Method and apparatus for supporting multiple TRP operations based on one improved PDCCH by using integrated TCI framework in next generation mobile communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. According to one embodiment, a method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system may comprise the steps of: receiving, from a base station, a radio resource control (RRC) message including information related to at least one transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; receiving, from the base station, a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) for activating the at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state related to the at least one code point, second information corresponding to a second TCT state related to the one code point, and TCI state ID information according to the first information and the second information; receiving downlink control information (DCI) including a TCI field indicating the one code point from the base station; and acknowledging TCI state information related to a code point corresponding to the TCI field based on the RRC message and the MAC CE.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the operation of user equipment (UE) and base stations in mobile communication systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a method and apparatus that allows a UE to support multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) operation based on a single physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) using a unified transmission configuration indication (TCI) framework in a wireless communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology defines wide bandwidth, enabling high transmission rates and new services. It can be implemented not only in "sub-6 GHz" bands such as 3.5 GHz, but also in "above 6 GHz" bands, including 28 GHz and 39 GHz, known as mmWave. Furthermore, sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication technology, known as Super 5G, is being considered for implementation in terahertz bands (e.g., the 95 GHz to 3 THz band), aiming to achieve transmission rates fifty times faster than 5G and ultra-low latency one-tenth that of 5G.

[0003] At the outset of 5G mobile communication technology development, standardization was underway for the following technologies to support services and meet performance requirements associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC): beamforming and massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) for mitigating radio wave path loss and increasing radio wave transmission distance in millimeter waves; dynamic operation supporting parameter sets (e.g., operating multiple subcarrier spacings) and time slot formats for efficient utilization of millimeter wave resources; initial access technologies supporting multi-beam transmission and broadband; definition and operation of bandwidth portions (BWP); new channel coding methods (such as low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes for large data transmissions and polar codes for highly reliable transmission of control information); L2 preprocessing; and network slicing for providing dedicated networks for specific services.

[0004] Currently, given the services that 5G mobile communication technology needs to support, discussions are underway regarding improvements and performance enhancements to the initial 5G mobile communication technology, and physical layer standardization already exists for technologies such as: Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) for assisting autonomous vehicles in determining driving based on information about the location and status of vehicles transmitted by vehicles and for enhancing user convenience; New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) designed to make system operation in unlicensed bands comply with various regulatory requirements; NR User Equipment (UE) power saving; Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for UE-satellite direct communication to provide coverage in areas where communication with terrestrial networks is unavailable; and positioning.

[0005] Furthermore, standardization is underway in the wireless interface architecture / protocol domain for technologies such as: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to support new services through interoperability and convergence with other industries; Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) for nodes to provide network service area extension by supporting wireless backhaul and access links in an integrated manner; mobility enhancements including conditional handover and Dual Active Protocol Stack (DAPS) handover; and two-step random access (2-step RACH for NR) to simplify the random access process. In terms of system architecture / services, standardization is also underway for: 5G baseline architectures (e.g., service-based architectures or service-based interfaces) for combining Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies; and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) for UE location-based reception services.

[0006] With the commercialization of 5G mobile communication systems, the number of connected devices will increase exponentially, necessitating enhanced functionality and performance of 5G mobile communication systems and integrated operation of connected devices. To this end, new research is planned related to: Extended Reality (XR) for effectively supporting Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), etc.; improving 5G performance and reducing 5G complexity by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML); AI service support; Metaverse service support; and drone communication.

[0007] Furthermore, this development of 5G mobile communication systems will serve as a foundation for: not only developing new waveforms for providing terahertz band coverage for 6G mobile communication technologies, multi-antenna transmission technologies (such as full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and massive MIMO), metamaterial-based lenses and antennas for improving terahertz band signal coverage, high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technologies using orbital angular momentum (OAM), and reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS), but also developing full-duplex technologies to improve the frequency efficiency of 6G mobile communication technologies and enhance system networks, AI-based communication technologies to achieve system optimization by leveraging satellites and AI from the design phase and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and next-generation distributed computing technologies to achieve services at a complexity level exceeding the operational capabilities of UEs by utilizing ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources.

[0008] Currently, it is possible to activate / deactivate the beam (Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) status) of a specific bandwidth portion (BWP) within a single serving cell. However, with technological advancements, there is an increasing need for a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data for a specific BWP through multiple Transmit Receive Points (TRPs) within or between serving cells to support multiple TRP operations based on a single PDCCH (Downlink Control Information (DCI)). Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure provides a method for allowing a user equipment (UE) to perform data transmission and reception through multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs) based on unified beam information (unified transmission configuration indication (TCI)).

[0011] More specifically, regarding the operation of configuring and activating the unified beam information (Unified Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) status) for the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) / Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) / Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) / Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) in a next-generation mobile communication system using beaming, currently beam (TCI status) activation / deactivation is only possible for a specific bandwidth portion (BWP) within a single serving cell. This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for supporting multiple TRP operations based on a single PDCCH (Downlink Control Information (DCI)) through transmission and reception techniques for multiple TRPs targeting a specific BWP within or between serving cells.

[0012] The technical subject matter to be achieved by the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to the technical subject matter described above, and other technical subject matters not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] This disclosure, for addressing the aforementioned problems, proposes a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. More specifically, the method includes: receiving from a base station a radio resource control (RRC) message including information related to at least one Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state; receiving from the base station a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activating at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state associated with at least one single code point, second information corresponding to a second TCI state associated with a single code point, and TCI state identifier (ID) information based on the first and second information; receiving from the base station downlink control information (DCI) including a TCI field indicating a single code point; and identifying TCI state information associated with a code point corresponding to the TCI field based on the RRC message and the MAC CE.

[0015] This disclosure, for addressing the aforementioned problems, proposes a method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system. More specifically, the method includes: sending a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to a UE including information related to at least one Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state; sending a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) to the UE for activating at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state associated with at least one single code point, second information corresponding to a second TCI state associated with a single code point, and TCI state identifier (ID) information based on the first and second information; and sending downlink control information (DCI) to the UE including a TCI field indicating a single code point, wherein the state information related to the code point corresponding to the TCI field included in the DCI is associated with the RRC message and the MAC CE.

[0016] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure proposes a UE in a wireless communication system. More specifically, the UE includes a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a controller associated with the transceiver, wherein the controller is configured to receive from a base station a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message including information related to at least one Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state, receive from the base station a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) for activating at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state associated with at least one single code point, second information corresponding to a second TCI state associated with a single code point, and TCI state identifier (ID) information based on the first and second information, receive from the base station downlink control information (DCI) including a TCI field indicating a single code point, and identify TCI state information associated with a code point corresponding to the TCI field based on the RRC message and the MAC CE.

[0017] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure proposes a base station in a wireless communication system. More specifically, the base station includes: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a controller combined with the transceiver, wherein the controller is configured to send a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to a User Equipment (UE) including information related to at least one Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state; send a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) to the UE for activating at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state associated with at least one single code point, second information corresponding to a second TCI state associated with a single code point, and TCI state identifier (ID) information based on the first and second information; and send downlink control information (DCI) to the UE including a TCI field indicating a single code point, and state information related to the code point corresponding to the TCI field included in the DCI associated with the RRC message and the MAC CE.

[0018] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0019] According to embodiments of this disclosure, signals can be effectively transmitted and received in a wireless communication system.

[0020] More specifically, according to embodiments of this disclosure, an enhanced transmission and reception technique using a unified transmission configuration indication (unified TCI) framework across multiple transmit and receive points (TRPs) is proposed. For example, by supporting the transmission and reception of a single downlink control information (DCI), the transmission and reception technique can be performed across multiple TRPs for a specific bandwidth portion (BWP).

[0021] The effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned in the various embodiments, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1a The structure of a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 1b A wireless protocol structure in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 1c The structure of a next-generation mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 1d A wireless protocol structure for a next-generation mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 1eThe structure of a next-generation mobile communication system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 1f A method for applying the Uniform Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 1g A method for applying a uniform TCI state to multiple TRPs according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 1h A method for sending and receiving data by applying the Unified Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) framework according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, that is, the entire process of applying the enhancement technology is shown.

[0030] Figures 1a to 1if The structure of a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 1j Operation of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 1k The operation of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 1m This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a novel radio (NR) base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The operating principles of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed descriptions of known functions or configurations will be omitted where it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the disclosure. The terminology described below is defined in consideration of the functions in the invention and may vary depending on the intent or habit of the user or operator. Therefore, the definition of terminology should be based on the entirety of this specification.

[0036] The terms used herein to identify access nodes, to indicate network entities, to indicate messages, to indicate interfaces between network entities, and to indicate various identifying information are merely examples for ease of explanation. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms indicating objects with equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0037] Similarly, in the accompanying drawings, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically. Furthermore, the dimensions of each element do not perfectly reflect its actual size. In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements have the same reference numerals.

[0038] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods of implementing them, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but can be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to fully disclose this disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of its scope. This disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0039] Here, it should be understood that each box in the flowchart illustration and combinations of boxes in the flowchart illustration can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate methods for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart boxes. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium, which can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium produce an article of writing including methods of instruction for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart boxes.

[0040] Furthermore, each box may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions mentioned in the boxes may occur out of order. For example, two boxes shown consecutively may actually execute simultaneously, or these boxes may sometimes execute in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0041] Here, the term "unit" as used in the various embodiments of this disclosure refers to a software or hardware component that performs a predetermined function, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). However, the term "unit" is not always limited to software or hardware. A "unit" can be configured to be stored in addressable storage media or to execute one or more processors. Thus, a "unit" includes, for example, components (such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components), processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and parameters. Components and functions provided by a "unit" can be combined into a smaller number of components and "units," or further divided into additional components and "units." Additionally, components and "units" can be implemented as one or more CPUs within a playback device or a secure multimedia card.

[0042] In the following description, a base station is an entity that allocates resources to terminals and can be at least one of an eNode B (eNB), a node B, a base station (BS), a radio access network (RAN), an access network (An), a RAN node, an NR NB, a gNB, a radio access unit, a BS controller, and a node on the network.

