL control information (UCI) 118. The UCI may originate from higher layers via one or more UL control channels (such as physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.) to the scheduling entity 108. In addition, each UL RE may carry UL physical signals (which generally do not carry information originating from higher layers), such as demodulation reference signals (DM-RS), phase tracking reference signals (PT-RS), sounding reference signals (SRS), etc. In some examples, the control information 118 may include a scheduling request (SR), i.e., a request for the scheduling entity 108 to schedule an uplink transmission. Here, in response to the SR transmitted on the control channel 118, the scheduling entity 108 may transmit downlink control information 114, which may schedule resources for uplink packet transmission.

[0066] The UL control information may also include hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback such as an acknowledgement (ACK) or a negative acknowledgement (NACK), channel state information (CSI), or any other suitable UL control information. HARQ is a well-known technology to those of ordinary skill in the art, wherein the integrity of the packet transmission may be verified at the receiving side for accuracy, for example, using any suitable integrity check mechanism such as a checksum or a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). If the integrity of the transmission is confirmed, an ACK may be transmitted, and if it is not confirmed, a NACK may be transmitted. In response to the NACK, the transmitting device may send a HARQ retransmission, which may enable catch-up combining, incremental redundancy, and the like.

[0067] In addition to control information, one or more REs 406 (e.g., within the data region 414) may also be allocated for user data or traffic data. Such traffic may be carried on one or more traffic channels, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for DL ​​transmissions or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for UL transmissions.

[0068] Described above and in Figure 1 and 4The channels or carriers illustrated in the figure are not necessarily all channels or carriers that can be utilized between the scheduling entity 108 and the scheduled entity 106, and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other channels or carriers may be utilized in addition to those illustrated, such as other traffic, control, and feedback channels.

[0069] In some examples, the physical layer may generally multitask these physical channels described above and map them to transport channels for processing at a medium access control (MAC) layer entity. Transport channels carry blocks of information, which are referred to as transport blocks (TBs). The transport block size (TBS), which may correspond to the number of information bits, may be a controlled parameter based on the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and the number of RBs in a given transmission. A TB may include, for example, one or more MAC protocol data units (PDUs) and / or one or more MAC control elements (MAC-CEs).

[0070] Figure 5 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a network node 500 that employs a processing system 514. For example, the network node 500 may be as described in Figure 1 , 2 In another example, the network node 500 may be a user equipment (UE) as illustrated in any one or more of and / or 3. Figure 1 , 2 and / or any one or more of the scheduling entities (e.g., gNBs), base stations, or other transmit reception points (TRPs) illustrated in 3. In another example, the network node 500 may be a SFN controller communicatively coupled to multiple TRPs.

[0071] The network node 500 may be implemented with a processing system 514 including one or more processors 504. Examples of processor 504 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, the network node 500 may be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, the processor 504 as used in the network node 500 may be configured (e.g., in coordination with the memory 505) to implement the functions described below and in Fig. 9 And / or any one or more of the processes and procedures explained in 10.

[0072] In this example, the processing system 514 may be implemented with a bus architecture generally represented by bus 502. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 514, the bus 502 may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges. The bus 502 communicatively couples various circuits including one or more processors (generally represented by processor 504), memory 505, and computer-readable media (generally represented by computer-readable media 506). The bus 502 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further. The bus interface 508 provides an interface between the bus 502 and the transceiver 510. The transceiver 510 provides a communication interface or device for communicating with various other equipment over a transmission medium. For example, the transceiver 510 may include a wireless communication interface 511 configured for wireless transmission and / or reception over a radio access network. The transceiver 510 may additionally or alternatively include a backhaul communication interface 513 configured for communication on a suitable backhaul network. Depending on the characteristics of the network node, a user interface 512 (e.g., a keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick) may also be provided. Of course, such a user interface 512 is optional and may be omitted in some examples (such as a base station).

[0073] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 504 may include a communication circuit system 540 that is configured (e.g., in coordination with the memory 505) for various functions, including, for example, configuring and / or transmitting on a downlink traffic channel and / or a downlink control channel, receiving channel measurement information, and / or receiving neighbor TRP TCI status information (e.g., via the wireless communication interface 511, and / or via the backhaul communication interface 513 through an associated network node). For example, the communication circuit system 540 may be configured to implement the following with respect to Fig. 9 One or more functions described herein include, for example, blocks 910, 912, and / or 918. The communication circuit system 540 may be further configured to implement the following Fig.10 The processor 504 may further include a channel measurement circuit system 542 configured for various functions, including, for example, measuring or characterizing a wireless channel based on an uplink signal received from a UE. For example, the channel measurement circuit system 542 may be configured to implement the following Fig. 9The processor 504 may further include a SFN scheme determination circuit system 544 configured for various functions, including, for example, determining a SFN scheme or determining to change a SFN scheme (e.g., based on channel measurement information). For example, the SFN scheme determination circuit system 544 may be configured to implement the following with respect to Fig. 9 One or more functions described herein include, for example, block 906. The SFN scheme determination circuit system 544 may be further configured to implement the following Fig.10 One or more functions described herein, including, for example, blocks 1012 and / or 1014. Processor 504 may further include backhaul communication circuitry 546 configured for various functions, including, for example, receiving channel measurement information from a TRP, receiving TCI status information from a TRP, transmitting downlink information to a UE via a neighbor TRP (e.g., via an associated TRP), receiving channel measurement information from a UE via an associated TRP, and / or receiving preferred SFN scheme information and / or preferred TRP information from a UE via a neighbor TRP. For example, backhaul communication circuitry 546 may be configured to implement the following with respect to Fig. 9 One or more functions described herein may include, for example, blocks 906, 910, 912, and / or 918. The backhaul communication circuit system 546 may be further configured to implement the following Fig.10 One or more functions described, including, for example, block 1010 .

