Method and apparatus for facilitating multi-TRP uplink communication

Abstract

This specification describes systems, methods, and apparatus for facilitating multi-TRP uplink communications. According to a first aspect of the present specification, there is described an apparatus comprising means for: obtaining configuration information; receiving a first signal from a first communication network entity; receiving a second signal from a second communication network entity; and in response to determining, based on the first signal and the second signal, that a signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; determining which communication network entity of the plurality of communication network entities will cease uplink communication and / or which communication network entity of the plurality of communication network entities will continue uplink communication, and accordingly: ceasing uplink communication with at least one communication network entity of the plurality of communication network entities.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority to UK Patent Application No. 2314855.4, filed on 27 September 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This specification describes systems, methods, and apparatus for facilitating multi-TRP uplink communication in wireless communication networks. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication networks (such as cellular networks, including fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks) can support multiple Transmitter-Receiving Points (TRPs). That is, such wireless communication networks allow user equipment (UE) to be served simultaneously by multiple Transmitter-Receiving Points (TRPs) (such as macro cells, small cells, pico cells, femtocells, remote radio heads, relay nodes, etc.).

[0004] In some cases, links to multiple TRPs can be characterized by different propagation delays. To account for propagation delays and reduce the possibility of interference between uplink (UL) transmissions from different UEs, timing advance (TA) can be provided to the UE (e.g., from the gNodeB (gNB)) so that the UE can adjust its uplink transmission timing, allowing transmissions to be received simultaneously at the network (e.g., multiple TRPs, gNBs, etc.). TA can be associated with a timing advance group (TAG). In some cases, based on the UE's capabilities, uplink (UL) transmissions in multi-TRP scenarios can only be performed if the transmission timing difference (TTD) between two UL transmissions (e.g., between two TAGs) is within the maximum transmission timing difference (MTTD). Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, this specification relates to a method comprising: acquiring configuration information, the configuration information being available to: determine which of the multiple communication network entities will cease uplink communication and / or which of the multiple communication network entities will continue uplink communication when the signaling timing difference between a first communication network entity and a second communication network entity among a plurality of communication network entities is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; receiving a first signal from the first communication network entity; receiving a second signal from the second communication network entity; and in response to determining, based on the first and second signals, that the signaling timing difference between the first and second communication network entities is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold: determining, based on the configuration information, which of the multiple communication network entities will cease uplink communication and / or which of the multiple communication network entities will continue uplink communication, and accordingly: ceasing uplink communication with at least one of the multiple communication network entities.

[0006] In a second aspect, this specification relates to a method comprising: determining configuration information available to a user equipment (UE) configured for uplink communication with multiple communication network entities, wherein the configuration information is available to: determine which communication network entity will cease uplink communication with and / or which communication network entity will continue uplink communication with when a signaling timing difference between a first communication network entity and a second communication network entity is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; and receiving uplink communication from the UE via at least one communication network entity with which the UE has continued uplink communication based on the configuration information.

[0007] In a third aspect, this specification relates to a method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured to perform multi-TRP uplink (UL) communication with a first transmit receiving point (TRP) and a second TRP, the method comprising: receiving configuration information from the first TRP and / or the second TRP, the configuration information being available to: determine which of the first and second TRPs will cease uplink communication and / or which of the first and second TRPs will continue uplink communication when the signaling timing difference between the first and second TRPs is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; receiving a first signal from the first TRP; receiving a second signal from the second TRP; and in response to determining, based on the first and second signals, that the signaling timing difference between the first and second TRPs is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold: determining, based on the configuration information, which of the first and second TRPs will cease uplink communication and / or which of the first and second TRPs will continue uplink communication; and accordingly: ceasing uplink communication with one of the first and second TRPs.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, this specification relates to a method comprising: sending configuration information to a user equipment (UE) configured for multi-TRP communication with a first TRP and a second TRP, the configuration information being available to the UE to: determine, when the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold, which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will cease and / or which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will continue; and receiving single-TRP uplink communication from the UE via one of the first TRP and the second TRP with which the UE has already continued uplink communication based on the configuration information.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, this specification relates to a method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured to perform multi-TRP uplink (UL) communication with a first transmit receiving point (TRP) and a second TRP, the method comprising: in multi-TRP communication with the first TRP and the second TRP... During a UL communication session, configuration information is received from a first TRP and / or a second TRP. This configuration information can be used to: determine which of the first and second TRPs will stop uplink communication and / or which of the first and second TRPs will continue uplink communication when the signaling timing difference between the first and second TRPs is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; receive a first signal from the first TRP; receive a second signal from the second TRP; and, based on a transmission timing difference (TTD) greater than a maximum transmission timing difference (MTTD) and / or a receive timing difference (RTD) greater than a maximum receive timing difference (MRTD), in response to the first and second signals, determine that the signaling timing difference between the first and second TRPs is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; based on the configuration information, determine which of the first and second TRPs will stop uplink communication and / or which of the first and second TRPs will continue uplink communication; and accordingly: stop uplink communication with one of the first and second TRPs.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, this specification relates to a method comprising: during a multi-TRP uplink (UL) communication session with a first transmit receiving point (TRP) and a second TRP, sending configuration information to a user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with the first TRP and the second TRP in a multi-TRP UL, the configuration information being available to the UE to: determine which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will cease and / or which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will continue, based on a transmission timing difference (TTD) greater than a maximum transmission timing difference (MTTD) and / or a reception timing difference (RTD) greater than a maximum reception timing difference (MRTD) and a signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP being greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; and receiving single-TRP uplink communication from the UE via one of the first TRP and the second TRP with which the UE has already continued uplink communication based on the configuration information.

[0011] According to another aspect of this specification, an apparatus is described that includes components for performing the methods of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0012] According to another aspect of this specification, an apparatus is described that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0013] According to another aspect of this specification, a computer program product / non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any or more of the methods described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 An example scenario is shown where the UE switches from multi-TRP uplink communication to single-TRP uplink communication;

[0016] Figure 2 An example flowchart of an example method for operating a UE in a communication network is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 An example message stream sequence is shown;

[0018] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example message stream sequence is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating example methods for operating various devices in a communication network is shown;

[0020] Figure 11 An apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown; and

[0021] Figure 12 A non-transient medium according to some embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following figures and description, the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0023] In a multi-TRP scenario, when the TTD exceeds the MTTD, it can be determined that the UE must stop uplink (UL) transmissions. To avoid stopping all UL transmissions and unnecessarily increasing UL outages and reducing UL throughput, it can be determined that the UE should only stop transmissions to some (e.g., one) of the multiple (e.g., two) TRPs. Therefore, UL transmissions to the other (multiple) TRPs should not be stopped.

[0024] One possible technical solution for determining which TRP's UL transmission will stop and which TRP's UL transmission will continue could be to simply allow the UE to decide this based on some undefined implementation details. However, this approach might give the UE too much freedom, making their behavior detrimental to the overall performance of the communication network. Furthermore, explicitly defining the expected behavior of each entity in the communication network is generally beneficial.

