DU coordination for TCI state activation and disablement in LTM

Abstract

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure there is at least one method and apparatus to determine, for communication with a user equipment during or after a cell change, that one or more transmission configuration indicator states for at least one candidate cell are to be activated or disabled; and communicating information indicating one or more transmission configuration indicator states that are activated or disabled to the at least one candidate cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Based on the teachings of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a novel method generally relates to providing activation information, the novel method comprising determining activation and / or disabling of TCI states for one or more candidate cells, and more specifically, relating to providing activation information comprising determining activation and / or disabling of TCI states for one or more candidate cells, such that the candidate cells can be configured to transmit at least one of SSB, CSI-RS, and TRS associated with at least one TCI state when the activation information is received. Background Technology

[0002] This section is intended to provide background or context for the embodiments listed in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that may be pursued, but are not necessarily concepts that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise stated herein, the content described in this section is not prior art to the specification and claims of this application and is included in this section but not considered prior art.

[0003] Some abbreviations that may be found in the instruction manual and / or accompanying drawings are defined here as follows: CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal CU centralized unit DU Distributed Unit UE User Equipment USIM Universal User Identification Module LTM Layer 1 / Layer 2 Triggered Mobility QCL Quasi-Co-location RACH Random Access Channel RAN Random Access Network SSB Synchronization Signal Block TCI Transport Configuration Indicator TRS Tracking Reference Signal Around the time of this application, RAN1 has agreed to support at least a unified TCI-based framework for beam (TCI) indication in LTM.

[0004] Activating a TCI state before providing a TCI indication (where the TCI indication is selected from one of the active TCI states) will benefit from achieving low handover latency. This is because the UE can begin tracking the reference signal (SSB / TRS / CSI-RS) associated with the active TCI state in advance to obtain fine-grained quasi-co-address (QCL) parameters (fine time / frequency synchronization), which may be needed before the active beam is used as the indication beam.

[0005] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure at least relate to the need for a mechanism that provides common awareness of the TCI state of a candidate activation and the TCI state of an actual activation at both the serving cell and the candidate target cell (each candidate cell). Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0007] In an example aspect of this disclosure, there is an apparatus, such as a source network-side apparatus, such as a gNB or eNB, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine, for communication with a user equipment during or after a cell change, to activate or disable one or more transport configuration indicator states for at least one candidate cell; and communicate information indicating the activated or disabled one or more transport configuration indicator states to the at least one candidate cell.

[0008] In another example aspect of this disclosure, there is a method comprising: determining, for communication with a user equipment during or after a cell change, to activate or disable one or more transport configuration indicator states for at least one candidate cell; and communicating information indicating the activated or disabled one or more transport configuration indicator states to at least one candidate cell.

[0009] Another example embodiment is an apparatus and a method, including the apparatus and method described in the foregoing paragraphs. The apparatus is implemented in a network node to which a source cell of a communication network belongs, wherein the information includes activation information, wherein the information is configured to cause at least one candidate cell to transmit at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block associated with the activation information, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signals (the activation information includes activation / disabling of one or more transmission configuration indicator states), wherein an activation message for one or more transmission configuration indicator states is provided to at least one candidate cell, wherein a timer is configured to be sent to at least one candidate cell, wherein the timer is configured to start when the activation message is provided to the candidate cell, and wherein the timer is configured to... The timer is configured to cause a candidate cell to mark one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states as active during timer operation, wherein the active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states are activated for the user equipment, and the timer is configured to cause at least one candidate cell to transmit at least one of the following during timer operation: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signal associated with at least one of the active transmission configuration indicator states, and wherein the timer is configured to cause at least one candidate cell to provide services to the user equipment on one or more resources associated with the active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states during timer operation. For communication, at least one candidate cell is configured to provide communication to a user equipment (UE) based on one or more transmission configuration indicator states, either active or disabled, provided to the UE. A timer is configured to cause at least one candidate cell to disable one or more active transmission configuration indicator states communicated by the source cell after a duration T, based on the timer's expiration. This communication configures the duration T to at least one candidate cell. The timer configuration to the at least one candidate cell is communicated as part of a lower-layer mobility configuration, including either layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or layer 2 triggered mobility configuration. At least one of the following, wherein the timer configuration is specific to one or a group of candidate cells among at least one candidate cells, wherein, based on a cell change command, an indication is sent to at least one candidate cell to release at least one active beam indication, wherein the release enables at least one candidate cell to determine not to transmit one or more reference signals associated with one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states, one or more transmission configuration indicator states being activated for user equipment low-layer mobility, wherein the indication sent to the candidate target cell to release at least one active state includes one or more active transmission configuration indicator states selected from the active transmission configuration indicator states of the candidate cells.This includes sending an indication to at least one candidate cell not to release at least one active indication for a beam indication, based on a cell handover command sent to the user equipment. The release indication causes a timer to restart to manage and maintain the active state of one or more active transmission configuration indicator states. The release indication includes one or more active transmission configuration indicator states selected from the active transmission configuration indicator states of the candidate cells. Information regarding the beam indication or active transmission configuration indicator state to a specific target cell is sent to at least one candidate cell.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, which is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the methods described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0011] In another example aspect of this disclosure, there is an apparatus comprising: components for determining, for the purpose of activating or disabling one or more transmission configuration indicator states for at least one candidate cell in relation to communication with a user equipment during or after a cell change; and components for conveying information to at least one candidate cell indicating the activation or disabling of one or more transmission configuration indicator states.

[0012] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least the components used for determining and communicating include a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0013] In another example aspect of this disclosure, there is an apparatus, such as a candidate network-side apparatus, such as a gNB or eNB, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive information from a network node of a communication network about the status of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicators from a source network during or after a cell change with a user equipment; and send information to the user equipment including indications of the status of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicators.

[0014] In another example aspect of this disclosure, there is a method comprising: receiving, by a network node of a communication network, information about the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled from a source network during or after a cell change with a user equipment; and sending information to the user equipment including an indication of the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled.

[0015] Another example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and method described in the preceding paragraphs, wherein a network node belongs to a candidate cell of a communication network, wherein the information includes activation information, wherein based on the information, the network node is configured to transmit at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block associated with at least one of at least one transmission configuration indicator states, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signals, wherein information including a timer configuration is received from a source network, wherein based on the information, a timer is started during communication with the source network, wherein the network node is configured to hold the timer, wherein the network node is configured to start the timer during communication with the source network, wherein when the timer is running, the network node... A point is configured to identify one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states as active, and wherein the active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states are indicated for the user equipment, wherein the network node is configured to transmit at least one of the following during timer operation: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signal associated with at least one of the at least one transmission configuration indicator states, wherein the network node is configured to provide communication to the user equipment on one or more resources associated with the active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states during timer operation, wherein the network node is configured to provide beam indication based on the beam indication provided to the user equipment. To provide communication to a user equipment, a network node is configured to disable one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states, based on a timer expiration, after a duration T, of which one or more active transmission configuration indicator states communicated by the source cell are enabled. The network node is configured in communication for a duration T, where the timer configuration is communicated as part of a lower-layer mobility configuration. The timer configuration transmitted as part of the lower-layer mobility configuration includes at least one layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or a layer 2 triggered mobility configuration. The timer configuration is specific to one or a group of at least one candidate cell, where at least one beam indication is received from the source network. An activation indication, wherein release enables at least one candidate cell to determine not to transmit one or more reference signals associated with one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states, one or more transmission configuration indicator states being activated for low-layer mobility configuration of the user equipment, wherein the indication sent to the candidate target cell to release at least one activation includes one or more active transmission configuration indicator states selected from the active transmission configuration indicator states of the candidate cell, wherein based on a cell change command sent to the user equipment, it is determined not to release at least one active indication for beam indication, wherein the indication for release causes a timer to restart to manage and maintain the active state of one or more active transmission configuration indicator states.The indication used for release includes one or more active transmission configuration indicator states selected from the active transmission configuration indicator states of candidate cells, and / or information determining the active transmission configuration indicator state regarding beam indication or to a specific target cell.