[0074] The processor 504 is responsible for managing the bus 502 and general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium 506. The software, when executed by the processor 504, causes the processing system 514 to perform the various functions described below for any particular device. The computer-readable medium 506 and memory 505 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 504 when executing the software.

[0075] One or more processors 504 in the processing system can execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether described in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other terms. The software may reside on a computer-readable medium 506. The computer-readable medium 506 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. As examples, non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes), optical disks (e.g., compact disks (CDs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, or key-type drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. Computer-readable medium 506 may reside in processing system 514, external to processing system 514, or distributed across multiple entities including processing system 514. Computer-readable medium 506 may be implemented in a computer program product. As an example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to best implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0076] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the computer-readable storage medium 506 may store computer-executable code including communication instructions 560 that configure the network node 500 for various functions, including, for example, configuring and / or transmitting on a downlink traffic channel and / or a downlink control channel, receiving channel measurement information, and / or receiving neighbor TRP TCI status information (e.g., via the wireless communication interface 511, and / or via the backhaul communication interface 513 through an associated network node). For example, the communication instructions 560 may be configured to cause the network node 500 to implement the following regarding Fig. 9 One or more functions described herein include, for example, blocks 910, 912, and / or 918. The communication instructions 540 may further be configured to cause the network node 500 to implement the following Fig.10The computer-readable storage medium 506 may further store computer-executable code including channel measurement instructions 562, which configure the network node 500 for various functions, including, for example, measuring or characterizing a wireless channel based on an uplink signal received from a UE. For example, the channel measurement instructions 562 may be configured to cause the network node 500 to implement the following description of Fig. 9 The computer-readable storage medium 506 may further store computer-executable code including SFN scheme determination instructions 564 that configure the network node 500 for various functions, including, for example, determining an SFN scheme or determining to change the SFN scheme (e.g., based on channel measurement information). For example, the SFN scheme determination instructions 564 may be configured to cause the network node 500 to implement the following description of Fig. 9 The one or more functions described herein include, for example, block 906. The SFN scheme determination instruction 564 may be further configured to cause the network node 500 to implement the following Fig.10 The computer-readable storage medium 506 may further store computer-executable code including backhaul communication instructions 566 that configure the network node 500 for various functions, including, for example, receiving channel measurement information from a TRP, receiving TCI status information from a TRP, transmitting downlink information to a UE via a neighbor TRP (e.g., via an associated TRP), receiving channel measurement information from a UE via an associated TRP, and / or receiving preferred SFN scheme information and / or preferred TRP information from a UE via a neighbor TRP. For example, the backhaul communication instructions 566 may be configured to cause the network node 500 to implement the following description of the backhaul communication instructions 566. Fig. 9 One or more functions described herein include, for example, blocks 906, 910, 912, and / or 918. The backhaul communication instructions 566 may be further configured to cause the network node 500 to implement the following regarding Fig.10 One or more of the described functions, including, for example, block 1010 .

[0077] In one configuration, the network node 500 includes: means for transmitting on a downlink traffic channel and / or a downlink control channel; means for receiving on an uplink traffic channel and / or an uplink control channel; means for determining a SFN scheme and / or determining to change a SFN scheme; means for communicating with one or more neighbor TRPs and / or communicating with a SFN controller; and / or means for performing channel measurements based on received signals. In one aspect, the aforementioned means may be Figure 5The processor 504 shown in is configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. On the other hand, the aforementioned means may be a circuit or any equipment configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

[0078] Of course, in the above examples, the circuit system included in the processor 504 is provided only as an example, and other devices for performing the functions may be included in various aspects of the present disclosure, including but not limited to those stored in the computer-readable storage medium 506 or in the computer-readable storage medium 506. Figure 1 , 2 and / or any other suitable equipment or device described in any of 3 and using, for example, the present invention with respect to Fig. 9 and / or instructions of the processes and / or algorithms described in 10.

[0079] Figure 6 614. 614 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of an exemplary scheduled entity 600 employing a processing system 614. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented with a processing system 614 including one or more processors 604. For example, the scheduled entity 600 may be as in Figure 1 , 2 and / or a user equipment (UE) as described in any one or more of 3.

[0080] The processing system 614 may be connected to Figure 5 The processing system 514 illustrated in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that in FIG. 1 , including a bus interface 608, a bus 602, a memory 605, a processor 604, and a computer-readable medium 606. In addition, the scheduled entity 600 may include the same as that described above in FIG. Figure 5 That is, the processor 604 as used in the scheduled entity 600 may be configured (eg, in coordination with the memory 605) to implement the following description and in Fig. 9 and / or any one or more of the processes described in 10.