[0025] The implementations described herein relate to the operation of various devices in a communication network supporting multi-TRP uplink transmission. Specifically, the implementations described herein involve providing configuration information (e.g., rule / priority information) to define which TRP uplink communication should be stopped (and / or retained) when the signaling timing difference (e.g., TTD or receive timing difference (RTD)) is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold (e.g., MTTD or maximum receive timing difference (MRTD)). In some implementations described herein, the configuration information is predefined and stored on the UE (e.g., based on a standard specification). In some implementations described herein, the configuration information is provided to the UE from the network (e.g., provided once after multi-TRP uplink communication is configured, or dynamically provided during a multi-TRP uplink communication session). Although multi-TRP scenarios are often referred to as involving only two TRPs, it should be understood that the techniques described herein can be implemented in multi-TRP scenarios involving more than two TRPs. For example, when more than two TRPs exist, the techniques described herein can be used to select which TRP to retain and / or which TRP to discard. As an example involving five TRPs, the techniques described herein can be used to determine which of the five TRPs should be discarded and / or which of the five TRPs should be retained, and in some implementations how many TRPs should be retained or discarded (e.g., in some implementations, four TRPs may be retained, while in others only one TRP should be retained). Furthermore, although these techniques are generally described in relation to TRPs, it should be understood that the techniques described herein can be used with any suitable communication network entity.

[0026] In this way, the techniques described herein allow for the definition of the expected behavior of each entity in the communication network, and these behaviors are known to all entities, thereby allowing the communication network to be configured accordingly. Furthermore, the UE can be made to operate in a manner that does not compromise the performance of the overall communication network.

[0027] Furthermore, the techniques described herein allow the UE to react more quickly in the event of an MTTD (or MRTD) violation. Additionally, when an MTTD (or MRTD) is violated, the techniques described herein may result in reduced signaling between the UE and the network (e.g., because it is not necessary to report RTD or TTD state changes to the network), leading to reduced resource, capacity usage, and interference that would otherwise result from the additional signaling required.

[0028] Now go to Figure 1 The example of scenario 100 is depicted, where the UE switches from multi-TRP uplink communication to single-TRP uplink communication. For example... Figure 1 As shown, at the first moment, the UE is in the first position 120 and is performing multi-TRP uplink communication with both the first TRP 110 and the second TRP 112. When the UE is in the first position 120, it can be determined that the TTD is lower than (or equal to) the MTTD.

[0029] At the second time point, the UE has moved to the second position 122. It can be determined that at the second position 122, TTD is greater than MTTD. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the boundaries where TTD is greater than MTTD are represented by dashed lines around the first TRP 110 and the second TRP 112, respectively. Since the UE's second position 122 has crossed this boundary, it can be expected that TTD will be greater than MTTD. Therefore, it can be determined that the UE can only perform a single TRP UL transmission (e.g., with one of the first TRP 110 or the second TRP 112).

[0030] Although the techniques described herein are generally about determining whether an MTTD (or MRTD) has been exceeded based on a determined TTD (or RTD), it should be understood that this can be performed in any suitable manner. For example, in some implementations, the UE's location can be used to determine whether an MTTD (or MRTD) has been exceeded. For instance, the network can determine the UE's location and predict that an MTTD will be violated based on the UE's location (e.g., the network can determine that the UE has moved from location 120 to location 122).

[0031] The TTD can be determined (e.g., by the UE) based on one or more of the following: the RTD from the two TRPs, the transmission alignment error (TAE), the TA value from the first TRP 110, and the TA value from the second TRP 112.

[0032] The RTD can be determined at the UE (e.g., calculated, monitored, estimated, etc.) (e.g., based on downlink (DL) signals received from the TRP). The RTD can depend primarily on the propagation delay difference of the links toward the two TRPs. Since the RTD is determined at the UE, it is typically unknown on the network side (e.g., at the gNB). TAE can indicate a transmission timing misalignment between TRPs.

[0033] In some cases, it can be assumed that the RTD is a significant contributor to the TTD on the UE side. For example, since the TTD is directly related to the RTD (e.g., since UL is transmitted relative to the DL reference timing), from the UE's perspective, the major contributor to the TTD can be the RTD. Therefore, in some cases, the decision to stop multi-TRP UL communication is, in addition to or alternatively, based on the RTD being greater than the MRTD, rather than solely on the TTD being greater than the MTTD. In this way, the operations associated with determining the TTD and comparing it with the MTTD can be omitted, and the associated resource consumption can be avoided. Although the techniques described herein are generally described with respect to TTD and MTTD and / or RTD and MRTD, it should be understood that any suitable signaling timing difference and any suitable signaling timing difference threshold can be, in addition to or alternatively, used for similar purposes.

[0034] As mentioned above, it can generally be assumed that the network (e.g., gNB) itself cannot determine the RTD, and further, it can be assumed that the network cannot determine the TTD. Therefore, it can also be assumed that the network cannot determine when the TTD exceeds (or is about to exceed) the MTTD (e.g., when the UE moves).

[0035] Therefore, the implementation described herein provides a mechanism by which the UE can be made to operate in a predictable and well-defined manner based on configuration information available to the UE when the TTD exceeds the MTTD (and / or the RTD exceeds the MRTD). In some implementations, the configuration information can be predefined and stored at the UE (e.g., prior to the multi-TRP session). For example, the configuration information can be defined in a standard specification. In some implementations, the configuration information can be provided to the UE by the network. For example, the configuration information can be provided once when the multi-TRP session is initiated, and / or dynamically provided throughout the multi-TRP session.

[0036] For example, when TTD exceeds MTTD (and / or RTD exceeds MRTD), the implementation described herein can be used to provide determinism regarding which TRP the UL link should be retained, which entity (e.g., UE, network, gNB, etc.) should make this decision, whether and how this decision is dynamically updated, whether and how other TRPs (e.g., TRPs whose UL transmission has stopped) and / or networks (e.g., gNB), etc., are notified.

[0037] In some implementations, configuration information can indicate one or more selection criteria. These criteria may include one or more positive selection criteria and / or one or more negative selection criteria. When a TRP is determined to meet one or more positive selection criteria, uplink communication with that TRP can be maintained. When a TRP is determined to meet one or more negative selection criteria, uplink communication with that TRP can be stopped.

[0038] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve identifiers associated with the TRP and / or related TAGs. For example, a TRP associated with a TAG having a lower (e.g., lowest) TAG index or ID can be selected. As another example, a TRP associated with a TAG having a higher (e.g., highest) TAG index or ID can be selected. In some implementations, this TAG index or ID may be determined based on one or more Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) states. In particular, the TCI state may be associated with the TAG index or ID.

[0039] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve an index (e.g., coresetPoolIndex) associated with a control resource set. For example, a TRP associated with a lower (e.g., lowest) coresetPoolIndex value can be selected. As another example, a TRP associated with a higher (e.g., highest) coresetPoolIndex value can be selected. This control resource set index can be determined based on one or more Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) states. Specifically, TCI states can be associated with control resource set indexes, which in turn can be associated with TRPs.

[0040] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve an estimated link quality between the UE and a given TRP. Link quality can be determined based on measurement reports (e.g., Layer 1 measurement reports, Layer 3 measurement reports, etc.). For example, it may be possible to choose to maintain UL communication with the TRP having the highest link quality and / or to choose to stop UL communication with the TRP having the lowest link quality.

[0041] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may relate to the UL transmission power used for each TRP. For example, it can be assumed that when a lower UL power is used for one TRP relative to the UL transmission power used for another TRP in the TRP, the TRP associated with the lower UL power may obtain better channel conditions (e.g., in terms of UL signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), UL signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.). Therefore, it is possible to choose to retain UL communication for the TRP associated with the lower UL transmission power and / or to choose to stop UL communication for the TRP associated with the higher UL transmission power.

[0042] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may relate to the available power headroom (PHR) for the TRP. For example, it may be assumed that when one TRP has a higher available PHR relative to another TRP in the TRP, the TRP associated with the higher available PHR has better channel conditions (e.g., in terms of UL signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), UL signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.). Therefore, it may be possible to retain UL communication with the TRP associated with the higher available PHR, and / or to choose to stop UL communication with the TRP associated with the lower available PHR.

