Methods, apparatuses and computer programs

Abstract

A first apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving at least one indication from at least one transmission reception point, the at least one indication for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state; switching the at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the received at least one indication; and sending at least one indication to the at least one transmission reception point that the first apparatus has switched the at least one transmission configuration indicator state and can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method, apparatus, system, and computer program, and specifically, but not exclusively, to switching the state of a transport configuration indicator. Background Technology

[0002] A communication network can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices or provides communication devices with access to a data network. Mobile or wireless communication networks are an example of communication networks. Services can be provided to communication devices by an application server.

[0003] Such communication networks operate according to standards provided by, for example, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards provided by 3GPP are the so-called 3GPP standards for cellular technologies, such as the 3GPP standards for 4G technology and the 3GPP standards for 5G technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to limit its scope. Other features, aspects, and elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. For example, it should be understood that additional aspects may be provided by any combination of any two or more of the aspects described below.

[0005] According to one aspect, a first apparatus is provided, comprising components for: receiving at least one indication from at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication being used to switch at least one transmission configuration indicator state; switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the received at least one indication; and sending at least one indication to at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication being related to the first apparatus having switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and being available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state.

[0006] The at least one indication may include a first indication for switching from a first transport configuration indicator state to a second transport configuration indicator state, wherein the switching includes switching from the first transport configuration indicator state to the second transport configuration indicator state.

[0007] The at least one indication may further include a second indication for switching from a third transport configuration indicator state to a fourth transport configuration indicator state, wherein the switching further includes switching from the third transport configuration indicator state to the fourth transport configuration indicator state.

[0008] The first instruction and the second instruction can be received from the first transmission receiving point in separate instructions. The first instruction and the second instruction can be received from the first transmission receiving point in a combined instruction. The first instruction can be received from the first transmission receiving point, and the second instruction can also be received from the second transmission receiving point.

[0009] The first and second indications may be received from the first transmission receiving point in separate or combined indications, and the first and second transmission configuration indicator states may be one of the uplink transmission configuration indicator states and the downlink transmission configuration indicator states, and the third and fourth transmission configuration indicator states may be the other of the uplink transmission configuration indicator states and the downlink transmission configuration indicator states.

[0010] The first indication can be received from the first transmission receiving point, and the second indication can be received from the second transmission receiving point, wherein: the first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state can be uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state can be uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point; or the first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state can be downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state can be downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point.

[0011] Sending at least one indication to at least one transmission receiving point regarding that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state may include: sending a third indication to the first transmission receiving point regarding that the first device has switched from a first transmission configuration indicator state to a second transmission configuration indicator state and is available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the second transmission configuration indicator state; and sending a fourth indication to the second transmission receiving point regarding that the first device has switched from a third transmission configuration indicator state to a fourth transmission configuration indicator state and is available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

[0012] The second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be known to the first device or unknown to the first device, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be known when the first device has reported one or more measurements of reference signals associated with the second and / or fourth transmission configuration indicator states to the second device and the reference signals remain detectable to the first device.

[0013] The second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be an uplink transmission configuration indicator state and / or a combined downlink / uplink transmission configuration indicator state known to the first device, and may be associated with a path loss reference signal, wherein the measurement of the path loss reference signal may be maintained or not maintained by the first device.

[0014] Switching the state of at least one transport configuration indicator can be associated with the required time period within which the switch is to be completed.

[0015] Sending at least one indication may be performed before the expiration of a required time period, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and the at least one transmission configuration indicator state being switched may be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0016] At least one indication that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions can be included in the media access control control element or uplink control information.

[0017] Sending at least one indication may include: sending at least one indication after completing each of the at least one transmission configuration indicator state transitions; sending at least one indication after completing the last of the at least one transmission configuration indicator state transitions; sending at least one indication after completing an uplink transmission configuration indicator state transition; or sending at least one indication after completing a downlink transmission configuration indicator state transition.

[0018] The component can also be used to: send information to at least one transmission receiving point indicating that the first device has any of the following capabilities: performing transmission and / or receiving for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state before the transmission configuration indicator state switch; and / or performing transmission and / or receiving for a shorter time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state after the transmission configuration indicator state switch.

[0019] At least one indication for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state may be based at least in part on information indicating that the first device has the capability to: perform transmission and / or reception for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state before the switch; and / or perform transmission and / or reception for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state after the switch.

[0020] This component can also be used to: send one or more uplink transmissions to at least one transmission receiving point based on the state of at least one switched transmission configuration indicator; and / or receive one or more downlink transmissions from at least one transmission receiving point based on the state of at least one switched transmission configuration indicator.

[0021] According to one aspect, a second apparatus is provided, comprising components for: sending at least one indication to a first apparatus for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state; receiving at least one indication from the first apparatus regarding that the first apparatus has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions; and scheduling one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions for the first apparatus based on the at least one indication regarding that the first apparatus has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0022] The at least one indication may include a first indication for switching from a first transport configuration indicator state to a second transport configuration indicator state.

[0023] At least one indication may also include a second indication for switching from a third transport configuration indicator state to a fourth transport configuration indicator state.

[0024] The first instruction and the second instruction may be sent to the first device in separate instructions; or the first instruction and the second instruction may be sent to the first device in a joint instruction.

[0025] The first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state can be one of the uplink transmission configuration indicator state and the downlink transmission configuration indicator state, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state can be the other of the uplink transmission configuration indicator state and the downlink transmission configuration indicator state.

[0026] The second device may include multiple transmission receiving points, including at least a first transmission receiving point and a second transmission receiving point; and sending at least one indication for switching the state of at least one transmission configuration indicator may include: sending a first indication to the first device via the first transmission receiving point, and sending a second indication to the first device via the second transmission receiving point.

[0027] The first and second transmission configuration indicator states can be uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third and fourth transmission configuration indicator states can be uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point; or the first and second transmission configuration indicator states can be downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third and fourth transmission configuration indicator states can be downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point.

[0028] Receiving at least one indication regarding that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that it can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state may include: receiving a third indication from the first device via a first transmission receiving point, the third indication regarding that the first device has switched from a first transmission configuration indicator state to a second transmission configuration indicator state and that it can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the second transmission configuration indicator state; and receiving a fourth indication from the first device via a second transmission receiving point, the fourth indication regarding that the first device has switched from a third transmission configuration indicator state to a fourth transmission configuration indicator state and that it can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

[0029] The second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be known to the first device or unknown to the first device, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be known when the first device has reported one or more measurements of reference signals associated with the second and / or fourth transmission configuration indicator states to the second device and the reference signals remain detectable to the first device.

[0030] The second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be an uplink transmission configuration indicator state and / or a combined downlink / uplink transmission configuration indicator state known to the first device, and may be associated with a path loss reference signal, wherein the measurement of the path loss reference signal may be maintained or not maintained by the first device.

[0031] Switching the state of at least one transport configuration indicator can be associated with the required time period within which the switch is to be completed.

[0032] At least one indication can be received before the desired time period expires, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state.

[0033] At least one indication that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that it can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be included in the media access control control element or uplink control information.

[0034] The component can also be used to: receive information from the first device indicating that the first device has any of the following capabilities: performing transmission and / or receiving for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state before the transmission configuration indicator state switch; and / or performing transmission and / or receiving for a shorter time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state after the transmission configuration indicator state switch.

[0035] At least one indication for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state may be based at least in part on information indicating that the first device has the capability to: perform transmission and / or reception for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state before the switch; and / or perform transmission and / or reception for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state after the switch.

[0036] According to one aspect, a first apparatus is provided, comprising 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 at least: receive at least one indication from at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state; switch at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the received at least one indication; and send at least one indication to at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication relating to the first apparatus having switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state.

[0037] At least one indication may include a first indication for switching from a first transmission configuration indicator state to a second transmission configuration indicator state, and at least one processor may be configured to cause the first device to switch from the first transmission configuration indicator state to the second transmission configuration indicator state.

