Transmission configuration indicator activation before cell switching
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023931216
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-11
Smart Images

Figure CN2023085880_10102024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
TRANSMISSION CONFIGURATION INDICATOR ACTIVATION BEFORE CELL SWITCHING
[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication and to techniques and apparatuses for transmission configuration indicator activation before cell switching.BACKGROUND
[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple-access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, or the like) . Examples of such multiple-access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and Long Term Evolution (LTE) . LTE / LTE-Advanced is a set of enhancements to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) .
[0004] A wireless network may include one or more network nodes that support communication for wireless communication devices, such as a user equipment (UE) or multiple UEs. A UE may communicate with a network node via downlink communications and uplink communications. “Downlink” (or “DL” ) refers to a communication link from the network node to the UE, and “uplink” (or “UL” ) refers to a communication link from the UE to the network node. Some wireless networks may support device-to-device communication, such as via a local link (e.g., a sidelink (SL) , a wireless local area network (WLAN) link, and / or a wireless personal area network (WPAN) link, among other examples) .
[0005] The above multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different UEs to communicate on a municipal, national, regional, and / or global level. New Radio (NR) , which may be referred to as 5G, is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard promulgated by the 3GPP. NR is designed to better support mobile broadband internet access by improving spectral efficiency, lowering costs, improving services, making use of new spectrum, and better integrating with other open standards using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP) (CP-OFDM) on the downlink, using CP-OFDM and / or single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) (also known as discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) ) on the uplink, as well as supporting beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation. As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, further improvements in LTE, NR, and other radio access technologies remain useful.
[0006] SUMMARY
[0007] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) . The method may include transmitting an indication of support for transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in a layer 1 (L1) or layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility. The method may include receiving a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The method may include receiving the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command.
[0008] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a UE. The method may include receiving a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The method may include receiving a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The method may include applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0009] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a network node. The method may include receiving an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The method may include transmitting a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The method may include transmitting the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command.
[0010] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a network node. The method may include transmitting a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The method may include transmitting a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The method may include applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0011] Some aspects described herein relate to a UE for wireless communication. The UE may include a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The one or more processors may be configured to receive a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The one or more processors may be configured to receive the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command.
[0012] Some aspects described herein relate to a UE for wireless communication. The UE may include a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors may be configured to receive a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The one or more processors may be configured to receive a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The one or more processors may be configured to apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0013] Some aspects described herein relate to a network node for wireless communication. The network node may include a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors may be configured to receive an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command.
[0014] Some aspects described herein relate to a network node for wireless communication. The network node may include a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The one or more processors may be configured to apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0015] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a UE. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to transmit an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to receive a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to receive the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command.
[0016] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication that, when executed by one or more processors of a UE, may cause the UE to receive a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to receive a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0017] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a network node. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to receive an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to transmit a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to transmit the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command.
[0018] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a network node. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to transmit a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to transmit a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0019] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for transmitting an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The apparatus may include means for receiving a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The apparatus may include means for receiving the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command.
[0020] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The apparatus may include means for receiving a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The apparatus may include means for applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the apparatus receives the TCI state activation command.
[0021] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The apparatus may include means for transmitting the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command.
[0022] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The apparatus may include means for applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0023] Aspects generally include a method, apparatus, system, computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, UE, base station, network entity, network node, wireless communication device, and / or processing system as substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the drawings and specification
[0024] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, both their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.
[0025] While aspects are described in the present disclosure by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that such aspects may be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. Techniques described herein may be implemented using different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or packaging arrangements. For example, some aspects may be implemented via integrated chip embodiments or other non-module-component based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchasing devices, medical devices, and / or artificial intelligence devices) . Aspects may be implemented in chip-level components, modular components, non-modular components, non-chip-level components, device-level components, and / or system-level components. Devices incorporating described aspects and features may include additional components and features for implementation and practice of claimed and described aspects. For example, transmission and reception of wireless signals may include one or more components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders, and / or summers) . It is intended that aspects described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of devices, components, systems, distributed arrangements, and / or end-user devices of varying size, shape, and constitution.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] So that the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the description may admit to other equally effective aspects. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.
[0027] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0028] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network node in communication with a user equipment (UE) in a wireless network, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0029] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated base station architecture, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0030] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of make-before-break handover, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0031] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of UE mobility, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0032] Fig. 6 is a diagram of an example associated with TCI activation before cell switching, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0033] Fig. 7 is a diagram of an example associated with TCI activation before cell switching, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0034] Fig. 8 is a diagram of an example associated with TCI activation before cell switching, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0035] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0036] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0037] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a network node, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0038] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a network node, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0039] Fig. 13 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0040] Fig. 14 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] A handover procedure may allow a user equipment (UE) to move from a first cell to a second cell based at least in part on layer 1 and / or layer 2 (L1 / L2) measurements. However, during a switching time when switching from the first cell to the second cell, communications with the UE may be delayed and / or disrupted. This may cause communication errors, skipping in a stream of data, and / or a loss of an application layer connection, among other examples.
[0042] In some aspects described herein, a UE may receive a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation for a candidate cell before a cell switching command in L1 / L2-triggered mobility (LTM) . In this way, the UE may reduce an amount of time of the cell switching during which communications are interrupted. The UE may reduce communication errors, reduce or avoid skipping in a stream of data, and / or decrease a likelihood of a loss of an application layer connection based at least in part on reducing the amount of time of the cell switching.
[0043] Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. One skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.
[0044] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatuses and techniques. These apparatuses and techniques will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, or the like (collectively referred to as “elements” ) . These elements may be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.
[0045] While aspects may be described herein using terminology commonly associated with a 5G or New Radio (NR) radio access technology (RAT) , aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to other RATs, such as a 3G RAT, a 4G RAT, and / or a RAT subsequent to 5G (e.g., 6G) .
[0046] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. The wireless network 100 may be or may include elements of a 5G (e.g., NR) network and / or a 4G (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) ) network, among other examples. The wireless network 100 may include one or more network nodes 110 (shown as a network node 110a, a network node 110b, a network node 110c, and a network node 110d) , a UE 120 or multiple UEs 120 (shown as a UE 120a, a UE 120b, a UE 120c, a UE 120d, and a UE 120e) , and / or other entities. A network node 110 is a network node that communicates with UEs 120. As shown, a network node 110 may include one or more network nodes. For example, a network node 110 may be an aggregated network node, meaning that the aggregated network node is configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., within a single device or unit) . As another example, a network node 110 may be a disaggregated network node (sometimes referred to as a disaggregated base station) , meaning that the network node 110 is configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more nodes (such as one or more central units (CUs) , one or more distributed units (DUs) , or one or more radio units (RUs) ) .
[0047] In some examples, a network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with UEs 120 via a radio access link, such as an RU. In some examples, a network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with other network nodes 110 via a fronthaul link or a midhaul link, such as a DU. In some examples, a network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with other network nodes 110 via a midhaul link or a core network via a backhaul link, such as a CU. In some examples, a network node 110 (such as an aggregated network node 110 or a disaggregated network node 110) may include multiple network nodes, such as one or more RUs, one or more CUs, and / or one or more DUs. A network node 110 may include, for example, an NR base station, an LTE base station, a Node B, an eNB (e.g., in 4G) , a gNB (e.g., in 5G) , an access point, a transmission reception point (TRP) , a DU, an RU, a CU, a mobility element of a network, a core network node, a network element, a network equipment, a RAN node, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the network nodes 110 may be interconnected to one another or to one or more other network nodes 110 in the wireless network 100 through various types of fronthaul, midhaul, and / or backhaul interfaces, such as a direct physical connection, an air interface, or a virtual network, using any suitable transport network.
[0048] In some examples, a network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) , the term “cell” can refer to a coverage area of a network node 110 and / or a network node subsystem serving this coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. A network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, and / or another type of cell. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs 120 with service subscriptions. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs 120 with service subscriptions. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may allow restricted access by UEs 120 having association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs 120 in a closed subscriber group (CSG) ) . A network node 110 for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro network node. A network node 110 for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico network node. A network node 110 for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto network node or an in-home network node. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the network node 110a may be a macro network node for a macro cell 102a, the network node 110b may be a pico network node for a pico cell 102b, and the network node 110c may be a femto network node for a femto cell 102c. A network node may support one or multiple (e.g., three) cells. In some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of the cell may move according to the location of a network node 110 that is mobile (e.g., a mobile network node) .
[0049] In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to an aggregated base station, a disaggregated base station, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, or one or more components thereof. For example, in some aspects, “base station” or “network node” may refer to a CU, a DU, an RU, a Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) , or a Non-Real Time (Non-RT) RIC, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to one device configured to perform one or more functions, such as those described herein in connection with the network node 110. In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to a plurality of devices configured to perform the one or more functions. For example, in some distributed systems, each of a quantity of different devices (which may be located in the same geographic location or in different geographic locations) may be configured to perform at least a portion of a function, or to duplicate performance of at least a portion of the function, and the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to any one or more of those different devices. In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to one or more virtual base stations or one or more virtual base station functions. For example, in some aspects, two or more base station functions may be instantiated on a single device. In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to one of the base station functions and not another. In this way, a single device may include more than one base station.
[0050] The wireless network 100 may include one or more relay stations. A relay station is a network node that can receive a transmission of data from an upstream node (e.g., a network node 110 or a UE 120) and send a transmission of the data to a downstream node (e.g., a UE 120 or a network node 110) . A relay station may be a UE 120 that can relay transmissions for other UEs 120. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the network node 110d (e.g., a relay network node) may communicate with the network node 110a (e.g., a macro network node) and the UE 120d in order to facilitate communication between the network node 110a and the UE 120d. A network node 110 that relays communications may be referred to as a relay station, a relay base station, a relay network node, a relay node, a relay, or the like.