[0016] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, which is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the methods described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0017] In another example aspect of this disclosure, there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving, by a network node of a communication network, information about the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled from a source network during or after a cell change with a user equipment; and means for sending information to the user equipment, the information including an indication of the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled.

[0018] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least the components for receiving and transmitting include a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0019] In another example aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus, such as a network device (such as a UE), includes: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive information including an indication of the state of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled; and Based on this information, determine the timer configuration used to verify the status of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators.

[0020] In another example aspect of this disclosure, there is a method comprising: receiving information including an indication of the state of one or more transport configuration indicators that are active or disabled; and determining, based on the information, a timer configuration for verifying the state of one or more transport configuration indicators that are active or disabled.

[0021] Another example embodiment is an apparatus and a method, including the apparatus and method described in the preceding paragraphs. The apparatus is implemented in a user equipment (UE) of a communication network, wherein a timer configuration is configured to run when an indication of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states is for a low-layer purpose. The timer configuration, conveyed as part of the low-layer process, includes at least one of layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or layer 2 triggered mobility configuration. When the timer runs, the UE identifies one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states as active and prepares for either a cell change or a beam indication handover to one or more active transmission configuration indicator states. Based on this information, the UE is configured to: When the timer runs, communication is provided on one or more resources associated with one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states, wherein, based on this information, the user equipment is configured to receive or transmit communication based on the beam indicator being one of the active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states, wherein, based on this information, the user equipment is configured to monitor at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, or a tracking reference signal associated with one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states, and / or wherein, based on the timer's expiration, the user equipment assumes that the transmission configuration indicator associated with the timer is to be disabled.

[0022] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, which is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the methods described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0023] In another example aspect of this disclosure, there is an apparatus comprising: components for receiving information including an indication of the state of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled; and components for determining, based on the information, a timer configuration for verifying the state of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled.

[0024] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least the components for receiving and determining include a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0025] A communication system includes a network-side device and a user equipment-side device that perform the operations described above. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to denote like or equivalent elements. The drawings are shown to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates the mobility (LTM) process triggered by layer 1 / layer 2; Figure 2 illustrates an enhanced process for activation according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 A high-level block diagram of various devices for performing various aspects of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4A A method that can be performed by an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 4B A method that can be performed by an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 4C A method that can be performed by an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, at least one method and apparatus for improving the mechanism are proposed to provide common awareness of candidate active TCI states and actual active TCI states at the serving cell and each candidate target cell.

[0029] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, activation information is provided that includes determination of activation and / or disabling of the TCI state of one or more candidate cells, such that the candidate cells can be configured to transmit at least one SSB, CSI-RS, and TRS associated with the TCI state when the activation information is received.

[0030] Rel-18 Low-level Mobility In 3GPP, low-layer mobility was discussed in Release 18 as part of a work item called Further NR Mobility Enhancement [RP-222332]. The term Layer 1 / Layer 2 Triggered Mobility (LTM) has been agreed upon for use with low-layer mobility. The work item at the time of this application has addressed LTM, for example, as follows: To specify the mechanisms and processes for L1 / L2-based inter-cell mobility for mobility latency reduction: The configuration of multiple candidate cells and the rapid application of the configuration of candidate cells [RAN2, RAN3] are maintained; A dynamic handover mechanism based on L1 / L2 signaling between candidate serving cells (including SpCell and SCell) for potential applicable scenarios [RAN2, RAN1]; L1 enhancements for inter-cell beam management, including L1 measurement and reporting, and beam indication [RAN1, RAN2]: Note 1: Early RAN2 involvement is necessary, including further clarifying the possibility of interaction between this entry and previous entries; Scheduled advance (TA) management [RAN1, RAN2]; If needed, CU-DU interface signaling supports L1 / L2 mobility [RAN3].

[0031] Note 2: FR2-specific enhancements are not excluded, if any.

[0032] Note 3: The process based on L1 / L2 inter-cell mobility is applicable to the following scenarios: Independent networking, CA, and NR-DC scenarios where serving cells change within a CG; DU intra-DU and CU inter-DU situations (applicable to standalone networking and CA: no new RAN interface expected). Both within and between frequencies ; Both FR1 and FR2 ; The source cell and the target cell can be synchronized or asynchronous. .

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates the LTM process.

[0034] According to the protocol, the LTM process can be captured in the following commits that are extended for the de-aggregation architecture.

[0035] According to the submission shown in Figure 1: As shown in steps 1-3 of Figure 1: The UE sends an L3 measurement report message to the CU via the source DU. The CU decides to use LTM and initiates LTM candidate cell preparation; As shown in steps 4-5 of Figure 1: The CU sends a UE context establishment request to the target DU to prepare the target cell; As shown in steps 6-7 of Figure 1: The CU sends a UE context modification request to the source DU to prepare the target cell in the source DU. Additionally, this message can be used to provide target cell information to the source DU. As shown in steps 8-12 of Figure 1: The CU prepares the RRC configuration and provides it to the UE. The UE stores the configuration of (multiple) LTM candidate target cells and transmits the RRCReconfigurationComplete message to the CU; As shown in step 13 of Figure 1: The UE can perform DL synchronization; As shown in steps 14 to 16 of Figure 1: The source DU instructs the UE to perform a TA acquisition on the target DU using RACH. Then, the target DU provides the TA to the UE (several options remain, either directly or via the source DU). As shown in step 17 of Figure 1: The UE performs L1 measurements on the configured (multiple) LTM candidate target cells and transmits the low-layer measurement report to the source DU; As shown in steps 18-19 of Figure 1: The source DU decides to perform LTM cell handover to the target cell and transmits the MAC CE that triggers the LTM cell handover; As shown in step 20 of Figure 1: The UE switches to the LTM candidate target cell configuration and accesses the target cell. If necessary (if the timing is unavailable in advance), it performs random access; As shown in steps 21-22 of Figure 1: The UE uses RRC reconfiguration complete to indicate the successful completion of LTM cell handover toward the target cell; As shown in steps 23-24 of Figure 1: If the CU decides accordingly, then the UE context is released.

