Mode change for uplink transmission based on best antenna selection

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to mode change for uplink transmission based on best antenna selection. A method includes determining a best antenna selection (BAS) based on at least one measurement of a reference signal received from a second apparatus, determining an antenna configuration based on the BAS, determining whether a mode change for uplink transmission is needed under the antenna configuration based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration, and in accordance with a determination that the mode change is needed, sending an indication to the second apparatus indicating the mode change and the antenna configuration.

Description

[0001] Related applications This application claims priority to EP application No. 25164971.1, filed on March 20, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and more specifically to methods, apparatuses, devices, and computer-readable storage media for mode changing of uplink transmission based on optimal antenna selection (BAS). Background Technology

[0003] The intent of uplink transmission (TX) switching is to enable the sharing of a single TX chain between frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) bands, and then to enable the use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) rank 2 in the TDD band. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to: determine an optimal antenna selection (BAS) based on at least one measurement of a reference signal received from a second apparatus; determine an antenna configuration based on the BAS; determine whether a mode change for uplink transmission is required under the antenna configuration based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration; and, if a mode change is determined to be required, send an instruction to the second apparatus indicating the mode change and the antenna configuration.

[0005] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to: receive from a first apparatus an instruction indicating an antenna configuration and a mode change associated with the antenna configuration for uplink transmission; determine, based on the instruction, whether a mode change should be applied, considering at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration; and, upon determining that a mode change should be applied, send a request for the mode change to the first apparatus.

[0006] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining an optimal antenna selection (BAS) based on at least one measurement of a reference signal received from a second device; determining an antenna configuration based on the BAS; determining whether a mode change for uplink transmission is required under the antenna configuration based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration; and sending an indication of the mode change and the antenna configuration to the second device if a mode change is determined to be required.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving from a first device an indication of an antenna configuration and an indication of a mode change for uplink transmission associated with the antenna configuration; determining, based on the indication, whether a mode change should be applied, considering at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration; and sending a request for the mode change to the first device, based on the determination that the mode change should be applied.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: components for determining an optimal antenna selection (BAS) based on at least one measurement of a reference signal received from a second apparatus; components for determining an antenna configuration based on the BAS; components for determining whether a mode change for uplink transmission is required under the antenna configuration based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration; and components for sending an indication of mode change and antenna configuration to the second apparatus if a mode change is determined to be required.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: components for receiving from a first apparatus an indication of an antenna configuration and an indication of a mode change for uplink transmission associated with the antenna configuration; components for determining, based on the indication and considering at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration, whether a mode change should be applied; and components for sending a request for a mode change to the first apparatus based on the determination that a mode change should be applied.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to a third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 2 An example of a UE with four antennas is shown; Figure 3 Signaling diagrams for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 4 Examples of possible pattern changes (i.e., transformations) in BAS evaluation based on patterns according to some example embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 5 Examples of UE radio frequency (RF) portions having two identical antennas and RX / TX paths supporting two frequency bands are shown according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 Signaling diagrams for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 7 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 12 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to help those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure, without implying any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0016] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0017] References to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is to be noted that those skilled in the art will recognize, whether explicitly described or not, that such features, structures, or characteristics apply in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0018] It should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used before names (or similar designations) to describe various elements herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and they do not restrict the order of the nouns (or similar designations). For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0019] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, wherein the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0020] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the action “in response to A” does not indicate that the action is performed immediately after “A” occurs and may include one or more intervention steps.

[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “possessing,” “containing,” and / or “covering,” as used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0022] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implemented with purely analog and / or digital circuits) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable the first device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and (c) The operation requires software (e.g., firmware) for the operation of (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or parts thereof, but the software may be absent when operation does not require the software.

[0023] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors), or portions of hardware circuitry or servers and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, where applicable to certain claim elements, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0024] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), 5.5G, sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or under development protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement this disclosure will inevitably emerge. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to the systems described above.

[0025] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communications network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as femtoseconds, picoseconds, non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment), low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, spacecraft network equipment, etc.). In some example embodiments, the Radio Access Network (RAN) separation architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at the IAB donor node. The IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves similarly to a UE toward its parent node, and the DU portion of the IAB node behaves similarly to a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0026] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device with wireless communication capabilities. By way of example and not limitation, terminal device may also refer to communication equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image acquisition terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. Terminal equipment may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment," "communication equipment," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device, including resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, or any other combination of time-domain, frequency-domain, spatial-domain, and / or code-domain resources used to implement communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in both the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0028] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 may include a first device 110, which may be, for example, a terminal device. In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device may also be discussed as a UE.

[0029] The communication network 100 may also include a second device 120, which may be, for example, a network device. In some example embodiments, the network device may be discussed as a BS, gNB, or eNB.

[0030] In some other scenarios, the second device 120 may also be referred to as a network entity or network function (NF) in the core network (CN), which may be responsible for a certain network function.

[0031] The service area provided by the first device 110 is referred to as cell 102. The second device 120 can communicate with the first device 110 within cell 102. The cell currently serving the second device 120 can be considered the serving cell.

[0032] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0033] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of network devices and terminal devices shown is given for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation. The communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices.