[0051] The wireless network 100 may be a heterogeneous network that includes network nodes 110 of different types, such as macro network nodes, pico network nodes, femto network nodes, relay network nodes, or the like. These different types of network nodes 110 may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and / or different impacts on interference in the wireless network 100. For example, macro network nodes may have a high transmit power level (e.g., 5 to 40 watts) whereas pico network nodes, femto network nodes, and relay network nodes may have lower transmit power levels (e.g., 0.1 to 2 watts) .
[0052] A network controller 130 may couple to or communicate with a set of network nodes 110 and may provide coordination and control for these network nodes 110. The network controller 130 may communicate with the network nodes 110 via a backhaul communication link or a midhaul communication link. The network nodes 110 may communicate with one another directly or indirectly via a wireless or wireline backhaul communication link. In some aspects, the network controller 130 may be a CU or a core network device, or may include a CU or a core network device.
[0053] The UEs 120 may be dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE 120 may be stationary or mobile. A UE 120 may include, for example, an access terminal, a terminal, a mobile station, and / or a subscriber unit. A UE 120 may be a cellular phone (e.g., a smart phone) , a personal digital assistant (PDA) , a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device, a biometric device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring or a smart bracelet) ) , an entertainment device (e.g., a music device, a video device, and / or a satellite radio) , a vehicular component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a global positioning system device, a UE function of a network node, and / or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium.
[0054] Some UEs 120 may be considered machine-type communication (MTC) or evolved or enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) UEs. An MTC UE and / or an eMTC UE may include, for example, a robot, a drone, a remote device, a sensor, a meter, a monitor, and / or a location tag, that may communicate with a network node, another device (e.g., a remote device) , or some other entity. Some UEs 120 may be considered Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, and / or may be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband IoT) devices. Some UEs 120 may be considered a Customer Premises Equipment. A UE 120 may be included inside a housing that houses components of the UE 120, such as processor components and / or memory components. In some examples, the processor components and the memory components may be coupled together. For example, the processor components (e.g., one or more processors) and the memory components (e.g., a memory) may be operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, and / or electrically coupled.
[0055] In general, any number of wireless networks 100 may be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network 100 may support a particular RAT and may operate on one or more frequencies. A RAT may be referred to as a radio technology, an air interface, or the like. A frequency may be referred to as a carrier, a frequency channel, or the like. Each frequency may support a single RAT in a given geographic area in order to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks may be deployed.
[0056] In some examples, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly using one or more sidelink channels (e.g., without using a network node 110 as an intermediary to communicate with one another) . For example, the UEs 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, device-to-device (D2D) communications, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocol (e.g., which may include a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocol, a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocol, or a vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) protocol) , and / or a mesh network. In such examples, a UE 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by the network node 110.
[0057] Devices of the wireless network 100 may communicate using the electromagnetic spectrum, which may be subdivided by frequency or wavelength into various classes, bands, channels, or the like. For example, devices of the wireless network 100 may communicate using one or more operating bands. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz –7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz –52.6 GHz) . It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “Sub-6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. A similar nomenclature issue sometimes occurs with regard to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, despite being different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz –300 GHz) which is identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a “millimeter wave” band.
[0058] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR studies have identified an operating band for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz –24.25 GHz) . Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 and / or FR2 into mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz –71 GHz) , FR4 (52.6 GHz –114.25 GHz) , and FR5 (114.25 GHz –300 GHz) . Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.
[0059] With the above examples in mind, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “sub-6 GHz” or the like, if used herein, may broadly represent frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “millimeter wave” or the like, if used herein, may broadly represent frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-aor FR4-1, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band. It is contemplated that the frequencies included in these operating bands (e.g., FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4, FR4-a, FR4-1, and / or FR5) may be modified, and techniques described herein are applicable to those modified frequency ranges.
[0060] In some aspects, the UE 120 may include a communication manager 140. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 140 may transmit an indication of support for transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in a layer 1 (L1) or layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility; receive a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells; and receive the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 140 may perform one or more other operations described herein.
[0061] In some aspects, the UE 120 may include a communication manager 140. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 140 may receive a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells; receive a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells; and apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE 120 receives the TCI state activation command. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 140 may perform one or more other operations described herein.
[0062] In some aspects, the network node 110 may include a communication manager 150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 150 may receive an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility; transmit a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells; and transmit the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 150 may perform one or more other operations described herein.
[0063] In some aspects, the network node 110 may include a communication manager 150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 150 may transmit a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells; transmit a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells; and apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 150 may perform one or more other operations described herein.
[0064] As indicated above, Fig. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 1.
[0065] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example 200 of a network node 110 in communication with a UE 120 in a wireless network 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. The network node 110 may be equipped with a set of antennas 234a through 234t, such as T antennas (T ≥ 1) . The UE 120 may be equipped with a set of antennas 252a through 252r, such as R antennas (R ≥ 1) . The network node 110 of example 200 includes one or more radio frequency components, such as antennas 234 and a modem 232. In some examples, a network node 110 may include an interface, a communication component, or another component that facilitates communication with the UE 120 or another network node. Some network nodes 110 may not include radio frequency components that facilitate direct communication with the UE 120, such as one or more CUs, or one or more DUs.
[0066] At the network node 110, a transmit processor 220 may receive data, from a data source 212, intended for the UE 120 (or a set of UEs 120) . The transmit processor 220 may select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) for the UE 120 based at least in part on one or more channel quality indicators (CQIs) received from that UE 120. The network node 110 may process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for the UE 120 based at least in part on the MCS (s) selected for the UE 120 and may provide data symbols for the UE 120. The transmit processor 220 may process system information (e.g., for semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI) ) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, and / or upper layer signaling) and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor 220 may generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ) and synchronization signals (e.g., a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) ) . A transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on the data symbols, the control symbols, the overhead symbols, and / or the reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide a set of output symbol streams (e.g., T output symbol streams) to a corresponding set of modems 232 (e.g., T modems) , shown as modems 232a through 232t. For example, each output symbol stream may be provided to a modulator component (shown as MOD) of a modem 232. Each modem 232 may use a respective modulator component to process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modem 232 may further use a respective modulator component to process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and / or upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The modems 232a through 232t may transmit a set of downlink signals (e.g., T downlink signals) via a corresponding set of antennas 234 (e.g., T antennas) , shown as antennas 234a through 234t.
[0067] At the UE 120, a set of antennas 252 (shown as antennas 252a through 252r) may receive the downlink signals from the network node 110 and / or other network nodes 110 and may provide a set of received signals (e.g., R received signals) to a set of modems 254 (e.g., R modems) , shown as modems 254a through 254r. For example, each received signal may be provided to a demodulator component (shown as DEMOD) of a modem 254. Each modem 254 may use a respective demodulator component to condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and / or digitize) a received signal to obtain input samples. Each modem 254 may use a demodulator component to further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector 256 may obtain received symbols from the modems 254, may perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and may provide detected symbols. A receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, may provide decoded data for the UE 120 to a data sink 260, and may provide decoded control information and system information to a controller / processor 280. The term “controller / processor” may refer to one or more controllers, one or more processors, or a combination thereof. A channel processor may determine a reference signal received power (RSRP) parameter, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) parameter, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) parameter, and / or a CQI parameter, among other examples. In some examples, one or more components of the UE 120 may be included in a housing
[0068] The network controller 130 may include a communication unit 294, a controller / processor 290, and a memory 292. The network controller 130 may include, for example, one or more devices in a core network. The network controller 130 may communicate with the network node 110 via the communication unit 294.
[0069] One or more antennas (e.g., antennas 234a through 234t and / or antennas 252a through 252r) may include, or may be included within, one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more sets of antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna arrays, among other examples. An antenna panel, an antenna group, a set of antenna elements, and / or an antenna array may include one or more antenna elements (within a single housing or multiple housings) , a set of coplanar antenna elements, a set of non-coplanar antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna elements coupled to one or more transmission and / or reception components, such as one or more components of Fig. 2.
[0070] On the uplink, at the UE 120, a transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from a data source 262 and control information (e.g., for reports that include RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and / or CQI) from the controller / processor 280. The transmit processor 264 may generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor 266 if applicable, further processed by the modems 254 (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM or CP-OFDM) , and transmitted to the network node 110. In some examples, the modem 254 of the UE 120 may include a modulator and a demodulator. In some examples, the UE 120 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of the antenna (s) 252, the modem (s) 254, the MIMO detector 256, the receive processor 258, the transmit processor 264, and / or the TX MIMO processor 266. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., the controller / processor 280) and the memory 282 to perform aspects of any of the methods described herein (e.g., with reference to Figs. 6-14) .
[0071] At the network node 110, the uplink signals from UE 120 and / or other UEs may be received by the antennas 234, processed by the modem 232 (e.g., a demodulator component, shown as DEMOD, of the modem 232) , detected by a MIMO detector 236 if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information sent by the UE 120. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to a data sink 239 and provide the decoded control information to the controller / processor 240. The network node 110 may include a communication unit 244 and may communicate with the network controller 130 via the communication unit 244. The network node 110 may include a scheduler 246 to schedule one or more UEs 120 for downlink and / or uplink communications. In some examples, the modem 232 of the network node 110 may include a modulator and a demodulator. In some examples, the network node 110 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of the antenna (s) 234, the modem (s) 232, the MIMO detector 236, the receive processor 238, the transmit processor 220, and / or the TX MIMO processor 230. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., the controller / processor 240) and the memory 242 to perform aspects of any of the methods described herein (e.g., with reference to Figs. 6-14) .