[0043] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve the number of allocated Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) (e.g., in the last time slot of scheduling the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)). It can be assumed that a higher number of PRBs allocated to one TRP indicates that the load on that TRP is less than that on another TRP (and vice versa). Therefore, it is possible to choose to retain UL communication with TRPs allocated more PRBs and / or to choose to stop UL communication with TRPs allocated fewer PRBs.

[0044] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve modulation and coding scheme (MCS) indices (e.g., in the last slot of a scheduled PUSCH). For example, it can be assumed that the MCS index associated with a TRP relates to that TRP's UL SINR. Therefore, it can be assumed that when a TRP is assigned a higher MCS index than another TRP, the UL SINR to that TRP may be better than the UL SINR to the other TRP. Thus, it is possible to selectively retain UL communication with the TRP having the highest MCS index and / or selectively discontinue UL communication with the TRP having the lowest MCS index.

[0045] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve whether to schedule a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) for a given TRP. For example, during a single downlink control information (DCI) setup, the UE transmits a PUSCH to a TRP (e.g., using time division multiplexing (TDM)). If it is determined that the PUCCH is transmitted to one of the TRPs, the UE can choose to retain communication with that TRP and / or choose to stop communication with another TRP.

[0046] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve the number of retransmission requests received from the network for a given TRP. For example, it may be assumed that a higher number of retransmission requests from the network for a given TRP indicates that the link with the TRP is not particularly reliable. Therefore, it may be possible to choose to maintain communication with TRPs having a lower number of retransmission requests and / or to choose to stop communication with TRPs having a higher number of retransmission requests.

[0047] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve TA values. For example, a TRP associated with a TAG having a smaller TA value can be selected. As another example, a TRP associated with a TAG having a larger TA value can be selected.

[0048] In some implementations, one or more selection criteria may involve a time alignment timer. For example, the TRP associated with a TAG having a smaller time alignment timer can be selected. As another example, the TRP associated with a TAG having a larger time alignment timer can be selected.

[0049] In some implementations, when a TTD violates an MTTD (and / or an RTD violates an MRTD), the UE can send a signaling message. This signaling message can be sent to notify the network that the UE has stopped or will stop UL transmissions with one of the TRPs due to an MTTD (and / or MRTD) violation. For example, the signaling message could indicate: UL transmissions with one of the TRPs have stopped, the MTTD and / or MRTD have been violated, and UL transmissions with that TRP will be stopped, etc.

[0050] When an MTTD (and / or MRTD) is violated, the UE may transmit signaling messages to the network via a TRP whose UL transmission with it has not yet ceased. For example, signaling messages may be sent via Uplink Control Information (UCI) and / or Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE). Alternatively or additionally, the UE may transmit signaling messages when the link with a TRP whose UL transmission with it has ceased is re-established (e.g., via either TRP).

[0051] Now go to Figure 2This document describes an example flowchart 200 illustrating an example method for operating a UE in a communication network according to a first example. In this example, configuration information (which may represent, for example, rules or priority information, as described herein) can be predefined and stored at the UE. For example, the UE may store configuration information prior to a multi-TRP session. For example, the configuration information may be defined in standard specifications (such as the fifth-generation technology standard (5G) of cellular networks, 5G New Radio (NR), etc.).

[0052] For example, as described herein, configuration information can enable the UE to prioritize TRPs based on link quality. For instance, the UE can determine to retain UL transmissions with the TRP that has the best UL or DL ​​link quality (and / or determine to stop UL transmissions with another TRP).

[0053] In another example, the configuration information (which will be implemented by the UE) can be specified: If the UE has indicated that it can retain a single UL connection when the MTTD is exceeded (e.g., if the UE is configured with a value set to '1' for SingleTRPafterMTTDexceeded), and the UE is operating in multiTRP mode (e.g., by activating two TCI states for CORESET via an activation command, or by associating two TCI states with different coresetPoolIndex values ​​via an activation command), then when the TTD exceeds the MTTD: If the configuration information indicates that a specific TRP will be retained if the MTTD is exceeded (e.g., when the UE is provided with a specific TCI state that will be retained): The UE retains the indicated TRP (e.g., the UE applies a specific TCI state); otherwise: The UE retains the TRP based on the selection criteria indicated by the configuration information (e.g., the UE applies the TCI state with the lowest CORESETID indicated by the CORESET).

[0054] In this way, although the configuration information is stored at the UE before the multi-TRP session, the network can know (and be configured accordingly) the decision-making process for selecting the TRP with which its connection will be preserved and / or selecting the TRP with which its UL transmission will be stopped in the event of an MTTD or MRTD violation. In other words, the network can store the configuration information independently without needing to transmit it between the network and the UE. This allows for the advantages of defined behavior without requiring additional communication or signaling between the UE and the network. Therefore, resources and network capacity consumed by additional signaling can be saved.

[0055] like Figure 2As shown, at operation 210, the UE is configured to communicate with the first TRP and the second TRP via a multi-TRP UL.

[0056] At operation 220, the UE monitors the RTD between the DL signals received from the first TRP and the second TRP.

[0057] At operation 230, the UE determines a TA value for each of the first TRP and the second TRP. The TA value can be updated when new signaling is received from the network. For example, the TA value can be determined based on a TA command received from the network.

[0058] At operation 240, the UE determines the TTD, as described herein. For example, the UE may determine the TTD based at least on the RTD and TA values ​​used for each TRP.

[0059] At operation 250, the UE determines whether the TTD is greater than the MTTD. If at operation 250 the UE determines that the TTD does not exceed the MTTD, the UE proceeds to operation 260. If at operation 250 the UE determines that the TTD exceeds the MTTD, the UE proceeds to operation 270. As described herein, other signaling timing differences can be used alternatively or separately. For example, at operation 250, the UE could instead determine whether the RTD is greater than the MRTD. In this case, operations 230 and 240 can be bypassed.

[0060] At operation 260, the UE continues to perform multi-TRP UL transmissions to both the first TRP and the second TRP according to the network's schedule.

[0061] At operation 270, the UE determines which TRP's UL transmission to retain or stop based on predefined configuration information.

[0062] At operation 280, the UE is reconfigured for single-TRP UL communication with a TRP that has been identified as reserved (or a TRP whose UL transmission will be stopped). In other words, UL communication with TRPs that have not been identified as reserved (or TRPs whose UL transmission will be stopped) can be stopped.

[0063] Now go to Figure 3 This depicts an example message stream sequence 300 based on the second example. Figure 3 As shown, message flow sequence 300 involves UE 310, first TRP 320, second TRP 330, and network 340 (e.g., which may include, for example, gNB). In this example, configuration information is provided to the UE by the network (e.g., using RRC signaling). This can be provided when the UE is configured for multi-TRP UL communication with the first TRP 320 and the second TRP 330.

[0064] In this way, additional flexibility can be provided because the network can be configured with different UEs in different ways, or even the same UE can be reconfigured differently over time.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, in operation S3.1, UE 310 is configured for multi-TRP UL communication.

[0066] At operation S3.2, configuration information (e.g., TRP priority information in the event of an MTTD violation) is provided to UE 310. The configuration information can be received using an RRC message. This message can be sent by network 340 (e.g., gNB) via, for example, a first TRP 320 or a second TRP 330. For example, the configuration information may indicate one or more selection criteria that can be used to: select the TRPs that will be maintained or stopped in the event of an MTTD (or MRTD) violation, as described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information may provide an indication of the TRPs whose UL transmission will be retained (or stopped) in the event of an MTTD (or MRTD) violation.

[0067] In other words, at operation S3.2, after initial access and when UE 310 is configured with multiple TRPs in UL, network 340 (e.g., via RRC) informs UE of configuration information (e.g., TRP priority / rules) regarding the case where TTD is greater than MTTD (or RTD is greater than MRTD).