[0034] Communication in communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0035] To share a single TX chain between FDD and TDD bands, and then also be able to use MIMO rank 2 in the TDD band, two options can be considered: switched UL, which means the UE cannot transmit on both carriers simultaneously, and dual UL, which means the UE can transmit on both carriers simultaneously.

[0036] The UE can even report "two" options. For each case, consider either the transmitter chain is not shared or it is shared between the two.

[0037] Assuming UL2 is a TDD band, and UL1 for Rel-16 is FDD, and can also be a TDD band from Rel-17 onwards, then the following configuration possibilities exist:

[0038] If the tables listed above are split into two separate tables—one for handover UL UEs that cannot transmit on both uplinks simultaneously, and the other for dual UL UEs that can transmit on both uplinks simultaneously—the transmitter chain mapping can indicate how the two transmit chains are mapped to the two uplink carriers. The antenna port mapping can indicate what transmission configurations are possible given a transmit chain mapping; for a given transmit chain configuration, no transmission (OP), 1-port transmission (1P), or 2-port transmission (2P) on each of the two uplinks would look like this:

[0039]

[0040] Additional extensions to these capabilities have been added, allowing the UE to indicate the need for uplink handover even when configured with carrier aggregation having more than two uplink carriers (e.g., three and four). In this case, the UE will report the capability to handover on UL or dual UL in the specific affected frequency band combination, which is then inherited in the capability interpretation for three or four uplink frequency bands. That is, assuming the UE needs uplink handover for two frequency bands, it may also need to perform uplink handover for those two frequency bands in a frequency band combination with one or two additional frequency bands.

[0041] The UE can perform handover according to the downlink control information (DCI) scheduling instruction, and does not expect to be able to do so from the handover time. 0 to Internal change decision. When a UE is scheduled or configured to be scheduled, it is expected to transmit in the uplink, and therefore handover may occur due to the following reasons: Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), Aperiodic Sound Reference Signal (A-SRS), Periodic Sound Reference Signal (P-SRS) (Radio Resource Control (RRC)), Configuration Grant (CG) (Type 1 and Type 2 (RRC)), and Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) for all types of uplink control information (UCI) (Scheduling Request (SR), Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request-Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK), and Channel State Information (CSI) feedback). However, the introduction of denoted as The delay of (t_switch) is to ensure the UE's processing and switching time for PUSCH, therefore the total delay will be (t_switch) + PUSCH is prepared, and the same applies to SRS.

[0042] This also means that the gNB is responsible for ensuring that there are no conflicts between the configured frequency bands that require uplink transmission switching. This can impose a considerable management burden on the gNB, for example, because when allocating the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), it needs to ensure that the PUCCH does not fall into an unwanted cell, and the same applies when it comes to SRS periodic selection or allocation.

[0043] Avoiding unnecessary switching can also make it feasible to improve spectral efficiency and minimize switching gaps (i.e., forced silence duration).

[0044] The UE can report a requirement of 35μs, 140μs, or 210μs from the start of the handover for each frequency band combination requiring uplink TX handover. It can independently indicate the handover time between 1-transmission chain handover and 2-transmission chain handover. However, even for handovers between 2 and 1 transmission chains on a carrier, it is not possible to indicate a handover duration of 0ms.

[0045] The uplink TX handover in 5G NR is based on the following principle: the timing of UE handover is defined by the scheduling on the cell involved, and the UE behavior when the UE needs to perform uplink TX handover is defined in detail.

[0046] This means that the UE is in a situation where it must perform an uplink TX handover to follow the scheduled or expected use of uplink physical channels and reference signals, which include PUSCH, PUCCH (all UCI types), CG, SRS, and physical random access channel (PRACH).

[0047] The goal of UL TX handover from the outset has been to utilize the TDD band as much as possible when a shared set of TX ports is available. This means that when the TDD band is in DL mode, the TX port is switched to another band that allows UL activity. This contrasts with “full” UL carrier aggregation (CA): “full” UL carrier aggregation (CA) requires the UE to have two completely independent transmit links (dual-band UL CA) to be able to transmit simultaneously on two uplink bands.

[0048] A UE can include multiple antennas and transmit paths for the same frequency band. This can be effective for both frequency range 1 (FR1) and frequency range 2 (FR2), and it is assumed that the same applies to frequency range 3 (FR3). The reason for setting up multiple antennas and transmit paths for the same frequency band is to support MIMO, and as a secondary option, to select the optimal antenna configuration for receive and transmit quality, thereby improving link budget or UE power consumption. The algorithm used to select the optimal antenna is called Optimal Antenna Selection (BAS).

[0049] Figure 2An example of a UE 210 with four antennas is shown. The UL transmission in Configuration A shows two frequency bands 212, 214 being transmitted on different antennas 202, 204, and can be used as a 2TX CA scenario or a TXUL handover with t_switch time = 0 (i.e., the UE 210 does not require any gap between the end of a transmission on one uplink and the start of a transmission on another uplink). TX UL handover with t_switch time = 0 provides the network with the benefit of optimized time and bandwidth usage (less handover time) and the benefit of scheduling devices on the most efficient frequency bands based on the current network utilization.