[0081] In some aspects of the present disclosure, processor 604 may include communication circuitry 640 that is configured (e.g., in coordination with memory 605) for various functions, including, for example, transmitting and / or receiving on uplink traffic channels and / or uplink control channels (e.g., via transceiver 610). For example, communication circuitry 640 may be configured to implement the following with respect to Fig. 9 One or more functions described herein include, for example, blocks 912, 914, and / or 918. The communication circuit system 640 may be further configured to implement the following Fig.10The processor 604 may further include a UL reference signal transmission circuit system 642 configured (e.g., in coordination with the memory 605) for various functions, including, for example, transmitting one or more UL reference signals (e.g., SRS). For example, the UL reference signal transmission circuit system 642 may be configured to implement the following with respect to Fig. 9 One or more functions described, including, for example, block 902. Processor 604 may further include DL reference signal measurement circuitry 644, which is configured (e.g., in coordination with memory 605) for various functions, including, for example, measuring or characterizing DL reference signals (e.g., SS, CSI-RS, DM-RS, TRS, etc.); generating channel parameters and / or channel state information based on the measurements; generating a selection metric for a TRP based on the measurements; and / or selecting one or more preferred TRPs and / or one or more preferred SFN schemes based on the selection metric. For example, DL reference signal measurement circuitry 644 may be configured to implement the following description of Fig. 9 The DL reference signal measurement circuit system 644 may further be configured to implement the following Fig.10 One or more functions described, including, for example, blocks 1004 , 1006 , and / or 1008 .

[0082] And further, the computer-readable storage medium 606 may store computer-executable code including communication instructions 660 that configure the UE 600 for various functions, including, for example, transmitting on an uplink traffic channel and / or an uplink control channel; and / or receiving and demodulating a downlink traffic channel and / or a downlink control channel (e.g., via the transceiver 610). For example, the communication instructions 660 may be configured to cause the UE 600 to implement the following description of Fig. 9 The communication instructions 660 may further be configured to cause the UE 600 to implement the following Fig.10 The computer-readable storage medium 606 may further store computer-executable code including UL reference signal transmission instructions 662, which configure the UE 600 for various functions, including, for example, transmitting one or more UL reference signals (e.g., SRS). For example, the UL reference signal transmission instructions 662 may be configured to cause the UE 600 to implement the following description of Fig. 9The computer-readable storage medium 606 may further store computer-executable code including DL reference signal measurement instructions 664, which configure the UE 600 for various functions, including, for example, measuring or characterizing DL reference signals (e.g., SS, CSI-RS, DM-RS, TRS, etc.); generating channel parameters and / or channel state information based on the measurements; generating a selection metric for a TRP based on the measurements; and / or selecting one or more preferred TRPs and / or one or more preferred SFN schemes based on the selection metric. For example, the DL reference signal measurement instructions 664 may be configured to cause the UE 600 to implement the following description of Fig. 9 The one or more functions described herein include, for example, blocks 914 and / or 916. The DL reference signal measurement instruction 664 may be further configured to cause the UE 600 to implement the following Fig.10 One or more functions described, including, for example, blocks 1004 , 1006 , and / or 1008 .

[0083] In one configuration, the UE 600 includes: means for transmitting on an uplink traffic channel and / or an uplink control channel; means for receiving and demodulating a downlink traffic channel and / or a downlink control channel; means for measuring a downlink reference signal; means for determining channel parameters based on a TCI state and / or based on a downlink reference signal; and / or means for determining a preferred SFN scheme and / or a preferred TRP based on appropriate input parameters. In one aspect, the foregoing means may be Figure 6 The processor 604 shown in is configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. On the other hand, the aforementioned means may be a circuit or any equipment configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

[0084] Of course, in the above example, the circuit system included in the processor 604 is provided only as an example, and other devices for performing the functions may be included in various aspects of the present disclosure, including but not limited to those stored in the computer-readable storage medium 606 or in the computer-readable storage medium 606. Figure 1 , 2 and / or any other suitable equipment or device described in any of 3 and using, for example, the present invention with respect to Fig. 9 and / or instructions of the processes and / or algorithms described in 10.

[0085] As described above, the RAN may be configured to provide single frequency network (SFN) characteristics. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the SFN may be configured according to various SFN schemes. For example, Figure 7Conceptually illustrating a transparent SFN scheme 702 and a non-transparent SFN scheme 704. Within the present disclosure, references to SFN scheme flexibility may include the ability to switch or transition between transparent and non-transparent SFN schemes, single TRP (eg, non-SFN) schemes, and any other suitable SFN schemes.

[0086] like Figure 7 As illustrated in , the transparent SFN scheme 702 may provide multiple TRPs to transmit SFN-style synchronization signal blocks (SSBs); SFN-style reference signals (e.g., TRSs); and SFN-style data transmissions (e.g., PDSCHs). In addition, with the transparent SFN scheme 702, the network may provide only a single transmission configuration indicator (TCI) to the UE to indicate which RS is QCL with the DM-RS and PDSCH. Accordingly, based on the TCI, the UE may be limited to generating a composite channel estimate from the SFN TRS and from the 1-port DMRS. However, this may still provide advantages over the SFN scheme because the transparent SFN scheme 702 provides a simplified procedure without additional DM-RS overhead and without additional impact on existing specifications.

[0087] like Figure 7 As further explained in, the non-transparent SFN scheme 704 can provide each of multiple TRPs to transmit a separate SSB and a separate reference signal (e.g., TRS). However, the TRPs transmit SFN-style data transmission (e.g., PDSCH). Using the non-transparent SFN scheme 704, the network can provide the UE with multiple TCI states corresponding to the corresponding TRPs. Accordingly, the UE can independently estimate the channel parameters (e.g., Doppler profile) of each TRP based on the corresponding TCI state. This can provide improved channel estimation performance relative to the transparent SFN scheme 702. Similar to the transparent SFN scheme 702, the non-transparent SFN scheme 704 can provide the UE with the use of a single-port DM-RS when demodulating the SFN-style PDSCH. Accordingly, like the transparent SFN scheme 702, the non-transparent SFN scheme 704 does not require additional DM-RS overhead. However, the non-transparent SFN scheme 704 can still cause the UE to generate a composite channel estimate based on a 1-port DM-RS. And further, the non-transparent SFN scheme 704 may not be backward compatible with other SFN schemes (such as the transparent SFN scheme 702).

