Wireless communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a wireless communication method, device, storage medium and program product, relates to the technical field of communication, and can effectively improve the communication performance. The method comprises the following steps: a first node receives a multi-access point configuration message; wherein the multi-access point configuration message comprises configuration information of a plurality of access points. A multi-access point activation indication message is received, and the multi-access point activation indication message is used for indicating at least one activated access point in the plurality of access points in an initial access process or a handover process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a wireless communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] In cellular mobile communication network architecture, user equipment (UE) is typically connected to and limited to the service range of a single base station (next generation nodeB, gNB), i.e., its cell. This single-cell-based service model is prone to problems such as inter-cell interference, performance degradation of edge users, uneven network load, and data traffic drop-off during handover, affecting user experience.

[0003] Therefore, the cell-free architecture emerged. Cell-free architecture can unite multiple access points (APs) to jointly serve all users in an entire area, instead of allocating resources and providing services on a per-cell basis. In other words, users can communicate simultaneously with multiple distributed access points, forming a unified logical network, without being limited by traditional "cell" boundaries. However, how this scheme selects / determines multiple access points to provide services to the UE during the initial access process and handover remains to be determined. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a wireless communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product that can effectively improve communication performance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a wireless communication method applied to a first node, the method comprising:

[0007] Receive multi-access point configuration messages; wherein, the multi-access point configuration messages include configuration information for multiple access points.

[0008] Receive a multi-access point activation indication message, which indicates that at least one access point is activated among multiple access points during the initial access procedure or handover process.

[0009] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a wireless communication method applied to a second node. The method includes:

[0010] Send a multi-access point configuration message; the multi-access point configuration message includes configuration information for multiple access points.

[0011] Send a multi-access point activation indication message, which is used to indicate that at least one access point is activated among multiple access points during the initial access procedure or handover process.

[0012] Thirdly, this disclosure also provides a communication device, comprising:

[0013] The receiving module is used to receive multi-access point configuration messages; wherein, the multi-access point configuration messages include configuration information of multiple access points.

[0014] The receiving module is also used to receive a multi-access point activation indication message, which is used to indicate at least one access point activated among multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process.

[0015] Fourthly, this disclosure also provides a communication device, comprising:

[0016] The sending module is used to send multi-access point configuration messages; these messages include configuration information for multiple access points.

[0017] The sending module is also used to send a multi-access point activation indication message, which is used to indicate at least one access point that is activated among multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process.

[0018] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory storing processor-executable instructions; when the processor is configured to execute the instructions, causing the communication device to implement any of the methods provided in the first to second aspects above.

[0019] A sixth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the first or second aspect.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product comprising computer instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the first or second aspect.

[0021] Based on the technical solution provided in this disclosure, the first node can receive a multi-access point configuration message and a multi-access point activation indication message. The multi-access point activation indication message is used to indicate the activation of multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process. That is, it can support the first node to connect to multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process, which can effectively improve communication performance, achieve high-speed transmission through multi-access point collaboration, maintain parallel transmission of multiple access points during handover process to reduce interruption latency during handover process, and also avoid data traffic drop during handover process. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of this disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the technical solutions of this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a random access procedure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a wireless communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another random access procedure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another communication system provided in this disclosure embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another wireless communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the composition of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0034] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0035] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] In this disclosure, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this disclosure should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0037] In addition, the use of “based on” implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations or other actions “based on” one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0038] To facilitate understanding, we will first provide a brief introduction and explanation of some terms or basic concepts of technology involved in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] 1. Carrier aggregation (CA).

[0040] Carrier aggregation refers to the simultaneous use of multiple frequency bands or carriers for data transmission to form a wider bandwidth, thereby improving data transmission rate and spectral efficiency. After CA is configured, the user equipment (UE) establishes only one radio resource control (RRC) connection with the network. During RRC connection establishment / re-establishment / handover, one serving cell provides non-access stratum (NAS) mobility information; during RRC connection re-establishment / handover, another serving cell provides security input. This cell is called the primary cell (PCell). Depending on the UE's functionality, secondary cells (SCells) can be configured to form a group of serving cells together with the PCell. Therefore, the serving cell set configured for the UE always consists of one PCell and one or more SCells.

[0041] SCell reconfiguration, addition, and deletion can be performed by RRC. During handover within a new radio (NR) system and during connection recovery from an RRC inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE), the network can also add, delete, retain, or reconfigure SCells for use with a target PCell. When adding a new SCell, dedicated RRC signaling is used to send all the system information required for the SCell; that is, in connected mode, the UE does not need to directly obtain broadcast system information from the SCell.

[0042] The network (NW) can configure up to 16 DL carriers and 16 UL carriers for CA for the UE.

[0043] 2. Bandwidth part (BWP).

[0044] To enable bandwidth adaptation on a PCell, the base station (nodeB, NB) can configure the UL and DL BWP for the UE. To enable bandwidth adaptation on a SCell in the case of CA, the NB must at least configure the DL BWP for the UE (i.e., there may be no BWP in the UL). For PCells, the BWP used for initial access is configured via system information. For SCells, the BWP used after initial activation is configured via dedicated RRC signaling.

[0045] In paired spectrum, DL and UL can independently switch BWPs. In unpaired spectrum, DL and UL switch BWPs simultaneously. Switching between configured BWPs can be performed via RRC signaling, downlink control information (DCI), inactive timers, or upon initiation of random access. When an inactive timer is configured for the serving cell, the active BWP switches to the network-configured default BWP when the inactive timer associated with that cell expires. Each cell can have a maximum of one active BWP, except when the serving cell has a supplementary uplink (SUL) configured, in which case there can be a maximum of one active BWP per UL carrier.

[0046] 3. Multi-transmit / receive point (mTRP).

[0047] In multi-TRP operation, the serving cell can schedule UEs from two TRPs, thereby providing better coverage, reliability and / or data rate for the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0048] There are two different operating modes for scheduling multi-TRP PDSCH transmissions: single-DCI mode and multi-DCI mode. In both modes, uplink and downlink operation control can be performed by the physical layer and medium access control (MAC) layer within the configuration provided by the RRC layer. In single-DCI mode, the UE is scheduled by the same DCI from both TRPs; in multi-DCI mode, the UE is scheduled by independent DCIs from each TRP.

[0049] Multi-TRP PDCCH operates in two different modes: PDCCH repetition and single-frequency network (SFN) based PDCCH transmission. In both modes, the UE can receive two PDCCH transmissions, one for each TRP, carrying the same DCI. In PDCCH repetition mode, the UE can receive two PDCCH transmissions carrying the same DCI from two linked search spaces, each search space associated with a different control resource set (CORESET). In SFN-based PDCCH transmission mode, the UE can use different transmission configuration index (TCI) states to receive two PDCCH transmissions carrying the same DCI from a single search space / CORESET.

[0050] For multi-TRP PUSCH repetition, the UE transmits the same PUSCH content to two TRPs with corresponding beam directions associated with different spatial relationships, based on the indication in a single DCI or the semi-static configuration authorization provided by RRC. For multi-TRP PUCCH repetition, the UE transmits the same PUCCH content to two TRPs with corresponding beam directions associated with different spatial relationships.

[0051] For inter-cell multi-TRP operations, for multi-DCIPDSCH transmissions, one or more TCI states can be associated with a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) having a PCI different from the serving cell's PCI. Each activated TCI state can be associated with at most one PCI different from the serving cell's PCI.

[0052] 4. Mobility enhancement technology.

[0053] 4.1 Conditional handover (CHO).

[0054] To improve handover reliability (i.e., handover robustness), 5G technology introduces conditional handover. Conditional Handover (CHO) is defined as a handover performed by the UE when execution conditions are met. Upon receiving the CHO configuration, the UE begins evaluating the execution conditions and stops evaluating them after the handover is triggered. The CHO configuration includes the candidate cell configuration generated by the candidate target node and the corresponding execution conditions for the candidate cell.

[0055] 4.2 Dual active protocol stack hand over (DAPS HO).

[0056] To reduce handover downtime, 5G introduced the DAPS handover procedure. In the DAPS-based handover procedure, the UE maintains connections with both the source cell and the target cell simultaneously until it successfully accesses the target cell and then releases the source cell.

[0057] 4.3 Layer 1 / L2 triggered mobility (LTM).

[0058] To reduce handover interruption latency and handover signaling overhead, 5G introduces LTM (Low-Terminal Handover Mechanism). LTM is the process by which the base station triggers cell handover via a cell handover command based on Media Access Control (MAC) CE signaling. The cell handover command instructs the base station to pre-configure the LTM candidate cell configuration via RRC signaling, and the UE switches to the corresponding target cell according to the handover command.

[0059] The LTM process consists of four parts: LTM preparation, advance synchronization, LTM cell handover execution, and LTM cell handover completion. Successive LTM processes can reuse pre-configured LTM candidate cell configurations, completing cell handover by repeating advance synchronization, LTM cell handover execution, and LTM cell handover completion steps, without needing to release other LTM candidate cell configurations after each LTM cell handover.

[0060] 5G also introduces conditional LTM (CLTM) handover to reduce handover latency and improve handover robustness. The NW (Network Controller) can pre-configure corresponding execution conditions for candidate cells, such as execution conditions based on L1 or L3 measurements. When the execution conditions are met, the UE will automatically trigger CLTM handover, meaning it doesn't require the NW to send an LTM cell handover command to trigger LTM handover. CLTM also supports early uplink / downlink synchronization and continuous CLTM handover.

