Link-based adaptation of synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block measurement timing configuration sharing

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing scheduling flexibility between data reception for multiple Rx chain UEs and transmission configuration indicator states for RRM measurements. A method may include sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; and receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor indicates a sharing mode associated with a first spatial receiving element performing radio resource management measurements and a second spatial receiving element configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5th Generation (5G) Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR) Access Technology, 6th Generation (6G), and / or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to systems and / or methods for providing scheduling flexibility between transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for data reception and radio resource management (RRM) measurements for multiple receiver (Rx) chain user equipment (UE). Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include radio frequency (RF) 5G RAT, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), LTE evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), advanced LTE (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, NR access technology, and / or MulteFire Alliance. 5G wireless system refers to the next generation (NG) radio system and network architecture. 5G systems are typically built on 5G NR, but 5G (or NG) networks may also be built on E-UTRA radio. NR is expected to support service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extremely broadband, ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and large-scale networks to support the Internet of Things (IoT). Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) represents a radio access network (RAN) for 5G, which can provide radio access for NR, LTE, and LTE-A. Note that in 5G, a node that provides radio access functionality to user equipment (e.g., similar to a Node B in UTRAN or an evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE) may be referred to as a next-generation Node B (gNB) when built on an NR radio, and may be referred to as a next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) when built on an E-UTRA radio. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to some example embodiments, a method may include sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The method may also include receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0004] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0005] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The method may also include receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0006] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The method may also include receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0007] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least send a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least receive a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0008] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include transmitting circuitry configured to transmit a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The apparatus may also include receiving circuitry configured to receive a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0009] According to some example embodiments, a method may include sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The method may also include sending a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0010] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for sending a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0011] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The method may also include sending a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0012] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The method may also include sending a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0013] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least send a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least send a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving mode being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0014] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a first transmitting circuit system configured to transmit a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may also include a second transmitting circuit system configured to transmit a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 An example of single Rx chain UE operation is illustrated;

[0017] Figure 2 An example of a multi-Rx chain UE is illustrated;

[0018] Figure 3A An example of a UE architecture with 2 Rx chains per panel is illustrated;

[0019] Figure 3B An example of a UE architecture for 4 Rx chains per panel is illustrated;

[0020] Figure 4 An example of a narrow and thick beam pattern is illustrated;

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates an example of scheduling restrictions for a time slot with a 120 kHz subcarrier spacing synchronization signal block pattern considering a 120 kHz subcarrier spacing for a physical downlink shared channel;

[0022] Fig. 6A An example for multi-Rx downlink reception is illustrated, where the UE is capable of receiving two downlink streams and implementing 4-layer MIMO;

[0023] Figure 6B Another example for multi-Rx downlink reception is illustrated, where the UE is capable of receiving two downlink streams and implements 4-layer MIMO;

[0024] Figure 6C An example is illustrated for multi-Rx downlink reception, where the UE is able to receive data in one of its Rx chains while performing RRM measurements using another Rx chain;

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates some of the challenges addressed by some of the specific embodiments described herein;

[0026] Figure 8illustrates some example embodiments described herein;

[0027] 9A to 9H illustrates an example of panel, beam and Rx chain usage for measuring timing configuration opportunities for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block;

[0028] Fig.10 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram according to certain example embodiments;

[0029] Fig.11 illustrates an example of another signaling diagram according to some example embodiments;

[0030] Fig.12 illustrates an example of another signaling diagram according to various example embodiments;

[0031] Fig.13 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments;

[0032] Fig.14 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments;

[0033] Fig.15 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to various example embodiments;

[0034] Fig.16 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments;

[0035] Fig.17 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments;

[0036] Fig.18 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to various example embodiments;

[0037] Fig.19 illustrates examples of various network devices according to certain example embodiments; and

[0038] Fig. 20 An example of a 5G network and system architecture is illustrated in accordance with some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for providing scheduling flexibility between TCI states for data reception and RRM measurements is not intended to limit the scope of certain example embodiments, but is representative of selected example embodiments.

[0040] The frequency range (FR) 2 antenna array on the UE is assumed to be directional; therefore, in order to perform well, the UE may be embedded with one or more antenna panels. However, there does not need to be a 1-to-1 mapping between the number of antenna panels on the UE and the number of Rx chains. Therefore, the 3GPP Release (Rel)-17 FR2 RAN4 requirements assume a single-chain UE, where Rel-17 UEs (and earlier) can meet the RAN4 requirements, assuming and only requiring a single Rx chain to be active. Therefore, only a single active FR2 panel / Rx chain is required at the time. This behavior can simplify UE implementation, especially for early implementations, without restricting UE implementation. However, this also introduces disadvantages for neighbor cell measurements, as the single Rx reception assumption means that the UE must sweep its reception through its panel, one Rx at a time. The UE must sweep its reception in order to sweep its environment (i.e., spherical coverage) t times (i.e., sweep delay). As an example, Figure 1 A single-chain 4-panel Rx UE is shown, which requires 4 consecutive Rx sweeps / bursts for a single-sample global surface measurement acquisition. In addition, for each Rx spatial setting for layer (L) 1 and / or L3 measurements, 3 to 5 samples may be required for each Rx sweep / burst direction to ensure the accuracy of UE cell detection and / or measurement. Figure 1 As shown, the UE can use the synchronization signal block (SSB) burst for cell detection and measurement. The gNB can send each SSB burst once every 20ms; in the case of 1 Rx activity at the UE side at a time, the UE can sample once in one direction for each SSB burst.