[0088] If a given UE has the capability to utilize different SFN schemes (such as a single TRP (non-SFN) scheme, a transparent SFN scheme 702, a non-transparent SFN scheme 704, etc.), different SFN schemes may provide better performance to the UE at different times (e.g., when the UE is on a high-speed train). Figure 8As explained in , at a certain time, such a fast-moving UE may be located between RRH1 and RRH2, and a SFN solution may be the most appropriate; but soon after, the fast-moving UE may be directly next to a single TRP, and a non-SFN solution may be the most appropriate. However, existing networks do not provide dynamic flexibility in selecting a suitable SFN solution at different times or locations. In addition, existing networks do not utilize the UE's ability to measure the channel using each of multiple TRPs to select a suitable SFN solution. Therefore, various aspects of the present disclosure provide a flexible SFN solution switching feature, in which the network can use UE auxiliary information to perform SFN solution selection.

[0089] In the discussion below, network-based SFN scheme flexibility features are described. For example, a gNB or base station can be configured to transmit control signals (e.g., MAC-CE, DCI, etc.) to a UE to coordinate changes in the SFN scheme. In addition, UE-based SFN scheme flexibility features are described. For example, a UE can be configured to transmit signals to a gNB or base station to help the base station estimate which SFN scheme will provide better performance. And in addition, UE capability signaling regarding UE support for one or both of the above-mentioned SFN scheme flexibility features is described.

[0090] SFN solution flexibility based on network

[0091] In the current 3GPP specification, in order to configure the UE to receive SFN transmissions, the network may transmit one or more MAC-CE / DCI messages to indicate multiple TCI states corresponding to multiple TRPs for PDSCH transmissions. As discussed above, the TCI state typically informs the UE which reference signal is QCL with the DM-RS transmitted with the PDSCH. For example, in the case of a single TRP, only a single RS is QCL with the DM-RS. However, in the SFN case, each SFN TRP may transmit an RS that is QCL with the DMRS. Therefore, when the network provides the UE with multiple TCI states corresponding to multiple TRPs, the UE may estimate the DM-RS and detect the PDSCH based on each of the QCL reference signals as indicated by the corresponding TCI state. In this way, the UE may improve its channel estimation performance when receiving SFN transmissions.

[0092] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in order to configure a UE to receive SFN transmissions, a network may transmit a configuration message including multiple TCI states. In some examples, the network may provide these TCI state indications together. For example, a single TRP may provide a configuration message including multiple TCI states to the UE using RRC messages, MAC-CE, DCI, and / or any other suitable control signaling. Here, the TRP may receive information indicating TCI states corresponding to one or more other TRPs via appropriate backhaul communications. This information may be provided directly from those TRPs via a suitable inter-TRP communication interface (e.g., an X2 interface), via an SFN control node, or in any other suitable manner. In a further aspect, the network may provide an indication to the UE that the configuration message includes multiple TCI states. The indication may, but need not, be included in the same configuration message as the indication including multiple TCI states.

[0093] In some examples, the network may further identify the primary TCI referred to herein. That is, although the network may provide multiple TCIs to the UE, the network may identify one or more of those TCIs as the primary TCI. For example, the network may include a 1-bit information element (IE) in the MAC-CE / DCI to indicate whether the corresponding message provides multiple TCI states. In the case of providing multiple TCI states, the UE may identify a subset of TCI states (e.g., a predetermined subset known to the network) (e.g., the first TCI state received) as the primary TCI state. In another example, the network may include one or more n-bit IEs to identify one or more TCI states as the primary TCI state, rather than the above-mentioned 1-bit IE. For example, each indicated TCI state may be associated with a suitable n-bit IE indicating whether the corresponding TCI state is the primary TCI state. In another example, such an n-bit IE may be configured with an index value representing a TCI state of a corresponding index from a plurality of TCI states. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the above examples are provided for purposes of explanation only, and many other configurations of the n-bit IE may appropriately identify a subset of one or more TCI states as the primary TCI state.

[0094] Therefore, the UE can receive and utilize multiple TCI states in the SFN network. According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the UE can detect (e.g., receive, demodulate, process, characterize, etc.) data transmission (e.g., PDSCH) based only on the main TCI state and not on other TCI states (s) that are not identified as the main TCI. And in addition, the UE can measure and report channel state, Doppler shift and / or any other suitable channel parameter based on each TCI state in the multiple TCI states, not just the main TCI state. That is, the UE can reduce its processing load by detecting data transmission based only on a subset of the received TCI states instead of detecting data transmission based on the full set of received TCI states. And in addition, by measuring and reporting channel parameters based on each TCI state in the multiple TCI states, the network can fully determine the appropriate SFN scheme based on the channel parameters corresponding to each SFNTRP in the SFN TRPs.

[0095] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the TRP may utilize MAC-CE, DC1, and / or any other suitable control signaling to transmit an indication of a change in the SFN scheme to the UE. In some examples, the TRP may provide such an SFN scheme change indication in the same message carrying multiple TCI states, as described above.

[0096] In various aspects, the change of the SFN scheme may correspond to a fallback from a multi-TRP SFN scheme to a single TRP scheme. Here, the network may select a suitable TRP (e.g., a TRP measured to have the best quality) as a single TRP. In another example, the change of the SFN scheme may correspond to a reduction in the number of TRPs participating in the SFN scheme or an increase in the number of TRPs participating in the SFN scheme. In yet another example, the change of the SFN scheme may correspond to a switch between a transparent SFN scheme and a non-transparent SFN scheme, as described above. In a further example, the change of the SFN scheme may correspond to some combination of the above and / or any other suitable change to the SFN scheme. Here, the indication of the change of the SFN scheme may include an indication of one or more selected TRPs (e.g., based on channel measurements) for the SFN scheme.