[0061] 5. Initial Access Process

[0062] In 5G New Radio (NR), the initial access process is a crucial procedure when a user equipment (UE) first connects to the network. It mainly includes the following steps: First, the UE receives the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS) from the base station through cell search to complete downlink time and frequency synchronization and obtain the physical cell identity (PCI). Next, the UE demodulates the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) to obtain the master information block (MIB), which contains basic information such as the system frame number, bandwidth, and subcarrier spacing of the synchronization signal block (SSB). Then, the UE reads system information block 1 (SIB1) according to the MIB's guidance, obtaining scheduling information for other system information and the random access channel (RACH) configuration. Afterward, the UE continues to receive other SIBs (such as SIB2 to SIB27), which provide necessary information for RRC connection establishment, cell selection, and reselection parameters. Finally, the UE initiates a Random Access Procedure, which includes four interactive steps: the first message in the random access procedure, also known as message 1 or Msg1 (sending the random access preamble), the second message, also known as message 2 or Msg2 (receiving the random access response RAR), the third message, also known as message 3 or Msg3 (sending an RRC connection establishment request RRCSetupRequest), and the fourth message, also known as message 4 or Msg4 (contention resolution, receiving the RRC connection establishment message RRCSetup), thereby achieving uplink synchronization and establishing a connection with the base station. If the connection is successfully established, the UE sends a connection establishment completion message (RRCSetupComplete) to the base station in Msg5. Msg5 can also be referred to as the fifth message in the access procedure (such as the initial access procedure), message 5. The entire initial access procedure ensures that the UE can correctly discover the cell, obtain system information, and successfully access the network, which is the foundation of 5G NR network connectivity. Figure 1As shown, 0. The UE receives system messages from the base station. 1. The UE sends Msg1: Preamble to the base station. 2. The UE receives Msg2: RAR from the base station. 3. The UE sends Msg3: RRCSetupRequest to the base station. 4. The UE receives Msg4: RRCSetup from the base station. 5. The UE sends Msg5: RRCSetupComplete to the base station.

[0063] The above is an introduction to the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be repeated below.

[0064] Currently, during initial access, a UE can only establish a connection on one cell, carrier, or transceiver point. Only after entering RRC connected state can the UE access multiple cells / carriers / TRPs and perform operations such as carrier aggregation and multiple TRPs (mTRP). However, for high-speed mobile UEs (such as unmanned aerial vehicle user equipment, UAV UEs), the UE may experience severe fluctuations in beam signal quality during the initial access phase, requiring rapid access point (e.g., TRP) changes to avoid UE access failure or radio link failure (RLF) shortly after accessing the cell. Furthermore, during cell handover, simultaneous mTRP operations on both the source and target cells are not supported, resulting in some data traffic loss during handover, and reconfiguring the mTRP after handover also increases signaling overhead.

[0065] In view of this, this disclosure provides a wireless communication method in which a first node can receive a multi-access point configuration message, wherein the multi-access point configuration message includes configuration information of multiple access points; and receive a multi-access point activation indication message, which is used to indicate at least one access point activated among the multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process. The first node can receive both the multi-access point configuration message and the multi-access point activation indication message, which is used to indicate the activation of multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process. That is, it can support the first node connecting to multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process, effectively improving communication performance, achieving high-speed transmission through multi-access point collaboration, maintaining parallel transmission of multiple access points during handover process to reduce interruption latency during handover, and also avoiding data traffic drop during handover.

[0066] The methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a long-term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G communication system, a Wi-Fi system, a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) related communication system, a future evolution communication system (such as a sixth-generation (6G) communication system), or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. The following examples illustrate this. Figure 2 Taking the communication system 100 shown as an example, the method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described. Figure 2 This is merely an illustrative diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided in this disclosure.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the communication system 100 may include one or more first nodes 11 and one or more second nodes 12. The second nodes 12 may be communicatively connected to one or more first nodes 11.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first node 11 can be a terminal. A terminal can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment, mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. For example, a terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality terminal, augmented reality terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in autonomous driving, wireless terminal in remote surgery, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart cities, wireless terminal in smart homes, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific device form adopted by the terminal.

[0069] The second node 12 can be a base station. Base stations can be used to implement functions such as resource scheduling for terminal devices, wireless resource management, and wireless access control. For example, it can be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a transceiver point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), or some other type of access node. Based on the size of the service coverage area provided, base stations can be further divided into macro base stations for providing macrocells, micro base stations for providing microcells, and femto base stations for providing femtocells. With the continuous evolution of wireless communication technology, future base stations may also adopt other names.

[0070] It should be noted that, Figure 2 This is just an example framework diagram. Figure 2 The number of devices or nodes included, and the names of each device are unlimited, except for... Figure 2 In addition to the functional nodes shown, the communication system may also include other nodes or devices, such as core network equipment.

[0071] The system architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this disclosure are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0072] The method embodiments provided in this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, this disclosure provides a wireless communication method applied to a first node, the method comprising:

[0074] S101. Receive a multi-access point configuration message; wherein, the multi-access point configuration message includes configuration information of multiple access points.

[0075] In some embodiments, the access point includes at least one of the following: a cell, a carrier, a TRP, and a network node for providing air interface or physical layer resources.

[0076] For example, the access point can be a cell, a carrier, a TRP, or other access points that can provide air interface / physical layer resources. Accordingly, during the initial access process, the UE can simultaneously access multiple cells / carriers (e.g., perform carrier aggregation operation, CA), or access a super cell / carrier (or meta cell / carrier, virtual cell / carrier) of multiple physical cells / carriers, or access a cell composed of multiple carriers (e.g., multi-band single cell (MBSC)), or access multiple TRPs (e.g., perform mTRP operation), etc.

[0077] The NW node corresponding to the access point can be a base station, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a remote radio unit (RRU), a transmit / receive point node (TRP), or other access nodes.

[0078] The initial access process encompasses various scenarios. For example, it could be the process of a user equipment transitioning from an idle state to a connected state (e.g., the radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment process, or RRC setup). Alternatively, it could be the process of a user equipment transitioning from an inactive state to a connected state (e.g., the RRC resume process), or the process of a user equipment re-establishing its connection during a failure recovery (e.g., the RRC re-establishment process).

[0079] Multiple access point operations can be CA, MBSC, mTRP, etc.

[0080] In this disclosure, Msg3 / Msg4 / Msg5 all refer to a message in a broad sense. For example, it can be RRC signaling (such as common control channel (CCCH) or dedicated control channel (DCCH) messages, such as: RRC setup / resume / re-establishment request, RRC setup / resume / re-establishment, or RRC setup / resume / re-establishment complete) messages, or medium access control element (MAC CE), or lower layer control element, or physical layer (L1) signaling (such as downlink control information (DCI) or uplink control information (UCI)).

[0081] For example, the MAC CE in Msg3 / Msg5 can be a UL MAC CE transmitted / loaded in the same uplink grant (UL grant) or medium access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU) as the RRC signaling in Msg3 / Msg5. The MAC CE in Msg4 can be a DL MAC CE in the same downlink scheduling (DL scheduling) or MAC PDU as the RRC signaling in Msg4.

[0082] The UCI in Msg 3 / Msg 5 can be transmitted / loaded in the same UL grant as the RRC signaling in Msg 3. The DCI in Msg 4 can be transmitted / loaded in the same DL scheduling as the RRC signaling in Msg 4.

[0083] In this disclosure, the UE can be an independent UE in a 5G, 6G, or other network, or a UE configured with carrier aggregation (CA) and / or dual connectivity (DC). If the UE is configured with DC, the term "network" can be an MN node or an SN node. In a CU-DU separation scenario, the term "network" can be a CU or a DU.

[0084] In some embodiments, the network side may provide a multi-access point configuration.

[0085] The multi-access point configuration may include one or more candidate cell / carrier / TRP / transmission configuration indication state (TCI-state) configurations, as well as physical layer-related configurations and measurement-related configurations associated with the candidate cell / carrier / transmission receiver point / transmission configuration indication state. Specifically, the multi-access point configuration provided by NW to the UE includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following configuration information:

[0086] (1) Cell / carrier related configuration:

[0087] For example, cell / carrier related configurations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: cell-related configuration, carrier-related configuration, cell group or carrier group configuration, cell group or carrier group type configuration, cell or carrier identity configuration, etc.

[0088] This includes cell-related configurations such as cell identifiers, PCI, bandwidth, and time-frequency domain location information.

[0089] Carrier-related configurations, such as downlink or uplink carrier frequency domain information, subcarrier spacing (SCS), and the UE's maximum uplink transmit power (P-Max) on the corresponding carrier.

[0090] Cell group or carrier group configuration, such as which cells belong to a cell group, which carriers belong to a carrier group, or which carriers belong to a cell or cell group, etc.

[0091] Cell group or carrier group type configuration, such as master cell group (MCG), secondary cell group (SCG), primary carrier group, secondary carrier group, etc.

[0092] Cell or carrier identity configurations, such as primary cell (PCell), primary secondary cell (PSCell), secondary cell (SCell), uplink carrier, downlink carrier, normal uplink (NUL) carrier, supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier, normal downlink (NDL) carrier, supplementary downlink (SDL) carrier, super cell / carrier, meta cell / carrier, virtual cell / carrier, or multi-band single cell / carrier (MBSC), etc.

[0093] (2) BWP related configuration:

[0094] For example, BWP-related configurations include, for instance, the number of BWPs per cell or carrier, time / frequency domain configuration, subcarrier spacing, etc.

[0095] (3) Physical layer related configuration:

[0096] For example, physical layer related configurations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0097] Time division duplex (TDD) and frequency division duplex (FDD) configurations, uplink and downlink subframe ratios, and duplex configurations (such as full-duplex and half-duplex configurations).

[0098] Physical channel related configurations, specifically physical channels including but not limited to one or more of the following:

[0099] Uplink physical channels include: physical random access channel (PRACH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0100] Downlink physical channels include: physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0101] Physical signal-related configurations, specifically physical signals including but not limited to one or more of the following:

[0102] Downlink reference signals and downlink resource allocation, such as SSB (PSS / SSS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), tracking reference signal (TRS), phase-tracking reference signal (PTRS), positioning reference signal (PRS), sensing reference signal, demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and downlink semi-persistent scheduling (DL SPS) resources.

[0103] Uplink reference signals and uplink resource configurations, such as sounding reference signal (SRS), phase tracking reference signal, demodulation reference signal, scheduling request (SR), configured grant (CG), uplink semi-persistent scheduling (ULSPS) resources, etc.

[0104] Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) related configurations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0105] Identification information for each transmission and reception point, such as the transmission and reception point identifier, and / or the physical cell identifier or carrier information associated with the transmission and reception point;

[0106] The type corresponding to each transmission receiving point, such as uplink TRP, downlink TRP, and combined uplink / downlink TRP.

[0107] For each transmission and receiving point, there are uplink and downlink beam-related information, such as transmission configuration indication status information.

[0108] In some embodiments, the multi-access point configuration provided by the NW to the UE may also include or be associated with one or more of the following configuration information:

[0109] (4) Control plane / user plane related configurations.