[0068] At operation S3.3, UE 310 acknowledges receipt of configuration information (e.g., via first TRP 320 and / or second TRP 330). It should be understood that in some implementations, this operation may be omitted.

[0069] At operation S3.4, UE 310 receives DL signals from both the first TRP 320 and the second TRP 330.

[0070] At operation S3.5, UE 310 determines the RTD. This estimate can be based on the DL signal received at operation S3.4.

[0071] At operation S3.6, UE 310 receives another signal (e.g., from the first TRP 320) indicating a timing advance for the first TRP 320. For example, the other signal could be a TA command.

[0072] At operation S3.7, UE 310 receives another signal (e.g., from the second TRP 330) indicating a timing advance of the second TRP 330. For example, the other signal could be a timing advance signal.

[0073] At operation S3.8, UE 310 determines TTD. As described herein, TTD can be determined based at least on RTD, TA for the first TRP 320, and TA for the second TRP 330.

[0074] UE 310 can then determine whether TTD exceeds MTTD. It should be understood that, as described herein, any suitable signaling timing difference can be used alternatively or in lieu of it. For example, in some implementations, UE 310 may instead determine whether RTD exceeds MRTD. In this case, it is understood that any of operations S3.6, S3.7, and S3.8 may be omitted.

[0075] At operation S3.9, UE 310 determines that TTD has not exceeded MTTD. Therefore, at operation S3.10, UE 310 can continue to perform multi-TRP UL communication (e.g., PUSCH) with both the first TRP 320 and the second TRP 330.

[0076] At operation S3.11, UE 310 determines that TTD indeed exceeds MTTD. Therefore, at operation S3.12, the UE can, based on configuration information, retain UL transmissions (e.g., PUSCH) with one of the TRPs (and cease communication with the other TRP), as described herein. In other words, the TRP switches to single-TRP mode.

[0077] Now go to Figure 4A and Figure 4B Figure 4 illustrates an example message flow sequence 400 according to a third example. As shown in Figure 4, message flow sequence 400 involves a UE 410, a first TRP 420, a second TRP 430, and a network 440 (e.g., which may include, for example, a gNB). In this example, configuration information is provided to the UE by the network (e.g., using MAC-CE signaling). In some implementations, the configuration information may provide an indication of which TRP to retain (or discard) when the TTD exceeds the MTTD, based on the corresponding signal quality. In some implementations, the configuration information may indicate one or more selection criteria, as described herein.

[0078] In some implementations, configuration information can be provided dynamically (or aperiodically) during a multi-TRP session with the first TRP 420 and the second TRP 430. For example, configuration information can be provided based on time variables that the UE 410 may not be aware of. For example, configuration information can be provided based on the signal quality (such as UL SINR) of UL communications received by the TRP.

[0079] For example, when the UL SINR of the weakest current TRP becomes greater than the UL SINR threshold, network 440 can reconfigure UE 410 (e.g., regarding TRPs that will be retained when TTD exceeds MTTD). For example, the UL SINR threshold could be the UL SINR of the strongest current TRP. In some cases, an additional threshold factor can be applied such that the UL SINR threshold is the UL SINR of the strongest current TRP plus the additional threshold factor. This can be expressed by the following equation, where TRP1 is the TRP that UE 410 is configured to retain based on previous configuration information, and when the following equation holds, the network notifies UE 410 to retain TRP2: Here, TH stands for Threshold Factor. For example, the Threshold Factor can be defined based on standard specifications, determined based on specific implementation and / or vendor requirements, and so on.

[0080] In this way, highly dynamic standards can be implemented based on time variables. For example, as described herein, network 440 can instruct UE 410 to retain the TRP with the strongest UL SINR (UE 410 may not be aware of this). Furthermore, by transmitting configuration information in an aperiodic manner, the signaling overhead of these techniques can be minimized.

[0081] In some implementations, UE 410 may also notify network 440 of its preferred TRP to retain or discard (e.g., based on one or more selection criteria previously described). This can also be performed dynamically in a similar manner. This preference may be confirmed (or not confirmed) by network 440.

[0082] like Figure 4A As shown, in operation S4.1, UE 410 is configured for multi-TRP UL communication.

[0083] Therefore, at operation S4.2, UE 410 performs multi-TRP UL communication (e.g., PUSCH) with both the first TRP 420 and the second TRP 430.

[0084] At operation S4.3, a UL SINR is determined for each of the first TRP 420 and the second TRP 430. The UL SINR may be determined by the network 440 (specifically, e.g., gNB) based on information received from the TRP. Alternatively or alternatively, the TRP may determine its corresponding UL SINR and report it to the network 440.

[0085] At operation S4.4, UE 410 receives configuration information (e.g., TRP priority when MTTD is violated). The configuration information can be received from network 440 (e.g., via first TRP 420 and / or second TRP 430). The configuration information can be received as a MAC-CE message. In some implementations, the configuration information can be transmitted (and thus received by UE 410) based on the UL SINR for first TRP 420 and second TRP 430.

[0086] In other words, at operation S4.3, network 440 can monitor the UL SINR toward each TRP, and at operation S4.4, dynamically reconfigure UE 410 to retain, for example, the TRP characterized by the strongest UL SINR. It should be understood that although UL SINR is generally the metric described herein, any other suitable metric (which may be based, for example, on a time-varying metric) can be used alternatively or additionally to determine which TRP UE 410 should retain or discard in the event of an MTTD violation. For example, a UE can be reconfigured based on UL SNR, the load on the TRP (e.g., the number of UEs connected to the TRP), etc.

[0087] At operation S4.5, UE 410 may transmit TRP priority recommendations to network 440 (e.g., via first TRP 420 or second TRP 430).

[0088] At operation S4.6, UE 410 receives an acknowledgment of the TRP priority recommendation from network 440 (e.g., via first TRP 420 or second TRP 430). For example, this acknowledgment may indicate whether the priority recommendation will be followed when providing the next configuration information. It should be understood that in some implementations, one or both of operations S4.5 and S4.6 may be omitted.

[0089] At operation S4.7, UE 410 receives DL signals from both the first TRP 420 and the second TRP 430.

[0090] At operation S4.8, UE 410 determines the RTD. This determination may be based on the DL signal received at operation S4.7.

[0091] At operation S4.9, UE 410 receives another signal (e.g., from the first TRP 420) indicating a timing advance for the first TRP 420. For example, the other signal could be a TA command.

[0092] At operation S4.10, UE 410 receives another signal (e.g., from the second TRP 430) indicating a timing advance for the second TRP 430. For example, the other signal could be a timing advance signal.

[0093] At operation S4.11, UE 410 determines TTD. As described herein, TTD can be determined based at least on RTD, TA for the first TRP 420, and TA for the second TRP 430.

[0094] UE 410 can then determine whether the TTD exceeds the MTTD. It should be understood that, as described herein, any suitable signaling timing difference can be used alternatively or in lieu of it. For example, in some implementations, UE 410 may instead determine whether the RTD exceeds the MRTD. In this case, it is understood that any of operations S4.9, S4.10, and S4.11 may be omitted.

[0095] like Figure 4B As shown, at operation S4.12, UE 410 determines that TTD has not exceeded MTTD. Therefore, at operation S4.13, UE 410 can continue to perform multi-TRP UL communication (e.g., PUSCH) with both the first TRP 420 and the second TRP 430.

[0096] As shown in operations S4.14 to S4.20 (corresponding to operations S4.3 to S4.4 and S4.7 to S4.11 respectively), network 440 can continue to monitor the UL SINR of TRP and update the configuration information at UE 410 accordingly. Furthermore, UE 410 can continue to monitor whether TTD violates MTTD.