[0043] Terminals may include user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), cellular phone, smartphone, computer, or multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. In the various embodiments of this disclosure, the example is based on a UE. Furthermore, although the various embodiments of this disclosure are described below by way of example using systems based on Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A, or NR, the various embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds or channel types. Moreover, based on the judgment of those skilled in the art, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to other communication systems with some modifications without significantly departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] The terms used herein to identify access nodes, to indicate network entities, to indicate messages, to indicate interfaces between network entities, and to indicate various identifying information are merely examples for ease of explanation. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms indicating objects with equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0045] In the following text, for ease of explanation, the terminology and names defined in the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE) standard are used. However, the invention is not limited to these terms and names and can be applied equivalently to systems conforming to other standards.

[0046] Figure 1aThe structure of a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] refer to Figure 1a The radio access network of the LTE system includes next-generation base stations (eNBs, Node Bs, or base stations) 1a-05, 1a-10, 1a-15, and 1a-20, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 1a-25, and a Service Gateway (S-GW) 1a-30. User equipment (UEs or terminals) 1a-35 connects to the external network through eNBs 1a-05 to 1a-20 and S-GW 1a-30.

[0048] exist Figure 1a In this context, each of eNBs 1a-05 to 1a-20 corresponds to an existing Node B in the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The eNB connects to the UE 1a-35 via a radio channel and performs a more complex role than an existing Node B. In LTE systems, all user services, including real-time services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) via the Internet Protocol, are served through a shared channel. Therefore, a device is needed to collect state information (such as the UE's buffer state, available transmit power state, and channel state) and perform scheduling, which is handled by eNBs 1a-05 to 1a-20. An eNB typically controls multiple cells. For example, to achieve a transmission speed of 100 Mbps, the LTE system uses, for example, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) scheme as the radio access technology in a 20 MHz bandwidth. Furthermore, the LTE system employs an Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) scheme, which determines the modulation scheme and channel coding rate based on the UE's channel state. S-GW 1a-30 refers to the device that provides data bearers and generates or removes data bearers under the control of MME 1a-25. MME refers to a device responsible for various control functions and UE mobility management functions, and it is connected to multiple base stations.

[0049] Figure 1b A wireless protocol structure in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] refer to Figure 1b The radio protocols of the LTE system include Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) b-05 and 1b-40, Radio Link Control (RLC) b-10 and 1b-35, and Media Access Control (MAC) 1b-15 and 1b-30 in the UE and eNB, respectively.

[0051] PDCP 1b-05 and 1b-40 are responsible for operations such as IP header compression / decompression. The main functions of PDCP are summarized below.

[0052] - Header compression and decompression functions (ROHC only)

[0053] - User data transmission function (transmission of user data)

[0054] - Sequential delivery function (delivering upper-layer PDUs sequentially during the PDCP reconstruction process of RLC AM)

[0055] - Reordering function (for split bearers in DC (RLC AM only): PDCP PDU routing for transmission and PDCP PDU reordering for reception)

[0056] - Duplicate detection function (duplicate detection of lower-level SDUs during PDCP reconstruction of RLC AM)

[0057] - Retransmission function (retransmits PDCP SDU during handover, and for split bearers in DC, retransmits PDCP PDU during PDCP data recovery, for RLC AM)

[0058] - Encryption and decryption functions

[0059] - Timer-based SDU discarding function (timer-based SDU discarding in uplink)

[0060] Radio Link Control (RLC) 1b-10 and 1b-35 reconstruct PDCP Packet Data Units (PDUs) to an appropriate size and perform Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) operations. The main functions of the RLC are summarized below.

[0061] - Data transmission function (transmission of upper-layer PDUs)

[0062] -ARQ function (error correction via ARQ (for AM data transmission only))

[0063] - Cascading, segmentation, and reassembly functions (cascading, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs (for UM and AM data transfer only))

[0064] - Re-segmentation function (re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs (only for AM data transmission))

[0065] - Reordering function (Reordering of RLC data PDUs (only for UM and AM data transfer))

[0066] - Duplicate detection function (Duplicate detection (only for UM and AM data transmission))

[0067] - Error detection function (protocol error detection (AM data transmission only))

[0068] -RLC SDU discard function (RLC SDU discard (only for UM and AM data transmission))

[0069] -RLC Reconstruction Function (RLC Reconstruction)

[0070] MAC 1b-15 and 1b-30 connect to multiple RLC layer devices configured in a single UE and perform operations such as multiplexing RLC PDUs to MAC PDUs and demultiplexing RLC PDUs from MAC PDUs. The main functions of the MAC are summarized below.

[0071] - Mapping function (mapping between logical channels and transport channels)

[0072] - Multiplexing and demultiplexing functions (multiplexing MAC SDUs belonging to one or different logical channels into a transport block (TB) delivered to the physical layer on the transport channel / demultiplexing MAC SDUs belonging to one or different logical channels from a transport block (TB) delivered to the physical layer on the transport channel)

[0073] - Scheduling information reporting function

[0074] - HARQ functionality (error correction via HARQ)

[0075] - Priority processing function between logical channels (priority processing between logical channels of a UE)

[0076] - Priority processing function between UEs (priority processing is performed between UEs through dynamic scheduling)

[0077] - Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) service identification function

[0078] -Transmission format selection function

[0079] - Fill function

[0080] The Physical Layer (PHY) 1b-20 and 1b-25 perform the following operations: channel coding and modulation of upper-layer data, converting it into OFDM symbols, and transmitting the OFDM symbols via a radio channel; or demodulating and channel decoding of OFDM symbols received via a radio channel, and transmitting the demodulated and channel-coded OFDM symbols to the upper layer. Furthermore, even the Physical Layer uses Hybrid ARQ (HARQ) for additional error correction, and the receiver sends 1 bit to indicate whether a packet sent from the transmitter has been received. This is called HARQ ACK / NACK. Downlink HARQ ACK / NACK information for uplink transmission can be transmitted via the Physical Channel, the Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH), and uplink HARQ ACK / NACK information for downlink transmission can be transmitted via the Physical Channel, the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0081] Meanwhile, the PHY layer can include one or more frequencies / carriers, and the technique of configuring and using multiple frequencies simultaneously is called carrier aggregation (CA). In addition to using only one carrier for communication between the UE and the base station (E-UTRAN NodeB, eNB), CA technology uses a primary carrier and one or more secondary carriers, which can significantly increase transmission capacity by increasing the number of secondary carriers.

[0082] Meanwhile, in LTE, the cell within a base station using the primary carrier is called the primary cell (PCell), and the secondary carrier is called the secondary cell (SCell).

[0083] Although not shown in the accompanying figure, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer exists above the PDPC layer of both the UE and the base station. The RRC layer can exchange configuration control messages related to connection and measurement for radio resource control.

[0084] Figure 1c The structure of a next-generation mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0085] refer to Figure 1c As shown in the figure, the radio access network of the next-generation mobile communication system includes a next-generation base station (new radio node B, hereinafter referred to as NR NB) 1c-10 and a new radio core network (NR CN) or next-generation core network (NG CN) 1c-05. The UE (new radio user equipment (NR UE) or terminal) 1c-15 can connect to the outside through NR NB 1c-10 and NR CN 1c-05.

[0086] exist Figure 1cIn this context, NR NB 1c-10 corresponds to the existing evolved Node B (eNB) in the LTE system. The NR NB can connect to the NR UE 1c-15 via a radio channel and can provide superior service compared to the existing Node B. In next-generation mobile communication systems, all user services are served through a shared channel. Therefore, a device is needed to collect state information (such as the UE's buffer state, available transmit power state, and channel state) and perform scheduling, which is handled by the NR NB 1c-10.

[0087] A single NR NB can typically control multiple cells. To achieve ultra-high-speed data transmission compared to existing LTE, beamforming technology can be incorporated by employing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) as the radio access technology. Furthermore, an adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) scheme is used to determine the modulation scheme and channel coding rate based on the UE's channel state.

[0088] The NR CN 1c-05 can perform functions such as mobility support, bearer configuration, and quality of service (QoS) configuration. The NR CN refers to the device responsible for various control functions and UE mobility management functions, and can connect to multiple base stations. Furthermore, the next-generation mobile communication system can interoperate with existing LTE systems, and the NR CN connects to the MME 1c-25 via a network interface. The MME connects to the existing base station eNB 1c-30.

[0089] Figure 1d A wireless protocol structure for a next-generation mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0090] refer to Figure 1d The radio protocols of the next-generation mobile communication system include NR Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) 1d-01 and 1d-45, NR Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) 1d-05 and 1d-40, NR Radio Link Control (RLC) 1d-10 and 1d-35, and NR Media Access Control (MAC) 1d-15 and 1d-30 in the UE and NR base station (gNB).

[0091] The main functions of NR SDAP 1d-01 or 1d-45 may include some of the following functions.

[0092] - User data transmission function (transmission of user plane data)

[0093] - Mapping functionality for QoS flows and data bearers in both uplink and downlink (for mapping between QoS flows and DRBs for both DL and UL).

[0094] - The function of marking QoS flow IDs for both uplink and downlink (marking QoS flow IDs in both DL and UL packets).

[0095] - Functionality to map reflected QoS flows to data bearers used for uplink SDAP PDUs (Reflected QoS flows to DRB mapping for UL SDAP PDUs).

[0096] For SDAP layer devices, the UE can receive configuration information via RRC messages regarding whether to use the SDAP layer device header or its functionality for each PDCP layer device, each bearer, or each logical channel. When configuring the SDAP header, the 1-bit Non-Access Stratum (NAS) reflected QoS indicator and the 1-bit AS reflected QoS indicator in the SDAP header can instruct the UE to update or reconfigure mapping information regarding the mapping of QoS flows and data bearers in the uplink and downlink. The SDAP header may include QoS flow ID information indicating QoS. QoS information can be used as data processing priority or scheduling information to support seamless service.

[0097] The main functions of NR PDCP 1d-05 and 1d-40 may include some of the following functions.

[0098] - Header compression and decompression functions (ROHC only)

[0099] - User data transmission function (transmission of user data)

[0100] - Sequential delivery function (sequential delivery of upper-layer PDUs)

[0101] - Non-sequential delivery function (out-of-order delivery of upper-layer PDUs)

[0102] - Reordering function (for reordering received PDCP PDUs)

[0103] - Duplicate detection function (duplicate detection of lower-level SDUs)

[0104] - Retransmission function (PDCP SDU retransmission)

[0105] - Encryption and decryption functions (encryption and decryption)

[0106] - Timer-based SDU discarding function (timer-based SDU discarding in uplink)

[0107] The reordering function of an NR PDCP layer device refers to the function of reordering PDCP PDUs received from the lower layer based on the PDCP sequence number (SN), and may include the function of transmitting the reordered data to the upper layer in sequence. Alternatively, the reordering function of an NR PDCP layer device may include the function of directly transmitting data regardless of the sequence, the function of recording PDCP PDUs lost due to reordering, the function of reporting the status of lost PDCP PDUs to the transmitting side, and the function of requesting the retransmission of lost PDCP PDUs.