[0110] In some embodiments, control plane / user plane related configurations include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0111] Radio bearer configuration, such as signalalling radio bearer (SRB) configuration and data radio bearer (DRB) configuration;

[0112] Configuration related to the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP);

[0113] Configuration related to the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP);

[0114] Radio link control (RLC) related configurations;

[0115] MAC-related configurations;

[0116] Logical channel related configuration.

[0117] (5) Terminal measurement related configuration.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terminal measurement-related configuration includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0119] Layer 3 (L3) / Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement-related configuration;

[0120] Layer 1 (L1) measurement related configuration;

[0121] Beam management measurement related configuration;

[0122] Configuration related to positioning and measurement;

[0123] Configuration related to synaptic measurement;

[0124] AI measurement related configuration;

[0125] Measure the configuration related to the gap.

[0126] (6) Terminal identification related configurations, such as UE identity, cell-radionetwork temporary identifier (C-RNTI), etc.;

[0127] (7) Security-related configurations.

[0128] In some embodiments, security-related configurations include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0129] Control plane security-related configurations, such as keys, security algorithms (e.g., encryption / decryption algorithms, integrity protection / verification algorithms), next hop chaining counter (NCC), sk-counter, etc.

[0130] User plane security-related configurations, such as keys, security algorithms, NCC, sk-counter, etc.;

[0131] MAC security-related configurations, such as keys, security algorithms, NCC, sk-counter, etc.

[0132] (8) Wireless link monitoring related configurations, such as RLM configuration, beam failure detection (BFD) / beam failure recovery (BFR) configuration, etc.

[0133] (9) Timer-related configurations (such as those used to monitor whether the corresponding process is successful), such as T304, T316, etc.

[0134] (10) Other configurations.

[0135] In some embodiments, other configurations include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0136] Configure full or incremental indicators, such as the fullConfig indicator and the deltaConfig indicator;

[0137] Terminal status is reported and configured, including specific conditions such as overheating, power saving, and dual SIM dual standby (MUSIM).

[0138] In some embodiments, a second node (e.g., NW) can provide a multi-access point configuration to a first node (e.g., UE) in the following manner. Accordingly, the UE can obtain the multi-access point configuration.

[0139] In one implementation, the multi-access point configuration message is a broadcast system message.

[0140] For example, NW can broadcast multi-access point configurations in system information (SI). For instance, a second node broadcasts a multi-access point configuration message via SI, which the first node can then receive.

[0141] In one example, the first node may receive a set of system messages sent through an access point, which includes system messages from multiple access points.

[0142] In other words, the second node can aggregate system messages related to multiple cells / carriers / TRPs and send them on a single cell / carrier / TRP (e.g., the anchor cell / carrier / TRP or the cell / carrier / TRP where the UE is camped). The sent system messages can contain one or more candidate cell / carrier / TRP configurations.

[0143] In this example, multiple access points are associated with the same reference signal configuration or a set of reference signal configurations, and the random access channel / resource configurations of the multiple access points are different; or,

[0144] Multiple access points are associated with the same reference signal configuration or are associated with a set of reference signal configurations, and multiple access points are associated with the same random access channel / resource configuration or are associated with a set of random access channel / resource configurations.

[0145] For example, multiple candidate cells / carriers / TRPs can be associated with different reference signal configurations (such as SSB, CSI-RS, 6GRS) and different RACH configurations (such as each candidate cell / carrier / TRP being associated with a separate set of reference signal configurations and RACH configurations).

[0146] For example, multiple candidate cells / carriers / TRPs (e.g., a candidate cell / carrier / TRP group containing multiple candidate cells / carriers / TRPs) can be associated with the same set of reference signal configurations (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, 6G RS), but with different RACH configurations (e.g., each candidate cell / carrier / TRP in the candidate cell / carrier / TRP group is associated with a separate RACH configuration).

[0147] For example, multiple candidate cells / carriers / TRPs can be associated with the same set of reference signal configurations (such as SSB, CSI-RS, 6G RS) and the same RACH configuration. That is, a candidate cell / carrier / TRP group is associated with a set of reference signal configurations and a set of RACH configurations.

[0148] In another example, the first node can receive general system messages sent through the anchor access point or the access point where the first node resides, as well as differential system messages sent through other access points besides the anchor access point or the access point where the first node resides.

[0149] In other words, the second node can aggregate common / general system messages from multiple cells / carriers / TRPs and transmit them on a single cell / carrier / TRP (e.g., an anchor cell / carrier / TRP). It can also transmit differential / dedicated system messages for each cell / carrier / TRP on its respective cell / carrier / TRP.

[0150] The general system message (which may also be called a common system message or other possible name) includes at least one of the following: a general cell or carrier or TRP identifier, general reference signal configuration information, general measurement configuration information, and general random access channel / resource configuration information; and / or, the differential system message (which may also be called a dedicated system message or other possible name) includes at least one of the following: dedicated configuration information for the cell, carrier or TRP, physical layer related configuration information, and measurement configuration information.

[0151] For example, common / general system messages may include common cell / carrier identifiers (such as virtual cell / carrier identifiers), common reference signal configurations, common terminal measurement configurations (such as common L1 measurement resource configurations, common L3 measurement resource configurations), and / or common RACH configurations (such as dedicated RACH resource configurations for multi-access point operation).

[0152] Differential / dedicated system messages can contain dedicated configurations for cells / carriers / TRPs, such as physical identification information for each cell / carrier / TRP (e.g., PCI, bandwidth, time-frequency domain location-related information, etc.), physical layer-related configurations, and / or terminal measurement configurations, etc.

[0153] In another example, the system message also includes a dedicated random access channel / resource configuration for supporting multi-access point operation; the dedicated random access channel / resource configuration includes a dedicated random access preamble and / or random access channel time / frequency domain resources.

[0154] For example, the second node (e.g., NW) may also provide dedicated / special RACH resources to support multi-access point operations (e.g., CA, mTRP, MBSC), such as dedicated PRACH time / frequency domain resources (e.g., PRACH occasion), preamble information, etc.

[0155] In another example, the system message may further include at least one of the following: indication information for indicating whether the access point supports multi-access point operations during the initial access process; and information for indicating the supported types of multi-access point operations.

[0156] For example, a second node (e.g., NW) may indicate in an SI message (e.g., MIB, SIB1) whether the access point (e.g., cell / carrier / TRP) supports multi-access point operations during the initial access phase, and / or the supported multi-access point operation types (e.g., mTRP, intra-cell / carrier mTRP, inter-cell / carrier mTRP, CA, MBSC). This can be indicated, for example, by carrying an explicit indicator in the SI, or implicitly by carrying configuration resources / information specific to multi-access point operations (e.g., dedicated RACH resources) in the SI.

[0157] In another possible implementation, the multiple access point configuration message is transmitted via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0158] In other words, the second node can provide multi-access point configuration through dedicated RRC signaling.

[0159] In some embodiments, radio resource control signaling is used to instruct the first node to release or not release stored multi-access point configuration information when entering an idle or inactive state.

[0160] For example, if a UE has been configured with too many access point configurations (such as one or more candidate cell / carrier / TRP configurations, or LTM, CLTM, CHO, etc.) while in connected state, the UE will not release the stored multiple access point configurations when entering idle / inactive state. For instance, the NW can indicate in the RRC Release message whether the UE should release such configurations or instruct the UE to release / retain some candidate cell / carrier / TRP configurations (e.g., indicating the candidate cell / carrier / TRP identification information to be released / retained). Alternatively, the UE may automatically not release such configurations when entering idle / inactive state.

[0161] In some embodiments, the radio resource control signaling is also used to instruct the first node to perform measurements on a subset of the multiple access points when entering an idle or inactive state.

[0162] For example, the second node (e.g., NW) can further instruct the first node (e.g., UE) to perform measurements only on a subset of candidate cells / carriers / beams / TRPs in the IDLE / INACTIVE state, such as L3 / RRM measurements, L1 measurements (SSB measurements, or CSI-RS measurements), or CSI measurements. For instance, it can indicate the candidate cell / carrier / TRP identification information to be measured (e.g., candidate cell / carrier / TRP configuration identifier / index, PCI, frequency, SSB frequency, PCI+SSB frequency, etc.), and / or the measurement reference signal information or beam information associated with the candidate cell / carrier / TRP to be measured (e.g., SSB identifier / index, CSI-RS identifier / index, SSB / CSI-RS / CSI resource configuration identifier / index, SSB / CSI-RS / CSI resource set identifier / index).

[0163] In some embodiments, the radio resource control signaling is further used to instruct the first node to measure multiple access points or a portion of the multiple access points within a first time period and / or a preset area.

[0164] For example, a second node (e.g., NW) can instruct a first node (e.g., UE) to measure candidate cells / carriers / beams / TRPs within a certain effective time or effective area.

[0165] For example, the effective time can be indicated by absolute time information (such as the length of time based on the initial UTC time 00:00:00) or by the length of timer time.

[0166] For example, the effective area range can be indicated by geographic location / area range information (such as latitude and longitude information) or cell / carrier / beam / TRP list, etc.

[0167] For example, when the first node (e.g., the UE) is within the valid time (e.g., while the relevant timer is running) or the valid area (e.g., in the case of a cell, the cell selected / reselected by the UE belongs to the valid cell list), the UE will perform relevant measurements. When the UE is not within the valid time (e.g., when the relevant timer expires) or the valid area (e.g., in the case of a cell, the cell selected / reselected by the UE does not belong to the valid cell list), the UE will stop the relevant measurements. In addition, the UE may also delete stored multi-access point configuration information (e.g., candidate cell / carrier / beam / TRP configuration, or associated measurement configuration).

[0168] In some embodiments, the second node (e.g., NW) can also simultaneously indicate the candidate cell / carrier / beam / TRP information to be tested and the effective time / effective area range information. Furthermore, different candidate cell / carrier / beam / TRP information may be associated with different effective times or effective area ranges. For example, the second node (e.g., NW) may indicate that when the UE is camped on cell 1, the cell information to be tested includes cell 2 / cell 3 / cell 4. When the UE reselects to cell 2 (i.e., the UE is camped on cell 2), the associated cell information to be tested includes cell 3 / cell 4 / cell 5.

[0169] For example, a second node (e.g., NW) can indicate the above information via SI or RRC signaling (such as an RRC Release message).