[0097] Fig. 9 900 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 900 for network-based SFN scheme flexibility features according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in certain implementations within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 900 may be performed by Figure 5 In some examples, process 900 may be performed by network node 500 as illustrated in FIG. Figure 6In some examples, process 900 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0098] At block 902, the UE may transmit an UL signal for channel characterization. For example, the UE may transmit a suitable reference signal, such as an SRS. At block 904, a plurality of TRPs may receive the UL signal. Here, each TRP may characterize a wireless channel based on the received UL signal. And at block 906, a network of which the plurality of TRPs are a part may determine a suitable SFN scheme for the UE based on channel measurements of the respective TRPs.

[0099] exist Fig. 9 In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the relevant links operate on a TDD carrier. In a TDD carrier, UL and DL transmissions are carried on the same channel, and therefore, channel measurements based on signals transmitted in one direction (e.g., TRP measurements for SRS) can be reliably used to configure transmissions in the other direction (e.g., TRP transmissions for PDSCH). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that this is merely an illustrative example and that the same concepts can be applied to, for example, FDD carriers. However, with an FDD carrier, UL transmissions are performed at a different frequency than DL transmissions, and therefore, the UL experiences a channel with different characteristics than the DL. Accordingly, although in Fig. 9 In the example of , the network configures the SFN scheme for DL ​​transmission of PDSCH based on the UE's UL transmission of SRS, but this is just an example. In another example corresponding to an FDD carrier, the network can configure the SFN scheme for DL ​​transmission of PDSCH based on CSI reports received from the UE. Here, (the) TRPs can transmit appropriate DL reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS) to the UE, and the UE can perform DL channel measurements based on those received signals. The UE can then transmit a CSI report including information about the DL channel measurements, and the network can then use the CSI report to configure the SFN scheme for transmission of PDSCH.

[0100] At block 908, if the network determines to change the SFN scheme based on the channel measurements of the TRPs, the process may continue to block 910. Here, as described above, one or more of the TRPs may transmit an indication of the change to the SFN scheme to the UE (e.g., using MAC-CE, DC1, etc.).

[0101] If the network determines at box 908 not to change the SFN scheme, the process can skip box 910 and continue to box 912. At box 912, as described above, one or more TRPs may transmit indications of multiple TCI states, including identifying at least one TCI state as a primary TCI state. At box 914, the UE may detect downlink transmissions (e.g., PDSCH) based on the primary TCI state rather than based on other TCI states (those TCI states that are not identified as the primary TCI state) signaled to the UE. And at box 916, the UE may measure one or more communication parameters based on each TCI state in multiple TCI states (e.g., including the primary TCI state and other TCI states that are not identified as the primary TCI state). Therefore, at box 918, the UE may transmit a message (e.g., a CSI report) including information indicating one or more measured channel parameters, as described above. Accordingly, based on the channel parameters, the network may appropriately configure PDSCH transmissions from each TRP to improve performance.

[0102] UE-assisted SFN solution selection

[0103] In the current 3GPP specification, the gNB selects the appropriate SFN solution for the UE. That is, the UE does not assist the gNB in ​​selecting the appropriate SFN solution.

[0104] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a UE may transmit or report an indication of one or more preferred TRPs (e.g., based on multiple TCI measurements).

[0105] That is, the UE can measure reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS, TRS) from multiple TRPs based on multiple TCI states. In this way, the UE can determine one or more channel parameters for each of the multiple TRPs, such as Doppler shift estimation, RSRP measurement, RSS1 measurement, etc. In addition, the UE can measure any other DL reference signal to determine any suitable channel parameters to determine which TRP or TRPs can provide better performance.

[0106] Accordingly, the UE may transmit a message or report including an indication of a preferred TRP for fallback (e.g., single TRP) operation. That is, based on the UE's determination of appropriate channel parameters for the corresponding TRP, the UE may select the TRP with the most favorable channel. The UE may then notify the network of its preferred selected TRP in the event that the network determines that a fallback from SFN operation to a single TRP scheme is to be implemented for the UE.

[0107] In another example, the UE may transmit a message including an indication of a preferred SFN scheme. That is, based on the UE's determination of appropriate channel parameters for the corresponding TRP, the UE may select a preferred SFN scheme (e.g., single TRP, transparent SFN, non-transparent SFN, etc.) to provide the UE with the best predicted performance (e.g., throughput, etc.).

[0108] In various aspects, the UE may report such indications of a preferred TRP and / or an indication of a preferred SFN scheme using various suitable transmission configurations. For example, the UE may transmit these indications in a CSI report. Here, the network may configure the UE to include these indications in the CSI report by transmitting suitable RRC parameters to the UE, which may be included in the reportQuantity field of the RRC message CSI-ReportConfig transmitted by the network to the UE. For example, reportQuantity may be configured to include a parameter indicating a preferred TRP and / or a preferred SFN scheme (e.g., identified as cri-TRP). In another example, reportQuantity may be configured to repurpose the existing parameter cri-RSRP to indicate a preferred TRP and / or a preferred SFN scheme.