[0108] The main functions of NR RLC 1d-10 and 1d-35 may include some of the following functions.

[0109] - Data transmission function (transmission of upper-layer PDUs)

[0110] - Sequential delivery function (sequential delivery of upper-layer PDUs)

[0111] - Non-sequential delivery function (out-of-order delivery of upper-layer PDUs)

[0112] -ARQ functionality (error correction via ARQ)

[0113] - Cascading, segmentation, and reassembly functions (cascading, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDU)

[0114] - Re-segmentation function (re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs)

[0115] - Reordering function (reordering of RLC data PDUs)

[0116] - Duplicate detection function (duplicate detection)

[0117] - Error detection function (protocol error detection)

[0118] -RLC SDU Disposal Function

[0119] -RLC Reconstruction Function

[0120] The sequential delivery function (in-order delivery) of an NR RLC device refers to the function of sequentially sending RLC SDUs received from the lower layer to the upper layer. When an original RLC SDU is divided into multiple RLC SDUs and then received, the sequential delivery function (in-order delivery) of the NR RLC device can include functions for reassembling and sending RLC SDUs, reordering received RLC PDUs based on the RLC SN or PDCP SN, recording RLC PDUs lost due to reordering, reporting the status of lost RLC PDUs to the transmitting side, and requesting retransmission of lost RLC PDUs. When there are lost RLC SDUs, the sequential delivery function (in-order delivery) of the NR RLC device can include functions for sequentially sending only the RLC SDUs preceding the lost RLC SDU to the upper layer, or, if a timer for a lost RLC SDU expires, sequentially sending all RLC SDUs received before the timer starts to the upper layer. Alternatively, the sequential delivery function (in-order delivery) of the NR RLC device may include the following functionality: if a scheduled timer expires even if there are lost RLC SDUs, all RLC SDUs received so far are sequentially transmitted to the upper layer. Furthermore, the NR RLC device may process RLC PDUs sequentially according to the order of receipt (based on arrival order, regardless of sequence number) and may deliver RLC PDUs to the PDCP device regardless of their order (out-of-order delivery). In the case of segmentation, the NR RLC device may receive segments stored in a buffer or to be received in the future, reconfigure the segments into an RLC PDU, process the RLC PDU, and then send it to the PDCP device. The NR RLC layer may not include concatenation functionality, and this functionality may be performed by the NR MAC layer, or it may be replaced by multiplexing functionality of the NR MAC layer.

[0121] The non-sequential function (out-of-order delivery) of NR RLC devices refers to the function of directly delivering RLC SDUs received from the lower layer to the upper layer regardless of the order of RLC SDUs. It may include the function of reassembling and sending RLC PDUs when a raw RLC SDU is divided into multiple RLC SDUs and then received, as well as the function of storing the RLC SN or PDCP SN of the received RLC PDUs, reordering RLC PDUs and recording lost RLC PDUs.

[0122] NR MAC 1d-15 and 1d-30 can connect to multiple NR RLC layer devices configured in a UE, and the main functions of NR MAC can include some of the following functions.

[0123] - Mapping function (mapping between logical channels and transport channels)

[0124] - Multiplexing and demultiplexing functions (MAC SDU multiplexing / demultiplexing)

[0125] - Scheduling information reporting function

[0126] - HARQ functionality (error correction via HARQ)

[0127] - Logical channel priority processing function (priority processing between logical channels of a UE)

[0128] -UE priority processing function (performs priority processing among UEs through dynamic scheduling)

[0129] -MBMS Service Identification Function (MBMS Service Identification)

[0130] -Transmission format selection function

[0131] - Fill function

[0132] NR PHY layers 1d-20 and 1d-25 perform the following operations: channel coding and modulation of upper-layer data to generate OFDM symbols and transmit OFDM symbols via a wireless channel, or demodulation and channel decoding of OFDM symbols received via a wireless channel and transmit the demodulated and channel-decoded OFDM symbols to the upper layer.

[0133] Figure 1e The structure of a next-generation mobile communication system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0134] refer to Figure 1e Cells served by beam-based NR gNB 1e-05 can include multiple transmit-receive points (TRPs) 1e-10, 1e-15, 1e-20, 1e-25, 1e-30, 1e-35 and 1e-40.

[0135] Each of TRP 1e-10 to 1e-40 represents a block that separates some functions for transmitting and receiving physical signals in an existing NR base station (eNB) and includes multiple antennas.

[0136] The NR gNB 1e-05 can be represented as a Central Unit (CE), and the TRP can be represented as a Distributed Unit (DU). The functionality of the NR gNB 1e-05 and TRP can be configured by separating each layer in the PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY layers, as shown in 1e-45. That is, the TRP can perform the corresponding layer's functionality using only the PHY layer (1e-15, 1e-25), the TRP can perform the corresponding layer's functionality using only the PHY and MAC layers (1e-10, 1e-35, 1e-40), and the TRP can perform the corresponding layer's functionality using only the PHY, MAC, and RLC layers (1e-20, 1e-30).

[0137] Specifically, TRP 1e-10 to 1e-40 can use beamforming technology to transmit and receive data by generating narrow beams in multiple directions using multiple transmit / receive antennas.

[0138] UE 1e-50 can connect to NR gNB 1e-05 and external networks via TRP 1e-10 to 1e-40.

[0139] The NR gNB 1e-05 can support the connection between the UE and the core network (CN) (especially the AMF / SMF 1e-50) by collecting the UE's status information (such as buffer status, available transmit power status, and channel status) and by performing scheduling in order to provide services to users.

[0140] This disclosure proposes an improved approach to existing operations involving a unified Transport Configuration Indicator (Unified TCI) state structure for indicating the beam to be used when transmitting and receiving data resources across the entire channel used by the UE in a next-generation mobile communication system. Unlike existing TCI frameworks, the unified TCI framework supports TCI states that can be applied jointly to both uplink and downlink, although they may differ in the signaling structure depending on the mode.

[0141] - Separate UL / DL TCI State Mode: Configure and manage separate TCI states for uplink and downlink.

[0142] - Combined TCI DL / UL State Mode: Configure and manage TCI states that apply jointly to both uplink and downlink.

[0143] Furthermore, unlike existing TCI state structures, a unified TCI state can be applied to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), and Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). In other words, if a beam is indicated by a unified TCI state, the corresponding beam can be applied to the entire channel transmission in the uplink / downlink. For reference, there are separate beam management processes that indicate spatial relationships in the uplink and TCI states in the downlink.

[0144] When only a single TRP exists within a serving cell, existing unified TCI frameworks only support beam management operations, such as inter-cell beam management (ICBM). However, this disclosure improves upon this and also supports transmission and reception techniques when multiple TRPs exist within a single serving cell, all through a unified TCI framework. Specifically, regarding support for multi-TRP transmission and reception enhancement techniques applying the aforementioned unified TCI framework, this disclosure proposes a method to support this by introducing a new MAC CE.

[0145] Figure 1f A method for applying a unified TCI state according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0146] refer to Figure 1f The process of applying the Unified TCI State and the Unified TCI State MAC CE in the New Radio (NR) system disclosed herein are described. Figure 1f A specific example is shown to explain how the unified TCI state functions functionally.

[0147] A UE in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection state can perform data transmission and reception with a base station (serving cell, e.g., PCell), perform Layer 1 channel measurements according to the base station configuration, and report the resulting values ​​to the base station to change to the optimal beam. The base station can identify the Layer 1 channel measurement values ​​reported by the UE, know which beam is currently optimal for the UE, and can instruct to change to the corresponding beam. The process of instructing the UE to the optimal beam through the Unified TCI framework is described below.

[0148] Although not shown in the attached figures, the base station can configure a unified TCI state for the UE via RRC configuration. The method for configuring the unified TCI state can be found in Tables 1 to 3 below.

[0149] 1. Combined UL / DL mode: Configure UL and DL to share the same TCI configuration (in PDSCH-Config)

[0150] [Table 1]

[0151]

[0152] 2. Individual UL / DL Mode: Each of the UL and DL provides a TCI configuration. The TCI state of the DL follows the configuration in dl-OrJoint-TCIStateList-r17 (in PDSCH-Config), and the TCI state of the UL follows ul-TCI-StateList-r17 (in BWP-UplinkDedicated).

[0153] [Table 2]

[0154]

[0155] [Table 3]

[0156]

[0157] For reference, the beam indicated in the unified TCI status can also indicate the TCI status of cells where the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) differs from the Physical Cell Identifier of the serving cell (additionalPCI-r17).

[0158] In Operation 1f-05, the base station can instruct the UE to activate one or more TCI states by activating / deactivating the Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) through the unified TCI state activation / deactivation.

[0159] Figure 1f-01 illustrates the structure of the unified TCI status MAC CE. As shown, the corresponding MAC CE 1f-01 can indicate multiple TCI statuses for each of the serving cell and the uplink (UL) / downlink (DL) bandwidth portions (BWP). Here, field P is an indicator indicating whether uplink / downlink is indicated separately for the indicated unified TCI status. See the following description for a description related to field P.

[0160]

[0161] In Operation 1f-10, the base station can indicate a single uniform TCI state to be substantially applied to the UE via downlink control information (DCI). For reference, if only a single TCI state code point is sent via MAC CE in Operation 1f-05, the UE can activate the corresponding TCI state without receiving the DCI. The DCI can schedule downlink PDSCH and can indicate only beams without PDSCH scheduling.

[0162] If the DCI schedules downlink PDSCH, it is transmitted along with the operation as in operation 1f-15. When the DCI does not schedule downlink PDSCH, operation 1f-15 can be omitted without performing a separate PDSCH transmission.

[0163] Then, in Operation 1f-20, the UE can send an acknowledgment (ACK) signal via PUCCH indicating that it has received the DCI or PDSCH from the base station in good condition.