[0038] At least one indication may also include a second indication that switches from a third transmission configuration indicator state to a fourth transmission configuration indicator state, and at least one processor may be configured to switch the first device from the third transmission configuration indicator state to the fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

[0039] The first instruction and the second instruction can be received from the first transmission receiving point as separate instructions. The first instruction and the second instruction can also be received from the first transmission receiving point as a combined instruction. The first instruction can be received from the first transmission receiving point, and the second instruction can be received from the second transmission receiving point.

[0040] The first and second indications may be received from the first transmission receiving point in separate or combined indications, and the first and second transmission configuration indicator states may be one of the uplink transmission configuration indicator states and the downlink transmission configuration indicator states, and the third and fourth transmission configuration indicator states may be the other of the uplink transmission configuration indicator states and the downlink transmission configuration indicator states.

[0041] The first indication can be received from the first transmission receiving point, and the second indication can be received from the second transmission receiving point, wherein: the first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state can be uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state can be uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point; or the first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state can be downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state can be downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point.

[0042] At least one processor may be configured to cause the first device to: send a third indication to a first transmission receiving point, the third indication relating to the first device having switched from a first transmission configuration indicator state to a second transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the second transmission configuration indicator state; and send a fourth indication to the second transmission receiving point, the fourth indication relating to the first device having switched from a third transmission configuration indicator state to a fourth transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

[0043] The second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be known to the first device or unknown to the first device, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be known when the first device has reported one or more measurements of reference signals associated with the second and / or fourth transmission configuration indicator states to the second device and the reference signals remain detectable to the first device.

[0044] The second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be an uplink transmission configuration indicator state and / or a combined downlink / uplink transmission configuration indicator state known to the first device, and may be associated with a path loss reference signal, wherein the measurement of the path loss reference signal may be maintained or not maintained by the first device.

[0045] The at least one processor may be configured such that the first device associates the switching of at least one transmission configuration indicator state with the required time period within which the switching is to be completed.

[0046] At least one processor may be configured to cause the first device to send at least one indication before the desired time period expires, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state.

[0047] At least one indication that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions can be included in the media access control control element or uplink control information.

[0048] At least one processor may be configured to cause the first device to: send at least one indication after completing each of the at least one transmission configuration indicator state switches; send at least one indication after completing the last of the at least one transmission configuration indicator state switches; send at least one indication after completing an uplink transmission configuration indicator state switch; or send at least one indication after completing a downlink transmission configuration indicator state switch.

[0049] At least one processor may be configured to cause the first device to send information to at least one transmission receiving point indicating that the first device has any of the following capabilities: performing transmission and / or receiving for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state before the transmission configuration indicator state switch; and / or performing transmission and / or receiving for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state after the transmission configuration indicator state switch.

[0050] At least one indication for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state may be based at least in part on information indicating that the first device has the capability to: perform transmission and / or reception for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state before the switch; and / or perform transmission and / or reception for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state after the switch.

[0051] At least one processor may be configured to cause the first device to: send one or more uplink transmissions to at least one transmission receiving point based on the state of at least one transmission configuration indicator during handover; and / or receive one or more downlink transmissions from at least one transmission receiving point based on the state of at least one transmission configuration indicator during handover.

[0052] According to one aspect, a second apparatus is provided, comprising 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 at least: send at least one indication to a first apparatus, the at least one indication for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state; receive at least one indication from the first apparatus regarding that the first apparatus has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that, based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state, it can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions; and, based on the at least one indication, schedule one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions for the first apparatus, the at least one indication regarding that the first apparatus has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that, based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state, it can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0053] The at least one indication may include a first indication for switching from a first transport configuration indicator state to a second transport configuration indicator state.

[0054] At least one indication may also include a second indication that switches from a third transport configuration indicator state to a fourth transport configuration indicator state.

[0055] The first instruction and the second instruction may be sent to the first device in separate instructions; or the first instruction and the second instruction may be sent to the first device in a joint instruction.

[0056] The first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state can be one of the uplink transmission configuration indicator state and the downlink transmission configuration indicator state, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state can be the other of the uplink transmission configuration indicator state and the downlink transmission configuration indicator state.

[0057] The second device may include a plurality of transmission receiving points, the plurality of transmission receiving points including at least a first transmission receiving point and a second transmission receiving point; and at least one processor may be configured to cause the second device to send a first instruction to the first device via the first transmission receiving point and to send a second instruction to the first device via the second transmission receiving point.

[0058] The first and second transmission configuration indicator states can be uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third and fourth transmission configuration indicator states can be uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point; or the first and second transmission configuration indicator states can be downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third and fourth transmission configuration indicator states can be downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point.

[0059] At least one processor may be configured to cause the second device to: receive a third indication from the first device via a first transmission receiving point, the third indication relating to the first device having switched from a first transmission configuration indicator state to a second transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the second transmission configuration indicator state; and receive a fourth indication from the first device via the second transmission receiving point, the fourth indication relating to the first device having switched from a third transmission configuration indicator state to a fourth transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

[0060] The second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be known to the first device or unknown to the first device, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be known when the first device has reported one or more measurements of reference signals associated with the second and / or fourth transmission configuration indicator states to the second device and the reference signals remain detectable to the first device.

[0061] The second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state may be an uplink transmission configuration indicator state and / or a combined downlink / uplink transmission configuration indicator state known to the first device and associated with the path loss reference signal, wherein the measurement of the path loss reference signal may be maintained or not maintained by the first device.

[0062] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the second device to complete the switching of the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator within the associated required time period.

[0063] At least one indication can be received before the desired time period expires, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state.

[0064] At least one indication that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that it can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be included in the media access control control element or uplink control information.

[0065] At least one processor may be configured to cause the second device to receive from the first device information indicating that the first device has any of the following capabilities: performing transmission and / or receiving for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state before the transmission configuration indicator state switch; and / or performing transmission and / or receiving for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state after the transmission configuration indicator state switch.

[0066] At least one indication for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state may be based at least in part on information indicating that the first device has the capability to: perform transmission and / or reception for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state before the switch; and / or perform transmission and / or reception for a longer time than required using the transmission configuration indicator state after the switch.

[0067] According to one aspect, a method performed by a first device is provided, the method comprising: receiving at least one indication from at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication being used to switch at least one transmission configuration indicator state; switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the received at least one indication; and sending at least one indication to at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and being available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state.

[0068] According to one aspect, a method performed by a second device is provided, the method comprising: sending at least one indication to a first device for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state; receiving at least one indication from the first device regarding that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state is available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions; and scheduling one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions for the first device based on the at least one indication regarding that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state is available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0069] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a first means, cause the first means to perform at least the following operations: receiving at least one indication from at least one transmission receiving point for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state; switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the received at least one indication; and sending at least one indication to at least one transmission receiving point regarding that the first means has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0070] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium including instructions, when executed by a second device, causes the second device to perform at least the following operations: sending at least one indication to a first device for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state; receiving at least one indication from the first device regarding that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions; and scheduling one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions for the first device based on the at least one indication regarding that the first device has switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and that the switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0071] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0072] Many different aspects have been described above. As mentioned above, it should be understood that additional aspects can be provided through any combination of two or more of the aforementioned aspects. Other features, aspects, and elements will become apparent from the following. Attached Figure Description

[0073] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting and illustrative example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This illustrates a representation of a fifth-generation communication system; Figure 2 The illustration shows a method for using some example embodiments. Figure 1 The representation of a communication system device; Figure 3 A representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown; Figure 4 illustrates the method based on some examples; Figures 5 to 7 illustrate different transport configuration indicator status switching report scenarios based on some examples; Figure 8 and Figure 9 The signaling exchange is shown according to some examples; and Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a device based on some examples is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0074] In the following explanation, various exemplary embodiments are described with reference to communication devices capable of communicating with a communication system. Before explaining the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure in detail, please refer to… Figure 1 , 2 Section 3 provides a brief explanation of the fifth-generation communication system (5GS), its access network and core network (5GC), and communication equipment.