[0109] In another example, the UE may transmit these indications by applying a sequence of appropriate cyclic shifts to UL SRS transmissions. Here, the network may configure the UE to use the selected sequence for its SRS by transmitting appropriate RRC parameters to the UE. For example, these parameters may be included in the cyclicShift of the transmissionComb field of the RRC message SRS-Resource. In this way, the network may provide the UE with a selection from multiple values ​​of the cyclic shift of the sequence applied to the SRS. Here, different cyclic shift values ​​may correspond to different TRP indexes and / or different SFN scheme indexes. Accordingly, when the UE selects a preferred TRP or a preferred SFN scheme, the UE may select a cyclic shift corresponding to the index of the preferred TRP or SFN scheme. Thus, the UE may apply a related sequence to the SRS transmission, wherein the sequence is configured according to the selected cyclic shift. The receiving TRP may then identify the UE's preferred TRP or SFN scheme by determining the cyclic shift applied to the received SRS and mapping the cyclic shift to its associated TRP index or SFN scheme index.

[0110] In another example, the UE may transmit these indications by applying the selected sequence to the UL SRS transmission. Here, the network may configure the UE with multiple sequences applicable to the SRS by transmitting appropriate RRC parameters to the UE. For example, these parameters may be included in the sequenceId field of the RRC message SRS-Resource. In this way, the network may provide the UE with a selection from multiple sequences to apply to the SRS. Here, different sequences may correspond to different TRP indexes and / or different SFN scheme indexes. Therefore, when the UE selects a preferred TRP or SFN scheme, the UE may select a sequence corresponding to the index of the preferred TRP or SFN scheme. Therefore, the UE may apply the selected sequence to the SRS transmission. The receiving TRP may then identify the UE's preferred TRP or SFN scheme by determining the sequence applied to the received SRS and mapping the sequence to its associated TRP index or SFN scheme index.

[0111] And in yet another example, the UE may explicitly transmit these indications as: layer 1 signaling (e.g., uplink control information (UCI) on PUCCH or PUSCH); layer 2 signaling (e.g., MAC-CE); layer 3 signaling (e.g., RRC signaling); or any other suitable higher layer signaling. In this way, the receiving TRP can directly identify the UE's preferred TRP or SFN scheme based on the received signaling.

[0112] Fig.10 1 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 1000 for UE-assisted SFN scheme selection features according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in certain implementations within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1000 may be performed by Figure 5 In some examples, process 1000 may be performed by network node 500 as illustrated in FIG. Figure 6 In some examples, process 1000 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0113] At block 1002, a plurality of TRPs may each transmit one or more reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS, TRS, etc.). And at block 1004, the UE may measure the reference signals to determine one or more channel parameters for each of the plurality of TRPs, as described above. At block 1006, the UE may generate a selection metric for each of the TRPs based on the determined channel parameters.

[0114] At block 1008, the UE may select one or more preferred TRPs and / or one or more preferred SFN schemes based on the generated selection metrics. And at block 1010, the UE may transmit information indicating the preferred TRP(s) and / or SFN scheme(s), as described above.

[0115] At block 1012, the network may determine a change in the SFN scheme to be implemented for the UE based on any suitable parameters, such as, for example, measurements of the SRS performed by the corresponding TRP. And at block 1014, the network may select a suitable SFN scheme for the UE based on information indicating the preferred TRP(s) and / or SFN scheme.

[0116] The UE indicates its capability to support flexible SFN scheme switching / UE-assisted SFN scheme switching.

[0117] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, to support forward and backward compatibility, the UE may transmit or report its ability to support SFN scheme switching features (such as one of the SFN scheme switching features described herein). For example, the UE may transmit an appropriate UE capability information message to the network to indicate its support for network-based SFN scheme flexibility and / or its support for UE-assisted SFN scheme flexibility, as described herein. If the network receives such a UE capability information message, the network may configure the UE accordingly to perform the appropriate SFN scheme flexibility feature as described herein.

[0118] Further examples with various characteristics

[0119] Example 1: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for wireless communication in a single frequency network (SFN). A receiving device receives a configuration message including a plurality of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state parameters corresponding to respective TCI states. Subsequently, the receiving device receives a downlink traffic channel and demodulates the downlink traffic channel based only on a subset of the TCI states, the subset having fewer TCI states than the plurality of TCI states.

[0120] Example 2: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 1, wherein the subset of TCI states consists of one TCI state.

[0121] Example 3: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium as described in any of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the receiving device measures one or more channel parameters corresponding to each of the multiple TCI states, and transmits a channel state information message based on these channel parameters.

[0122] Example 4: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the recipient device receives an indication that the configuration message includes multiple TCI states.

[0123] Example 5: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the recipient device receives an indication of a change to the SFN scheme.

[0124] Example 6: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the change of the SFN scheme is a fallback to a single transmission reception point (TRP) scheme.

[0125] Example 7: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the receiving device receives an indication identifying one or more TCI states from the plurality of TCI states as a primary TCI state set. Here, the subset of TCI states is the primary TCI state set.

[0126] Example 8: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the recipient device transmits information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature.

[0127] Example 9: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for wireless communications in a single frequency network (SFN) including multiple transmit reception points (TRPs). A network node uses a first SFN scheme to transmit to a user equipment (UE) on a downlink traffic channel. Subsequently, the network node receives channel measurement information corresponding to a corresponding channel between the UE and each TRP. Based on the channel measurement information, the network node determines to change from the first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme. Therefore, the network node transmits an indication of the SFN scheme change to the UE, and uses the second SFN scheme to transmit to the UE on the downlink traffic channel.

[0128] Example 10: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 9, wherein the network node receives information indicating one or more transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states corresponding to one or more neighbor TRPs capable of operating in the SFN. Subsequently, the network node transmits a configuration message to the UE, the configuration message including a plurality of TCI states including the one or more TCI states.