[0050] When the BAS determines that the optimal antenna for both bands 232 and 234 is antenna 202 on top of UE 210 as shown in Configuration B, two simultaneous UL TXs are no longer possible, but TX UL handover can be used to continue operating on both bands on the same (optimal) antenna. In this case, the UE may not be able to support 2TX CA and will need to fall back to UL TX handover because both bands use the same antenna path. The handover time (t_switch) between bands 232 and 234 may also change because the path is shared, which was not the case in Configuration A, and the UE may need a non-zero time between the end of a transmission on one uplink (e.g., on band 234) and the start of a transmission on the other uplink (e.g., on band 232) to reconfigure the transmission path to transmit on the other frequency.

[0051] Therefore, we will discuss how to ensure optimal continuous performance for the selected scenario by taking into account the proposed functional changes and BAS. This includes considering the following factors: if the UE continues to have UL TX handover support for both antenna configurations, then if a long handover time is the typically selected time, the change in t_switch time from one antenna configuration to another may lead to inadequate performance.

[0052] This disclosure proposes a mechanism for mode change for uplink transmission based on a BAS. In this solution, a first device receives a request to update at least one capability of the first device for an antenna configuration associated with the BAS, as evaluated by a second device. Based on the request, the first device then transmits information to the second device indicating whether the at least one capability is supported for updating by the first device. The second device determines a mode change associated with the uplink transmission based on this information and instructs the first device to perform the mode change. The first device then applies the mode change indicated by the second device to the uplink transmission.

[0053] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Now for reference Figure 3 This illustrates signaling diagram 300 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, signaling diagram 300 relates to first device 110, gNB 130, and AMF 140. For discussion purposes, reference is made to... Figure 1 To describe signaling diagram 300. Note that... Figure 3 The order of actions / steps shown is for illustrative purposes only and not a limitation.

[0055] exist Figure 3 In this scenario, both gNB 130 (i.e., the RAN node) and AMF 140 (i.e., the CN entity) can be considered as the second device 120 in this disclosure. It should be understood that at least some of the actions performed by gNB 130 can also be performed by AMF 140, and vice versa.

[0056] Alternatively, the first device 110 may transmit network measurements (e.g., SRS) on all available antenna paths to determine the optimal antenna configuration. The network can then use the optimal antenna evaluation output as a metric for decision-making (other metrics could be, for example, total carrier load and expected traffic from the UE in question) to determine the antenna configuration to be used by the first device 110. After determination, the network instructs the first device 110 to operate with the selected antenna configuration.

[0057] Furthermore, the network (NW) can request capability updates for configurations that are not currently activated. Therefore, capabilities for optional antenna configurations are evaluated before activation, thus preventing degradation.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, during UL TX handover scheduling, gNB 130 can send (302) a request for UL reference signal transmission. Then, first device 110 can transmit (304) the UL reference signal (e.g., SRS) on all available antennas / paths of first device 110. gNB 130 can then perform at least one measurement on the UL reference signal, for example, by measuring the received power level for each UL path, and forward the measurement results (306) to AMF 140.

[0059] Then, AMF 140 can evaluate (308) BAS for the current frequency band configuration of the first device 110 based on the measurement results.

[0060] When determining the BAS, the AMF 140 can determine the antenna configuration corresponding to the BAS and can send (310) via the gNB 130 a request to update at least one capability of the first device 110 for the antenna configuration associated with the BAS evaluated by the AMF 140. For example, the request may indicate the antenna configuration associated with the BAS and at least one possible mode to be supported taking into account the antenna configuration.

[0061] The aforementioned mode can be referred to as a mode for uplink transmission associated with a specific antenna configuration to be applied. For example, this mode may include, but is not limited to, uplink CA, uplink TX switching, or MIMO.

[0062] Then, the first device 110 can report (312) information to the AMF 140 via the gNB 130 indicating whether at least one capability is supported by the first device 110 for updating.

[0063] For example, based on at least one possible mode indicated in the request, the first device 110 may indicate whether the CA configuration for the uplink CA, the MIMO configuration for the uplink, and / or the uplink transmission handover is supported by the first device 110.

[0064] Additionally, the first device 110 may also indicate in the information one or more available frequency bands supported by the first device and the switching time associated with the antenna configuration.

[0065] Upon receiving information, AMF 140 can evaluate (316) whether a mode change should be applied at the first device 110 based on the antenna configuration corresponding to the BAS.

[0066] For example, if the first device 110 indicates that at least one possible mode indicated in the request is supported by the first device, the AMF 140 can assess whether to apply a mode change based on network load. If the network load meets a threshold level, the AMF 140 can determine whether to apply a mode change.

[0067] As another example, if the first device 110 indicates that at least one possible mode indicated in the request is supported by the first device, the AMF 140 can assess whether the expected handover time and the mode to be switched to are permitted based on network load and network performance. If the expected handover time and the mode to be switched to are permitted, the AMF 140 can determine to apply the mode change. The goal of the assessment is to ensure that the required network throughput is maintained.

[0068] If AMF 140 determines that a mode change should be applied, AMF 140 may send (318) an instruction for the mode change to the first device 110 via gNB 130, and the first device 110 may perform the mode change based on the instruction and apply the new mode (320) to the uplink transmission.