[0072] The controller / processor 240 of the network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or any other component (s) of Fig. 2 may perform one or more techniques associated with TCI activation before cell switching, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller / processor 240 of the network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or any other component (s) of Fig. 2 may perform or direct operations of, for example, process 900 of Fig. 9, process 1000 of Fig. 10, process 1100 of Fig. 11, process 1200 of Fig. 12, and / or other processes as described herein. The memory 242 and the memory 282 may store data and program codes for the network node 110 and the UE 120, respectively. In some examples, the memory 242 and / or the memory 282 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions (e.g., code and / or program code) for wireless communication. For example, the one or more instructions, when executed (e.g., directly, or after compiling, converting, and / or interpreting) by one or more processors of the network node 110 and / or the UE 120, may cause the one or more processors, the UE 120, and / or the network node 110 to perform or direct operations of, for example, process 900 of Fig. 9, process 1000 of Fig. 10, process 1100 of Fig. 11, process 1200 of Fig. 12, and / or other processes as described herein. In some examples, executing instructions may include running the instructions, converting the instructions, compiling the instructions, and / or interpreting the instructions, among other examples.
[0073] In some aspects, the UE 120 includes means for transmitting an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility; means for receiving a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells; and / or means for receiving the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command. The means for the UE 120 to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 140, antenna 252, modem 254, MIMO detector 256, receive processor 258, transmit processor 264, TX MIMO processor 266, controller / processor 280, or memory 282.
[0074] In some aspects, the UE 120 includes means for receiving a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells; means for receiving a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells; and / or means for applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE 120 receives the TCI state activation command. The means for the UE 120 to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 140, antenna 252, modem 254, MIMO detector 256, receive processor 258, transmit processor 264, TX MIMO processor 266, controller / processor 280, or memory 282.
[0075] In some aspects, the network node 110 includes means for receiving an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility; means for transmitting a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells; and / or means for transmitting the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command. The means for the network node 110 to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 150, transmit processor 220, TX MIMO processor 230, modem 232, antenna 234, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, controller / processor 240, memory 242, or scheduler 246.
[0076] In some aspects, the network node 110 includes means for transmitting a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells; means for transmitting a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells; and / or means for applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command. The means for the network node 110 to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 150, transmit processor 220, TX MIMO processor 230, modem 232, antenna 234, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, controller / processor 240, memory 242, or scheduler 246.
[0077] While blocks in Fig. 2 are illustrated as distinct components, the functions described above with respect to the blocks may be implemented in a single hardware, software, or combination component or in various combinations of components. For example, the functions described with respect to the transmit processor 264, the receive processor 258, and / or the TX MIMO processor 266 may be performed by or under the control of the controller / processor 280.
[0078] As indicated above, Fig. 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 2.
[0079] Deployment of communication systems, such as 5G NR systems, may be arranged in multiple manners with various components or constituent parts. In a 5G NR system, or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a RAN node, a core network node, a network element, a base station, or a network equipment may be implemented in an aggregated or disaggregated architecture. For example, a base station (such as a Node B (NB) , an evolved NB (eNB) , an NR base station, a 5G NB, an access point (AP) , a TRP, or a cell, among other examples) , or one or more units (or one or more components) performing base station functionality, may be implemented as an aggregated base station (also known as a standalone base station or a monolithic base station) or a disaggregated base station. “Network entity” or “network node” may refer to a disaggregated base station, or to one or more units of a disaggregated base station (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, one or more RUs, or a combination thereof) .
[0080] An aggregated base station (e.g., an aggregated network node) may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node (e.g., within a single device or unit) . A disaggregated base station (e.g., a disaggregated network node) may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more units (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, or one or more RUs) . In some examples, a CU may be implemented within a network node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed throughout one or multiple other network nodes. The DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU, and RU also can be implemented as virtual units, such as a virtual central unit (VCU) , a virtual distributed unit (VDU) , or a virtual radio unit (VRU) , among other examples.
[0081] Base station-type operation or network design may consider aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, disaggregated base stations may be utilized in an IAB network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (such as the network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance) ) , or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) ) to facilitate scaling of communication systems by separating base station functionality into one or more units that can be individually deployed. A disaggregated base station may include functionality implemented across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as functionality implemented for at least one unit virtually, which can enable flexibility in network design. The various units of the disaggregated base station can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit of the disaggregated base station.
[0082] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated base station architecture 300, in accordance with the present disclosure. The disaggregated base station architecture 300 may include a CU 310 that can communicate directly with a core network 320 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 320 through one or more disaggregated control units (such as a Near-RT RIC 325 via an E2 link, or a Non-RT RIC 315 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) Framework 305, or both) . A CU 310 may communicate with one or more DUs 330 via respective midhaul links, such as through F1 interfaces. Each of the DUs 330 may communicate with one or more RUs 340 via respective fronthaul links. Each of the RUs 340 may communicate with one or more UEs 120 via respective radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, a UE 120 may be simultaneously served by multiple RUs 340.
[0083] Each of the units, including the CUs 310, the DUs 330, the RUs 340, as well as the Near-RT RICs 325, the Non-RT RICs 315, and the SMO Framework 305, may include one or more interfaces or be coupled with one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to one or multiple communication interfaces of the respective unit, can be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via the transmission medium. In some examples, each of the units can include a wired interface, configured to receive or transmit signals over a wired transmission medium to one or more of the other units, and a wireless interface, which may include a receiver, a transmitter or transceiver (such as an RF transceiver) , configured to receive or transmit signals, or both, over a wireless transmission medium to one or more of the other units.
[0084] In some aspects, the CU 310 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions can include radio resource control (RRC) functions, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) functions, or service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) functions, among other examples. Each control function can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 310. The CU 310 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (for example, Central Unit –User Plane (CU-UP) functionality) , control plane functionality (for example, Central Unit –Control Plane (CU-CP) functionality) , or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the CU 310 can be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. A CU-UP unit can communicate bidirectionally with a CU-CP unit via an interface, such as the E1 interface when implemented in an O-RAN configuration. The CU 310 can be implemented to communicate with a DU 330, as necessary, for network control and signaling.
[0085] Each DU 330 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions to control the operation of one or more RUs 340. In some aspects, the DU 330 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers depending, at least in part, on a functional split, such as a functional split defined by the 3GPP. In some aspects, the one or more high PHY layers may be implemented by one or more modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, and modulation and demodulation, among other examples. In some aspects, the DU 330 may further host one or more low PHY layers, such as implemented by one or more modules for a fast Fourier transform (FFT) , an inverse FFT (iFFT) , digital beamforming, or physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, among other examples. Each layer (which also may be referred to as a module) can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 330, or with the control functions hosted by the CU 310.
[0086] Each RU 340 may implement lower-layer functionality. In some deployments, an RU 340, controlled by a DU 330, may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low-PHY layer functions, such as performing an FFT, performing an iFFT, digital beamforming, or PRACH extraction and filtering, among other examples, based on a functional split (for example, a functional split defined by the 3GPP) , such as a lower layer functional split. In such an architecture, each RU 340 can be operated to handle over the air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs 120. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communication with the RU (s) 340 can be controlled by the corresponding DU 330. In some scenarios, this configuration can enable each DU 330 and the CU 310 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.
[0087] The SMO Framework 305 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 305 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operations and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface) . For virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 305 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) platform 390) to perform network element life cycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface) . Such virtualized network elements can include, but are not limited to, CUs 310, DUs 330, RUs 340, non-RT RICs 315, and Near-RT RICs 325. In some implementations, the SMO Framework 305 can communicate with a hardware aspect of a 4G RAN, such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 311, via an O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO Framework 305 can communicate directly with each of one or more RUs 340 via a respective O1 interface. The SMO Framework 305 also may include a Non-RT RIC 315 configured to support functionality of the SMO Framework 305.
[0088] The Non-RT RIC 315 may be configured to include a logical function that enables non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updates, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the Near-RT RIC 325. The Non-RT RIC 315 may be coupled to or communicate with (such as via an A1 interface) the Near-RT RIC 325. The Near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to include a logical function that enables near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions over an interface (such as via an E2 interface) connecting one or more CUs 310, one or more DUs 330, or both, as well as an O-eNB, with the Near-RT RIC 325.
[0089] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the Near-RT RIC 325, the Non-RT RIC 315 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from external servers. Such information may be utilized by the Near-RT RIC 325 and may be received at the SMO Framework 305 or the Non-RT RIC 315 from non-network data sources or from network functions. In some examples, the Non-RT RIC 315 or the Near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the Non-RT RIC 315 may monitor long-term trends and patterns for performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO Framework 305 (such as reconfiguration via an O1 interface) or via creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 interface policies) .
[0090] As indicated above, Fig. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 3.
[0091] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example 400 of make-before-break handover, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0092] As shown in Fig. 4, a make-before-break (MBB) handover procedure may involve a UE 405, a source network node410, a target network node 415, a user plane function (UPF) device 420, and an access and mobility management function (AMF) device 425. In some examples, actions described as being performed by a network node may be performed by multiple different network nodes. For example, configuration actions and / or core network communication actions may be performed by a first network node (e.g., a CU or a DU) , and radio communication actions may be performed by a second network node (e.g., a DU or an RU) . The UE 405 may correspond to the UE 120 described elsewhere herein. The source network node 410 and / or the target network node 415 may correspond to the network node 110 described elsewhere herein. The UPF device 420 and / or the AMF device 425 may correspond to the network controller 130 described elsewhere herein. The UE 405 and the source network node 410 may be connected (e.g., may have an RRC connection) via a serving cell or a source cell, and the UE 405 may undergo a handover to the target network node 415 via a target cell. The UPF device 420 and / or the AMF device 425 may be located within a core network. The source network node 410 and the target network node 415 may be in communication with the core network for mobility support and user plane functions. The MBB handover procedure may include an enhanced MBB (eMBB) handover procedure.