[0097] At operation S4.21, UE 410 determines that TTD indeed exceeds MTTD. Therefore, at operation S4.22, the UE can, based on configuration information, retain UL transmissions (e.g., PUSCH) with one of the TRPs (and cease communication with the other TRP), as described herein. In other words, the TRP switches to single-TRP mode.

[0098] It should be understood that, although the first example (in combination with) Figure 2 The above), the second example (in combination) Figure 3 (as described) and the third example (as combined) Figure 4A and Figure 4B The examples described are usually separate, but these examples are fully compatible with each other, and any combination of the three examples is considered in this article.

[0099] Now go to Figure 5 The diagram depicts a flowchart of an example method for operating a device (e.g., a UE) in a communication network. The device can initially be configured to perform multi-communication network entity uplink communication with multiple communication network entities.

[0100] At operation S5.1, the device acquires configuration information. The configuration information may be as described throughout the specification. For example, the configuration information may be used to determine which of the multiple communication network entities will cease uplink communication and / or which of the multiple communication network entities will continue uplink communication when the signaling timing difference between a first communication network entity (e.g., a TRP with which the device is performing UL communication) and a second communication network entity is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0101] In some implementations, the configuration information indicates one or more selection criteria. Therefore, determining which of the multiple communication network entities will have uplink communication cease and / or which will continue uplink communication can be based on determining which of the multiple communication network entities meets one or more selection criteria.

[0102] In some of these implementations, one or more selection criteria may be associated with link quality (e.g., the UL and / or DL ​​link quality between the UE and the corresponding communication network entity). Therefore, determining which of the multiple communication network entities will cease uplink communication may include: determining which of the multiple communication network entities is associated with the lowest link quality (e.g., the communication network entity with the lowest link quality may be discarded). It should be understood that when more than one communication network entity will be discarded (e.g., N communication network entities will be discarded), it can be determined that the N communication network entities with the lowest link quality will be discarded. Alternatively or additionally, determining which of the multiple communication network entities will continue uplink communication may include: determining which of the multiple communication network entities is associated with the highest link quality (e.g., the communication network entity with the highest link quality may be retained). It should be understood that when more than one communication network entity is to be retained (e.g., M communication network entities are to be retained), it can be determined that the M communication network entities with the highest link quality will be retained.

[0103] In additional or alternative implementations, one or more selection criteria may be associated with the values ​​of identifiers associated with the communication network entities. For example, the identifier could be a TAG ID, a control resource set index, etc. Therefore, determining which of a plurality of communication network entities satisfies one or more selection criteria may include: determining which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the lowest identifier value and / or which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the highest identifier value.

[0104] In some implementations, configuration information can indicate which communication network entities among multiple communication network entities will be retained. Alternatively, configuration information can indicate which communication network entities among multiple communication network entities will be discarded.

[0105] In some implementations, configuration information can be predefined and stored on the device. For example, configuration information can be stored on the device (e.g., by the manufacturer) before the device is configured for uplink communication with multiple communication network entities. Configuration information can be defined according to standard specifications. In some implementations, configuration information can also be stored by the network (e.g., by one or more communication network entities, gNB, etc.). Configuration information can be stored by the network independently of the UE (e.g., configuration information is not transmitted between the UE and the gNB).

[0106] In some implementations, configuration information is received via at least one of a plurality of communication network entities.

[0107] At operation S5.2, the device receives a first signal from the first communication network entity.

[0108] At operation S5.3, the device receives a second signal from the second communication network entity.

[0109] At operation S5.4, the device determines, based on the first signal and the second signal, that the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

[0110] In some implementations, the device can determine, based on a first signal and a second signal, that the signaling timing difference between a first communication network entity and a second communication network entity is not greater than a signaling timing difference threshold. Therefore, the device can continue uplink communication with multiple communication network entities.

[0111] In response to the determination at S5.4, at operation S5.5, the device determines, based on configuration information, which of the multiple communication network entities will have its uplink communication stopped and / or which of the multiple communication network entities will have its uplink communication continue.

[0112] In response to the determination at S5.5, at operation S5.6, the device stops uplink communication with at least one of the plurality of communication network entities. The device may also continue uplink communication with at least one other communication network entity among the other communication network entities (e.g., a communication network entity whose uplink communication has not been stopped).

[0113] In some implementations, the device can notify the network of configuration changes (e.g., via at least one of the communication network entities). This can be achieved by transmitting messages using UCI or MAC-CE.

[0114] For example, in some of these implementations, the device transmits a message to at least one of the other communication network entities (e.g., whose uplink communication has not yet stopped), indicating that the device has stopped uplink communication with at least one of the communication network entities and / or the signaling timing difference between the first and second communication network entities is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0115] In some additional or alternative implementations, the apparatus can determine that uplink communication with multiple communication network entities can be resumed. For example, the apparatus can receive a subsequent first signal from a first communication network entity; receive a subsequent second signal from a second communication network entity; and, in response to determining, based on the subsequent first and subsequent second signals, that the subsequent signaling timing difference between the first and second communication network entities is not greater than a signaling timing difference threshold, resume uplink communication with at least one communication network entity. The apparatus can then transmit a message to at least one communication network entity (e.g., multiple communication network entities with which the UE has previously ceased communication) indicating that the apparatus has ceased uplink communication with at least one communication network entity and / or that the signaling timing difference between the first and second communication network entities was once greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

[0116] Now go to Figure 6 The flowchart depicts an example method for operating a device (e.g., a wireless base station, such as a gNB) in a communication network.

[0117] At operation S6.1, the device determines configuration information. The configuration information may be as described throughout the specification, for example, as in conjunction with... Figure 5 For example, configuration information can be used by a UE configured for uplink communication with multiple communication network entities to: determine which communication network entity's uplink communication will stop and / or which communication network entity's uplink communication will continue when the signaling timing difference between a first communication network entity and a second communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0118] In some implementations, the device can store configuration information independently of the UE (e.g., both the device and the UE can store configuration information without transferring it between them). For example, the configuration information can be defined in a standard specification.

[0119] In some implementations, the device can send configuration information to the UE.

[0120] At operation S6.2, the device receives uplink communication from the UE via at least one of the multiple communication network entities with which the UE has continued uplink communication based on configuration information. The device may also stop receiving uplink communication from the UE via at least one of the multiple communication network entities with which the UE has stopped uplink communication based on configuration information.

[0121] In some implementations, the device can determine which communication network entities the UE should cease uplink communication with and / or which communication network entities the UE should continue uplink communication with. This can be determined in the same or similar manner as described for the UE. For example, the determination can be based on configuration information that may indicate one or more selection criteria and / or one or more specific communication network entities. In this way, the network and the UE can have a common understanding of the UE's behavior.

[0122] In some implementations, the device may receive a message via at least one of the communication network entities with which the UE has continued uplink communication based on configuration information, indicating that the UE has stopped uplink communication with at least one of the communication network entities and / or the signaling timing difference between the first and second communication network entities is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold. In some additional or alternative implementations, a message may be received via at least one communication network entity after the multi-communication network entity uplink communication between the UE and the multiple communication network entities has resumed, indicating that the UE stopped uplink communication with at least one communication network entity and / or the signaling timing difference between the first and second communication network entities was greater than a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0123] Now go to Figure 7 The diagram depicts a flowchart of an example method for operating a device (e.g., a UE) in a communication network. The device can be configured to perform multi-TRP uplink (UL) communication with a first transmission receiving point (TRP) and a second TRP.