[0170] In some embodiments, the NW provides multi-access point configuration in Msg4 (such as an RRC setup / resume / re-establishment message). For example, based on the information exchange of Msg1-3, the NW has learned that the UE supports multi-access point operation during the initial access phase. For example, for mTRP operation, the NW can provide a list of TRP / TCI-states and indicate one or more active TRP / TCI-states through dedicated RRC signaling (such as an RRC setup / resume / re-establishment message).

[0171] In some embodiments, the first node may also inform the second node that it supports multi-access point operation during the initial access phase.

[0172] For example, before performing step S102 below, the first node may also inform the second node that it supports multi-access point operation during the initial access phase.

[0173] For example, the first node (e.g., the UE) supporting multi-access point operation during the initial access phase may need to define specific UE capabilities. During the initial access phase, the base station (e.g., the second node) may not yet know the specific capabilities supported by the UE (generally, after the UE and base station establish an RRC connection, the base station requests the UE to report its capabilities, or the base station obtains the UE's capability information from the core network). Therefore, early / premature reporting of UE capabilities can also be performed during the initial access phase.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first node may also initiate a random access procedure through a dedicated random access channel resource.

[0175] For example, if the second node (e.g., NW) is configured with dedicated / special RACH resources, and the first node (e.g., UE) selects the corresponding RACH resources (such as dedicated random access occasion (RO), preamble, etc.) to initiate the RACH process, it can implicitly indicate that the UE supports or requests multi-access point operations, such as CA, MBSC, mTRP, etc., during the initial access phase.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first node may also perform at least one of the following:

[0177] Send a first indication message, which is used to indicate that the first node supports multi-access point operations during the initial access process and / or the type of multi-access point operations supported by the first node;

[0178] Send a second indication message, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the reason for the first node to initiate random access, the type of service that triggered the random access, and the type of the first node;

[0179] Send a third indication message, which indicates that the measurement results are available. The measurement results include at least one of the following: Layer 1 measurement results, Layer 3 measurement results, and channel state information measurement results.

[0180] In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication information, the second indication information, or the third indication information is sent via the third message Msg 3 or the fifth message Msg5 in the random access procedure.

[0181] In one example, the first node (e.g., UE) reports its support for or request for multi-access point operation during the initial access phase in Msg 3.

[0182] In another example, the first node (e.g., UE) reports its support for or request for multi-access point operation during the initial access phase in Msg 5.

[0183] For example, for Msg 3 and Msg 5 mentioned above, the first node can report via RRC messages, MAC CE, or UCI. For instance, the reported message / signaling may include a 1-bit capability support indication or request indication from the first node; furthermore, the first node can also report the specific types of supported multi-access point operations, such as CA, MBSC, and mTRP. For example, mTRP can be further divided into intra-cell mTRP and inter-cell mTRP.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first node (e.g., UE) may also report the reason for the UE to initiate access or the type of service that triggered access.

[0185] For example, the first node (e.g., UE) can report via Msg3 / Msg5. For example, the reason for UE-initiated access or the type of service triggering access can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: emergency call, high-priority access (e.g., rapid recovery after VoLTE / VoNR interruption), NW-side downlink data arrival (mt-Access, e.g., incoming call, SMS, push notification), UE-initiated signaling services (mo-Signalling, e.g., registration, TAU), UE-initiated data services (mo-Data, e.g., file upload, message sending), UE-initiated voice call (mo-VoiceCall, e.g., VoNR), UE-initiated video call (mo-VideoCall), sending SMS (mo-SMS), RNA (RAN-based Notification Area) update (rna-Update), MPS (Mission Critical Push To Talk Service) priority access (mps-PriorityAccess), MCS (Mission Critical Push To Talk Service) priority access. Services include priority access (mcs-PriorityAccess), small data transmission (mt-SDT), SRS positioning configuration or activation request (srs-PosConfigOrActivationReq), XR services, sensing / perception services, and AI-related services (such as AI data reporting and AI model transmission).

[0186] In some embodiments, the first node (e.g., UE) may also report the UE identity / type, for example, via Msg3 / Msg5. The UE identity / type may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: such as UAV UE, (e)RedCap UE, V2X / sidelink UE, NTN UE, FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) UE, standard / eMBB UE, Internet of Things (IoT) UE, IAB MT, NCR MT.

[0187] The second node (NW (base station)) can decide whether to allow or accept the UE to perform multi-access point operations during the initial access phase based on the service type or UE identity / type reported by the first node (e.g., UE). If the NW does not allow or refuses the UE's multi-access point operations during the initial access phase, the NW can reject the UE's access request (e.g., by sending an RRCReject message). The NW can also indicate the reason for rejection, such as not supporting multi-access point operations.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first node may also report measurement-related information to the second node. This measurement-related information may include L3 measurement results, L1 measurement results, or channel state information.

[0189] For example, in order to assist the NW in selecting a suitable service access point for the UE (e.g., activating one or more candidate access points to provide services to the UE), the UE can measure reference signals (such as SSB, CSI-RS) associated with multiple access points in the IDLE / INACTIVE state (such as L3 measurement, L1 measurement, or CSI acquisition) and report the measurement results to the NW as early as possible.

[0190] L3 measurement results may include: L3 reference signal received power (RSRP), L3 reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and L3 signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0191] L1 measurement results can include: L1 RSRP, L1 RSRQ, and L1 SINR.

[0192] Channel state information (CSI) reports may include: channel quality indicator (CQI), rank indicator (RI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), channel state information reference signal resource indicator (CSI-RS resource indicator, CRI), layer indicator (LI), synchronization signal block (SSB) index, and phase-tracking reference signal (PT-RS) related parameters. The NW can optimize data transmission performance by selecting appropriate beams, MCS, precoding matrices, and / or transmission rank based on the CSI reported by the UE.

[0193] When the UE is in IDLE / INACTIVE state, it can perform relevant measurements based on the multi-access point configuration provided by the NW (such as reference signals associated with one or more candidate access points).

[0194] In some embodiments, the first node may send the measurement results via the third or fifth message in the random access procedure.

[0195] The measurement results include at least one of the following: Layer 1 measurement results, Layer 3 measurement results, and channel state information measurement results.

[0196] In one example, the first node reports an indication in Msg3 that the measurement results are available, such as an L3 measurement result available indication, an L1 measurement result available indication, or a Channel State Information (CSI) available indication.

[0197] For this example, the second node can also request to report the measurement results in Msg 4, and the first node can report the measurement results information in Msg 5 or in subsequent uplink transmissions.

[0198] In another example, the first node reports an indication in Msg 5 that the measurement result is available / accessible.

[0199] For example, the second node can request the reporting of measurement result information in subsequent transmissions. For instance, through a first node information request (e.g., UE information request) procedure, the second node can request the first node to report measurement results in the first node information request message, and the first node can report available / obtainable measurement result information in the first node information response message.

[0200] For L1 or CSI measurements / reports, the second node can trigger the first node to report the measurement results via DCI or MAC CE. For example, it can trigger an aperiodic L1 measurement report (AP L1 measurement report) or an aperiodic CSI report (AP CSI report).

[0201] In another example, the first node reports the measurement results information on Msg 3.

[0202] For example, the second node can request to report measurement information in Msg 2 (such as RAR MAC CE or other MAC CE), or send a MAC CE or DCI to trigger an L1 measurement report (such as AP L1 measurement report) or CSI report (such as AP CSI report) while sending Msg 2. The UE can report / carry relevant measurement information in Msg 3.

[0203] In another example, the first node reports the measurement results information in Msg 5.

[0204] The aforementioned Msg3 / Msg4 / Msg5 can be RRC signaling, MAC CE, or physical layer / L1 signaling (such as DCI, UCI). For example, for L3 measurements, availability / accessibility indications and / or L3 measurement results can be reported via RRC signaling; for L1 measurements or CSI measurements / reporting, availability / accessibility indications and / or L1 measurement results / CSI reports can be reported via RRC signaling, MAC CE, or UCI.

[0205] In some embodiments, different types of measurement result information can be indicated in a Msg using different signaling formats. For example, in Msg3 / Msg5, the availability / accessibility indication of L3 measurements can be reported via RRC signaling, while the availability / accessibility indication of L1 measurements or CSI measurements can be reported via MACCE or UCI.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first node may report the type of available / accessible measurement result (e.g., SSB measurement, CSI-RS measurement), access point information of the available / accessible measurement result (e.g., cell / carrier / TRP ID / index, PCI, SSB frequency, PCI+SSB frequency, TRP / TCI-state ID, etc.), and / or beam information of the available / accessible measurement result (e.g., SSB ID / index, CSI-RS ID / index, SSB / CSI-RS / CSI resource configuration ID / index, SSB / CSI-RS / CSI resource set ID / index) while reporting the indication that the measurement result is available / accessible.

[0207] In some embodiments, the measurement result availability / availability indication and the UE capability indication supporting multi-access point operation (or the indication requesting multi-access point operation) can be transmitted in the same message. Alternatively, the measurement result reporting and the UE capability indication supporting multi-access point operation (or the indication requesting multi-access point operation) can be transmitted in the same message. For example, the L1 measurement result availability / availability indication (or the reporting of L1 measurement result information) and the UE capability indicating support for mTRP operation (or the request indication) can be transmitted in the same Msg, such as Msg3 and Msg5.

[0208] S102. Receive a multi-access point activation indication message. The multi-access point activation indication message is used to indicate at least one access point that is activated among multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process.

[0209] In some embodiments, the multi-access point activation indication message is received via the second or fourth message in the random access procedure.

[0210] In some embodiments, the multi-access point activation indication message is also used to indicate a primary access point and / or a secondary access point among at least one access point.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first node may also activate at least one access point according to a multi-access point activation indication message.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first node may also receive a second message in a random access procedure from multiple access points; and determine a multi-access point activation indication message in the multiple second messages.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first node may also determine the primary access point and / or the secondary access point based on the signal strength of multiple second messages.

[0214] In one example, multi-access point operation can be implemented in the Msg 2 phase.

[0215] For example, a second node (such as an NW) may indicate one or more access point information (such as candidate cell / carrier / TRP identifier) ​​selected / activated in Msg 2, or the second node may send Msg 2 simultaneously by selecting / activating multiple access points.

[0216] For example, a second node (such as an NW) can determine beam alignment based on the Msg 1 sent by the UE. For instance, in an mTRP, two or more access points (such as TRP nodes) of the base station can receive the Msg 1 sent by the UE (such as a RApreamble) and calculate the received signal strength. The TRP nodes of the base station exchange information (such as transmitting their respective received Msg 1 signal strengths). The base station (such as a TRP aggregation node or a TRP upper-layer control node) selects one or more active TRPs based on the received signal strength. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider selecting which TRP is the primary TRP and which is the secondary TRP based on signal strength.