[0093] As shown, the MBB handover procedure may include a handover preparation phase 430, a handover execution phase 435, and a handover completion phase 440. During the handover preparation phase 430, the UE 405 may report measurements that cause the source network node 410 and / or the target network node 415 to prepare for handover and trigger execution of the handover. During the handover execution phase 435, the UE 405 may execute the handover by performing a random access procedure with the target network node 415 and establishing an RRC connection with the target network node 415. During the handover completion phase 440, the source network node 410 may forward stored communications associated with the UE 405 to the target network node 415, and the UE 405 may be released from a connection with the source network node 410.
[0094] As shown by reference number 445, the UE 405 may perform one or more measurements, and may transmit a measurement report to the source network node 410 based at least in part on performing the one or more measurements (e.g., serving cell measurements and / or neighbor cell measurements) . The measurement report may indicate, for example, a reference signal received power (RSRP) parameter, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) parameter, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) parameter, and / or a signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) parameter (e.g., for the serving cell and / or one or more neighbor cells) . The source network node 410 may use the measurement report to determine whether to trigger a handover to the target network node 415. For example, if one or more measurements satisfy a condition, then the source network node 410 may trigger a handover of the UE 405 to the target network node 415.
[0095] As shown by reference number 450, the source network node 410 and the target network node 415 may communicate with one another to prepare for a handover of the UE 405. As part of the handover preparation, the source network node 410 may transmit a handover request to the target network node 415 to instruct the target network node 415 to prepare for the handover. The source network node 410 may communicate RRC context information associated with the UE 405 and / or configuration information associated with the UE 405 to the target network node 415. The target network node 415 may prepare for the handover by reserving resources for the UE 405. After reserving the resources, the target network node 415 may transmit an acknowledgement (ACK) to the source network node 410 in response to the handover request.
[0096] As shown by reference number 455, the source network node 410 may transmit an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE 405. The RRC reconfiguration message may include a handover command instructing the UE 405 to execute a handover procedure from the source network node 410 to the target network node 415. The handover command may include information associated with the target network node 415, such as a random access channel (RACH) preamble assignment for accessing the target network node 415. Reception of the RRC reconfiguration message, including the handover command, by the UE 405 may trigger the start of the handover execution phase 435.
[0097] As shown by reference number 460, during the handover execution phase 435 of the MBB handover, the UE 405 may execute the handover by performing a random access procedure with the target network node 415 (e.g., including synchronization with the target network node 415) while continuing to communicate with the source network node 410. For example, while the UE 405 is performing the random access procedure with the target network node 415, the UE 405 may transmit uplink data, uplink control information, and / or an uplink reference signal (e.g., a sounding reference signal) to the source network node 410, and / or may receive downlink data, downlink control information, and / or a downlink reference signal from the source network node 410.
[0098] As shown by reference number 465, upon successfully establishing a connection with the target network node 415 (e.g., via a random access procedure) , the UE may transmit an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the target network node 415. Reception of the RRC reconfiguration message by the target network node 415 may trigger the start of the handover completion phase 440.
[0099] As shown by reference number 470, the source network node 410 and the target network node 415 may communicate with one another to prepare for release of the connection between the source network node 410 and the UE 405. In some aspects, the target network node 415 may determine that a connection between the source network node 410 and the UE 405 is to be released, such as after receiving the RRC reconfiguration message from the UE 405. In this case, the target network node 415 may transmit a handover connection setup completion message to the source network node 410. The handover connection setup completion message may cause the source network node 410 to stop transmitting data to the UE 405 and / or to stop receiving data from the UE 405. Additionally, or alternatively, the handover connection setup completion message may cause the source network node 410 to forward communications associated with the UE 405 to the target network node 415 and / or to notify the target network node 415 of a status of one or more communications with the UE 405. For example, the source network node 410 may forward, to the target network node 415, buffered downlink communications (e.g., downlink data) for the UE 405 and / or uplink communications (e.g., uplink data) received from the UE 405. Additionally, or alternatively, the source network node 410 may notify the target network node 415 regarding a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) status associated with the UE 405 and / or a sequence number to be used for a downlink communication with the UE 405.
[0100] As shown by reference number 475, the target network node 415 may transmit an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE 405 to instruct the UE 405 to release the connection with the source network node 410. Upon receiving the instruction to release the connection with the source network node 410, the UE 405 may stop communicating with the source network node 410. For example, the UE 405 may refrain from transmitting uplink communications to the source network node 410 and / or may refrain from monitoring for downlink communications from the source network node 410.
[0101] As shown by reference number 480, the UE may transmit an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the target network node 415 to indicate that the connection between the source network node 410 and the UE 405 is being released or has been released.
[0102] As shown by reference number 485, the target network node 415, the UPF device 420, and / or the AMF device 425 may communicate to switch a user plane path of the UE 405 from the source network node 410 to the target network node 415. Prior to switching the user plane path, downlink communications for the UE 405 may be routed through the core network to the source network node 410. After the user plane path is switched, downlink communications for the UE 405 may be routed through the core network to the target network node 415. Upon completing the switch of the user plane path, the AMF device 425 may transmit an end marker message to the source network node 410 to signal completion of the user plane path switch. As shown by reference number 490, the target network node 415 and the source network node 410 may communicate to release the source network node 410.
[0103] As part of the MBB handover procedure, the UE 405 may maintain simultaneous connections with the source network node 410 and the target network node 415 during a time period 495. The time period 495 may start at the beginning of the handover execution phase 435 (e.g., upon reception by the UE 405 of a handover command from the source network node 410) when the UE 405 performs a random access procedure with the target network node 415. The time period 495 may end upon release of the connection between the UE 405 and the source network node 410 (e.g., upon reception by the UE 405 of an instruction, from the target network node 415, to release the source network node 410) . By maintaining simultaneous connections with the source network node 410 and the target network node 415, the handover procedure can be performed with zero or a minimal interruption to communications, thereby reducing latency.
[0104] As indicated above, Fig. 4 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 4.
[0105] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example 500 of UE mobility, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5, a network may include a candidate cell set 502 that includes cells provided by a serving cell network node 504 (e.g., a serving cell) and a set of candidate cells provided by a set of candidate cell network nodes 506A, 506B, and 506C.
[0106] A UE 508 is located within coverage of the candidate cell set 502 and is in communication with the serving cell network node 504. While in communication with the serving cell network node 504, UE movement away from the serving cell network node 504 may cause the UE 508 to have reduced signal strength and / or capacity via the serving cell and may cause the UE 508 to have increased signal strength and / or capacity via a candidate cell, such as a candidate cell associated with the candidate cell network node 506B.
[0107] In some networks, a special cell (SpCell) for the UE may be updated via L1 / L2 signaling based at least in part on L1 measurement of the serving cell and the candidate cell. In some networks, UE mobility (e.g., moving from one cell to another cell) may include intra-frequency and inter-frequency mobility.
[0108] As indicated above, Fig. 5 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 5.
[0109] As described in connection with Figs. 4 and 5, a handover procedure may allow a UE to move from a first cell to a second cell based at least in part on L1 / L2 measurements. However, during a switching time when switching from the first cell to the second cell, communications with the UE may be delayed and / or disrupted. This may cause communication errors, skipping in a stream of data, and / or a loss of an application layer connection, among other examples.
[0110] In some aspects described herein, a UE may receive a TCI state activation for a candidate cell before a cell switching command in LTM. In this way, the UE may reduce an amount of time of the cell switching during which communications are interrupted. The UE may reduce communication errors, reduce or avoid skipping in a stream of data, and / or decrease a likelihood of a loss of an application layer connection based at least in part on reducing the amount of time of the cell switching.
[0111] In some aspects, the UE may indicate support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before a cell switching command in LTM. In some aspects, the UE may indicate one or more parameters for receiving the TCI state activation for candidate cells before the cell switching command. For example, the one or more parameters may include a maximum number of activated TCI states per candidate cell, a maximum number of activated TCI states for all candidate cells, and / or a maximum number of activated TCI states for both serving cell and candidate cells, among other examples. In some aspects, the UE may indicate the one or more parameters per band and / or per band combination, among other examples.
[0112] In some aspects, the UE may be configured (e.g., via RRC configuration) to receive the TCI activation before a cell switching command or with the cell switching command. If the TCI activation is before the cell switching command, the TCI activation command may be X milliseconds (ms) or X symbols before a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) conveying the cell switching command. A TCI state indicated in the cell switching command may be selected from the activated TCI states. In some aspects, an additional TCI application time Z may be needed before the UE applies the indicated TCI state after the cell switching command.
[0113] If the TCI activation is with the cell switching command, the UE may apply the TCI state after Y ms or Y symbols after the MAC CE conveying the cell switching command. This configuration may be used when there is only one activated TCI state for the candidate cell. In this case, a TCI state indication in the cell switching command is also a TCI state activation command.
[0114] If the UE receives the TCI activation MAC CE before or within a cell switching command, the value of X or Y may be based at least in part on a time for transmission of an acknowledgment (ACK) associated with the MAC CE that indicates the cell switching command and / or an application time (e.g., 3 ms) to apply the cell switching and the indicated TCI state. For example, the value of X or Y may be where THARQ (in slot) is a timing between a downlink data transmission and the ACK, and is the number of the slots in a subframe.