[0041] Figure 2 Depicted are examples of possible multi-Rx chain UE implementations that can improve UE and system level performance (e.g., measurement related latency). Figure 2 As shown, 4 antenna panels (A1 to A4) are implemented in the UE (these antenna panels are arranged to improve spherical coverage), and 2 Rx chains are used. Figure 2 The two Rx chains in the can be switched between the four panels, so that any two-panel combination can be active at a certain time.

[0042] When considering Figure 2 In some UE implementations, it is possible for the UE to use more than one Rx chain to perform measurements (e.g., RRM measurements) at the same time. In other UE implementations, the UE may use one Rx chain to receive and perform RRM measurements while using other Rx chains to receive data.

[0043] In a normal downlink (DL) data reception scenario, a multi-Rx UE can receive on 2 data links (potentially from different transmission reception points (TRPs)), such as Fig. 6A, where the UE is shown using two Rx chains to receive data from 2 different TRPs using 2 different Rx chains / panels. In this case, it is possible for the UE to receive 4 layers of DL Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) because in FR2, each panel can use cross-polarized antennas to achieve 2 layers; as a result, when the 2 panels are combined, 4 layers can be achieved. Although this example uses the TRP as the transmission source, any transmission source can be used, such as a remote radio head (RRH), a cell, and a gNB.

[0044] Although 4-layer DL MIMO is possible with multiple Rx chains in the UE, the UE may not be able to use two Rx chains to receive data in 4 layers when performing RRM measurements. Typically, in FR2, L3 RRM measurements may be performed in the UE with a different spatial Rx setup (e.g., coarse beam) than that used for, e.g., data reception and transmission and L1 measurements (e.g., fine beam). In particular, in some common implementations, a wide beam may be associated with each UE panel for L3 measurements, and beam refinement may not be applied; Rx sweeping may be expected and even necessary when making such measurements. Beam sweeping scaling factors may be specified for FR2-1 (e.g., for cell detection and measurements). Utilizing Figure 2 With the architecture shown, it is possible that some UEs may use 1 or 2 coarse beams simultaneously (ie, 1 coarse beam for each Rx chain) when sweeping across the entire UE spherical coverage area.

[0045] As part of the multi-Rx discussion in 3GPP RAN4, for a single Rx chain, the UE cannot perform DL demodulation and RRM measurement tasks at the same time. However, each of the two Rx chains can perform different tasks independently. Therefore, some UEs may be able to receive data using one active Rx chain and perform measurements using the other Rx chain. Other implementations may enable the UE to perform measurements using both Rx chains at the same time, while in other implementations, the UE may not be able to perform measurements and data reception at the same time.

[0046] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Two possible UE panel architecture examples are depicted. Specifically, Figure 3A An example of a UE architecture with 2 Rx chains per panel is shown. Figure 3B An example of a UE architecture for 4 Rx chains per panel is illustrated. As part of the multi-Rx discussion, some UE architectures may not be able to use 2 Rx chains from the same panel, which indicates that there must be a minimum angular separation between the beams used for each Rx chain. This minimum separation may affect the beams that the UE can use for both data and RRM measurements. Therefore, whenever the UE needs to perform RRM measurements in a direction similar to that of the data beam, it may be necessary to turn off the narrow beam used for data.

[0047] Figure 4 A narrow beam that can be used for data and a coarse beam that can be used for RRM measurements are depicted. Since a coarse beam typically uses fewer antenna elements, it can also have less beamforming gain than a narrow beam in order to have a wider beamwidth and more effectively detect neighbor cells.

[0048] As part of the 3GPP Rel-15 to Rel-17 RRM requirements, scheduling restrictions may be applied when the UE performs RRM measurements. For example, Figure 5 An example of such limitation is shown when considering 120kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS) digital technology (i.e., SSB and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) using 120kHz SCS). In this example, one symbol before and after the SSB symbol may not be available to the UE for scheduling because, for one Rx, the UE may change special filter parameters while performing RRM measurements in other directions. In this case, only 4 of the 14 symbols may be available for scheduling. If the maximum value of the synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window is 5ms, and if all SSB positions are used within the SMTC window, only 28% of the time resources may be available during the window. Additionally, since the SMTC can be the same for several UEs in the network, most UEs may be restricted to the same symbols, leaving few resources for the network to schedule UEs. Therefore, these limitations may severely hinder network performance.

[0049] Given the above limitations, and regardless of the architecture chosen for the UE implementation, whenever RRM measurements need to be performed, the UE may need to change the Rx settings to perform RRM measurements. Similarly, for multi-Rx UEs, the UE may need to switch at least one of its receiver chains from DL data reception mode to RRM measurement mode when performing measurements. This is particularly important in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C , where the UE switches its mode of operation (i.e., changes the spatial Rx settings). Fig. 6A In , by configuring 2 active TCI states, the UE has 2 beams dedicated for data reception, which can connect the UE to different non-co-located TRPs. Figure 6B In the embodiment of the present invention, the UE may keep one of its Rx chains in DL demodulation (i.e., data Rx) mode so that data from one TRP (e.g., primary serving TRP) can be received while performing measurements using the second receiver chain. Thus, the UE may use panels A2 to A4 and perform measurements (e.g., frequency sweep) using the second Rx chain. When the UE needs to perform measurements in the direction covered by panel A1, the UE may switch to the spatial Rx configuration on panel A1, such as Figure 6Cshown.