[0217] In another example, multi-access point operation can be implemented in the Msg 4 phase.

[0218] For example, the second node may indicate one or more access point information (such as candidate cell / carrier / TRP identifier) ​​to be selected / activated in Msg 4, or the second node may send Msg 2 simultaneously by selecting / activating multiple access points.

[0219] If the first node can report measurement results via Msg 3, the second node can also select one or more access points to activate, such as cell, carrier, or TRP, based on the measurement results reported by the UE.

[0220] The second node can also instruct / trigger the first node to send SRS while sending Msg 2. The second node can determine the beam alignment status through the SRS sent by the first node. For example, for mTRP, two or more TRP nodes of the base station can receive the SRS sent by the UE and calculate the strength of the received signal. The TRP nodes of the base station exchange information (such as transmitting the strength of their respective received SRS signals). The base station (such as the aggregation node of the TRP, or the upper-layer control node of the TRP) selects one or more active TRPs based on the strength of the received signal. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider selecting which TRP is the primary TRP and which is the secondary TRP based on the signal strength.

[0221] In another example, multi-access point operation can be implemented after sending Msg 5.

[0222] For example, the second node indicates this in the downlink transmission after Msg 5, such as via the RRCReconfiguration message.

[0223] If the first node can report measurement results via Msg 5, the second node can select one or more active access points, such as cells, carriers, or TRPs, based on the measurement results reported by the first node.

[0224] The second node, while sending Msg 2, instructs / triggers the first node (e.g., the UE) to send SRS. The second node can determine the beam alignment status through the SRS sent by the UE. For example, for an mTRP, two or more TRP nodes of the base station can receive the SRS sent by the first node and calculate the strength of the received signal. The TRP nodes of the base station exchange information (e.g., transmitting the strength of their respective received SRS signals). The base station (e.g., the aggregation node of the TRP, or the upper-layer control node of the TRP) selects one or more active TRPs based on the strength of the received signal. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider selecting which TRP is the primary TRP and which is the secondary TRP based on the signal strength.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first node may further determine an access point to be activated; if the determined access point to be activated is the same as the access point indicated by the received multi-access point activation indication message, the access is determined to be successful; or, if the determined access point to be activated is different from the access point indicated by the received multi-access point activation indication message, the access is determined to be unsuccessful.

[0226] In some embodiments, multi-access point operation can also be supported during the switching process.

[0227] For example, the second node can broadcast the multi-access point configuration in SI.

[0228] For example, the second node can also be configured via dedicated RRC signaling, such as handover commands or providing multiple access point configurations in the candidate cell configuration. The specific process can be found in the corresponding description of the initial access process described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0229] For handovers triggered by the second node (e.g., L3 handover, LTM):

[0230] In some embodiments, the second node may indicate one or more active TRP / TCI-state information (e.g., TRP / TCI-state ID / index) and / or the corresponding timing advance value (TA value) in a switching command (e.g., L3 switching command, LTM cell switchcommand MAC CE). Further, it may indicate which TRP / TCI-state is the primary TRP / TCI-state and which is the secondary TRP / TCI-state. Further, it may indicate the TA value or timing advance group (TAG) ID corresponding to the primary TRP / TCI-state and / or the TA value or TAG ID corresponding to the secondary TRP / TCI-state.

[0231] In some embodiments, the second node may indicate the information of multiple active TRP / TCI-states and / or their corresponding TA values ​​in a switching command (e.g., L3 switching command, LTM cell switchcommand MAC CE). Based on the indicated active TRP / TCI-states, the first node may select which TRP / TCI-state is the primary TRP / TCI-state and which / some TRP / TCI-states are secondary TRP / TCI-states. For example, based on L1 measurement results, it may select whether a valid TA has been acquired on the corresponding TRP / TCI-state, the CQI information on the corresponding TRP / TCI-state, or whether there are valid CG resources on the corresponding TRP / TCI-state. The first node may report the selected primary TRP / TCI-state information and / or secondary TRP / TCI-state information to the second node in a switching completion message.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second node can determine / select the TRP / TCI-state for UE access based on the random access procedure initiated by the UE during handover. The specific process can be found in the corresponding description of the initial access procedure described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0233] For switching triggered by the first node (e.g., CHO, CLTM):

[0234] When triggering a handover, the UE selects the active TRP / TCI-state and initiates a random access procedure (e.g., sending a preamble) on the random access resource associated with the selected TRP / TCI-state, or sends a handover completion message on the uplink resource (e.g., CG resource) associated with the selected TRP / TCI-state (if the UE is performing a RACH-less handover).

[0235] For example, the first node can select which TRP / TCI-state to use as the primary TRP / TCI-state and which TRP / TCI-state to use as the secondary TRP / TCI-state. This selection can be made based on information such as whether a valid TA has been acquired on the corresponding TRP / TCI-state, the CQI information on the corresponding TRP / TCI-state, or whether there are valid CG resources on the corresponding TRP / TCI-state, according to L1 measurement results. Furthermore, the UE can report the selected primary TRP / TCI-state information and / or secondary TRP / TCI-state information to the NW in the handover completion message.

[0236] For example, the second node can configure selection conditions / thresholds for the first node, such as the L1-RSRP threshold. Only when the L1 measurement result of the TRP / TCI-state associated reference signal beam is higher than the threshold value can it be selected as the primary / secondary TRP / TCI-state.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second node further determines / selects the TRP / TCI-state to which the first node accesses based on the random access procedure initiated by the UE during the handover process. The specific process can be found in the corresponding description of the initial access procedure described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first node may also receive fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that the primary access point and the secondary access point among at least one access point exchange identities, so that the primary access point becomes the new secondary access point and the secondary access point becomes the new primary access point.

[0239] In one example, the TRP identities of the source cell and the target cell are swapped during the handover process (primary / secondary TRP identity swap).

[0240] For example, it can also be applied to Inter-cell mTRP scenarios.

[0241] For example, before the switchover, the first node can be connected to both TRP_1 (primary TRP) of Cell_1 and TRP_2 (secondary TRP) of Cell_2. After the switchover, the first node can continue to maintain its connection with TRP_1 of Cell_1 and TRP_2 of Cell_2, and switch the primary TRP to TRP_2 of Cell_2 and the secondary TRP to TRP_1 of Cell_1.

[0242] For handovers triggered by the second node (e.g., L3 handover, LTM):

[0243] The second node can simply indicate the change of primary / secondary TRP identity in the switchover command and provide configuration information associated with the new primary / target primary TRP, or associate and bind the configuration associated with the primary TRP (such as RLM configuration) with the new primary / target primary TRP. For example, the switchover command can instruct / activate the RLM configuration associated with the new primary TRP or carry the RLM configuration associated with the new primary / target primary TRP in the switchover command.

[0244] For switching triggered by the first node (e.g., CHO, CLTM):

[0245] The second node can be pre-configured with conditions for changes in the primary and secondary TRP identities, such as A events based on L3 signal quality and / or LTM events based on L1 signal quality.

[0246] When the conditions are met, the first node can automatically activate / apply the new primary TRP associated configuration information (e.g., the RLM configuration associated with the new primary TRP / target primary TRP) and / or deactivate the old primary TRP associated configuration information (e.g., the RLM configuration associated with the old primary TRP / source primary TRP).

[0247] In some embodiments, if the first node performs RLM monitoring on each connected TRP, when an RLF occurs or is about to occur on the primary TRP (such as T312, configured with a shorter timer than T310), the UE automatically switches the primary TRP to the TRP of another connected device.

[0248] In another example, the primary and secondary TRPs change simultaneously during the switchover process.

[0249] For handovers triggered by the second node (e.g., L3 handover, LTM):

[0250] The second node can indicate the primary / secondary TRP information to be activated in the switching command, and / or the cell ID associated with the TRP (such as PCI, C-RNTI).

[0251] For switching triggered by the first node (e.g., CHO, CLTM):

[0252] The second node can pre-configure a set of TRP (containing multiple TRPs, such as a primary TRP and / or one or more secondary TRPs) change execution conditions, such as A events based on L3 signal quality and / or LTM events based on L1 signal quality. When the UE detects that the execution conditions are met, it automatically triggers the handover / change of a set of TRPs.

[0253] In some embodiments, the primary TRP / TCI-state in this disclosure may also be referred to as the "first TRP / TCI-state" or the "TRP / TCI-state associated with the primary TAG or the first TAG". The secondary TRP / TCI-state in this disclosure may also be referred to as the "second TRP / TCI-state" or the "TRP / TCI-state associated with the secondary TAG or the second TAG".

[0254] In some embodiments, TRP or TCI-state in this disclosure may also be replaced with “cell” or “carrier” to implement multi-access point operation based on cell / carrier. For example, during the initial access process or handover process, the UE may access multiple cells / carriers simultaneously, such as performing CA, MBSC and other operations.

[0255] Based on the technical solution provided in this disclosure, the first node can receive a multi-access point configuration message and a multi-access point activation indication message. The multi-access point activation indication message is used to indicate the activation of multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process. That is, it can support the first node to connect to multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process, which can effectively improve communication performance, achieve high-speed transmission through multi-access point collaboration, maintain parallel transmission of multiple access points during handover process to reduce interruption latency during handover process, and also avoid data traffic drop during handover process.

[0256] In one example, the wireless communication method provided in this disclosure is illustrated using an mTRP scenario, with the UE as the first node and the NW as the second node. It should be understood that the interaction process between the UE and the NW provided in this example can also be applied to scenarios where the UE accesses multiple cells / carriers.

[0257] like Figure 4 As shown, the communication system includes a base station, a UE, TRP1 (access point 1), and TRP2 (access point 2). For example, an NW (e.g., a base station) can configure the same access resources for multiple access points. When a UE initiates an access request, multiple NW nodes can receive or measure the access request information sent by the UE. NW nodes can exchange information to determine which access point(s) will provide services to the UE.

[0258] like Figure 5As shown, the specific steps may include:

[0259] S1. The UE sends Msg1 to access point 1, such as random access request information (e.g., preamble).