[0115] In some aspects, the value of X or Y may be based at least in part on whether the candidate cell is known or not (e.g., whether the UE has previously identified the candidate cell) . For example, the UE may know the candidate cell based at least in part on measuring one or more synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) via the candidate cell. If the candidate cell is not known, the value of X or Y may include a time for searching the candidate cell. For example, Tinterrupt = Tsearch + TΔ + Tmargin ms, where Tsearch is the time required to search the target candidate cell when the handover command is received by the UE. Tmargin is time for SSB post-processing. TΔ is time for fine time tracking and acquiring full timing information of the candidate cell. If the candidate cell is a known cell, then Tsearch = 0 ms. If the candidate cell is an unknown inter-frequency cell and the candidate cell has an energy of Es / Iot ≥ -2 dB, then Tsearch = N*3*Trs ms. N = 8 when the candidate cell is in FR2-1. In some aspects, Tmargin may be up to 2 ms. TΔ = Trs for both known and unknown target candidate cell, and Trs is an SSB measurement time configuration periodicity of the candidate cell.
[0116] In some aspects, the value of X or Y may be based at least in part on whether the TCI state is known by the UE. For example, the UE may know the TCI state based at least in part on previously measuring reference signals (e.g., pathloss reference signals (PLRSs) ) associated with the TCI state. When the TCI state is unknown, the value of X or Y may include time for refining a reception beam associated with the TCI state in the candidate cell. In some aspects, T L1-RSRP = 0 in FR1 or when TCI state switching does not involve quasi-co-located (QCL) -TypeD in FR2. Otherwise, TL1-RSRP is the time for Rx beam refinement in FR2, which may be determined by TSSB_CDP = SSB periodicity of the candidate cell. TSMTCperiod = a configured SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC) period. TSSB_SC = ssb-periodicityServingCell of the serving cell. A measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) = periodicity of a measurement gap pattern associated with SSB resources of an inter-frequency layer, if configured.
[0117] In some aspects, the value of X or Y may be based at least in part on whether the activated TCI state is a downlink TCI state, uplink TCI state, or joint TCI state. For a DL or joint TCI state (e.g., not associated with a new PLRS) , the value of X or Y may include a time for a first SSB associated with the activated TCI state in the candidate cell. For example, if the activated TCI is unknown, TOuk* (Tfirst-SSB+ TSSB-proc) / NR slot length, where TOuk = 1 for channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs) based L1-RSRP measurement and TOuk = 0 for SSB based L1-RSRP measurement when TCI state switching involves QCL-TypeD. If the activated TCI is known, TOk* (Tfirst-SSB + TSSB-proc) / NR slot length, where TOk = 1 if the TCI state is not in the active TCI state list for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) or TOk =0 if the TCI state is included in the active TCI state list. Tfirst-SSB is time to a first SSB and / or measurement gap containing the SSB transmission after L1-RSRP measurement when TCI state switching involves QCL-TypeD, or time to a first SSB measurement gap containing the SSB transmission after a MAC CE command is decoded by the UE for other QCL types. In some aspects, TSSB-proc = 2 ms. In some aspects, the SSB is the QCL-TypeA or QCL-TypeC to activated TCI state.
[0118] In some aspects where a separate UL TCI state switch or joint TCI state is associated with a new PLRS, when the value of beamCorrespondenceWithoutUL-BeamSweeping is set to 1, the value of X or Y may include a time for maintaining a PLRS. For example, if the TCI state is known to the UE, a time to maintain a PLRS may be NM* (Tfirst_target-PL-RS + 4*Ttarget_PL-RS + 2ms) / NR slot length, where NM = 1 if the target PLRS is not maintained by the UE or 0 if the PLRS is maintained by the UE. If the activated TCI state is unknown, a time to maintain a PLRS may be (Tfirst_target-PL-RS + 4*Ttarget_PL-RS + 2ms) / NR slot length. Tfirst_target-PL-RS is a time to a first pathloss RS transmission measurement gap containing the PLRS after an L1-RSRP measurement when the TCI state is unknown. Alternatively, Tfirst_target-PL-RS is a time to a first pathloss RS transmission measurement gap containing the PLRS after the TCI activation (e.g., via a MAC CE) command is decoded by the UE for a known TCI state. Ttarget_PL-RS is a periodicity of a pathloss RS signal measurement gap transmission containing the PLRS, such as an SSB or non-zero-power CSI-RS, if supported.
[0119] Fig. 6 is a diagram of an example 600 associated with TCI activation before cell switching, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 6, a first network node and a second network node (e.g., network node 110, a CU, a DU, and / or an RU) may communicate with a UE (e.g., UE 120) . In some aspects, the first network node, the second network node, and the UE may be part of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 100) . The UE and the first network node may have established a wireless connection prior to operations shown in Fig. 6.
[0120] As shown by reference number 605, the first network node may transmit, and the UE may receive, configuration information. In some aspects, the UE may receive the configuration information via one or more of RRC signaling, one or more MAC CEs, and / or downlink control information (DCI) , among other examples. In some aspects, the configuration information may include an indication of one or more configuration parameters (e.g., already known to the UE and / or previously indicated by the network node or other network device) for selection by the UE, and / or explicit configuration information for the UE to use to configure the UE, among other examples.
[0121] In some aspects, the configuration information may indicate that the UE is to transmit a capability report that indicates whether the UE supports TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command. In some aspects, the configuration information may indicate that the UE is to provide an indication of one or more parameters associated with the support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command. In some aspects, the configuration information may indicate that the UE is to receive a TCI state activation before a cell switching command or in a same message as the cell switching command.
[0122] The UE may configure itself based at least in part on the configuration information. In some aspects, the UE may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein based at least in part on the configuration information.
[0123] As shown by reference number 610, the UE may transmit, and the first network node may receive, a capabilities report. In some aspects, the capabilities report may indicate UE support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command, for example, in L1 / L2 triggered mobility.
[0124] In some aspects, the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command may include an indication of one or more parameters supported by the UE. For example, the UE may indicate a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per candidate cell, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for a serving cell and all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band, and / or a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band for respective frequency band combinations, among other examples.
[0125] As shown by reference number 615, the UE may receive, and the first network node may transmit, a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The TCI state activation (e.g., a TCI state activation command) may indicate one or more TCI states for a single candidate cell, one TCI state per candidate cell, or one or more TCI states per candidate cell, among other examples.
[0126] As shown by reference number 620, the UE may receive, and the first network node may transmit, a cell switching command. The cell switching command may indicate to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. In some aspects, the UE may receive the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command.
[0127] In some aspects, the UE may receive the cell switching command after receiving the TCI state activation or in a same message as the TCI state activation. For example, the UE may receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or in a same message as the cell switching command based at least in part on receiving a configuration.
[0128] In some aspects, the UE may receive the TCI state activation command in a same message as the cell switching command. In some aspects, a TCI state indication in the cell switching command comprises the TCI state activation command.
[0129] In some aspects, the UE may receive the TCI state activation command in a separate message from (e.g., earlier message from) the cell switching command. In some aspects, the UE may receive the TCI activation command a number of time resources before the cell switching command, with the number of time resources satisfying a threshold. In some aspects, the cell switching command may indicate a TCI state that is selected from TCI states activated in the TCI state activation command.
[0130] As shown by reference number 625, the UE may apply the one or more TCI states indicated in the TCI activation. In some aspects, the UE may apply the one or more TCI states indicated in the TCI activation for communication with the new cell.
[0131] The UE may apply the one or more TCI states indicated in the TCI activation at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command. In some aspects, the offset may be based at least in part on whether the UE has previously identified the candidate cell, whether the UE has previously identified the TCI state, and / or whether the activated TCI state is a DL TCI state, UL TCI state, or joint TCI state, among other examples. For example, not previously identifying the candidate cell may add a first duration to the offset, not previously identifying the TCI state may add a second duration to the offset, and / or a TCI state type (e.g., uplink only, downlink only, or a joint TCI state) may add a third duration to the offset, among other examples.
[0132] In some aspects, the UE may apply the one or more TCI states indicated in the TCI activation at a time that is offset from a time at which the UE receives the cell switching command. In some aspects, the time at which the UE applies the one or more TCI states is a sum of one or more of an offset between receiving the TCI state activation of the one or more candidate cells and receiving the cell switching command, time resources occupied by the cell switching command, or an offset from receiving the cell switching command.
[0133] In some aspects, a length of an offset from receiving the TCI state activation for the one or more candidate cells and application of the one or more TCI states indicated in the TCI activation is based at least in part on satisfaction of a threshold, an offset for transmission of an acknowledgment of the cell switching command and processing time to apply the cell switching command, an amount of time to search for a cell indicated in the cell switching command, an amount of time to refine a reception beam in the candidate cell, and / or whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, among other examples.
[0134] In some aspects, an amount of time to refine the reception beam in the candidate cell is based at least in part on a periodicity of SSBs of the candidate cell, a configured SSB measurement timing configuration period, a periodicity of SSBs of the serving cell, and / or a periodicity of a measurement gap pattern associated with SSB resources of an inter-frequency layer, among other examples.
[0135] In some aspects, the one or more TCI states are downlink TCI states or joint TCI states. In these cases, the length of the offset may be based at least in part on a time at which the UE receives a first SSB associated with the one or more TCI states. In some aspects, the one or more TCI states are uplink TCI states or joint TCI states associated with a new pathloss reference signal. In these cases, the length of the offset is based at least in part on a time associated with maintaining a pathloss reference signal.
[0136] As shown by reference number 630, the UE and the second network node may communicate via a new cell (e.g., a candidate cell and / or a target cell) . In some aspects, the UE and the second network node may communicate with a reduced latency, a reduced communication disruption from the cell switch, and / or with a reduced likelihood of a loss of an application layer connection based at least in part on reducing the amount of time of the cell switching.
[0137] As indicated above, Fig. 6 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 6.