[0050] However, there are still challenges with scheduling optimization when a multi-Rx chain UE performs measurements, where the UE can achieve performance gains when it does not require scheduling restrictions when performing measurements. Whenever a UE performs RRM measurements (e.g., intra-frequency measurements), the symbols before and after the symbol it is measuring (e.g., SSB symbols) may have scheduling restrictions; therefore, the gNB may not be able to assume that the UE can receive or transmit any data during these symbols. However, when considering multi-Rx chain UEs, scheduling restrictions can be optimized (or even completely eliminated) to achieve simultaneous L3 and data operations. However, 4-layer MIMO throughput may be difficult to maintain during these measurements.

[0051] Therefore, it may be beneficial to enhance multi-Rx operation with reduced scheduling restrictions so that during RRM measurements, throughput is maximized and UE movement / rotation can be accommodated. In addition, if the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and maximum achievable throughput are different from the primary serving TRP and the secondary serving TRP as shown in Figure 6, when one data link is maintained during L3 measurements, the TRP with the best signal-to-noise ratio / throughput can be used for the longest amount of time, while the other TRP can be used to perform measurements. Scheduling restrictions from conventional solutions may be applied to the UE (e.g., two TCI states), and Figure 7 There is currently no distinction between the TCI states shown.Although various example embodiments described herein use primary and secondary TRPs, any transmission source may be used.

[0052] Certain example embodiments described herein may have various benefits and / or advantages to overcome the above disadvantages. For example, certain example embodiments may minimize the amount of time that a UE cannot receive data and the impact on throughput due to scheduling restrictions. Therefore, certain example embodiments discussed below are intended to improve computer-related technologies.

[0053] use Figure 8In the architecture of the present invention, when considering a multi-Rx chain capable UE, certain example embodiments described below may balance scheduling restrictions during RRM measurements, thereby enabling the UE to utilize more than one Rx chain for reception simultaneously. Specifically, the UE and the gNB may exchange information that enables them to be affected by RRM measurements in terms of scheduling and restrictions by determining when a specific Rx chain is used (e.g., the Rx chain associated with a given TCI state is interrupted or scheduling is restricted due to performing RRM measurements). Some example embodiments may consider the link quality of the data stream for the individual Rx chains, each of which may be associated with a TCI state to determine which Rx chain (or TCI state) will be worst affected by the scheduling restrictions. In addition, an association of scheduling restrictions / interruption patterns with each Rx chain / TCI state may be defined. Restriction patterns may also be defined and applied for each TCI state of the UE to enable the gNB to know when the UE is available for scheduling in each TCI state.

[0054] According to some example embodiments, a channel quality-aware measurement method that takes scheduling restrictions into account may minimize the use of an Rx chain on which the UE experiences better channel conditions or performance metrics (which may be reflected in the overall throughput) for performing measurements. Therefore, fewer scheduling restrictions / interruptions may occur for this Rx chain. The UE may use the Rx chain with the worst performance metric for performing a greater number of measurements, and therefore, this Rx chain may experience more scheduling restrictions / interruptions.

[0055] In various example embodiments, the UE may be configured with a TCI-based (or TCI-specific) SMTC sharing or usage factor. In one example, the usage factor may be implemented such that over a period of N+M SMTC opportunities, the first M SMTC opportunities have no scheduling restrictions for TCI state #1 (TCI#1), and the N SMTC opportunities have no scheduling restrictions for TCI state #2 (TCI#2). If M+N is always 2, 4, or 8, the TCI scheduling sharing factor may be defined as 12.5% / 82.5% (e.g., N=7, M=1), 25% / 75% (e.g., N=3, M=1), or 50% / 50% (e.g., equal sharing N=M=1).

[0056] To determine which TCI state will or will not have scheduling restrictions for a given SMTC occasion, the system frame number (SFN) can be used as a reference. Since SFN can have a time reference of 10 ms and SMTC can have a T from 5 ms to 160 ms, SMTC (i.e., the period of SMTC opportunities configured for intra-frequency and / or inter-frequency carrier i), where the offsets are in the same range, so the reference index for the SMTC opportunity can be determined using the first SFN from the SMTC window, i.e., Based on the SMTC index (I SMTC ), it is possible to use rules to determine which SMTC opportunities have scheduling restrictions related to TCI#1 and TCI#2. For example, if mod(I SMTC , N+M) < M, the scheduling restriction can apply to TCI#2, while TCI#1 can have no scheduling restriction. Alternatively, the scheduling restriction can apply to TCI#1, while TCI#2 can have no scheduling restriction.

[0057] To implement the above techniques, it may be necessary to define triggers for activating each configuration. These triggers can be carried out using explicit signaling (e.g., RRC or media access control (MAC) signaling, where the UE or gNB indicates the preferred mode) and / or by reusing events such as measurement reports. The trigger for configuration change can provide the information needed for scheduling to the gNB; thus, it should be clear to the gNB when the UE is active in a given TCI state and there are no scheduling restrictions, and when another TCI state is interrupted due to measurement execution or the scheduling is restricted.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the measurement reports reported for each DL beam or each TCI (e.g., L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement reports) can be used as triggers for changing the scheduling restriction mode of each TCI (or Rx chain) due to RRM measurements. Specifically, the UE can perform (and possibly send) an L1-RSRP report; when the RSRP difference for the active TCI state is greater than the threshold of the RSRP of another active TCI state / Rx chain, the SMTC sharing factor can be changed without additional signaling. In alternative example embodiments, this change can be facilitated by signaling (e.g., the network indicates any change in the sharing factor to the UE).