[0075] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G communication system (5GS) is shown. The 5GS may include a user equipment (UE) or terminal 100, an access network (such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) 101 or a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN)), and a 5G core network 102 including one or more application functions 103. Application functions 103 may be deployed as trusted application functions in the 5GS, or they may be deployed or hosted on one or more application servers in a data network (DN) 104. Such application functions are untrusted application functions. The 5GS connects the UE to the data network, the access network, and the 5GC 102 (e.g., the 5GC's UPF).

[0076] 5G-RAN101 may include one or more radio access nodes, such as gNodeBs (gNBs). A gNB may include one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed units (DUs) connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized units (CUs).

[0077] 5GC may include the following network functions: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Exposure Function (NEF) 105; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (UDM) 106; Application Function (AF) 103; Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 107; Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 108; Session Management Function (SMF) 109; and User Plane Function (UPF) 110. Figure 1 Various interfaces (N1, N2, etc.) that can be implemented between various components of the system are also shown.

[0078] Figure 2 It shows the control Figure 1 Access networks (e.g., Figure 1 This is an example of a control device 200 for the functions of 5G-RAN or NG-RAN. The control device 200 may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and a network interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and ROM 211b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. Execution of the software code 215 may, for example, cause the device to perform operations for controlling access to the network. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. The control device 200 may interconnect with another control device 200 for controlling another function of 5G-RAN or NG-RAN. In some embodiments, each function of 5G-RAN or NG-RAN is deployed or hosted on the control device 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of 5G-RAN or NG-RAN may share the control device.

[0079] Figure 3 A communication device 300 (such as) is shown. Figure 1Examples of UEs (User Equipment). Communication device 300 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of communication device 300 include user equipment, mobile station (MS) or mobile device (such as a mobile phone or so-called "smartphone"), computer equipped with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., a USB dongle), personal digital assistant (PDA) or tablet computer equipped with wireless communication capabilities, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, Internet of Things (IoT) type communication devices, or any combination thereof. Communication device 300 may include a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving, for example, wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) carrying communication. Communication can be one or more of voice, email, text messages, multimedia data, machine data, etc.

[0080] Communication device 300 can receive wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) via air or radio interface 307 through suitable means for receiving, and can transmit wireless signals via suitable means for transmitting. Figure 3 In the diagram, the transceiver is schematically represented by block 306. Transceiver 306 may include, for example, radio components and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the mobile device and may include one or more antenna elements. The antenna arrangement may be a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna.

[0081] Communication device 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for software and hardware assistance in performing tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to a network (e.g., Figure 1 Access and communication with 5G-RAN (or NG-RAN) and other communication devices (as shown). At least one processor 301 is coupled to RAM 302b and ROM 302a. At least one processor 301 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 can, for example, allow the execution of one or more operations of the communication device. The software code 308 can be stored in ROM 302a.

[0082] The processor, ROM and RAM, transceiver, and other circuitry (e.g., modem) of the communication device can be located on a circuit board, in a chipset, or in a system-on-a-chip. The circuit board, chipset, or system-on-a-chip is indicated by reference numeral 304. The communication device 300 may optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, or a combination thereof. Optionally, depending on the type of communication device, one or more of a display, speaker, and microphone may be provided.

[0083] Devices such as UE100 can be configured to operate based on one or more Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) states. A TCI state can be a separate uplink (UL) TCI state, a separate downlink (DL) TCI state, or a combined DL / UL TCI state (the combined DL / UL TCI state can be a single TCI state for both DL and UL).

[0084] The TCI state indicates information used by a device during uplink and / or downlink transmissions between the device and a Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) of a communication network (e.g., a 5G or 6G network). The TRP can be provided by an access node (such as RAN101). For example, the TCI state can indicate that a target reference signal is quasi-co-located (QCLed) with a source reference signal. Different QCL types may exist (e.g., types A, B, C, and D as specified in 5G). The TCI state indication allows, for example, the UE to receive the target reference signal by utilizing parameters already calculated by the UE when receiving the source reference signal during channel estimation. Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited to, Doppler shift, Doppler spread, etc. The parameters may depend on the QCL type.

[0085] The device can be configured with different TCI states for different TRPs. For example, the device can be configured with a first DLTCI state for a first TRP and a second DLTCI state for a second TRP. The first TRP and the second TRP can be provided by the same access node, or they can be provided by different access nodes.

[0086] The network can instruct a device to switch its TCI state, for example, from a first TCI state (which may be referred to herein as the "old TCI state") to a second TCI state (which may be referred to herein as the "target TCI state"). This allows the network to dynamically adapt transmission parameters, for example, based on changing channel conditions and network requirements.

[0087] Therefore, the network can send an instruction to the device to switch between (multiple) TCI states (e.g., from a first ULTCI state to a second ULTCI state and / or from a first DLTCI state to a second DLTCI state). This instruction can, for example, indicate the target (multiple) TCI states to which the device wants to switch via TCI state identifiers (e.g., TCI#0, TCI#1, etc.). This instruction can be included in the Media Access Control (MAC) element (CE). Upon receiving this instruction, the device can then switch between (multiple) TCI states accordingly.

[0088] According to some examples (e.g., as described in Sections 8.15 and 8.16 of 3GPP TS 38.133), the device may need to be able to receive signaling with the target DLTCI state after a first required time and / or be able to receive signaling with the old DLTCI state until a second required time expires. The first and second required times can be defined, for example, by multiple time slots or time periods. The first and second required times can be different. The first and second required times can vary depending on certain conditions.

[0089] In some examples, when the target DLTCI state is known for a DLTCI state transition and a single TRP exists, the device may need to be able to receive signaling with the target DLTCI state in the first time slot following the one in time slot n (e.g., dedicated PDCCH / PDSCH) when the indication is received in time slot n: n+T HARQ + +TO k (T) first-SSB +T SSB-proc ) / NRslot length The device may also need to receive signaling with older DLTCI states (e.g., dedicated PDCCH / PDSCH) up to the time slot: n+T HARQ +

[0090] in: ● T HARQ It refers to the timing between DL data transmission and acknowledgment; ● T first-SSB This is the time from when the indication for switching TCI states (e.g., MACCE) is decoded by the device to when the first synchronization signal block (SSB) is transmitted (the SSB can be quasi-co-located (QCL)-type A or QCL-type C with the target DLTCI state). ● T SSB-proc =2ms; and ● If the target DLTCI state is not in the list of active TCI states for PDSCH / PDCCH, then TO k =1, otherwise 0.

[0091] When the RS resource reported from the Layer 1 Reference Received Power (L1-RSRP) measurement for the target DLTCI state is an RS in the target DLTCI state or an RS quasi-co-located with the target downlink TCI state during the period from the last transmission of the RS resource to the completion of the TCI state handover, the target DLTCI state can be considered known: ● Receive an indication to switch TCI status within 1280ms after the last transmission of RS resources used for beam reporting or measurement; ● The device has sent at least one L1-RSRP report for the target DLTCI state before the TCI state switching command; ● The target DLTCI state remains detectable during the DLTCI state transition period; ● SSBs associated with the target DLTCI state remain detectable during DLTCI switching periods; ● The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the DLTCI state is ≥-3dB; and ● SSB can be associated with Serving Cell Policy Control Information (PCI) or a PCI that is different from the Serving Cell PCI.

[0092] Otherwise, the DLTCI state can be considered unknown. When the target DLTCI state is unknown, an additional L1-RSRP measurement period can be added to the time when the device is required to receive signaling with the target DLTCI state in the first time slot after the following time slot: n+T HARQ + +(T) L1-RSRP +TO uk (T) first-SSB +T SSB-proc )) / NR slot length .