[0138] Fig. 7 is a diagram of an example 700 associated with TCI activation before cell switching, in accordance with the present disclosure. In the context of Fig. 7, a first network node and a second network node (e.g., network node 110, a CU, a DU, and / or an RU) may communicate with a UE (e.g., UE 120) via a serving cell and a candidate cell. In some aspects, the first network node, the second network node, and the UE may be part of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 100) . The UE and the first network node may have established a wireless connection prior to operations shown in Fig. 7.
[0139] As shown in Fig. 7, the UE may receive, and the network node may transmit, a TCI state activation command 702. After an offset X for TCI activation 704, the UE may receive, and the network node may transmit, a cell switching command with a TCI state indication 706. The offset X may be in units of time (e.g., ms) or in units of time resources (e.g., time symbols) . In some aspects, the cell switching command with TCI state indication 706 may be included in a MAC CE. In some aspects, the TCI state indication may be selected from TCI states activated via the TCI state activation command 702.
[0140] After an offset Z for TCI application 708, the UE may perform a cell switch and the TCI state may be applied (710) . In some aspects, the offset Z may be based at least in part on a capability of the UE (e.g., computing resources) , a communication protocol, and / or a configuration from the first network node.
[0141] As indicated above, Fig. 7 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 7.
[0142] Fig. 8 is a diagram of an example 800 associated with TCI activation before cell switching, in accordance with the present disclosure. In the context of Fig. 8, a first network node and a second network node (e.g., network node 110, a CU, a DU, and / or an RU) may communicate with a UE (e.g., UE 120) via a serving cell and a candidate cell. In some aspects, the first network node, the second network node, and the UE may be part of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 100) . The UE and the first network node may have established a wireless connection prior to operations shown in Fig. 8.
[0143] As shown in Fig. 8, the UE may receive, and the network node may transmit, a cell switching command with a TCI activation and indication 802. The cell switching command with the TCI activation and indication 802 may be included in a MAC CE. In some aspects, cell switching command with the TCI activation and indication 802 may activate only one TCI state for the candidate cell to which the cell switching command indicates to switch. In this case, a TCI indication in the cell switching command is also a TCI activation command.
[0144] After an offset Y for TCI activation and application 804, the UE may perform a cell switch and a TCI state may be applied (806) . The offset Y may be in units of time (e.g., ms) or in units of time resources (e.g., time symbols) . In some aspects, the offset Y is greater than or equal to X described in connection with Fig. 7.
[0145] As indicated above, Fig. 8 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 8.
[0146] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example process 900 performed, for example, by a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 900 is an example where the UE (e.g., UE 120) performs operations associated with TCI activation before cell switching.
[0147] As shown in Fig. 9, in some aspects, process 900 may include transmitting an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility (block 910) . For example, the UE (e.g., using transmission component 1304 and / or communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may transmit an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility, as described above.
[0148] As further shown in Fig. 9, in some aspects, process 900 may include receiving a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells (block 920) . For example, the UE (e.g., using reception component 1302 and / or communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may receive a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells, as described above.
[0149] As further shown in Fig. 9, in some aspects, process 900 may include receiving the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command (block 930) . For example, the UE (e.g., using reception component 1302 and / or communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may receive the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command, as described above.
[0150] Process 900 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.
[0151] In a first aspect, receiving the cell switching command comprises receiving the cell switching command after receiving the TCI state activation or in a same message as the TCI state activation.
[0152] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, process 900 includes receiving a configuration to receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or to receive the TCI state activation in a same message as the cell switching command, wherein receiving the configuration is based at least in part on transmitting the indication of support.
[0153] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command comprises an indication of one or more of a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per candidate cell, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for a serving cell and all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band, or a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band for respective frequency band combinations.
[0154] Although Fig. 9 shows example blocks of process 900, in some aspects, process 900 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 9. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 900 may be performed in parallel.
[0155] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example process 1000 performed, for example, by a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 1000 is an example where the UE (e.g., UE 120) performs operations associated with TCI activation before cell switching.
[0156] As shown in Fig. 10, in some aspects, process 1000 may include receiving a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells (block 1010) . For example, the UE (e.g., using reception component 1302 and / or communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may receive a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells, as described above.
[0157] As further shown in Fig. 10, in some aspects, process 1000 may include receiving a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells (block 1020) . For example, the UE (e.g., using reception component 1302 and / or communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may receive a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells, as described above.
[0158] As further shown in Fig. 10, in some aspects, process 1000 may include applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command (block 1030) . For example, the UE (e.g., using communication manager 1306, depicted in Fig. 13) may apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command, as described above.
[0159] Process 1000 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.
[0160] In a first aspect, the offset is based at least in part on one or more of whether the UE has previously identified the candidate cell, whether the UE has previously identified the TCI state, or whether the activated TCI state is a DL TCI state, UL TCI state, or joint TCI state.
[0161] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in a same message as the cell switching command, or receiving the TCI state activation command in a separate message from the cell switching command.
[0162] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and the TCI state activation command precedes the cell switching command by a number of time resources that satisfies a threshold.
[0163] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and the cell switching command indicates a TCI state that is selected from TCI states activated in the TCI state activation command.
[0164] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and the first time is offset from a third time at which the UE receives the cell switching command.
[0165] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in the same message as the cell switching command, and a TCI state indication in the cell switching command comprises the TCI state activation command.
[0166] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, a length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on one or more of satisfaction of a threshold, an offset for transmission of an acknowledgment of the cell switching command and processing time to apply the cell switching command, an amount of time to search for a cell indicated in the cell switching command, an amount of time to refine a reception beam in the candidate cell, or whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states.
[0167] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the amount of time to refine the reception beam in the candidate cell is based at least in part on one or more of a periodicity of SSBs of the candidate cell, a configured SSB measurement timing configuration period, a periodicity of SSBs of the serving cell, or a periodicity of a measurement gap pattern associated with SSB resources of an inter-frequency layer.
[0168] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, wherein one or more TCI states are downlink TCI states or joint TCI states, and wherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time at which the UE receives a first SSB associated with the one or more TCI states.
[0169] In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through ninth aspects, the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, wherein one or more TCI states are uplink TCI states or joint TCI states associated with a new pathloss reference signal, and wherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time associated with maintaining a pathloss reference signal.
[0170] Although Fig. 10 shows example blocks of process 1000, in some aspects, process 1000 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 10. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1000 may be performed in parallel.
[0171] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example process 1100 performed, for example, by a network node, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 1100 is an example where the network node (e.g., network node 110) performs operations associated with TCI activation before cell switching.
[0172] As shown in Fig. 11, in some aspects, process 1100 may include receiving an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility (block 1110) . For example, the network node (e.g., using reception component 1402 and / or communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may receive an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility, as described above.
[0173] As further shown in Fig. 11, in some aspects, process 1100 may include transmitting a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells (block 1120) . For example, the network node (e.g., using transmission component 1404 and / or communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may transmit a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells, as described above.
[0174] As further shown in Fig. 11, in some aspects, process 1100 may include transmitting the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command (block 1130) . For example, the network node (e.g., using transmission component 1404 and / or communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may transmit the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command, as described above.
[0175] Process 1100 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.
[0176] In a first aspect, transmitting the cell switching command comprises transmitting the cell switching command after transmitting the TCI state activation or in a same message as the TCI state activation.
[0177] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, process 1100 includes transmitting a configuration to receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or to receive the TCI state activation in a same message as the cell switching command, wherein transmitting the configuration is based at least in part on receiving the indication of support.
[0178] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command comprises an indication of one or more of a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per candidate cell, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for a serving cell and all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band, or a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band for respective frequency band combinations.
[0179] Although Fig. 11 shows example blocks of process 1100, in some aspects, process 1100 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 11. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1100 may be performed in parallel.
[0180] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example process 1200 performed, for example, by a network node, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 1200 is an example where the network node (e.g., network node 110) performs operations associated with TCI activation before cell switching.
[0181] As shown in Fig. 12, in some aspects, process 1200 may include transmitting a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells (block 1210) . For example, the network node (e.g., using transmission component 1404 and / or communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may transmit a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells, as described above.
[0182] As further shown in Fig. 12, in some aspects, process 1200 may include transmitting a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells (block 1220) . For example, the network node (e.g., using transmission component 1404 and / or communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may transmit a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells, as described above.
[0183] As further shown in Fig. 12, in some aspects, process 1200 may include applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command (block 1230) . For example, the network node (e.g., using communication manager 1406, depicted in Fig. 14) may apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command, as described above.
[0184] Process 1200 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.
[0185] In a first aspect, the offset is based at least in part on one or more of whether the UE has previously identified the candidate cell, whether the UE has previously identified the TCI state, or whether the activated TCI state is a DL TCI state, UL TCI state, or joint TCI state.
[0186] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in a same message as the cell switching command, or transmitting the TCI state activation command in a separate message from the cell switching command.
[0187] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and the TCI state activation command precedes the cell switching command by a number of time resources that satisfies a threshold.
[0188] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and the cell switching command indicates a TCI state that is selected from TCI states activated in the TCI state activation command.
[0189] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and the first time is offset from a third time at which the UE receives the cell switching command.
[0190] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in the same message as the cell switching command, and a TCI state indication in the cell switching command comprises the TCI state activation command.
[0191] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, a length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on one or more of satisfaction of a threshold, an offset for transmission of an acknowledgment of the cell switching command and processing time to apply the cell switching command, an amount of time to search for a cell indicated in the cell switching command, an amount of time to refine a reception beam in the candidate cell, or whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states.
[0192] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the amount of time to refine the reception beam in the candidate cell is based at least in part on one or more of a periodicity of SSBs of the candidate cell, a configured SSB measurement timing configuration period, a periodicity of SSBs of the serving cell, or a periodicity of a measurement gap pattern associated with SSB resources of an inter-frequency layer.