[0059] In some example embodiments, the network can configure thresholds for different measurement sharing for TCI states. For example, TCI_share_threshold1 can define when equal sharing is used for two TCI states, TCI_share_threshold2 can define when 25% / 75% sharing will be used, and TCI_share_Threshold3 can define when 12.5% / 87.5% sharing will be used. The measurement report can include any one of an L3 measurement report, an L1 measurement report, an RSRP report, a channel state information (CSI) report, or any other UE-assisted measurement report. Various example embodiments can use metrics other than RSRP, e.g., based on data performance throughput metrics used alone or in combination with the RSRP metric. Fig.10(discussed in more detail below) depicts a signaling diagram that implements this trigger alternative. In this example embodiment, the UE can indicate to the gNB the sharing modes it supports, which can be signaled as part of the UE assistance information. The mode can also be linked to the architecture of the UE. For example, some UEs may use 3 panels with 2 coarse beams on each panel, which means that the sharing mode can optimally include multiples of 3, but not multiples of 4.

[0060] In certain example embodiments, the gNB may signal to the UE (via RRC or MAC Control Element (CE)) the sharing configuration to be used. In response, the gNB may use any network specific information (e.g., packet drops) as well as UE reports to determine the best sharing configuration.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the UE may monitor the link quality for TCI#1 and TCI#2 and may indicate to the gNB the preferred sharing for RRM measurements. The indication may be sent via UE assistance information and in response, the gNB may confirm which configuration to use.

[0062] Various example embodiments may use a predefined scheduling constraint sharing pattern. For example, the constraint sharing pattern shown in Table 1 below allows for equal sharing of scheduling constraints of active Rx chains between SMTC opportunities.

[0063]

[0064] Table 1: Multi-Rx scheduling restriction mode with equal sharing between Rx1 and Rx2 Similarly, in Table 2 below, 1 / 4 of the SMTC opportunities have scheduling restrictions on the Rx chain related to TCI#2, but there is no scheduling restriction on the Rx chain related / associated with TCI#1, which means 25 / 75% sharing.

[0065]

[0066] Table 2: Multi-Rx scheduling restriction mode with 25 / 75% sharing between Rx1 and Rx2 In the example of Table 3, 1 / 3 of the SMTC opportunities have scheduling restrictions on the Rx chain related / associated with TCI#2, but there is no scheduling restriction on the Rx chain related / associated with TCI#1, which means 33.4 / 66.6% sharing.

[0067]

[0068] Table 3: Multi-Rx scheduling restriction mode with 33.3 / 66.7% sharing between Rx1 and Rx2

[0069] 9A to 9HAn example embodiment of using Rx chains for various SMTC opportunities is depicted. Specifically, assume that the TCI state associated with the data beam in panel A1 has a higher SNR than the SNR experienced on the data beam on panel A3, and a 25 / 75% SMTC sharing factor between the RX chains is associated with the UE. In this case, the UE can use one panel or Rx chain for RRM measurements and one panel or Rx chain for data reception. The first Rx chain (on panel A1) can be used for 9A to 9C and FIG. 9E to FIG. 9G , while the second Rx chain (associated with panel A3) can perform RRM measurements using panels A2, A3, and A4. Fig.9D and Figure 9H In the example, only the Rx chains associated with the TCI states concerning the refined beams (for data transmission / reception) in panel A1 can have scheduling restrictions, and the UE can perform RRM measurements using panel A1.

[0070] generally, 9A to 9H The diagram illustrates the case where scheduling restrictions due to RRM measurements occur during an SMTC opportunity. The "Data" label shown on each panel indicates that the UE can receive data without scheduling restrictions even if SMTC occurs. The "Measurement" label indicates that the UE can perform measurements using this panel and can expect scheduling restrictions (if the panel is used for data scheduling). If there is neither "Data" nor "Measurement" on the panel during SMTC, the UE will not receive data if the panel is used for data scheduling (e.g., Fig. 9C If the UE uses the Rx chain associated with panel A3 in the example above, then scheduling restrictions may be expected because the UE may use the Rx chain associated with panel A3 to perform measurements (using A4). As a result, the UE may not send / receive data and scheduling restrictions may occur.

[0071] Fig.10 An example of a signaling diagram for activating a sharing factor based on a measurement report is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the serving cell 1020 and the multi-Rx UE 1030 may be similar to Fig.19 NE 1910 and UE 1920 are shown. UE 1030 may include multiple receivers, as shown by Rx1 and Rx2.

[0072] At 1001, Rx1 and Rx2 of UE 1030 may enter an initial state, where the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1 is higher than the SNR / RSRP of TCI#2.

[0073] At 1002 , Rx2 of UE 1030 may send a measurement report to serving cell 1020 , and the measurement report may include a reference signal related to TCI# 1 and a reference signal related to TCI# 2 .

[0074] At 1003 , the serving cell 1020 and the UE 1030 may apply the configuration for TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0075] At 1004 , the serving cell 1020 may send a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations, such as SNR or RSRP thresholds between each sharing mode (eg, TCI_share_threshold1, TCI_share_threshold2, etc.), to the UE 1030 .

[0076] In certain example embodiments, at 1005, UE 1030 may send an indication to serving cell 1020 of supporting a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2, such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0077] In response to the measurement report received at 1002 indicating 25% / 75% sharing according to the threshold configured in step 1004, 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be implicitly activated at 1006. At 1007, UE 1030 may move, wherein the SNR / RSRP may change such that the SNR / RSRP of TCI#2 is now greater than the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1. At 1008, UE 1030 may send a measurement report to serving cell 1020 indicating that the SNR / RSRP with TCI#2 is higher than the SNR / RSRP with TCI#1.