[0069] It should be understood that BAS can also be evaluated by gNB 130. Furthermore, gNB 130 can also evaluate whether to apply a mode change upon receiving information indicating whether at least one capability is supported for updating by the first device 110, for example, if AMF 140 can provide gNB 130 with network load status. (Reference) Figure 3 The described process can be considered an example of this solution.

[0070] Typically, the indication of mode change received by the first device 110 from the NW can instruct the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission. As described above, this mode may include at least one of uplink CA, MIMO, or uplink TX switching.

[0071] The following will be referred to: Figures 4 to 5 The above-mentioned pattern change will be described in further detail. Figure 4 Examples of possible mode changes (i.e., transitions) based on BAS evaluation between modes A, B, and C are shown.

[0072] During the transition between Mode A and Mode B, the transition between 2 TXCA and TX UL can be performed with a handover time greater than 0. A transition may occur if the BAS determines that the optimal antenna for both bands no longer comes from a separate antenna path but is to be combined in the same antenna. This could happen during movement or if a user places their hand on one antenna, potentially introducing additional loss to the connection through the affected antenna. Bands can share a portion of the transmit path and antenna. Sharing the transmit path can result in handover timing and necessitates a degrade from full TX CA transmission to UL TX handover functionality.

[0073] During the transition between Mode B and Mode C, when the active frequency band changes from the same antenna path to a separate antenna path, a transition between a Tx UL handover with a handover time > 0 and a Tx UL handover with a handover time = 0 can occur.

[0074] During the transition between Mode A and Mode C, the transition between UL TX CA and TX UL handover with handover time = 0 can be based on the mode requested by the NW. The first device 110 can have the same HW configuration for both states and can support both CA and UL Tx handovers. In this case, the transition between modes can be non-based on BAS.

[0075] Figure 5 An example of the UE radio frequency (RF) portion with two identical antennas and RX / TX paths supporting two frequency bands is shown, illustrating how the framework for the mode and handover time should be updated for the active constellation when the UE is configured to utilize uplink TX handover or UL CA and the BAS can change the selected TX path at runtime.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, in the case of UL TX carrier handover utilizing TDD band "path ②" and FDD band "path ①", both bands are on antenna 1. In this case, the bands share the same antenna and the same baseband processing chain. For this setup, the mode can be TX UL handover with handover time > 0. If TDD band "path ②" and FDD band "path ③" on antenna 1 are moved to antenna 2 (changing to use "path ③"), the mode can be UL CA or Tx UL handover with handover time = 0.

[0077] In this scenario, possible modes based on antenna path combinations may include: ①+②=Tx switching (T_switch>0), ③+④=Tx switching (T_switch>0), ①+④=CA or Tx switching (T_switch=0), ②+③=CA or Tx switching (T_switch=0), ①+③=MIMO and ②+④=MIMO.

[0078] Alternatively, the first device 110 can perform the BAS procedure based on RX performance (e.g., measuring the path loss difference of the antenna path) and select the optimal mode based on network information (criteria for selecting a specific mode, e.g., the path loss difference exceeding a threshold). This selection can be based on optimized throughput, high modulation data rate, and network load at a specific frequency band. The first device 110 can then send an instruction to the network regarding the mode switching. (See reference...) Figure 6 Please describe this option further.

[0079] Now for reference Figure 6 This illustrates a signaling diagram 600 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 6 As shown, signaling diagram 600 relates to first device 110, gNB 130, and AMF 140. For discussion purposes, reference is made to... Figure 1 To describe signaling diagram 600. Note that... Figure 6 The order of actions / steps shown is for illustrative purposes only and not a limitation.

[0080] exist Figure 6In this scenario, both gNB 130 (i.e., the RAN node) and AMF 140 (i.e., the CN entity) can be considered as the second device 120 in this disclosure. It should be understood that at least some of the actions performed by gNB 130 can also be performed by AMF 140, and vice versa.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the first device 110 can receive (606) at least one DL transmission from the gNB 130 and perform RX measurements based on the at least one DL transmission. For example, the first device 110 can perform level measurements (such as RSRP / RSRQ) on all available antennas for a BAS algorithm. Upon obtaining the measurement results (e.g., the measured RX level), the first device 110 can evaluate the BAS based on the measurement results.

[0082] As another example, in addition to the measurement results, the first device 110 can evaluate the BAS based on a priority list for BAS selection that can be provided by the NW.

[0083] For example, the first device 110 may send (601) a request for a priority list for BAS selection to the AMF 140 via the gNB 130. The AMF 140 may evaluate (602) priorities based on network utilization requirements.

[0084] As an example, the NW can set a priority list for BAS selection at the first device 110. The priority list can be based on the current network utilization. For example, if there are high download requirements for the network, from the network perspective, priority can be given to the use of the FDD UL band, thus allowing UL TX handover with FDD band priority to be selected. In other words, the priority list for BAS selection can indicate the preferred antenna configuration selected by the NW.

[0085] Then, AMF 140 can send (604) a priority indication for BAS selection to the first device 110, for example, indicating a priority list for BAS selection, and the first device 110 can evaluate (608) BAS based on the measurement results and the priority indication for BAS selection.