[0260] For example, the UE can select PRACH resources (time-frequency location) and preamble IDs (randomly selected or configured according to SIB1). If dedicated RACH resources for mTRP operations are configured, the UE can select dedicated PRACH resources for mTRP operations, such as dedicated preamble or dedicated RO resources.

[0261] The UE can also send a preamble on the selected PRACH resource.

[0262] In some embodiments, the UE may also carry / indicate additional information in Msg1, such as: UE identity, UE type (e.g., a certain type of UE may also be identified by the PRACH resource selected by the UE), or location information, etc.

[0263] Accordingly, the NW can receive / detect the preamble, thereby estimating the UE's timing advance (TA) and / or detecting the received power of Msg1. Multiple access points of the base station (such as TRP nodes) can receive or detect the preamble sent by the UE.

[0264] In some embodiments, base station access points can exchange received / detected Msg1 related information, such as preamble, TA, preamble / Msg1 received power (similar to reference signal received power RSRP), and / or UE identity / type identifier.

[0265] For example, information exchange between base station access points can be considered in the following ways:

[0266] Method 1: The access point that detects Msg1 sends the received access request information to other / adjacent access points, as shown in steps 1a and 1b in the figure. Msg1 receives and interacts with the information.

[0267] Each access point can compare the information it receives from the UE with the information received from other access points. For example, taking the received power of preamble / Msg1 as an example, each access point can compare the received power of preamble / Msg1 it receives from the UE with the received power of preamble / Msg1 it sends / interacts with other access points. If the received power of preamble / Msg1 it receives from the UE is greater than the received power of preamble / Msg1 it receives / interacts with other access points, then that access point can act as the primary access point (such as the primary TRP, anchor TRP). This access point can then notify other access points of its status as the primary access point.

[0268] Method 2: Each access point that detects Msg1 sends relevant information about the received access request to the base station's centralized control node (such as the centralized resource management scheduler or anchor point TRP). The centralized control node can compare the information sent by each access point, such as the received power of preamble / Msg1, to determine which access points / areas provide services to the UE.

[0269] For example, based on the information exchange between access points, the base station can select / activate which / which TRPs. Furthermore, it can select which as the primary TRP and which as the secondary TRP.

[0270] For TRP selection, a received signal RSRP threshold (such as the received signal power RSRP threshold of preamble / Msg1) can be introduced. Only TRPs whose received power of preamble / Msg1 received from the UE is higher than this threshold can be selected / activated, or used as primary / secondary TRPs.

[0271] S2, The UE receives Msg2 sent by Access Point 1, such as a Random Access Response (RAR).

[0272] NW can send RAR messages to UE, such as by scheduling PDSCH through PDCCH (e.g., DCI 1_0 scrambling RA-RNTI) to send RAR.

[0273] In some embodiments, the base station sends Msg2 on all selected / activated primary TRPs. Msg2 may contain information about one or more selected / activated TRPs (such as TRP identifier / index, TCI-state identifier / index). Furthermore, it may also contain TA information associated with the selected / activated TRP (such as TA value, TAG ID). Furthermore, it may also indicate which TRP is the primary TRP and which / which TRPs are the secondary TRPs.

[0274] In some embodiments, the base station sends Msg2 on all selected / activated TRPs. The content of the Msg2 sent by each TRP may differ (e.g., it may contain the same UE identification information, such as temporary C-RANTI, but different TRP information and / or TA information). For example, the Msg2 sent by TRP1 contains information of TRP1 (such as TRP1 ID, TCI-state_1ID), and the Msg2 sent by TRP2 contains information of TRP2 (such as TRP1 ID, TCI-state_1ID).

[0275] The aforementioned Msg2 / RAR message may contain one or more of the following:

[0276] TA information (used to adjust uplink synchronization), such as TA value, TAG ID, etc.;

[0277] UE identity information, such as temporary C-RNTI, or other identity information (such as a temporary identifier used for mTRP);

[0278] UL Grant (resource allocation for MSG3);

[0279] Select / activate TRP / TCI-state information, such as TRP / TCI-state identifier / index;

[0280] Select / activate the identity information of the TRP / TCI-state, such as the primary TRP / TCI-state and the secondary TRP / TCI-state.

[0281] In some embodiments, the UE can listen to the PDCCH within the Msg2 listening window (such as the RAR window, ra-ResponseWindow), match the RA-RNTI (calculated from the PRACH time-frequency position), and receive Msg2 / RAR.

[0282] In some embodiments, the UE activates the corresponding TRP / TCI-state based on the TRP / TCI-state information selected / activated as indicated in Msg2 / RAR.

[0283] In some embodiments, the UE can receive Msg2 from multiple TRPs and correctly decode the contained content. The UE can select which one is the primary TRP and which one is the secondary TRP based on the signal strength of the received Msg2. Furthermore, the UE can feed back the selected primary TRP information and / or secondary TRP information in Msg3.

[0284] For TRP selection, a received signal RSRP threshold can be introduced (such as the received signal power RSRP threshold of Msg2). Only TRPs whose received signal RSRP is higher than this threshold can be used as primary / secondary TRPs.

[0285] S3, the UE can send Msg3 to access point 1, such as for uplink scheduling transmission.

[0286] For example, Msg3 can be the first uplink scheduled transmission.

[0287] The UE can send an RRC connection request (such as an RRCSetupRequest message), an RRC connection recovery request (such as an RRCResumeRequest message), or an RRC connection re-establishment request (such as an RRCReestablishmentRequest message) in Msg3.

[0288] In some embodiments, the UE may report / carry additional auxiliary information in Msg3, such as: UE identity, UE type, reason for triggering access or service type, UE location information, or UE measurement results (e.g., L1 measurement results, L3 measurement results, or CSI measurement results for TRP associated beams).

[0289] In some embodiments, the UE may carry / report the UE’s L1 measurement results (e.g., signal quality of the TRP associated beam, L1-RSRP) and / or CSI report in the UL grant used to transmit Msg3.

[0290] In some embodiments, the UE may include activated TRP information in Msg3, such as the TRP information received in Msg2. Furthermore, it may indicate which is the primary TRP and which is the secondary TRP.

[0291] In some embodiments, the UE may include the TRP information selected by the UE in Msg3, such as selecting the active TRP information based on the signal strength of the received Msg2. Furthermore, it may indicate which is the primary TRP and which is the secondary TRP.

[0292] In some embodiments, the NW can receive and decode Msg3 and assign a dedicated C-RNTI (which triggers conflict resolution if a conflict occurs).

[0293] In some embodiments, each TRP of the base station can also exchange information after receiving Msg3 to assist in conflict resolution. For example, 3a or 3b Msg3 receiving information exchange.

[0294] For example, the information exchanged may include one or more of the following: UE identity information (e.g., UE-Identity, Temporary C-RNTI), TRP information reported by the UE in Msg3, received signal power in Msg3, L1 / L3 measurement results reported by the UE, CSI reports, etc. Information exchange between base station access points can refer to methods 1 and 2 in step S1.

[0295] The base station can determine the selected / activated TRP based on information exchange between access points. Furthermore, it can select which TRP to use as the primary TRP and which as the secondary TRP. For example:

[0296] If the Msg3 received by TRP1 (Access Point 1) contains information indicating that TRP1 has been selected as the primary TRP, and the Msg3 signal quality / received power received by TRP1 is the strongest, then TRP1 is considered the primary TRP for the UE's access. Other TRPs that receive Msg3 can be considered secondary TRPs.

[0297] If the Msg3 received by TRP1 contains information indicating that TRP2 has selected the primary TRP, but the signal quality / received power of Msg3 received by TRP1 is the strongest (i.e., the strongest beam selected by the UE and the strongest beam selected by the base station do not match), then at least one of the following processing behaviors can be considered:

[0298] In one example, the base station determines that the UE's access has failed, or rejects the UE's access request (e.g., by sending an RRCReject message).

[0299] In another example, the base station adjusts the selection of primary and secondary TRPs, such as instructing the UE in Msg4 to adjust / update the selected / activated TRP, such as instructing to select / activate TRP1 as the primary TRP.

[0300] For TRP selection, a received signal RSRP threshold can be introduced (such as the received signal power RSRP threshold of Msg3). Only TRPs whose received signal RSRP is higher than this threshold can be used as primary / secondary TRPs.

[0301] S4. The UE receives Msg4 sent by access point 1, and performs conflict resolution.

[0302] NW can send Msg4 messages (such as RRCSetup, RRCReestablishment, RRCReestablishment messages) to UE, such as scheduling Msg4 via PDCCH (C-RNTI or TC-RNTI scrambling).

[0303] In some embodiments, the base station may indicate the TRP information selected / activated by the base station, such as primary / secondary TRPID, in Msg4.

[0304] In some embodiments, the base station may send Msg4 only on the selected primary TRP, or send Msg4 on both the selected primary and secondary TRPs.

[0305] In some embodiments, if the UE identity identifier (such as UE Contention ResolutionIdentity) in Msg4 matches the UE itself, the UE can confirm successful access; otherwise, Msg1 is retransmitted.

[0306] In some embodiments, if the TRP information indicated by the base station in Msg4 is consistent with the TRP information selected by the UE (e.g., the TRP information selected / activated by the base station in Msg4 is consistent with the TRP selected / activated by the UE when sending Msg3 or the TRP information indicated in Msg3, for example, both select / activate TRP1 as the primary TRP and TRP2 as the secondary TRP), then the access is considered successful; if the TRP information indicated by the base station in Msg4 is inconsistent with the TRP information selected by the UE, the UE can adjust according to the base station indication information, or consider the access to fail, or retransmit Msg1.

[0307] In some embodiments, the above process can also be used for two-step random access (2-step RA). For 2-step RA, Msg1 and Msg3 can be combined into an MSGA for transmission, meaning the MSGA can contain a random access preamble and a data payload (i.e., the content carried by Msg3, or information contained in the same UL grant or MACPDU as Msg3). After receiving the MSGA, multiple access points of the base station can exchange MSGA-related reception information (i.e., information related to Msg1 and Msg3, the received signal power of the MSGA, etc.). Based on the information exchange between access points regarding the MSGA, the base station can select / activate which / which TRPs. Further, it can select which one is the primary TRP and which one is the secondary TRP.

[0308] The Msg2 and Msg4 mentioned above can be combined into an MSGB for transmission. That is, the MSGB can contain the contents of Msg2 (such as RAR) and Msg4 (such as conflict resolution).