[0078] In some example embodiments, at 1009, 75% / 25% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be implicitly activated in response to the measurement report received at 1008 having levels for TCI#1 and TCI#2 indicating 75% / 25% sharing according to the threshold configured in step 1004. At 1010, UE 1030 may move, where SNR / RSRP may be equal on both TCI#1 and TCI#2. At 1011, UE 1030 may send a measurement report to serving cell 1020 indicating that SNR / RSRP is equal on both TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0079] In various example embodiments, at 1012, 50% / 50% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be implicitly activated in response to a measurement report at 1011 having levels for TCI#1 and TCI#2 indicating 50% / 50% sharing based on a threshold configured in step 1004.

[0080] Fig.11 Another example of a signaling diagram for base station trigger configuration for SMTC sharing between TCI states is shown. According to certain example embodiments, the serving cell 1120 and the multi-Rx UE 1130 may be similar to Fig.19 NE 1910 and UE 1920 are shown. UE 1130 may include multiple receivers, as shown by Rx1 and Rx2.

[0081] At 1101, UE 1130 may enter an initial state where the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1 is higher than the SNR / RSRP of TCI#2.

[0082] At 1102 , UE 1130 may send a measurement report to serving cell 1120 , which may include a reference signal associated with TCI # 1 and / or a reference signal associated with TCI # 2 .

[0083] At 1103 , the serving cell 1120 and the UE 1130 may configure TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0084] At 1104 , the serving cell 1120 may send a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations to the UE 1130 .

[0085] At 1105 , UE 1130 may send an indication to serving cell 1120 of supporting a sharing ratio between TCI# 1 and TCI# 2 , such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0086] At 1106, serving cell 1120 may send a configuration of 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to UE 1130. Serving cell 1120 may use the measurement report and / or other data received at 1102 to determine the optimal sharing ratio.

[0087] At 1107, UE 1130 may move, and the SNR / RSRP of TCI#2 may become greater than the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1.

[0088] At 1108 , UE 1130 may send a measurement report of TCI# 1 and TCI# 2 to serving cell 1120 .

[0089] At 1109, serving cell 1120 may send another configuration of 75% / 25% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to UE 1130. Serving cell 1120 may again use the measurement reports and / or other statistics received at 1108 to determine the optimal sharing factor.

[0090] At 1110, UE 1130 may continue to move, and the SNR / RSRP may be equal for both TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0091] At 1111, serving cell 1120 may send a configuration of 50% / 50% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to UE 1130. Serving cell 1120 may use measurement reports and / or other statistical data to determine an optimal sharing factor.

[0092] Fig.12 An example of a signaling diagram depicting a UE trigger configuration for SMTC sharing between TCI states is shown. According to certain example embodiments, the serving cell 1210 and the multi-Rx UE 1220 may be similar to Fig.19 NE 1910 and UE 1920 are shown. UE 1220 may include multiple receivers, as shown by Rx1 and Rx2.

[0093] At 1201 , a serving cell 1210 and a UE 1220 may apply configurations of TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0094] At 1202, UE 1220 may enter an initial state where the throughput of TCI#1 is greater than the throughput of TCI#2. In response, at 1203, UE 1220 may send an indication to serving cell 1210 of, for example, 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0095] At 1204, UE 1220 may move, and the throughput of TCI#2 may be greater than the throughput of TCI#1. In response, at 1205, UE 1220 may send an indication of, for example, 75% / 25% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to serving cell 1210.

[0096] At 1206 , UE 1220 may move and the throughput in TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be equal. In response, at 1207 , UE 1220 may send an indication of 50% / 50% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to serving cell 1210 .

[0097] Fig.13 An example of a flowchart of a method for activating a sharing factor based on a measurement report according to various example embodiments is illustrated, which method may be performed by a NE such as Fig.19 NE 1910) shown.

[0098] At 1301, the method may include receiving, from a UE (such as Fig.19The NE 1910 shown receives a measurement report, which may include a reference signal related to TCI#1 and / or a reference signal related to TCI#2.

[0099] At 1302 , the method may include applying a configuration for TCI # 1 and TCI # 2 .

[0100] At 1303, the method may include sending a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations to the UE, such as SNR or RSRP thresholds between each sharing mode (eg, TCI_share_threshold1, TCI_share_threshold2, etc.).

[0101] In certain example embodiments, at 1304, the method may include receiving an indication from the UE that a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2 is supported, such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0102] At 1305, a measurement report may be received. In response to the measurement report received at 1305, at 1306, the method may calculate the sharing between TCI #1 and TCI #2, which is implicitly activated based on the configuration at 1303. After step 1306, the method may loop back to 1305 after another new measurement report is received.

[0103] Fig.14 An example of a flow chart of a method for activating a sharing factor based on a measurement report according to various example embodiments is illustrated, which method may be performed by a UE (such as Fig.19 At 1401, the method may include entering an initial state, where the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1 is greater than the SNR / RSRP of TCI#2.

[0104] At 1402, the method may include sending a Fig.19 The NE shown in 1910 sends a measurement report, which may include a reference signal related to TCI#1 and / or a reference signal related to TCI#2.

[0105] At 1403 , the method may include applying the configuration for TCI # 1 and TCI # 2 .

[0106] At 1404, the method may include receiving a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations from the NE, such as SNR or RSRP thresholds between each sharing mode (eg, TCI_share_threshold1, TCI_share_threshold2, etc.).

[0107] In certain example embodiments, at 1405, the method may include sending an indication to the NE supporting a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2, such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0108] In response to the measurement report received at 1402 and the supported sharing ratio indicated at 1405, at 1406, the method may calculate the sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2, which may be implicitly activated based on the configuration at 1403.

[0109] At 1407, the method may include receiving another measurement report and repeating the process at 1406. The method may include calculating a sharing factor based on rules at 1403 and activating the sharing factor.