[0093] The device may also need to be able to receive signaling with older DLTCI states (e.g., dedicated PDCCH / PDSCH) up to the time slot. n+T HARQ +

[0094] in: ● In frequency range (FR) 1 or when the DLTCI state switching does not involve QCL-type D in FR2, T L1-RSRP =0. Otherwise, ● T L1-RSRP In FR2, the time for Rx beam refinement is defined as: ○ SSB's T L1-RSPR_Measurement_Period_SSB (For example, as specified in Clause 9.5.4.1 of 3GPP TS 38.133). ○ Where M=1 ○ Where TReport=0 ● T used for Channel State Information (CSI) Reference Signal (RS) L1-RSRP_Measurement_Period_CSI-RS(For example, as specified in Clause 9.5.4.2 of 3GPP TS 38.133) ○ When the source RS is associated with the serving cell, L1-RSRP measurements based on CSI-RS are only applicable during TCI state handover. ○ High-level parameters configured to be ON are repeated. ○ Assume that for periodic CSI-RS, M=1 ○ For aperiodic CSI-RS, if the number of resources in the resource set is at least equal to MaxNumberRxBeam ○ Where TReport=0 ● When TCI state switching involves QCL-type D, TO uk =1 is used for CSI-RS based L1-RSRP measurements, TOuk=0 is used for SSB based L1-RSRP measurements. ● When TCI state switching only involves other QCL types, TO uk =1 ● T first-SSB This is the time from the L1-RSRP measurement to the first SSB transmission when the TCI state transition involves QCL-type D; ● T first-SSB It is the time of the first SSB transmission after the UE decodes the MACCE command for other QCL types; ●SSB should be QCL-TypeA or QCL-TypeC relative to the target TCI state.

[0095] In some examples, when the target TCI state is known for a ULTCI state handover for a single TRP (either alone or in conjunction with a DLTCI state handover), upon receiving an indication of TCI state handover in time slot n on the serving cell, the device may need to be able to transmit uplink signals with the target TCI state in the following time slots: n+T HARQ + +NM (T) first_target-PL-RS +4 T target_PL-RS +2ms) / NR slot length .

[0096] If the target TCI state is unknown, the device may be required to transmit uplink signals with the target TCI state in the following time slots: n+T HARQ + +(T) L1-RSRP +T first_target-PL-RS +4 Ttarget_PL-RS +2ms) / NR slot length .

[0097] The device may also need to be able to transmit in the old ULTCI state until the time slot: n+T HARQ + .

[0098] in ● T HARQ (In a time slot) is the timing between DL data transmission and acknowledgment (e.g., as specified in 3GPP TS 38.213).

[0099] ● If the UE does not maintain the target PL-RS, then NM=1; otherwise, it is 0.

[0100] In FR2, these requirements apply when the target path loss reference signal (PL-RS) associated with or included in the target UL or joint TCI state is an SSB, and when the target PL-RS is maintained by the device. The PL-RS can be considered maintained if the following conditions are met: ● The target PL-RS is associated with or included in the UL or joint TCI status of the active TCI list for PUSCH / PUCCH / SRS transmission; ● In all active ULTCI states (UL or combined TCI states) used for PUSCH / PUCCH / SRS transmissions, each serving cell activates no more than 4 different RSs as PL-RS. ● The target path loss reference signal remains detectable during the TCI state switching period. ● The SNR of the target path loss reference signal is ≥-3dB ● The SSB associated with the target path loss reference signal remains detectable during the TCI state switching period.

[0101] ○ The associated SSB's SNR is ≥ -3dB ● T first_target-PL-RS It is the time of the first path loss RS transmission after L1-RSRP measurement when the target TCI state is unknown.

[0102] ● For a known TCI state, T first_target-PL-RS It is the time from when the indication for switching TCI states (e.g., MACCE command) is decoded by the device to the first path loss RS transmission.

[0103] ● T target_PL-RSWhen the PL-RS is associated with the serving cell, it will be the period of the target path loss reference signal of the SSB or NZPCSI-RS. ● T target_PL-RS When the PL-RS is associated with a PCI different from that of the serving cell, it will be the period of the SSB's target path loss reference signal. ● T L1-RSRP It is the time for Rx beam refinement in FR2, defined as ●T for SSB L1-RSPR_Measurement_Period_SSB (For example, as specified in Clauses 9.5.4.1 or 9.13.4.1 of 3GPP TS 38.213). ○ Assume M=1 ○ Where TReport=0 ○ T for CSI-RS L1-RSRP_Measurement_Period_CSI-RS (For example, as specified in Clause 9.5.4.2 of 3GPP TS 38.213) ■ When the source RS is associated with the serving cell, L1-RSRP measurements based on CSI-RS are only applicable during TCI state handover. ■ Configured with high-level parameters set to ON repeat ■ Assuming M=1 for periodic CSI-RS ■ For non-periodic CSI-RS, if the number of resources in the resource set is at least equal to MaxNumberRxBeam ● Where T Report =0.

[0104] In the case of a combined TCI state switch (e.g., a ULTCI state switch and a DLTCI state switch), it may not be expected that the device will receive in the target DLTCI state and / or transmit in the target ULTCI state until the device completes both the DL and ULTCI state switches.

[0105] In the case of multiple TRPs (e.g., a first TRP and a second TRP), the device can be configured in either a single downlink control information (DCI) mode or a multi-DCI mode. In single-DCI mode, the device can receive from one of the TRPs an indication of switching TCI states for multiple TRPs (e.g., the first TRP sends an indication of switching the TCI state for transmissions between the device and the first TRP, and an indication of switching the TCI state for transmissions between the device and the second TRP). In multi-DCI mode, each of the multiple TRPs can send a separate indication for the TCI state switching associated with that TRP. Similar to the single-TRP case explained above, for both single-DCI and multi-DCI modes, the device may need to be able to receive and / or transmit using the old TCI and (multiple) target TCI states for a desired time period in the multi-TRP case.

[0106] Therefore, networks typically require devices to perform TCI state handover within a specific time period from the date the handover instruction is sent to the device. The requirements for ULTCI and DLTCI state handover can differ in both single-TRP and multi-TRP scenarios. For example, ULTCI state handover may take longer than DLTCI state handover.

[0107] The network may not know when the UE actually completes the TCI state transition. Instead, the network may not expect the device to use the target TCI state for transmission / reception until the required time period ends, even though the UE may have actually performed the TCI state transition earlier. This could result in a period of time when the UE could transmit / receive data via the target TCI state, but the network is unaware of this and therefore cannot schedule transmissions accordingly. This could lead to an inefficient system.

[0108] To further illustrate this issue, a summary of example switchover times is provided in Table 1 below, based on the following assumptions: -T HARQ =8 time slots - =8 time slots -T first-SSB T first_target-PL-RS， T target_PL-RS T L1-RSPR_Measurement_Period_SSB =20ms -NR_slot_length=125μs,

[0109] Table 1 - Example Time Requirements for Completing TCI State Switching According to the example provided in Table 1, in a single TRP with joint TCI state switching (i.e., switching between DLTCI state and ULTCI state), even if the target TCI state is being switched towards a known TCI state, the time to complete the TCI state switching is 106 ms if the PL-RS of the target TCI state is not maintained. This means that the UE cannot be scheduled in DL within 106 ms after receiving the joint TCI state switching command (i.e., the end of the time required to complete the ULTCI state switching), even though DL will be ready to receive 4 ms after the UE receives the command.

[0110] Some examples disclosed herein can address one or more of these problems. Some examples can provide improved TCI state switching mechanisms that can reduce the time a UE cannot receive and / or transmit information, which can increase throughput and improve network efficiency.

[0111] Referring to Figure 4, which illustrates the method according to some examples.

[0112] refer to Figure 4a This illustrates a method that can be performed by a first device. The first device may be a UE, such as UE100.