[0086] Based on the evaluation of the BAS, the first device 110 can determine the antenna configuration corresponding to the BAS, and determine whether a mode change for uplink transmission is required under the antenna configuration based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration.

[0087] For example, the first device 110 may assess whether the mode to be used for antenna configuration is supported by the first device. For example, as described herein, the mode referred to herein may be at least one of uplink CA, MIMO, and / or uplink transmission handover. Additionally or alternatively, the first device 110 may assess whether the change in handover time caused by antenna configuration is acceptable.

[0088] Furthermore, if the first device 110 obtains a priority list from the NW, the first device 110 can also evaluate whether the change in mode satisfies the preferred antenna configuration indicated by the NW in the priority list.

[0089] On the other hand, if the current antenna configuration is replaced by another antenna configuration corresponding to the BAS, the first device 110 can also assess whether this will result in a decrease in throughput at the NW and / or whether the decrease in throughput at the NW is within tolerable limits. Similarly, if the current antenna configuration is replaced by another antenna configuration corresponding to the BAS, the first device 110 can also assess whether to increase the throughput at the first device 110.

[0090] During at least one evaluation as described above, if the result of at least one evaluation satisfies the following, the first device 110 may determine that a mode change is required for uplink transmission: the mode to be used for antenna configuration is supported by the first device; the change in switching time is acceptable for uplink transmission; the throughput is acceptable when using antenna configuration, and / or the antenna configuration corresponds to the preferred antenna configuration indicated by NW.

[0091] If a mode change is required for uplink transmission, the first device 110 can send (610) an indication of mode change and antenna configuration to the AMF140 via the gNB 130.

[0092] Furthermore, the first device 110 can determine whether at least one updated capability (e.g., this could support CA, MIMO, and / or TX UL switching) is required to signal the new antenna configuration to the network. If so, the first device 110 can send (612) the at least one capability associated with the antenna configuration to be updated, along with the indication, to the AMF 140 via the gNB 130.

[0093] Upon receiving an indication of a mode change, the AMF 140 can evaluate (614) whether to apply the mode change. For example, the AMF 140 can also evaluate the performance of the current antenna configuration relative to the proposed new antenna configuration's BAS. For example, the evaluation can take into account the RSRP level (e.g., its decrease due to the use of the current antenna configuration).

[0094] Furthermore, if the current antenna configuration is replaced by a new antenna configuration, the AMF 140 can also assess whether to increase throughput. As another example, the AMF 140 can also assess whether network load / capacity supports a new mode.

[0095] If AMF 140 determines that a mode change should be applied at the first device 110, AMF 140 may send a (616) mode change request to the first device 110 via gNB 130, and the first device 110 may send a (618) mode change configuration to AMF based on the instruction and apply the new mode to (620) uplink transmission.

[0096] It should be understood that priority indication can also be determined and provided by gNB 130. Furthermore, gNB 130 can also evaluate whether to apply a mode change upon receiving an indication of mode change, for example, if AMF 140 can provide gNB 130 with network load status. (Reference) Figure 6 The described process can be considered an example of this solution.

[0097] Based on the above solutions, both the UE and NW can evaluate antenna configurations using BAS. For an antenna configuration determined by the NW, the capability for a new antenna configuration can be evaluated before activation, thus avoiding degradation. For an antenna configuration determined by the UE, the selection can be based on optimized throughput, high modulation data rates, and network load in a specific frequency band.

[0098] Furthermore, BAS algorithm mode selection can be based on multiple parameters, such as level (RSRP / RSRQ) and network priority. Network priority can be based on high DL utilization similar to actual load, thus favoring UL in the FDD band and prioritizing UL TX handover. On both the network and UE sides, low handover time can be preferred to avoid wasting data rates (due to gaps in transmission / reception).

[0099] The network can evaluate the performance of individual UEs based on the overall load of both uplink and downlink, and provide optimized performance for individual devices to improve overall network utilization.

[0100] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 700 is described by the angle of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0101] In block 710, the first device receives from the second device a request to update at least one capability of the first device for an antenna configuration associated with the best antenna selection (BAS) evaluated by the second device.

[0102] In box 720, the first device sends information to the second device based on a request, indicating whether the first device supports updating at least one capability.

[0103] In block 730, the first device receives from the second device an indication based on information and indicating a mode change associated with uplink transmission.

[0104] In box 740, the first device applies a mode change to the uplink transmission based on the instruction.

[0105] In some example embodiments, method 700 further includes: performing a reference signal transmission to a second device via a plurality of available transmission antennas of the first device.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the information indicates at least one of the following: whether a CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) is supported by the first device; whether a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration for uplink is supported by the first device; whether one or more available frequency bands are supported by the first device; whether uplink transmission handover is supported by the first device; or handover time associated with antenna configuration.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the request indicates at least one of the following: taking into account at least one possible mode of antenna configuration to be supported; or antenna configuration.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the mode change instructs the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission, wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: uplink CA; MIMO; or uplink transmission switching.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0110] Figure 8 A flowchart of an example method 800 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 800 is described by the angle of the second device 120 in the middle.

[0111] In box 810, the second device determines the antenna configuration associated with the evaluation of the optimal antenna selection (BAS).