[0110] Fig.15 An example of a flowchart of a method for base station-triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states according to various example embodiments is illustrated, and the method may be performed by an NE (such as Fig.19 the NE 1910 shown).

[0111] At 1501, the method may include receiving a measurement report from a UE (such as Fig.19 the UE 1920 shown), and the measurement report may include a reference signal related to TCI#1 and / or a reference signal related to TCI#2.

[0112] At 1502, the method may include configuring TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0113] At 1503, the method may include sending multiple Rx DL scheduling configurations to the UE.

[0114] At 1504, the method may include receiving an indication supporting a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2, such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0115] At 1505, the method may include sending a configuration of the sharing factor between TCI#1 and TCI#2 (such as 25% / 75% sharing) to the UE. The NE may use the measurement report received at 1501 and / or other data to determine the optimal sharing ratio.

[0116] At 1506, the method may include receiving measurement reports of TCI#1 and TCI#2 from the UE. Based on the measurement report at 1506, the method may return to 1505, where the method may include sending a configuration of the sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 (such as 75% / 25% sharing) to the UE.

[0117] Fig.16 An example of a flowchart of a method for base station triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states according to various example embodiments is illustrated, which method may be performed by a UE (such as Fig.19 UE 1920 shown) executes.

[0118] At 1601, the method may include entering an initial state, where the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1 is greater than the SNR / RSRP of TCI#2.

[0119] At 1602, the method may include sending a signal to a NE (such as Fig.19 The NE 1910 shown sends a measurement report, which may include a reference signal related to TCI#1 and / or a reference signal related to TCI#2.

[0120] At 1603, the method may include configuring TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0121] At 1604, the method may include receiving a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations from the NE.

[0122] At 1605, the method may include sending an indication to the NE that a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2 is supported, such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0123] At 1606, the method may include receiving a configuration of a sharing factor (such as 25% / 75% sharing) between TCI#1 and TCI#2 from the NE. The measurement report and / or other data sent at 1602 may be used to determine an optimal sharing ratio.

[0124] At 1607, the method may include sending a measurement report of TCI#1 and TCI#2 to the NE. Based on the measurement report of 1607, the method may return to 1606, where the method may include receiving a configuration of sharing (such as 75% / 25% sharing) between TCI#1 and TCI#2 from the NE. The measurement report and / or other data sent at 1608 may be used to determine an optimal sharing ratio.

[0125] Fig.17 An example of a flowchart of a method for UE-triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states according to various example embodiments is illustrated, which method may be performed by a NE (such as Fig.19 NE 1910) shown.

[0126] At 1701 , the method may include applying configuration of TCI #1 and TCI #2.

[0127] At 1702, the method may include receiving, from a UE (such as Fig.19 The UE 1920 is shown receiving an indication of, for example, 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2, where the throughput of TCI#1 is greater than the throughput of TCI#2.

[0128] At 1703 , the method may include receiving an indication of, for example, 75% / 25% sharing between TCI# 1 and TCI# 2 from the UE, wherein the throughput of TCI# 2 is greater than the throughput of TCI# 1 .

[0129] At 1704, the method may include receiving an indication of 50% / 50% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 from the UE, wherein throughputs of TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be equal.

[0130] Fig.18 An example of a flowchart of a method for UE-triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states according to various example embodiments is illustrated, which method may be performed by a UE (such as Fig.19 UE 1920 shown) executes.

[0131] At 1801 , the method may include applying configuration of TCI #1 and TCI #2.

[0132] At 1802, the method may include entering an initial state, for example, where the throughput of TCI#1 is greater than the throughput of TCI#2. In response, at 1803, the method may include sending a signal to a NE (such as Fig.19 NE 1910 is shown sending an indication of a sharing factor between TCI#1 and TCI#2 (eg, 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2).

[0133] At 1804, the method may include sending an indication of sharing between TCI #1 and TCI #2 (e.g., 75% / 25% sharing between TCI #1 and TCI #2) to the NE. For example, if the device moves, an update may be needed and the throughput of one TCI may be higher than the throughput of another TCI.

[0134] Fig.19 An example of a system according to some example embodiments is illustrated.In an example embodiment, the system may include a plurality of devices, such as NE 1910 and / or UE 1920.

[0135] NE 1910 may be one or more of the following: a base station (e.g., a 3G UMTS NodeB, a 4G LTE evolved NodeB, or a 5G NR next-generation NodeB), a serving gateway, a server, and / or any other access node or a combination thereof.

[0136] NE 1910 may also include at least one gNB centralized unit (CU) that may be associated with at least one gNB distributed unit (DU). The at least one gNB-CU and the at least one gNB-DU may communicate with each other via a fifth generation core (5GC), via at least one F1 interface, at least one X n -C interface and / or at least one NG interface for communication.

[0137] UE 1920 may include one or more mobile devices, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet or portable media player, a digital camera, a pocket camera, a video game console, a navigation unit (such as a global positioning system (GPS) device), a desktop or laptop computer, a single positioning device (such as a sensor or smart meter), or any combination thereof. In addition, NE 1910 and / or UE 1920 may be one or more Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs).

[0138] NE 1910 and / or UE 1920 may include at least one processor, respectively indicated as 1911 and 1921. Processors 1911 and 1921 may be implemented by any computing or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. The processor may be implemented as a single controller, or multiple controllers or processors.

[0139] As shown in 1912 and 1922, at least one memory may be provided in one or more devices. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer codes contained therein. The memories 1912 and 1922 may be independently any suitable storage device, such as a non-transient computer readable medium. The term "non-transient" used herein may correspond to the limitations of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than to the limitations of data storage persistence (e.g., random access memory (RAM) versus read-only memory (ROM)). A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory or other suitable memory may be used. The memory may be combined on a single integrated circuit as a processor, or may be separated from one or more processors. In addition, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and that may be processed by the processor may be any suitable form of computer program code, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language.