[0113] At 400, the method includes receiving at least one indication from at least one TRP for switching at least one TCI state. This at least one indication may be included in MACCE or DCI.

[0114] The indication may direct the first device to switch between ULTCI and / or DLTCI states. For example, at least one indication may include a first indication to switch from a first TCI state to a second TCI state. At least one indication may also include a second indication to switch from a third TCI state to a fourth TCI state.

[0115] In some examples, the first and second indications may be received from the first TRP in separate indications or in a combined indication. In other examples, the first indication may be received from the first TRP, and the second indication may be received from a second TRP different from the first TRP. The first and second TRPs may be provided by the same access node or different access nodes.

[0116] In some examples, the first TCI state and the second TCI state can be one of the uplink TCI state and the downlink TCI state, and the third TCI state and the fourth TCI state can be the other of the uplink TCI state and the downlink TCI state (e.g., the device may be instructed to switch between both the ULTCI state and the DLTCI state).

[0117] In some examples, the first and second TCI states can be uplink TCI states associated with the first TRP, and the third and fourth TCI states can be uplink TCI states associated with the second TRP. In other examples, the first and second TCI states can be downlink TCI states associated with the first TRP, and the third and fourth TCI states can be downlink TCI states associated with the second TRP.

[0118] The TCI states (e.g., a second TCI state and optionally a fourth TCI state) to which the first device is being switched can be known or unknown, and if known, they can be associated with a maintained or unmaintained RS, for example, as previously described.

[0119] For example, in some examples, the second and / or fourth TCI states may be known when the first device has already reported one or more measurements of a reference signal associated with the second and / or fourth TCI states to the second device and the reference signals remain detectable to the first device. In some examples, the second and / or fourth TCI states may be known to the first device and associated with the uplink TCI state and / or the combined DL / ULTCI state of the PL-RS, wherein the PL-RS measurements are maintained or not maintained by the first device.

[0120] At 402, the method includes switching at least one TCI state based on at least one received indication. For example, the switching may include switching from a first TCI state to a second TCI state. In some examples, the switching may also include switching from a third TCI state to a fourth TCI state.

[0121] As described above, the switching of TCI states can be associated with a required time period for the switching to be completed. That is, it may be required that the first device has completed the TCI state switching by the end of the first required time period. Also as described above, it may be required that the first device maintain the old TCI state (e.g., the first TCI state and the third TCI state) for a second required time period. The first and second required time periods can be determined as previously described, or they can be determined in a different manner than previously described.

[0122] At 404, the method includes: sending at least one indication to at least one TRP, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one TCI state and being available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one TCI state. The at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one TCI state and being available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one TCI state may be included in a MACCE or UCI.

[0123] The transmission can be performed after at least one of the TCI state transitions indicated at step 400 has been completed. This will be described in further detail below with reference to Figures 5 through 7.

[0124] In some examples (e.g., when the first device receives a first indication and a second indication from a first TRP, either as separate indications or as a combined indication), transmission may include sending at least one indication to the first TRP that the first device has switched at least one TCI state.

[0125] In some examples (e.g., when the first device receives a first indication from a first TRP and a second indication from a second TRP), the transmission may include sending a third indication to the first TRP, the third indication being that the first device has switched from a first TCI state to a second TCI state and that the second TCI state is available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions; and sending a fourth indication to the second TRP, the fourth indication being that the first device has switched from a third TCI state to a fourth TCI state and that the fourth TCI state is available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0126] refer to Figure 4b This illustrates a method that can be performed by a second device. The second device may be the first TRP or an access node including the first TRP.

[0127] At 406, the method includes sending at least one indication to the first device for switching at least one TCI state. This at least one indication may be as previously stated regarding... Figure 4a As described.

[0128] In some examples, the second device may include multiple TRPs, with at least a first TRP and a second TRP. Sending at least one indication for switching at least one TCI state may include sending a first indication to the first device via the first TRP and sending a second indication to the first device via the second TRP. While some examples are described herein with respect to first and second TRPs, it should be understood that the concepts described herein can be extended to include any number of TRPs.

[0129] The first and second TCI states can be uplink TCI states associated with the first TRP, and the third and fourth TCI states can be uplink TCI states associated with the second TRP. Alternatively, the first and second TCI states can be downlink TCI states associated with the first TRP, and the third and fourth TCI states can be downlink TCI states associated with the second TRP.

[0130] At 408, the method includes: receiving at least one indication from a first device, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one TCI state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one TCI state.

[0131] In some examples, receiving at least one indication regarding that the first device has switched at least one TCI state and that the switched at least one TCI state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions may include: receiving a third indication from the first device via a first TRP, the third indication regarding that the first device has switched from a first TCI state to a second TCI state and that the second TCI state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions; and receiving a fourth indication from the first device via a second TRP, the fourth indication regarding that the first device has switched from a third TCI state to a fourth TCI state and that the fourth TCI state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0132] At 410, the method includes: scheduling one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions for a first device based on at least one indication, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one TCI state and being able to schedule one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one TCI state.

[0133] Therefore, after completing Figure 4a and 4b Following the method described herein, the first and second devices can begin communication based on the switched TCI states (e.g., a second TCI state and / or a fourth TCI state). For example, the first device can send one or more UL transmissions to the second device based on the switched TCI state, and / or receive one or more DL transmissions from the second device based on the switched TCI state. Advantageously, an indication that the first device has completed the switching of the TCI states(s) can be sent before the expiration of the previously described multiple required time periods(s). This allows communication based on the switched TCI states to occur faster than it might be possible according to some existing methods.

[0134] For example, returning to the previous example provided in Table 1, in a single TRP with a joint TCI state switch toward a known TCI state (i.e., a switch between the DLTCI state and the ULTCI state), the time to complete the ULTCI state switch is 106 ms if the PL-RS that maintains the target TCI state is not maintained.

[0135] By applying the method described above with respect to Figure 4, in some examples, the first device can complete the DLTCI state switch after 4 ms and can indicate such completion to the second device. The second device can then schedule a DL transmission to the first device immediately or shortly after 4 ms using the target TCI state, without having to wait the full 106 ms.

[0136] Similarly, if the first device completes the ULTCI state switch within 70ms, it can indicate this completion to the second device. The first device can then send the UL transmission to the second device immediately or shortly after 70ms, without having to wait the full 106ms.

[0137] In some examples, the first device may send information to the second device indicating that the first device has the capability to: perform transmission and / or reception using the TCI state prior to the TCI state switch for a longer time than required; and / or perform transmission and / or reception using the TCI state after the TCI state switch for a shorter time than required.

[0138] For example, the first device may indicate that it can receive using the first TCI state for a longer time than the required time, and that it can transmit using the third TCI state for a longer time than the required time. The required time may be as described above.

[0139] Based at least in part on the capability of the indicated first device, the second device may transmit at least one instruction at 406 (and similarly, the first device may receive at least one instruction at 400) and / or receive at least one instruction at 408 (and similarly, the first device may transmit at least one instruction at 404).

[0140] For example, if the first device can transmit using the old ULTCI state for a longer period than required, and if DL is completed before UL during the DL handover, the first device can notify the second device of the DL handover completion immediately after the DL handover is completed by transmitting using the old ULTCI state.

[0141] As described above, transmission can be performed after at least one of the TCI state transitions indicated at step 400 has been completed. Figures 5 through 7 illustrate examples of different conditions on which transmission can be based.

[0142] Figure 5 shows two examples of performing the sending step 404 after each TCI state transition is completed.

[0143] exist Figure 5a At point 500, a joint TCI switching instruction (i.e., an instruction indicating a switch between DL and ULTCI states) is received from the second device. After the DLTCI state switch is completed at point 502, a first instruction is sent to the second device, and after the ULTCI state switch is completed at point 504, a second instruction is sent to the second device.