[0036] The MAC-CE command in step 19 is also known as the cell handover command. It has been agreed in RAN1 that this command will at least include the beam indication of the target cell, which the UE can use to communicate with the target cell after the handover. Furthermore, it has been agreed to use the unified TCI-based framework of version 17 to provide the beam indication of the target cell. The beam indication can simply refer to the TCI status of the relevant cell.

[0037] LTM and CU / DU network architectures in 3GPP In 3GPP, LTM refers to Layer 1 (L1) / Layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility (also known as L1 / L2 inter-cell mobility). LTM represents enhanced mobility that, among other things, provides a decision about cell changes based on at least L1 measurements (e.g., physical layer measurements) and, according to 3GGP, is made in the Medium Access Control (MAC) (e.g., Layer 2) portion of the gNB-DU. In 5G (e.g., also known as New Radio (NR)), a base station (e.g., a next-generation node B, gNB) can be a split or distributed base station comprising a gNB central unit (CU) and one or more gNB distributed units (DUs), which can serve one or more cells. For example, a DU may include one or more Transmitter Receiver Points (TRPs) to serve one or more corresponding cells. The gNBCU may include non-time-critical functions (which may be local or hosted in the cloud). The gNB-DU includes real-time functions such as Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) layer functions. The F1 interface provides control plane (F1-C) and user plane (F1-U) connectivity between the CU and DU. The F1 interface also provides separation between the radio network layer and the transport network layer, while enabling the exchange of UE-associated and non-UE-associated information.

[0038] R17, Unified TCI State Framework A Rel-17 unified TCI framework for beam (TCI) indication in LTM is supported. In the unified TCI state framework (or unified TCI), the UE can provide a list of RRC configurations for TCI states (e.g., 64 TCI states), which can be activated using MAC-CE (e.g., up to 8 TCI states) and further indicated using DCI (one TCI state). In the case of a single TCI activation by MAC-CE, the activated one is considered the indicated TCI state. TCI states can be indicated individually for UL and DL (individual TCI states) or jointly for TCI, i.e., the same TCI is applied to both UL and DL.

[0039] DCI indication (providing beam indication) includes a code point value that maps / references the TCI state ID activated by the MAC-CE (because the MAC-CE can activate up to 8 TCI states).

[0040] Delay requirements using the active TCI state The following is a scenario captured in the standard at the time of this disclosure, which provides details about how much minimum delay is required for the known TCI state of MAC-CE activation if indicated (i.e., to start receiving PDCCH on the active beam).

[0041] If the target TCI state is known, then when the MAC-CE activation command is received in slot n, the UE should be able to receive the PDCCH, which carries the target TCI state of the serving cell, on which the TCI state handover occurs in slot n. In the first time slot thereafter, the UE will be able to receive the PDCCH with the old TCI state until the next time slot. T HARQ The timing between DL data transmission and acknowledgment is as specified in the standard at the time of this application: -T first-SSB This is the time when the UE first transmits the SSB after decoding the MAC CE command; the SSB should be QCL-TypeA or QCL-TypeC to the target TCI state; -T SSB-proc =2ms; If the target TCI state is not in the active TCI state list of PDSCH, then TOk = 1; otherwise, it is 0.

[0042] Similarly, as stated above, around the time of this application, RAN1 has agreed to support at least a unified TCI-based framework for beam (TCI) indication in LTM. Activating a TCI state before providing a TCI indication (which is selected from one of the active TCI states) will benefit low handover latency because the UE can begin tracking the reference signal (SSB / TRS / CSI-RS) associated with the active TCI state in advance to obtain fine quasi-co-address (QCL) parameters (fine time / frequency synchronization), which may be necessary before the active beam is used as the indicated beam.

[0043] If TCI activation has not been completed before cell handover or cell change, the UE will need to meet a minimum delay requirement (in order to obtain fine time / frequency synchronization) before it can start using the indicated beam.

[0044] Therefore, in a typical scenario, the UE will be provided with an activation command for a set of TCI states (one or more) that can be indicated by the network; in addition, in an LTM scenario, the UE may have one or more candidate cells.

[0045] Beam indication can be used to indicate the active TCI state. Currently, if an activation command (and subsequent indication) for the TCI state is provided to the UE, and only when cell handover or cell change is also indicated to the target cell, a timeline mismatch may exist between the target cell and the UE. For example, the UE may be ready to receive / transmit, but the target DU can still process the beam indication internally (i.e., arrange transmission scheduling and capacity, etc.). In other words, the target DU will need to be prepared to accommodate (e.g., in reference signal transmission, scheduling, etc.) a new UE entering the cell in any TCI state already configured by RRC.

[0046] Therefore, a mechanism is needed to provide common awareness of the TCI state of the candidate activation and the actual activation of the TCI state at both the serving cell and the candidate target cell (each candidate cell among the candidate cells).

[0047] Before describing in detail the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, refer to Figure 3 Simplified block diagrams illustrating various electronic devices suitable for practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 3 A block diagram of one possible, non-limiting, exemplary system in which example embodiments can be practiced is shown. Figure 3 In this context, User Equipment (UE) 10 communicates wirelessly with Wireless Network 1 or Network 1, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Figure 3The wireless network 1 or network 1 in the document may include a communication network, such as a mobile network, for example, mobile network 1 or a first mobile network disclosed herein. In this document, as... Figure 3 Any reference to wireless network 1 in this document may be considered as a reference to any wireless network as disclosed herein. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 The wireless network 1 in the RAN may also include hard-wired features that the communication network may require. The UE is wireless and is typically a mobile device that can access the wireless network. The UE may be, for example, a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and / or a computer with mobile terminal capabilities. For example, the UE or mobile terminal may also be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device that performs voice signaling and / or data exchange with the RAN.

[0049] UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 10D interconnected via one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more buses may be address buses, data buses, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic cables, or other optical communication devices. The one or more transceivers TRANS 10D may optionally be connected to one or more antennas to communicate with NN 12 and NN 13, respectively. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG 10C. UE 10 communicates with NN 12 and / or NN 13 via wireless link 11 or wireless link 16.

[0050] NN 12 (NR / 5G Node B, evolved NB, or LTE equipment) is related to, for example, NR / 5G Node B, evolved NB, or LTE equipment. Figure 3The NN 13 and UE 10 are network nodes that communicate with each other, such as primary or secondary node base stations (e.g., for NR or LTE Long Term Evolution). The NN 12 provides access to wireless devices such as UE 10 to the wireless network 1. The NN 12 includes one or more processors DP 12A, one or more memories MEM 12B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected via one or more buses. According to an example embodiment, these TRANS 12Ds may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing the example embodiment. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 12Ds includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12Ds may optionally be connected to one or more antennas for communicating with UE 10 at least via link 11. One or more memories MEM 12B and computer program code PROG 12C are configured to cause the NN 12 to perform one or more operations as described herein using one or more processors DP 12A. NN 12 can communicate with another gNB or eNB or a device such as NN 13 or NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14, such as via link 16 and / or link 15. Furthermore, link 11, link 16, and / or any other link can be wired or wireless, or both, and can implement, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. Additionally, link 11 and / or link 16 can communicate via other network devices, such as, but not limited to, Figure 3 The NN 12 is an NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF device. The NN 12 can perform the functions of an MME (Mobility Management Entity) or SGW (Serving Gateway), such as user plane functions and / or access management functions for LTE and similar functions for 5G.