[0140] Processors 1911 and 1921, memories 1912 and 1922, and any subset thereof may be configured to provide Figures 10 to 18 Components corresponding to the various boxes of . Although not shown, the device may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which can be used to determine the location of the device. Other sensors are also allowed and can be configured to determine location, altitude, speed, orientation, etc., such as a barometer, compass, etc.

[0141] like Fig.19 As shown, transceivers 1913 and 1923 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, shown as 1914 and 1924, respectively. The device may have many antennas, such as an antenna array configured for MIMO communication, or multiple antennas for multiple RATs. For example, other configurations of these devices may be provided. Transceivers 1913 and 1923 may be transmitters, receivers, both transmitters and receivers, or units or devices that may be configured for both transmission and reception.

[0142] The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, together with a processor for a specific device, cause a hardware device (such as a UE) to perform any of the above processes (ie, Figures 10 to 18 ). Thus, in some example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, some example embodiments may be implemented entirely in hardware.

[0143] In certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include a Figures 10 to 18 As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation with analog and / or digital circuitry only), (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software and (multiple) memory with software, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions), and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but when software is not required for operation, the software may not be present. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claims). As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or process and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry would also cover, if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking equipment.

[0144] Fig. 20 An example of a 5G network and system architecture according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. A plurality of network functions are shown, which may be implemented as software operating as part of a network device or dedicated hardware, as a network device itself or dedicated hardware, or as a virtual function operating as a network device or dedicated hardware. Fig. 20 The NE and UE shown may be similar to NE 1910 and UE 1920, respectively. The user plane function (UPF) may provide services such as intra-RAT and inter-RAT mobility, routing and forwarding of data packets, inspection of packets, user plane quality of service (QoS) processing, buffering of downlink packets, and / or triggering of downlink data notifications. The application function (AF) may be primarily connected to the core network to facilitate application use of service routing and interact with the policy framework.

[0145] According to some example embodiments, processors 1911 and 1921 and memories 1912 and 1922 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system, or may form a part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 1913 and 1923 may be included in a transceiver circuit system, or may form a part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0146] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., NE 1910 and / or UE 1920) may include a component for performing a method, process, or any variant discussed herein. Examples of the component may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing the execution of operations.

[0147] In various example embodiments, the device 1920 may be controlled by the memory 1922 and the processor 1921 to send a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; and receive a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, and the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0148] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including means for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, including means for sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; and means for receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0149] In various example embodiments, the apparatus 1910 may be controlled by the memory 1912 and the processor 1911 to send a measurement timing configuration to the user equipment; and send a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, and the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0150] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including means for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, including means for sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment; and means for sending a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element and a second receiving element, the first receiving element performing radio resource management measurements, the second receiving element being configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0151] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "various embodiments," "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the example embodiments may be included in at least one example embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same set of example embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0152] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) mean at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0153] Additionally, if necessary, the above-mentioned different functions or processes can be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if necessary, one or more functions or processes in the above-mentioned functions or processes can be optional or can be combined. Therefore, the above description should be considered as an explanation of the principles and teachings of some example embodiments, rather than a limitation thereof.

[0154] Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the example embodiments discussed above may be practiced using processes in a different order and / or using hardware elements in configurations different from those disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, it is clear to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be clear while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

[0155] Partial Glossary

[0156] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0157] 5G fifth generation

[0158] 5GC fifth generation core

[0159] 6G Sixth Generation

[0160] AF application function

[0161] ASIC

[0162] CBSD Citizens Broadband Radio Service Equipment

[0163] CE Control Elements

[0164] CPU Central Processing Unit

[0165] CSI channel state information

[0166] CU Centralized Unit

[0167] DL Downlink

[0168] DU Distributed Unit

[0169] eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0170] eNB Evolved Node B

[0171] FR frequency range

[0172] gNBNext Generation Node B

[0173] GPS Global Positioning System

[0174] HDD Hard Drive

[0175] IoT

[0176] L1 Layer 1

[0177] L3 Layer 3

[0178] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0179] LTE-A Long Term Evolution Advanced

[0180] MAC Media Access Control

[0181] MEMS Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems

[0182] MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0183] mMTC massive machine type communications

[0184] NE network entity

[0185] NG Next Generation

[0186] NG-eNB Next Generation Evolved Node B

[0187] NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network

[0188] NR New Radio

[0189] PDA Personal Digital Assistant

[0190] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0191] QoS Quality of Service

[0192] RAM Random Access Memory

[0193] RAN Radio Access Network

[0194] RAT Radio Access Technology

[0195] RF

[0196] ROM Read Only Memory

[0197] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0198] RRH Remote Radio Head

[0199] RRM Radio Resource Management

[0200] RSRP reference signal received power

[0201] SCS subcarrier spacing

[0202] SFN system frame number

[0203] SMTC synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block measurement timing configuration

[0204] SNR signal-to-noise ratio

[0205] SSB Synchronous Signal Block

[0206] TCI transmission configuration indicator

[0207] TRP Transmission Receiving Point

[0208] UE User Equipment

[0209] UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0210] UPF user plane function

[0211] URLLC ultra-reliable low-latency communication

[0212] UTRAN Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network

Claims

1. A device, include: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; as well as receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration, The sharing factor indicates a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sharing factor is associated with a measurement timing configuration. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first receiving element is subject to scheduling constraints.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A multi-receiver downlink scheduling configuration including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode is received from the network entity. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following items: a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, or a reference signal received power threshold.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: sending at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio to the network entity, The decisions associated with the sharing ratio apply only to supported sharing ratios.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A configuration of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element and a second receiving element is received from the network entity.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the configuration of the sharing ratio is received in response to sending the indication of the at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A measurement report is sent to the network entity, the measurement report indicating at least one metric associated with the first receiving element and at least one metric associated with the second receiving element.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: Based on the measurement report, a sharing ratio between the first receiving element and the second receiving element is activated.