[0124] At operation S7.1, the device receives configuration information from the first TRP and / or the second TRP. The configuration information may be as described throughout the specification. For example, the configuration information may be used to determine which of the first and second TRPs uplink communication will cease and / or which of the first and second TRPs uplink communication will continue when the signaling timing difference between the first and second TRPs is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0125] In some implementations, configuration information can be received in the form of Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages.

[0126] In some implementations, the device can receive updated configuration information from a first TRP and / or a second TRP. The device can then overwrite previously stored configuration information based on the received updated configuration information. This can happen multiple times during a multi-TRP communication session.

[0127] In some implementations, the configuration information indicates one or more selection criteria. Therefore, the device can determine, based on whether one of the first TRP and the second TRP meets one or more selection criteria, which uplink communication with the first TRP and the second TRP will cease and / or which uplink communication with the first TRP and the second TRP will continue.

[0128] In some additional or alternative implementations, the configuration information may indicate: a specific one of the first and second TRPs to be retained and / or a specific one of the first and second TRPs to be discarded. For example, the configuration information may indicate: a specific TCI state to be retained if the signaling timing difference exceeds a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0129] At operation S7.2, the device can receive a first signal from the first TRP.

[0130] At operation S7.3, the device can receive a second signal from the second TRP.

[0131] At operation S7.4, the device can determine, based on the first signal and the second signal, that the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

[0132] For example, the device can determine the current received timing difference (RTD) based on the first signal and the second signal. Therefore, when the current RTD is greater than the maximum RTD (MRTD), the device can determine that the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

[0133] Alternatively, the device may determine a first timing advance (TA) associated with the first TRP based on messages received via the first TRP, and determine a second TA associated with the second TRP based on messages received via the second TRP. Therefore, the device can determine the current transmission timing difference (TTD) based at least on the current RTD, the first TA, and the second TA. Thus, when the current TTD is greater than the maximum TTD (MTTD), the device can determine that the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0134] In response to the determination at operation S7.4, at operation S7.5, the device may determine, based on configuration information, which uplink communication with the first TRP and the second TRP will stop and / or which uplink communication with the first TRP and the second TRP will continue.

[0135] In response to the determination at operation S7.5, at operation S7.6, the device may cease uplink communication with one of the first TRP and the second TRP. The device may also perform single-TRP uplink communication with the other of the first and second TRPs.

[0136] In some implementations, stopping uplink communication with one of the first TRPs and the second TRP includes applying a Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) state associated with the other of the first TRPs and the second TRP.

[0137] In some implementations, the device can determine that it is configured to retain a single UL connection when the signaling time difference exceeds a signaling time difference threshold. For example, this can be based on configuration settings associated with retaining a single UL connection when the signaling time difference exceeds a signaling time difference threshold set to a specific value.

[0138] In some additional or alternative implementations, the device can determine that it is currently operating in a multi-TRP mode. For example, this could be based on determining that two TCI states are activated for a control resource set (CORESET) via an activation command and / or determining that these two TCI states are associated with different index values ​​(e.g., control resource set index (e.g., coresetPoolIndex), TAG ID, etc.).

[0139] Now go to Figure 8 The flowchart depicts an example method for operating a device (e.g., a wireless base station such as a gNB) in a communication network.

[0140] At operation S8.1, the device can send configuration information to a UE configured for multi-TRP communication with a first TRP and a second TRP. The configuration information can be as described throughout the specification, for example, as in conjunction with... Figure 7 For example, the configuration information can be used by the UE to: determine which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will stop and / or which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will continue when the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0141] In some implementations, when RTD is greater than MRTD and / or TTD is greater than MTTD, the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

[0142] In some implementations, configuration information is sent in the form of RRC messages.

[0143] In some implementations, configuration information is sent in response to the UE being configured to perform multi-TRP UL communication with the first TRP and the second TRP. In some additional or alternative implementations, the device may send updated configuration information to the UE, such that the UE overrides the received updated configuration information.

[0144] In some implementations, the device can send different configuration information to another UE configured for multi-TRP UL communication. The different configuration information differs from the configuration information in at least one aspect (e.g., different selection criteria, different specific TRPs to be retained or deleted, etc.).

[0145] At operation S8.2, the device can receive single-TRP uplink communication from the UE via one of a first TRP and a second TRP with which the UE has continued uplink communication based on configuration information. The device can also stop receiving uplink communication from the UE via one of a first TRP and a second TRP with which the UE has stopped uplink communication based on configuration information.

[0146] In some implementations, stopping uplink communication with one of the first TRPs and the second TRP involves applying a Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) state associated with the other of the first and second TRPs.

[0147] In some implementations, the device can determine that the UE is configured to retain a single UL connection when the signaling time difference exceeds a signaling time difference threshold. For example, this can be based on configuration settings associated with retaining a single UL connection when the signaling time difference exceeds a signaling time difference threshold set to a specific value.

[0148] In some additional or alternative implementations, the device can determine that the UE is currently operating in a multi-TRP mode. For example, this could be based on determining that two TCI states are activated for a control resource set (CORESET) via an activation command and / or determining that these two TCI states are associated with different index values ​​(e.g., control resource set index, TAG ID, etc.).

[0149] Now go to Figure 9 The diagram depicts a flowchart of an example method for operating a device (e.g., a UE) in a communication network. The device can be configured to perform multi-TRP uplink (UL) communication with a first transmission receiving point (TRP) and a second TRP.

[0150] At operation S9.1, the device receives configuration information from the first TRP and / or the second TRP during a multi-TRP UL communication session with the first TRP and the second TRP. The configuration information may be as described throughout the specification. For example, the configuration information may be used to determine which of the first and second TRPs uplink communication will cease and / or which of the first and second TRPs uplink communication will continue when the signaling timing difference between the first and second TRPs is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0151] Configuration information can be received in the form of Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) messages.

[0152] In some implementations, the configuration information may indicate a specific first TRP and a specific second TRP that will be retained if the signaling timing difference is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold, and / or a specific first TRP and a specific second TRP that will be discarded if the signaling timing difference is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold. For example, the configuration information may include an indication of a specific TCI state that will be retained if the signaling timing difference exceeds a signaling timing difference threshold.

[0153] In some implementations, configuration information may be received in response to a determination that a particular of the first TRP and the second TRP is associated with a time-varying metric (e.g., UL SINR, UL SNR, load of the TRP, etc.) that is greater than a first metric threshold and / or less than a second metric threshold.

[0154] For example, time-varying metrics can relate to uplink connection quality (e.g., signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)). Therefore, configuration information can instruct: retain TRPs with uplink connection quality higher than a first uplink connection quality threshold and / or discard TRPs with uplink connection quality lower than a second uplink connection quality threshold. The first uplink connection quality threshold and / or the second uplink connection quality threshold can be based at least in part on the uplink connection quality of another TRP besides a specific one of the first and second TRPs. For example, the first uplink connection quality threshold can be determined based on the uplink connection quality of a previously better-connected TRP plus a threshold factor. Therefore, configuration information can be received when the uplink connection quality of a previously worse-connected TRP is higher than the uplink connection quality of another TRP plus a threshold factor.

[0155] At operation S9.2, the device receives a first signal from the first TRP.

[0156] At operation S9.3, the device receives a second signal from the second TRP.

[0157] At operation S9.4, the device determines, based on the first signal and the second signal, that the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold. For example, this determination may be based on the transmission timing difference (TTD) being greater than the maximum transmission timing difference (MTTD) and / or the reception timing difference (RTD) being greater than the maximum reception timing difference (MRTD).

[0158] In response to the determination at operation S9.4, at operation S9.5, the device determines, based on configuration information, which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will stop and / or which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will continue.