[0051] NN 13 can be used with WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless devices associated with mobility function devices such as AMF or SMF. Furthermore, NN 13 may include an NR / 5G node B or a possible evolved NB, a base station communicating with devices such as NN 12 and / or UE 10 and / or Wireless Network 1, such as a primary node base station or a secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE LTE). NN 13 includes one or more processors DP 13A interconnected via one or more buses, one or more memories MEM 13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS 13D. According to an example embodiment, these network interfaces of NN 13 may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing the example embodiment. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 13D includes a receiver and a transmitter that can optionally be connected to one or more antennas. The one or more memories MEM 13B include computer program code PROG 13C. For example, one or more memory MEM 13B and computer program code PROG 13C are configured to enable NN 13 to perform one or more operations as described herein using one or more processors DP 13A. NN 13 can communicate with another mobility function device and / or eNB (such as NN 12 and UE 10 or any other device) using, for example, link 11 or link 16 or another link. Figure 3 Link 16 shown can be used to communicate with NN 12. These links can be wired, wireless, or both, and can implement, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. Furthermore, as mentioned above, links 11 and / or 16 can be connected via other network devices, such as, but not limited to, NCE / MME / SGW devices, such as… Figure 3 NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14.

[0052] Figure 3 One or more buses of the device can be address buses, data buses, or control buses, and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic or other optical communication devices, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers TRAS 12D, TRAS 13D, and / or TRAS 10D can be implemented as remote radio heads (RRHs), wherein other components of NN 12 are physically located at a different location from the RRH, and these devices can include one or more buses that can be partially implemented as fiber optic cables to connect other components of NN 12 to the RRH.

[0053] It should be noted that, although Figure 3Network nodes such as NN 12 and NN 13 are shown, but any of these nodes can be incorporated into or be incorporated into eNodeBs, eNBs, or gNBs for LTE and NR, and will still be configurable to perform the example embodiments.

[0054] It should also be noted that the description herein refers to a "cell" performing functions; however, it should be clear that the gNB and / or user equipment and / or mobility management function equipment that form the cell will perform the functions. Furthermore, a cell constitutes a part of a gNB, and each gNB may have multiple cells.

[0055] Wireless Network 1 or any network that it may represent may include or may not include NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14, which may include (NCE) network control element functions, MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions, and / or User Data Management (UDM) functions, and / or PCF (Policy Control) functions, and / or Access and Mobility Management (AMF) functions, and / or Session Management (SMF) functions, and / or Location Management (LMF) functions, and / or Authentication Server (AUSF) functions, and it provides connectivity to another network such as a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet), and it is configured to perform any 5G and / or NR operations other than or in lieu of other standard operations at the time of this application. NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 is configurable to perform any example embodiments of operation according to LTE, NR, 5G, and / or any standards-based communication technology performed or discussed at the time of this application. Additionally, it should be noted that operations according to example embodiments performed by NN 12 and / or NN 13 can also be performed at NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14.

[0056] NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 includes one or more processor DP 14A, one or more memory MEM 14B, and one or more network interfaces ((multiple) N / WI / F) interconnected via one or more buses coupled to link 15 and / or link 16. According to an example embodiment, these network interfaces may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing the example embodiment. One or more memory MEM 14B includes computer program code PROG 14C. The one or more memory MEM 14B and computer program code PROG 14C are configured to cause NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 to perform one or more operations that may be required to support the operation according to the example embodiment, in conjunction with the one or more processor DP 14A.

[0057] It should be noted that NN 12 and / or NN 13 and / or UE 10 can be configured (e.g., based on standard implementations, etc.) to perform location management functions (LMF). LMF functionality can be embodied in any of these network devices or other devices associated with them. Additionally, at least as described below, LMF (such as...) Figure 3 The MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 LMF) can be located in the same location as UE 10 (such as from... Figure 3 (The NN 12 and / or NN 13 are separated) to perform operations according to the example embodiments disclosed herein.

[0058] Wireless Network 1 can implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as external, combining many networks or parts of networks into virtual units, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities created by network virtualization are still implemented at some level using hardware such as processors DP 10, DP 12A, DP 13A, and / or DP 14A, and memory MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and / or MEM 14B, and such virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0059] Computer-readable storage devices MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Computer-readable storage devices MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B can be components used to perform storage functions. As a non-limiting example, processors DP 10, DP 12A, DP 13A, and DP 14A can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Processors DP 10, DP 12A, DP 13A, and DP 14A can be components used to perform functions such as controlling UE 10, NN 12, NN 13, and other functions described herein.

[0060] Generally, various embodiments of any of these devices may include, but are not limited to, cellular phones such as smartphones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras with wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices with wireless communication capabilities, internet devices that allow wireless internet access and browsing, tablet computers with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals incorporating combinations of such functions.

[0061] Furthermore, various embodiments of any of these devices can be used with UE vehicles, high-altitude platform stations, or any other such type of node associated with a ground network or any type of drone radio or radio in an aircraft or other airborne vehicle or vessel traveling on water (such as a ship).

[0062] Similarly, as described above, there is a need for a mechanism that provides common awareness of the candidate active TCI state and the actual active TCI state at both the serving cell and the candidate target cell (each candidate cell among the candidate cells).

[0063] In one example embodiment of this disclosure, when a source cell determines to activate one or more TCI states for one or more candidate cells, information about the activated TCI state in a message (e.g., an activation message) is provided to the associated one or more cells.

[0064] When a candidate cell receives a list of one or more active TCI states, it may assume that the TCI states are active and may indicate one (or more) active TCI states to the UE. The candidate cell may be configured to transmit at least one of the following: SSB, CSI-RS, and TRS (associated with the active TCI states) when activation information containing information about the active TCI states has been received.

[0065] The association of a reference signal (e.g., at least one of SSB, CSI-RS, and TRS) with a TCI state may imply / mean that the TCI state includes the associated reference signal(s). Alternatively or additionally, the reference signal included in the TCI state is used as a quasi-co-located (QCL) source reference signal for another (target) reference signal(s). As an example, if the TCI state is activated and a reference signal associated with the TCI state (used as a source) is transmitted, the target signal can be transmitted. As an example, if the TCI state is activated and a reference signal is associated with the TCI state, the target signal can be transmitted.

[0066] The quasi-co-address assumption between the source and target signals (i.e., the existence of a QCL source and a QCL target) implies that they can From the perspective of the (UE) receiving point, they share the same attributes, such as Doppler frequency shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay expansion. Expansion and spatial RX (UE can use the same RX beam for two signals) In one example embodiment of this disclosure, when a source cell determines that one or more TCI states for one or more candidate cells should be disabled, information about disabling TCI states in a message (e.g., a disable message) is provided to the associated one or more cells.