12. A device, include: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment; as well as sending a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration, The sharing factor indicates a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the sharing factor is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the first receiving element is subject to scheduling constraints.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A multi-receiver downlink scheduling configuration including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode is received from a user equipment. 16 . The apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following items: a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, or a reference signal received power threshold.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receiving at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio from the user equipment, The decisions associated with the sharing ratio apply only to supported sharing ratios.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A configuration of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element of the user equipment and a second receiving element of the user equipment is sent to the user equipment.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A measurement report is received from the user equipment, the measurement report indicating at least one metric associated with a first receiving element of the user equipment and at least one metric associated with a second receiving element of the user equipment.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: Based on the measurement report, a sharing ratio between the first receiving element of the user equipment and the second receiving element of the user equipment is activated.

22. A device, include: means for sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; as well as means for receiving a sharing factor associated with said measurement timing configuration, The sharing factor indicates a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the sharing factor is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 or 23, wherein the first receiving element is subject to scheduling constraints.

25. The device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising: include: Means for receiving, from the network entity, a multi-receiver downlink scheduling configuration comprising at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following: a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, or a reference signal received power threshold.

27. The device according to any one of claims 22 to 26, further comprising: include: means for sending at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio to the network entity, The decisions associated with the sharing ratio apply only to supported sharing ratios.

28. The device according to any one of claims 22 to 27, further comprising: include: Means for receiving, from the network entity, a configuration of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element and a second receiving element.

29. An apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the configuration of the sharing ratio is received in response to sending the indication of the at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio.

30. The device according to any one of claims 22 to 29, further comprising: include: Means for sending a measurement report to the network entity, the measurement report indicating at least one metric associated with the first receiving element and at least one metric associated with the second receiving element.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

32. The device according to any one of claims 22 to 31, further comprising: include: Means for activating a sharing ratio between the first receiving element and the second receiving element based on the measurement report.

33. A device, include: means for sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment; as well as means for transmitting a sharing factor associated with said measurement timing configuration, The sharing factor indicates a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the sharing factor is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

35. An apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the first receiving element is subject to scheduling constraints.

36. The device according to any one of claims 33 to 35, further comprising: include: Means for receiving, from a user equipment, a multi-receiver downlink scheduling configuration comprising at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following: a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, or a reference signal received power threshold.

38. The device according to any one of claims 33 to 37, further comprising: include: means for receiving from said user equipment at least one indication of said at least one supported sharing ratio, The decisions associated with the sharing ratio apply only to supported sharing ratios.

39. The device according to any one of claims 33 to 38, further comprising: include: means for sending to the user equipment a configuration of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element of the user equipment and a second receiving element of the user equipment.

40. The device according to any one of claims 33 to 39, further comprising: include: Means for receiving a measurement report from the user equipment, the measurement report indicating at least one metric associated with a first receiving element of the user equipment and at least one metric associated with a second receiving element of the user equipment.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

42. The device according to any one of claims 33 to 41, further comprising: include: means for activating a sharing ratio between the first receiving element of user equipment and the second receiving element of user equipment based on the measurement report.

43. A method, include: Sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; as well as receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration, The sharing factor indicates a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the sharing factor is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

45. The method of claim 43 or 44, wherein the first receiving element is subject to scheduling constraints.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 43 to 45, further comprising: include: A multi-receiver downlink scheduling configuration including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode is received from the network entity.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following: a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, or a reference signal received power threshold.

48. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 47, further comprising: include: sending at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio to the network entity, The decisions associated with the sharing ratio apply only to supported sharing ratios.

49. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 48, further comprising: include: A configuration of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element and a second receiving element is received from the network entity.

50. The method of any one of claims 43 to 49, wherein the configuration of the sharing ratio is received in response to sending the indication of the at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio.

51. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 50, further comprising: include: A measurement report is sent to the network entity, the measurement report indicating at least one metric associated with the first receiving element and at least one metric associated with the second receiving element.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

53. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 52, further comprising: include: Based on the measurement report, a sharing ratio between the first receiving element and the second receiving element is activated.

54. A method, include: Sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment; as well as sending a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration, The sharing factor indicates a sharing mode associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the sharing factor is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

56. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the first receiving element is subject to scheduling constraints.

57. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 56, further comprising: include: A multi-receiver downlink scheduling configuration including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode is received from a user equipment.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of the following: a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, or a reference signal received power threshold.

59. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 58, further comprising: include: receiving at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio from the user equipment, The decisions associated with the sharing ratio apply only to supported sharing ratios.

60. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 59, further comprising: include: A configuration of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element of the user equipment and a second receiving element of the user equipment is sent to the user equipment.

61. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 60, further comprising: include: A measurement report is received from the user equipment, the measurement report indicating at least one metric associated with a first receiving element of the user equipment and at least one metric associated with a second receiving element of the user equipment.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

63. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 62, further comprising: include: Based on the measurement report, a sharing ratio between the first receiving element of the user equipment and the second receiving element of the user equipment is activated.

64. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 43 to 63.

65. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform the method of any one of claims 43 to 63.

66. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of claims 43 to 63.

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