[0164] If an ACK signal indicating the time point of the unified TCI state indicated by the actual application is sent via PUCCH and a time equal to the beam application time (BAT) 1f-25 has elapsed, the UE can apply the unified TCI state indicated in the first time slot to all channels (PDCCH / PDSCH / PUCCH / PUSCH) in the uplink and downlink. If an ACK signal is sent via PUCCH and a time equal to BAT 1f-25 has elapsed, the UE can use the previously used TCI state as is until the first time slot. The new beam activated by the unified TCI state indication can be applied to all channel transmissions after 1f-35 (1f-50) for 1f-40 and 1f-45.

[0165] Figure 1g A method for applying a uniform TCI state to multiple TRPs according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0166] refer to Figure 1g This document describes rules applicable to multiple TRPs (multiple TRPs) by applying the improved unified TCI state structure proposed in this disclosure. More specifically, it describes how a UE manages and applies TCI states 1g-05 and 1g-10, respectively, indicated by two TRPs, when TCI states 1g-05 and 1g-10 are indicated and updated using Media Access Control (MAC) Control Elements (CE) or Downlink Control Information (DCI). Furthermore, to this end, a method is described for applying different active beams to each channel by applying TCI state application techniques (semi-static RRC configuration, new TCI selection field within the DCI) applied holistically to the channel aspects of this disclosure.

[0167] According to embodiments of this disclosure, activating MAC CE based on a unified TCI state of multiple TRPs using a single physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) requires indicating whether the TCI state mapped and indicated by the TCI code points comes from a first TRP or a second TRP, whether both are applicable, or whether neither is applicable. (See reference...) Figure 1g This describes the TCI status application rules used in this disclosure.

[0168] The UE can receive the initial application TCI code points {TCI#1 1g-15, TCI#2 1g-20)} via MAC CE or DCI, and can store and manage the received TCI states as active TCI states. Here, the two TCI states indicated by the TCI code points can be TCI states received from multiple TRPs. Alternatively, the two TCI states indicated by the TCI code points can be multiple TCI states indicated by a single TRP.

[0169] Then, the base station can indicate the TCI code point {TCI#3, none} via the new MAC CE or DCI in time T1 1g-25 1g-30. The UE receiving the TCI code point {TCI#3, none} via the new MAC CE or DCI can utilize {TCI#3, TCI#2} to apply and manage the beams to be effectively applied in the next phase (1g-35, 1g-40).

[0170] It is important to note here that the beam effectively applied by the UE is not the indicated TCI code point {TCI#3, None}. The indicated TCI code point indicates the TCI state that the UE needs to update. However, when it is "None" (no indicated TCI), the UE retains the previously indicated TCI state. That is, since the first TCI is indicated as "TCI#3", the UE updates from the existing TCI#1 to TCI#3, and since the second TCI is indicated as "None", the UE retains the previously indicated TCI state as TCI#2.

[0171] The same rules apply, therefore the UE can receive TCI code points {None, TCI#4} 1g-50 via the new MAC CE or DCI in time T2 1g-45. A UE receiving TCI code points {None, TCI#4} 1g-50 via the new MAC CE or DCI can utilize {TCI#3, TCI#4} to apply and manage the beams (1g-55, 1g-60) to be effectively applied in the next phase.

[0172] In addition, the UE can receive TCI code points {TCI#5, TCI#6} via the new MAC CE or DCI in time T3 1g-65 1g-70. Upon receiving this information, the UE can apply and manage the beams (1g-75, 1g-80) that will be effectively used in the next phase to utilize {TCI#5, TCI#6}.

[0173] The reasons for introducing rules and the different methods for activating the TCI state to be applied to each actual channel are as follows. A unified TCI state is a structure used to commonly apply beam-changing methods to all channels, as described above. Figure 1fAs described above, the indicated TCI state is applied to all channels after the Beam Application Time (BAT).

[0174] Meanwhile, in practical implementation, there may be situations where not all channels use the same beam. Furthermore, multiple TCI states may not be applied to specific channels. To address this issue, the overall TCI state application rule of this invention is introduced, and it is necessary to indicate the operation of the TCI states to be applied semi-statically or dynamically for each channel. Table 4 below shows how to indicate the TCI state for each channel.

[0175] [Table 4] Application of the unified TCI state for each channel

[0176]

[0177] Specifically, for the PDSCH receive beam indication method via DCI format 1_1 / 1_2, the active beam for the corresponding channel reception can be dynamically indicated through the newly introduced "TCI selection field" 1g-85 in DCI.

[0178] If the MAC CE indicates only a single TCI code point, there may be no individual DCI beam indication. In this case, it can be assumed that all beams indicated by the MAC CE are active. Alternatively, the semi-static indication method for PDSCH reception can exist as an RRC configuration, or the semi-static indication method applied to PDCCH reception can also be applied to PDSCH reception as is. Here, the TCI selection field 1g-85 is a 2-bit field newly introduced in DCI 1_1 / 1_2 and can indicate the following states.

[0179] -00: The first TCI state in the activation indication TCI state.

[0180] -01: ​​The second TCI state in the activation indication TCI state

[0181] -10: Two TCI states in the activation indicator TCI state

[0182] -11: Presented as a reserved value

[0183] Figure 1h A method for sending and receiving data by applying the Uniform Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) framework, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated.

[0184] More specifically, Figure 1h This demonstrates the entire process of applying data enhancement techniques through multiple TRPs based on a single PDCCH (DCI) by applying a unified TCI framework in a new radio (NR) system.

[0185] NR systems are designed to enable data transmission and reception between the UE and the base station using directional beams. Data communication using directional beams offers the advantage of supporting high data rates by utilizing the wide bandwidth and resources available through high frequencies. However, there may be constraints that require careful configuration of the directional beams.

[0186] In an NR system, the UE can measure the synchronization signal primarily through the synchronization signal (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block during the initial access phase, and can perform data transmission and reception by detecting the beam direction of the synchronization signal. Then, beam management techniques that indicate the optimal beam to the UE can be applied based on the Layer 1 channel measurement report received by the base station from the UE.

[0187] The beam management technique proposed in this paper describes the entire process performed through a unified TCI state indication, including Radio Resource Control (RRF) configuration operations, operations to activate multiple candidate TCI states through Media Access Control (MAC) control elements (CE), and operations to indicate the beams used for actual data transmission and reception through downlink control information (DCI).

[0188] As described above, the unified TCI state structure differs from existing TCI state frameworks in that it allows for the indication and use of common TCI states in both the uplink and downlink. Detailed operational references to the unified TCI state framework according to embodiments of this disclosure are available. Figure 1f and 1g .

[0189] In operation 1h-05, UE 1h-01 in idle mode (RRC_IDLE) can camp on a specific base station / cell 1h-02 and can perform an RRC connection procedure to base station PCell 1h-02 when data to be transmitted is available. Specific base station / cell 1h-02 may include at least one Transmit / Receive Point (TRP). For example, specific base station / cell 1h-02 may include TRP1 1h-03 and TRP2 1h-04.

[0190] In idle mode, the UE may be unable to send data due to disconnection from the network in order to save the UE's power, and needs to switch to connected mode (RRC_CONNECTED) for data transmission.

[0191] Additionally, UE camping on a specific base station / cell indicates that the UE is receiving paging messages while staying in the corresponding cell to determine whether data has arrived in the downlink.

[0192] In operation 1h-10, if UE 1h-01 successfully accesses base station 1h-02, UE 1h-01 can switch to connected mode (RRC_CONNECTED), and UE 1h-01 in connected mode can send data to base station 1h-02 and receive data from base station 1h-02.

[0193] During operation 1h-15, UE 1h-01, which is in a connected state, can perform the UE capability reporting process with base station 1h-02.

[0194] More specifically, UE 1h-01 can receive UE capability request messages from base station 1h-02. UE capability report request messages can be sent via RRC messages.

[0195] Then, UE 1h-02, which receives the UE Capability Report Request message, can generate a UE Capability Information message (e.g., UECapabilityInformation) and report it to base station 1-02 in response to the RRC message (or UE Capability Report Request message).

[0196] UE capability report RRC messages may include indications, in particular, of whether the Unified TCI state framework supports UE capabilities based on multiple TRB technologies using a single DCI (hereinafter, "sDCI-based mTRP operation"). UE capabilities can be reported using one of three methods: UE-specific, band-specific, and band-combination-specific.

[0197] Then, in operation 1h-20, UE 1h-01 can receive RRC messages that include multi-TRP configuration information and / or unified TCI configuration information.

[0198] More specifically, UE 1h-01 can receive configuration related to communication enhancement technology from base station 1h-0,2 through a unified TCI and multiple TRPs (multiple TRPs (mTRPs)), and can perform a process to change to the optimal beam for the corresponding operation.

[0199] In Operation 1h-20, the unified TCI state for each BWP of the serving cell can be configured for UE 1h-01 via RRC. (Up to 128 beams can be configured.)

[0200] During operation 1h-20, the UE can be directly configured with a unified TCI state applicable to both the uplink and downlink. Alternatively, the UE can receive a serving cell and BWP indicator with corresponding configuration and apply the serving cell and BWP indicator. A unified TCI state mode (joint TCI state mode or individual TCI state mode) can also be configured. Details are shown in Table 5 ASN.1 below.

[0201] In addition, parameters related to data communication enhancement technologies via multiple TRPs can be configured.

[0202] [Table 5]

[0203]

[0204] In addition to a unified TCI state configuration, when multiple TCI states are indicated for each channel via MAC CE or DCI, a configuration indicating which TCI state to apply can be added for each channel (applyIndicatedTCIState). For detailed configuration, see [link to configuration]. Figure 1g Table 4 in the table.

[0205] Table 6 below shows an example of applyIndicatedTCIState in PDCCH, and the corresponding field can be newly configured within ControlResourceSet IE.

[0206] [Table 6]

[0207]

[0208] For reference, the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 field configured in ControlResourceSet (CORESET) is a field that indicates whether the unified TCI state is applied to the corresponding ControlResourceSet.

[0209] When the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 field is configured (set to TRUE), the UE can apply the beam indicated by the Unified TCI state (the beam indicated by MAC CE or DCI) to PDCCH reception and PDSCH reception.