[0193] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, wherein one or more TCI states are downlink TCI states or joint TCI states, and wherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time at which the UE receives a first SSB associated with the one or more TCI states.
[0194] In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through ninth aspects, the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, wherein one or more TCI states are uplink TCI states or joint TCI states associated with a new pathloss reference signal, and wherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time associated with maintaining a pathloss reference signal.
[0195] Although Fig. 12 shows example blocks of process 1200, in some aspects, process 1200 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 12. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1200 may be performed in parallel.
[0196] Fig. 13 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1300 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1300 may be a UE, or a UE may include the apparatus 1300. In some aspects, the apparatus 1300 includes a reception component 1302, a transmission component 1304, and / or a communication manager 1306, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components) . In some aspects, the communication manager 1306 is the communication manager 140 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1300 may communicate with another apparatus 1308, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU, an RU, or a base station) , using the reception component 1302 and the transmission component 1304.
[0197] In some aspects, the apparatus 1300 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 6-8. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1300 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 900 of Fig. 9, process 1000 of Fig. 10, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the apparatus 1300 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 13 may include one or more components of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 13 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or a processor to perform the functions or operations of the component.
[0198] The reception component 1302 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1308. The reception component 1302 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1300. In some aspects, the reception component 1302 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, de-mapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples) , and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1300. In some aspects, the reception component 1302 may include one or more antennas, a modem, a demodulator, a MIMO detector, a receive processor, a controller / processor, a memory, or a combination thereof, of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2.
[0199] The transmission component 1304 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1308. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1300 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1304 for transmission to the apparatus 1308. In some aspects, the transmission component 1304 may perform signal processing on the generated communications (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, among other examples) , and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1308. In some aspects, the transmission component 1304 may include one or more antennas, a modem, a modulator, a transmit MIMO processor, a transmit processor, a controller / processor, a memory, or a combination thereof, of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2. In some aspects, the transmission component 1304 may be co-located with the reception component 1302 in a transceiver.
[0200] The communication manager 1306 may support operations of the reception component 1302 and / or the transmission component 1304. For example, the communication manager 1306 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1302 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1304. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1306 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1302 and / or the transmission component 1304 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.
[0201] The transmission component 1304 may transmit an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The reception component 1302 may receive a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The reception component 1302 may receive the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command.
[0202] The reception component 1302 may receive a configuration to receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or to receive the TCI state activation in a same message as the cell switching command, wherein receiving the configuration is based at least in part on transmitting the indication of support.
[0203] The reception component 1302 may receive a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The reception component 1302 may receive a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The communication manager 1306 may apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0204] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 13 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 13. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 13 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 13 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 13 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 13.
[0205] Fig. 14 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1400 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1400 may be a network node, or a network node may include the apparatus 1400. In some aspects, the apparatus 1400 includes a reception component 1402, a transmission component 1404, and / or a communication manager 1406, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components) . In some aspects, the communication manager 1406 is the communication manager 150 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1400 may communicate with another apparatus 1408, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU, an RU, or a base station) , using the reception component 1402 and the transmission component 1404.
[0206] In some aspects, the apparatus 1400 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 6-8. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1400 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 1100 of Fig. 11, process 1200 of Fig. 12, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the apparatus 1400 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 14 may include one or more components of the network node described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 14 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or a processor to perform the functions or operations of the component.
[0207] The reception component 1402 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1408. The reception component 1402 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1400. In some aspects, the reception component 1402 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, de-mapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples) , and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1400. In some aspects, the reception component 1402 may include one or more antennas, a modem, a demodulator, a MIMO detector, a receive processor, a controller / processor, a memory, or a combination thereof, of the network node described in connection with Fig. 2. In some aspects, the reception component 1402 and / or the transmission component 1404 may include or may be included in a network interface. The network interface may be configured to obtain and / or output signals for the apparatus 1400 via one or more communications links, such as a backhaul link, a midhaul link, and / or a fronthaul link.
[0208] The transmission component 1404 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1408. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1400 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1404 for transmission to the apparatus 1408. In some aspects, the transmission component 1404 may perform signal processing on the generated communications (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, among other examples) , and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1408. In some aspects, the transmission component 1404 may include one or more antennas, a modem, a modulator, a transmit MIMO processor, a transmit processor, a controller / processor, a memory, or a combination thereof, of the network node described in connection with Fig. 2. In some aspects, the transmission component 1404 may be co-located with the reception component 1402 in a transceiver.
[0209] The communication manager 1406 may support operations of the reception component 1402 and / or the transmission component 1404. For example, the communication manager 1406 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1402 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1404. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1406 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1402 and / or the transmission component 1404 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.
[0210] The reception component 1402 may receive an indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in an L1 or L2 triggered mobility. The transmission component 1404 may transmit a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells. The transmission component 1404 may transmit the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command.
[0211] The transmission component 1404 may transmit a configuration to receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or to receive the TCI state activation in a same message as the cell switching command, wherein transmitting the configuration is based at least in part on receiving the indication of support.
[0212] The transmission component 1404 may transmit a TCI state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells. The transmission component 1404 may transmit a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells. The communication manager 1406 may apply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0213] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 14 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 14. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 14 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 14 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 14 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 14.
[0214] The following provides an overview of some Aspects of the present disclosure:
[0215] Aspect 1: A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) , comprising: transmitting an indication of support for transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in a layer 1 (L1) or layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility; receiving a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells; and receiving the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command.
[0216] Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein receiving the cell switching command comprises: receiving the cell switching command after receiving the TCI state activation or in a same message as the TCI state activation.
[0217] Aspect 3: The method of Aspect 2, further comprising receiving a configuration to receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or to receive the TCI state activation in a same message as the cell switching command, wherein receiving the configuration is based at least in part on transmitting the indication of support.
[0218] Aspect 4: The method of any of Aspects 1-3, wherein the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command comprises an indication of one or more of: a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per candidate cell, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for a serving cell and all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band, or a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band for respective frequency band combinations.
[0219] Aspect 5: A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) , comprising: receiving a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells; receiving a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells; and applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command.
[0220] Aspect 6: The method of Aspect 5, wherein the offset is based at least in part on one or more of: whether the UE has previously identified the candidate cell, whether the UE has previously identified the TCI state, or whether the activated TCI state is a DL TCI state, UL TCI state, or joint TCI state.
[0221] Aspect 7: The method of any of Aspects 5-6, wherein receiving the TCI state activation command comprises: receiving the TCI state activation command in a same message as the cell switching command, or receiving the TCI state activation command in a separate message from the cell switching command.
[0222] Aspect 8: The method of Aspect 7, wherein receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and wherein the TCI state activation command precedes the cell switching command by a number of time resources that satisfies a threshold.
[0223] Aspect 9: The method of Aspect 7, wherein receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and wherein the cell switching command indicates a TCI state that is selected from TCI states activated in the TCI state activation command.
[0224] Aspect 10: The method of Aspect 7, wherein receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and wherein the first time is offset from a third time at which the UE receives the cell switching command.
[0225] Aspect 11: The method of Aspect 7, wherein receiving the TCI state activation command comprises receiving the TCI state activation command in the same message as the cell switching command, and wherein a TCI state indication in the cell switching command comprises the TCI state activation command.
[0226] Aspect 12: The method of any of Aspects 5-11, wherein a length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on one or more of: satisfaction of a threshold, an offset for transmission of an acknowledgment of the cell switching command and processing time to apply the cell switching command, an amount of time to search for a cell indicated in the cell switching command, an amount of time to refine a reception beam in the candidate cell, or whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states.
[0227] Aspect 13: The method of Aspect 12, wherein the amount of time to refine the reception beam in the candidate cell is based at least in part on one or more of: a periodicity of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) of the candidate cell, a configured SSB measurement timing configuration period, a periodicity of SSBs of the serving cell, or a periodicity of a measurement gap pattern associated with SSB resources of an inter-frequency layer.
[0228] Aspect 14: The method of Aspect 12, wherein the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, wherein one or more TCI states are downlink TCI states or joint TCI states, and wherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time at which the UE receives a first SSB associated with the one or more TCI states.
[0229] Aspect 15: The method of Aspect 12, wherein the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, wherein one or more TCI states are uplink TCI states or joint TCI states associated with a new pathloss reference signal, and wherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time associated with maintaining a pathloss reference signal.
[0230] Aspect 16: A method of wireless communication performed by a network node, comprising: receiving an indication of support for transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in a layer 1 (L1) or layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility; transmitting a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells; and transmitting the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command.
[0231] Aspect 17: The method of Aspect 16, wherein transmitting the cell switching command comprises: transmitting the cell switching command after transmitting the TCI state activation or in a same message as the TCI state activation.
[0232] Aspect 18: The method of any of Aspects 16-17, further comprising transmitting a configuration to receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or to receive the TCI state activation in a same message as the cell switching command, wherein transmitting the configuration is based at least in part on receiving the indication of support.
[0233] Aspect 19: The method of any of Aspects 16-18, wherein the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command comprises an indication of one or more of: a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per candidate cell, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for a serving cell and all candidate cells, a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band, or a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band for respective frequency band combinations.
[0234] Aspect 20: A method of wireless communication performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells; transmitting a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells; and applying the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a user equipment (UE) receives the TCI state activation command.
[0235] Aspect 21: The method of Aspect 20, wherein the offset is based at least in part on one or more of: whether the UE has previously identified the candidate cell, whether the UE has previously identified the TCI state, or whether the activated TCI state is a DL TCI state, UL TCI state, or joint TCI state.
[0236] Aspect 22: The method of any of Aspects 20-21, wherein transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises: transmitting the TCI state activation command in a same message as the cell switching command, or transmitting the TCI state activation command in a separate message from the cell switching command.