[0129] Example 11: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 9 to 10, wherein the network node receives a channel state information (CSI) message from the UE based on one or more channel parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of TCI states. The network node configures further transmission of the downlink traffic channel to the UE based on the CSI message.

[0130] Example 12: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the second SFN scheme is a single TRP scheme.

[0131] Example 13: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium as described in any of Examples 9 to 12, wherein the network node is one of the TRPs, or a SFN control node in communication with each of the multiple TRPs.

[0132] Example 14: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 9 to 13, wherein the network node receives information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature.

[0133] Example 15: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for wireless communication in a single frequency network (SFN) including multiple transmit-receive points (TRPs). A receiving device receives one or more reference signals (RS) from each of the multiple transmit-receive points (TRPs). Based on the (RS), the receiving device determines a channel parameter corresponding to each respective TRP in the multiple TRPs. Subsequently, the receiving device transmits a report including information based on the determined channel parameters corresponding to each respective TRP.

[0134] Example 16: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 15, wherein in response to the report, the recipient device receives an indication of a change from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme.

[0135] Example 17: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 15 to 16, wherein the receiving device determines one or more preferred SFN schemes or one or more preferred TRPs of the multiple TRPs based on the determined channel parameters corresponding to each corresponding TRP of the multiple TRPs. Here, the information based on the determined channel parameters includes information indicating the one or more preferred SFN schemes or the one or more preferred TRPs.

[0136] Example 18: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 15 to 17, wherein the recipient device transmits information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature.

[0137] Example 19: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for wireless communications in a single frequency network (SFN) including a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs). A network node receives a report from a user equipment (UE), the report including information based on channel measurements of a corresponding channel between the UE and each TRP. In response to the report, the network node determines to change from a first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme, and transmits an indication to the UE to change from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme.

[0138] Example 20: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 19, wherein the report includes information indicating one or more UE-preferred SFN schemes and / or one or more UE-preferred TRPs.

[0139] Example 21: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 19 to 20, wherein the network node receives information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature.

[0140] Several aspects of wireless communication networks have been presented with reference to exemplary implementations. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the various aspects described throughout this disclosure may be extended to other telecommunication systems, network architectures and communication standards.

[0141] As an example, various aspects may be implemented within other systems defined by 3GPP, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Packet System (EPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and / or Global System for Mobile (GSM). Various aspects may also be extended to systems defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), such as CDMA2000 and / or Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO). Other examples may be implemented within systems employing IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and / or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunication standard, network architecture, and / or communication standard employed will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0142] Within the present disclosure, the wording "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior or superior to other aspects of the present disclosure. Likewise, the term "aspect" does not require that all aspects of the present disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed. The term "coupled" is used herein to refer to a direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically contacts object B, and object B contacts object C, objects A and C may still be considered to be coupled to each other - even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, a first object may be coupled to a second object, even if the first object never directly contacts the second object physically. The terms "circuit" and "circuitry" are used broadly and are intended to include both hardware implementations of electronic devices and conductors and software implementations of information and instructions, which, when connected and configured, enable the functions described in the present disclosure to be performed without limitation on the type of electronic circuits, which, when executed by a processor, enable the functions described in the present disclosure to be performed.

[0143] Figure 1-10 One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions described herein may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or implemented in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. Figure 1-10 The apparatus, devices and / or components illustrated in the can be configured to perform one or more methods, features or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein can also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0144] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods is an illustration of an exemplary process. Based on design preferences, it will be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in these methods can be rearranged. The attached method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically stated herein.

[0145] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the various aspects shown herein, but should be granted the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein the singular reference to the element is not intended to mean "there is and only one" - unless specifically stated, but intended to mean "one or more". Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some / some" refers to one or more. The phrase "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of these items, including a single member. As an example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. The elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure are all structurally and functionally equivalent solutions currently or hereafter known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are expressly incorporated herein by reference, and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be donated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recorded in the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method operable at a network node in a network operable as a single frequency network (SFN) comprising a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs), the method comprising: utilizing a first SFN scheme to transmit on a downlink traffic channel to a user equipment (UE); receiving channel measurement information corresponding to a corresponding channel between the UE and each of the plurality of TRPs; Based on the channel measurement information, determining to change from the first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme; as well as transmitting an indication of a change in the SFN scheme to the UE; as well as The second SFN scheme is utilized to transmit to the UE on the downlink traffic channel.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving information indicating one or more transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states corresponding to one or more neighbor TRPs capable of operating in the SFN; as well as A configuration message is transmitted to the UE, wherein the configuration message includes a plurality of TCI states including the one or more TCI states.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving a channel state information (CSI) message from the UE based on one or more channel parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of TCI states; as well as Further transmission of the downlink traffic channel to the UE is configured based on the CSI message.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second SFN scheme is a single TRP scheme.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the network node is one of: a TRP among the plurality of TRPs; or A SFN control node in communication with each of the plurality of TRPs.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature is received.

7. A method for wireless communication in a single frequency network (SFN), comprising: receiving one or more reference signals (RS) from each of a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs); determining, based on the one or more RSs, a channel parameter corresponding to each respective TRP in the plurality of TRPs; Transmit a report comprising information based on the determined channel parameters corresponding to each respective TRP in the plurality of TRPs.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: In response to the report, an indication of a change from a first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme is received.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: determining one or more preferred SFN schemes or one or more preferred TRPs among the plurality of TRPs based on the determined channel parameters corresponding to each respective TRP among the plurality of TRPs, The information based on the determined channel parameters includes information indicating the one or more preferred SFN schemes or the one or more preferred TRPs.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising: Information indicating UE support for the SFN scheme switching feature is transmitted.