[0210] Meanwhile, when the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 field is not configured, the UE can apply the Rel-15 / 16-based TCI state indication MAC CE to PDCCH reception without using the unified TCI state, and apply the Rel-15 / 16-based TCI state activation MAC CE and DCI type beam indication to PDSCH reception.

[0211] The following two methods can be used to perform the association operation between the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 field configured in ControlResourceSet and the newly introduced applyIndicatedTCIState-r18 field.

[0212] 1. First Unified TCI Framework Related Operations: The above operations are only applied if operations related to the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 configuration are configured (when set to true). Figure 1g The new unified TCI state rules (applyIndicatedTCIState field configuration) are described in Table 4.

[0213] -applyIndicatedTCIState is a condition that can only be configured if followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 is configured to be true.

[0214] - Since applyIndicatedTCIState is a prerequisite for followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 configuration, the new unified TCI state rules (applyIndicatedTCIState field configuration) in this disclosure can only be operated when existing followUnifiedTCI-State related operations are performed.

[0215] - Without a separate RRC configuration, you can switch between followUnifiedTCI-State operation and unified TCI state rule (applyIndicatedTCIState field configuration) operation. That is, you can switch by having the base station send a MAC CE for each function to the UE, and the UE can perform the operation accordingly.

[0216] 2. Second Unified TCI Framework Related Operations: Regardless of the configuration and related operations of followUnifiedTCI-State-r17, the above should be applied. Figure 1gThe unified TCI state rules described in Table 4 (configuration of the applyIndicatedTCIState field).

[0217] -Whether the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 configuration exists or not, you can configure applyIndicatedTCIState.

[0218] Since the prerequisite for applyIndicatedTCIState is not the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 configuration, the new unified TCI state rules (applyIndicatedTCIState field configuration) in this disclosure can be determined solely by the existence of the corresponding field.

[0219] When there is no followUnifiedTCI-State configuration and only a new unified TCI state rule (applyIndicatedTCIState field configuration) is configured, the base station needs to perform reconfiguration via separate RRC reconfiguration when switching to followUnifiedTCI-State related operations. In other words, function switching can be performed in such a way that the base station performs RRC reconfiguration for each function, then sends a MAC CE to the UE, and the UE performs the corresponding operation.

[0220] Furthermore, regardless of the method used, when the new unified TCI state rule (applyIndicatedTCIState field configuration) is applied, the UE can operate as follows.

[0221] - When the applyIndicatedTCIState field indicates "first", "second" or "both", the UE can apply the indicated beam to PDCCH reception via the corresponding CORESET.

[0222] - On the other hand, when the applyIndicatedTCIState field indicates 'none', the UE will not use any beams indicated by the unified TCI state (indicated by MAC CE or DCI) for PDCCH reception via the corresponding CORESET.

[0223] During operation 1h-25, base station 1h-02 can send the unified TCI MAC CE to UE 1h-01.

[0224] More specifically, base station 1h-02 can instruct the UE to activate multiple beams with a unified TCI state configured using RRC messages for the MAC CE. Here, the TCI state of up to eight beam groups can be activated (when the uplink and downlink are considered as a single group).

[0225] The purpose of MAC CE can be understood as the process of selecting candidate beams that can be dynamically indicated by DCI during TCI state configuration using RRC configuration, and can reduce the number of TCI states to be managed by the UE and the number of bits indicated by DCI.

[0226] Specifically, in operation 1h-25, the novel MAC CE structure proposed in this disclosure can be introduced. The MAC CE used can vary depending on whether the data communication enhancement techniques described above via multiple TRPs are based on a single PDCCH multi-TRP operation or a multi-PDCCH multi-TRP operation. The detailed MAC CE structure is described below in Figure 1i.

[0227] During operation 1h-30, UE 1h-01 and base station 1h-02 can send and receive DCI and ACK information for unified TCI indication.

[0228] More specifically, the UE can use the DCI indicator to indicate a specific beam among the candidate beams indicated by the MAC CE. The indicator indicating a specific beam can include 3 bits. The DCI used in Operation 1h-30 indicates different beams depending on the type of MAC CE previously received by the UE. In the case of multi-TRP operation based on a single PDCCH, one DCI can indicate all of the multiple beams. Conversely, in the case of multi-TRP operation based on multiple PDCCHs, one DCI can indicate only a single beam, therefore each TRP requires DCI reception.

[0229] In addition, when the UE receives the DCI and the PDSCH reception scheduled by the DCI is performed well, the UE 1h-01 can deliver (or send) an ACK for the corresponding reception to the base station 1h-02 via PUCCH.

[0230] If the number of TCI code points included in MAC CE in the above operations 1h-25 is only one, then operations 1h-30 can be omitted. That is, the TCI code point indicated by MAC CE can be activated immediately.

[0231] The actual beam configuration configured and indicated in operations 1h-20 and 1h-25 above can be performed for each BWP. That is, the entire operation can be applied to a single serving cell (or TRP) and a single BWP belonging to the corresponding cell. If it is desired to change the beam configuration for another serving cell and a specific BWP of the corresponding serving cell, this can be achieved by repeating the entire operation for the corresponding cell.

[0232] Since multiple cells can have the same beam configuration, this redundant operation can be omitted, and the beam configurations in multiple serving cells can be updated / activated simultaneously. Simultaneous updating / activation of beam configurations in multiple serving cells reduces latency caused by redundant operations and significantly reduces signaling overhead. Therefore, the base station can send a group (cell list) of cells that can be simultaneously updated and activated via RRC configuration, allowing TCI state activation to occur simultaneously even in multiple cells with the same beam configuration when this process is performed.

[0233] In Operation 1h-35, UE 1h-02 can apply the indicated uniform TCI state to the entire channel for transmission and reception.

[0234] More specifically, through this process, the DCI indicates the unified TCI state, and until the UE responds by sending a PUCCH ACK, the UE performs data transmission and reception by applying the previously used beam (TCI state).

[0235] The actual TCI state indicated by the application is in the first time slot after the UE sends the PUCCH ACK, and after a time equal to the beam application time (BAT) (1h-35). That is, depending on which mode of data communication enhancement technology the application uses across multiple TRPs, the timing of the beam indicated by the application, and its corresponding data transmission and reception operations, can vary. Furthermore, the beam activated at the corresponding time point can vary based on the application TCI state, which is semi-statically configured for each transport channel.

[0236] Then, in operation 1h-40, base station 1h-02 can instruct the UE to change the unified TCI technology. This unified TCI technology change can be performed for another purpose via reconfiguration or MAC CE transmission. The UE can apply data communication enhancement technologies through multiple TRPs pre-configured via the indicated beam.

[0237] Figures 1a to 1if The structure of a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0238] Figures 1a to 1ifThe structure of a MAC CE for unified TCI state activation is shown to support enhanced data transmission and reception techniques based on a downlink control information (DCI) proposed in this disclosure through multiple TRPs.

[0239] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in order to support enhanced data transmission and reception technology (multi-PDSCH transmission based on a single PDCCH) through multiple TRPs based on the currently defined "Unified TCI State Activation / Deactivation MAC CE1f-01", a new MAC CE and new fields can be introduced.

[0240] The existing MAC CE structure includes a serving cell ID and a UL / DL BWP ID as described in 1f-01, and includes a bitmap "Pi" field indicating the presence of both uplink / downlink TCI status, as well as D / U and TCI status indices. The existing MAC CE allows for the indication of a uniform TCI status, i.e., the beam indicated within a single serving cell / BWP.

[0241] For reference, since a unified TCI state can also indicate the TCI state defined in neighboring cells, it can indicate the beams present between cells. However, as is known from the MAC CE structure, this is an operation that indicates the candidate beams available in a single TRP within a single serving cell / BWP, and therefore may not indicate the beams (TCI states) applied to multiple TRPs. Therefore, multi-TRP operation based on a single PDCCH can be supported while following the existing MAC CE structure.

[0242] This disclosure proposes a beam indication method for supporting enhanced data transmission and reception technology (multiple PDSCH transmission based on a single PDCCH) through the aforementioned multiple TRPs, and in particular, describes a MAC CE design for this purpose.

[0243] Basically, since the beam is indicated using a unified TCI state framework, it can be applied as is. Figure 1f The basic unified TCI state procedure described herein (entire candidate beam configuration with RRC, beam activation with MAC CE, beam indication with DCI) differs in that, when activating and indicating an existing unified TCI state, only a single TRP can be indicated, but this disclosure enables the use of unified TCI states for multiple TRPs to indicate a beam.

[0244] To indicate the beam using a unified state for multiple TRPs, the maximum number of TCI states indicated for each cell / BWP, the types of TCI states that can be applied across different TRPs (e.g., the resources referred to by the TCI states (Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Sounding Reference Signal (SRS))), and the method of identifying which mode of operation is used by the most important MAC CE can be determined.

[0245] Furthermore, for repeated multi-TRP operations, RRC configuration can be used to configure which TRP is associated with which TCI state repeated resource and will be sent, thus enabling the operation to be performed. The operation following RRC configuration varies depending on whether the UE performs multi-PDSCH transmission based on a single PDCCH, and the associated MAC CE and DCI can be received, along with the associated beam indication. In other words, depending on the application... Figure 1g The rules and indications of the unified TCI state framework described herein determine the unified TCI state applied to the UE by using the rules of the beam that is actually active in each channel (either by a semi-static indication configured by RRC or by an indication of the TCI selection field).

[0246] Figures 1a to 1if Two MAC CE designs (1i-05) are proposed by applying the above considerations to multi-PDSCH transmission based on a single PDCCH using a unified TCI state. However, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, and includes all MAC CE designs extended and designed from the design key considerations described in the broader framework, in addition to the MAC CE designs proposed in this invention. Furthermore, the scope of the invention includes both the case where the unified TCI state framework is set as a joint TCI state mode and the case where it is set as a separate TCI state mode for each MAC CE design approach.

[0247] 1) First MAC CE design method (1i-05)

[0248] This is a method that schedules data transmission through two TRPs and performs data transmission and reception accordingly within a single PDCCH. Therefore, a method is needed to simultaneously indicate the beams (TCI states) applied to data transmission and reception for both TRPs within a single PDCCH using a unified TCI state. That is, since the beams for both TRPs are indicated within a single PDCCH, a single MAC CE and DCI transmission are required to indicate the beams for both TRPs. For reference, when the MAC CE only indicates a single TCI code point (the TCI states of a set of TRP1 and TRP2), the TCI code point indication via DCI is omitted.