[0067] When a candidate cell receives a list of disabled TCI states, it can be assumed that the TCI states indicated as disabled are no longer active. When a TCI state is not active, the candidate cell can determine not to transmit at least one of the SSB, CSI-RS, and TRS (associated with (multiple) TCI states). Any TCI states not indicated as disabled remain active.

[0068] In one example embodiment of this disclosure, the target cell may provide a list of "candidate TCI states" that can be considered for activation. In one option, the source cell may be required to select one or more TCI states from the list provided by the target cell for activation.

[0069] In one example embodiment of this disclosure, a timer-based management method for the TCI state of activation can be configured for (multiple) candidate cells: The timer is configured to be held at the candidate cell; A timer is started when a candidate cell receives an activation indication for one or more TCI states: The same timer can be configured and started at the source cell; When the timer is running, the candidate cell can assume that the TCI state is active and can indicate one (or more) active TCI states to the UE. The candidate cell can be configured to transmit at least one of the following (associated with the TCI state): SSB, CSI-RS, and TRS, while the timer is running: In another example, when the timer runs, it is expected that the candidate cell is ready to provide communication on TCI state resources (e.g., if the beam indication provided to the UE is one of the TCI states of the candidate cell). When the timer expires: the candidate cell will automatically disable the TCI state received from the source cell after the duration T; In another example, the duration T is communicated to both the source DU and the UE. Furthermore, the UE can also be indicated by the source cell when sending an activation indication to a candidate cell; The timer can be specifically used for a single candidate cell or a group of candidate cells; The timer value can be determined by the candidate cell (or the CU of the candidate cell), and the timer value can be indicated to the source cell (and / or other cells) as part of the LTM configuration.

[0070] In another UE-related example embodiment of this disclosure, a timer is configured for the UE, wherein the timer is used to monitor the validity of the activated TCI state: The validity timer is started when the UE determines that it has received a TCI state activation for LTM purposes (i.e., not an intra-cell BM). When the timer is running, the UE will treat the TCI state as active and can expect to prepare for cell handover, cell change and / or beam indication of one of the active TCI states (target candidate cell). When the timer expires, the UE assumes that the TCI state associated with the expired timer is disabled; The above can be based on whether the UE has a timer configured. If no timer is configured, the activated TCI state will not expire.

[0071] In one example embodiment of this disclosure, when transmitting a cell handover or cell change command (and associated beam indication) to the UE, the source DU may provide other candidate target DUs with an indication to release activation (i.e., determine that the TCI state is no longer activated for beam indication), so that the receiver target DU can apply power saving after receiving activation, i.e., determine not to transmit one or more reference signals associated with TCI state(s) at the source cell at least for the UE to be activated for LTM.

[0072] In another embodiment, the indication for releasing at least one active TCI state to a candidate target cell / DU may include one or more TCI states (e.g., active TCI states selected from the candidate cell). The candidate target cell / DU may disable the indicated TCI state.

[0073] In one option of an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the candidate target DU to which the indication is sent may be a target DU selected for cell handover or cell change for the UE.

[0074] In another example of an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the candidate target DU to which the instruction is sent may be a target DU that has not been selected for cell handover or cell change for the UE.

[0075] In this article, the terms cell handover and cell change are used interchangeably.

[0076] In one example embodiment of this disclosure, when transmitting a cell handover command (and associated beam indication) to the UE, the source DU can... Other candidate targets DU Provides an indication that the activation is not released (i.e., confirms that the TCI state is still activated for beam indication).

[0077] In an option of an example embodiment according to this disclosure, this can restart a timer used to manage the active state of the TCI state.

[0078] In another embodiment of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the indication to the candidate target cell / DU to not release activation may include one or more TCI states (e.g., active TCI states selected from the candidate cell). The candidate target cell / DU may maintain the activated indicated TCI state.

[0079] In one option of an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the candidate target DU to which the indication is sent may be a target DU selected for cell handover for the UE.

[0080] In another example of an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the candidate target DU to which the instruction is sent may be a target DU that has not been selected for cell handover for the UE.

[0081] In one example embodiment of this disclosure, beam indication to a specific target cell (or information about the beam indication, such as TCI status) can be communicated to one or more candidate target cells (other candidate target cells not selected for cell handover): Option 1 allows the receiver candidate target cell to consider disabling one or more active TCI states for the UE; Option 2 allows the receiver to restart the candidate target cell's timer to keep the active TCI state active. Motivation: The UE can quickly switch to another cell, as it is most likely to be at the cell boundary. This will also affect the UE, as it should be prepared for another beam indication (i.e., it should not be considered a TCI state disabled for other cells).

[0082] In one option of an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the UE may (e.g., in a cell handover command) be instructed with respect to a candidate target cell that may keep its TCI state active after the cell handover command.

[0083] In one option, the beam indication information can include information about the selected target cell (e.g., the target cell's...). logo ).

[0084] The example-basic procedure of potential signaling according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure only shows the activated portion when the information of the active TCI state is coordinated with the associated candidate cell during TCI activation prior to cell handover. These activated enhancements are illustrated in Figure 2.

[0085] Figure 2 illustrates an enhanced process for activation according to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

[0086] The novel operation of FIG2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be seen starting from step 14 of FIG2. As shown in step 14 of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, DU 1 determines the TCI state of DU 2 to be activated for LTM. As shown in step 16 of FIG2, during Activation Option 1 (15), TCI activation exists between DU 1 and the UE in FIG2. As shown in step 17 of FIG2, there is another operation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein DU 1 sends information about the activation state of DU 2 to CU and DU 2 (target cell). As shown in step 19 of FIG2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, during Activation Option 2 (18), a selected TCI state of DU 2 to be activated exists. As shown in step 20 of FIG2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, during Forward Option 2 (18), an ACK or alternative list of TCI states for activation is sent from DU 2 to DU 1. Following step 24 in Figure 2, where DU 1 determines the cell handover and selects the TCI state to be indicated, there is another step 30 in Figure 2, where, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, DU 2 sends an ACK or alternative TCI indication to CU and DU 1. As shown in step 25 of Figure 2, indication option 1 exists. During indication option 1, as shown in step 26 of Figure 2, a cell handover command (TCI indication) is sent from DU 1 to the UE. As shown in step 27 of Figure 2, DU 1 sends the TCI state indicated by DU 2 to CU and DU 2 (target cell). Alternatively, as shown in step 28 of Figure 2, indication option 2 exists. During indication option 2, as shown in step 29 of Figure 2, the TCI state indicated by DU 2 is sent from DU 1 to CU and DU 2 (target cell). Then, as shown in step 30 of Figure 2, an ACK or alternative TCI indication is sent from DU 2 to CU and DU 1. As shown in step 31 of Figure 2, a cell handover command (TCI indication) is sent from DU 1 to the UE. Then, as shown in step 32 of Figure 2, a cell change occurs. At least some of these steps can be added to improve, for example, the operation of TCI status activation or deactivation during cell changes.