[0144] exist Figure 5b In the process, a separate TCI switching instruction is received from the second device—at 506, a first instruction indicates a DLTCI state switch, and at 508, a second instruction indicates a ULTCI state switch. After the DLTCI state switch is completed at 510, a first instruction is sent to the second device, and after the ULTCI state switch is completed at 512, a second instruction is sent to the second device.

[0145] Figure 6 illustrates four examples of performing transmission step 404 after the final TCI state switch is completed. Advantageously, compared to the example of Figure 5, the example of Figure 6 can reduce signaling overhead while still providing the benefit of notifying the second device when both switches have been completed to achieve faster UL / DL scheduling after the TCI state switch (as mentioned above, in some examples, it may not be expected that the first device will receive on DL (or transmit on UL) based on the target TCI state before both DL and UL TCI state switches are completed).

[0146] exist Figure 6a At point 600, a joint TCI switching instruction (i.e., an instruction indicating a DL and ULTCI state switch) is received from the second device. A DL / ULTCI state switch is completed at point 602, and a ULTCI state switch is completed at point 604. This instruction is sent to the second device after the final TCI state switch is completed. Figure 6a This occurs after the ULTCI state switch is completed at point 604.

[0147] exist Figure 6b In the process, a separate TCI switching instruction is received from the second device—at 606, a first instruction indicates a DLTCI state switch, and at 608, a second instruction indicates a ULTCI state switch. It is assumed here that the ULTCI state switch takes longer than the DLTCI state switch. The DLTCI state switch is completed at 610, and the ULTCI state switch is completed at 612. This instruction is sent to the second device after the final TCI state switch is completed. Figure 6bThis occurs after the ULTCI state switch is completed at point 612.

[0148] exist Figure 6c In the process, a separate TCI switching instruction is received from the second device—at 614, a first instruction indicates a ULTCI state switch, and at 616, a second instruction indicates a DLTCI state switch. It is assumed here that the ULTCI state switch takes longer than the DLTCI state switch; however, due to the arrival time of the instructions, the DLTCI state switch completes last. The ULTCI state switch completes at 618, and the DLTCI state switch completes at 620. After the final TCI state switch is completed, the instruction is sent to the second device. Figure 6c This occurs after the DLTCI state switch is completed at point 620.

[0149] exist Figure 6d In the process, a separate TCI switching indication is received from the second device—at 622, a first indication indicates a DLTCI state switch, and at 624, a second indication indicates a ULTCI state switch. It is assumed here that the DLTCI state switch takes longer than the ULTCI state switch. The ULTCI state switch is completed at 626, and the DLTCI state switch is completed at 628. After the final TCI state switch is completed, this indication is sent to the second device. Figure 6d This occurs after the DLTCI state switch is completed at point 628.

[0150] Figure 7 illustrates four examples of performing transmission step 404 after completing the ULTCI state switch but not the DLTCI state switch. The examples in Figure 7 can take advantage of the fact that UL switching typically takes longer than DL switching, and therefore the first device can send signaling to the second device after only completing the ULTCI switch. However, in some cases, the DLTCI state switch can be completed after the ULTCI state switch. To address this issue, in the case of separate TCI states, some limitations can be introduced on the maximum delay between two overlapping TCI switches, such as... Figure 7d The delay is shown in the figure.

[0151] exist Figure 7a In the process, at 700, a joint TCI switching instruction (i.e., an instruction indicating a switch between DL and ULTCI states) is received from the second device. A DL / LTCI state switch is completed at 702, and a ULTCI state switch is completed at 704. After the ULTCI state switch is completed at 704, the instruction is sent to the second device.

[0152] exist Figure 7bIn the process, a separate TCI switching instruction is received from the second device—at 706, a first instruction indicates a DLTCI state switch, and at 708, a second instruction indicates a ULTCI state switch. The DLTCI state switch is completed at 710, and the ULTCI state switch is completed at 712. After the ULTCI state switch is completed at 712, the instruction is sent to the second device.

[0153] exist Figure 7c In the process, a separate TCI switching instruction is received from the second device—at 714, a first instruction indicates a ULTCI state switch, and at 716, a second instruction indicates a DLTCI state switch. A DLTCI state switch is completed at 718, and a ULTCI state switch is completed at 720. After the ULTCI state switch is completed at 720, the instruction is sent to the second device.

[0154] exist Figure 7d In the process, a separate TCI switching instruction is received from the second device—at 722, a first instruction indicates a ULTCI state switch, and at 724, a second instruction (after a delay limit) indicates a DLTCI state switch. At 726, both the ULTCI and DLTCI state switches are completed. After the ULTCI state switch is completed at 726, the instruction is sent to the second device.

[0155] It should be understood that the example shown in Figure 7 can be applied to the case where the transmission step 404 is performed after the DLTCI state switch is completed instead of the ULTCI state switch by exchanging the TCI state switch command and the UL and DL tags on the switch operation.

[0156] refer to Figure 8 It illustrates signaling exchanges based on some examples from a single TRP scenario.

[0157] exist Figure 8 In the example, the UE (which may correspond, for example, to the first device described previously) communicates with a single TRP (which may correspond, for example, to the second device described previously). It is also assumed that the UE is initially configured with an initial DLTCI state (which may correspond to the first TCI state described previously) for DL ​​transmissions from the TRP and an initial ULTCI state (which may correspond to the third TCI state described previously) for UL transmissions to the TRP.

[0158] Optionally, at 800, the UE may indicate to the TRP that the UE has the following capabilities: to perform transmission and / or reception using the TCI state prior to the TCI state switch for a longer time than required; and / or to perform transmission and / or reception using the TCI state after the TCI state switch for a longer time than required.

[0159] Optionally, at 802, based on the indication at 800, the TRP can instruct the UE (e.g., via RRC signaling) that the UE will report the conditions for the completion of the TCI state handover—for example, by defining one or more conditions shown in Figures 5 through 7 (i.e., after the completion of each TCI state handover; after the completion of the last TCI state handover; after the completion of the uplink TCI state handover; or after the completion of the downlink TCI state handover). Figure 8 In the example, it is assumed that the UE is instructed to report that the TCI state transition is complete after each TCI state transition is completed.

[0160] At 804, the UE and TRP exchange UL and DL signaling based on the first TCI state and the third TCI state.

[0161] At 806a, the TRP sends a first indication to the UE to switch from a first TCI state to a second TCI state, and at 806b, the TRP sends a second indication to the UE to switch from a third TCI state to a fourth TCI state. As mentioned above, the first and second indications can be separate indications or combined indications.

[0162] At point 808, the UE switches from the first TCI state to the second TCI state.

[0163] At point 810, upon completion of the TCI state handover from the first TCI state to the second TCI state, the UE sends an indication to the TRP that the UE has switched to the second TCI state and that at least one TCI state based on the handover can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions. This indication may be included in MACCE or UCI.

[0164] At 812, the UE can receive DL signaling from the TRP based on the second TCI state. During this phase, the UE has not yet switched to the ULTCI state and can still send UL signaling to the TRP based on the third TCI state at 812. In some examples, the UE can send an indication based on the third TCI state at 810.

[0165] At point 814, the UE switches from the third TCI state to the fourth TCI state.

[0166] At point 816, upon completing the TCI state transition from the third TCI state to the fourth TCI state, the UE sends an indication to the TRP that the UE has switched to the fourth TCI state. This indication can be included in MACCE or UCI.

[0167] At point 818, the UE can receive DL signaling from the TRP based on the second TCI state and send UL signaling to the TRP based on the fourth TCI state. As mentioned above, this may occur before the time period required for TCI state switching specified in the current 3GPP specification.

[0168] refer to Figure 9 It illustrates signaling exchange based on some examples in a multi-TRP scenario.

[0169] exist Figure 9 In the example, the UE (which may correspond, for example, to the first device described previously) communicates with a first TRP (which may correspond, for example, to the second device described previously) and a second TRP. As mentioned above, the first TRP and the second TRP may be provided by the same access node or different access nodes.