[0249] Up to eight TCI status code points can be indicated (the number can be further increased). Here, a code point is defined as a single code point when up to two TRPs indicate uplink / downlink TCI statuses. That is, if two TRPs are applied and uplink and downlink beams are indicated for all TCI statuses, up to 32 TCI statuses can be indicated using MAC CE.

[0250] -MAC CE Design Methodology

[0251] Option A-1 (Figure 1i-10): MAC CE when set to standalone TCI state mode

[0252] TCI state mapping patterns (see Table 1i-20)

[0253] As described above, a single TCI code point can include TCI states indicated for TRP1 and TRP2. Furthermore, when configuring a separate TCI state mode, since the TCI states applied to UL and DL need to be indicated separately, a maximum of four TCI states need to be indicated in a single TCI code point.

[0254] To represent this, the P_ij field is introduced, and the P_ij field consists of 4 bits. That is, it is represented as {DL TCI state of TRP1, UL TCI state of TRP1, DL TCI state of TRP2, UL TCI state of TRP2} and is represented in each row of Table 1i-20. It needs to cover 16 cases, including a total of 4 bits, which are represented by the P_ij field.

[0255] Here, index j is an indicator used to indicate each of the four bits in total, and index j is used to indicate the TCI code point index. With a maximum of eight TCI code points supported, i has a maximum value of 8.

[0256] Other fields in MAC CE memory

[0257] Code point field (3 bits) 1i-30: This is an indicator used to indicate how many TCI code points are indicated. The following P_ij field 1i-40 and TCII status ID field 1i-50 are determined based on the corresponding values.

[0258] P_ij field (4 bits per TCI code point, up to 32 bits) 1i-40: This is the field indicating the TCI state mapping mode (Table 1i-20), see description.

[0259] TCI State ID (7 bits) 1i-50: This is the TCI state indicated by the unified TCI state TCI framework, and in the case of DL, it indicates the TCI state ID indicated as dl-or Joint-TCI-State, and in the case of UL, it indicates the TCI state ID indicated as TCI-UL-State. The TCI state indicated in the TCI code point is determined based on the above code point and the P_ij field.

[0260] Other fields (such as Serving Cell ID and BWP ID) use the same content defined in the existing MAC CE.

[0261] See Figure 1f -01

[0262] Option A-2 (Figure 1i-60): MAC CE when set to combined TCI state mode

[0263] TCI state mapping patterns (see Table 1i-70)

[0264] As described above, a single TCI code point includes the TCI states indicated for TRP1 and TRP2. Furthermore, when configuring a combined TCI state mode, since a single common TCI state needs to be indicated as the TCI state applied to both UL and DL, a maximum of two TCI states need to be indicated in a single TCI code point.

[0265] To express this, the P_ij field is introduced, and the P_ij field consists of 2 bits. That is, it is represented as {the joint TCI state of TRP1, the joint TCI state of TRP2} and is represented in each row of Table 1i-20. It needs to cover 16 cases, including a total of 4 bits, which are represented by the P_ij field.

[0266] Here, index j is an indicator used to indicate each bit in a total of 2 bits, and index i is used to indicate the TCI code point index. i has a maximum value of 8 when supporting a maximum of eight TCI code points.

[0267] Other fields in MAC CE memory

[0268] Code point field (3 bits) 1i-80: This is an indicator used to indicate how many TCI code points are indicated. The following P_ij field 1i-90 and TCII status ID field 1i-100 are determined based on the corresponding values.

[0269] P_ij field (2 bits per TCI code point, maximum 16 bits) 1i-90: This is the field indicating the TCI state mapping mode (Table 1i-70), see description.

[0270] TCI State ID (7 bits) 1i-100: This is the TCI state indicated by the unified TCI State TCI framework. In the case of DL and UL, DL and UL are unified and indicated by the joint TCI State ID, which is indicated as dl-or Joint-TCI-State. The TCI state indicated in the TCI code point is determined based on the code point and the P_ij field mentioned above.

[0271] Other fields (such as Serving Cell ID and BWP ID) use the same content defined in the existing MAC CE.

[0272] See Figure 1f -01

[0273] 2) Second MAC CE Design Method

[0274] Option B-1 (Figure 1i-110): MAC CE when set to standalone TCI state mode

[0275] TCI state mapping patterns (see Table 1i-120)

[0276] As described above, a single TCI code point can include TCI states indicated for TRP1 and TRP2. Furthermore, when configuring a separate TCI state mode, since the TCI states applied to UL and DL need to be indicated separately, a maximum of four TCI states need to be indicated in a single TCI code point.

[0277] To represent this, the P_ij field is introduced, and the P_ij field consists of 3 bits. Here, referring to Tables 1i-120, a bitmap is defined in which the number of TCI states indicated in the DL and the number of TCI states indicated in the UL of a single TCI code point are mapped to all cases, and this is represented by the P_ij field.

[0278] For example, in the table, the number of DL TCI states can range from 0 to 2, and the number of UL TCI states can also range from 0 to 2. Therefore, when they are combined, there are eight possible cases, and the corresponding cases are mapped to the P_ij field.

[0279] Here, index j is an indicator used to indicate each of the three bits in total, and index j is used to indicate the TCI code point index. With a maximum of eight TCI code points supported, i has a maximum value of 8.

[0280] Other fields in MAC CE memory

[0281] Code point field (3 bits) 1i-130: This is an indicator used to indicate how many TCI code points are indicated. The following P_ij field 1i-140 and TCII status ID field 1i-150 are determined based on the corresponding values.

[0282] P_ij field (3 bits per TCI code point, up to 24 bits) 1i-140: This is the field that indicates the TCI state mapping mode (Table 1i-120), see description.

[0283] TCI State ID (7 bits) 1i-150: This is the TCI state indicated by the unified TCI state TCI framework, and in the case of DL, it indicates the TCI state ID indicated as dl-or Joint-TCI-State, and in the case of UL, it indicates the TCI state ID indicated as TCI-UL-State. The TCI state indicated in the TCI code point is determined based on the code point and the P_ij field mentioned above.

[0284] Other fields (such as Serving Cell ID and BWP ID) use the same content defined in the existing MAC CE.

[0285] See Figure 1f -01

[0286] Option B-2 (Figure 1I-17O): MAC CE when set to combined TCI state mode

[0287] TCI state mapping patterns (see Table 1i-180)

[0288] As described above, a single TCI code point includes the TCI states indicated for TRP1 and TRP2. Furthermore, when configuring a combined TCI state mode, since a single common TCI state needs to be indicated as the TCI state applied to both UL and DL, a maximum of two TCI states need to be indicated in a single TCI code point.

[0289] To express this, the P_ij field is introduced and consists of 2 bits. Here, referring to Table 1i-180, a bitmap is defined in which the number of TCI states indicated in TRP1 and TRP2 of a single TCI code point is mapped to all cases and represented as the P_ij field.

[0290] Here, index j is an indicator used to indicate each bit in a total of 2 bits, and index i is used to indicate the TCI code point index. i has a maximum value of 8 when supporting a maximum of eight TCI code points.

[0291] Other fields in MAC CE memory

[0292] Code point field (3 bits) 1i-190: This is an indicator of how many TCI code points. The following P_ij field 1i-200 and TCII status ID field 1i-210 are determined based on the corresponding value.

[0293] P_ij field (2 bits per TCI code point, up to 16 bits) 1i-200: This is the field indicating the TCI state mapping mode (Table 1i-180), see description.

[0294] TCI State ID (7 bits) 1i-210: This is the TCI state indicated by the unified TCI State TCI framework, and in the case of DL and UL, DL and UL are unified and indicated by the joint TCI State ID, indicated as dl-or Joint-TCI-State. The TCI state indicated in the TCI code point is determined based on the code point and the P_ij field mentioned above.

[0295] Other fields (such as Serving Cell ID and BWP ID) use the same content defined in the existing MAC CE.

[0296] See Figure 1f -01

[0297] Figure 1j Operation of a UE according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0298] In Operation 1j-05, the UE can receive UE capabilities (or UE capability information) and deliver (or send) them to the base station.

[0299] The UE can deliver (or transmit) UE capability information by including information about the existence of the ability to support data transmission and reception enhancement technologies through multiple TRPs using the unified TCI framework. In particular, the UE can deliver this information by including information related to supporting multi-TRP operation based on a single DCI using the unified TCI framework.

[0300] The UE can use signaling to convey whether it supports the corresponding function for each frequency band, for each combination of frequency bands, or for each UE. Furthermore, it can include whether the UE has the capability to simultaneously apply beam-changing functionality to the cell group by applying a unified TCI framework to the cell group based on the UE's capabilities.

[0301] In Operation 1j-10, the UE can receive Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration (e.g., RRCReconfiguration message) from the base station.

[0302] The RRCReconfiguration message can include configuration information related to multi-TRP operations using a unified TCI architecture. In other words, it can be a unified TCI state configuration and configuration related to PDSCH transport technology based on a single PDCCH.

[0303] Additionally, a semi-static RRC configuration can be provided for each channel, indicating the uniform TCI state applied to the UE for each channel. For detailed configuration information, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1h -20.

[0304] In addition to this configuration, cell group configurations can be provided in conjunction with simultaneous beam update operations for multiple carriers. That is, cells that apply simultaneous beam changes are configured by applying the unified TCI framework to cell groups.

[0305] In Operation 1j-15, the UE can receive Enhanced Unified TCI State Activation / Deactivation MAC CE from the base station.

[0306] A MAC CE can be a MAC CE used to support multiple TRP operations based on a single PDCCH (see Figure 1i). The type of the received MAC CE can vary depending on which unified TCI state mode is received via RRC configuration.

[0307] In Operation 1j-20, the UE can determine whether to apply TCI status for each channel.

[0308] More specifically, the UE can receive a MAC CE (see Figures 11A to 11F) to support multi-TRP operations based on a single PDCCH, and can determine whether a field for applying TCI status to each channel is configured in the received RRC configuration (e.g., RRCReconfiguration message).

[0309] When a field for applying the TCI state for each channel is configured in the received RRC configuration (e.g., an RRCReconfiguration message), the UE can activate the unified TCI state (TCI state indication for multiple TRPs) indicated in the received MAC CE in Operation 1j-25. That is, a single MAC CE reception can activate beams associated with two TRPs. Here, when activating a beam, it can be applied... Figure 1g The unified TCI status application rules described in [the document].