[0087] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C Each illustrates a method that can be performed by an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Figure 4A This demonstrates that network nodes (such as, but not limited to) can be used to... Figure 3 The operation performed by the source cell (gNB or eNB, or NN 12 or NN 13). Figure 4AAs shown in step 410, for communication with the user equipment during or after a cell change, it is determined whether to activate or disable one or more transport configuration indicator states for at least one candidate cell. Figure 4A As shown in step 420, information indicating the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled is communicated to at least one candidate cell.

[0089] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the apparatus is implemented in the network node to which the source cell of the communication network belongs.

[0090] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the information includes activation information.

[0091] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the information is configured to cause at least one candidate cell to transmit at least one of a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signals. According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the information is configured to cause at least one candidate cell to transmit at least one of a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signals associated with the state of at least one transmission configuration indicator.

[0092] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the information is configured to enable at least one candidate cell to transmit at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signals associated with activation information (including one or more TCI states).

[0093] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, there is an activation message provided to at least one candidate cell for the state of one or more transport configuration indicators.

[0094] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, there is a configuration for sending a timer to at least one candidate cell.

[0095] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, a timer is configured when an activation message is provided to a candidate cell.

[0096] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the timer is configured to start when an activation message is provided.

[0097] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the timer is configured to cause the candidate cell to mark one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states as active during timer operation, and the active or disabled one or more transmission configuration indicator states are activated for the user equipment.

[0098] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the timer is configured to cause at least one candidate cell to transmit at least one of a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signals while the timer is running.

[0099] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the timer is configured to enable at least one candidate cell to provide communication to the user equipment on one or more resources associated with the states of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicators when the timer is running.

[0100] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least one candidate cell is configured to provide communication to the user equipment based on one of one or more transmission configuration indicator states, where the beam indication provided to the user equipment is active or disabled.

[0101] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the timer is configured to cause at least one candidate cell to disable one or more active transport configuration indicator states communicated by the source cell after a duration T, based on the expiration of the timer.

[0102] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the communication configures at least one candidate cell with a duration T.

[0103] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the configuration of timers for at least one candidate cell is communicated as part of the lower-level mobility configuration.

[0104] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the configuration of the timer communicated as part of the lower-level mobility configuration includes at least one of a layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or a layer 2 triggered mobility configuration.

[0105] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the configuration of the timer is specific to one or a group of candidate cells in at least one candidate cell.

[0106] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, there is a cell change command that sends an indication to at least one candidate cell to release at least one activated beam indication, wherein the release enables at least one candidate cell to determine not to transmit one or more reference signals associated with one or more activated or disabled transmission configuration indicator states, one or more transmission configuration indicator states being activated for lower-layer mobility of the user equipment.

[0107] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the indication sent to the candidate target cell to release at least one activation includes one or more active transport configuration indicator states selected from the active transport configuration indicator states of the candidate cell.

[0108] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, there is a method of sending an indication to at least one candidate cell not to release at least one activation for beam indication based on a cell handover command sent to the user equipment.

[0109] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the indication used for release causes the timer to restart in order to manage and maintain the active state of one or more active transport configuration indicator states.

[0110] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the indication used for release includes one or more active transport configuration indicator states selected from the active transport configuration indicator states of the candidate cell.

[0111] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, information regarding the beam indication or activated transmission configuration indicator status to a specific target cell is sent to at least one candidate cell.

[0112] Non-transitory computer-readable media (such as Figure 3 The MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the memory store program code (such as...) Figure 3 In PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, the program code is generated by at least one processor (such as PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C). Figure 3 The DP 12A and / or DP13A in the above section are executed to perform at least the operations described in the paragraphs above.

[0113] According to the example embodiments of this disclosure as described above, there is an apparatus comprising: components for determining, for communication with a user equipment during or after a cell change, the state of one or more transmission configuration indicator states for at least one candidate cell (e.g., ...). Figure 3 One or more transceivers 12D and / or 13D; MEM12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A); and components for communicating information to at least one candidate cell (such as... Figure 3 The information includes messages indicating the status of one or more transceivers 12D and / or 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A.

[0114] In accordance with the examples of this disclosure based on the foregoing paragraphs, the components for determining and communicating include those utilizing at least one processor [such as...]. Figure 3 Executable computer programs [such as DP 12A and / or DP 13A] Figure 3 Non-transitory computer-readable media encoded with PROG12C and / or PROG 13C in [e.g.] Figure 3 MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the series.

[0115] Figure 4B This illustrates operations that can be performed by network nodes, such as, but not limited to, candidate cell gNBs or eNBs, or as... Figure 3 NN 12 or NN 13 in the example. Figure 4B As shown in step 440, during or after a cell change with the user equipment, information regarding the status of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators is received. Figure 4B As shown in step 450, information is sent to the user equipment, which includes an indication of the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled.

[0116] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the apparatus includes network nodes of candidate cells of a communication network.

[0117] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the information includes activation information.

[0118] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the network node is configured, based on information, to transmit at least one of a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signals.

[0119] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, information including the configuration of a timer is received from the source network.

[0120] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, a timer is started during communication with the source network based on this information.

[0121] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the network node is configured to hold a timer.

[0122] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the network node is configured to start a timer during communication with the source network.

[0123] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, when the timer is running, the network node is configured to mark one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicator states as active, and the active or disabled one or more transport configuration indicator states are indicated for the user equipment.

[0124] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the network node is configured to transmit at least one of a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signals when the timer is running.

[0125] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, network nodes are configured to provide communication to user equipment on one or more resources associated with the states of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators when a timer is running.

[0126] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the network node is configured to provide communication to the user equipment based on one of one or more transport configuration indicator states that are activated or disabled by a beam indicator provided to the user equipment.

[0127] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the network node is configured to disable one or more active transport configuration indicator states communicated by the source cell after a duration T, based on the expiration of a timer.

[0128] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the network node is configured with a duration T during communication.

[0129] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the timer configuration is communicated as part of the lower-level mobility configuration.

[0130] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the configuration of the timer communicated as part of the lower-level mobility configuration includes at least one of a layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or a layer 2 triggered mobility configuration.

[0131] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the configuration of the timer is specific to one or a group of candidate cells in at least one candidate cell.

[0132] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, there is a receiving from the source network of an indication to release at least one active beam indication, wherein the release enables at least one candidate cell to determine not to transmit one or more reference signals associated with one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states, one or more transmission configuration indicator states being activated for low-level mobility configuration of the user equipment.

[0133] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the indication sent to the candidate target cell to release at least one activation includes one or more active transport configuration indicator states selected from the active transport configuration indicator states of the candidate cell.

[0134] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, there is a determination based on a cell change command sent to the user equipment that at least one active indication for a beam indication is not released.

[0135] According to the example embodiment described in the above paragraphs, the indication used for release causes the timer to restart in order to manage and maintain the active state of one or more active transport configuration indicator states.

[0136] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the indication used for release includes one or more active transport configuration indicator states selected from the active transport configuration indicator states of the candidate cell.