11. A wireless communication method operable at a network node in a network operable as a single frequency network (SFN) comprising a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs), the method comprising: receiving a report from a user equipment (UE), the report comprising information based on channel measurements of a corresponding channel between the UE and each of the plurality of TRPs; In response to the report, determining to change from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme; as well as An indication of changing from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme is transmitted to the UE.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the report includes information indicating one or more of the following: One or more UEs prefer a SFN solution; or One or more UE-preferred TRPs among the multiple TRPs.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature is received.

14. A network node configured for wireless communication in a network operable as a single frequency network (SFN) comprising a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs), the network node comprising: means for transmitting to a user equipment (UE) on a downlink traffic channel utilizing a first SFN scheme; means for receiving channel measurement information corresponding to a respective channel between the UE and each of the plurality of TRPs; means for determining to change from the first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme based on the channel measurement information; as well as means for transmitting an indication of a change in SFN scheme to the UE; as well as means for utilizing the second SFN scheme to transmit to the UE on the downlink traffic channel.

15. The network node of claim 14, further comprising: means for receiving information indicative of one or more transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states corresponding to one or more neighbor TRPs capable of operating in the SFN; as well as means for transmitting a configuration message to the UE, the configuration message comprising a plurality of TCI states including the one or more TCI states.

16. The network node of claim 15, further comprising: means for receiving a channel state information (CSI) message from the UE based on one or more channel parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of TCI states; as well as means for configuring further transmission of the downlink traffic channel to the UE based on the CSI message.

17. The network node of claim 14, wherein the second SFN scheme is a single TRP scheme.

18. The network node of claim 14, wherein the network node is one of: a TRP among the plurality of TRPs; or A SFN control node in communication with each of the plurality of TRPs.

19. The network node of claim 14, further comprising: Means for receiving information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature.

20. An apparatus for wireless communication in a single frequency network (SFN), the apparatus comprising: means for receiving one or more reference signals (RS) from each of a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs); means for determining, based on the one or more RSs, a channel parameter corresponding to each respective TRP in the plurality of TRPs; A device for transmitting a report, the report including information based on the determined channel parameters corresponding to each respective TRP in the plurality of TRPs.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: Means for receiving, in response to the reporting, an indication of a change from a first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: means for determining one or more preferred SFN schemes or one or more preferred TRPs of the plurality of TRPs based on the determined channel parameters corresponding to each respective TRP of the plurality of TRPs, The information based on the determined channel parameters includes information indicating the one or more preferred SFN schemes or the one or more preferred TRPs.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: Means for transmitting information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature.

24. A network node configured for wireless communications in a network operable as a single frequency network (SFN) comprising a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs), the network node comprising: means for receiving a report from a user equipment (UE), the report comprising information based on channel measurements of a corresponding channel between the UE and each of the plurality of TRPs; means for determining, in response to the report, to change from a first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme; as well as means for transmitting to the UE an indication of changing from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme.

25. The network node of claim 24, wherein the report includes information indicating one or more of the following: One or more UEs prefer a SFN solution; or One or more UE-preferred TRPs among the multiple TRPs.

26. The network node of claim 24, further comprising: Means for receiving information indicating UE support for a SFN scheme switching feature.

27. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, comprising instructions for causing a device to: utilizing a first SFN scheme to transmit on a downlink traffic channel to a user equipment (UE); receiving channel measurement information corresponding to a corresponding channel between the UE and each of the plurality of TRPs; Based on the channel measurement information, determining to change from the first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme; transmitting an indication of a change in the SFN scheme to the UE; as well as The second SFN scheme is utilized to transmit to the UE on the downlink traffic channel.

28. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer executable code, comprising instructions for causing a network node to: receiving one or more reference signals (RS) from each of a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs); determining, based on the one or more RSs, a channel parameter corresponding to each respective TRP in the plurality of TRPs; Transmit a report comprising information based on the determined channel parameters corresponding to each respective TRP in the plurality of TRPs.

29. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer executable code, comprising instructions for causing a network node to: receiving a report from a user equipment (UE), the report comprising information based on channel measurements of a corresponding channel between the UE and each of the plurality of TRPs; In response to the report, determining to change from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme; as well as An indication of changing from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme is transmitted to the UE.

30. A device for wireless communication, comprising: processor; a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processor; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the processor; wherein the processor is configured to: utilizing a first SFN scheme to transmit on a downlink traffic channel to a user equipment (UE); receiving channel measurement information corresponding to a corresponding channel between the UE and each of the plurality of TRPs; Based on the channel measurement information, determining to change from the first SFN scheme to a second SFN scheme; transmitting an indication of a change in the SFN scheme to the UE; as well as The second SFN scheme is utilized to transmit to the UE on the downlink traffic channel.

31. A device for wireless communication, comprising: processor; a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processor; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the processor; wherein the processor is configured to: receiving one or more reference signals (RS) from each of a plurality of transmit reception points (TRPs); determining, based on the one or more RSs, a channel parameter corresponding to each respective TRP in the plurality of TRPs; Transmit a report comprising information based on the determined channel parameters corresponding to each respective TRP in the plurality of TRPs.

32. A device for wireless communication, comprising: processor; a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processor; as well as a memory communicatively coupled to the processor; wherein the processor is configured to: receiving a report from a user equipment (UE), the report comprising information based on channel measurements of a corresponding channel between the UE and each of the plurality of TRPs; In response to the report, determining to change from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme; as well as An indication of changing from the first SFN scheme to the second SFN scheme is transmitted to the UE.

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