[0310] In Operation 1j-30, the UE can receive DCI and can apply the indicated beam after BAT.

[0311] More specifically, the UE can receive the PDCCH (DCI) from the base station and can receive indications of single code points from the multiple beams used in the above operations to be applied to actual data transmission and reception. The corresponding code points may include a unified TCI state for TRP1 and TRP2, or may include only the TCI state for TRP1 and the TCI state for TRP2.

[0312] The UE can apply one or more beams associated with the code point indicated after the Beam Application Time (BAT). Furthermore, a "TCI Selection Field" can be present in the above operation to dynamically determine the beam applied to the PDSCH. Please refer to the relevant instructions. Figure 1g -85.

[0313] In Operation 1j-35, the UE can perform beam application and operations on each channel according to the multi-TRP operation configuration.

[0314] More specifically, the unified TCI state indicated in the above operation can be applied to data transmission and reception across multiple TRPs. That is, regarding channel transmission across uplink and downlink, data communication can be performed using the indicated beam.

[0315] In Operation 1j-20, the UE can determine whether to apply TCI status for each channel.

[0316] More specifically, the UE can receive MAC CE (see...) Figures 1a to 1ifThis allows for support of multiple TRP operations based on a single PDCCH, and it can determine whether a field for applying TCI status to each channel is configured in a previously received RRC configuration (e.g., an RRCReconfiguration message).

[0317] If the field for applying the TCI state for each channel is not configured in the received RRC configuration (e.g., RRCReconfiguration message), then in operation 1j-40, the UE can activate the unified TCI state (TCI state indication for multiple TRPs) indicated in the received MACCE according to basic application rules. That is, a single MAC CE reception can activate beams associated with two TRPs. Here, the basic application rules for the beams can be a method of applying the beam indicated in the MAC CE as is to the entire channel or to a specific beam defined in the application standard (e.g., the first indicated beam).

[0318] In Operation 1j-45, the UE can receive DCI and can apply the indicated beam after BAT.

[0319] More specifically, the UE can receive the PDCCH (DCI) from the base station and can receive indications of single code points to be applied to actual data transmission and reception from the multiple beams activated in the above operations. The corresponding code points may include a unified TCI state for TRP1 and TRP2, or may include only the TCI state for TRP1 and the TCI state for TRP2.

[0320] The UE can apply one or more beams associated with the code point after the indicated BAT. Furthermore, in the above operation, there can be a "TCI selection field" that dynamically determines the beam to be applied to the PDSCH. Please refer to [link / reference] for related operations. Figure 1g -85.

[0321] In Operation 1j-50, the UE can perform channel-related beam application and operations according to the multi-TRP operation configuration.

[0322] More specifically, the UE can apply the unified TCI state indicated in the above operation to data transmission and reception across multiple TRPs. That is, data communication can be performed using beams indicated for channel transmission across the entire uplink and downlink.

[0323] Figure 1k The operation of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0324] In Operation 1k-05, the base station can establish an RRC connection state with the UE.

[0325] In Operation 1k-10, the base station can request UE capabilities from the UE and receive corresponding UE capability information from the UE.

[0326] The base station can analyze the capabilities of UEs received in Operation 1k-10 and can use a unified TCI framework to determine whether a UE has the capability to support data transmission and reception enhancement techniques via multiple TRPs (Multi-TRP). Furthermore, the base station can identify whether data transmission and reception enhancement functions can be configured via multiple TRPs (Multi-TRP) using the unified TCI framework. The base station can determine whether the function is supported for each frequency band or for each UE.

[0327] In addition, the base station can determine whether a UE has the ability to simultaneously apply beam changes to a cell group by applying the unified TCI framework to the cell group based on the UE's capabilities.

[0328] In Operation 1k-15, the base station can configure multi-TRP operations using the unified TCI framework based on UE capabilities.

[0329] More specifically, the base station can identify UE capabilities and then configure multi-TRP operations with a unified TCI structure for the UE based on the UE capabilities via RRC messages. This can be a configuration that supports PDSCH transmission based on a single PDCCH using a unified TCI state framework.

[0330] In addition, during the above operations, the base station can deliver unified TCI state-related configuration (or unified TCI state-related configuration information) to the UE.

[0331] In addition, if the UE does not have the corresponding capability or if the base station determines that the corresponding configuration is not required, the UE can use the existing TCI state procedures to support data enhancement techniques through multiple TRPs.

[0332] In addition, a new field (applyIndicatedTCIState) can be added for each channel to determine which of the unified TCI states indicated for each channel should be applied. This is a configuration that indicates which TCI state to apply when the MAC CE or DCI of each channel indicates multiple TCI states in addition to the unified TCI state configuration. See [link to configuration details] Figure 1g Table 4 in the table.

[0333] For reference, the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 field in ControlResourceSet (CORESET) is a field that indicates whether the unified TCI state is applied in the corresponding ControlResourceSet. When the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 field is configured (when it is set to true), the UE can apply the beam indicated as the unified TCI state (the beam indicated by MAC CE or DCI) to PDCCH reception and PDSCH reception.

[0334] Meanwhile, when the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 field is not configured, the UE may not use the unified TCI state. The TCI state indication MAC CE based on Rel-15 / 16 can be applied to PDCCH reception, and the TCI state activation MAC CE and DCI type beam indication based on Rel-15 / 16 can be applied to PDSCH reception.

[0335] The above can be used in Figure 1h The two methods described in section -20 perform the association operation between the followUnifiedTCI-State-r17 field configured within the ControlResourceSet and the newly introduced applyIndicatedTCIState-r18 field. The base station can configure applyIndicatedTCIState for each channel according to the determined method.

[0336] In Operation 1k-20, the base station can indicate beam activation by delivering (or sending) a unified TCI MAC CE to support mTRP operation.

[0337] More specifically, the base station can indicate beam updates by delivering MACCEs for beam updates for a specific carrier and BWP based on a unified TCI framework configured using RRC, beam configuration information, and information about simultaneous beam update operations for multiple carriers.

[0338] The beamforming MAC CE can be one of the MAC CEs depicted in Figure 1i. That is, data transmission and reception enhancement techniques are supported by using multiple TRPs based on a single DCI within a unified TCI framework. If the unified TCI state is not configured, the MAC CE can be activated using the existing TCI state during the above operations.

[0339] In Operation 1k-25, the base station can indicate and use beam information for data communication by indicating the beam activation of the BWP of a specific serving cell via DCI.

[0340] Then, in Operation 1k-30, the base station can instruct the UE to maintain the unified TCI state framework technology, or it can instruct the function transition by sending (or delivering) a MAC CE indicating the expected RRC reconfiguration and function change when the UE expects a function transition.

[0341] For example, situations requiring maintenance of the Unified TCI State Framework technology or a desired functional transition may include changing from Unified TCI operations based on applyIndicatedTCIState running in Rel-18 to Unified TCI operations support followed in Rel-17 by UnifiedTCI-State-r17. MAC CE may include a Rel-17 Unified TCI State MAC CE.

[0342] Based on the above Figure 1h The first and second unified TCI framework association operations described herein determine the detailed functional conversion method.

[0343] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0344] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the UE includes a radio frequency (RF) processing unit 11-10, a baseband processing unit 11-20, a memory 11-30, and a controller 11-40.

[0345] RF processing unit 1l-10 performs functions for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless channel, such as frequency band conversion and signal amplification. Specifically, RF processing unit 1l-10 up-converts the baseband signal provided by baseband processing unit 1l-20 into an RF band signal, then transmits the signal through an antenna, and down-converts the RF band signal received through the antenna back into a baseband signal. For example, RF processing unit 1l-10 may include a Tx filter, an Rx filter, an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Although only a single antenna is shown in the figures, the UE may include multiple antennas. Furthermore, RF processing unit 1l-10 may include multiple RF chains. Additionally, RF processing unit 1l-10 can perform beamforming. For beamforming, RF processing unit 1l-10 can adjust the phase and amplitude of each signal transmitted and received through multiple antennas or antenna elements. Furthermore, the RF processing unit can perform multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and can receive multiple layers while performing MIMO operation.

[0346] Baseband processing units 1l-20 perform conversion functions between baseband signals and bitstreams according to the system's physical layer standard. For example, when transmitting data, baseband processing units 1l-20 generate complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bitstream. Furthermore, when receiving data, baseband processing units 1l-20 recover the received bitstream by demodulating and encoding the baseband signal provided from RF processing units 1l-10. For example, following the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) method, when transmitting data, baseband processing units 1l-20 generate complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bitstream, map the complex symbols to subcarriers, and then construct OFDM symbols through inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) operations and cyclic prefix (CP) insertion. In addition, when receiving data, the baseband processing unit 1l-20 divides the baseband signal provided by the RF processing unit 1l-10 into OFDM symbol units, recovers the signal mapped to the subcarrier through a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operation, and then recovers the received bit stream through demodulation and decoding.

[0347] The baseband processing unit 1l-20 and the RF processing unit 1l-10 transmit and receive signals as described above. Therefore, the baseband processing unit 1l-20 and the RF processing unit 1l-10 can be referred to as a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, or communication unit. Furthermore, at least one of the baseband processing unit 1l-20 and the RF processing unit 1l-10 may include multiple communication modules to support various wireless access technologies. Additionally, at least one of the baseband processing unit 1l-20 and the RF processing unit 1l-10 may include different communication modules to process signals in different frequency bands. For example, different wireless access technologies may include wireless local area networks (LANs) (e.g., IEEE 802.11) and cellular networks (e.g., LTE). Furthermore, different frequency bands may include ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands (e.g., 2.0 NRHz, NRHz) and millimeter wave (mm) bands (e.g., 60 GHz).

[0348] Memory 11-30 stores data for UE operation, such as basic programs, application programs, and configuration information. Specifically, memory 11-30 may store information related to a second access node performing wireless communication using a second wireless access technology. Furthermore, memory 11-30 provides the stored data according to requests from controller 11-40.

[0349] Controller 1l-40 controls the overall operation of the UE. For example, controller 1l-40 transmits and receives signals through baseband processing unit 1l-20 and RF processing unit 1l-10. Furthermore, controller 1l-40 writes data to and reads data from memory 1l-40. For this purpose, controller 1l-40 may include at least one processor. For example, controller 1l-40 may include a communication processor (CP) for performing control of communications and an application processor (AP) for controlling upper-layer applications such as applications.