[0159] In response to the determination at operation S9.5, at operation S9.6, the device stops uplink communication with one of the first TRP and the second TRP. The device can then perform single TRP uplink communication with the other of the first and second TRPs.

[0160] In some implementations, stopping uplink communication with one of the first TRPs and the second TRP includes applying a Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) state associated with the other of the first TRPs and the second TRP.

[0161] In some implementations, the device can determine that it is configured to retain a single UL connection when the signaling time difference exceeds a signaling time difference threshold. For example, this can be based on configuration settings associated with retaining a single UL connection when the signaling time difference exceeds a signaling time difference threshold set to a specific value.

[0162] Alternatively or concurrently, the device may determine that it is currently operating in a multi-TRP mode. For example, this may be based on determining that two TCI states are activated for a control resource set (CORESET) via an activation command and / or determining that these two TCI states are associated with different index values ​​(e.g., control resource set index, TAG ID, etc.).

[0163] In some implementations, the device can transmit a message indicating that, when the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP exceeds a signaling timing difference threshold, a preferred TRP of the first TRP and the second TRP will be retained and / or a preferred TRP of the first TRP and the second TRP will be discarded. For example, this message can be sent as a MAC-CE message.

[0164] Now go to Figure 10 The flowchart depicts an example method for operating a device (e.g., a wireless base station, such as a gNB) in a communication network.

[0165] At operation S10.1, during a multi-TRP uplink (UL) communication session with the first Transmitting Receiver Point (TRP) and the second TRP, the device sends configuration information to a User Equipment (UE) configured to communicate with the multi-TRP UL of the first TRP and the second TRP. The configuration information may be as described throughout the specification, for example, in conjunction with... Figure 9 For example, the configuration information can be used by the UE to: determine which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will stop and / or which of the first TRP and the second TRP uplink communication will continue when the transmission timing difference (TTD) is greater than the maximum transmission timing difference (MTTD) and / or the reception timing difference (RTD) is greater than the maximum reception timing difference (MRTD) and the signaling timing difference between the first TRP and the second TRP is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

[0166] For example, configuration information can be sent in the form of Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) messages.

[0167] The device can send configuration information in response to a determination of a time-varying metric (e.g., UL SINR, UL SNR, load of TRP, etc.) associated with one of the first TRP and the second TRP that is greater than a first metric threshold and / or lower than a second metric threshold.

[0168] For example, a time-varying metric could be uplink connection quality (e.g., UL SINR). Therefore, the device can send configuration information in response to a determination that one of the first and second TRPs is associated with an uplink connection quality higher than a first uplink connection quality threshold (e.g., indicating that the TRP should be retained) or lower than a second uplink connection quality threshold (e.g., indicating that the TRP should be discarded). The first and / or second uplink connection quality thresholds can be at least partially based on the uplink connection quality of the other TRP (e.g., as described above). Figure 9 (as described).

[0169] At operation S10.2, the device receives single-TRP uplink communication from the UE via one of the first TRP and the second TRP with which the UE has continued uplink communication based on configuration information. The device may also stop receiving uplink communication from the UE via one of the first TRP and the second TRP with which the UE has stopped uplink communication based on configuration information.

[0170] In some implementations, stopping uplink communication with one of the first TRPs and the second TRP may include applying a Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) state associated with the other of the first TRPs and the second TRPs.

[0171] In some implementations, the device may receive a message (e.g., from the UE via the first or second TRP) when the signaling timing difference between the first and second TRPs exceeds a signaling timing difference threshold. This message indicates which preferred TRP among the first and second TRPs will be retained and / or which preferred TRP among the first and second TRPs will be discarded when the signaling timing difference between the first and second TRPs exceeds the threshold. This message may be sent in the form of a MAC-CE message. In some implementations, the device may then send configuration information to the UE based on this message. This may occur, for example, when the time-varying metric corresponding to each TRP cannot determine which TRP will be retained and / or discarded (e.g., when the link connection quality is within a link connection quality difference threshold).

[0172] Figure 11 An apparatus 11 according to some example embodiments is shown, which may form at least a portion of a user equipment or a network node. The apparatus 11 may include a control device 1100 configured to control the operation of other components forming part of the apparatus 11, thereby enabling the performance of various operations described herein. The control device 1100 may include a processing device 1101 and a memory 1102. Computer-readable code 1102-2A may be computer-readable code for any apparatus described herein, and the computer-readable code 1102-2A may be stored on the memory 1102, which, when executed by the processing device 1101, causes the control device 1100 to perform any of the operations described herein.

[0173] In addition, the device 11 may also include a network interface 1107 for communicating with other devices 11.

[0174] The components and features of the aforementioned entity / device / apparatus 11, as well as some other details of their alternatives, will now be described.

[0175] The aforementioned control device 1100 may include a processing device 1101 communicatively coupled to a memory 1102. The memory 1102 stores computer-readable instructions 1102-2A, which, when executed by the processing device 1101, cause the control device 1100 to perform reference... Figures 1 to 10 The various operations described. In some cases, the control device 1100 may be collectively referred to as the "device".

[0176] Processing device 1101 can have any suitable composition and can include one or more processors 1101A of any suitable type or combination of suitable types. In fact, the term "processing device" should be understood to include computers with different architectures, such as single / multiprocessor architectures and sequencer / parallel architectures. For example, processing device 1101 can be a programmable processor that interprets computer program instructions 1102-2A and processes data. Processing device 1101 may include multiple programmable processors. Alternatively, processing device 1101 can be programmable hardware, for example, with embedded firmware. Processing device 1101 may alternatively or additionally include one or more special-purpose circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, etc. In some cases, processing device 1101 may be referred to as a computing device or processing apparatus.

[0177] Processing device 1101 is coupled to memory 1102 and is operable to read data from / write data to memory 1102. Memory 1102 may include a single memory cell or multiple memory cells on which computer-readable instructions (or code) 1102-2A are stored. For example, memory 1102 may include both volatile memory 1102-1 and non-volatile memory 1102-2. In these examples, computer-readable instructions / program code 1102-2A may be stored in non-volatile memory 1102-2 and may be executed by processing device 1101 using volatile memory 1102-1 for temporary storage of data or data and instructions. Examples of volatile memory include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc. Examples of non-volatile memory include read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical storage, magnetic storage, etc.

[0178] Memory 1102 may be referred to as one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media or one or more storage devices. Furthermore, the term 'memory' may encompass not only memory including one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories, but also only one or more volatile memories and only one or more non-volatile memories. In the context of this document, 'memory' or 'computer-readable medium' can be any medium or component that can contain, store, transmit, propagate, or transfer instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer).

[0179] Computer-readable instructions / program code 1102-2A can be pre-programmed into control device 1100. Alternatively, computer-readable instructions 1102-2A can reach control device via electromagnetic carrier signals, or can be copied from physical entity 12, such as a computer program product, memory device, or recording medium, such as optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile optical disc (DVD), examples of which are shown below. Figure 12 As shown. Computer-readable instructions 1102-2A can provide logic and routines that enable entity / device / apparatus 11 to perform the functions described above. A combination of computer-readable instructions stored in memory (any of the types described above) can be called a computer program product. Generally, references to computer programs, instructions, code, etc. should be understood as representing the software of a programmable processor firmware (such as the programmable content of a hardware device) as instructions of the processor, or the configuration or configuration settings of a fixed-function device, gate array, programmable logic device, etc.

[0180] Figure 12 A non-transitory medium 12 is shown according to some embodiments. The non-transitory medium 12 is a computer-readable storage medium. It may be, for example, a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, Blu-ray disc, etc. The non-transitory medium 12 stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a device to perform any prior process, for example, as disclosed with respect to the flowchart and its related features.