[0309] In another example, the wireless communication method provided in this disclosure is illustrated using a multi-UE scenario, with the first node being the UE and the second node being the NW. It should be understood that the interaction process between the UE and the NW provided in this example can also be applied to scenarios where the UE accesses multiple cells / carriers.

[0310] like Figure 6As shown, the communication system includes a base station, UE1, UE2, TRP1, and TRP2. For example, when multiple UEs (such as UE1 and UE2 in the diagram above) simultaneously initiate access requests, multiple NW nodes can receive or measure the access request information sent by the multiple UEs. The NW nodes can exchange information to determine which access point(s) provides service to which UE. For example, TRP1 provides service to UE1, or TRP1 acts as the primary node and TRP2 acts as the secondary node to provide service to UE1; TRP2 provides service to UE2, or TRP2 acts as the primary node and TRP1 acts as the secondary node to provide service to UE2.

[0311] This example may also include steps S1 and S2 from the example above, which will not be repeated here.

[0312] Regarding step S3 above, based on S3, the following processing behavior also needs to be considered:

[0313] In this example, the TRPs at the base station can exchange the received Msg3 information. If the Msg3 received by TRP1 contains the UE1 ID, TRP1 is selected as the primary TRP, and the Msg3 signal received by TRP1 has the strongest quality. Therefore, TRP1 is considered the access point for UE1, or TRP1 is designated as the primary TRP for UE1. If TRP2 also receives the Msg3 containing the UE1 ID, and TRP1 is selected as the primary TRP, then TRP2 can be designated as the secondary TRP for UE1.

[0314] If the Msg3 received by TRP2 contains the UE2 ID, TRP2 is selected as the primary TRP, and the Msg3 signal received by TRP2 has the strongest quality, then TRP2 is considered the access point for UE2, or TRP2 is designated as the primary TRP for UE2. If TRP1 also receives the Msg3 containing the UE2 ID, and TRP2 is selected as the primary TRP, then TRP_1 can be designated as the secondary TRP for UE2.

[0315] For TRP selection, a RSRP threshold for the received signal can be introduced. Only TRPs whose RSRP of the received signal is higher than this threshold can be used as primary / secondary TRPs.

[0316] Regarding step S4 above, in addition to the above S4, the following processing behavior also needs to be considered:

[0317] Based on the TRP information of the UE access identified in S3, NW sends Msg4 for UE1 on TRP1, which includes the UE1 ID and TRP information (if TRP1 is the primary TRP). On TRP2, NW sends Msg4 for UE2, which includes the UE2 ID and TRP information (if TRP2 is the primary TRP).

[0318] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, this disclosure also provides another wireless communication method applied to a second node, comprising the following steps:

[0319] S201. Send a multi-access point configuration message; wherein, the multi-access point configuration message includes configuration information for multiple access points.

[0320] In some embodiments, the access point includes at least one of the following:

[0321] Cell, carrier, TRP, network node used to provide air interface or physical layer resources.

[0322] In some embodiments, the multi-access point configuration message is a broadcast system message.

[0323] In some embodiments, the second node may also send a set of system messages through an access point, the set of system messages including system messages from multiple access points.

[0324] In some embodiments, multiple access points are associated with the same reference signal configuration or a set of reference signal configurations, and the random access channel / resource configurations of the multiple access points are different; or, multiple access points are associated with the same reference signal configuration or a set of reference signal configurations, and the random access channel / resource configurations of the multiple access points are the same or a set of random access channel / resource configurations.

[0325] In some embodiments, the second node may also send general system messages through the anchor access point among multiple access points or the access point where the first node resides, and send differential system messages through other access points besides the anchor access point or the access point where the first node resides.

[0326] In some embodiments, a general system message includes at least one of the following:

[0327] The message includes a common cell or carrier or TRP identifier, common reference signal configuration information, common measurement configuration information, and common random access channel / resource configuration information; and / or, the differential system message includes at least one of the following: cell, carrier or TRP specific configuration information, physical layer related configuration information, and measurement configuration information.

[0328] In some embodiments, the system message further includes a dedicated random access channel / resource configuration for supporting multi-access point operation; the dedicated random access channel / resource configuration includes a dedicated random access preamble and / or random access channel time / frequency domain resources.

[0329] In some embodiments, the system message also includes at least one of the following:

[0330] Indication information used to indicate whether each access point supports multi-access point operations during the initial access process;

[0331] Information used to indicate the supported multi-access point operation types.

[0332] In some embodiments, multiple access point configuration messages are transmitted via radio resource control signaling.

[0333] In some embodiments, radio resource control signaling is used to instruct the first node to release or not release stored multi-access point configuration information when entering an idle or inactive state.

[0334] In some embodiments, the radio resource control signaling is also used to instruct the first node to perform measurements on a subset of the multiple access points when entering an idle or inactive state.

[0335] In some embodiments, the radio resource control signaling is further used to instruct the first node to measure multiple access points or a portion of the multiple access points within a first time period and / or a preset area.

[0336] In some embodiments, the multi-access point activation indication message is used to indicate at least one access point activated among multiple access points during the initial access procedure or handover process.

[0337] In some embodiments, before sending the multi-access point activation indication message, the second node may also perform at least one of the following:

[0338] Receive first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first node supports multi-access point operation during the initial access process and / or the type of multi-access point operation supported by the first node;

[0339] Receive second indication information, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the reason for the first node to initiate random access, the type of service that triggered the random access, and the type of the first node;

[0340] Receive third indication information, which is used to indicate that the measurement results are available. The measurement results include at least one of layer 1 measurement results, layer 3 measurement results, and channel state information measurement results.

[0341] In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication information, the second indication information, or the third indication information is sent via the third or fifth message in the random access procedure.

[0342] In some embodiments, the second node may also receive measurement results via the third or fifth message in the random access procedure. The measurement results include at least one of the following: Layer 1 measurement results, Layer 3 measurement results, and channel state information measurement results.

[0343] S202. Send a multi-access point activation indication message. The multi-access point activation indication message is used to indicate at least one access point that is activated among multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process.

[0344] In some embodiments, the multi-access point activation indication message is received via the second or fourth message in the random access procedure.

[0345] In some embodiments, the multi-access point activation indication message is also used to indicate a primary access point and / or a secondary access point among at least one access point.

[0346] In some embodiments, the second node may also send a second message in the random access procedure through multiple access points of the second node, the second message including a multi-access point activation indication message.

[0347] In some embodiments, the second node may also send a fourth indication message, which is used to indicate that the primary access point and the secondary access point among at least one access point exchange identities, so that the primary access point becomes the new secondary access point and the secondary access point becomes the new primary access point.

[0348] Based on this embodiment, the second node can send a multi-access point configuration message and a multi-access point activation indication message. The multi-access point activation indication message is used to indicate the activation of multiple access points during the initial access process or handover. That is, the second node can support the first node to connect to multiple access points during the initial access process or handover, which can effectively improve communication performance, achieve high-speed transmission through multi-access point collaboration, maintain parallel transmission of multiple access points during handover to reduce interruption latency during handover, and also avoid data traffic drop during handover.

[0349] The foregoing primarily describes the solution provided in this disclosure from the perspective of interaction between various communication nodes. It is understood that each communication node, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the algorithmic steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0350] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a communication device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 800 can execute the wireless communication method provided in the above-described method embodiments. Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 includes a receiving module 801 and a transmitting module 802. In some embodiments, it may also include a determining module 803.

[0351] The receiving module 801 is used to receive multi-access point configuration messages; wherein the access point configuration messages include configuration information of multiple access points.

[0352] The receiving module 801 is also used to receive a multi-access point activation indication message, which is used to indicate at least one access point activated among multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process.

[0353] In some embodiments, the access point includes at least one of the following: a cell, a carrier, a transmit / receive point (TRP), and a network node for providing air interface or physical layer resources.

[0354] In some embodiments, the multi-access point configuration message is a broadcast system message.

[0355] In some embodiments, the receiving module 801 is specifically configured to receive a set of system messages sent through an access point, the set of system messages including system messages from multiple access points.

[0356] In some embodiments, multiple access points are associated with the same reference signal configuration or a set of reference signal configurations, and the random access channel / resource configurations of the multiple access points are different; or, multiple access points are associated with the same reference signal configuration or a set of reference signal configurations, and the random access channel / resource configurations of the multiple access points are the same or a set of random access channel / resource configurations.

[0357] In some embodiments, the receiving module 801 is specifically configured to receive general system messages sent through an anchor access point or an access point where the first node resides among a plurality of access points, and to receive differential system messages sent through other access points besides the anchor access point or the access point where the first node resides.

[0358] In some embodiments, a general system message includes at least one of the following:

[0359] The message includes a common cell or carrier or TRP identifier, common reference signal configuration information, common measurement configuration information, and common random access channel / resource configuration information; and / or, the differential system message includes at least one of the following: cell, carrier or TRP specific configuration information, physical layer related configuration information, and measurement configuration information.

[0360] In some embodiments, the system message further includes a dedicated random access channel / resource configuration for supporting multi-access point operation; the dedicated random access channel / resource configuration includes a dedicated random access preamble and / or random access channel time / frequency domain resources.

[0361] In some embodiments, the system message also includes at least one of the following:

[0362] Indication information used to indicate whether each access point supports multi-access point operations during the initial access process;

[0363] Information used to indicate the supported multi-access point operation types.

[0364] In some embodiments, multiple access point configuration messages are transmitted via radio resource control signaling.

[0365] In some embodiments, radio resource control signaling is used to instruct the first node to release or not release stored multi-access point configuration information when entering an idle or inactive state.

[0366] In some embodiments, the radio resource control signaling is also used to instruct the first node to perform measurements on a subset of the multiple access points when entering an idle or inactive state.

[0367] In some embodiments, the radio resource control signaling is further used to instruct the first node to measure multiple access points or a portion of the multiple access points within a first time period and / or a preset area.

[0368] In some embodiments, before receiving the multi-access point activation indication message, the sending module 802 is used to initiate a random access procedure through a dedicated random access channel resource.

[0369] In some embodiments, before receiving the multi-access point activation indication message, the sending module 802 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0370] Send a first indication message, which is used to indicate that the first node supports multi-access point operations during the initial access process and / or the type of multi-access point operations supported by the first node;

[0371] Send a second indication message, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the reason for the first node to initiate random access, the type of service that triggered the random access, and the type of the first node;

[0372] Send a third indication message, which indicates that the measurement results are available. The measurement results include at least one of the following: Layer 1 measurement results, Layer 3 measurement results, and channel state information measurement results.