[0350] Figure 1m This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an NR base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0351] As shown in the figure, the base station includes an RF processing unit 1m-10, a baseband processing unit 1m-20, a backhaul communication unit 1m-30, a memory 1m-40, and a controller 1m-50.

[0352] RF processing unit 1m-10 performs functions for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless channel, such as frequency band conversion and signal amplification. Specifically, RF processing unit 1m-10 up-converts the baseband signal provided by baseband processing unit 1m-20 into an RF band signal, then transmits the signal through an antenna, and down-converts the RF band signal received through the antenna back into a baseband signal. For example, RF processing unit 1m-10 may include Tx filters, Rx filters, amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, DACs, and ADCs. Although only a single antenna is shown in the figures, the first access node may include multiple antennas. Furthermore, RF processing unit 1m-10 may include multiple RF chains. Additionally, RF processing unit 1m-10 can perform beamforming. For beamforming, RF processing unit 1m-10 can adjust the phase and amplitude of each signal transmitted and received through multiple antennas or antenna elements. The RF processing unit can perform downlink MIMO operation by transmitting one or more layers.

[0353] The baseband processing unit 1m-20 performs conversion functions between baseband signals and bitstreams according to the physical layer standard of the first radio access technology. For example, when transmitting data, the baseband processing unit 1m-20 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bitstream. Furthermore, when receiving data, the baseband processing unit 1m-20 recovers the received bitstream by demodulating and encoding the baseband signal provided from the RF processing unit 1m-10. For example, following the OFDM method, when transmitting data, the baseband processing unit 1m-20 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bitstream, maps the complex symbols to subcarriers, and then constructs OFDM symbols through IFFT operations and CP insertion. Furthermore, when receiving data, the baseband processing unit 1m-20 divides the baseband signal provided from the RF processing unit 1m-10 into OFDM symbol units, recovers the signal mapped to the subcarriers through FFT operations, and then recovers the received bitstream through demodulation and decoding. As described above, the baseband processing unit 1m-20 and the RF processing unit 1m-10 transmit and receive signals. Therefore, the baseband processing unit 1m-20 and the RF processing unit 1m-10 can be referred to as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, or a communication unit.

[0354] The backhaul communication unit 1m-30 provides an interface for communicating with other nodes within the network. That is, the backhaul communication unit 1m-30 converts the bit stream sent from the main base station to another node (e.g., auxiliary base station and core network) into a physical signal, and converts the physical signal received from another node into a bit stream.

[0355] Memory 1m-40 stores data used for the operation of the main base station, such as basic procedures, application programs, and configuration information. Specifically, memory 1m-40 can store information about bearers assigned to connected UEs and measurement results reported from connected UEs. Furthermore, memory 1m-40 can store information used as a basis for determining whether to provide multiple connections to a UE or suspend multiple connections. And, memory 1m-40 provides the stored data according to requests from controller 1m-50.

[0356] The controller 1m-50 controls the overall operation of the main base station. For example, the controller 1m-50 transmits and receives signals via the baseband processing unit 1m-20 and the RF processing unit 1m-10, or via the backhaul communication unit 1m-30. Furthermore, the controller 1m-50 writes data to and reads data from the memory 1m-40. For this purpose, the controller 1m-50 may include at least one processor.

[0357] It should be noted that Figures 1a to 1mThe structural diagrams, example diagrams of control / data signal transmission and reception methods, and example diagrams of operation processes shown are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. That is, Figures 1a to 1m All components, entities, or operations shown herein should not be construed as essential components for implementing this disclosure, and this disclosure may be implemented without prejudice to its nature even if only some of these components are included.

[0358] The operations described above can be implemented using a memory device that stores program code in any component within the device. In other words, the controller within the device can perform the above operations by reading and executing the program code stored in the memory device using a processor or central processing unit (CPU).

[0359] The various components and modules of the entities or end devices described herein can be operated using hardware circuitry (e.g., logic circuitry based on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), firmware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and firmware and / or software embedded in a machine-readable medium. For example, various electrical structures and methods can be implemented using circuitry such as transistors, logic gates, and application-specific semiconductors.

[0360] The methods described in the claims or specification of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0361] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided to store one or more programs (software modules). The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executed by one or more processors within an electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions to cause the electronic device to perform methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of this disclosure.

[0362] Such programs (software modules, software) can be stored in random access memory, including non-volatile memory such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage devices, optical disc ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), other types of optical storage devices, or magnetic tape cartridges. Alternatively, such programs can be stored in memory configured with some or all of these. Furthermore, multiple component memories may be included.

[0363] Furthermore, the program can be stored in an attachable storage device that can be accessed via a communication network (such as the Internet, intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or storage area network (SAN)) or a combination thereof. Such a storage device can access a device executing embodiments of this disclosure via an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on the communication network can access a device executing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0364] In the detailed embodiments of this disclosure described above, components included in this disclosure are represented in either a singular or plural form according to the presented detailed embodiments. However, for ease of description, singular or plural expressions are chosen to suit the presented situation. This disclosure is not limited to a single component or multiple components. Even components represented in a plural form may be configured as singular, or components represented in a singular form may be configured as plural.

[0365] Furthermore, although specific embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving, from a base station, a radio resource control (RRC) message including information related to at least one transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; receiving, from the base station, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activating the at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state related to at least one single codepoint, second information corresponding to a second TCI state related to a single codepoint, and TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information; receiving, from the base station, a downlink control information (DCI) including a TCI field indicating a single codepoint; and identifying, based on the RRC message and the MAC CE, TCI state information related to a codepoint corresponding to the TCI field. The RRC message further includes information on which one of the first TCI state information and the second TCI state information is to be applied to each of the at least one channel.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the TCI state is set to a joint mode, 3. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first information corresponding to the first TCI state includes third information corresponding to any one of a downlink (DL) and an uplink (UL), the second information corresponding to the second TCI state includes fourth information corresponding to any one of the downlink and the uplink; a number of the TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information is set to at most 16. when the TCI state is set to a separate mode, 4. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first information corresponding to the first TCI state includes fifth information corresponding to the downlink (DL) and sixth information corresponding to the uplink (UL), the second information corresponding to the second TCI state includes seventh information corresponding to the downlink and eighth information corresponding to the uplink; a number of the TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information is set to at most 32. 5.A method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), a radio resource control (RRC) message including information related to at least one transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; transmitting, to the UE, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activating the at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state related to at least one single codepoint, second information corresponding to a second TCI state related to a single codepoint, and TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information; and transmitting, to the UE, a downlink control information (DCI) including a TCI field indicating a single codepoint, wherein state information related to a codepoint corresponding to the TCI field included in the DCI is related to the RRC message and the MAC CE. The RRC message further includes information on which one of the first TCI state information and the second TCI state information is to be applied to each of the at least one channel. when the TCI state is set to a joint mode, 6. The method of claim 5, wherein, ​ 7. The method of claim 5, wherein, ​ The first information corresponding to the first TCI state includes third information corresponding to any one of a downlink (DL) and an uplink (UL), The second information corresponding to the second TCI state includes fourth information corresponding to any one of the downlink and the uplink; The number of TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information is set to be at most 16.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein, When the TCI state is set to a separate mode, The first information corresponding to the first TCI state includes fifth information corresponding to a downlink (DL) and sixth information corresponding to an uplink (UL), The second information corresponding to the second TCI state includes seventh information corresponding to the downlink and eighth information corresponding to the uplink; The number of TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information is set to be at most 32. 9.A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a controller in combination with the transceiver, wherein the controller is configured to, receive, from a base station, a radio resource control (RRC) message including information related to at least one transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, receive, from the base station, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activating the at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state related to at least one single codepoint, second information corresponding to a second TCI state related to a single codepoint, and TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information, receive, from the base station, a downlink control information (DCI) including a TCI field indicating the single codepoint, and identify TCI state information related to a codepoint corresponding to the TCI field based on the RRC message and the MAC CE.

10. The UE of claim 9, wherein, The RRC message further includes information on which one of the first TCI state information and the second TCI state information is to be applied to each of at least one channel.

11. The UE of claim 9, wherein, When the TCI state is set to a joint mode, The first information corresponding to the first TCI state includes third information corresponding to any one of a downlink (DL) and an uplink (UL), The second information corresponding to the second TCI state includes fourth information corresponding to any one of the downlink and the uplink; The number of TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information is set to be at most 16.

12. The UE of claim 9, wherein, When the TCI state is set to a separate mode, The first information corresponding to the first TCI state includes fifth information corresponding to a downlink (DL) and sixth information corresponding to an uplink (UL), The second information corresponding to the second TCI state includes seventh information corresponding to the downlink and eighth information corresponding to the uplink; The number of TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information is set to be at most 32. 13.A base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals; and a controller in combination with the transceiver, a controller, in combination with the transceiver, wherein the controller is configured to, transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a radio resource control (RRC) message including information related to at least one transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, transmit, to the UE, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) for activating the at least one TCI state, the MAC CE including first information corresponding to a first TCI state related to at least one single codepoint, second information corresponding to a second TCI state related to a single codepoint, and TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information, and transmit, to the UE, a downlink control information (DCI) including a TCI field indicating a single codepoint, and the state information related to the codepoint corresponding to the TCI field included in the DCI is related to the RRC message and the MAC CE.

14. The base station of claim 13, wherein, The RRC message further includes information on which one of the first TCI state information and the second TCI state information is to be applied to each of the at least one channel.

15. The base station of claim 13, wherein, when the TCI state is set to a joint mode, the first information corresponding to the first TCI state includes third information corresponding to any one of a downlink (DL) and an uplink (UL), the second information corresponding to the second TCI state includes fourth information corresponding to any one of the downlink and the uplink; a number of the TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information is set to at most 16, and when the TCI state is set to a separate mode, the first information corresponding to the first TCI state includes fifth information corresponding to the downlink (DL) and sixth information corresponding to the uplink (UL), the second information corresponding to the second TCI state includes seventh information corresponding to the downlink and eighth information corresponding to the uplink; a number of the TCI state identifier (ID) information according to the first information and the second information is set to at most 32.

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