[0137] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, there is information that determines the state of the beam indication or activated transmission configuration indicator for a specific target cell.

[0138] Non-transitory computer-readable media (such as Figure 3 The MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the memory store program code (such as...) Figure 3 In PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, the program code is powered by at least one processor (such as PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C). Figure 3 The DP 12A and / or DP13A in the above section are executed to perform at least the operations described in the paragraphs above.

[0139] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure as described above, an apparatus includes: components for receiving, by a network node of a communication network, a message from a source network indicating the activation or deactivation of one or more transmission configuration indicator states during or after a cell change with a user equipment; and components for sending information to the user equipment, the information including an indication of the activation or deactivation of one or more transmission configuration indicator states.

[0140] In accordance with the examples of this disclosure based on the foregoing paragraphs, the components for at least conveying and transmitting include those utilizing at least one processor [such as...]. Figure 3 Executable computer programs [such as DP 12A and / or DP 13A] Figure 3 Non-transitory computer-readable media encoded with PROG12C and / or PROG 13C in [e.g.] Figure 3 MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the series.

[0141] Figure 4C It shows that it can be made by, but is not limited to, user devices or Figure 3 The operations performed by the network device of UE 10. For example... Figure 4CAs shown in step 470, information is received including an indication of the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators, whether active or disabled. Figure 4C As shown in step 480, based on this information, a timer configuration is determined for verifying the status of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators.

[0142] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the apparatus is implemented in a user equipment of a communication network.

[0143] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the timer configuration is used to verify one of the states of one or more transport configuration indicators that are active or disabled.

[0144] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the timer configuration configures a timer that is started when the indication of the state of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators is for a low-level purpose.

[0145] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the timer configuration communicated as a lower layer includes at least one of a layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or a layer 2 triggered mobility configuration.

[0146] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, when the timer is running, the user equipment identifies one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states as active and prepares for either a cell change or a beam indication switch to one or more active transmission configuration indicator states.

[0147] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, based on this information, the user equipment is configured to provide communication on one or more resources associated with the states of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators when the timer is running.

[0148] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the user equipment is configured, based on this information, to receive or transmit communications based on one of the transmission configuration indicator states, where the beam indicator is active or disabled.

[0149] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, based on this information, the user equipment is configured to monitor at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, or a tracking reference signal associated with the status of one or more transmission configuration transmission configuration indicator states that are activated or disabled.

[0150] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the user equipment assumes that the transmission configuration indicator associated with the timer is to be disabled based on the timer's expiration.

[0151] Non-transitory computer-readable media (such as Figure 3 MEM 10B stored program code ( Figure 3 In PROG 10C), the program code is generated by at least one processor (such as... Figure 3 The DP 10A in the above section is executed to perform at least the operations described in the paragraphs above.

[0152] According to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure as described above, an apparatus includes: a component for receiving information including an indication of one of one or more transmission configuration indicator states that is active or disabled (e.g., ...). Figure 3 One or more transceivers 10D, MEM 10B, PROG 10C, and DP 10A; and components for determining the timer configuration based on this information (such as...). Figure 3 One or more transceivers 10D, MEM 10B, PROG 10C, and DP 10A are included.

[0153] In accordance with the examples of this disclosure based on the foregoing paragraphs, the components for at least conveying and transmitting include those utilizing at least one processor [such as...]. Figure 3 DP 10A] executable computer programs [such as Figure 3 Non-transitory computer-readable media encoded in PROG 10C (e.g.) Figure 3 MEM 10B (in the context of MEM 10B).

[0154] benefit: Knowledge of the active TCI state at the corresponding candidate target cell is beneficial (e.g., in terms of scheduling of the relevant DL RS). For example, if there is no active TCI state associated with an RS, the candidate target cell can shut down the RS transmission (e.g., if there is no UE that would need to be served by the beam associated with the TCI state, the candidate cell can apply power-saving mechanisms to avoid transmitting CSI-RS or CSI-RS for TRS).

[0155] Implicit management of activated TCI states via timers: based on timers maintained at candidate cells.

[0156] The benefit and / or motivation is that the beam indication for LTM cell handover may never be provided to that particular candidate cell, so the cell will remain in the active TCI state for an extended period of time (i.e., it will be necessary to assume that the UE can be handed over to the target cell, or even be prepared to provide UL authorization / transmit TRS / CSI-RS).

[0157] In addition, it provides candidate cells with a way to keep a set of TCI states (instead of all potential TCI states) ready for activation, which can be "potential candidates" before being actually activated by the serving cell.

[0158] It provides a mechanism to restrict the TCI state to candidate cells, which can be activated for the UE. This provides a way to perform load balancing / load management for candidate DU resources (e.g., in the spatial domain).

[0159] Similarly, it would be beneficial for candidate cells to know any disablement of the active TCI state.

[0160] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, there is a circuit system for performing operations as disclosed herein in exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. This circuit system may include any type of circuit system, including content encoding / decoding circuit systems, content decoding circuit systems, processing circuit systems, image generation circuit systems, data analysis circuit systems, etc. Furthermore, this circuit system may include discrete circuit systems, application-specific integrated circuit systems (ASICs) and / or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit systems, as well as processors specifically configured by software to perform corresponding functions, or dual-core processors having software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc. Additionally, necessary inputs to the circuit system and outputs from the circuit system, functions performed by the circuit system, and interconnections (possibly via inputs and outputs) between the circuit system and other components that may include other circuit systems are provided to perform exemplary embodiments of this disclosure as described herein.

[0161] According to the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this application, the provided "circuit system" may include at least one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only); (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (ii) Any portion of (multiple) hardware processors and software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions such as those described herein according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure); and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but may not exist when they are not required for operation.

[0162] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, there are sufficient circuit systems to perform at least the novel operations disclosed in this application according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, and such circuit systems, as may be used herein, refer to at least the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog circuit systems and / or digital circuit systems); and (b) A combination of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) processors, or (ii) portions or software of (multiple) processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories working together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform multiple functions); and (c) Circuitry, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, for operation of software or firmware, even if the software or firmware does not exist physically.

[0163] This definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit system" will also cover only the implementation of a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit system" will also cover, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, baseband integrated circuits or application processor integrated circuits for mobile phones, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other network devices.

[0164] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of this disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, by way of non-limiting example, these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0165] The embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. Integrated circuits are designed using highly automated processes. Sophisticated and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0166] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described in this specific specification are exemplary embodiments provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure, and do not limit the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0167] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description, by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples, of the best methods and apparatus currently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out this disclosure. However, various modifications and alterations may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0168] It should be noted that the terms “connection,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may encompass one or more intermediate elements existing between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” together. The coupling or connection between elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As adopted herein, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples, two elements may be considered “connected” or “coupled” together by means of one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections and by means of electromagnetic energy (such as wavelength-dependent electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency region, microwave region, and optical (visible and invisible) region).