[0170] It is also assumed that the UE is initially configured with an initial DLTCI state for receiving transmissions from each TRP, that is, the UE is configured with a first TCI state for receiving DL transmissions from the first TRP and a third TCI state for receiving transmissions from the second TRP.

[0171] Optionally, at 900, the UE may indicate to the first TRP and the second TRP that the UE has the following capabilities: to perform transmission and / or reception using the TCI state before the TCI state switch for a longer time than required; and / or to perform transmission and / or reception using the TCI state after the TCI state switch for a longer time than required.

[0172] Optionally, at 902, based on the indication at 900, the first TRP and / or the second TRP may indicate to the UE (e.g., via RRC signaling) that the UE will report the conditions for the completion of the TCI state handover, for example by defining one or more conditions shown in Figures 5 to 7 (i.e., after the completion of each TCI state handover; after the completion of the last TCI state handover; after the completion of the uplink TCI state handover; or after the completion of the downlink TCI state handover). Figure 9 In the example, it is assumed that the UE is instructed to report that the TCI state transition is complete after each TCI state transition is completed.

[0173] At 904, the UE receives DL signaling from the first TRP based on the first TCI state, and receives DL signaling from the second TRP based on the third TCI state.

[0174] At 906a, the first TRP sends a first indication to the UE to switch from a first TCI state to a second TCI state, and a second indication to the UE to switch from a third TCI state to a fourth TCI state. As mentioned above, the first and second indications can be separate indications or combined indications.

[0175] Alternatively, at 906b, the first TRP sends a first indication to the UE to switch from a first TCI state to a second TCI state, and the second TRP sends a second indication to the UE to switch from a third TCI state to a fourth TCI state.

[0176] Step 906a can be applied to the case of a single DCI (sDCI), where a single TRP sends a DCI associated with two TRPs, while step 906b can be applied to the case of multiple DCIs, where each TRP sends its own DCI.

[0177] At point 908, the UE determines the order in which TCI state transitions will be performed. Figure 9 In the example, it is assumed that the UE determines to perform a handover from the first TCI state to the second TCI state before performing a handover from the third TCI state to the fourth TCI state.

[0178] How the UE determines the order in which it performs TCI state transitions can be implementation-specific. For example, the UE may determine the order based on one or more of the following: ● Which indication used to switch TCI states was received first or last; ● Lowest / highest / specific index associated with TRP (e.g., corsetpoolindex) — For example, the UE may first perform a TCI state switch associated with the highest corsetpoolindex; ● Link quality associated with each TRP (e.g., in terms of RSRP) — for example, prioritizing TCI state switching for TRPs with the worst link quality (in an attempt to avoid losing that link), or prioritizing TCI state switching for TRPs with better link quality (in an attempt to ensure that at least one link is not lost).

[0179] It should be understood that in some examples, the UE may consider other criteria when determining the order of TCI state switching in step 908.

[0180] At 910, the UE switches from the first TCI state to the second TCI state.

[0181] At point 912, upon completing the TCI state switch from the first TCI state to the second TCI state, the UE sends an indication to the first TRP and the second TRP that the UE has switched to the second TCI state. This indication may be included in MACCE or UCI.

[0182] At 914, the UE can receive DL signaling from the first TRP based on the second TCI state. At this stage, the UE has not yet switched the DLTCI state associated with the second TRP (i.e., the third TCI state), and can also receive DL signaling from the second TRP based on the third TCI state at 914.

[0183] At position 916, the UE switches from the third TCI state to the fourth TCI state.

[0184] At point 918, upon completing the TCI state transition from the third TCI state to the fourth TCI state, the UE sends an indication to the first TRP and the second TRP that the UE has switched to the fourth TCI state. This indication may be included in MACCE or UCI.

[0185] At position 920, the UE can receive DL signaling from the first TRP based on the second TCI state, and from the second TRP based on the fourth TCI state. As mentioned above, this may occur before the time period required for TCI state switching specified in the current 3GPP specification.

[0186] Although Figure 9 The examples are applied to multi-TRP scenarios with DLTCI state switching, but it should be understood that the examples disclosed herein can be applied in a similar manner to multi-TRP scenarios with ULTCI state switching.

[0187] An example has been described whereby a first device (such as a UE) can notify a second device (such as a network's TRP) when a TCI state switch has been completed. This allows the second device to schedule UL / DL transmissions between the first and second devices more quickly after a TCI state switch is triggered, which can increase network throughput and thus improve network efficiency.

[0188] In some examples, a first apparatus is provided, comprising components for: receiving at least one indication from at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication being used to switch at least one transmission configuration indicator state; switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the received at least one indication; and sending at least one indication to at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication being available for scheduling one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one TCI state.

[0189] In some examples, a second apparatus is provided, comprising components for: sending at least one indication to a first apparatus for switching at least one Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state; receiving at least one indication from the first apparatus regarding that the first apparatus has switched at least one TCI state and is available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one TCI state; and scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions of the first apparatus based on the at least one indication regarding that the first apparatus has switched at least one TCI state and is available for scheduling for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one TCI state.

[0190] In some examples, a first device is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive at least one indication from at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication for switching at least one transmission configuration indicator state; switch at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the received at least one indication; and send at least one indication to at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched at least one transmission configuration indicator state and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched at least one TCI state.

[0191] In some examples, a second device is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: send at least one indication to a first device for switching at least one Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state; receive at least one indication from the first device regarding that the first device has switched at least one TCI state and that the switched at least one TCI state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions; and schedule one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions for the first device based on the at least one indication regarding that the first device has switched at least one TCI state and that the switched at least one TCI state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

[0192] Figure 10A schematic diagram of a non-volatile memory medium 1000a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or digital multifunction disk (DVD)) and 1000b (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick) is shown, which store instructions and / or parameters 1002, allowing the processor to perform one or more steps of the method of Figure 4 when executed by the processor.

[0193] It should be understood that the above references to various network functions (e.g., AMF, SMF, TNF, etc.) can be implemented by means of performing at least some of the functions associated with those network functions. Furthermore, means configured to implement network functions can also be configured as virtual network function instances that implement those network functions.

[0194] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as radio components or radio heads used for transmission and / or reception. Although the device has been described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0195] Note that while some example embodiments have been described with respect to 5G networks, similar example embodiments can be applied to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some example embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures of wireless networks, technologies, and standards, other example embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system other than those shown and described herein.

[0196] It should also be noted that various changes and modifications may be made to the various exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0197] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, means at least one of the elements, at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements. As used herein, the expression “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the listed terms, including at least one of the elements, at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0198] As used herein, the term “or” means non-exclusive “or” unless otherwise stated (e.g., “otherwise” or “or in alternatives”).

[0199] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps. Similarly, performing a step or function “based on A” does not indicate that the step or function is performed solely based on “A”, as it may include one or more additional conditions.

[0200] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of this disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting and illustrative examples, these 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.

[0201] As used herein, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more, or all of the following: Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and Combinations 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(s) having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which operate using software (e.g., firmware), but which may not exist when not in use for operation. This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term "circuit" also covers, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, 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.

[0202] Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device (e.g., in a processor entity), or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to perform the embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0203] Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any box in the logical flow diagram may represent a program step, or interconnected logic circuits, boxes and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, boxes and functions. Software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0204] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (e.g., tangible, not signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0205] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. As a non-limiting example, the data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0206] The various example embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is primarily a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0207] The scope of protection sought by the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this disclosure that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0208] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples. However, various modifications and adjustments may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, in view of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications taught will still fall within the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting and illustrative example, another exemplary embodiment exists, which includes a combination of one or more exemplary embodiments with any other exemplary embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. A first device comprising components for the following operations: Receive at least one indication from at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication being used to switch the state of at least one transmission configuration indicator; Based on the received at least one indication, switch the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator; and Send at least one indication to the at least one transmission receiving point, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one indication includes a first indication for switching from a first transmission configuration indicator state to a second transmission configuration indicator state, and wherein the switching includes switching from the first transmission configuration indicator state to the second transmission configuration indicator state.