[0237] Aspect 23: The method of Aspect 22, wherein transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and wherein the TCI state activation command precedes the cell switching command by a number of time resources that satisfies a threshold.
[0238] Aspect 24: The method of Aspect 22, wherein transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and wherein the cell switching command indicates a TCI state that is selected from TCI states activated in the TCI state activation command.
[0239] Aspect 25: The method of Aspect 22, wherein transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, and wherein the first time is offset from a third time at which the UE receives the cell switching command.
[0240] Aspect 26: The method of Aspect 22, wherein transmitting the TCI state activation command comprises transmitting the TCI state activation command in the same message as the cell switching command, and wherein a TCI state indication in the cell switching command comprises the TCI state activation command.
[0241] Aspect 27: The method of any of Aspects 20-26, wherein a length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on one or more of: satisfaction of a threshold, an offset for transmission of an acknowledgment of the cell switching command and processing time to apply the cell switching command, an amount of time to search for a cell indicated in the cell switching command, an amount of time to refine a reception beam in the candidate cell, or whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states.
[0242] Aspect 28: The method of Aspect 27, wherein the amount of time to refine the reception beam in the candidate cell is based at least in part on one or more of: a periodicity of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) of the candidate cell, a configured SSB measurement timing configuration period, a periodicity of SSBs of the serving cell, or a periodicity of a measurement gap pattern associated with SSB resources of an inter-frequency layer.
[0243] Aspect 29: The method of Aspect 27, wherein the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, wherein one or more TCI states are downlink TCI states or joint TCI states, and wherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time at which the UE receives a first SSB associated with the one or more TCI states.
[0244] Aspect 30: The method of Aspect 27, wherein the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states, wherein one or more TCI states are uplink TCI states or joint TCI states associated with a new pathloss reference signal, and wherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time associated with maintaining a pathloss reference signal.
[0245] Aspect 31: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.
[0246] Aspect 32: A device for wireless communication, comprising a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors configured to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.
[0247] Aspect 33: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising at least one means for performing the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.
[0248] Aspect 34: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.
[0249] Aspect 35: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.
[0250] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the aspects.
[0251] As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construed as hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. “Software” shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, and / or functions, among other examples, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. As used herein, a “processor” is implemented in hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. It will be apparent that systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the aspects. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, since those skilled in the art will understand that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based, at least in part, on the description herein.
[0252] As used herein, “satisfying a threshold” may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, or the like.
[0253] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various aspects. Many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a + b, a + c, b + c, and a + b + c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a + a, a + a + a, a + a + b, a + a + c, a + b + b, a + c + c, b + b, b + b + b, b + b + c, c + c, and c + c + c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c) .
[0254] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more. ” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more. ” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more. ” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has, ” “have, ” “having, ” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms that do not limit an element that they modify (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B) . Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or, ” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of” ) .
Claims
1.A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising:a memory; andone or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to:transmit an indication of support for transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in a layer 1 (L1) or layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility;receive a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells; andreceive the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command.2.The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, to receive the cell switching command, are configured to:receive the cell switching command after receiving the TCI state activation or in a same message as the TCI state activation.3.The UE of claim 2, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive a configuration to receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or to receive the TCI state activation in a same message as the cell switching command,wherein reception of the configuration is based at least in part on transmitting the indication of support.4.The UE of claim 1, wherein the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before reception of the cell switching command comprises an indication of one or more of:a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per candidate cell,a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for all candidate cells,a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for a serving cell and all candidate cells,a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band, ora maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band for respective frequency band combinations.5.A UE for wireless communication, comprising:a memory; andone or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to:receive a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells;receive a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells; andapply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which the UE receives the TCI state activation command.6.The UE of claim 5, wherein the offset is based at least in part on one or more of:whether the UE has previously identified the candidate cell,whether the UE has previously identified the TCI state, orwhether the activated TCI state is a DL TCI state, UL TCI state, or joint TCI state.7.The UE of claim 5, wherein the one or more processors, to receive the TCI state activation command, are configured to:receive the TCI state activation command in a same message as the cell switching command, orreceive the TCI state activation command in a separate message from the cell switching command.8.The UE of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors, to receive the TCI state activation command, are configured to receive the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, andwherein the TCI state activation command precedes the cell switching command by a number of time resources that satisfies a threshold.9.The UE of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors, to receive the TCI state activation command, are configured to receive the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, andwherein the cell switching command indicates a TCI state that is selected from TCI states activated in the TCI state activation command.10.The UE of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors, to receive the TCI state activation command, are configured to receive the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, andwherein the first time is offset from a third time at which the UE receives the cell switching command.11.The UE of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors, to receive the TCI state activation command, are configured to receive the TCI state activation command in the same message as the cell switching command, andwherein a TCI state indication in the cell switching command comprises the TCI state activation command.12.The UE of claim 5, wherein a length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on one or more of:satisfaction of a threshold,an offset for transmission of an acknowledgment of the cell switching command and processing time to apply the cell switching command,an amount of time to search for a cell indicated in the cell switching command,an amount of time to refine a reception beam in the candidate cell, orwhether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states.13.The UE of claim 12, wherein the amount of time to refine the reception beam in the candidate cell is based at least in part on one or more of:a periodicity of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) of the candidate cell,a configured SSB measurement timing configuration period,a periodicity of SSBs of the serving cell, ora periodicity of a measurement gap pattern associated with SSB resources of an inter-frequency layer.14.The UE of claim 12, wherein the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states,wherein one or more TCI states are downlink TCI states or joint TCI states, andwherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time at which the UE receives a first SSB associated with the one or more TCI states.15.The UE of claim 12, wherein the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states,wherein one or more TCI states are uplink TCI states or joint TCI states associated with a new pathloss reference signal, andwherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time associated with maintaining a pathloss reference signal.16.A network node for wireless communication, comprising:a memory; andone or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to:receive an indication of support for transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation for candidate cells before reception of a cell switching command in a layer 1 (L1) or layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility;transmit a TCI state activation for one or more candidate cells; andtransmit the cell switching command based at least in part on the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command.17.The network node of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors, to transmit the cell switching command, are configured to:transmit the cell switching command after transmitting the TCI state activation or in a same message as the TCI state activation.18.The network node of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit a configuration to receive the TCI state activation before the cell switching command or to receive the TCI state activation in a same message as the cell switching command,wherein transmitting the configuration is based at least in part on receiving the indication of support.19.The network node of claim 16, wherein the indication of support for TCI state activation for candidate cells before transmission of the cell switching command comprises an indication of one or more of:a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per candidate cell,a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for all candidate cells,a maximum number of activated TCI states supported for a serving cell and all candidate cells,a maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band, ora maximum number of activated TCI states supported per frequency band for respective frequency band combinations.20.A network node for wireless communication, comprising:a memory; andone or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to:transmit a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation command that indicates one or more TCI states to activate associated with one or more candidate cells;transmit a cell switching command that indicates to switch from a serving cell to a candidate cell of the one or more candidate cells; andapply the one or more TCI states, for communication via the candidate cell, at a first time that is offset from a second time at which a user equipment (UE) receives the TCI state activation command.21.The network node of claim 20, wherein the offset is based at least in part on one or more of:whether the UE has previously identified the candidate cell,whether the UE has previously identified the TCI state, orwhether the activated TCI state is a DL TCI state, UL TCI state, or joint TCI state.22.The network node of claim 20, wherein the one or more processors, to transmit the TCI state activation command, are configured to:transmit the TCI state activation command in a same message as the cell switching command, ortransmit the TCI state activation command in a separate message from the cell switching command.23.The network node of claim 22, wherein the one or more processors, to transmit the TCI state activation command, are configured to transmit the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, andwherein the TCI state activation command precedes the cell switching command by a number of time resources that satisfies a threshold.24.The network node of claim 22, wherein the one or more processors, to transmit the TCI state activation command, are configured to transmit the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, andwherein the cell switching command indicates a TCI state that is selected from TCI states activated in the TCI state activation command.25.The network node of claim 22, wherein the one or more processors, to transmit the TCI state activation command, are configured to transmit the TCI state activation command in the separate message from the cell switching command, andwherein the first time is offset from a third time at which the UE receives the cell switching command.26.The network node of claim 22, wherein the one or more processors, to transmit the TCI state activation command, are configured to transmit the TCI state activation command in the same message as the cell switching command, andwherein a TCI state indication in the cell switching command comprises the TCI state activation command.27.The network node of claim 20, wherein a length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on one or more of:satisfaction of a threshold,an offset for transmission of an acknowledgment of the cell switching command and processing time to apply the cell switching command,an amount of time to search for a cell indicated in the cell switching command,an amount of time to refine a reception beam in the candidate cell, orwhether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states.28.The network node of claim 27, wherein the amount of time to refine the reception beam in the candidate cell is based at least in part on one or more of:a periodicity of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) of the candidate cell,a configured SSB measurement timing configuration period,a periodicity of SSBs of the serving cell, ora periodicity of a measurement gap pattern associated with SSB resources of an inter-frequency layer.29.The network node of claim 27, wherein the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states,wherein one or more TCI states are downlink TCI states or joint TCI states, andwherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time at which the UE receives a first SSB associated with the one or more TCI states.30.The network node of claim 27, wherein the length of the offset from the first time to the second time is based at least in part on whether the one or more TCI states to activate are downlink TCI states, uplink TCI states, or joint TCI states,wherein one or more TCI states are uplink TCI states or joint TCI states associated with a new pathloss reference signal, andwherein the length of the offset is based at least in part on a third time associated with maintaining a pathloss reference signal.