[0373] In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication information, the second indication information, or the third indication information is sent via the third or fifth message in the random access procedure.

[0374] In some embodiments, the sending module 802 is further configured to send measurement results via the third or fifth message in the random access procedure, the measurement results including at least one of layer 1 measurement results, layer 3 measurement results, and channel state information measurement results.

[0375] In some embodiments, the multi-access point activation indication message is received via the second or fourth message in the random access procedure.

[0376] In some embodiments, the multi-access point activation indication message is also used to indicate a primary access point and / or a secondary access point among at least one access point.

[0377] In some embodiments, the sending module 802 is further configured to activate at least one access point simultaneously according to the multi-access point activation indication message.

[0378] In some embodiments, receiving a multi-access point activation indication message includes at least one of the following:

[0379] Receive the second message in the random access procedure from multiple access points;

[0380] The multi-access point activation indication message is identified in multiple second messages.

[0381] In some embodiments, the determining module 803 is used to determine the primary access point and / or the secondary access point based on the signal strength of a plurality of second messages.

[0382] In some embodiments, the determining module 803 is used to determine the access point to be activated; if the determined access point to be activated is the same as the access point indicated by the received multi-access point activation indication message, the access is determined to be successful; or, if the determined access point to be activated is different from the access point indicated by the received multi-access point activation indication message, the access is determined to be unsuccessful.

[0383] In some embodiments, the receiving module 801 is used to receive fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that the primary access point and the secondary access point among at least one access point exchange identities, so that the primary access point becomes the new secondary access point and the secondary access point becomes the new primary access point.

[0384] For a more detailed description of the receiving module 801, the sending module 802, and the determining module 803, as well as a more detailed description of their respective technical features and beneficial effects, please refer to the corresponding method embodiment section above, which will not be repeated here.

[0385] Figure 9 The diagram shown illustrates the composition of another communication device provided in this embodiment. The communication device 900 can execute the wireless communication method provided in the above-described method embodiments. Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 includes a transmitting module 901 and a receiving module 902.

[0386] The sending module 901 is used to send a multi-access point configuration message; wherein the access point configuration message includes configuration information of multiple access points.

[0387] The sending module 901 is also used to send a multi-access point activation indication message, which is used to indicate at least one access point activated among multiple access points during the initial access process or handover process.

[0388] In some embodiments, the sending module 901 is further configured to send a system message set through an access point, the system message set including system messages from multiple access points.

[0389] In some embodiments, the sending module 901 is further configured to send general system messages through the anchor access point or the access point where the first node resides among a plurality of access points, and send differential system messages through other access points besides the anchor access point or the access point where the first node resides.

[0390] In some embodiments, the receiving module 902 may also be used to perform at least one of the following:

[0391] Receive first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first node supports multi-access point operation during the initial access process and / or the type of multi-access point operation supported by the first node;

[0392] Receive second indication information, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the reason for the first node to initiate random access, the type of service that triggered the random access, and the type of the first node;

[0393] Receive third indication information, which is used to indicate that the measurement results are available. The measurement results include at least one of layer 1 measurement results, layer 3 measurement results, and channel state information measurement results.

[0394] For a more detailed description of the above-mentioned transmitting module 901 and receiving module 902, as well as a more detailed description of their respective technical features and beneficial effects, please refer to the corresponding method embodiment section above, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] It should be noted that, Figure 8 or Figure 9 Modules in this context can also be called units; for example, a transmitting module can be called a transmitting unit. Additionally, in... Figure 8 or Figure 9 In the embodiments shown, the names of the modules may not be the same as those shown in the figures. For example, the receiving module may also be called the communication module, and the sending module may also be called the communication module.

[0396] Figure 8 or Figure 9 If the various units or modules in the present disclosure are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, in essence, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this disclosure. Storage media for storing computer software products include various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0397] In the case where the functions of the integrated modules described above are implemented in hardware, this disclosure provides a schematic diagram of a communication device, which may be the aforementioned... Figure 8 or Figure 9 Any communication device in China. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 1000 includes: a processor 1002, a communication interface 1003, and a bus 1004. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1001.

[0398] Processor 1002 may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with this disclosure. Processor 1002 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with this disclosure. Processor 1002 may also be a combination of functions implementing computation, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0399] Communication interface 1003 is used to connect with other devices via a communication network. This communication network can be Ethernet, wireless access network, wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0400] The memory 1001 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0401] In one possible implementation, the memory 1001 can exist independently of the processor 1002. The memory 1001 can be connected to the processor 1002 via a bus 1004 and is used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 1002 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 1001, it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0402] In another possible implementation, the memory 1001 can also be integrated with the processor 1002.

[0403] Bus 1004 can be an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 1004 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 10 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0404] Through the above description of the implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the equipment or device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0405] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be any of the foregoing embodiments or memory. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device for the above-described device or apparatus, such as a plug-in hard drive, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the above-described device or apparatus. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the above-described device or apparatus. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above-described computer program and other programs and data required by the above-described device or apparatus. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0406] This disclosure also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0407] Although this disclosure has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims in carrying out the claimed disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce a good effect.

[0408] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and are to be considered as covering any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this disclosure. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Thus, this disclosure is also intended to include any such modifications and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents.

[0409] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first node, the method includes: Receive a multi-access point configuration message; wherein the multi-access point configuration message includes configuration information for multiple access points; Receive a multi-access point activation indication message, which indicates at least one access point is activated among the plurality of access points during the initial access process or handover process.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The access point includes at least one of the following: Cell, carrier, Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), network node used to provide air interface or physical layer resources.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-access point configuration message is a broadcast system message.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The receiving of the multi-access point configuration message includes: Receive a set of system messages sent through one of the access points, the set of system messages including system messages from the plurality of access points.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multiple access points are associated with the same reference signal configuration or a set of reference signal configurations, and the random access channel / resource configurations of the multiple access points are different; or, The multiple access points are associated with the same reference signal configuration or are associated with a set of reference signal configurations, and the multiple access points are associated with the same random access channel / resource configuration or are associated with a set of random access channel / resource configurations.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The receiving of multi-access point configuration messages includes at least one of the following: Receive general system messages sent through the anchor access point among the plurality of access points or the access point where the first node resides; Receive differential system messages sent through access points other than the anchor access point or the access point where the first node resides.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The general system message includes at least one of the following: Common cell or carrier or TRP identifiers, common reference signal configuration information, common measurement configuration information, common random access channel / resource configuration information; and / or, The differential system message includes at least one of the following: Cell, carrier or TRP dedicated configuration information, physical layer related configuration information, measurement configuration information.

8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The system message also includes a dedicated random access channel / resource configuration for supporting multi-access point operation; the dedicated random access channel / resource configuration includes a dedicated random access preamble and / or random access channel time / frequency domain resources.

9. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The system message also includes at least one of the following: Indication information used to indicate whether the access point supports multi-access point operation during the initial access process; Information used to indicate the supported multi-access point operation types.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-access point configuration message is transmitted via radio resource control signaling.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The radio resource control signaling is used to instruct the first node not to release the stored multi-access point configuration information when entering an idle state or an inactive state.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The radio resource control signaling is also used to instruct the first node to perform measurements on some of the plurality of access points when entering an idle or inactive state.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The radio resource control signaling is also used to instruct the first node to measure the plurality of access points or a portion of the plurality of access points within a first time period and / or a preset area.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the multi-access point activation indication message, the method further includes: Initiate a random access procedure using dedicated random access channel resources.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the multi-access point activation indication message, the method further includes at least one of the following: Send a first indication message, which is used to indicate that the first node supports multi-access point operation during the initial access process and / or the type of multi-access point operation supported by the first node; Send a second indication message, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the reason for the first node to initiate random access, the type of service that triggered the random access, and the type of the first node; Send a third indication message, which indicates that the measurement result is available, and the measurement result includes at least one of layer 1 measurement result, layer 3 measurement result, and channel state information measurement result.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, At least one of the first indication information, the second indication information, or the third indication information is sent via the third or fifth message in the random access procedure.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The measurement results are sent via the third or fifth message in the random access procedure, and the measurement results include at least one of the following: Layer 1 measurement results, Layer 3 measurement results, and channel state information measurement results.

18. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-access point activation indication message is received via the second or fourth message in the random access procedure.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The multi-access point activation indication message is also used to indicate the primary access point and / or secondary access point among the at least one access point.

20. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Activate at least one access point according to the multi-access point activation instruction message.

21. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving of the multi-access point activation indication message includes at least one of the following: Receive the second message in the random access procedure from multiple access points; The multi-access point activation indication message is identified among multiple second messages.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the signal strength of multiple second messages, determine the primary access point and / or secondary access point.

23. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Identify the access point to be activated; If the determined access point to be activated is the same as the access point indicated by the received multi-access point activation indication message, then access is confirmed to be successful; or, If the determined access point to be activated is different from the access point indicated by the received multi-access point activation indication message, the access is determined to have failed.

24. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fourth indication message, which is used to indicate that the primary access point and the secondary access point among the at least one access point exchange identities, so that the primary access point becomes the new secondary access point and the secondary access point becomes the new primary access point.

25. A wireless communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the second node, the method includes: Send a multi-access point configuration message; wherein the multi-access point configuration message includes configuration information for multiple access points; Send a multi-access point activation indication message, which is used to indicate at least one access point activated among the plurality of access points during the initial access process or handover process.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The access point includes at least one of the following: Cell, carrier, TRP, network node used to provide air interface or physical layer resources.

27. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The multi-access point configuration message is a broadcast system message.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The system message also includes at least one of the following: Dedicated random access channel / resource configuration for supporting multi-access point operation; Indication information used to indicate whether each access point supports multi-access point operations during the initial access process; Information used to indicate the supported multi-access point operation types.

29. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, Before sending the multi-access point activation indication message, the method further includes at least one of the following: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first node supports multi-access point operation during the initial access process, and / or the type of multi-access point operation supported by the first node; Receive second indication information, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the reason for the first node to initiate random access, the type of service that triggers random access, and the type of the first node; Receive third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate that the measurement result is available, the measurement result including at least one of layer 1 measurement result, layer 3 measurement result, and channel state information measurement result.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Memory and processor; Memory and processor are coupled; The memory is used to store instructions that can be executed by the processor; When the processor executes the instructions, it performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

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