3. The first apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one indication further includes a second indication for switching from a third transmission configuration indicator state to a fourth transmission configuration indicator state, and wherein the switching further includes switching from the third transmission configuration indicator state to the fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

4. The first device according to claim 3, wherein: The first instruction and the second instruction are received from the first transmission receiving point in separate instructions; The first instruction and the second instruction are received from the first transmission receiving point in a joint instruction; or The first instruction is received from the first transmission receiving point, and the second instruction is received from the second transmission receiving point.

5. The first apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first indication and the second indication are received from the first transmission receiving point in the individual indication or in the combined indication, and wherein the first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state are one of an uplink transmission configuration indicator state and a downlink transmission configuration indicator state, and wherein the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are the other of the uplink transmission configuration indicator state and the downlink transmission configuration indicator state.

6. The first apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first indication is received from the first transmission receiving point, and the second indication is received from the second transmission receiving point, and wherein: The first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state are uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point. or The first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state are downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point.

7. The first apparatus of claim 6, wherein sending the at least one indication to the at least one transmission receiving point regarding that the first apparatus has switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator comprises: Send a third indication to the first transmission receiving point, the third indication being that the first device has switched from the first transmission configuration indicator state to the second transmission configuration indicator state and can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the second transmission configuration indicator state; as well as A fourth indication is sent to the second transmission receiving point, the fourth indication indicating that the first device has switched from the third transmission configuration indicator state to the fourth transmission configuration indicator state and can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

8. The first apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are known to the first apparatus or unknown to the first apparatus, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are known when the first apparatus has reported to the second apparatus one or more measurements of a reference signal associated with the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state and the reference signal remains detectable to the first apparatus.

9. The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are uplink transmission configuration indicator states and / or combined downlink / uplink transmission configuration indicator states known to the first apparatus, and are associated with a path loss reference signal, wherein the measurement of the path loss reference signal is maintained or not maintained by the first apparatus.

10. The first apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein switching the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator is associated with a required time period within which the switching is to be completed.

11. The first apparatus of claim 10, wherein sending the at least one indication is performed before the expiration of the desired time period, the at least one indication relating to the first apparatus having switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator.

12. The first apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one indication that the first apparatus has switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator and that the at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the switched state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions is included in a media access control control element or uplink control information.

13. The first device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein sending the at least one instruction comprises: The at least one indication is sent after each of the at least one transport configuration indicator state transitions is completed; The at least one indication is sent after the last transport configuration indicator state switch in the at least one transport configuration indicator state switch is completed; Send at least one indication after completing the uplink transmission configuration indicator state switch; or The at least one indication is sent after the downlink transmission configuration indicator state switch is completed.

14. The first device according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is further configured to: Send information to the at least one transmission receiving point indicating that the first device has any of the following capabilities: Performing transmission and / or reception using the transmission configuration indicator state prior to the transmission configuration indicator state switch takes longer than required; and / or The transmission configuration indicator state after the state switch is used to perform transmission and / or reception earlier than required.

15. The first apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one indication for switching the at least one transmission configuration indicator state is based at least in part on information indicating that the first apparatus has the capability to: perform transmission and / or reception using the transmission configuration indicator state prior to the switching of the transmission configuration indicator state for a longer time than the required time; and / or perform transmission and / or reception using the transmission configuration indicator state after the switching of the transmission configuration indicator state for a longer time than the required time.

16. The first device according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is further configured to: Based on the state of at least one transmission configuration indicator of the switch, send one or more uplink transmissions to the at least one transmission receiving point; and / or Based on the state of at least one transmission configuration indicator of the switching, one or more downlink transmissions are received from the at least one transmission receiving point.

17. A second device comprising components for the following operations: Send at least one indication to the first device, the at least one indication being used to switch the state of at least one transmission configuration indicator; Receive at least one indication from the first device, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator and the at least one transmission configuration indicator state being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched state. Based on the at least one indication, one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions for the first device are scheduled, the at least one indication relating to the first device having switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator and the at least one transmission configuration indicator state being switched being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions.

18. The second apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one indication includes a first indication for switching from a first transmission configuration indicator state to a second transmission configuration indicator state.

19. The second apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one indication further comprises a second indication for switching from a third transmission configuration indicator state to a fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

20. The second apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The first instruction and the second instruction are sent to the first device in separate instructions; or The first instruction and the second instruction are sent to the first device in a joint instruction.

21. The second apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state are one of an uplink transmission configuration indicator state and a downlink transmission configuration indicator state, and wherein the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are the other of the uplink transmission configuration indicator state and the downlink transmission configuration indicator state.

22. The second apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The second device includes a plurality of transmission receiving points, wherein the plurality of transmission receiving points includes at least a first transmission receiving point and a second transmission receiving point; as well as Sending the at least one indication for switching the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator includes: sending the first indication to the first device via the first transmission receiving point, and sending the second indication to the first device via the second transmission receiving point.

23. The second apparatus according to claim 22, wherein: The first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state are uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are uplink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point. or The first transmission configuration indicator state and the second transmission configuration indicator state are downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the first transmission receiving point, and the third transmission configuration indicator state and the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are downlink transmission configuration indicator states associated with the second transmission receiving point.

24. The second apparatus of claim 23, wherein receiving the at least one indication that the first apparatus has switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator and that it can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator comprises: A third indication is received from the first device via the first transmission receiving point, the third indication indicating that the first device has switched from the first transmission configuration indicator state to the second transmission configuration indicator state and can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the second transmission configuration indicator state; as well as A fourth indication is received from the first device via the second transmission receiving point, the fourth indication indicating that the first device has switched from the third transmission configuration indicator state to the fourth transmission configuration indicator state and can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the fourth transmission configuration indicator state.

25. The second apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are known to the first apparatus or unknown to the first apparatus, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are known when the first apparatus has reported to the second apparatus one or more measurements of a reference signal associated with the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state and the reference signal remains detectable to the first apparatus.

26. The second apparatus of claim 25, wherein the second transmission configuration indicator state and / or the fourth transmission configuration indicator state are uplink transmission configuration indicator states and / or combined downlink / uplink transmission configuration indicator states known to the first apparatus, and are associated with a path loss reference signal, wherein the measurement of the path loss reference signal is maintained or not maintained by the first apparatus.

27. The second apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein switching the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator is associated with a required time period within which the switching is to be completed.

28. The second apparatus of claim 27, wherein the at least one indication is received before the expiration of the desired time period, the at least one indication relating to the first apparatus having switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator and being scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the switched state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator.

29. The second apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the at least one indication that the first apparatus has switched the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator and that the at least one transmission configuration indicator state based on the switched state can be scheduled for one or more uplink and / or downlink transmissions is included in the media access control element or uplink control information.

30. The second device according to any one of claims 17 to 29, wherein the component is further configured to: Receive information from the first device indicating that the first device has any of the following capabilities: Performing transmission and / or reception using the transmission configuration indicator state prior to the transmission configuration indicator state switch takes longer than required; and / or The transmission configuration indicator state after the state switch is used to perform transmission and / or reception earlier than required.

31. The second apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one indication for switching the state of the at least one transmission configuration indicator is based at least in part on information indicating that the first apparatus has the capability to: perform transmission and / or reception using the transmission configuration indicator state prior to the switching of the transmission configuration indicator state for a longer time than the required time; and / or perform transmission and / or reception using the transmission configuration indicator state after the switching of the transmission configuration indicator state for a longer time than the required time.

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