[0112] At box 820, the second device sends a request to the first device to update at least one capability of the first device for an antenna configuration associated with the BAS. In box 830, the second device receives information from the first device indicating support for updating at least one capability.

[0113] In box 840, the second device determines, based on information, the mode change that needs to be associated with the uplink transmission.

[0114] In frame 850, the second device sends an instruction to the first device indicating a change in the instruction mode.

[0115] In some example embodiments, method 800 further includes: receiving a reference signal transmission from the first device via a plurality of available transmission antennas of the first device; and performing an evaluation of the BAS based on measurements of the received reference signal transmission.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the request indicates at least one of the following: taking into account at least one possible mode of antenna configuration to be supported, or antenna configuration.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the information indicates at least one of the following: whether a CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) is supported by the first device; whether a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration for uplink is supported by the first device; whether one or more available frequency bands are supported by the first device; whether uplink transmission handover is supported by the first device; or handover time associated with antenna configuration.

[0118] In some example embodiments, method 800 further includes: determining that a mode change associated with uplink transmission is available based on information-based determination that the first device supports updating at least one capability associated with antenna configuration and that network load meets a threshold level.

[0119] In some example embodiments, method 800 further includes: determining, based on information, that the first device supports updating at least one capability associated with the antenna configuration; assessing, based on network load and network performance, whether the expected handover time and the mode to be switched to are permitted; and determining, based on determining that the expected handover time and the mode are permitted, that a mode change associated with uplink transmission is available.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the mode change instructs the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission, wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: uplink CA; MIMO; or uplink transmission switching.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0122] Figure 9 A flowchart of an example method 900 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 The method 900 is described by the angle of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0123] In block 910, the first device determines the optimal antenna selection (BAS) based on at least one measurement of a reference signal received from the second device.

[0124] At frame 920, the first device determines the antenna configuration based on BAS.

[0125] In block 930, the first device determines, based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration, whether a mode change for uplink transmission is required under the antenna configuration.

[0126] In box 940, based on the determination that a mode change is required, in box 950, the first device sends an instruction to the second device indicating the mode change and antenna configuration.

[0127] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes: receiving from a second device a priority indication for a BAS determined based on network utilization requirements; determining a quality level of a reference signal received on a plurality of available receiving antennas based on at least one measurement; and determining the BAS based on the priority indication and the quality level.

[0128] In some example embodiments, at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration includes at least one of the following: whether the mode to be used for the antenna configuration is supported by the first device, the change in switching time caused by the antenna configuration, the impact on throughput caused by the antenna configuration, or whether the antenna configuration corresponds to the preferred antenna configuration indicated by the priority indication for BAS.

[0129] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes determining, based on the determination that at least one of the following conditions is met, a mode change for uplink transmission is required: the mode to be used for antenna configuration is supported by a first device; the change in switching time is acceptable for uplink transmission; the throughput is acceptable by using the antenna configuration; or the antenna configuration corresponds to a preferred antenna configuration.

[0130] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes sending, along with an instruction, at least one capability associated with the antenna configuration that needs to be updated to the second device.

[0131] In some example embodiments, at least one capability to be updated includes: CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) supported by the first device; multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration for uplink supported by the first device; one or more available frequency bands supported by the first device; uplink transmission handover supported by the first device; or handover time associated with antenna configuration.

[0132] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes: applying uplink transmission switching or uplink CA to the uplink transmission based on determining that a mode change request has been received from the second device.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the mode change instructs the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission, wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: uplink CA; MIMO; or uplink transmission switching.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0135] Figure 10 A flowchart of an example method 1000 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 1000 is described by the angle of the second device 120 in the middle.

[0136] In block 1010, the second device 120 receives from the first device an indication of antenna configuration and an indication of a mode change for uplink transmission associated with the antenna configuration.

[0137] In block 1020, the second device 120 determines whether a mode change should be applied based on an instruction and considering at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration.

[0138] In box 1030, based on the determination of the mode change to be applied, in box 1040, the second device 120 sends a request for the mode change to the first device.

[0139] In some example embodiments, method 1000 further includes: generating a priority indication for BAS based on network utilization requirements; and sending the priority indication to the first device.

[0140] In some example embodiments, method 1000 further includes receiving, together with an instruction, at least one capability associated with the antenna configuration and to be updated from the first device.

[0141] In some example embodiments, at least one capability to be updated includes: CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) being supported by the first device; one or more available frequency bands being supported by the first device; uplink transmission handover being supported by the first device; or handover time associated with antenna configuration.