[0181] The names of network elements, protocols, and methods are based on current standards. In other versions or other technologies, the names of these network elements and / or protocols and / or methods may differ, as long as they provide the corresponding functionality. For example, embodiments can be deployed in 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G networks and 3GPP next-generation networks, as well as in non-3GPP wireless networks such as Wi-Fi.

[0182] The memory can be volatile or non-volatile. It can be, for example, RAM, SRAM, flash memory, FPGA block RAM, DCD, CD, USB stick, and Blu-ray disc.

[0183] Unless otherwise stated or explicitly stated from the context, different claims by two entities indicate that they perform different functions. This does not necessarily mean that they are based on different hardware. That is, each entity described in this specification may be based on different hardware, or some or all entities may be based on the same hardware. This does not necessarily mean that they are based on different software. That is, each entity described in this specification may be based on different software, or some or all entities may be based on the same software. Each entity described in this specification may be implemented in the cloud.

[0184] As a non-limiting example, implementations of any of the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described above include hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented in the cloud.

[0185] It should be understood that the above description represents what is currently considered a preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the description of the preferred embodiment is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; At least one memory storing instructions, wherein when executed by the at least one processor, the means causes at least the following to be performed: Obtain configuration information, which can be used to: determine which communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities will stop uplink communication and / or which communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities will continue uplink communication when the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold; Receive a first signal from the first communication network entity; Receive a second signal from the second communication network entity; as well as In response to determining, based on the first signal and the second signal, that the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold: Based on the configuration information, determine which of the plurality of communication network entities uplink communication will cease and / or which of the plurality of communication network entities uplink communication will continue, and accordingly: Stop uplink communication with at least one of the plurality of communication network entities.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: Perform uplink communication with at least one of the other communication network entities among the plurality of communication network entities.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the configuration information indicates one or more selection criteria, wherein determining which uplink communication with the plurality of communication network entities will cease and / or which uplink communication with the plurality of communication network entities will continue is based on determining which of the plurality of communication network entities satisfies the one or more selection criteria.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more selection criteria are associated with link quality, and determining which communication network entity among the plurality of communication network entities will cease uplink communication comprises: Determine which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the lowest link quality, and / or Determining which of the plurality of communication network entities the uplink communication will continue includes: Determine which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the highest link quality.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the one or more selection criteria are associated with the value of an identifier associated with the communication network entity, and determining which of the plurality of communication network entities satisfies the one or more selection criteria comprises: Determine which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the lowest identifier value and / or which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the highest identifier value.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration information indicates: a specific communication network entity among the plurality of communication network entities to be retained and / or a specific communication network entity among the plurality of communication network entities to be discarded.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration information is predefined and stored at the apparatus prior to the apparatus being configured for uplink communication of multiple communication network entities.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration information is received via at least one of the plurality of communication network entities.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: The device transmits a message to at least one of the other communication network entities, the message indicating that the device has stopped uplink communication with at least one of the communication network entities and / or the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: Receive subsequent first signals from the first communication network entity; Receive a subsequent second signal from the second communication network entity; and In response to determining, based on the subsequent first signal and the subsequent second signal, that the subsequent signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is not greater than the signaling timing difference threshold: Restore uplink communication with the at least one communication network entity.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: A message is transmitted to the at least one communication network entity, the message indicating that the device stops uplink communication with the at least one communication network entity and / or the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: In response to determining, based on the first signal and the second signal, that the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is not greater than the signaling timing difference threshold: Continue uplink communication with the aforementioned multiple communication network entities.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: The device is initially configured to perform multi-communication network entity uplink communication with the plurality of communication network entities.

14. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; At least one memory storing instructions, wherein when executed by the at least one processor, the means causes at least the following to be performed: The configuration information is determined by a user equipment (UE) configured for uplink communication with multiple communication network entities, which can be used to: determine which communication network entity uplink communication with the multiple communication network entities will stop and / or which communication network entity uplink communication with the multiple communication network entities will continue when the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; as well as The UE receives uplink communication from at least one of the plurality of communication network entities, which has been continuing to communicate with its uplink based on the configuration information.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: At least one of the plurality of communication network entities that has stopped uplink communication with the UE based on the configuration information shall stop receiving uplink communication from the UE.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the configuration information indicates one or more selection criteria, and wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: Based on determining which of the plurality of communication network entities meets one or more selection criteria, it is determined which of the plurality of communication network entities will have its uplink communication stopped and / or which of the plurality of communication network entities will have its uplink communication continue.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more selection criteria are associated with link quality, and determining which communication network entity among the plurality of communication network entities will cease uplink communication comprises: Determine which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the lowest link quality, and / or Determining which of the plurality of communication network entities the uplink communication will continue includes: Determine which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the highest link quality.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the one or more selection criteria are associated with the value of an identifier associated with the communication network entity, and determining which of the plurality of communication network entities satisfies the one or more selection criteria comprises: Determine which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the lowest identifier value and / or which of the plurality of communication network entities is associated with the highest identifier value.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the configuration information indicates: a specific communication network entity among the plurality of communication network entities to be retained and / or a specific communication network entity among the plurality of communication network entities to be discarded.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: The UE receives a message from at least one of the communication network entities among the plurality of communication network entities with which it has continued uplink communication based on the configuration information. The message indicates that the UE has stopped uplink communication with at least one of the communication network entities and / or the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: After the uplink communication between the UE and the plurality of communication network entities has been restored, a message is received via at least one communication network entity indicating that the UE stops uplink communication with the at least one communication network entity and / or the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: The configuration information is sent to the UE.

23. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Obtain configuration information, which can be used to: determine which communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities will stop uplink communication and / or which communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities will continue uplink communication when the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold; Receive a first signal from the first communication network entity; Receive a second signal from the second communication network entity; as well as In response to determining, based on the first signal and the second signal, that the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold: Based on the configuration information, determine which of the plurality of communication network entities uplink communication will cease and / or which of the plurality of communication network entities uplink communication will continue, and accordingly: Stop uplink communication with at least one of the plurality of communication network entities.

24. A method performed by a wireless base station, comprising: The configuration information is determined by a user equipment (UE) configured for uplink communication with multiple communication network entities, which can be used to: determine which communication network entity uplink communication with the multiple communication network entities will stop and / or which communication network entity uplink communication with the multiple communication network entities will continue when the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; as well as The UE receives uplink communication from at least one of the plurality of communication network entities, which has been continuing to communicate with its uplink based on the configuration information.

25. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method according to claim 23 or claim 24.

26. An apparatus comprising: The component for obtaining configuration information can be used to: determine which communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities will stop and / or which communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities will continue to communicate when the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold. Components for receiving a first signal from the first communication network entity; Components for receiving a second signal from the second communication network entity; as well as A component for performing the following in response to determining, based on the first signal and the second signal, that the signaling timing difference between the first communication network entity and the second communication network entity is greater than the signaling timing difference threshold: Based on the configuration information, determine which of the plurality of communication network entities uplink communication will cease and / or which of the plurality of communication network entities uplink communication will continue, and accordingly: Stop uplink communication with at least one of the plurality of communication network entities.

27. An apparatus comprising: The component for determining configuration information, which is available from a user equipment (UE) configured for uplink communication with multiple communication network entities, is used to: determine which communication network entity will stop uplink communication and / or which communication network entity will continue uplink communication when the signaling timing difference between a first communication network entity and a second communication network entity among the multiple communication network entities is greater than a signaling timing difference threshold; as well as A component for receiving uplink communication from the UE via at least one of the plurality of communication network entities, where the UE has been continuing uplink communication with it based on the configuration information.

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