[0169] Furthermore, some features of the preferred embodiments of this disclosure can be used advantageously without the need for corresponding use of other features. Therefore, the foregoing description should be regarded as illustrative only of the principles of this disclosure and not as limiting the principles of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: For communications with user equipment during or after a cell change, determine whether to activate or disable one or more transport configuration indicator states for at least one candidate cell. as well as The at least one candidate cell is informed of the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is implemented in a network node to which the source cell of the communication network belongs.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information includes activation information.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information is configured to cause the at least one candidate cell to transmit at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signal associated with at least one of the activated transmission configuration indicator states.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: An activation message for the state of the one or more transmission configuration indicator is provided to the at least one candidate cell.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Send the timer configuration to the at least one candidate cell.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the timer is configured when the activation message is provided to the candidate cell.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the timer is configured to start when the activation message is provided.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the timer is configured to cause the candidate cell to identify the one or more transmission configuration indicator states that are active or disabled as active when the timer is running, and wherein the one or more transmission configuration indicator states that are active or disabled are activated for the user equipment.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the timer is configured to cause the at least one candidate cell to transmit at least one of the following when the timer is running: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signal associated with at least one of the activated transmission configuration indicator states.

11. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the timer is configured to cause the at least one candidate cell to provide communication to the user equipment on one or more resources associated with the active or disabled states of the one or more transmission configuration indicator states when the timer is running.

12. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one candidate cell is configured to provide communication to the user equipment based on one of the states of the one or more transmission configuration indicators, which is either active or disabled, provided to the user equipment.

13. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the timer is configured to: cause the at least one candidate cell to disable the active state of the one or more transmission configuration indicator communicated by the source cell after a duration T, based on the expiration of the timer.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the duration T for communicating the configuration of the at least one candidate cell is 14.

15. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the configuration of the timer for the at least one candidate cell is communicated as part of a lower-layer mobility configuration.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the configuration of the timer, which is communicated as part of the lower-level mobility configuration, includes at least one of a layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or a layer 2 triggered mobility configuration.

17. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the configuration of the timer is specific to one or a group of candidate cells among the at least one candidate cell.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Based on the cell change command, an indication to release at least one activation for beam indication is sent to the at least one candidate cell. The release enables the at least one candidate cell to determine not to transmit one or more reference signals associated with the activated or disabled one or more transmission configuration indicator states, which are activated for the user equipment's lower-layer mobility.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the indication sent to the candidate target cell to release the at least one active indication includes one or more active transmission configuration indicator states selected from the active transmission configuration indicator states of the candidate cell.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Based on the cell handover command sent to the user equipment, an indication not to release at least one active beam indication is sent to the at least one candidate cell.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the indication for release causes the timer to restart to manage and maintain the active state of one or more active transmission configuration indicator states.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the indication for release includes one or more active transmission configuration indicator states selected from the active transmission configuration indicator states of the candidate cell.

23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Send information about the beam indication or activated transmission configuration indicator status to the at least one candidate cell.

24. A method comprising: The network nodes of the communication network determine from the source network, for communication with user equipment during or after a cell change, whether to activate or disable one or more transport configuration indicator states for at least one candidate cell. as well as The at least one candidate cell is informed of the status of one or more transmission configuration indicators that are active or disabled.

25. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: During or after a cell change with the user equipment, receive information about the status of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators; and The information is sent to the user equipment, the information including an indication of the status of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the apparatus comprises a network node of a candidate cell of a communication network.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the information includes activation information.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein, based on the information, the network node is configured to transmit at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signal associated with at least one of the active transmission configuration indicator states.

29. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Receive information including timer configuration from the source network.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Based on the information, the timer is started during communication with the source network.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the network node is configured to maintain the timer.

32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the network node is configured to start the timer during the communication with the source network.

33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein when the timer is running, the network node is configured to identify one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicator states as active, and wherein the active or disabled one or more transport configuration indicator states are indicated for the user equipment.

34. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the network node is configured to transmit at least one of the following during the operation of the timer: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, a tracking reference signal, or other signal associated with at least one of the active transmission configuration indicator states.

35. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the network node is configured to: provide communication to the user equipment on one or more resources associated with the state of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicators when the timer is running.

36. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the network node is configured to provide communication to the user equipment based on a beam indication provided to the user equipment indicating one of the states of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicators.

37. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the network node is configured to disable the active one or more transmission configuration indicator states communicated by the source cell after a duration T, based on the expiration of the timer.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the network node is configured with the duration T during the communication.

39. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the configuration of the timer is communicated as part of a lower-level mobility configuration.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the configuration of the timer communicated as part of the lower-level mobility configuration includes at least one of a layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or a layer 2 triggered mobility configuration.

41. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the configuration of the timer is specific to one or a group of candidate cells among the at least one candidate cells.

42. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Receive from the source network an indication to release at least one activated beam indication. The release enables the at least one candidate cell to determine not to transmit one or more reference signals associated with one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states that are activated for the user equipment's lower-layer mobility configuration.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the indication sent to the candidate target cell to release the at least one active indication includes one or more active transmission configuration indicator states selected from the active transmission configuration indicator states of the candidate cell.

44. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Based on the cell change command sent to the user equipment, it is determined that at least one active indication for beam indication will not be released.

45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the indication for release causes the timer to restart to manage and maintain the active state of one or more active transmission configuration indicator states.

46. ​​The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the indication for release includes one or more active transmission configuration indicator states selected from the active transmission configuration indicator states of the candidate cell.

47. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory stores instructions, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: Determine information regarding the beam indication or the status of the active transmission configuration indicator to a specific target cell.

48. A method comprising: The network nodes of the communication network receive information about the status of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicators from the source network during or after a cell change with the user equipment. as well as The information is sent to the user equipment, the information including an indication of the status of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators.

49. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Receive information including an indication of the status of one or more transport configuration indicators, whether they are active or disabled; as well as Based on the information, a timer configuration is determined for verifying the status of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is implemented in a user equipment of a communication network.

51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the timer configuration configures a timer that is started when the indication of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicator states is for a low-level purpose.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the timer configuration communicated as a lower layer includes at least one of a layer 1 triggered mobility configuration or a layer 2 triggered mobility configuration.

53. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein when the timer is running, the user equipment identifies one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states as active and prepares for one of the following: a cell change or a beam indication switch to the one or more active transmission configuration indicator states.

54. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein, based on the information, the user equipment is configured to provide communication on one or more resources associated with the state of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicators when the timer is running.

55. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein, based on the information, the user equipment is configured to receive or transmit communications based on the beam indication being one of the active or disabled states of one or more transmission configuration indicators.

56. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein, based on the information, the user equipment is configured to monitor at least one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a channel state information reference signal, or a tracking reference signal associated with the status of one or more active or disabled transmission configuration indicator states.

57. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the user equipment assumes that the transmission configuration indicator associated with the timer is to be disabled based on the expiration of the timer.

58. A method comprising: Receive information including an indication of the status of one or more transport configuration indicators, whether they are active or disabled; as well as Based on the information, a timer configuration is determined for verifying the status of one or more active or disabled transport configuration indicators.

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