[0142] In some example embodiments, method 1000 further includes: performing at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration based on the indication and at least one capability to be updated, the at least one evaluation including at least one of the following: the impact on the quality level of a reference signal received from the first device, whether the mode to be used for the antenna configuration is supported by the first device, the impact on throughput caused by the antenna configuration; and determining, based on the result of the at least one evaluation, that a mode change should be applied.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the request for a mode change indicates whether an uplink transmission switch or uplink carrier aggregation (CA) is to be applied to the uplink transmission.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the mode change instructs the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission, wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: uplink CA; MIMO; or uplink transmission switching.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0146] In some example embodiments, any of the first means of method 700 can be performed (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 700. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the first device includes: means for receiving from a second device a request to update at least one capability of the first device for an antenna configuration associated with a best antenna selection (BAS) evaluated by the second device; means for sending to the second device, based on the request, information indicating whether the first device supports updating the at least one capability; means for receiving from the second device, based on the information, an indication of a mode change associated with uplink transmission; and means for applying the mode change to the uplink transmission based on the indication.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes a component for performing a reference signal transmission to the second device via a plurality of available transmission antennas of the first device.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the information indicates at least one of the following: whether a CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) is supported by the first device; whether a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration for uplink is supported by the first device; whether one or more available frequency bands are supported by the first device; whether uplink transmission handover is supported by the first device; or handover time associated with antenna configuration.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the request indicates at least one of the following: taking into account at least one possible mode of antenna configuration to be supported, or antenna configuration.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the mode change instructs the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission, wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: uplink CA; MIMO; or uplink transmission switching.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0153] In some example embodiments, any of the second means of method 800 can be performed (e.g., Figure 1 The second device 120 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 800. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 The second device 120 in the middle.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: components for determining an antenna configuration associated with an evaluation of Optimal Antenna Selection (BAS); components for sending a request to the first device to update at least one capability of the first device for the antenna configuration associated with the BAS; components for receiving information from the first device indicating support for updating at least one capability; components for determining, based on the information, a mode change required to be associated with uplink transmission; and components for sending an indication of the mode change to the first device.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes: components for receiving reference signal transmissions from the first device via a plurality of available transmission antennas of the first device; and components for performing an evaluation of the BAS based on measurements of the received reference signal transmissions.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the request indicates at least one of the following: taking into account at least one possible mode of antenna configuration to be supported, or antenna configuration.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the information indicates at least one of the following: whether a CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) is supported by the first device; whether a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration for uplink is supported by the first device; whether one or more available frequency bands are supported by the first device; whether uplink transmission handover is supported by the first device; or handover time associated with antenna configuration.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes a component for determining, based on information determining that the first device supports updating at least one capability associated with the antenna configuration and that the network load meets a threshold level, that a mode change associated with uplink transmission is available.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: components for determining, based on information, whether the expected handover time and the mode to be switched to are permitted based on network load and network performance; and components for determining, based on the determination of the expected handover time and the permission of the mode to be used, whether a mode change associated with uplink transmission is available.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the mode change instructs the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission, wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: uplink CA; MIMO; or uplink transmission switching.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0162] In some example embodiments, any of the first means of method 900 can be performed (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 900. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the first device includes: components for determining an optimal antenna selection (BAS) based on at least one measurement of a reference signal received from the second device; components for determining an antenna configuration based on the BAS; components for determining whether a mode change for uplink transmission is required under the antenna configuration based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration; and components for sending an indication of mode change and antenna configuration to the second device if a mode change is determined to be required.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: components for receiving from the second device a priority indication for the BAS determined based on network utilization requirements; components for determining the quality level of a reference signal received on a plurality of available receiving antennas based on at least one measurement; and components for determining the BAS based on the priority indication and the quality level.

[0165] In some example embodiments, at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration includes at least one of the following: whether the mode to be used for the antenna configuration is supported by the first device; the change in switching time caused by the antenna configuration; the impact on throughput caused by the antenna configuration; or whether the antenna configuration corresponds to the preferred antenna configuration indicated by the priority indication for BAS.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: a component for determining, based on determining that at least one of the following conditions is met, that a mode change for uplink transmission is required: the mode to be used for antenna configuration is supported by the first device; the change in switching time is acceptable for uplink transmission; the throughput is acceptable by using the antenna configuration; or the antenna configuration corresponds to a preferred antenna configuration.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes a component for transmitting, together with an instruction, at least one capability associated with the antenna configuration that needs to be updated to the second device.

[0168] In some example embodiments, at least one capability to be updated includes: CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) supported by the first device; multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration for uplink supported by the first device; one or more available frequency bands supported by the first device; uplink transmission handover supported by the first device; or handover time associated with antenna configuration.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes a component for applying uplink transmission switching or uplink CA to the uplink transmission based on determining that a request for a mode change has been received from the second apparatus.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the mode change instructs the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission, wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: uplink CA; MIMO; or uplink transmission switching.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0172] In some example embodiments, any of the second means of method 1000 can be performed (e.g., Figure 1The second device 120 may include a component for performing a corresponding operation of method 1000. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 The second device 120 in the middle.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: components for receiving from the first device an indication of antenna configuration and an indication of a mode change for uplink transmission associated with the antenna configuration; components for determining whether a mode change should be applied based on the indication and at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration; and components for sending a request for the mode change to the first device based on the determination that the mode change should be applied.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes: components for generating a priority indication for the optimal antenna selection BAS based on network utilization requirements; and components for sending the priority indication to the first device.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes a component for receiving, together with an indication, at least one capability associated with the antenna configuration and to be updated from the first device.

[0176] In some example embodiments, at least one capability to be updated includes: CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) supported by the first device; one or more available frequency bands supported by the first device; uplink transmission handover supported by the first device; or handover time associated with antenna configuration.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes: components for performing at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration based on an indication and at least one capability to be updated, the at least one evaluation including at least one of the following: the impact on the quality level of a reference signal received from the first device, whether the mode to be used for the antenna configuration is supported by the first device, the impact on throughput caused by the antenna configuration; and components for determining, based on the result of the at least one evaluation, that a mode change should be applied.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the request for a mode change indicates whether an uplink transmission switch or uplink carrier aggregation (CA) is to be applied to the uplink transmission.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the mode change instructs the first device to switch to a mode for uplink transmission, wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: uplink CA, MIMO, or uplink transmission switching.

[0180] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0181] Figure 11 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 1100 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1100 can be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1 The first device 110 or the second device 120 shown. As shown, device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110, one or more memories 1120 coupled to processor 1110, and one or more communication modules 1140 coupled to processor 1110.

[0182] Communication module 1140 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 1140 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, communication module 1140 may include at least one antenna.

[0183] As a non-limiting example, processor 1110 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1100 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0184] Memory 1120 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1124, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1122 and other volatile memories that will not be maintained during power outages.

[0185] Computer program 1130 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 1110. The instructions of program 1130 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 1130 may be stored in memory (e.g., ROM 1124). Processor 1110 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1130 into RAM 1122.

[0186] Example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by means of program 1130, enabling device 1100 to perform as described in the reference. Figures 2 to 10Any process discussed in this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0187] In some example embodiments, program 1130 may be tangibly included in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 1100 (such as in memory 1120) or in other storage devices accessible by device 1100. Device 1100 may load program 1130 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1122 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation of the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0188] Figure 12 An example of a computer-readable medium 1200 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. The computer-readable medium 1200 has a program 1130 stored thereon.

[0189] In general, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, and others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0190] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any of the methods described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for a program module can execute within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0191] Program code for performing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be performed. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0192] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier wave to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carrier waves include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0193] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0194] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or requiring that all shown operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as a description of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated otherwise, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0195] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: The optimal antenna selection BAS is determined based on at least one measurement of the reference signal received from the second device; The antenna configuration is determined based on the BAS. Based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration, determine whether a mode change for uplink transmission is required under the antenna configuration; as well as Based on the determination that the mode change is required, an instruction indicating the mode change and the antenna configuration is sent to the second device.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to: Receive from the second device a priority indication for the BAS determined based on network utilization requirements; The quality level of the reference signal received on a plurality of available receiving antennas is determined based on the at least one measurement. as well as The BAS is determined based on the priority indication and the quality level.

3. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration includes at least one of the following: Whether the mode used for the antenna configuration is supported by the first device. The change in switching time caused by the antenna configuration, The impact on throughput caused by the antenna configuration, or Does the antenna configuration correspond to the preferred antenna configuration indicated by the priority indication for the BAS? 4. The first device according to claim 3, wherein the first device is configured to: The need for a mode change for the uplink transmission is determined based on whether the result of the at least one evaluation satisfies at least one of the following: The mode to be used for the antenna configuration is supported by the first device; The change in switching time is acceptable for the uplink transmission; With the antenna configuration used, the throughput is acceptable; or The antenna configuration corresponds to the preferred antenna configuration.

5. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to: Together with the instruction, at least one capability associated with the antenna configuration that needs to be updated is sent to the second device.

6. The first device of claim 5, wherein the at least one capability to be updated comprises: The CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) is supported by the first device. The multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration for the uplink is supported by the first device; One or more available frequency bands are supported by the first device. Uplink transmission switching is supported by the first device, or The switching time associated with the antenna configuration.

7. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the determination that a request for mode change has been received from the second device, an uplink transmission switch or uplink CA is applied to the uplink transmission.

8. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mode change instructs the first apparatus to switch to a mode for the uplink transmission, and wherein the mode includes at least one of the following: Uplink CA, MIMO, or Uplink transmission switching.

9. The first apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the uplink transmission switching refers to the process of switching uplink transmission from one uplink carrier to another uplink carrier.

10. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus includes a terminal device, and the second apparatus includes a network device.

11. A second means for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: Receives from the first device an indication of antenna configuration and an indication of a mode change for uplink transmission associated with the antenna configuration; Based on the indication, at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration is considered to determine whether the mode change should be applied; as well as Based on the determination that the mode change is to be applied, a request for the mode change is sent to the first device.

12. The second device according to claim 11, wherein the second device is configured to: Generate a priority indication for the optimal antenna selection BAS based on network utilization requirements; and Send the priority indication to the first device.

13. The second device according to claim 11, wherein the second device is configured to: Together with the instruction, receive from the first device at least one capability that is to be updated in relation to the antenna configuration.

14. The second device of claim 13, wherein the at least one capability to be updated comprises: The CA configuration for uplink carrier aggregation (CA) is supported by the first device. One or more available frequency bands are supported by the first device. Uplink transmission switching is supported by the first device, or The switching time associated with the antenna configuration.

15. A method for communication, comprising: The optimal antenna selection BAS is determined based on at least one measurement of the reference signal received from the second device; The antenna configuration is determined based on the BAS. Based on at least one evaluation associated with the antenna configuration, determine whether a mode change for uplink transmission is required under the antenna configuration; as well as Based on the determination that the mode change is required, an instruction indicating the mode change and the antenna configuration is sent to the second device.

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